Hi Noble, 

Welcome to the first edition of this year’s biweekly newsletter you will receive from me as Noble’s CEO. Each issue will serve as a window into our classrooms and campuses. I will share stories of success, celebrate milestones and achievements, and showcase the incredible people who make up our Noble community, including students, alumni, staff, families, and our broader community. My hope is that this newsletter becomes a space where you feel a deeper connection to what is happening every day in the lives of our students.

At the same time, I want to acknowledge what is unfolding in our city. As you have likely seen in the news, federal officials have signaled that Chicago could see significantly increased immigration enforcement activity as soon as this weekend. Reports indicate that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is already operating in the city and that National Guard troops may be deployed.

Please know this: we are here to create schools that are safe, welcoming, and affirming for every student and staff member - regardless of background or immigration status. This commitment starts with prioritizing safety at every campus, every day. Every Noble campus has clear protocols in place to respond to visits from federal law enforcement, including ICE. And our stance is firm and aligned with the City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools: while we must comply with the law, we do not and will not participate in immigration enforcement actions.

I also want you to know this: our Noble schools remain one of the safest, most stable, and joyful places your child can be. Every day, we are focused on creating classrooms full of care, belonging, and purpose - spaces where your children are not just protected, but seen, challenged, and supported as they grow. As this situation unfolds, we will continue to stay informed, prepared, and ready to respond - so that our students and families know they can rely on Noble to be a place of steadiness and support.

Over the past few weeks, as I have visited campuses, I have seen our new Strategic Plan come to life. Centered on three priorities - Grow, Keep, and Renew - this plan is about accelerating student learning, strengthening student belonging, and securing Noble’s future.

At Baker College Prep, I saw Principal Lowry provide real-time coaching to a teacher, who responded positively and immediately adjusted their practice to deliver a stronger lesson and a better experience for students. For our students to grow, we must all embrace growth at every level - teachers, leaders, and staff alike. 

This past weekend, I attended Gary Comer College Prep’s football game against Lindblom. The stands were filled with staff, families, and friends cheering students on, shouting words of affirmation, and showing up in full support. This is what keeps our students feeling that they belong at Noble. It is these moments of community and care that encourage students to stay with us throughout their high school journey. Congratulations to the Comer football team on their victory last week - I couldn’t have been prouder.

And across every campus, I see families showing up, staff leaning all the way in, and students rising to the occasion. These moments remind me of the importance of our work to renew our charter, to ensure we can continue serving students for years to come. 

That same spirit of growth and belonging is reflected in our staff as well, as we celebrate four incredible Noble leaders, Jasmine Stratton, Audrienna Lampkins, JuDonne Hemingway, and Jillian Carew, who have been accepted into the IMPACT Leadership Development Program by the Chicago Urban League. This prestigious program develops the next generation of civic leaders in Chicago and is a powerful reminder that our staff and leaders demonstrate the same level of excellence we strive for in our classrooms. Congratulations to these inspiring leaders!

Thank you for helping us to create another strong start to the school year. Let’s keep rising, together.

Much Love, 
Brenda