A WARM WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Chicago University High School Families,

We hope your summer has been filled with joy and relaxation! As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we’re excited to welcome our students back to campus in just a few short weeks.

This summer, our school has been buzzing with activity as construction continues on our new high school. While many of the changes aren’t visible from the outside, we’ll soon offer hard-hat tours so you can see the exciting progress firsthand. Stay tuned for opportunities to visit the site throughout the year!

As we approach the first day of school, we’re sharing essential reminders, including required forms, retreat details, and updates on athletics and arts programs. New families—especially 9th-grade parents and those with transfer students—are invited to our High School Parent Orientation on August 25.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Warm regards,

Kathy Masterson
High School Principal

Next steps for a smooth start:

Complete the Back-to-School & Retreat Form

This form covers off-campus permissions, photo consent, and other key details for the year. Deadline: August 15.

Important Notes:

• One form per student is required.

• Retreat participation depends on timely submission.

• Overnight consent and venue waivers are included.

Retreat Schedule:

• Grade 9: Aug 26–28 (off-campus) + Aug 29 (on-campus orientation)

• Grades 10 & 11: Aug 27–29 (off-campus)

• Grade 12: Aug 27–29 (on-site college counseling)

Need help? Contact your retreat chaperone (listed in the form).

Retreat Logistics

Grade 9

• Departure: Aug 26, 8:00 AM (blacktops at 151 Oak St)

• Return: Aug 28, 2:00–2:30 PM

• Orientation: Aug 29, 8:10–10:15 AM (5th floor)

• Chaperones: Patricia Cotter & Matt Watts

Grade 10

• Departure: Aug 27, 10:00 AM

• Return: Aug 29, 12:30–1:00 PM

• Chaperones: Sally Shepson & Chris Duran

Grade 11

• Departure: Aug 27, 9:30 AM

• Return: Aug 29, 2:30–3:00 PM

• Chaperone: Melissa Waters

Grade 12

• On-campus sessions: Aug 27–29, 8:10 AM–3:30 PM

• Chaperones: Kay Krans, Risha Roberts, Sam Dresden, Marla Rennings & Jennifer Huran

Medical Forms Deadline: August 18

All families (PK–Grade 12) must submit medical forms via [SchoolPortal]. Email nurse@chicagouhigh.org with questions.

Athletics Updates

Fall sports begin August 12! Sign up by September 3 via [SportsHub].

Key Dates:

• Aug 12: First day for soccer, volleyball, and cross country

• Aug 15: Athletics Info Night (Zoom, 6:30 PM)

• Aug 26: Freshman Athletic Orientation (10:00 AM)

Preseason Opportunities (optional):

• Soccer: Aug 5–8, 3:00–4:30 PM

• Volleyball: Aug 6–9, 3:30–5:00 PM

Contact Coach Ryan Foster (Athletics Director) with questions.

Arts Programs & Auditions

Theater: Auditions for The Midnight Masquerade (fall play) and Starlight Serenade (spring musical) run Sept 4–6. Sign up here.

Music: Join jazz band, choir, or private lessons. Info session: Sept 3 (lunchtime).

Questions? Email Clara Bennett, Arts Director.

School Supplies & Tech

• Bring your own laptop daily (review tech guidelines).

• Limited device rentals available.

• Specialty supplies (e.g., lab notebooks) will be announced by teachers.

Stay Connected

• Update your contact info in [SchoolPortal] by August 15.

• Volunteer: Sign up here for committees or events.

• Upcoming Events:

  • Aug 28: HS Parent Orientation

  • Aug 29: Welcome Breakfast

  • Sept 11: Back-to-School Night

  • Sept 14: Fall Festival

Let's make this year unforgettable!

Best,
Dr. Eleanor Whitmore, James Carter, Marcus Chen & Priya Patel
High School Office

CHICAGO UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL