The Eagle's Press
Week of Sept 7
MISSION
VISION
MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL BANKS
Greetings Lindblom MSA Eagles,
Week 2 is in the books, and our strong start is holding steady! As we prepare for the upcoming launch of our Colloquium Day series, we appreciate the collaboration of our staff, students, and school community in helping us strengthen this important part of the Lindblom experience.
As was explored during S2 of SY26 and this summer, reimagining Colloquium Day is a topic of interest for staff, students, families, and administrators. Students want to see more high-interest colloquia and flexes focused on academic support, careers, lifestyle topics, and civic engagement.
Our collective goal is to ensure these Colloquium Days are purposeful, engaging, and aligned with our commitment to preparing our students for success beyond Lindblom. These days also strengthen student agency, accountability, and independence as students make responsible choices, participate fully, and demonstrate behaviors consistent with our expectations for a postsecondary-ready learning community.
During flexes, teachers and counselors will use student learning data and instructional expertise to design and offer supports that respond to student needs. Teachers will communicate clear expectations for participation and grading to students and families when rosters are finalized.
Successful implementation relies on clear expectations, communication, collective responsibility, and shared ownership. Together, we can ensure Colloquium Day fosters a postsecondary readiness culture that supports students academically, socially, and personally as they continue to grow into the leaders they are becoming.
Together we strive for excellence,
Principal Banks
~Swoop, swoop
We welcome your perspective on the proposed refinements to our dress expectations policy through the survey linked here and in the email sent last week. The call for refinements to our dress expectations started last school year. The primary reason for the refinements is a lack of clarity and specificity in our current language. Over time staff, students, and families have raised questions and requested clearer guidance on what is acceptable and what is prohibited. The survey is set to close Friday, September 11, 2026.
Our ALSC initiated the process for updating our dress expectatipons this summer during our July organizational meeting. The ALSC will hold a special meeting on September 15, 2026 at 5pm to consider any feedback, finalize the proposed language, and determine the next steps for formalizing the updates.
BE SUPPORTIVE
LMSA Attendance Policy
Our attendance goal for the school year is 91% and we're off to a great start!
Parents should complete the E-Absence form in Aspen to report their child's absence. Follow up with Mr. Herrera, iherrera2@cps.edu, if you need support with the Aspen Parent Portal.
Students will be marked tardy upon entering class after the start of each period. If (5) - five or more tardies are accumulated in a week, the student and parent will receive a notice to serve detention. Students that do not attend their detentions are subject to non-participation in school events that are non-instructional.
It is important to note, when a student misses a full period, that equates to (1/2) - half day attendance. This mainly happens during late arrivals or early dismissals.
In the event that you attempt to request an early dismissal after 2:30 pm, you run the risk of waiting for a while because our security staff is prepping for the end of the day dismissal. Please adhere to our early dismissal policy below.
AC Fundraiser
Support our AC students as we host a special fundraiser at a Chicago Sky basketball game! Proceeds from ticket sales will support AC events and the 8th grade trip!
Date: Thursday September 17, 2026 @ 7pm
Location: Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Here is the link to purchase tickets
A portion of each ticket purchased through this offer goes toward the school’s fundraising efforts Upper Baseline provides $5!
Lower Baseline provides $10!
*Additional service fees will apply
Additional Bonuses to Assist our Fundraiser:
*Sell 100+ tickets to participate in on-court experience
* Sell 250+ tickets to participate in on-court experience and receive a concourse table for the game your group is attending
* Sell 500+ tickets to participate in on-court experience, receive a concourse table for the game your group is attending, and in-game visit from team mascot
* Please include the name of the student you would like to receive credit for the ticket sales.
BE INCLUSIVE
PAC and BAC Organizational Meetings on 9/9
Join us for our organizational meetings for our bilingual advisory committee (BAC) and our parent advisory council (PAC) on Wednesday, 9/9!
Our BAC organizational meeting will be from 4-5:30pm. Our PAC Organizational meeting will be from 5:30-7pm. You can join both meetings in-person in the Social Room or virtually via this Google Meet link
During our BAC organizational meeting, we will elect officers for the coming year, discuss our bilingual program at Lindblom, and discuss our plan for engaging and supporting bilingual families for this year. You can see the full agenda here.
During our PAC organizational meeting, we will elect a new chairperson for the coming year (our vice-chair, secretary, and outreach coordinator are finishing the 2nd year of their 2-year term), discuss our budget for the coming year, and create a plan for parent engagement aligned with our budget. You can see the full agenda here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to AP Meadows at mmeadows@cps.edu.
Back to School Night, Wednesday, September 30th
Join us for our Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 30th from 5-6:30pm! Back to School Night is an opportunity for families to learn more about the curriculum and learning experiences in each of their student's classes and see all of the amazing things that are going on at Lindblom. We'll have more information as the event draws closer. We hope to see you there!
BE CHALLENGED
Developed by educators and researchers from the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, Data4All was created to introduce Chicago high school students to data science and AI, expanding access to data science education and inspiring students to explore educational and career opportunities in STEM. Through our 8-week program, which will take place on Saturdays from October 3 - November 21, students will build foundational skills and confidence to smoothly transition from basic data science concepts to research applications, through high school and beyond.
By participating in Data4All, students will be able to:
- Build foundational data science and Python programming skills (no prior experience required)
- Engage in coding challenges with real-world datasets
- Work with small groups to conduct inquiry-driven research
- Learn how to analyze data and present findings
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills
The program is open to Chicago high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students must be able to attend all 8 Saturday sessions in person, and completion of Algebra 1 is required. The workshop is held at the University of Chicago campus in Hyde park. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a stipend.
Applications will be accepted until September 8th, 2026 at 11:59pm CST. Decisions will be emailed out starting mid-September.
Virtual Academy - Dual Credit (After School hours)
Students interested in taking a dual credit courses through the Virtual Academy should scan the QR code in the flyer. Classes are free and after school on M/W or T/Th! Deadline to register is Tuesday 9/9!
YES Abroad
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program is a fully funded opportunity for U.S. students to spend the 2027 spring semester abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Indonesia, or North Macedonia.
High school students and recent graduates will have a chance to explore a new country, broaden their perspectives, and develop language abilities by living with a host family, studying in a local school, and participating in leadership activities. YES students share information about their home culture with their hosts and local communities while building lasting relationships, strengthening the linkages between the U.S. and YES countries at the same time.
By participating in YES Abroad, you will develop leadership, language, and professional skills. Your worldview will expand and you will gain a new, lifelong network of friends and family overseas. All of this can give you a competitive edge that helps turn your academic and career aspirations into reality.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
U.S. citizens
Ages 15 to 18½ at the start of the program
Currently enrolled in grades 9-12 or currently on gap year (graduation date in 2026).
Apply online HERE or call 800-380-6552 for more information.
The application deadline is September 22, 2026 (4 PM ET).
BE EMPOWERED
Debate Team Informational
Interested in public speaking, current events, or friendly competition? Join us for a Debate Team Information Session on September 10 at 3:15 PM in Room 313.
Students of all experience levels are welcome. Come learn about debate opportunities, competitions, and how to get involved.
Questions? Contact Mr. Clark- cbclark3@cps.edu
BE LEADERS
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Lindblom Drama student Sophia Hunter for winning the Young Playwrights Festival! Sophia's play will have a professional Chicago opening and she will be awarded $500. Congratulations to Honorable Mention Lindblom Drama students MaKenzie Townsend and former student, Terrence Little, who will receive a special plaque at the January opening.
BE UNDERSTANDING
Important Dates
- 9/7: No School - Labor Day
- 9/9: PAC and BAC Meeting @4PM
- 9/17: Lindblom AC Outing @ Wintrust Arena
- 9/19: 8th and 12th Grade Photo Day
- 9/25: No School - Staff Professional Development
- 9/26: AC Homecoming Dance @Lindblom 6 - 9PM
- 9/30: Back to School Night from 5 - 6:30 PM
- 10/2: LMSA Annual College Fair @Lindblom 3 - 5:30 PM
- 10/8: Fall Band Concert
- 10/9: HS Homecoming Dance
- 10/12: No School - Indigenous People's Day
- 10/21: Picture Day for 7th, 9th, and 11th
Daily Menus: Available on MealViewer
BE ENGAGED
Lindblom Sports
Welcome to SY27 Linblom Sports! Put on your school gear and get hyped for our athletes. Let's go!!!
BE IMPACTFUL
Alumni Spotlight
Edward Hightower (B82M/SW82P) has had an extensive career in the global automotive industry in product development and engineering, marketing, and executive leadership roles around the world between Ford, BMW, and GM. He also led the turnaround, first vehicle launch, and eventual sale of the electric vehicle manufacturer Lordstown Motors as CEO & President. He was also recognized as the first Black CEO of a publicly traded automaker.
College Corner
2nd ANNUAL CHICAGO LATINO COLLEGE EXPO
OPEN TO ALL
Get accepted on the spot and access millions in scholarships! Hosted by the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) & Columbia College Chicago, this FREE event features 30+ colleges ready to meet high schoolers, transfer students, and families!
Key Event Details:
• When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM CDT
• Where: Columbia College Chicago (South Loop, Chicago, IL)
• Highlights: On-the-spot college acceptances, financial aid/DACA info, and a chance to win the $148,000 NCRF/Dr. Price Creative Arts Scholarship!
• Focus: Perfect for students interested in visual/performing arts, music, film, TV, graphic design, journalism, business, and more. Se habla español!
Register for FREE HERE