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A Message from the Principal Department

 
Dear Viking Families:
 
I find myself, yet again, writing a letter that addresses a crisis that significantly impacts the lives and safety, both physical and emotional, of our students. I know that it has taken me a few days to write my thoughts to all of you, but that is not for lack of attention to or caring about recent events. During these last few days, my priority has been to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of my staff so they are able to continue their work in breaking down the barriers that lead to the educational inequities that are so pervasive in our society. They need to have the emotional strength to support our students, who are scared and angry.
 
And, frankly, I have been paralyzed. While I may consider myself to be an effective leader, these past few days I have been at a loss. Not only do I not presume to know the answers to resolving the crisis we are facing, I am not even sure I know the questions. So, I have committed myself to being quiet and to listening, allowing space for those who are most impacted to lead the conversation so that I may learn. What I do know, however, is that we are at a crucible in this country; the next steps we take in the immediate future will have significant implications on the outcomes and resolution to crises of educational resource inequities, institutional racism, human rights, civil rights, personal safety, economic stability and on and on and on. 
 
And as a principal who loves her children, the myriad of barriers they face to feeling whole and safe and to getting all of the opportunities they need and deserve are constantly floating through my brain … barriers driven by gender identity, diverse learning needs, immigration and citizenship, poverty, and institutional and cultural racism. And, while all of these issues are true and important, right now the urgency to focus solely on the conversation of institutional and cultural racism needs to be recognized and accepted. Like all of you, I have been physically sickened by the images of Mr. Floyd’s last moments on this earth, and I wanted to look away. If the pain and anguish that has been articulated through all of the actions we have seen in recent days are stifled - and if we look away - we all lose. And we all lose big. 
 
While we Amundsen teachers cannot correct centuries of institutional practices built on racism and the inequitable distribution of resources and opportunity that have deprived individuals in our black and brown communities of their fundamental rights and privileges, we can - and we will - prioritize creating an educational system that builds generations of students who feel empowered, educated, hopeful, prepared, respected, valued, safe and loved - by each and every one of us, each and every minute of each and every day. It is a work in progress, but we will get this work done! 
 
Someone said to me once, “When it comes to doing what is right for children, you have to speak up and speak loudly, even if your voice is shaking.” On behalf of the Amundsen administration, we vow to speak up and to speak loudly to ensure that the academic and emotional needs of our students are being met so that they feel empowered, educated, hopeful, prepared, respected, valued, safe, and loved - by each and every one of us, each and every minute of each and every day. 
 
Anna Pavichevich
Principal
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Recent News

IB Program Virtual Info Session October 28th at 6pm with more to come--Follow the Link for Zoom Information Featured Photo

IB Program Virtual Info Session October 28th at 6pm with more to come--Follow the Link for Zoom Information

Attention families with 8th graders! Thank you for your interest in Amundsen High School! We know that the high school selection process is stressful and confusing, especially in a pandemic, but we want to help you make an informed choice. Even though CPS is not requiring IB information sessions this year, we are offering multiple virtual sessions so that you can learn about the benefits of enrolling in Amundsen's IB program. We will present 2 stand alone sessions as well as multiple IB sessions during our November Open House. Please join our Principal, Anna Pavichevich, and the IB leadership team on Wednesday October 28th at 6pm for our first virtual IB event. We will provide a live link on this site 24 hours prior to the session. Registration is not required. Click on the link for Zoom information We look forward to getting to know you and to answering all of your IB questions! The AHS IB Team
Chicago Public Schools Announces Updates to LSC Election Procedures Featured Photo

Chicago Public Schools Announces Updates to LSC Election Procedures

Please click on the link above to read the latest information from the Chicago Public Schools regarding Local School Council elections to be held this November. This document provides that for the first time ever, parents, guardians, and staff will be able to vote by mail for LSCs. Community members will still vote in person at schools on November 18th (Elementary) or November 19th (High Schools). Please read the CPS press release for details.
Friends of Amundsen Athletics Needs Your Support! Featured Photo

Friends of Amundsen Athletics Needs Your Support!

Friends of Amundsen Athletics (FOAA) operates as a partner under Friends of Amundsen as a charitable 501(c)(3) and dedicated to promoting school and community support for the Amundsen High School athletics program. FOAA is funded through initiatives made possible through our Amundsen Allies and support of volunteers and community members. Proceeds go towards student-athlete programs and supplies, and events that promote family and community awareness of Amundsen High School Athletics. If you are interested in volunteering for athletic events moving forward, please complete the volunteer form on our website: https://www.friendsofamundsenathletics.org/ (follow the link above!)
Local School Council Election Webinar--Updated 10.8.20 Featured Photo

Local School Council Election Webinar--Updated 10.8.20

On Thursday, October 8 at 1 p.m., the Amundsen High School Local School Council Election Coordinator and Principal will host a webinar where we will be drawing names to determine order and placement on the Amundsen High School Local School Council ballot. If you are interested in observing this process, please click on the above link and enter the Access Passcode: !37W&nmm. Thank you! (The live link has now been replaced with the recorded video as the webinar has concluded effective 10.8.20)
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  • Level 1+Neighborhood High School
  • 100%of IB Diploma Graduates Earned Early College Credentials
  • U of C 5EssentialsWell-Organized for Improvement
  • 25+Athletic Teams
  • 1+Neighborhood High School
  • 100%of IB Diploma Graduates Earned Early College Credentials
  • U of C 5EssentialsWell-Organized for Improvement
  • 25+Athletic Teams