Dear Tubman Families,

What a fantastic day we had today for Student-Led Conferences! It was inspiring to see our students confidently share their academic "glows" (strengths) and "grows" (areas for development) with you, actively demonstrating the IB Learner Profile attributes of being Communicators and Reflective thinkers. These conferences are a vital part of our partnership, helping students take ownership of their learning and demonstrating that Excellence Grows Here when we work together. 

Important Reminders

Morning Drop-Off Etiquette

As the weather gets colder, we need everyone’s cooperation to keep traffic flowing safely and smoothly on Seminary Street during morning drop-off. Please remember:

• Keep Moving: Do not stop on the west side of Seminary Street, as this immediately blocks the flow of traffic for everyone behind you.

• Be Quick: Avoid prolonged waiting in the drop-off lane. If you need more time with your child, please park legally on a side street.

Your cooperation ensures a safe and efficient start to the day for all our students.

Community Volunteer Effort for Student Travel To and From School

Due to the recent federal activity regarding immigration in Chicago, our Local School Council (LSC) Chair, Mrs. Inserni, is organizing volunteer efforts to help students and families travel safely to and from school. If you are interested in lending your support to this important community effort, please contact Mrs. Inserni directly at (787) 644-0064 or ileana26@gmail.com.

Tubman Assistance Program Fund

We want to remind our families about the Tubman Assistance Program Fund, established in 2021 through our Friends of Tubman organization. This fund is dedicated to providing immediate, acute financial support to Tubman families experiencing emergencies or confirmed loss of income.

• Purpose: The fund is meant to promote student stability by helping families overcome temporary financial hardships that directly impact their ability to support their student's well-being and education.

• How to Access: If your family is experiencing an acute emergency or financial crisis, please review the flyer below for details on the application process and criteria.

Healthy Celebrations: Halloween Candy Reminder

As a CPS Healthy School, we are permitted two "unhealthy" celebrations each year, and this Friday, Halloween, is one of those days!

• Please check your child’s teacher newsletter for specific details about their classroom celebration.

• If your child is bringing in candy to share, please ensure it is 100% nut-free to protect our students with severe allergies.

Thank you for your commitment to our school community!

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 10/28 • AWAY AT ALCOTT @ 4:05pm

(players arrive at Alcott at 4pm...let Coach Jim know if you need help with transportation to Alcott)

Thursday 10/30 • NO PRACTICE OR SCRIMMAGE (due to gym construction)

Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball

Congratulations for finishing the season undefeated!

Please return jerseys this Wednesday at dismissal by Door 6 (Facing George St.)

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