THIS WEEK | LSC Meeting
The Amundsen Local School Council will meet this Tuesday, September 16, at 6 PM in the school library. We will fill three parent and two community representative vacancies for the 2025–26 school year at this meeting. Details on eligibility and applying for an open seat are here. Candidates are invited to attend and speak briefly before the LSC votes. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
THIS WEEK | Raise the Sails Kick-Off Party
Whether you’re new to Amundsen or a seasoned Viking, this is your chance to work with a motivated team of volunteers to make Amundsen's biggest fundraising event a huge success. If you enjoy meeting new people, planning, decorating, securing auction items, or just pitching in when you can, there’s a place on our team for you. Interested in learning more? RSVP to our Kick-off Party at 7pm on Wednesday, September 17th. Questions? Email [email protected].
UPDATE | Supporting AHS Classrooms
After the generosity Amundsen received from the "Support Clean Classrooms" request, the Friends of Amundsen wants to continue the support for our teachers in the form of supply bags (based on teacher-created wish lists) to distribute to each of our 53 classrooms. Donation drop-off will be 9/19-9/20. For more info and details, click here.
UPDATE | Student Lunch Concerns
We’ve recently heard concerns about school lunches, including reports of food running out and sunbutter not being available for students with peanut allergies. We investigated these complaints right away, often on the same day. While there have been no instances of food running out entirely, we understand it can be frustrating when popular items run out before all students are served. Alternate options are always available, and both peanut butter and sun butter crustless sandwiches are abundantly stocked. We want to assure families that all lunch options meet district nutritional guidelines and that we are committed to making sure every student is fed.
UPDATE | Facility Cleanliness Concerns
We’ve heard student concerns about bathroom cleanliness, including running out of toilet paper or hand soap, and we appreciate our Vikings for speaking up so we can respond quickly. Due to district-wide budget reductions, Amundsen’s custodial staff has been reduced from seven to five positions, and recent absences created temporary gaps in coverage. This situation is not unique to Amundsen, as school throughout the district are faced with managing similar reductions. Our Custodial Manager is implementing a plan to ensure restrooms remain fully stocked and clean. While there may be occasional inconsistencies as we adjust to this new reality, we are committed to addressing issues quickly. Thank you to our students for advocating for a clean, healthy school environment; your feedback helps us respond quickly when restrooms need attention.
ON THE FIELD | Athletics This Week
It’s a jam-packed week of games and meets for our Viking athletes! Monday features Girls Varsity Golf at Steinmetz, Boys Varsity Soccer hosting Lane Tech at Winnemac Stadium, and Girls Flag Football at Von Steuben. Tuesday brings Boys Varsity Golf at Lane, Girls Varsity Swimming at Westinghouse, Girls Varsity Volleyball at Payton, Girls Varsity Tennis hosting Mather, and Girls Sophomore Volleyball also at Payton.
Wednesday is packed with action. Boys Varsity Golf takes on Lindblom at Columbus Golf Course, Coed Cross Country runs at Horner Park, Varsity 16" Softball faces Steinmetz, Girls Varsity Volleyball hosts Resurrection, Girls Varsity Tennis plays Senn, and Girls Sophomore Volleyball is also at home against Resurrection.
Thursday keeps the momentum with Boys Golf at Taft, Girls Varsity Volleyball hosting Northside, Girls Varsity Tennis hosting Von Steuben, and Boys JV and Varsity Soccer traveling to Whitney Young. The week wraps up Saturday with Girls Volleyball at Ridgewood, Girls Sophomore Volleyball at Solorio, Girls Swimming and Girls Flag Football at Whitney Young, Boys Varsity Golf at Jackson Park, Girls Varsity Golf at South Shore, and the big one, Boys Varsity Football hosting Kenwood at Winnemac Stadium
For full details, times, and locations of all games, please check the Amundsen Athletics Calendar. Go Vikings!
THANK YOU | Parent Meetings
Thank you to all the parents and families who joined us last week for our 9th–10th grade and 11th–12th grade informational meetings. We appreciate your partnership and engagement! For those who were unable to attend, or if you’d like to review the information again, you can view the slide decks here:
9th & 10th Grade Presentation
11th & 12th Grade Presentation
REMINDER | College Possible is Recruiting Class of 2027!
College Possible is a free program designed to guide students through the entire college application process, from ACT prep and college essays to scholarships and financial aid. We also help students plan for life after high school through college field trips, after-school sessions, and more. Students in our program are three times more likely to graduate from college! To be eligible, students must: ✅ Be in 11th grade ✅ Have a 2.5 GPA or higher ✅ Want to earn a Bachelor’s degree ✅ Meet income eligibility requirements. Students can apply here today: College Possible Chicago. View the flyer here.
UPCOMING | Parent Series: A Conversation about College Essays
The Friends of Amundsen - Parent Series Presents: A Conversation about College Essays. A VIRTUAL PRESENTATION by Amy F. Williamson. Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 7 PM on Zoom. Access the link here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81992759261?pwd=fjla8GW3SruYXHkaTlpXlrxiLZz8hb.1
UPCOMING | UIC STEM Scholars
The STEM Scholars Program is a free six-week after-school program (Oct. 13th- Nov. 20th) for high school students (9th - 12th grades) to reinforce their science knowledge through challenging hands-on activities and excite them about STEM majors and careers. The students also get a chance to speak with professionals in STEM fields to better understand the education and career requirements, and an opportunity to intern at the ERC over the summer. Registration closes on October 3rd. For more information, visit: https://stemscholars-erc.uic.edu/. View the flyer here.
OPPORTUNITY | Is Your Student Interested in an After School Job?
Amundsen is hosting a fall program to help young artists promote themselves and artwork through social media. This is a great opportunity to make new friends, develop your art, and earn a paycheck too! Apply at https://afterschoolmatters.org/apply/ to get started. You can also reach out to Ms. Barba at [email protected] for help with applying. The program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15pm-5:15pm. Hope to see some new faces in the program! View the flyer here.
NEXT WEEK | Erie Therapy Group: Parenting Anxious Kids and Teens
Virtual, 4-week therapy group for parents of kids and teens ages 8-18 who have anxiety, OCD, or other related difficulties. This group will use SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) as a framework to learn skills and tools to help parent a child with anxiety. Group will also function as a discussion and support space to connect with other parents who live with anxious kids. Parents will learn to manage their children's anxiety while preserving their parent-child relationship and increasing their child's independence.
Tuesdays 12-1pm (9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14) Virtually via Zoom.
To learn more and discuss next steps, please contact Emma Healy, LCSW at 312-432-7307 or via email at [email protected]
NEXT WEEK | Homecoming
Homecoming Week is almost here! Spirit Week runs September 22–25, with fun student-chosen theme days to build school pride and celebrate our community. View the flyer here.
The Once Upon A Homecoming Dance is Friday, September 26, from 5:30–9:30 PM at Rockwell on the River. Tickets are still available in Aspen. If your student is interested in going to the dance, but haven’t purchased a ticket, act now before they sell out! If you need Aspen access or a password reset, complete this form. Interested in helping out? Sign up to volunteer as a chaperone here.
GAME DAY | AMUNDSEN V TAFT - HOMECOMING
Amundsen’s Homecoming Game is one of the most exciting parts of the football season! Join us on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Jorndt Stadium as the Vikings take on the Taft Eagles. Bring your school spirit, cheer loud, and be part of the energy that makes Homecoming so special. Don’t miss it! Purchase your tickets on the GO FAN website. Remember, your phone is your ticket.
REMINDER | AAF Golf Outing - Homecoming Weekend
We are just over 2 weeks away from the Homecoming Golf Classic on Sunday, September 28 at Indian Boundary Golf Course. Foursomes and individual golfers welcome. Click on the following link to sign up and reserve your spot today! Homecoming Golf Classic This is AAF’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and the money raised directly supports athletic department projects and provides scholarships for our senior athletes. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Scott Barsky, at [email protected]. Go Vikings!
REMINDER | 2025 Back to School BOOST
Amundsen Parents, we’re making progress! So far, we’ve raised more than one third of the $55,000 Back to School Boost goal, and we did it in record time. Amundsen Vikings are the best! We know we can meet our goal! Haven’t donated yet? It's go-time! Every dollar makes a difference, and no donation is too small. Already donated? Thank you! Would you consider giving a little more to help get us over the finish line? How else can you help? Share the donation link with your family & friends.
Please donate today so we reach our goal and fill this urgent technology need. Funds will be used immediately to benefit all students and classrooms.
Thank you! Donate to the 2025 Back to School Boost HERE.
HIGHLIGHTS | Key Info Shared in Previous Issues of the Newsletter
Erie Family Health Center at Amundsen presentation deck.
Amundsen School Counseling website
CPS Volunteer Programs website
Amundsen Donors Choose Projects
School Fees Website
Chicago North Hockey Club
2026 Raise the Sails Volunteer Interest Form
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
Tuesday, September 16 | LSC Meeting--6pm
Friday, September 19 | Quarter 1 Progress Reports
Wednesday, September 24 | AHS College Fair
Thursday, September 25 | Homecoming Game
Friday, September 26 | Staff PD-No Student Attendance
Friday, September 26 | Homecoming Dance
Sunday, September 28 | AAF Homecoming Golf Classic
Thursday, October 9 | Staff PD-Student Early Dismissal
Thursday, October 9 | AHS Orchestra Concert
Monday, October 13 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day - No School
Friday, October 17 | End of Quarter 1
