Thanks to your unwavering support of Friends of McCutcheon (FOMC), 2025 brought meaningful progress toward creating an environment where every child can thrive. Below are a few things that you’ve made possible through your generosity and care for McCutcheon Elementary School
INCLUSIVE EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMMING
Due to budget cuts, before and after-school programming has been cut at schools around the city. However, due to your donations, McCutcheon hasn’t had to cut programming. Friends of McCutcheon has been able to fund programming for our students, regardless of ability or need. What an incredible way to care for our students and families through additional instruction, fun, and support.
ESL ENDORSEMENT GRANTS
By fulfilling classroom wishlists, providing professional development meals, and awarding 10 grants to teachers toward their ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements, FOMC has shown extraordinary care for our dedicated educators. This support doesn’t just uplift our staff—it directly enhances the experience of every student.
DONORS CHOOSE SUPPORT
Throughout the year, Friends of McCutcheon has stepped up to provide resources directly to classrooms and clinician spaces by completing many DonorsChoose requests submitted by McCutcheon teachers, clinicians, and staff.
ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE + MATH & MARINARA
Through the generosity of the community and local businesses, Friends of McCutcheon is working to partner with the school to address food insecurity. In November, we donated hundreds of pounds of food, reusable bags, and supplies for a delicious pasta dinner for almost 200 community members, all while celebrating our STEAM school’s Math department.
FIRST ANNUAL FALL FUNDRAISER
In October, we held our first fall fundraiser at Fat Cat. We raised over $ 2,500 while celebrating the school's accomplishments. We had a blast being a part of this joyous community-building occasion. We look forward to taking over the entire Fat Cat restaurant next year!
OFFICE & TEACHER’S LOUNGE FURNITURE
Over the summer, we purchased new office furniture and storage for the main office, the principal and assistant principal’s office, and the teachers’ lounge to create a cohesive, professional, and more functional environment. Additionally, with support from local architects at MDT, an auxiliary wall was created to provide privacy and additional meeting space for families.
TOY GIVEAWAY AT ARGYLE NIGHT MARKET
What better way to enjoy one of Uptown’s biggest events, Argyle Night Market, than to give away hundreds of toys to kids in the neighborhood! In an effort to build awareness for Friends of McCutcheon, we led with generosity back to the neighborhood. While we chatted with parents and caregivers, kids chose a new toy! Let’s just say, we were the Squishmallow capital of the market
FUNDING SUPPORT STAFF
Along with providing resources for inclusive extended school day programming, we’ve funded positions to provide additional support during recess and lunch. As the saying goes, it takes a village, and we want to partner with the school to create a holistic, inclusive learning environment. This is another way to cultivate this goal outside the classroom.
PRE-K to 4TH GRADE SOCCER PROGRAMMING
We’re grateful for your support, which allows us to continue our relationship with Urban Initiatives, providing soccer programming for our younger kids. Their mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital. This partnership furthers our goal of seeing all students, staff, and teachers thrive at McCutcheon Elementary.
ICE CREAM + POPCORN + BURRITOS + COFFEE + PASTRIES + SANDWICHES…
What can we say? We love food. Through our relationships with Jeni’s Ice Cream, Double Good, Chipotle, Ridman’s Coffee, and Uptown Deli, we’ve fed teachers for professional development days, raised thousands of dollars, and built a stronger community.
ADDITIONAL CELEBRATIONS
Through the hard work of the teachers and staff, McCutcheon Elementary is listed as a Commendable School by the Illinois School Board of Education.
Chicago Public Schools rates McCutcheon as an Exemplary STEAM school with the additional distinction of being a Demonstration School. Demonstration Site Schools are those in which program standards are being implemented with fidelity across grade levels and upheld by members of the school community. Additionally, a Demonstration Site School has the strong site conditions needed to sustain program implementation over time.
The PreK program has earned Gold status for the 5th year in a row! The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs that have demonstrated quality on all standards, as verified by an independent assessor. Gold Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, administrative standards, group size and ratios, qualifications, and professional development.
EXTERIOR UPGRADES + PLAYGROUND UPDATE
In an effort to continue beautifying the exteriors of both McCutcheon buildings, we have two updates! The first is that the second-floor windows at the main building have been painted black to create a more cohesive look. The second is that the broken asphalt and concrete have been removed in front of the branch building, creating a safer play space. This temporary fix will be removed during construction this summer on the LONG AWAITED PLAYGROUND INSTALLATION at the Branch Building.
INCLUSIVE EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMMING
Due to budget cuts, before and after-school programming has been cut at schools around the city. However, due to your donations, McCutcheon hasn’t had to cut programming. Friends of McCutcheon has been able to fund programming for our students, regardless of ability or need. What an incredible way to care for our students and families through additional instruction, fun, and support.
ESL ENDORSEMENT GRANTS
By fulfilling classroom wishlists, providing professional development meals, and awarding 10 grants to teachers toward their ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements, FOMC has shown extraordinary care for our dedicated educators. This support doesn’t just uplift our staff—it directly enhances the experience of every student.
DONORS CHOOSE SUPPORT
Throughout the year, Friends of McCutcheon has stepped up to provide resources directly to classrooms and clinician spaces by completing many DonorsChoose requests submitted by McCutcheon teachers, clinicians, and staff.
ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE + MATH & MARINARA
Through the generosity of the community and local businesses, Friends of McCutcheon is working to partner with the school to address food insecurity. In November, we donated hundreds of pounds of food, reusable bags, and supplies for a delicious pasta dinner for almost 200 community members, all while celebrating our STEAM school’s Math department.
FIRST ANNUAL FALL FUNDRAISER
In October, we held our first fall fundraiser at Fat Cat. We raised over $ 2,500 while celebrating the school's accomplishments. We had a blast being a part of this joyous community-building occasion. We look forward to taking over the entire Fat Cat restaurant next year!
OFFICE & TEACHER’S LOUNGE FURNITURE
Over the summer, we purchased new office furniture and storage for the main office, the principal and assistant principal’s office, and the teachers’ lounge to create a cohesive, professional, and more functional environment. Additionally, with support from local architects at MDT, an auxiliary wall was created to provide privacy and additional meeting space for families.
TOY GIVEAWAY AT ARGYLE NIGHT MARKET
What better way to enjoy one of Uptown’s biggest events, Argyle Night Market, than to give away hundreds of toys to kids in the neighborhood! In an effort to build awareness for Friends of McCutcheon, we led with generosity back to the neighborhood. While we chatted with parents and caregivers, kids chose a new toy! Let’s just say, we were the Squishmallow capital of the market
FUNDING SUPPORT STAFF
Along with providing resources for inclusive extended school day programming, we’ve funded positions to provide additional support during recess and lunch. As the saying goes, it takes a village, and we want to partner with the school to create a holistic, inclusive learning environment. This is another way to cultivate this goal outside the classroom.
PRE-K to 4TH GRADE SOCCER PROGRAMMING
We’re grateful for your support, which allows us to continue our relationship with Urban Initiatives, providing soccer programming for our younger kids. Their mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills, and build social capital. This partnership furthers our goal of seeing all students, staff, and teachers thrive at McCutcheon Elementary.
ICE CREAM + POPCORN + BURRITOS + COFFEE + PASTRIES + SANDWICHES…
What can we say? We love food. Through our relationships with Jeni’s Ice Cream, Double Good, Chipotle, Ridman’s Coffee, and Uptown Deli, we’ve fed teachers for professional development days, raised thousands of dollars, and built a stronger community.
ADDITIONAL CELEBRATIONS
Through the hard work of the teachers and staff, McCutcheon Elementary is listed as a Commendable School by the Illinois School Board of Education.
Chicago Public Schools rates McCutcheon as an Exemplary STEAM school with the additional distinction of being a Demonstration School. Demonstration Site Schools are those in which program standards are being implemented with fidelity across grade levels and upheld by members of the school community. Additionally, a Demonstration Site School has the strong site conditions needed to sustain program implementation over time.
The PreK program has earned Gold status for the 5th year in a row! The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs that have demonstrated quality on all standards, as verified by an independent assessor. Gold Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, administrative standards, group size and ratios, qualifications, and professional development.
EXTERIOR UPGRADES + PLAYGROUND UPDATE
In an effort to continue beautifying the exteriors of both McCutcheon buildings, we have two updates! The first is that the second-floor windows at the main building have been painted black to create a more cohesive look. The second is that the broken asphalt and concrete have been removed in front of the branch building, creating a safer play space. This temporary fix will be removed during construction this summer on the LONG AWAITED PLAYGROUND INSTALLATION at the Branch Building.
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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.
