Dear Tubman Families,

I hope you enjoyed a restorative long weekend! In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I hope it was a time of reflection on how we can best support and care for one another as a community. We have an informative week ahead, with important updates regarding cold weather safety, community events, and our leadership search.

Morning Arrival and Cold Weather Safety

With extreme cold in the forecast and our gym still under construction, we are adjusting our arrival routine to keep everyone safe and warm. Please do not drop off students before 7:45 AM, as we are currently unable to utilize the auditorium for early entry. Additionally, to protect the well-being of our dedicated support staff, they will remain indoors during periods of severe inclement weather. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe start to the day for all.

Tots & Caregiver Story Time – Friday, Jan. 23 We are excited to welcome our neighborhood families (ages 0–5) for another Tots & Caregiver Story Time this Friday from 9:00–9:45 AM! This free event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the curiosity and creativity that make Tubman so special. Please invite your neighbors and remember that an RSVP is required to attend—you can sign up here.

Assistant Principal Search Update Our search for a new co-leader is nearing its conclusion! We have narrowed our search to two finalists, Therese Plunkett and Teresa Zuniga. This Friday, they will participate in a comprehensive interview process, including a school learning walk, staff forum, and student and leadership team interviews. I look forward to providing further updates next week as we move toward final interviews.

Summer Camp 2026 Update Additionally, looking ahead to the warmer months, please be aware that we will not be hosting Steve & Kate’s summer camp at Tubman this summer. We are currently considering other summer program partnerships and will be sure to let you know if and when we negotiate a deal. 

8th Grade Community Project Kick Off We are excited to share that 8th grade students will soon begin the process of completing their MYP Year 3 Community Project—a significant milestone in their IB journey. Here, you will find an overview of the MYP Community Project. Mark your calendars for the Community Project Showcase on Friday, May 1st.

DEADLINE REMINDER: 8th Grade Trip Scholarship Application Thanks to the generous support of Friends of Tubman and this year's 8th grade fundraising efforts, we are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to assist families who may need financial support for the 8th Grade Washington, DC Trip. Completed applications (student essay and signed family agreement) must be submitted to Ms. Traficante by Friday, January 23, 2026.

Friday, February 13th | Middle School Dance This year's Middle School Valentine’s Dance is officially on the calendar for Friday, February 13th, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM! This event is free and open to all sixth through eighth-grade students who demonstrate appropriate behavior and follow our schoolwide Tubman Universal Expectations. To make this event extra special, families can contribute snacks or items via the dance donation sign up sheet.

Stay warm and have a wonderful week, Bulldogs!

In Partnership,



Principal Hammaker

Sports

5th–8th Grade Girls Basketball • Coach: Jim Maggio ( jcmaggio@gmail.com )

Tuesday 1/20 - PRACTICE at New Life Church from 3-5pm (meet after school by the playground)

Thursday 1/22 - PRACTICE at New Life Church from 3-5pm (meet after school by the playground)

Friday 1/23 - AWAY SCRIMMAGE @ Hamilton at 3:30pm

(Go directly after school...Let coach know if you need a ride...Address: 1650 W Cornelia Ave)

Saturday 1/24 - CPS GAME vs Hamilton @ Al Raby HS (players arrive at 2:30pm)

7th–8th Grade Boys Basketball • Coach: Christopher Bonner ( cmbonner@cps.edu )

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

Practice Location: Athletes must meet their coach afterschool in the school playground and walk together to New life church (1110 W Lill Ave, Chicago, IL 60614).

5th–6th Grade Boys Basketball • Coach: Cyrus Irani ( cyruspirani@gmail.com )

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

Practice Location: Athletes must meet their coach afterschool in the school playground and walk together to New life church (1110 W Lill Ave, Chicago, IL 60614).

Co-Ed Cheerleading 5th–8th Grade • 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