ANNOUNCEMENT | Principal Eilers’ Contract Renewed Through 2031!
Greetings Amundsen Parents! I’m pleased to share that the Amundsen Local School Council (LSC) voted to renew Principal Kristi Eilers’ contract at its April 21 meeting. Principal Eilers’ current contract runs through 1/2/2027, and this new four-year contract will start on 1/3/2027.
The LSC looks forward to continuing our work with Principal Eilers, and we’re excited for Amundsen’s continuing momentum as a top CPS high school under her leadership.
Please join me in congratulating Principal Eilers on her contract renewal and thanking her for her past, present and future dedication as principal to our students and the entire Viking community.
Go Vikings!
Sarah Makela, Amundsen LSC Chair
K. Eilers on Principal Appreciation Day
REMINDER | Sustainability Saturday & Plant Sale - June 6th
The AHS Seeds of Change Club plant fundraiser is back with over 600 student-grown seedlings, shrubs, and trees! This year, we’re hosting a Sustainability Saturday alongside the sale, and we need lots of help planting in the southeast garden. Help us conserve native species, grow edible crops, and lead climate action on campus! Plus, students can earn NHS, CAS, or Service Learning hours! RSVP here.
What: Shop student-grown native plants, trees, and "Amundseeds." Stay to volunteer in the garden and help us plant!
Where: Door #4 by south parking lot
When: Saturday, June 6th, 9 AM – 1 PM
SHOUT OUT | Viking Theatre Company
Congrats to the Viking Theatre Company seniors, cast, and crew of All in the Timing! Our VTC seniors directed and designed their production of All in the Timing on April 30. A huge congratulations to the all of their hard work and dedication to mount a full production in just a few weeks. It was an amazing end to the our strongest season of theater yet!
SHOUT OUT | Viking Youth Explorers!
Jazmin-Violet G, Reggie M, Andrew Robles participated in the St. Jude Parade on May 3rd to honor fallen Chicago police officers and the gold star families. As part of the Youth Explorers Program, they were given the opportunity to represent the 20th District and participate in the parade to pay tribute to the fallen officers. Thanks to the 20th District for allowing them to participate in the parade and Officer Daniel J. Fowler for sharing this great opportunity.
THANK YOU! | Banner Sponsors - Weight Room Campaign
One final thank you to all our sponsors with extra shout out to our MVP (Northwinds Soccer Club) and Captain (Beck's Chicago, Toon's Bar & Grill, Sports Connection Gear, Performance Podiatry Partners, The Girard Family, The Barsky Family) sponsors for our banner project - stop by the gym to see them! We are not onto our weight room project, helping to raise funds for new equipment that will benefit all students! Scan the QR code below to see how you can donate.
SHOUT OUT | Congrats to the theater classes on their performances!
Our MYP Drama II students presented Fantastic Mr. Fox and the IB Theatre I students presented The Many Disguises of Robin Hood on Wednesday night. They did a fantastic job designing, building, and acting in the shows!
ACCOUNTABLE HONORABLE SCHOLARLY | Viking Way Winners
The following students were caught being Accountable, Honorable, and Scholarly this week! They earned tickets for their positive actions and were randomly selected as our weekly prize winners. Great job, Vikings!
REMINDER | College Possible is recruiting 10th grade students
College Possible is currently recruiting sophomores to join their program!
College Possible is a free program that supports students through the entire college application process—from ACT prep and essay writing to scholarships and financial aid. Students who participate are three times more likely to graduate from college.
Eligibility Requirements:
Current 10th grade student
2.5 GPA or higher
Interested in earning a Bachelor’s degree
Meets income eligibility guidelines
Apply here: https://collegepossible.tfaforms.net/60?tfa_19=Chicago
Please consider encouraging eligible students to apply. This is a great opportunity for college access and support.
SENIOR EVENTS | Important Information for the Week of May 25, 2026
The final week for the Class of 2026 is here, and we look forward to celebrating our seniors with several important milestone events leading up to graduation. Please review the schedule and expectations below carefully.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026 | Senior Picnic (Early Release Day)
Seniors will attend 1st and 2nd period classes before proceeding to Winnemac Park/Jorndt Stadium during 2nd period for the annual Senior Picnic. The event includes lunch, games, and a DJ as we celebrate the Class of 2026 together. Students will be dismissed for the day at approximately 12:30 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026 | Senior Check-Out (Early Release Day)
Seniors Senior Check-Out is a required process for all graduating seniors. Students will be called down in the following order:
During check-out, seniors will:
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Clean out lockers
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Complete counselor check-out
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Complete graduation and school fee clearance
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Pick up senior swag, cap and gown, medals, and cords
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Return all Amundsen property and materials
This includes all books, calculators, laptops/Chromebooks, science lab materials, art supplies, musical instruments, athletic equipment, and any other school-issued items. Students who do not complete the return process will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Dismissal times will vary, as students will be released once all check-out requirements are completed.
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026 | Senior Bowling Luncheon
Location: Waveland Bowl - 3700 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
The Senior Bowling Luncheon includes bowling, lunch, shoe rental, and transportation. Seniors should wear their senior swag for the event.
Schedule for the day:
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Students attend 1st through 5th periods
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Students will dismiss to the auditorium at 12:00 PM to board buses
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Students will return to Amundsen at approximately 3:00 PM
Reminder: Signed permission slips were due by May 22 in order to attend this event.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026 | Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal
Location: Amundsen Auditorium
Start Time: 7:45 AM
Graduation rehearsal is mandatory for all participating seniors. Graduation tickets will be distributed following rehearsal.
Each graduate whose grades and debts have been cleared will receive eight (8) tickets for the graduation ceremony. PLEASE NOTE: Every guest, including children, must have a ticket to enter.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026 | Graduation Ceremony
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Gentile Arena, Loyola University Chicago
6525 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60626
Graduates must report by 5:00 PM to the Damen Student Center on Loyola’s campus for student check-in prior to the ceremony.
Each graduate may invite up to eight guests. Every guest, including children, must have a graduation ticket for entry.
Additional commencement ceremony instructions can be found on the Viking Senior Spirit page on the Amundsen High School website.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as we prepare to celebrate this exciting milestone together!
REMINDER | The 2025-26 Yearbook!
Time is running out to order your 2025–2026 yearbook. Orders must be placed by April 29 to receive free shipping to the school. Any orders placed after that date will be shipped to your home with an additional fee. Seniors should note that late orders may not arrive in time for Senior Picnic. Orders can be placed HERE.
HIGHLIGHTS | Key Info Shared in Previous Issues of the Newsletter
AHS Career Fair
Erie Family Health Center at Amundsen presentation deck.
Amundsen School Counseling website
Scholarships in your INBOX!
CPS Volunteer Programs website
Amundsen Donors Choose Projects
School Fees Website
Chicago North Hockey Club
SPOTLIGHT | The Vikings Shop
Shop the Vikings Shop for AHS spirit wear! Orders are produced on the 15th and 30th of each month. Every purchase supports Friends of Amundsen (FOA), which funds academic and extracurricular programs for all Amundsen students. Thank you for showing your Viking pride and supporting our school community!
Important Dates
Monday, May 25 | Memorial Day--No School
Tuesday, May 26 | Senior Picnic
Thursday, May 28 | Senior Bowling Luncheon
Friday, May 29 | Class of 2026 Graduation
Thursday, June 4 | End of Quarter 4
Tuesday, June 16 | LSC Meeting--6pm
