School Announcements

SLES Year At A Glance

Welcome back to a new school year! Below you will find a downloadable/printable Year at a Glance calendar highlighting important dates and events throughout the year. Please note that while we do not anticipate event dates changing, some events are subject to change. If you choose to print this out, please make sure to cross...

Attention 8th Grade Families

From the Department of Student Assessment Congratulations on a successful HSAT/PreACT 9 testing!  .   Now that the primary test administration day is complete, we wanted to follow up with more information on score access.  We know that these scores are high-stakes for our 8th graders and because of that we are trying to be thoughtful...

Halloween Fun Run Basket Raffle is Officially Open! 

We’ve powered up this year’s raffle with six incredible themed prize baskets: Pokémon Power Up — cards, collectibles, LEGO, games, plush, books & more STEM Adventure — Kids Science Labs camp, science kits, microscope, solar robot & more South Loop Foodie — neighborhood restaurant gift cards, local treats & a pasta night at home Relax & Rejuvenate — a...

Attention Middle School Students: Beta Club Informational Meeting 10/14

Interested in joining Beta Club? Students in grades 4-8 can join Ms. Ovalle and Mr. Rocha for an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 14th from 3:30-4:00pm in room 310. Screenshot

All- City Visual Arts Exhibition & RE•VER•BER•ATE Applications Now Open for Students

All-City Visual Arts Exhibition Application opens October 1, 2026 and closes February 21, 2027. The All-City Visual Arts Exhibition accepts applications from students in grades PreK-12 and has opportunities for every medium, including 2D, 3D and time-based pieces. Our rubric for selections is designed to support greater equity in access to exhibition opportunities. Visit cps.edu/acva to learn more. RE•VER•BER•ATE ...

Attention Returning Families: Family Income Form Due

Dear  RETURNING Parents, It is important we have a 100 percent completion rate for the Family Income Form. This form is now past due. Please complete the form and return back to the school before Friday, October 16, 2026 The FIIF – Family Income Information Form (FIIF) | Spanishis critical in determining the allocation of Supplemental Aid (SA) and Title I funds for our school...

SLS Gear Pop Up Shop 10/8 (Primary) & 10/9 (Middle School)

10/8 from 3-5pm at the Primary Building 10/9 from 3:30-5:30 at the Middle School

White Sox Day- On All Postseason HOME Games!

Let’s show support for our South Side team during the Postseason! Students can wear White Sox gear and colors on any home game days coming up! If a home game in the next series comes up on a Friday, students must still pay the out of uniform fundraiser. Home games coming up: Wednesday 10/7 and...

Please Complete Back to School Forms

Back to School forms are past due. ALL RETURNING FAMILIES: Must Update your child’s  emergency form yearly  English   /  Spanish Complete a new  Family Income Information – Lunch Application   Family Income Information Form –  English/ Spanish

Attention 8th Grade Families: High School Admissions Test on October 7

8th Grade Families, Please read the letter from Principal Shelton and Ms. Brewer regarding the High School Admissions Test (PreACT 9) hs preactDownload

New SLES Spirit Wear Drop: Let’s Go South Loop!  + Fun Run Registration Open!

*Last Day to Order a Shirt is Wednesday October 7th! Let’s GO, South Loop!  Our newest SLES spirit wear has dropped just in time for the Lion Pride Halloween Fun Run! This year’s “Let’s Go South Loop” Tee brings game-inspired energy to Lion Pride and is perfect for the Fun Run, spirit days, and showing your SLES pride all...

Attention 5th-9th Graders: STEM Spark! Summit (Free Event)

The STEM Spark! Summit is an entirely FREE half-day hands-on STEM event for students in Grades 5–9:• Date & Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM• Location: John A. Walsh Elementary School (2015 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60608 — just down 16th St / Cermak from Plamondon)• Who: Open to...

Impact of Friends and Family of South Loop School (FFSLS) & School Fees

South Loop Families, As we continue to face the impact of budget constraints from CPS, we do our best to ensure that our students continue to receieve quality instruction, facilities, and programming. This is why your generosity and commitment make it possible for us to bridge these gaps. In 2007, the Friends and Family of...

Essential Online Safety Resources & Tips for Families

Dear Families, As our children spend more time navigating the digital world, keeping them safe, responsible, and confident online is a team effort. Below, you’ll find a list of helpful online safety resources to support your family. While setting up parental controls and privacy settings is a great first step, tools alone can’t replace connection....

Fun Run Save the Date

Trainers, get ready—South Loop GO!  Save the date for the 2026 Lion Pride Halloween Fun Run, our annual fall celebration and fundraiser benefiting South Loop Elementary School!  Sunday, October 25, 2026 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. SLES Primary Playground 1-mile costume run/walk for all ages — strollers welcome! This year’s theme is South Loop GO!, inspired by the world of Pokémon. Come dressed...

Attention 8th Grade Families – Daniel Murphy Scholarship

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) unlocks educational opportunities for talented Chicago-area students facing financial need. DMSF partners with Scholars, families and schools through high school and beyond by providing scholarships, academic programs and personal support so that each Scholar can reach their potential. High School Scholarship Opportunity Student application is due October 1, 2026...

Attention 4th-6th Grade: Common Threads Cooking Class

Attention 4th-6th Grade Parents: Common Threads Cooking For Life Before signing up, please make sure your child can attend all 10 sessions.  *Please note: Because Common Threads & Children’s Choir are offered to ony 4th-6th grade, we want as many students as possible to have a spot in either program. If you have already signed...

Attention 4th-6th Grade Students: United Voices Children’s Choir

*We still have 5 spots available* Please complete the google form by the end of today. Families enrolled will receive notification on Thursday, September 17th. Attention 4th-6th Grade Parents: Our United Voices  after-school program offers an opportunity for your child to showcase their singing talent. Singers will: Learn music from many genres, cultures and languages More deeply...

Executive Functioning Workshop Opportunity

Executive Function Skills for Students with ADHD Join Dr. Mary Rooney for a free webinar that provides practical strategies to help students with ADHD strengthen executive function skills, build independence, and navigate the school year with greater confidence. Learn how small changes in routines and support systems can lead to meaningful improvements in academic performance,...

Ventra Cards for Students Available at Middle School

Ventra Cards are here! You or your student(s) can purchase the Ventra card from Mrs. Brewer in the middle school building preferably between the 8:30am-9am time or the 3pm-3:30pm.  The Ventra card costs $5 (Cash Only) and will still need to be registered prior to use.

Attention 5th-8th Graders: Debate Team Begins 9/10

All 5th-8th graders are welcome to join Debate Team. Meetings are on Thursday mornings at 7:30am in Room 110.

Attention 7th & 8th Grade: Information for Meet the Counselor Presentation (Today at 5:30pm)

Below is an attachment for you to reference during and after Ms. Brewer’s presentation today. https://tinyurl.com/slesbrewer26

Attention Middle School Families: Reminder Regarding Dismissal

In order to ensure the safety of all children, please adhere to the following student dismissal reminders and policies Students not enrolled in after-care, school sponsored events or supervised by a parent or a guardian must leave the school premises by 3:45pm. Any repeated late pick- ups may be reported to DCFS. 4th graders must...

Meet Our Counselors & Clinicians

Meet our counselors and clinicians that are here to help support our students!! We love our Cunselors, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Pathologists. We are so fortunate to have such a great team working with our students across all three buildings. MEET THE TEAM

Meet Our Specials Teachers

Click the link below to see each Specials teacher newletter or syllabus. MEET THE TEAM

HBCU College & Career Fair ft. Teen Fest (9/11/2026)

The Chicago Football Classic presents an HBCU College and Career Fair featuring a Teen Fest. Reps from HBCUs across the country will be there to answer questions! Register at chicagofootballclassic.org

Attention 4th & 5th Grade Families: Rush Mini Medical School

The 2026-2027 Rush Mini Medical Program application is now open! Attention 4th & 5th Grade students and families interested in STEM.  This program takes place inside Rush University on select Saturday mornings and the program is free.  The application for this very popular program will remain open until we reach maximum capacity.  Application (please note, it will...

Middle School Curriculum Night Schedule

Hello Middle School Families! We look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening for our Curriculum Night. Please click on the link below to find your child’s homeroom schedule to follow for the evening. https://tinyurl.com/SLS-SY27-Open-House-Schedule Just a reminder all Middle School parents are invited to attend our Executive Functioning workshop from 5:30-6:15pm in the cafetreia.

Local School Council (LSC) Vacancy

South Loop School’s Local School Council members are seeking to fill a community member vacancy. Members serve two-year terms, with the exception of student representatives, who serve one-year terms. Interested candidates must complete several application forms. Submit completed forms and provide two proofs of residency to the main office located at 1212 S. Plymouth Court or 1601 S Dearborn LSC...

Notice: Emergency Medication and Student Safety

Please see the attached notice regarding emergency medications Copy of Stock Medication Template LetterDownload

Upcoming Events (Correction)

*Bears Day is on September 11th NOT September 4th. Sorry for the incorrect date on yesterday’s blasts. Upcoming Back to School Events 9/1   PreK Curriculum Night (3pm) 9/2   K-3 Parent Workshop (5pm) & Curriculum Night (5:30pm) at the Primary Building 9/3   Middle School Parent Workshop (5:30pm) & Curriculum Night (6:15pm) at the Middle School 9/8 ...

2026-2027 Promotion Policy (2nd, 5th & 8th Grades)

Here is the updated Promotion Policy for 2nd, 5th and 8th Grades _20260831_132512Download

Upcoming Back to School Events

As we wrap up the first week of school, remember to attend some of our upcoming back to school events! * If you are donating drinks for our back to school picnic, don’t forget to drop them off at the primary building tomorrow- 1212 South Plymouth Court Back to School Picnic PreK Back to School...

SLES Back to School Picnic 8/29 (11am-1pm) | Roosevelt Collection B2S Event 8/29 (1-4pm)

SLES Back to School PicnicAugust 29th – 11am to 1pm1212 S Plymouth (Primary building playground) *Community Partner: Visit the Roosevelt Collection after our picnic for a back to school bash! This event runs until 4pm. Every SLES family with students enrolled at any of the 3 SLES branches is welcome to attend.  All attending parties are...

AttentionGirls: Chicago Sky Basketball Academy

Chicago Sky Basketball Academy Program is a WNBA affiliated youth girls basketball program that host camps and clinics year round. This fall, they are offering programming available for girls in grades 1–6, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill level. Their goal is to provide young women an environment where they can continue building their basketball skills,...

Primary Building REMINDER: Follow the Drop Off/Kiss N Go Traffic Pattern & Protocol

For the SAFETY of our school personnel, parent volunteers, and STUDENTS, it is IMPERATIVE that we follow the traffic patterns and protocols that are in place. No one should stand or park on the EAST SIDE of Federal St during Drop Off times (7:30am-8:05am). This area is drop off only and we must keep up...

Top Ten Tips for Back to School Success

As you prepare for the first day, view our tips for a smooth transition back to school. There is a version for K-3 and one for middle school! Tips for BTS K3 Tips for BTS Middle School Tips for BTS (4 x 20 in) (800 x 4000 px) (8.5 x 11 in) (5)Download Tips for...

Attention 8th Grade (Class of 2027): HS Exam Test Prep Course: 10 Spots Remaining

High School Entrance Exam Prep at South Loop Elementary Begins on August 25th. There are 10 spots remaining. Register here. Course includes: Online diagnostic and final tests to measure ability and comprehension. Access to our online testing platform (TestPress) to complete weekly homework assignments and to reinforce key topics. Detailed practice tests and homework results...

Welcome Back to the 2026-2027 School Year Primary Families (Grades K-3)

Parents/ Guardians can check Parent Portal on Thursday, August 20th for teacher and homeroom assignment.  Staff will also be available on the playground / school grounds on the first day of school to tell students their homeroom assignments.  Arrival 7:45 AM for BreakfastBreakfast and Lunch Policy– We are a peanut, candy, gum, excessive sweets, red...

Welcome Back to the 2026-2027 School Year Middle School Familie (Grades 4-8)

Welcome Back to the 2026-2027 School Year Middle School  Families Please read the 2026-2027 important resources and information below. Parents/ Guardians, can check Parent Portal on Thursday, August 20th for teacher and homeroom assignment.  Staff will also be available on the playground / school grounds on the first day of school to tell students their...

Attention 8th Grade: Apply to Be a Murphy Scholar, Class of 2031

Applications are now being accepted  for current 8th graders who will be entering 9th grade in the 2026–2027 school year. The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF) offers high school scholarship assistance and ongoing educational support to Chicago students who demonstrate: Academic Promise Leadership Potential Financial Need Applications are open and can be found at www.dmsf.org/aspiring-scholars....

Math Circles of Chicago: MC2 Fall Citywide Festival  

MC2 Fall Citywide Festival Sept. 5th.   Date: Saturday, September 5th  Time: 1:00–2:30 PM  Place:  MetroSquash – 6100 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637 Athletic shoes are required for all participants. Students/Parents: Open to all K–8th grade students.  Please note: Students in grades K–5 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Registration:  Student Registration: link A QR...

Back to School Popup Shop (8/21) at the Middle School

South Loop Shop will be at the middle school this Friday 7/31 from 1-3pm. Get some back to school gear! 10% off on orders of $10 or more.

Transfer Request Form for 2026-2027 school year

Every student who leaves South Loop School must be given a transfer. If your child will be attending a school other than South Loop for the 2026-2027 school year, please complete a request for a transfer form. *Please note that graduating 8th graders do not need a transfer request. This is only for PK-7 students. To assist...

Attention Incoming 4th-8th Grade: Fine Arts Elective Request Form

Form: https://tinyurl.com/SY27-MS-Fine-Arts-Elective Each year, 4th-8th grade middle school students can select which fine arts class they would like to attend for the school year.  Students need to select their top two choices for a fine arts elective. Parents, please read through the information carefully and have a discussion with your child prior to choosing their fine arts...

South Loop School Summer Programs: Register Now

We are excited to offer some summer programming at the Middle School this summer! Programming will run from June 29th-July 16th (Monday-Thursday)- days and times will vary by program. Programs are open to CURRENTLY enrolled students and are listed for the incoming grade level for the 2026-27 school year. To sign up for a program,...