CPS Pre-schools

Free CPS Pre-School for 4-Year-Olds

2022 Shred & Recycling Event

Forestry Update

Dear Neighbors,

Free CPS Pre-School for 4-Year-Olds Starts in 2022-23 School Year

Pre-School at 1840 N Clark Moves Forward

Registration for CPS pre-school is now open!

Our neighborhood will be included in the roll-out of free pre-school for four-year-olds for the academic year 2022-23. This will include all schools in the 43rd Ward that have CPS-provided full-day pre-school programs, including Alcott, and Newberry. Oscar Mayer School is also included and will retain its Montessori-based preschool program. There will also be a new option for a full-day pre-school program located at 1840 N. Clark.

Here are the CPS preschool programs in our Ward:

Louisa May Alcott College Preparatory ES

2625 N Orchard

Alcott’s pre-school program operates out of the pre-school branch, newly opened in 2021, at 610 W Schubert, with a capacity of 80 students.
Learn more about Alcott here.

Newberry Science and Math Academy

700 W Willow

Newberry offers a full-day pre-school.
Learn more about Newberry here.

Oscar Mayer Magnet School

2250 N Clifton

Oscar Mayer embraces the Montessori method of teaching in grades PK-4. Students will be in multi-aged, “Early Childhood” Montessori classrooms which include both PreK-4 and Kindergarten-aged students.
Learn more about Oscar Mayer here.

New Pre-School Location at 1840 N Clark

This new location is expected to be opened in time for classes on August 22nd, featuring new classes and a playground.
The principal of this new school has yet to be announced.

CPS is inviting all prospective parents to a meeting to review their options for pre-school for the upcoming academic year. Please see the meeting information below.

CPS Meeting About Pre-School for 2022-23 Academic Year

Informational Community Meeting

April 4, 2022 5:00 p.m.

This meeting will be conducted on Zoom.

Community Update about 1840 N Clark Street location

Last spring, CPS presented plans for a new pre-k location at 1840 N Clark. We held a virtual public meeting on March 21 where CPS presented the school plans and traffic study.

The Zoning Board of Appeals gave its approval for a "special use" for the pre-school to be located at 1840 N Clark on May 21st, 2021. Constituents with concerns about the project attended the meeting and voiced their objections.

We have recently been informed that an arbitrator resolved issues between the local condominium board and CPS. The condominium association and CPS are now working together on the construction of the school, which is beginning soon.

The plans for the pre-school can be viewed here.

A traffic study for the site (using pre-COVID traffic data) concluded:

Analyses have been conducted for all study intersections to determine the impact of the planned development. The capacity analysis results indicate that the increase in projected site-generated traffic has little effect on the operations of the area roadway network.
The development will provide for 10 parking spaces for staff within the basement of the building, accessed via the shared driveway with the 1850 N. Clark residential building, located to the north of the site. This can readily accommodate the 28 staff serving the school.
Site improvements, including accessible walkways, should be provided to safely accommodate pedestrians to/from the proposed school and the existing sidewalk network.
The loading area for the proposed school will be located on the east side of Lincoln Avenue along the site frontage, between Lincoln Avenue and the alley connecting to Wisconsin Street. It should be signed as a school loading zone from 7:30 to 9:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM on school days. This area currently contains free parking and is approximately 200 feet in length, accommodating approximately 10 vehicles.

You can see the traffic study here.

43rd Ward Earth Day Shredding and Recycling Event

Sunday, April 24th, 2022

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

2430 N Cannon Drive

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

(In the Brick Paver Lot)

We will be hosting a 43rd Ward Shredding and Recycling Event at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum during Earth Month. Our partners include Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Commissioner Bridget Degnen, Sheriff Tom Dart, MWRD Commissioner Chakena Perry, State Rep Margaret Croke, and Commissioner Bridget Gainer. Thank you for your cooperation in this effort.

This event will feature:

Paper Shredding
Electronic Recycling
Tree Sapling Giveaway
Prescription Drug Takeback

There is a limit of two bankers boxes of paper per person. Thank you to R4 services for providing both the shredding and electronic recycling!

Let's do our part to cut down on landfill waste!

Forestry Update

Since we first reported on the enhanced forestry efforts this year, we received 48 tree planting requests from constituents which brings us to a total of 268 tree planting requests.

Forestry is in the process of inspecting sites and if they are suitable for trees. Tree planting should begin to take place in the coming months and be completed by the end of the fall season.

Any additional tree planting requests should go to Maggie our Director of Constituent Services, at maggies@ward43.org.

Work for the City of Chicago

The City has ramped up hiring to fill vacant positions in a variety of departments.

This week, new positions include an "Contracts Administrator" for Department of Water Management." This position manages and oversees, reviews, and directs contracts the administration of procurement and contract management functions for Department of Water Management.

The City is also hiring a "Filtration Engineer" out of the Department of Water Management. This position will be responsible for engaging in water purification processes and pumping rates and chemical dosages used to maintain water standards.

On top of providing a huge variety of career paths, The City offers competitive benefits in pay, a comprehensive insurance plan, and a pension plan that encourages long-term employment.

Take a look at the City job board here.

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Job Opening

Director of Business Services

Send cover letter and resume here.

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new Director of Business Service who under the direction of the President will oversee all membership attraction, engagement, retention, and sales activities for Lincoln Park businesses. For the full job listing, click here.

The LPCC is a non-profit organization that supports and celebrates the Lincoln Park

neighborhood, helping to make it a thriving destination to live, work and play. Since 1947, the LPCC has assisted businesses with gaining exposure, finding new customers, creating new partnerships, and staying knowledgeable about issues and challenges affecting their business.

By offering resources, referrals, and community events, the LPCC is a useful tool and guide for the entire Lincoln Park community.

Chicago Park District

Spring Program Registration Opens!

Online Registration: Now Open

In-Person Registration: March 19th

The Park District's spring session is around the corner and registration starts next week. You can now view their spring offerings on their website, which include a variety of in-person and virtual classes for all ages. Classes will start the week of April 4 and run until the week of June 12. For more information on the spring programs, click here.

Public Safety Events

In-Person Chicago Community Safety Town Hall

City Center/Near North

Saturday, April 2nd, 2022

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Harold Washington Library - Winter Garden

North Side Community Safety Town Hall

Tuesday, April 5th, 2022

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Harry S Truman College Gymnasium

Youth Safety Town Hall

Saturday, April 2nd, 2022

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Harold Washington Library- Winter Garden

For all three relevant Town Halls, please register here.

The Chicago Police Department and Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently announced that their virtual public safety town halls would be rescheduled in favor of in-person meetings. The two closest locations, dates, and times, are listed above.

This will be an opportunity to hear from the two leaders at the front of the efforts continuing to keep our City safe.

Offender Arrested and Charged with 10 Felony Counts of Burglary

The offender was arrested by members of the Chicago Police Department, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force on March 20, 2022, in the 100 block of S. Oak Ave. in Hillside, Illinois. He was identified as one of the offenders who forced entry into multiple businesses across the city and took over $180,000 worth of merchandise and currency from within. The incidents occurred at the following locations:

6100 block of W. Diversey (25th District) – Nov. 26, 2021
1500 block of N. Cicero (25th District) – Nov.26, 2021
2000 block of W. Division (14th District) – Nov. 26, 2021
600 block of N. Michigan Ave. (18th District) – Jan. 4 & 6, 2022
2900 block of N. Broadway (19th District) – Jan. 6, 2022
400 block of W. Belmont (19th District) – Jan. 6, 2022
1100 block of W. 18th St. (12th District) – Jan. 14, 2022
3600 block of W. 26th St. (10th District) – Jan. 17, 2022
5800 block of W. North Ave. (25th District) – Feb. 3, 2022

The offender was placed into custody and charged accordingly. We will continue to update you on this in the future. Any questions can be directed at the 019 District CAPS office at 312-744-8320 or CAPS.019district@chicagopolice.org.

Write to Our Public Officials

Pick Up Some Postcards!

We are having an impact! All of our neighborhood organizations are joining together with our office to mount a postcard writing campaign to seek accountability. You can pick up postcards now at:

43rd Ward Office, 2523 N Halsted
Old Town Triangle Association Office, 1763 N. North Park
Wintrust Bank, North and Clark

Postcards are pre-addressed. Please write about your personal experience with crime and why the city needs the support of our State's Attorney and judicial system with appropriate prosecutions, sentences, and bail. Click here for sample postcard language, and more information about the campaign.

Community Events

2022 Chicago Restaurant Week

Friday, March 25th, 2022 - Sunday, April 10th, 2022

Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene. The 15th annual event brings together hundreds of the area’s top restaurants, representing a near-endless array of cuisines. During Chicago Restaurant Week, diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus from restaurants throughout Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast.

These multi-course meals are $25 for brunch or lunch, and $39 and/or $55 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery fees).This year, diners will continue to have the flexibility to experience Chicago Restaurant Week through dine-in or takeout/delivery options.

Please click here for a list of participating restaurants.

Green City Market Returns for the Season

Saturday, April 2nd, 2022

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

1817 N Clark St.

Green City Market is opening early this year! In 2022, Green City Market Lincoln Park will operate every Saturday in April from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then every Wednesday and Saturday, May through October from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GCM’s 2022 extended outdoor season will feature 58 local farmers and food producers, including long-time favorites like Nichols Farm & Orchard and Mick Klug Farm as well as seven new vendors. New farms include Flatwater Farms, a USDA Certified Organic produce farm located in Buchanan, Michigan and Kankakee Valley Homestead, a Certified Naturally Grown produce farm located in Walkerton, Indiana.

For more information, please click here.

Registration for Old Town School of Folk Music Kids Classes

In-Person and Online

Classes begin the Week of April 25th

Old Town School of Folk Music has opened registration for their spring kids' classes. Get ready for the next session of Wiggleworms, music, and dance and movement classes for kids. There are classes for everyone, no matter your child’s skill level. Some classes will continue to meet online, and most classes are in-person in Lincoln Park & Lincoln Square.

We encourage you to register here.

Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Event

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

3134 N Clark St

Advocate Illinois Masonic Group is hosting a free colorectal cancer screening event on Wednesday, March 30th, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by and get your free test, chocolate and churros, and take a tour of their inflatable colon.

This is valued at 50 dollars but free to all. There will also be free parking on site.

Reform for Illinois' Conversation with Assessor Fritz Kaegi

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022

6 p.m.

Join Reform for Illinois' Alisa Kaplan for a conversation with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi about the challenges and controversies facing his office, including the fallout from the tenure of his predecessor, Joe Berrios; the difficulties of assessing properties during COVID; criticisms of how the office has balanced commercial and residential assessments; and the role the assessor can play in creating a more equitable Cook County.

Carnival Grocery Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 17th, 2022

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

458 W Dickens Ave

Carnival Grocery will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17th, 2022 at 10 a.m. This event will be hosted at 458 W Dickens in front of their store.

There will cookie decorating, coloring, snacks, and hot chocolate. The hunt will officially begin at 11:30 a.m. but show up early for a host of activities for kids.

They look forward to seeing you there.

Friends of the Parks and Chicago Park District's

Earth Day Parks and Preserves Cleanup

Saturday, April 23rd, 2022

Check times and locations here.

Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean and beautify a Chicago Park!

The Chicago Park District is partnering with Friends of the Parks to host a few Earth Day clean-up events in parks throughout the city this year. See details on these events below. Thank you for making a difference in our city and our world. Happy Earth Day!

Sign up for a socially distant clean-up at one of the parks listed below. All work will take place within strict COVID-19 guidelines, which include mask-wearing, maintaining social distance, washing or sanitizing hands frequently, and a 100-person limit. For this reason, some sites are scheduling volunteers in shifts. Please note that mulching will not be a part of this year’s options, and there will NOT be a culminating fair at Humboldt Park as has been done in the past.