The Eagle's Press

Dear Lindblom Families and Students,

Did you know that there is an option to translate our weekly newsletter at the top of each newsletter? ¿Sabías que hay una opción para traducir nuestro boletín semanal en la parte superior de cada boletín?

In recent weeks, national events, including the Charlie Kirk incident and increased federal activity in our city, has weighed heavily on many members of our school community. The weight of these incidents, combined with a lack of knowledge and compassion, has shown up in our hallways and classrooms through inappropriate comments and hurtful language between peers. Inappropriate language and hurtful comments are not acceptable. I want to be clear: We are all Eagles. That means we look out for one another. There’s no place in our community for words or actions that divide or tear us down. Every Eagle deserves respect, care, and support. If your student reports any incidents in which they experience bias-based language to you, please report it a member of our restorative justice team. Our goal is to maintain a school environment where every student feels respected, affirmed, and supported.

Families, I encourage you to have conversations with your students to discuss thoughts and feelings about the current events shaping our world. Our district has also compiled a series of resources at cps.edu/mentalhealth to help families navigate the challenging moments that all our children are facing. This webpage also contains details on free mental health therapy offered to all CPS high school students through our partners at Hazel Health.

Last but not least, our campus will participate in an ABC 7 Friday Flyover before school on October 3. We ask that all participants wear Lindblom swag or our school colors. You can purchase swag in the main office this week. If you are interested in participating, this is the last week to sign up with AP Morales (akgreen2@cps.edu). Our ‘test run’ will occur after school on September 29, 2025, on the front stairs of the school. Please anticipate traffic delays in front of the school and consider coordinating an alternate pick-up location (e.g., Damen Ave, Honore Ave, etc.) for your student.

Together we rise onward & upward,

Principal Banks

~Swoop, swoop!

P.S. If needed, please submit any of the forms to facilitate the temporary guardianship of students to the main office, or have your student give the form to an adult they trust on our campus.

Get Vaccinated at our Back to School Community Fair on 9/27 between 12pm and 4pm! See the flyer to sign-up to get any of the following vaccines: Flu, Tdap, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, and HPV.

September is Suicide Prevention Month—an opportunity to come together, raise awareness, and remind one another that hope and help are always within reach. Suicide is preventable, and one of the most powerful tools we have is connection. We can make a real difference by checking in on friends, noticing warning signs, and having open, direct conversations. Together, we can help reduce stigma and ensure that no one feels alone in their struggle.

To support these conversations, we’re sharing a practical, one-page guide for youth: How to Talk to a Friend About Suicide. This resource breaks down what to look for, how to ask direct questions with care, and the importance of reaching out to a trusted adult or crisis support line. You can download it for free below.

The Writing Center is officially open. Students can drop by during their lunch period to get help in any subject area. We currently have Junior and Senior tutors available during A, B, and D periods. If you want to sign your student up for a session, send me an email at mopysson@cps.edu, or register them on this form and a tutor will follow up with them.

From September 15 to October 15, we’re honoring the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community at LMSA. Help us recognize the incredible staff and students of Hispanic descent who make our school special! 🎉 Use this form to nominate someone you admire and tell us how they inspire, lead, or positively impact our community. Let’s shine a spotlight on the voices and stories that deserve to be celebrated!

Please join the Lindblom Latino Culture Club in celebrating our Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week! Please check out the flyer for each day’s theme!

This year, 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade students will be taking the STAR360 Reading and Math diagnostics. The results from these screeners will help teachers tailor instruction to best support your learner. These results will also help identify students who may benefit from additional ELA or Math supports through our school’s MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) intervention program.

STAR360 diagnostics will take place sometime between 9/2/25 and 9/25/25. Decisions about intervention enrollment will be based on STAR360 results, teacher input, and program capacity. If your student is selected to participate in the intervention program, they will receive enhanced ELA and/or Math support during colloquium flex periods and possibly one lunch period a week; they will not be pulled out of their normal class time. Space is limited in the program; if your student is selected to participate, you will receive a follow-up email from either Ms. Bremer (mbremer@cps.edu) or Mr. Raichel (naraichel1@cps.edu).

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, we will offer the high school admission test (HSAT) to 8th-grade students. Chicago Public Schools uses the HSAT to determine the choice of selective enrollment schools and programs, such as Lindblom.

Since your student is in the Academic Center at Lindblom, they are not required to take the HSAT unless they are interested in a selective enrollment high school or program other than Lindblom. Your student has a guaranteed seat at Lindblom Math and Science Academy for high school as a student in the Academic Center, whether they take the test or not.

If you and your child wish to continue at Lindblom and want to opt out of the high school admission test, please complete this form by 5 pm on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Opt out form.

The Gray Matter Experience’s IDEATE to ACTIVATE entrepreneurial bootcamp has extended its application deadline to October 1, 2025!

This 18-week journey is designed for teens ages 14–18 who are ready to become innovative changemakers in their communities. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders, teens will gain essential entrepreneurial skills and the confidence to bring their ideas to life.

Program Snapshot:

• Dates: October 11, 2025 – March 7, 2026

• Format: Hybrid (Virtual Tues/Thurs 4:30–6:30 PM + 2 Saturdays/month in-person @ 20 N. Wacker Drive)

• Benefits: $500 stipend, entrepreneurship certificate, recommendation letter, and early access to our advanced ACCELERATE summer program

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025 (rolling admissions—apply early!)

• Apply Here: https://bit.ly/TGMEAPPLY-PE

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).

Northwestern Medicine will host a virtual information presentation about their Discovery Program on Monday, September 22 from 10:41am – 11:28am. This program would expose students to more information and opportunities that are available within the medical field. Only open to Sophomores and Juniors in Room 313. Families are welcomed to attend virtually: meet.google.com/qrv-bntu-fhe

Congratulations to our very own, Mr. Talley! Mr. Talley recently completed his Fulbright project and has invited us to view his journey.

Congratulations to Sade Johnson! Sade was invited to be the featured youth speaker at the 47th Anniversary Celebration of Peace Day Chicago. This is an exciting opportunity for Sade, so when you see her, please give her "high-fives". For more information about Peace Day Chicago, check them out here.

We’re proud to highlight Alejandro Sanchez-De La Torre, whose dedication to uplifting our community is unmatched. Last year, he served as Lindblom’s student representative on the Bilingual Advisory Committee, showing his commitment to ensuring every voice is heard. #SwoopSwoop #HispanicHeritageMonth #LindblomEagles

Shout-out to Girls Golf!!! Keira Zeigler and Tyler McKinily have qualified to compete in the CPS Girl's City Qualification Match on Monday, 9/22 at 10 AM, based on their average scores for this season.

• 9/26: No School (Teacher PD)
• 9/26: 8th Grade Picture Day Make-ups
• 10/3: AC Homecoming Dance (Lindblom Gym from 6 - 9 PM)
• 10/4: Homecoming Football Game (Stagg Stadium)
• 10/4: HS Homecoming Dance (Palmer House Hilton from 6 - 10:30 PM)

We’re excited to invite our Academic Center students to the 2025 Homecoming Dance! This year’s theme is “Glow Crazy”, and we can’t wait to celebrate together.

📍 Location: Lindblom Maroon Gym 6130 S. Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60636

🕕Friday October 3, 2025 Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Important Details: Tickets are $20 and will be charged via Aspen.

Students must complete the Homecoming Ticket Form using their CPS student email. Once students fill out the ticket form, the ticket fee will be added to students' Aspen accounts. Link to student ticket form.

No physical tickets will be issued; instead, students who purchase tickets via will be added to a check-in list.

• Students will be checked in at entry.
• Students must bring their Lindblom student ID for entry.
• This dance is exclusively for Lindblom Academic Center students. Outside guests will not be admitted.

Minimum 94% attendance

No F’s in academic performance

No Level 4 disciplinary infractions

No Unserved Detentions

What’s Included in the $20 Ticket:

A 3-hour dance with a DJ

Light food and beverages

Fun “glow” items to match the theme

Parent Volunteers Needed

Thank you to those who have already reached out to volunteer! We still need a few more helpers. To volunteer, please complete: The Level II CPS Civic Core Application. If you have completed this form this year already, you do not need to do it again. If you have completed this form for a previous year, you must renew it. Information about renewals is here. Link

The Lindblom Internal Volunteer Application. If you have completed this Google form this year, you do not need to complete it again. Link

The Homecoming Volunteer Google Form to select your shift Link

Student Pick-Up The dance will end promptly at 9:00 p.m. Please ensure students are picked up no later than 9:15 p.m. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable night and can’t wait to “glow” together! ✨

• 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.

Lunch Menu

Hello Lindblom Students!

We have 3 Colleges coming this week to host presentations about their Colleges!

- University of Michigan on Tuesday September 23rd during 5th Block (8:00AM - 8:45AM)

- Georgetown University on Tuesday Septembers 23rd during D Lunch (12:29PM - 1:16PM)

- Howard University on Thursday September 25th during A Lunch (9:48AM - 10:35AM)

Please stop by the Counseling Suite to pick up your College Visit Passes in order to attend.

Contact Mr. Gutierrez (sgutierrez88@cps.edu) for any questions you may have!

Know Your Rights Training

Celebrate the free and open access to information valued at Lindblom.

How it works: Read a book that has been banned or challenged (at other libraries). Need inspiration? Check out the top ten most challenged books of 2024. And the archive of frequently banned or challenged books. https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

Let us know that book you read by filling out an entry form online or at the library. Every book you read and submit is another chance to win a library prize pack.

Entries must be received by October 31, but we support reading banned books year round.

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.

https://gofan.co/app/school/IL15561

REMINDER: 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. If you received a detention notification and you have not served the detention, you will be removed from homecoming participation.

• 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.

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.

Tamika Ball is the Deputy Chief of Network 17 and has dedicated 20 years of service to Chicago Public Schools. She previously served as Principal of Gage Park High School, where she led efforts to strengthen instructional quality and foster inclusive learning environments. With deep expertise in strategic planning, data analysis, staff development, and program evaluation, Deputy Ball has built a reputation as a results-driven leader committed to equity and student success.

She is a proud New Leader, an alumna of the University of Chicago Center for Effective Government, and a member of the National Society of Leadership Success through National Louis University. Academically, she holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University, a Dual Master of Arts in Administration and Organizational Change from Roosevelt University, an Executive Leadership Certification from Northwestern University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.

Deputy Ball’s aspirations are rooted in continuous growth and skill enhancement to close disparities in student achievement. She is passionate about building leadership capacity through professional learning, coaching, and collaboration, all grounded in equity-centered approaches. Lastly, she is a proud Lindblom alum!