The Eagle's Press
Week of Sept 15
MISSION
VISION
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL BANKS
Dear Lindblom Families and Students,
Our school community is composed of an ethnically and culturally diverse body of students, families, staff, and partners. We celebrate the diversity represented by our school community and must work together to protect our supportive, inclusive, and empowered ‘be’liefs and way of being. The increased federal activity in our communities, city, and nation impacts all of us, some more directly than others. Our collective responsibility is to respond with calm, preparedness, and compassion while continuing to foster a culture of safety and trust for all members of our community.
Security protocols are tightening up throughout our nation, our city, our district, and our school. All parents, guardians, and visitors must present a valid ID upon entering our school building and be registered in the Visitor Management System. LMSA families, please inform everyone you’ve listed on your contact lists. Our security officers and main office personnel will uphold our district-wide and school-wide safety precautions. I ask that you resist the urge to challenge these safety precautions and respect the fact that these protocols are in place for the safety of everyone.
Though I pray that no one will ever need them, forms are available to facilitate the temporary guardianship of students and adults who may become stranded on campus in the event of an incident. This will help ensure the safety and well-being of students until they can be reunited with their families. An Affidavit of Enrollment and Residency permits specific individuals with familial relationships to the student to authorize school enrollment and medical care for the student, but does not provide for legal custody.*
A Petition for Appointment of Short-Term Guardianship_SP en Español
A Petition for Appointment of Short-Term Guardianship_ENG in English
Video on how to complete the Application for Short-Term Guardianship en Español
Video on how to complete the Application for Short Term Guardianship in English
Reminder of constitutional rights* for everyone
You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions if stopped by federal agents or law enforcement — even if there is a warrant.
You do not have to share your birthplace, your immigration or citizenship status, or the birthplace or status of anyone else.
You are not required to consent to a search (please be aware that local police do have the right to pat you down if they reasonably suspect a weapon).
You do not need to let any agent into your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
If stopped on the street, you have the right to ask if you are free to leave.
* This information is provided for general awareness only and should not be considered legal advice. Those with specific questions about their rights should consult an attorney.
Together we rise onward & upward,
Principal Banks
~Swoop, swoop!
“Contrary to popular belief, not every individual in the immigration spectrum identifies as Latinx/e (or Mexican) or uses the term 'undocumented' to describe themselves. The term “immigration spectrum” encompasses individuals ranging from fully undocumented to U.S. citizens who are part of mixed-status families. Those in the immigration spectrum are from various countries and of all ages. ” ~ CAUSEChicago
BE SUPPORTIVE
CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness: School Health Requirements
Staying up-to-date on your student’s immunizations and school physical examinations is a crucial step to keeping your family healthy. Review the District’s School Health Requirements and check in with your primary care physician at your medical home to ensure that your students are protected. Please note that all students are required to provide proof of their annual physical and vaccinations by October 15, 2025.
Learn more about all the services that the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness can offer at cps.edu/oshw or call the Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 553-KIDS (5437).
Lindblom Park District
Once you register your student, please communicate this to AP Morales, akgreen2@cps.edu, so that we can walk the students over to the park.
Support our Forensic Science Students!
Our forensic science courses are in search of old dog kennels to aid in a decomposition experiment! Dog kennels of any size can be used, the smallest ones will work fine. We are looking for items like the one linked below and are in need of 6. We will be starting the experiment on Thursday Sept 16th.
Please email emoshaughnessey@cps.edu if you have a kennel to donate, or would like to purchase one for the experiment.
BE INCLUSIVE
Lindblom Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Visits IIT
This past Tuesday the Lindblom SHPE Jr. Chapter visited IIT to learn about the college admissions process, the majors at IIT, and student life at the university. We thank our Collegiate SHPE chapter partners for hosting us and look forward to future collaborations.
BE CHALLENGED
Science Resources
Check out current science opportunities using the LMSA Science Opportunities google site: https://sites.google.com/cps.edu/lmsascience/home
Hover over the headings at the top (middle school, high school, etc.) to see the sub pages for each opportunity.
If you have a science opportunity to share with the community, please email it to Ms. Levites (lelevites@cps.edu).
Interested in joining the Science Olympiad Team?
After School Program
The STEM Scholars Program is a free six-week after-school program for Chicago high school students (9th - 12th grades) to reinforce their science knowledge through challenging hands-on activities and excite them about STEM majors and careers. The students also get a chance to speak with professionals in several STEM fields related to each topic covered to better understand the education and career requirements, and an opportunity to intern at the ERC over the summer.
The Fall 2025 STEM Scholars after-school program registration is now open! Registration closes on October 3rd. Sessions start on October 13th and end on November 20th.
Students can learn more about the program and register by visiting stemscholars-erc.uic.edu or by completing the registration form at forms.office.com/r/faG5UwDs7d.
BE EMPOWERED
Mentorship Colloquium for 7-8th
Hello Lindblom Students and Families,
This upcoming week, we will be having a Virtual presentations from Tuskegee NEXT.
Tuskegee NEXT is a nonprofit organization based in the Chicago area. Our mission is to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by transforming the lives of youth (ages 18–21) through aviation. Although it’s still early, we are already beginning to look for applicants for our Summer Aviation Program next year. This is an 8-week experience that provides a $35,000 scholarship, giving participants the opportunity to earn their Private Pilot License (PPL) and drone certification.
The presentation will be this Thursday during A Lunch (9:48am – 10:45am).
For Students interested in participating:
- If you have class during A period, please stop by the Counseling Suite Monday or Tuesday to pick up your College Visit Pass.
- If you have lunch during A period, simply come to room 313 for the presentations.
Families, you are all welcome to attend virtually using the link here: meet.google.com/dei-qnex-mvw
If anyone has any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Gutierrez at sgutierrez88@cps.edu
Event for Seniors
On behalf of the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) – UIUC Chapter is excited to invite our students to Explore Grainger, a special visitation program for high school seniors.
Event Details:
Saturday, October 4, 2025
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM CST
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2025
Explore Grainger is hosted by Grainger Engineering Undergraduate Admissions & Recruitment and supported by student chapters of National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society(AISES). Students will tour Grainger Engineering and connect with current students, hear directly from Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and American Indian/Native American engineers about their experiences at Illinois, participate in an essay-writing workshop and a student-led design challenge, and learn how to prepare a strong application for Grainger Engineering.
***Transportation will be provided for residents of the Chicago Metro Area.*** While this program highlights the experiences of underrepresented communities in engineering, it is open to all prospective students regardless of race, color, or national origin.
For questions, please contact: engineering-visits@illinois.edu|nsbe.uiuc.pci@gmail.com Taryn D. White | 217-300-8489
Register here: https://enroll.illinois.edu/register/?id=78a16888-ebc8-488b-8126-e307210b13ac&utm_source
Lurie Children's Hospital Programs
Minds Matter: Youth Mental Health & Leadership Program - Fall Session
Applications Open: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 (12:00 AM)
Applications Close: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Target Audience: Primarily freshmen & sophomores (all grade levels welcome)
Program Format: Virtual sessions, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 PM
Mandatory Orientation: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 (5:00 PM, Virtual)
Start Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 (Virtual)
End Date: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 (In-Person, Lurie Children’s Hospital)
About: This program helps students explore careers in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, social work, and more—while building leadership skills and raising mental health awareness.
Shades for the Future – Winter Session
Applications Open: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (12:00 AM)
Applications Close: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Target Audience: Primarily freshmen & sophomores (all grade levels welcome)
Program Format: Virtual sessions, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 PM
Mandatory Orientation: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 (5:00 PM, Virtual)
Start Date: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 (Virtual)
End Date: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 (In-Person, Lurie Children’s Hospital)
About: This program provides healthcare career exposure across multiple fields at Lurie Children’s, along with leadership development, networking opportunities, and potential for future employment.
Discovering Healthcare Careers (DHC) – Summer 2026
Applications Open: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 (12:00 AM)
Applications Close: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Application Requirements: Resume, personal statement, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation
Recommenders are able to submit LORs via this link: MWD LOR Upload
Target Audience: Juniors & Seniors, must be 17 y.o. By Monday, June 22nd, 2026 (No exceptions)
Program Format: Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Mandatory Orientation: Thursday, June 18th
Start Date: Monday, June 22nd
End Date: Friday, July 31st
BE LEADERS
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Cadet Yayra Tomatekou and Cadet Laila Yunusa! Yayra received her Commission at PSMA. CSM Laila Yunusa, had her Certificate accepted by Yayra because she is at Basic Training.
Safety Updates
Know Your Rights
BE UNDERSTANDING
Important Dates
- 9/18: Lindblom College Fair
- 9/18: Back to School Night
- 9/19: Progress Report Distribution
- 9/26: No School (Teacher PD)
- 9/26: 8th Grade Picture Day Make-ups
- 10/3: AC Homecoming Dance
- 10/4: Homecoming Football Game
- 10/4: HS Homecoming Dance
Safety Reminders
- Parents/Visitors will use door 3 (Wolcott Entrance) to enter the building.
- We do not accept food deliveries.
- Early dismissals must occur prior to 2:30 pm
- Your vehicle is at risk of tow if you park in the parking lot.
BE ENGAGED
District Information
Parent Workshop on JumpRope
Are you in need with support for understanding your student's grades? Feel free to join us at Back to School Night on 9/18 at 4:30 in Room 136.
BAC Meeting 9/18
We will hold a brief BAC meeting this Thursday, September 18th from 4:30-5:00pm before Back to School night. The purpose of the meeting will be to finalize nominations and vote on our BAC officer positions. The full agenda and meeting link will be shared soon!
College Fair
This is the week! Lindblom will be hosting our Annual College Fair this upcoming Thursday starting at 3:30PM. From our local instructions to HBCU's across the country, over 50 Colleges will be coming by to share more information about their institutions. We look forward to hosting our students, families and the community!
Staff Spotlight
Shout out to Ms. Maxwell and Mx. Dirr for being highlighted in this writeup for Lincoln Park Zoo's PIF program! (Scroll all the way to the end) https://www.lpzoo.org/partners-in-fieldwork-connecting-with-nature-in-the-classroom/
CPS’ New Approach to School and District Accountability!
CPS is happy to roll out the Continuous Improvement Data Transparency (CIDT) policy, a new approach that focuses on the conditions, supports, and resources needed for a school to provide students with high-quality learning experiences! Visit cps.edu/CIDT for more information.
CPS se complace en lanzar la política de Transparencia de Datos de Mejora Continua, un nuevo enfoque que se centra en las condiciones, apoyos y recursos necesarios para que una escuela brinde a los estudiantes experiencias de aprendizaje de alta calidad. Visite cps.edu/CIDT para más información.
SPORTS
Eagle's Fans, we need YOU!
Come out and support our teams as they begin putting in the hard work of being student athletes. If you're interested in Lindblom gear, visit the main office for purchases.
Football Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Volleyball Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students. All proceeds go directly back to supporting our sports program and providing the best experience for our athletes. Tickets for games should be purchased via GoFan prior to the game. Please see the link below.
BE IMPACTFUL
Attendance Matters
REMINDER: Detentions will begin this week. Students and parents will receive a notification if they are slated to serve detention. Detentions will occur from 3:15 - 4:15 on Tuesday and Thursday. If a student is late to detention, it will not count as served. Failure to complete detention will prohibit engagement with school events (coaches will be made aware).
Students must ALWAYS have LMSA School ID on them, whether physical or electronic.
Students must manage their time during the passing period to ensure they make it to class on time.
Students who are tardy to class will need to visit the tardy scanners located on each floor to scan in and retrieve a tardy pass.
Students must arrive in class within three (3) minutes from the time indicated on the tardy pass.
Any student without a pass in the hallway after the initial hall sweep will be escorted to the nearest tardy station to receive a pass.
Electronic Absence Reporting – Available
Parents and guardians can now submit, schedule, and track student absences through the Aspen Parent Portal. That means no more making last-minute phone calls or completing paper forms.
E-Absence joins a collection of Aspen features designed to make accessing important student information simple for parents and guardians. You can sign in to your account at ASPEN.CPS.EDU and start using the E-Absence feature today.
To access Parent Portal, you must:
Be listed as a contact for your student in the Student Information System. Have a valid email in the student’s contact records. Request and submit the validation code sent via email.
Don’t have an account? Contact our school clerk to register for an account today. You can also learn more at cps.edu/pages/parentresources.aspx.
Alumni Spotlight
Our very own ABC7 Chicago news journalist, Cheryl Burton (Sw80p), returned to The Nest to capture her 'back to school' walk down memory lane amid back-to-school season. ABC7 Chicago https://share.google/vN8j2ZDlvCwC2XMRK