February 15, 2026
Sunday Snapshot
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No School: President’s Day
2/16/2026
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No School: Teacher Professional Development Day
2/17/2026
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Ramadan (begins at sundown)
2/17/2026
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LSC Meeting @5pm
2/18/2026, 5 PM – 5 PM
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PTA Meeting @ 6pm
2/18/2026, 6 PM – 6 PM
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4th & 8th Grade Field Trip to the Allstate Arena (Chicago Wolves)
2/19/2026
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Additional Notes
Staff Shout-out: Our staff shout out form is back! I want to provide a  space for parents to show their gratitude for our hardworking staff. If you would like to give a shout out to a staff member, please fill out the following form. We will share all submissions with our staff. Parent to Staff Shout out Form
Level I & Level II Volunteer Application Process: All individuals who are interested in volunteering (includes chaperoning field trips) must be approved by CPS. Depending on the level of volunteering you plan to do, you will be asked to complete an application for either a “Level I” or “Level II” volunteer.
NEW: Volunteer services will send parents an email with instructions about a required CPS volunteer training. This is a new step required after being approved at the school level.
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Happy Sunday Garvy!
Be Kind 🐾 Be Strong 🐾 Be Well 🐾 Be a Bulldog
This coming Tuesday, February 17th, marks a rare "triple holiday" as three major global traditions converge on the same day. While Mardi Gras brings its final burst of music and color before the start of Lent, we also celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year, welcoming the energetic and ambitious Year of the Horse. Adding to this historic alignment, the evening of Tuesday marks the start of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. This rare convergence offers our school community a unique opportunity to celebrate our diverse heritage and the shared values of renewal, family, and spiritual growth that connect us all.
Yearbook Cover Contest
Calling all Garvy artists! It is time for the annual yearbook cover contest. We are inviting students in all grade levels to show their school spirit designing the cover of the 2025-2026 school yearbook! Entries are due by Friday, March 6th!
Career Fair 2026
Our annual Garvy Career Fair is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026. During the Career Fair, students will have the chance to meet professionals from various fields, learn about different career paths, and ask questions that may help them in their future careers. We believe that the diverse experiences and expertise of our Garvy Bulldog parents can make a significant impact on our students' educational journey.
Here's how you can help:
- Volunteer as a career representative: Share information about your profession with students
- Provide resources or materials (e.g., brochures, business cards, etc.) that can help students learn more about your career
- Share your experiences: Give students advice about the career path you’ve taken and offer inspiration for their own futures
We would be honored to have you as a part of this important event, and we truly appreciate your willingness to support our students.
Career Day Interest Survey
If you are available to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact the counselors, Mr. Cohen or Ms. Stanis. In order to volunteer, you must be on the CPS volunteer list. Please click on this link: cps.edu/volunteer.
International Book Giving Day
Garvy is hosting a Book Swap on Friday, February 27th.
- The goal is to share our love of reading and get books into the hands of as many children as possible
- Please send 1-2 gently used books for different grade levels
- Each student will take home at least 1 “new” book to read
Please send the books by Wednesday, February 25th.
Congratulations to Madlen P. from 128 and Olivia R. from 129! They both are the 2026 AAC Walk-a-thon T-shirt design winners. These two 5th graders are collaborating to create a wonderful design. This year's Walk-a-Thon is on Friday, May 8th.
Join us at the PTA meeting this Wednesday, February 18th at 6pm in the MPR.
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Together let's encourage a lifelong passion for reading! Our school Read-A-Thon is underway and is sure to be a fun and exciting event. This year we have a goal of $15,000. We are raising funds for Student Growth and Improvement and Teacher Appreciation. This fundraiser will run from Monday, January 26th through Friday, February 27th.
A flyer that includes specific instructions for activating your student’s Reader account was sent home. Follow the steps on the flyer. Activating the account is easy!
Would you like to win an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney Theme Park for your family? We'd love to make that dream come true!
Our school is holding a Read-A-Thon Fundraiser, and it's a fantastic opportunity for your child to raise money while enjoying their favorite books. As a special bonus, any child who sends 10 text messages through their dashboard to promote our fundraiser will automatically be entered into a nationwide drawing for a magical trip for four to Walt Disney Theme Park.
We'll select one lucky winner each season from all the Read-A-Thons held during that season.To create your student account, click on the link below (less than 5 minutes):
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/lzZYmx/2?utm=email
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Paper Mache? Hooray! A WasteShed Spring Break Camp
Spring Break Camp Details:
Monday through Friday, 8:30am–3:00pm from March 23, 2026 to March 27, 2026
Ages: 10 - 13
Paper Mache? Hooray!
Learn the ins and outs of creating art with paper mache in all of its gloopy sticky glory. Campers will learn how to make and use paper clay as well as craft structures with traditional papier-mache strips. Projects include: balloon bowls, colorful paper masks, and a final sculpture to be featured in a mini Friday afternoon art show on the camp’s last day!
Read More...
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Rickover Naval Academy CPS SCORE Grades 5-8 Wrestling
Beat the Streets - Chicago Wrestling and CPS Score will be partnering to run an introductory coed wrestling program for free for your students.
The program will run from February 9th through March 21st and culminating in the city championship.
Rickover Naval Academy will be hosting the practices on Monday and Thursdays from 04:15 PM to 06:00 PM
Rickover Naval Academy
5700 W. Berteau
Chicago, IL 60634
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U of Chicago Middle School Programs
University of Chicago is offering some free classes on 2/28 10am to 3:30 pm for middle school and high school kids across Chicago. The classes are taught by UC undergrads and grad students.
Read More...
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Anne's Haven Food Pantry
Anne's Haven would like to thank you again for your support for our charity drive. We truly could not have had the extended impact without your participation. Please know that Anne's Haven is here for the families of John W. Garvy school.
Read More...
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Confidence Club
This is a counseling group that focuses on 6-8th grade children who would benefit from behavioral interventions to improve their self-esteem and learn more about handling "big emotions" in a healthy way.
Read More...
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Go Bulldogs!!!
Mrs. Bester 🐾 🐾
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