October 2021

Join us for a brief presentation about Science & Arts, followed by Q&A. Led by Head of School Tim Costello.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join us for a BISC Lincoln Park Virtual Open House. Enjoy presentations from our Principal, admissions team, teachers and current parents, ask questions, and explore all that we have to offer your child. Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join us for presentations from Sacred Heart's Head of Schools and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, followed by a Q&A session with current parents.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you!
 
Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms.
 
Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 12:15 - 1:45 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting.
 
NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.
 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network:
 
The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.

Join Rogers Park's principal, Ben Blair, as he provides an overview of the Montessori philosophy, followed by Q&A.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Spend time with the Near North community to explore the Montessori philosophy, culture, and programs. Director of Enrollment Management, Vaneesha Pause and Primary Director, Reena Morgan will be available to answer questions about NNM.
Be sure to reserve a space at one of our Coffee Information Sessions and hear from our parents and students. Attendance at a tour is a required step in the admission process. At this time, Coffees will be in-person and all attendees must be fully vaccinated; proof of COVID19 vaccination will be required upon arrival. At this time, we intend to hold Admissions related meetings in-person, including Prospective Family Meetings (scheduled December - February). Be sure to select a Coffee Information Session date before the respective application deadline for your child.
 
Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Lycée Français de Chicago's Director of Admissions, Cecilia Porter and Primary School Director, Pascal Leon, will give a presentation, followed by a Q&A session.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.
 

We will bring prospective families on a virtual tour of Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, followed by a Q&A session.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Greenfields Academy's founder, Rob Huge, will be leading a discussion about how Greenfields has reinvented education.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.
 

This will be a presentation and Q&A with Kimberly Shlaes, Director of PlayWorks Therapeutic Preschool Programing.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are you a new mom with a baby 0-12 months old (or about that age)? If so, this is the group for you! NPN program manager, Tareema, is coordinating these video chats for moms to connect and talk about sleep, feeding, all of the unique challenges and joys you face as new moms. 
 
NPN New Moms Groups meet every Wednesday from 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM via Zoom.  We encourage you to attend every week!
 
These chats are for NPN members only. Please login to RSVP for free.  You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after registering. Not a member of NPN? Join now and enjoy everything NPN has to offer!

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you!
 
Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms.
 
Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 - 9:00 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting.
 
NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.
 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network:
 
The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.
 

Join STA's Director of Advancement for information about the school, curriculum, and programs.  Participates will also watch a video with student and parent testimonials as well as have time at the end for questions.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join us for an introduction, virtual tour, and Q&A with Pilgrim's, Mr. Comella, Principal.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session. 

Participants will hear from City Day's head of school and director of admissions.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

What is a magnet school? What is your tier and why does it matter? Is there really an option for free, all-day preschool? Come to NPN to get all of these questions answered and more!
 
In this CPS 101 Questions & Answers session, Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS will give a short presentation that walks you through the recent updates to the preschool and elementary school application and admissions process. The rest of the time will be dedicated to answering your questions. Come with a list! We will get through as many of your questions as possible.
 
We highly recommend you watch this CPS 101 video recording before attending the live Questions & Answers session. 
 - Watching this video beforehand will allow us time to answer your more complex questions in the live event.
 - You may also want to watch CPS Preschools Decoded and CPS 101: Understanding Tiers in preparation for the live Q&A. 
 - NOTE: These recorded videos are for NPN members only. To access the videos,  join NPN now for $25 using promo code school21 (new members only) and enjoy all of the benefits NPN offers.
 
This event is FREE and exclusive to NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair registrants.
 - To attend this event, register for the fair here.
 
Questions? Email Amy Johnson: amy@npnparents.org.
 
Thank you to our media partner: Crain's Chicago Business.
 

Presentation with Emily Breidenbach, Director of Enrollment, and Q&A. Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join SIEF for a presentation, followed by Q&A with Anna Maria Fantuzzi, a Co-Founder of the School and Board Member.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join BDS for a virtual chat and Q&A with their admissions team.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.
 

Ancona's Virtual Admissions Information Session and Q&A with- Melanie Ahmad- Director of Enrollment and Tuition Assistance.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Sinai Preschool's video call will be a presentation and Q&A session presented by Fern Katz, Director; a preschool teacher and a preschool parent.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Education - Enthusiasm - Love. What makes Urban Prairie Waldorf School a place where children love to learn. Join us for a conversation to learn more.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Just Bubbles Academy for a short talk with Sam Maxwell, Director, followed by Q & A.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Are you a new mom with a baby 0-12 months old (or about that age)? If so, this is the group for you! NPN program manager, Tareema, is coordinating these video chats for moms to connect and talk about sleep, feeding, all of the unique challenges and joys you face as new moms. 
 
NPN New Moms Groups meet every Wednesday from 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM via Zoom.  We encourage you to attend every week!
 
These chats are for NPN members only. Please login to RSVP for free.  You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after registering. Not a member of NPN? Join now and enjoy everything NPN has to offer!

Join us for presentations from Sacred Heart's Head of Schools and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, followed by a Q&A session with current parents.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join us for a presentation followed by Q&A; led by Julie Brodsky, Assistant Vice President, JUF Young Families & Jenna Turner, Director of Early Childhood Learning.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join us and learn more about Eyas Landing, and our Neuropsychological Evaluations.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join our upcoming Virtual Info Session with members of the Admission Team, a current FXW Teacher and current Parent.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join us for U of C Lab School's  admissions presentation followed by Q&A.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join the German International's, Head of School Ben Hebebrand, and his team for an overview of the preschool, and Kindergarten through 8th grade programs. Learn about the school's dual language approach, its International Baccalaureate program, and the benefits of bilingualism. Followed by a Q&A session.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Join St. Benedict's Virtual Presentation and Q&A with Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School, and Ms. Rachel Waldron, Head of Lower School.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

What is the difference between a classical and gifted school? What does the testing process involve? What can my child do to prepare? How do admissions work? How do I know if these programs are right for my child?
 
Going beyond the basic information given at our popular CPS 101 seminars, CPS 201 covers CPS Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES). This CPS 201 Questions & Answers session, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS, will include:
 
 - Updates on the selective enrollment elementary school application process
 - New information about selection criteria and admissions process
 - Dedicated time to answer your questions. Come with a list! We will get through as many of your questions as possible.


We highly recommend that you watch this CPS 201 video recording before attending the live Questions & Answers session. 
 
- Watching this video before hand will allow us time to answer your more complex questions in the live event.
 
- You may also want to watch CPS 101: Understanding Tiers in preparation for the live Q&A. 
 
- NOTE: These recorded videos are for NPN members only. To access the videos, join NPN now for $25 using promo code school21 (new members only) and enjoy all of the benefits that NPN offers.

Please note: This event covers elementary school programs beginning at kindergarten and first grade in great depth. We will also touch on Academic Centers (7th and 8th grades). CPS preschool, magnet, and neighborhood/open enrollment options will NOT be covered in this discussion. If you are just beginning your research on Chicago Public Schools, we recommend viewing the CPS 101 webinars available in our NPN Video Library.  
 
This event is FREE and exclusive to NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair registrants.
 - To attend this event, register for the fair here.
 
Questions? Email Amy Johnson: amy@npnparents.org.
 
Thank you to our media partner: Crain's Chicago Business.

Learn about the Smart Love approach to early childhood education and how it sets a positive outlook on school for years to come!   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! Parents can chat with reps from Chicago preschools and private elementary schools and attend breakout sessions about Chicago public schools. This year our school fair is virtual and runs from Saturday, September 25th through Saturday, October 16th.  See the list of participating schools here.
 
This year's fair consists of smart, organized, and one-of-a-kind resources and virtual events. FREE for NPN members! (Members, login to register).
 
Register now to access:
 
1. Updated and new information in our School and Daycare Directory
      - File downloads
      - Videos
      - Photos
      - And more 

2. An open house calendar
      - No need to search all over for dates, we pull them together for you in one simple document
      - Updated weekly as schools confirm/add dates
      - Register now to receive the link to the calendar

3. Live, virtual coffee talks with schools
      - Meet private school representatives 
      - Watch a short, live presentation by the school
      - Ask questions
      - Register now for the schedule and links
 
4. Breakout sessions that explain everything you need to know about Chicago Public Schools
     10/8/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 101: Questions & Answers (FREE with school fair registration, receive the Zoom link in your school fair confirmation email)
     10/15/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 201: Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools Questions & Answers (FREE with school fair registration, receive the Zoom link in your school fair confirmation email)
     10/22/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 301: Selective Enrollment High Schools & Choice Programs (FREE for NPN members, REGISTRATION REQUIRED,  register here)

Registration required
> FREE for NPN members
> $35 non-members, comes with NPN membership to be activated November 1, for new members only. Does not apply to membership reactivations.
>> Or join NPN now for $25 using promo code school21 and access the school fair, and everything NPN has to offer, for free! <<
 
Questions? Email Executive Director Amy Johnson at director@npnparents.org.
 
NPN is a 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on the support of our members, partners, supporters, and sponsors to bring exceptional programming like this to parents. We would like to thank our Preschool & Elementary School sponsors for their support:
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 


  Thank you to our media partner: Crain's Chicago Business Schools: Exhibitor registration is open. Click here to register.
 

40+ Moms, take break from your little ones and enjoy some time out at Horner Park. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in some fresh air while sharing stories, memories or even a few lessons learned with other understanding moms.
 
This is a moms ONLY event. Masks are required and social distancing respected. Meeting place with be near southwest side of Horner Park (look for colorful soccer cones). Day of contact info will be provided after registration.
 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network:
 
The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.

Walk For Wishes is a nationwide Make-A-Wish® fundraiser that celebrates the more than 330,000 wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. It's a free family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, donors and friends. By participating in your local walk at one of the Illinois locations, you can help bring the life-changing impact of a wish to children in your community who are battling critical illnesses.
 
This is a free event,  with fundraising within community encouraged.
 
RSVP Required. Please go here to register. 
 
This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: walk@illinois.wish.org

In this live, virtual session, Saint Clement's Director of Admissions and a parent volunteer will make a short presentation, show a video, and leave time for Q&A.   Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.

Are you a new mom with a baby 0-12 months old (or about that age)? If so, this is the group for you! NPN program manager, Tareema, is coordinating these video chats for moms to connect and talk about sleep, feeding, all of the unique challenges and joys you face as new moms. 
 
NPN New Moms Groups meet every Wednesday from 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM via Zoom.  We encourage you to attend every week!
 
These chats are for NPN members only. Please login to RSVP for free.  You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after registering. Not a member of NPN? Join now and enjoy everything NPN has to offer!

Attention moms over 40 with children between newborn and 4 years old (or about that age) - this is the group for you!
 
Please join NPN volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms.
 
Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 8:00 - 9:30 PM. You will receive a Zoom upon RSVPing and the link again before the meeting.
 
NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.
 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network:
 
The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.

Maybe you have an infant and you are curious about public high schools in Chicago. Maybe you have an older elementary age child and the topic of high school is starting to come up in conversation. Or maybe your baby has morphed into a middle schooler and you suddenly need to figure this high school thing out! Wherever you are coming from, NPN is here to help.
 
In this CPS 301 session, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS, you will learn about:
 
 - Selective enrollment high schools
 - Choice programs 
 - How to apply to both
 - Selection criteria 
 - Managing acceptances, waitlists, and principal discretion

You may want to watch CPS 101: Understanding Tiers (available to NPN members only) in preparation for this live session. 
 
 
This event is FREE and exclusive to NPN members only. Join now!
 
Thank you to our media partner: Crain's Chicago Business.

 

New social club Guild Row (located in the Avondale neighborhood) will host a celebration for Dia de Los Muertos in collaboration with Latinx-owned Plant Stand Collective. Activities include sugar skull decorating for kids and adults, the unveiling of a handmade community Ofrenda and candlelit commemorative procession, and an on-site pig roast. The event will culminate in a communal feast with the aforementioned pig, as well as sausage, chicken, salsas, “sweet treats” from Churro Parlor, and cocktails! Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for attendees ages 12 and older.
 
Advanced registration is required. Please go here to register. 
 
Cost starts at $10/per person.
 
Free street on Belmont Avenue and on Rockwell Street between Belmont Avenue and Elston. Additional parking in the neighborhood on Fletcher Street.
 
This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: reservations@guildrow.co

Join the Immaculate Conception's Director of Admissions, Corey Jacobson, for a presentation, virtual tour of our campus buildings, and a Q&A.  Register here for NPN's Preschool & Elementary School Fair to receive the link for this virtual coffee session.
 

Are you a new mom with a baby 0-12 months old (or about that age)? If so, this is the group for you! NPN program manager, Tareema, hosts these video chats for moms to connect and talk about sleep, feeding, and all of the unique challenges and joys you face as new moms.
 
Our new moms group meets every Wednesday from 12:15 - 1:00pm. In this special meeting,  pediatrician Dr. Allison Foster from Child and Adolescent Health Associates will join us and answer all of your baby-related questions.  
 
This event is for NPN members only. Please login to RSVP for free.  You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after registering. Not a member of NPN? Join now and enjoy everything NPN has to offer!
 
FEATURED PEDIATRICIAN:                                  
Allison H. Foster, MD , Staff Physician
Dr. Foster joined CAHA in 2011.  She is a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (BS) and Northwestern University Medical School (MD).  She completed her pediatric residency at Children's Memorial Hospital.  She is board certified in Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In her spare time, Dr. Foster enjoys spending time with her husband and children and is an avid runner!

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners).
 
👉 This month's meeting will feature a special topic! Feel free to discuss this topic or just talk about what’s on your mind as usual.
 
October’s discussion topic is Developmental Differences and Extended Families: how having a child(ren) with special needs has affected our relationship with our (usually well-meaning😏) extended family members.
 
The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

West Loop Soccer Club invites children born 2015-2008 to join us for a Soccer Fright Fest on Sunday 10/31 at Skinner Park in the West Loop neighborhood. This is a beginner friendly event in which kids will take part in friendly scrimmages against their peers. Halloween Costumes are welcome!
 
Advanced registration required. Please email info@westloopsoccerclub.com to register. 
 
Cost is $20 / child. 
 
Free parking on both Adams and Monroe streets.
 
This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: info@westloopsoccerclub.com