|
|
Hi Noble,
As the year comes into focus, we are clear-eyed about both the moment we are in and the responsibility it brings. Our students and families need schools that are steady, intentional, and relentlessly focused on their success and well-being, and that is exactly what we are building.
Our strategic plan is no longer aspirational; it is in motion. In the first half of the school year, students made academic gains across every grade level and every tested subject, answering more questions correctly than at this time last year. At the same time, staff engagement remained strong, with every indicator either improving or holding steady.
Across our schools, families are actively tracking their students’ progress toward promotion, reinforcing the partnership that drives student success. Together, this commitment from educators and families alike underscores a truth we know well: when adults are aligned and supported, students succeed.
In a period marked by change and complexity in our city and country, this combination of progress and stability matters. As I reflect on my first year as CEO, I am deeply grateful for the dedication, collaboration, and trust I have witnessed across our Noble community. This milestone is as much a celebration of our collective progress as it is a reminder of the work that lies ahead.
Together, we are building a foundation that will support students, families, and staff for years to come.
Much Love,
Brenda
|
|
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This year marks 100 years of Black History Month.
To honor this milestone, we’re inviting our Noble community to share the stories, reflections, and moments that shape Black life today. Students, families, staff, and alumni are encouraged to tell us what Black history means to them and how it shows up in their lives right now.
You can share in writing, record a short selfie-style video, or request that our team visit your campus to record with you. Share what feels right — your voice matters.
📣 [Submit your story here]
|
|
NOBLE'S 17TH ANNUAL JUNIOR COLLEGE FAIR
Each year, Noble hosts our Annual Junior College Fair, an important milestone for our students as they begin to seriously explore college.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, more than 3,000 juniors from all 17 Noble campuses will come together at McCormick Place to meet with representatives from over 100 colleges across the country. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about different paths after high school, and start imagining what comes next.
This event helps make college feel real, accessible, and within reach for our students.
📍 Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
🎓 3,000+ juniors from 17 Noble campuses
|
|
|
EARLY DECISION ACCEPTANCES ROLLING IN!
Help us celebbrate these incredible Class of 2026 Jaguars from Pritzker College Prep and their early decision college acceptances:
Axel Gerron-Torres — University of Chicago
Nancy Hernandez — Northwestern University
Kelly Ixcayau — Washington University in St. Louis
Amy Rivera — Macalester College
Jaylyn Villagrana — POSSE Scholar, Pomona College
Roberto Soledad-Perez — POSSE Scholar, Middlebury College
Giannie Perez — QuestBridge Scholar, Princeton University
Caleb Esparza — QuestBridge Scholar, Colgate University
Together, this group has earned over $2.8 million in scholarships and financial aid to attend their colleges of choice over the next four years. We couldn’t be prouder, and we’re excited to continue celebrating the many acceptances still to come for the Class of 2026! 🎓✨
|
|
SEE NOBLE STREET STUDENTS SHINE IN HADESTOWN!
Come support our talented Noble students in Hadestown, a spellbinding folk opera that’s full of heart and hope. Follow two intertwining love stories — young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and immortal rulers Hades and Persephone — as they journey to the underworld and back.
With music inspired by classic American folk, vintage New Orleans jazz, and a touch of Chicago’s gritty ’80s, Hadestown tells a powerful story of love, faith, and courage in the face of challenges.
Catch our students in these incredible roles:
-
Jordan Harris as Orpheus
-
Jade Huang as Eurydice
-
Makiyah Stanciel as Hermes
-
Autumn Belizaire as Persephone
-
Ollie King as Hades
-
Jasper Cano, Ariana Alpuche-Gutierrez, Bryana Dilworth as the Fates
-
Vincent Hill, Leslie Topete, Miles Velez, Guadalupe Pina, Makai Berry, Miranda Gonzalez, Xavier Lopez, Annette Sanchez in the Ensemble
Performances are Thursday, February 5 – Sunday, February 8. Don’t miss this unforgettable show!
🎟️ Click below to get your tickets and cheer on our Noble students!
|
|
|
CELEBRATE OUR UNDEFEATED SOPHOMORE WRESTLERS!
Congratulations to Adali Cruz (100 lb weight class) and Esme Bustamante (235 lb weight class) from ITW Speer Academy, who each just won their second consecutive tournament!
-
Adali Cruz is now 11-0 after victories at the Beat the Streets and Evanston tournaments. She hasn’t even needed a second period to secure her wins this year!
-
Esme Bustamante is now 10-0, also winning both the Beat the Streets and Evanston tournaments. She pinned the number 7 wrestler from Fenton and is now ranked 7th herself!
We’re so proud of these two incredible athletes and their dedication on and off the mat. Keep an eye on them — this is only the beginning of an amazing season! 💪🥇
|
|
|
NOBLE'S POLICY CORNER
One of our top legislative priorities this year is advocating for an additional $550 million in FY26 K–12 funding, including $450 million for Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) and $100 million for mandated categoricals (MCATs). This effort is led by our partners at Advance Illinois and the Funding Illinois Future (FIF) Coalition, and Noble offered testimony in support of this request at ISBE’s budget hearing in November.
This week, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released its recommended budget, which plays a significant role in shaping the Governor’s proposal. ISBE recommends a $350 million increase for EBF and $151 million for MCATs, totaling $501.5 million in new statewide K–12 funding. While this falls short of the full FIF request, it represents meaningful progress. Our team will continue to analyze the proposed MCAT increase, particularly as these funds flow through CPS before reaching schools.
|
|
We are also in the earliest stage of the legislative process, as bills are introduced and assigned to committees for initial hearings and votes. The infographic below outlines how a bill moves from introduction to passage as we continue advocating for funding and other education priorities. As the legislative session progresses, we’ll share opportunities to advocate for school funding and ways to get involved.
|
|
|
Be sure to follow Noble schools on social media for updates and celebrations!
@BeNobleBaker @BeNobleButler @BeNobleBulls @BeNobleDRW @BeNobleGCCP @BeNobleGCMS @BeNobleGolder @BeNobleHCP @BeNobleSpeer @BeNobleJCP @BeNobleMHS @BeNobleMuchin @BeNobleStreet @BeNoblePritzker @BeNobleRCP @BeNobleRCMSA @BeNobleAcademy @BeNobleUICCP @BeNobleSchools
|
|
|
|
|
|
