Dear Tubman Families,

We hope you had a safe, fun Halloween on Friday! As we move into November, we have a few key opportunities for you to provide feedback and participate in important school events, including photo retakes and curriculum surveys.

Important Reminders & Participation Opportunities

Picture Retakes & Sibling Photos this *Thursday*! 

This is the final opportunity for updated photos! Please note the strict sign-up deadline of Tuesday afternoon for your child to be called down:

• Picture Retakes: If your student missed the original picture day or needs a retake, you must sign up at picture-day.com/retakes.
• Sibling Pictures: If you wish to have a photo taken of siblings who attend Tubman, you must sign up at picture-day.com/siblings.

Curriculum Surveys: Your Feedback is Essential

Your voice is vital as we continually refine our programs. Please take a few minutes to complete each of these important surveys:

• IB Programme Survey: Provides feedback on the quality and implementation of our International Baccalaureate curriculum.
• Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Survey: Helps us assess the impact and quality of our arts instruction.

How to complete the surveys (do these steps twice—once per program):

• Open the Site Conditions survey: [Access the survey here]
• Select school: Choose Harriet Tubman Elementary School.
• Select your role: “Parent, guardian, or caregiver of a current or former CPS student.”
• At the bottom, check: “Specialty Program Site Conditions.”
• Need a visual? [Click here for a screenshot of the steps]
• Choose the first program and complete that survey: IB or Fine & Performing Arts.
• Submit, then return to the survey link and repeat steps 2–5 for the second program.
• Deadline: Please complete both program surveys by November 26.

Mandarin Class Enrollment Reminder 

Don't forget that we are offering Mandarin language classes for K-5 students this year! If you are interested in enrolling your child in this exciting after-school opportunity, please review the flyer below for details.

In Partnership,



Principal Hammaker

Three Weeks Left to Submit Applications on GoCPS!

Families can apply for a wide variety of options for the 2026-27 school year through November 14 at 5 p.m., so head to GoCPS to explore all the options and apply for programs. Students who want to attend the general education program at their neighborhood school are guaranteed a seat and do not need to apply.

Family Resources

• The GoCPS website offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date High School and Elementary School resources, High School and Elementary School programs, eligibility, High School and Elementary School application details, open houses, and more. 
• Students and their families can check out the new GoCPS Process Videos (High School & Elementary School) for additional instructions.
• Families can register for a High School or Elementary School staff-led family training sessions or view the recordings/presentation materials below.
• High School: Recording | Deck | Spanish (Deck)
• Elementary School: Recording | Deck 
• Please email us at gocps@cps.edu if you need help or have any questions. 

Ready to Apply?

The GoCPS online application is where you apply for and rank programs and register for required tests/auditions. Some programs give priority to students who have a sibling who attends that program, or if a parent is a staff member at that school. Complete those sections on the application in full to qualify for priority.

• Families of current CPS students should log in with an existing account and reset the password the first time they visit the application website. Once logged in, you can add students to your account.
• You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. Just hit Save & Continue at the bottom of each page to save your information.
• Rank all programs and schedule an exam or audition(s) if required. 



The deadline to apply is November 14 at 5 p.m. You can make updates until this time. Make sure you’ve clicked “submit” on your application by the deadline to be considered.

Sports

Please make sure to remind your students that cell phone use is not permitted during practice hours. While we understand that parents need to communicate with their child, practice time is strictly for practice.

Girls Varsity Volleyball - Congratulations on your win vs Prescott 2-0 on Saturday!

Tuesday 11/04 • End of season celebration for players in the gym

Thursday 11/06 • Last scrimmage vs Jahn 4pm at HOME

(players be ready by 3:30 to warm-up or come to the Tubman gym after school if they want)

Out of School Time

Friends of Tubman is an all-volunteer group of parents and caregivers dedicated to making Tubman a great school for all students through fundraising and community events. Please click here Subscribe to Friends of Tubman to subscribe to FOT emails to receive information on upcoming fundraisers, community events, and learn how to get involved.

Volunteers must complete the CPS volunteer registration and volunteer approval is valid for one school year.

CLICK HERE to learn about the volunteer process and begin registration! Upon completion of the online application, all volunteers must bring their ID to Ms. Martinez at the main office for their application to be processed.

Level 2 Volunteer Activities at Tubman

• Field Trip Chaperone (For day trips, with CPS staff)
• Halloween Classroom Celebration Attendee
• Valentine's Day Classroom Celebration Attendee
• Assisting with Popcorn Fridays
• Reading a book to a class
• Guest speaker for a class

Level 1 Volunteer Activities at Tubman

• Field Trip Chaperone (For day trips, with breakout group)
• Field Trip Chaperone (For overnight trips)
• Sports Coach
• After-school Program Coordinator

Parent Portal Login

Parent Portal Navigation Guide

Parent Portal Setup Process Video

Parent Portal FAQs

Online Payment via Parent Portal Guide

Online Payment via Parent Portal Video

Online Payment via ePay Login

Online Payment via ePay Guide

E-Absence FAQs

E-Absence Guide Video

E-Absence from Mobile Device Instructions

For additional assistance with Parent Portal or ePay, email the School Clerk, Ms. Martinez, at Rmartinez170@cps.edu

Harriet Tubman Elementary School

2851 N Seminary Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone: (773) 534 - 5784 | Fax: (773) 534 - 5784

tubmanelementarycps.org