Principal Patten's Newsletter

Dear Onahan Community,

Our Onahan family extends its deepest condolences as we honor a former parent and past Local School Council member, Sean Kevin, being laid to rest today. We offer our sincere gratitude for his years of service to our community, both through his leadership on the Onahan LSC and his life’s work as a firefighter and Battalion Chief. He was a pillar of our community and a true model of dedicated public service. Our flags are at half mast and we will say good bye as the procession passes the school today. Our thoughts and hearts are with his family during this time.

For the families that attended the PTO McTeacher Night, it was great to see the place packed with an air of Onahan Lion Spirit!

Today we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the 2026-2027 version of the Onahan Field. We are still expecting major improvements next year. After school is our Bilingual Advisory Committee meeting and everyone is welcome to join.

If you are an 8th grade parent and missed the High School Information Night, here is a link to the deck. Direct any questions to our counselor, Ms. Krista Jorgensen (knjorgensen@cps.edu):

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mu08NVae5Ctp-CrqZP9rFDg2AyDJE2Hm1LwytqxL8aY/edit?usp=sharing

Tomorrow don't forget to stop by October Cafe to participate in Friends of Onahan's Give Back Event!

Belonging is a theme that will be discussed at all grade levels. Here is a family calendar for you to use at home.

You may view the programming below, but the link for sign up is currently live and will be open until September 25th at 5:00pm. Here is the sign up link:

Sign up Link - https://forms.gle/WPSF5y5SNViDy5ePA

PTO would like you to fill out this form if you are interested in helping on special occasions in the classroom, or being support behind the scenes. PTO Room Parent signup.

Don't forget to start your level 1 volunteer status so you can join the class! The following is information on how to sign up. It is CRUCIAL that you come by the office with your state ID or the process will not go anywhere. https://www.onahanschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4435234&type=d&pREC_ID=2676249

Looking for a way to get involved and make a difference at Onahan? FOO has lots of opportunities to help throughout the year—big or small! Meet other parents, support our students and school, and have some fun along the way.

Scan the QR code on the attached flyer or visit our Google Form to sign up and let us know how you’d like to help!

FOO Volunteer Google Form

PURCHASE A YEARBOOK AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE.

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

Joseph S. represented Onahan at the Junior Achievement's annual event at the Union League Club. He spoke about his enriching experience participating in the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge at Charles Schwab last May. Congratulations!