Dear Tubman Families,

We have several important updates and exciting opportunities to share this week! Before diving in, we want to extend a huge thank-you to Friends of Tubman (FOT) for their incredible fundraising efforts and for organizing last week’s Fun Run. Our students had an absolute blast participating—it was wonderful to see so much school spirit, joy, and community support!

Picture Day – Tomorrow, October 7

A reminder that Picture Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7th! Students should come to school dressed neatly and ready to smile.

Lockdown Drill – October 16

Tubman will conduct a lockdown drill on Thursday, October 16th as part of our required school safety procedures. We understand that these drills can sometimes be stressful or confusing for students. That’s why we’re letting families know in advance — so you can have a calm, reassuring conversation with your child about the purpose of the drill and what to expect. Our teachers will approach this practice in an age-appropriate and supportive way to help students feel safe and prepared. Please see the letter below for more details.

Volunteers Needed – Tubman Recycling Program

We’re thrilled to announce that Tubman is bringing back a school-wide recycling program! Guided by Zero Waste Schools, we plan to launch in early November. To ensure a smooth start, we’re seeking parent volunteers to help students in the lunchroom and classrooms during the first few days of the program. After launch, our student council and classroom ambassadors will help sustain the effort with the support of Dr. Pirillis.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email Andrew Don at andrewkdon@gmail.com.

Tubman Family Expert & Career Survey

Each year, our students engage in inquiry projects that benefit from connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. We invite all Tubman families to complete the Family Expert & Career Survey so we can identify community members who may serve as guest speakers or help facilitate learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Reminder from PE, Music, and Dance

All students should wear athletic shoes on the days they have Dance, PE, and Music. Proper footwear helps ensure safety and comfort during movement-based activities. Please avoid slippers, Nike slides, Crocs, sandals, high heels, or boots.

No School on Monday, October 13

In recognition of Indigenous People’s Day, there will be no school next Monday. 

Student Led Conferences- October 27

We will be hosting our Student Led Conference on October 27th from 10:45am-5:00pm this year. You will receive more information soon from your child’s teacher, so please mark your calendars!

Student Council Book Swap – October 27

Our Student Council and Ms. Leventis are hosting a Book Swap on Monday, October 27th during Student-Led Conferences! Families can donate clean, gently used children’s books for any age in the weeks leading up to the event. Look for donation bins on each floor. On the day of the swap, families are welcome to “shop” for new-to-you books—please bring your own bags! All remaining books will be donated to Open Books.

Questions? Email Ms. Leventis at cgleventis@cps.edu.

Thank you for supporting our community and helping us make Tubman a caring, connected, and environmentally responsible school!

In Partnership,

Principal Hammaker

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 Brentano 2-0 on Saturday!

Tuesday 10/07 • 3:00PM: Practice @ Tubman; • 4:00PM: Scrimmage vs St. James @ Tubman

Thursday 10/09 • 3-4:30pm: Practice @ Tubman

Saturday 10/10 • 12:00pm: CPS Match vs Bell @ Clemente High School (Players should arrive by 8:30am)

Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball

Monday 10/06 • 3-4:00pm: Practice @ Tubman

Wednesday 10/08 • 3-5:00pm: Practice @ Tubman

Boys Soccer (5th-6th)

Please pick up students at Jonquil Park by 4:30 PM. Anyone not picked up will be walked back to Tubman.

Monday 10/06: NO Practice

Wednesday 10/01 • 3-4:30pm: Practice @ Jonquil Park

Out of School Time

The GoCPS Application for the 2026-27 School Year Opened on Tuesday, September 23, 2025!

Families with children entering grades K-9 looking to apply to programs outside of their attendance area school can do so via the GoCPS application, which is open from 10am on September 23 until 5pm on Friday, November 14, 2025. Students who plan to attend their neighborhood school’s general education program are guaranteed a seat and do not have to apply to attend.

Visit GoCPS to:

• Watch an overview video explaining the GoCPS application process.
• Research and compare schools and find open houses.
• Learn about eligibility and requirements for different program types.  
• Get information on the High School Admissions Test (HSAT) administered to current CPS 8th graders on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, during the school day.
• Apply to and rank schools in order of preference by November 14.

How to Apply

• The GoCPS application platform transitioned last year to Enrollwise at apply.cps.edu. 
• For current CPS students, the primary guardian listed in Aspen will be used as the guardian designated to register their student for the GoCPS application process. The email and phone number that were provided to your school are in Aspen and have been used to create an account. When you log on to the application for the first time, you will reset your password and be able to access your account. 
• You can update the application until November 14 at 5pm. Make sure you’ve clicked “submit” on your application by that time.
• You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can update the application, including re-ranking programs, until Friday, November 14, at 5pm. Make sure you’ve clicked “submit” on your application by that time.

Important Information

• Confirm that any sibling or staff information is reflected in your student’s Aspen to qualify for those preferences.
• You can select up to 20 Choice and 6 Selective Enrollment programs per category (3 for EL Regional Gifted Centers).
• All students applying to elementary and high school will rank both Choice and Selective Enrollment programs in order of preference.

Please make sure your student's Emergency Form with current information has been turned into the main office. It is important for your student's correct address to be entered in ASPEN.

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