Dear Tubman Families,

Thank you all for a smooth entry this morning as we encountered our first snow of the season! Your cooperation during arrival is always appreciated, and we’re especially grateful for your efforts to ensure on-time arrival for students; even when the weather makes it challenging. Your support helps keep the morning running safely and efficiently for everyone.

Please see below for a few important updates and reminders happening at Tubman.

Veterans Day Reminder

As a reminder, in honor of Veterans Day there is no school tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, 11/12/2025.

Tots & Caregiver Story Time – Wednesday, November 19th

We’re excited to invite our neighborhood families to Tots & Caregiver Story Time! Designed for little ones (ages 0–5) and their caregivers, this story hour celebrates the curiosity, creativity, and community that make our school special.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Time: 9:00–9:30 AM

Location: Tubman Elementary School

This event is free, but an RSVP is required to attend. Please share with neighbors who may be interested! Click here to RSVP: RSVP for Tubman Story Time 11/19/2025

Cold Weather Reminder

As temperatures drop, please make sure your children are dressed appropriately for the cold weather. Students should come to school wearing warm coats, hats, gloves, and closed-toe shoes or boots. We also recommend dressing in layers so that a student may remove or add a sweater or sweatshirt as temperatures vary throughout the day. This helps ensure students stay comfortable whether they’re inside the classroom or outside for recess. Thank you for helping us keep everyone warm, safe, and ready to learn!

Reminder: CPS Attendance Policy

A friendly reminder that vacations or travel are not considered excused absences under CPS guidelines. Please plan family trips outside of school days whenever possible. You can review the full list of valid reasons for excused absences here: CPS Excused Absences

Thank you for your continued partnership and support! Have a wonderful week, Bulldogs!

In Partnership,



Principal Hammaker

Four days 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.

This season, we’re excited to offer the following sports for our 5th–8th grade students:

5th–8th Grade Girls Basketball ( Begins Tues 11/13 )

Coach: Jim Maggio ( jcmaggio@gmail.com )

Practice Schedule: Tuesday/Thursday, 3pm - 5pm

5th–6th Grade Boys Basketball ( Begins Wed 01/07/26 )

Coach: Cyrus Irani ( cyruspirani@gmail.com )

Practice Schedule: Monday/Wednesday, 3pm - 4:30pm

7th–8th Grade Boys Basketball ( Begins Mon 11/10 )

Coach: Christopher Bonner ( cmbonner@cps.edu )

Practice Schedule: Monday/ Wednesday, 3pm - 5pm

Co-Ed Cheerleading 5th–8th Grade ( Begins Mon 11/10 )

Coach: Lateshia Ellison ( lateshiaellison@yahoo.com )

Practice Schedule: Monday/Wednesday, 3pm - 5pm (In Room 101)

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