Chicago Teachers Union Hosts Third Annual Back-to-School Summer Jam to Serve Hundreds of Families (Chicago, IL) – The Chicago Teachers Union will hold its third annual Back to School Summer Jam on Saturday, Aug. 16, offering free school supplies, health screenings, haircuts, live entertainment, and food to students and families preparing for the new academic year.
The free community event, open to the public, aims to provide a joyful and supportive send-off for Chicago Public Schools students.
“Our obligation to our young people goes beyond the classroom and it starts in the community,” CTU President Stacy Davis Gates said. “Our new contract paves the way for this to be the best CPS school year yet — with expanded Sustainable Community Schools, re-opened libraries, and smaller class sizes. This annual back-to-school event is our way of saying to our community that we see you, support you, and we’re rooting for your success.”
The celebration will feature backpacks, dental hygiene kits, and a giveaway of 5,000 culturally relevant books. Saint Anthony Hospital will provide on-site medical services, including physicals and vaccinations. The event will also include youth activity zones, gaming, basketball, bounce houses, art projects, and performances by CPS students and community artists.
Local barbers will offer free haircuts, and food, music, raffles, and other entertainment will be available throughout the day.
The Summer Jam is organized in partnership with elected officials, local organizations, and businesses: Brandon Johnson For Chicago, State Senator Graciela Guzman, State Rep. Lilian Jimenez, Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, Alderwoman Julia Ramirez, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, Alderman Will Hall, Alderman Walter Burnett, Saint Anthony Hospital, AFT Reading Opens the World, Bally’s Chicago, United Schools Associates, Chicago Federation of Labor, Chicago Fire FC, Aaron Brothers Moving and Storage, Chicago Defender Charities, Christmas In the Wards, First Book, Hop 22 Barbers and Black Fire Brigade.
Chicago Teachers Union Hosts Third Annual Back-to-School Summer Jam to Serve Hundreds of Families
