$100,000 Donation Match!
Below is an excerpt from the letter we received from an incredibly generous Uptown resident.
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I was introduced to Friends of McCutcheon last year—a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the teachers, students, and families of McCutcheon Elementary, an extraordinary CPS STEAM school right here in our community.
McCutcheon serves approximately 330 students speaking over 35 languages, participating in more than 30 after-school programs, and benefiting from one-on-one technology access. As a CPS designated Exemplary STEAM School, McCutcheon provides rigorous instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, preparing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and engaged citizens.
But this vital work is under threat.
Due to a $1.5 million budget cut from CPS, the school faces devastating reductions in staff, programs, and support services. Many of McCutcheon's students are first-generation citizens, some are unhoused, or living with disabilities, and they depend on the school for more than just an education. They deserve every opportunity to succeed, not fewer.
That's why Friends of McCutcheon has launched a campaign to help close the gap for the 2025–2026 school year. Your investment would not just support a school—it would fuel equity, access, and possibility for every child who walks through McCutcheon's doors.
Whether through a gift of stock, check, or other donation, you have the power to make a
transformative impact.
Let's stand with a school that stands for every student.
Let's build the future—together.
Donate to Friends of McCutcheon today. I am matching your donation up to $100,000.
To learn more, reach out to [email protected].
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WOW. DONATE TODAY. DOUBLE THE IMPACT.
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I was introduced to Friends of McCutcheon last year—a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the teachers, students, and families of McCutcheon Elementary, an extraordinary CPS STEAM school right here in our community.
McCutcheon serves approximately 330 students speaking over 35 languages, participating in more than 30 after-school programs, and benefiting from one-on-one technology access. As a CPS designated Exemplary STEAM School, McCutcheon provides rigorous instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, preparing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and engaged citizens.
But this vital work is under threat.
Due to a $1.5 million budget cut from CPS, the school faces devastating reductions in staff, programs, and support services. Many of McCutcheon's students are first-generation citizens, some are unhoused, or living with disabilities, and they depend on the school for more than just an education. They deserve every opportunity to succeed, not fewer.
That's why Friends of McCutcheon has launched a campaign to help close the gap for the 2025–2026 school year. Your investment would not just support a school—it would fuel equity, access, and possibility for every child who walks through McCutcheon's doors.
Whether through a gift of stock, check, or other donation, you have the power to make a
transformative impact.
Let's stand with a school that stands for every student.
Let's build the future—together.
Donate to Friends of McCutcheon today. I am matching your donation up to $100,000.
To learn more, reach out to [email protected].
-----------
WOW. DONATE TODAY. DOUBLE THE IMPACT.
JENI'S ICE CREAM FUNDRAISER
It's official. All of our Friends love ice cream! Together we raised almost $500 by working hard eating ice cream.
Let's do this again soon!
Let's do this again soon!
UPTOWN LOUNGE HAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER
Thank you to the Friends of McCutcheon Board for hosting a great event at Uptown Lounge. A special thanks goes out to the Uptown Lounge and Uptown Deli for supporting our school with delicious drinks and tasty sandwiches!
CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER
Thank you to everyone who joined us on February 5 from 5-9 PM at 5224 N Broadway for our Chipotle Fundraiser. We raised over $150 just by eating burritos.
POPCORN FUNDRAISER
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From December 4 to December 8, we held a fundraiser through Double Good Popcorn and y'all showed up! Collectively we raised just shy of $3,000 for the teachers, staff, and students at McCutcheon Elementary. Well done everyone. Pat yourself on the back and enjoy your popcorn.
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GIFT WRAPPING FUNDRAISER
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We had an incredible time with the Uptown community at the Uptown Holiday Market on December 6th at the future home of the Chicago Market! Our board, the principal and assistant principal partnered with 20+ local vendors wrapping gifts, sharing stories, and laughing together. What a wonderful night. Uptown is the best town.
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Branch Fence Repair + New BannerAs we wait for paperwork for our playground project to make it through all of the necessary channels, the work never stops! During the first week of school, we were able to provide the fence at the branch building some long overdue maintenance and new 100’ long banner.
Additional shoutouts to the administration, board members, and neighborhood supporters for adding some much needed mulch under the trees. 
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New Math Curriculum
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If you have been following us for more than a few days, you know we are working to building a playground. We are here to tell you that your generosity supports so much more! First of all, pat yourself on the back. This community is rallying around this school in ways we couldn’t have dreamt of. So, why a picture of boxes? Your financial support has allowed us to purchase new math curriculum to better support all students at McCutcheon from Kindergarten through 8th grade. New books, professional development, online materials and multi-lingual support will advance the school’s efforts to see all students succeed. Well done, our Friends of McCutcheon.
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New LockersYou may remember that last year, our big fundraiser for the year (50 Lockers in 50 days ) provided lockers for our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at the Branch Building. In partnership with McCutcheon Elementary, a team of volunteers helped repaint the second floor in preparation for new lockers on the second floor of the main building. This installation provides needed storage and support for building executive functioning skills, as well as removing clutter and increasing open space in the classrooms. A big shout out to the volunteers, teachers, and staff that made this dream a reality.
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Welcome Back Breakfast
It was an absolute blast and honor to host breakfast for the teachers and staff as they prepare for the school year. Thank you to pHhlour, defloured, and Ridman's for sharing your passion with the community. Here's a snippet of the tasty treats. What else needs to be said.
McCutcheon Elementary School
Branch Building PLAYGROUND PROJECT
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Welcome! We are so excited you are here! And my oh my, do we have some exciting news.
After months of conversations with the McCutcheon administration and staff, the Ainslie Winmore block club, McCutcheon families, architects, and local and state government officials, we're thrilled to share the renderings for a new playground at the McCutcheon Branch Building. GO HERE or CLICK PLAYGROUND ABOVE TO LEARN MORE. McCutcheon Elementary School is home to one of Chicago's most diverse student bodies. Staff and teachers serve students of all levels and abilities, preparing them to be successful members of society. When visitors come to classrooms, they are struck by the level of warmth, care, and community. Students are fully engaged in their learning. Academic excellence is the expectation for all. McCutcheon Elementary School strives to be the hub of the community and a place where all are welcome. Unfortunately the facilities, especially outdoor space, don't represent and support the wonderfully unique population. McCutcheon Elementary School is only one of four Chicago Public Schools WITHOUT a gym and the middle school's only play area is a busted rectangle of pavement behind a chainlink fence. We desire to revitalize this space to support the diverse population of kids in transitional housing situations, diverse learners with unique needs, and the STEAM program that was launched in this school. The students, especially those with special needs, do not have a safe place to play. We intend to fix this. |
The picture above is the current play area.
Click on Playground in the menu or here to learn how together we can support this school. |
About McCutcheon Elementary
McCutcheon Elementary School in Uptown Chicago is a place that students call home, where students grow not only as scholars but as individuals. The staff prepare students to be successful members of society as a diverse community comprised of 15.5% Asian, 44.0% Black, 26.9% Hispanic, 9.1% White, and 4.5% Other and unique needs including 90.9% low income, 36.9% diverse learners, 48.5% limited English, and 9.7% mobility rate.
Despite the challenges faced by our community, students come ready to learn. When visitors come to classrooms, they are struck by the level of warmth, care and community. This allows each student to be fully engaged in their learning as academic excellence is the expectation for all. McCutcheon Elementary School strives to be the hub of the community and a place where all are welcome.
Despite the challenges faced by our community, students come ready to learn. When visitors come to classrooms, they are struck by the level of warmth, care and community. This allows each student to be fully engaged in their learning as academic excellence is the expectation for all. McCutcheon Elementary School strives to be the hub of the community and a place where all are welcome.
Consider Supporting Today
To start your support today, click the Support Today button below or in the menu to find all of the easy ways you can support McCutcheon Elementary through your generosity.
