📅 PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC) MEETING: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH @ 5PM
MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELORS
For Parents of 8th grade Students
8th Grade Families: Please log into your GoCPS High School Applications and make your selections. The deadline is November 13, 2026 at 5:00pm. If you need any assistance please email Ms. Zureich, aszureich@cps.edu
Learn more on how to apply here:
For Parents of 7th grade Students
I want to remind you that your student’s cumulative 7th grade grades will be used in the high school application process. This makes 7th grade an especially important year for building strong academic habits and preparing for high school.
Please help your student have a successful year by making sure they:
⏱️Attend school regularly and arrive on time.
📝Complete and turn in all assignments; you can monitor their progress via Aspen.
🗣️Ask for help when they need it.
Your support and encouragement make a meaningful difference in your student’s success. 🪴 Let’s work together to make this a productive and successful year. 🤝
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ms. Puterbaugh, PPES School Counselor: sgputerbaugh@cps.edu.
🏫 UPDATES 🏫
SEE SERIES OF EVENTS BELOW & ON CALENDAR OF EVENT PAGE.
THESE SESSIONS ARE HYBRID, MEETING LINK IN THE FOUND ON PAC CALENDAR.
SHARED RESOURCES FROM THIS SERIES FOUND HERE
Fall Fun October 30 Parade/ "Unhealthy Day"
All students are allowed to wear costumes on October 30th. Wearing a costume is OPTIONAL and students must wear appropriate attire that FOLLOWS OUR SCHOOL'S DRESS CODE (No miniskirts, No tank tops, No HEAVY makeup), No MASKS and no WEAPONS. Students should come to school already dressed in their costumes.
Parents are welcome to attend to view the 9:30 am Costume Parade with Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd graders.
The parade will be held throughout the school but parents can view it in the 1st floor hallway near the office. Please come to the office between 9:15 am-9:30am to find a spot. Thank you!
October 30 is also one of our "unhealthy days". Students may bring treats/candy on this day but please ask the teacher about any allergies in the classroom.
Electronic payments can be paid via Parent Portal in ASPEN. Link to navigate the ASPEN Parent Portal found here: ASPEN Directions
Cash payments at August 20th's Meet and Greet. Payment plan offered is $40 per month for September, October and November. This plan is cash only payable in the school office.
Student fees are important to the programming of our school. We are able to offer Fine and Performing Arts because of the contributions of our school community. We rely on student fees to buy copy paper, art and office supplies, ink, classroom books, copying costs, and any other materials that teachers require to teach our students. Additionally, this school year we are relying on Student Fees to supplement the cost of Recess/Lunch Supervision. Our SY27 budget did not allow for as much as before so these fees are important for our school's needs. Please pay the student fees- it is a bargain for the high-quality education your child is receiving at our school.
You are invited to join Principal Wood for bi-monthly Coffee with the Principal series! These are informal, open-forum conversations designed to build community, share ideas, and address what matters most to you. Bring your questions, learn about our programs, or share your thoughts on how we can best support our students together.
📅 Dates & Discussion Ideas
(Topics below are flexible starting points—your questions and ideas are always welcome!)
November 20 | Understanding Student Progress & Academics: Report cards, learning goals, and supporting learning at home.
January 22 | Supporting the Whole Child: Well-Being & Motivation: Social-emotional health, screen time, and mid-year check-ins.
March 12 | Partnering for Progress: School Fundraising & Community Resources: How school fundraisers work, where funds go, and how parent involvement supports classroom resources and student activities.
May 14 | Celebrating Growth & Summer Success: Reflecting on student progress, year-end wins, and keeping skills sharp over the summer break.
📍 Event Details
Time: 9 AM
Location: School Library or Google Meet (link below)
Who: All parents and guardians are welcome!
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. ☕🍩
Have a question or topic idea in mind?
Bring your thoughts to share, or submit them in advance to Principal Wood @ mswood@cps.edu.
Please join the Local School Council (LSC) on Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00 PM. This will be a HYBRID PUBLIC meeting. The LSC encourages you to please attend in person if you can.
We will meet in the school library. Please enter from Lockwood Ave (Door #2).
Portage Park Elementary School is partnering with TalkingPoints, a platform that lets you text directly with your child's teachers and school staff in whatever language you're most comfortable using.
Enrollment Open for Grades K-5
Fun Club's mission is to provide before and after school care for Portage park students in a safe and fun environment. Enrollment is open for Kindergarten to 5th Grade. Fun Club offers homework help, Lego table, coloring table, Gym time, board games, Stem activities, comics, reading help, crochet and much more!
For more information please email Mrs. Garcia at jgarcia6@cps.edu
📢Parent Spotlight, A special feature celebrating the amazing parents who make our school community shine. Parents can be nominated by teachers or fellow parents, and those selected will be invited to share as much (or as little) as they’re comfortable with. Our hope is to highlight the incredible individuals who support our students and school, and to create space for us all to connect, network, and be inspired. When one parent shines, we all shine! ⭐
Click the link 🔗 below to nominate someone you know!