POPCORN FUNDRAISER
From December 4 to December 8, every bag of Double Good popcorn you purchase makes a difference! 50% of all sales go directly to Friends of McCutcheon, who proudly pass on 100% of these funds to our incredible teachers and staff. These contributions empower them to provide essential resources and opportunities for our students, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. Let’s come together, enjoy some delicious popcorn, and make an impact for the McCutcheon community!
Starting on December 4 at 3pm CST, this link will be available for all of your popcorn needs.
Starting on December 4 at 3pm CST, this link will be available for all of your popcorn needs.
GIFT WRAPPING FUNDRAISER
Join us at the Uptown Holiday Market on December 6th from 5:00–8:30 PM at the future home of the Double Door (1050 W. Wilson)! Get into the festive spirit while shopping from 20+ local vendors, enjoying kids' crafts, and snapping a photo with Uptown's very own Panda Claus! We’re hosting a gift-wrapping fundraiser—we’ll wrap your holiday treasures while you soak in the holiday cheer. Every wrapped gift supports Friends of McCutcheon and helps make a difference in our community. See you there!
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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.
STEAM Summer Camp Grant
This week, almost $1,600 was raised to push us towards reaching our goal of $150,000 by August 31. If you haven’t given yet? Check the links above to give or contact us to learn more! Give today and your gift is tripled!
More exciting news!
Because of your generosity, Friends of McCutcheon awarded McCutcheon Elementary a STEAM Summer Camp Grant to:
These posters were created by students after they visited the Planetarium, the first of four field trips.
More exciting news!
Because of your generosity, Friends of McCutcheon awarded McCutcheon Elementary a STEAM Summer Camp Grant to:
- extend camp by 2 hours each day
- provide resources for STEAM programming
- field trips for all students
- increased support for diverse learners
These posters were created by students after they visited the Planetarium, the first of four field trips.
MAJOR PLAYGROUND UPDATE!
TRIPLE IMPACT GIVING!
If you've been following along with Friends of McCutcheon's journey, you know we have been working towards building a playground for the middle school students and community at the Branch Building on Kenmore. We have been working tirelessly in the background with the local, city, and state governments, Chicago Public Schools, multiple block clubs, and the McCutcheon teachers, administration, and staff to take a dream and turn it into a reality.
So, what's the update?
We are in the final stretch of fundraising. We have $150,000 more to raise! That sounds like an enormous amount of money, and it is... BUT.....
We have TWO generous donors ready to match your giving up to $50,000 each.
What does that mean? Your gift is TRIPLED. Your gift of $100 turns into $300. If you give $5,000, it turns into $15,000.
Want to learn more about the process and timeline? Click this link or the Playground link in the menu.
Want to give? Click the give today button below. We'll track progress on our website, via social media, and in our newsletter. If you'd prefer to give through a different method, email us, and we'll see what's possible.
So, what's the update?
We are in the final stretch of fundraising. We have $150,000 more to raise! That sounds like an enormous amount of money, and it is... BUT.....
We have TWO generous donors ready to match your giving up to $50,000 each.
What does that mean? Your gift is TRIPLED. Your gift of $100 turns into $300. If you give $5,000, it turns into $15,000.
Want to learn more about the process and timeline? Click this link or the Playground link in the menu.
Want to give? Click the give today button below. We'll track progress on our website, via social media, and in our newsletter. If you'd prefer to give through a different method, email us, and we'll see what's possible.
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Eat Ice Cream. Support McCutcheonUPDATE: You all showed up! Nearly $300 raised by eating ice cream! Thank you all!
Please join us at Jeni's Andersonville for an ice cream social. On Thursday, May 23 from 3pm-6pm, enjoy scoops of your favorite ice creams and Jeni's will donate 25% of your purchase to Friends of McCutcheon Elementary. It's that easy. We hope to see you there! Details
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ESL Grant Update
How exciting! After two rounds of ESL grants, we’re celebrating a significant milestone of 10 teachers and staff members starting or completing their journey toward ESL accreditation. If you weren’t aware, we are supporting McCutcheon Elementary School staff with development grants toward their ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsement. According to CPS’s website, for over 50% of McCutcheon’s students, English isn’t their primary language. As you can imagine, this creates a uniquely beautiful teaching environment where gaining ESL training will provide additional support to see all students and teachers thrive. Consider supporting Friends of McCutcheon today as we work to see all students, teachers, and staff thrive. With your support, we are changing lives. Let’s keep it going! |
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.
