Smore logo
remove_red_eye 695
page background

Principal Patten's Newsletter

August 13, 2026

Principal Patten'sNewsletter August 13, 2026

Dear Onahan Community,

Just a quick note to let you know that we are almost ready for the start of school! Onahan is giving me feelings of nostalgia for my elementary school, WAY back in the day! The building is sparkling and the floors look like glass. Our staff is very close and next week will be extra special watching everyone arrive as they hug, laugh, share pictures of kids and vacation, and catch up with each other. Teachers will put the finishing touches on their rooms and engage in discussion about fresh initiatives for this year.


There are a few additions to this newsletter from last week. They are mainly opportunities that are available, such as purchasing school clothing and signing up for music lessons. Don't forget to look at the calendar for events coming up next week. Our Student and Family Handbook is linked below and gives thorough information about how our school functions. It's a good read!


Our freshly sodded field is taking root well with a few patches that will need to be replaced. We are on track to have a little celebration mid September.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

BAND AND PIANO OPPORTUNITIES BAND AND PIANO OPPORTUNITIES

Through Band for Today, K-8 students may sign up for piano lessons at school. Fourth grade through eighth graders may sign up for band. If you are interested in these after school opportunities, read more by clicking this link.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SfL7vHez5tbuEoLbiH9oGnIjIVc09Lx0/view?usp=sharing

STUDENT FEES FOR SY27 STUDENT FEES FOR SY27

NOTE: PRE-K STUDENTS DO NOT OWE ANNUAL STUDENT FEES

Exciting News for School Year 2026-2027! It is now easier for you to pay for things like annual Student Fees, ROAR Care, field trips, etc.


CPS has streamlined the process for paying all fees. You will now be able to make payments directly through the Aspen Parent Portal (AspenParentPortal).


By viewing the “Fees/Transactions” tab in Aspen (depending on if you’re using your phone or computer), you will be able to pay and keep track of what has been paid and what is still outstanding.

This year’s annual Student Fees have now been posted to your Aspen Parent Portal. Follow these steps to make your payment. (For more information/in depth instructions, click on one of the links at the bottom of this message):


IMPORTANT: This year, there is no tier fee schedule; the fee is a flat $150/student. With the new system, you can only pay for one student at a time. For example, if you have 3 students at Onahan, you will have to make 3 separate payments.


1. Log in to your Aspen Parent Portal account (AspenParentPortal).

2. Click the Fees tab.

3. Select which student you’re paying for from the drop-down menu.

4. Click the box next to the fee you are paying.

5. Click “pay online”; this will take you to ePay to process your payment. ***Your student’s information (their cps email) will automatically be listed; if you would like a receipt emailed to YOU, please change that email address to your own.***


Throughout the school year, fees specific to your student will be added periodically, like field trips, ROAR Care, graduation fees, etc. You will use the same steps to pay for these.


PLEASE NOTE:

Going forward, Aspen Parent Portal (AspenParentPortal) is the only method for paying any fees related to your student. If you are unable to access your Parent Portal, click this link for more information. onahanschool.org. If you are unable to pay your school fees, please fill out this waiver form and return it to the main office: Fee Waiver Template


ENGLISH

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XLHLTFaCFsKMTznj6EH65d3UqO8UbfcuNGWrxs0YUGc/edit?usp=sharing

SPANISH

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jYtOB0rVj4DEBtU131wtKqpbTYpEFn9dz8lxtieNndA/edit?usp=sharing

ONAHAN BACK TO SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR OPTIONS ONAHAN BACK TO SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR OPTIONS

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

PTO BACK TO SCHOOL PTO BACK TO SCHOOL

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE - FREE BACK PACKS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE - FREE BACK PACKS

On Wednesday, August 19th at 4:00 pm, we are giving away 80 free book bags with school supplies. They will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Please stop by to say hello.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR FALL

Please share this with anyone you know who has not registered. We are working on the final details of each classroom.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

HARRISON'S HELPERS - JOIN THE KUKIS FAMILY! HARRISON'S HELPERS - JOIN THE KUKIS FAMILY!

If you are looking for a fun way to wrap up summer break with friends, consider supporting our very own Harrison Kukis at his 3rd Annual Strike Out T1D bowling fundraiser, raising funds for a cure for type 1 diabetes. The event flyer is below, and you can visit here: https://givebutter.com/c/3rd-annual-strike-out-t1d-9a8xa6 to buy tickets, donate or even become a sponsor. The event is Saturday, August 22 from 6pm - 9pm at Habetler Bowl and includes bowling, food, a live band, a raffle and a silent auction. We hope to see you there!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

OLYMPIA PARK PROGRAM SIGN UP OLYMPIA PARK PROGRAM SIGN UP

Here is a message from the Chicago Park District:

This is Jackson Perri with the Chicago Park District over here at Olympia Park to share upcoming Fall Programs!


We have a new Gaga Ball League that we would love to see take off! As well as our Floor Hockey League we'd like to continue to grow.


Here is our class list as well as our Floor Hockey Flyer from last year with an updated Activity Number.


Below is a link that can take parents directly to our website to view and register for classes!


https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chicagoparkdistrict/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&days_of_week=0000000&center_ids=385&drop_in=0&season_ids=82&viewMode=list

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

UPCOMING EVENTS AND DATES UPCOMING EVENTS AND DATES

This is not a complete list of Onahan events and dates and times may change as needed. We will do our best to keep you informed.
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGER TIPS INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

SY27 Student and Family Handbook
Minimal Health Requirements
Click here for our the Onahan Website
Click Here for the Breakfast Menu
Click Here for the Lunch Menu
Visiting Onahan? Sign In Here Before Coming to School
Volunteer Application

SY2026 CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALENDARS SY2026 CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALENDARS

NEW - SY2027 CPS CALENDAR - English
NEW - SY2028 CPS CALENDAR - English
For and with our students,
Marianne Patten
https://www.onahanschool.org/
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter