Today is my third anniversary of being your Alderwoman. My team and I are honored to represent and support our neighbors. 
One of my main goals was to fight for resources for our school communities, and we are going strong.
This month, I introduced a resolution calling for hearings with the CPS on the proposed massive CPS budget cuts, and yesterday, May 19th, we finally had it!
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that CPS is restoring $24 million in funding from the budget cuts of over $60 million, but:
“The moves are unlikely to entirely ease concerns, however, as City Council members are joining the chorus of educators and families asking why any schools should face cuts while pandemic recovery continues.”
Currently, $1.7 billion is still unspent.
The purpose of a hearing is to make sure that community members are heard by and from CPS for input and transparency around decisions that impact the lives of everyone in our school communities. We are coming out of a very difficult few years of public education during the pandemic and are still recovering and adapting.
🚨 Keep an eye out for actions to continue advocating for resources. Support our teachers and staff in their efforts to have fully funded schools for all of our students!
Far beyond the hearing, the 33rd ward team and I have shown that we are dedicated to fighting for high quality education and a robust CPS school community!
🥇 1. Yesterday, May 19th, we also got a $5.8 million allocation approved by the Committee on Finance for a Turf Field for Roosevelt High School so that our students can practice and have home games in their school. Check out the Alderwoman’s video summary!
🎒 2. We protected Roosevelt High School from jeopardized enrollment by ensuring that they didn’t have to compete with a charter high school that wanted to move to the ward.
🏫 3. We fought for North River Elementary to move into an adequate building and they will be sharing a home with Aspira Haugan in Albany Park in Fall 2022.
❄️ 4. We are investing $800,000 in TIFF dollars to replace the heating and cooling system for Albany Park Multicultural Academy (APMA) and Edison Regional Gifted Center.
🌳 5. We worked with Bateman Elementary through participatory budgeting to create a Nature Play Space.
🌻 6. Using TIFF allocation we supported the completion of a plaza and green space at Hibbard Elementary!
In This Week’s Newsletter
Quick Links
*Want more information on community opportunities and job postings? Check out our Community Bulletin!
*Block party applications are open! Read more under “Form” on the Neighborhood Services page, and apply here!
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
This May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Our ward has an incredibly diverse and beautiful AAPI community, and we are honored to celebrate through art, learning about history and human rights struggles, and community-building events.
Our ward is lucky to have the HANA Center and Hanul Center– thank you to both organizations!
Local Events:
1. May 31st, Albany Park Library (Korean language event): Book discussion with writer Jeong Soon Shin, the author of 드림랜드 Dream Land.
2. May 21-31st, Virtual CPL Events
3. May 21-31st, Chicago Japan Film Collective movie showings
(Virtual and at the Logan Theatre)
4. May 25-29th, Community Events
*Stay tuned to our Facebook page for celebrations of local AAPI businesses, and check out the newsletter next week for some Business Highlights!
Neighborhood Events
1. Christ Lutheran Church Blood Drive: May 21st
2. Albany Park Community and Health Fair: May 21st
3. FREE Milkweed and Monarch Family Workshop at Drake Gardens: May 22nd
1:30-3:30 PM | Drake Gardens, 4643 N. DrakeFree lunch, a $25 stipend for your next trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden, and research kits to take home!
Housing Support in the Ward
1. How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: May 25th
Senior Opportunities
1. Open House for Seniors: May 25th
Baby Formula Resource: Freeformulaexchange.com
In the wake of our dangerous baby formula shortage, caregivers banded together to create a nationwide resource to help people donate and request baby formula. In the absence of public structures of care, the solidarity of community is what keeps us safe.
-Need formula? Click here to see your options.
-Want to donate formula? Check out the process!
Youth Opportunities
1. PAID Civil Rights Summer Fellowship for Rising 10-12th Grade Students: Due May 30th
2. HANA Center Summer Youth Programming for Albany Park Immigrant HS Students
-Drumming Program, apply at After School Matters!
-Fighting Youth Shouting out for Humanity (FYSH)
Business Highlight: La Paletaría Puebla
Thank you to La Paletería Puebla (4221 N Kedzie Ave.) for providing the refreshing popsicles for Roosapaloza event at Roosevelt High School today! Support this delicious paletería for your summer events like block parties and family gatherings!
Covid-19 Updates
1. You are now eligible for 8 MORE free at-home COVID rapid tests!
Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for 8 free at-home tests on USPS.com.
2. At-Home VaccinationsGet your whole family vaccinated at home! CDPH is offering vaccination appointments at home for up to 10 family members. Click here to set up your appointment!
3. Vaccinations
CPS Students:
– Permanent sites
– Mobile Events
– School-Based Health Centers
– Sign up for weekly COVID testing at CPS
33rd Ward Vaccination Events
1. Theodore Roosevelt High School
2. Swedish Hospital: Walk-In’s Welcome
* More information on City testing sites here!
Community Safety Updates
1. NEW RESOURCE: MAR NOW (Medication Assisted Recovery) Hotline for those healing from opioid use disorder
Call #833-234-6343!
2. Public Health Alert: Avian Flu, Remove Your Bird Feeders
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging people to remove their bird feeders and bird baths until May 31st to fight an outbreak of avian flu.
3. 17th District CAPS Meetings
The 17th District has resumed beat meetings in-person.
Information about Beat Meetings here.
Please contact the 17th District Community Policing Office / CAPS, if there are any questions or concerns.
Email: caps.017district@chicagopolice.org
Telephone: 312-742-4588