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Based on the evolving nature of protest activity across the city, CICS will be suspending meal pickup today, 6/1. We will provide an update for Wednesday’s (6/3) scheduled meal pickup.

Dear CICS families, 

Hopefully, the recent warm weather has allowed many of us to spend more time outdoors. Even while social distancing and wearing a mask, being out in the sunshine does great things for my mood – and I hope it does the same for you. 

The weather is a reminder that summer is right around the corner. With less than three more weeks of school, I hope our students are finishing the year strong and celebrating their successes. It may look different than in years past, but ensuring that our students feel recognized for all of their hard work this school year is an important way to help them stay motivated and energized as they head into the summer break. 

Meal Pickup Schedule Resumes – Starting next Monday 6/1, we will resume our regular Monday, Wednesday, Friday meal pickup schedule at all CICS elementary schools.

Resource for Summer Activities – Camp Kinda, a free virtual summer experience for kids in grades K-8, will launch on June 1. Each weekday in the summer, families will get 3-4 hours’ worth of daily activities for kids in grades K-8, connected to a weekly theme and curated by experts. Visit their website to sign up to receive free activities. 

Planning for School Year 2020-2021 – CICS has convened a working group to research and plan for the beginning of the next school year. While we await guidance from public health officials, CICS is developing a variety of scenarios by which our students are able to return to our buildings for in-person learning. The safety of our educators, students and staff will remain paramount in how we make decisions and set policies for our campuses and we will follow the guidance of the Mayor, the Governor, CPS, the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health. We look forward to updating you as our preparations progress. 

Thank you, and stay safe. 

Elizabeth Shaw

CEO

Chicago International Charter School

Dear CICS families, 

With just a few more weeks of remote learning until summer break, I hope that you and your children have taken the opportunity to engage with the teachers and staff at your school so that our students can finish the school year strong. While this isn’t the end of the year we envisioned, we want to be sure we’re doing everything we can for our families as we head into summer. If you need additional support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your student’s teacher or your school director. We will do everything we can to support your family during this time. 

Memorial Day Week of 5/25 Meal Pickup Schedule Change – With Memorial Day this Monday, May 25, next week’s meal pickups will occur on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at all CICS elementary schools. We will resume our regular Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule during the week of June 1.

Grocery Assistance for ALL CICS Families – All CICS Families qualify to receive Pandemic EBT assistance to help buy food for school-age children. To date, the Illinois Department of Human Services has provided benefits for over 642,000 children in the state and applications are still being accepted and processed, so we expect the numbers to increase. Families who currently receive SNAP benefits do not need to apply and will automatically receive an additional amount on their LINK card. Families who aren’t currently receiving SNAP benefits can sign up by completing the online application for P-EBT (Click “Apply for Benefits”).  A paper application in English or Spanish is also available and can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please see this flyer for information to help with the application process.

CICS Parent and Student Surveys During School Closure – As we continue with remote learning for the remainder of the school year, it is important that we collect information about our students’ and families’ experiences so that we continue to improve our delivery of remote learning and best address your child’s needs. Please complete these quick surveys by May 31 to share feedback. 

• Click here to take the parent/guardian survey in English.
• Haga clic aquí para completar la encuesta de padres/tutores en Español.  
• Please encourage your elementary student(s) to take the K-8 survey here.
• Please encourage your high school student(s) to take the 9-12 survey here.

Thank you, and stay safe. 

Elizabeth Shaw

CEO

Chicago International Charter School

Dear CICS families, 

Last week, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that the statewide stay-at-home order is extended through the end of May. As we process what this news means for our lives and daily routines, please know that we are in this together. As educators, we know that our students’ academics are important, but in a time that is filled with uncertainty, their social and emotional needs take priority. 

Please continue to stay connected to your teachers and your school. Whether through virtual coffee talks, Zoom parent groups or Tik Tok challenges, our teachers and team are here to support you and your family. Just because we can’t be in our school buildings right now doesn’t mean we can’t stay closely connected. If you aren’t already engaged, contact your School Leader and follow your school on social media.

We also want to reassure you that there will be no change to CICS’ food service. Drive-through meal pickup will continue to be available throughout the school closure at all CICS elementary schools on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alternatively, meals can be picked up at most CPS schools from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily or for CPS delivery call (773) 553-5437 or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I continue to be filled with pride as I watch our families giving it their all. With your support, we are lucky to stay connected with students and continue learning. Together, we will come out of this crisis stronger. And if there’s any additional support or assistance you need, please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Warmly, 

Elizabeth

CEO, Chicago International Charter Schools

_____________

[Spanish translation] 

Estimada familias de CICS 

La semana pasada, el gobernador de Illinois J.B. Pritzker anunció que la orden de quedarse en casa a nivel estatal se extenderá hasta finales de mayo. Mientras procesamos lo que esta noticia significa para nuestras vidas y rutinas diarias, sepa que estamos juntos en esto. Como educadores, sabemos que lo académico de nuestros alumnos es importante, pero en un momento lleno de incertidumbre, sus necesidades sociales y emocionales tienen prioridad.

Por favor, manténgase conectado con sus maestros y su escuela. Ya sea a través de charlas virtuales de café, grupos de padres de Zoom o desafíos de Tik Tok, nuestros maestros y equipo están aquí para apoyarlo a usted y a su familia. El hecho de que no podamos estar en los edificios de nuestra escuela en este momento no significa que no podamos permanecer estrechamente conectados. Si aún no está comprometido, comuníquese con su líder escolar y siga a su escuela en las redes sociales. 

También queremos asegurarle que no habrá cambios en el servicio de alimentos de CICS. La recolección de comida para conducir continuará estando disponible durante el cierre de la escuela en todas las escuelas primarias de CICS los lunes, miércoles y viernes de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m. Alternativamente, las comidas se pueden recoger en la mayoría de las escuelas de CPS de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. diariamente o para la entrega de CPS, llame al (773) 553-5437 o comuníquese con This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Y si necesita asistencia o asistencia adicional, comuníquese con nosotros a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sigo lleno de orgullo mientras veo que estoy orgulloso de nuestros estudiantes y familias por darlo todo. Con su apoyo, tenemos la suerte de estar conectados con los estudiantes y continuar aprendiendo. Juntos, saldremos de esta crisis más fuerte que antes.

Sinceramente, 

Elizabeth

CEO, Chicago International Charter Schools