Here's What's Growing Now!

Plans for Stockton Garden in Progress

Friends of the 46th Ward Schools is very excited to be working with Heart Chicago and Stockton Elementary in the 46th Ward to create a plant and vegetable garden on the Stockton Elementary grounds! We are in the planning stages now, but the project was recently approved by the Chicago Board of Education and we can't wait to move forward! You can see the design drawings and cost estimates for the garden via the Heart Chicago project page. There will be various ways you can help this project materialize, including donating to Friends of the 46th Ward or Heart Chicago and volunteering your time or expertise. Please let us know if you are interested in contributing to this project. We will keep you updated as we move along!
Upcoming Public Meetings Regarding School Closures/Mergers Affecting 46th Ward Schools

COURTENAY / STOCKTON: 
Community Meeting 1
Monday, April 8
7:30pm-9:30pm
Amundsen High School
5110 North Damen


Community Meeting 2
Thursday, April 11
7:30pm-9:30pm
Amundsen High School
5110 North Damen


Public Hearing
Tuesday, April 16
8:00pm-10:00pm
CPS Central Office
125 South Clark

STEWART / BRENNEMANN: 
Community Meeting 1
Monday, April 8
5:00pm-7:00pm
Amundsen High School
5110 North Damen


Community Meeting 2
Thursday, April 11
5:00pm-7:00pm
Amundsen High School
5110 North Damen


Public Hearing
Tuesday, April 16
5:30pm-7:30pm
CPS Central Office
125 South Clark


TRUMBULL / McCUTCHEON: 
Community Meeting 1
Tuesday, April 9
5:00pm-7:00pm
Amundsen High School
5110 North Damen


Community Meeting 2
Friday, April 12
5:00pm-7:00pm
Amundsen High School
5110 North Damen


Public Hearing
Friday, April 26
5:30pm-7:30pm
CPS Central Office
125 South Clark

We strongly encourage community members to attend these meetings.

Friends of the 46th Ward Schools Receives Official Non-Profit Status!

After a lot of hard work and weeks of waiting, Friends of the 46th Ward Schools is proud to announce that it has been granted a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption by the IRS, which allows us to operate on a tax-exempt basis.  It also allows us to offer donors a tax exemption for their donations.  We will post information on how to donate soon! 

Big Changes to CPS PFA Program

Starting April 3rd all applicants to the Preschool for All program are required to resubmit their application.  The exception is for children already enrolled in a program for the 2012-2013 school year that will be attending the same program in the 2013-2014 school year.  

UPDATE: CPS has released the list of approved programs for the 2013-2014.  In the 46th Ward the following programs have been approved.  Brennemann, Courtenay (formerly Stockton), Disney, Greeley, and McCutcheon.  The full list can be accessed here.

Applicants for the PFA program will be required to apply IN PERSON from April 3 to May 3.  The nearest site to the 46th Ward where you can apply is at McPherson Elementary, 4728 N. Wolcott Ave., Monday through Friday from the hours of 8:00am until 3:00pm. 

More information can be found in the Family Application Booklet http://cps.edu/Schools/EarlyChildhood/Documents/FamilyApplicationBooklet.pdf and at the following link:
http://cps.edu/schools/earlychildhood/Pages/EarlyChildhood.aspx

Our Mission

Friends of the 46th Ward Schools seeks to enhance quality public education opportunities for students in the 46th Ward by facilitating community participation in public education, improving communication between schools, parents, and community members, and by seeking resources to support the education of our community’s children.

Our Vision

Friends of the 46th Ward Schools was formed in 2011 by a group of parents and community members who are passionate about uniting the 46th Ward community with its schools and working together to boost the resources available to the schools.  The group is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and plans to raise and distribute funds for the schools in the 46th Ward. 

Support Us, Support Our Schools

Since we are just getting started, Friends of the 46th Ward Schools is currently seeking the help of volunteers to assist in the execution of its goals.  Volunteer members would include interested parents, dedicated teachers and school staff, and involved community members, particularly those with professional expertise in various areas (fundraising, event planning, community organizing, marketing, etc.).  If you are interested in volunteering your time or expertise to Friends of the 46th Ward Schools, or want to join our e-mail list, please send an e-mail to Friends46thWardSchools@gmail.com.

Friends of the 46th Ward Schools also aims to provide members of the community with opportunities to support the schools in the 46th Ward.  Opportunities of all types will be posted here.  School programs and events will be posted on the group's calendar.

Thank you for helping us carry out our mission!