Chicago Public Schools Students Return to Class as Mayor Johnson Highlights Family Involvement
Students across Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are returning to classrooms as the nation's fourth-largest school district commences a new academic year. On the final day of summer break, various community events were held to support students and families in preparing for the school year. These initiatives included free back-to-school haircuts provided by Hair Experts Barber College and other local establishments, along with the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies. The anti-violence group Acclivus, Inc. organized these events to ensure children from marginalized communities felt prepared and confident. Additionally, the Firehouse Community Arts Center hosted its annual Block Party for Peace in North Lawndale, fostering community engagement. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a CPS parent himself, emphasized his personal involvement by stating he would be dropping off his 7th and 9th graders on the first day, and noted his eldest child is a freshman at Eastern Illinois University. 
