Illinois Families for Public Schools

@ilfps

Grassroots, non-profit 501c4 advocacy org representing the interests of Illinois pro-public school families. Public schools = public good! info@ilfps.org

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Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 2d

And here is the earlier vs. now versions of a document "CPS AI Access Overview" which make it clear that the district was in fact planning to roll out Google Gemini for high school:

CPS’s previous statement on Gemini access for students in the “CPS AI Access Overview” document stated:

“Future Rollout: We are currently conducting a pilot of Gemini access for students, which is strictly limited to high school students at designated ‘Early Adopter’ schools. Following the pilot phase, a broader rollout of Gemini is planned for the start of the 2026-2027 School Year (SY27). At that time, student access to Gemini will remain limited to the high school level for the foreseeable future.”

That document now reads:

"Future Rollout: While a broader rollout of Gemini to high school students was previously planned for the 2026-2027 school year, those implementation plans have been discontinued. This decision follows extensive stakeholder engagement initiatives with school leaders, educators, and staff that occurred during the 2025-2026 school year. Moving forward, the district has shifted to a future-readiness model, working directly with individual schools on potential rollouts tailored to their specific needs."

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 3d

Parents/caregivers: Turn in a Directory Info Opt Out form when you are submitting back-to-school docs. Here's CPS' form. It's due by Dec 1st according to the Student Code of Conduct. If your child is junior or older, you can opt out of info being shared with the US military and colleges/universities

Image of CPS Directory and Recruiter Information Opt-Out Form p. 38 here https://cdn.bfldr.com/MXCD21SV/at/rk354jq9q47fhhmpbj5hnxn5/OSHW_StudentHealthFormsBook_722441_Booklet_85x11_D_EN_04162026_V07.pdf

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 13d

Here’s the Chicago School Board candidates who have committed to protect human-centered education in CPS! Our "Pledge to Protect Human-Centered Education” calls on candidates to commit to addressing the important & pressing issue of the overuse & misuse of tech in CPS: www.ilfps.org/pledge_prote...

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 16d

Check out these "Cases with Social and Emotional Learning, Content, and Special Population Strategies" things for PreK-2 on p. 351 and 354 😱 www.isbe.net/Documents/AI...

Case: A teacher tries a story generator to create a silly class book about classroom pets. The output includes a scary theme that is not developmentally appropriate. A student looks worried and another starts repeating the scary line.
Context: The teacher wants creative support, but the class needs predictable, safe language. Students are still learning boundaries between pretend and real.

Case: During a literacy center rotation, the teacher uses a simple “picture-to-words” tool to help students label classroom objects. One student keeps getting wrong labels and starts crumpling their paper and pushing the tablet away.
Context: The class is practicing naming feelings and using calm-down strategies. The teacher is also trying to introduce basic AI ideas in a safe way: “Sometimes computers ‘guess.’ Computers can produce ideas, but people must make check what is produced.”

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 16d

It gets better! 😱 This is an excerpt from the "Instructional Gen AI Playbook" which is the other main guidance doc for CPS teachers... www.cps.edu/globalassets...

Image of excerpt of document text. Heading "Student Access to Generative AI"
Body text with "Google - Gemini" highlighted: "Student Generative AI use is perhaps the most critical and least standardized aspect of instructional generative AI currently. The cognitive and socioemotional risks associated with generative AI use by students are rightfully concerning, and the popular generative AI companies (Google - Gemini, Anthropic - Claude, OpenAI - ChatGPT) have yet to establish guardrails in their products that suﬃciently meet the rigorous expectations held by CPS for student safety and equitable use. As such, students do not currently have direct access to generative AI at school. Additionally, parents"

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 17d

Prioritize kids over computers! We’re calling on Chicago School Board candidates to commit to a "Pledge to Protect Human-Centered Education”—22 have signed on so far. Full Pledge, candidates who have committed, and why we must protect human-centered education in CPS: www.ilfps.org/pledge_prote...

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· 18d

Schools’ and libraries’ book purchases are declining & instead AI companies are buying up used books as the raw arterial for AI slop machines www.404media.co/ai-companies...

The seller told me that, normally, on a good week, he’d sell about 20 books. Since April, he has regularly sold hundreds of books a week. While the seller didn’t have clear evidence that the purchases were being made by AI companies, the purchases made him suspect that they were. First of all, he said, the kind of books he sells are specialized and are usually bought by schools and libraries. Purchases from these organizations have been trending downward because of reduced funding, he said. Bulk purchases also usually reflect interest in a specific topic, whereas the

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Jun 25

Our 10th birthday bash is TONIGHT! We have so much gratitude to our host committee for their generous support. We couldn’t keep fighting to defend public schools without your commitment to us. Thank you for celebrating this milestone and giving us the means to move forward into the next decade!

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Jun 23

😱 "Kennedy Middle School in Rockford and Lanphier High School in Springfield gave out more suspensions and other forms of discipline to Black students in 2024-25 than there were Black students enrolled at the schools." ipmnewsroom.org/this-rockfor...

Image of interactive graph with some far outlier points, titled "Which schools disciplined Black students the most?" Caption: "Kennedy Middle School in Rockford and Lanphier High School in Springfield gave out more suspensions and other forms of discipline to Black students in 2024-2025 than there were Black students enrolled at the schools. Meanwhile, Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago had a much lower suspension rate." https://ipmnewsroom.org/this-rockford-middle-school-disciplines-black-students-more-than-any-school-in-illinois/

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Jun 19

Newly released curriculum resource for teaching Black history in IL: "It offers a comprehensive, inquiry-based, & justice-centered set of teaching & learning resources for 6-12th grade students & teachers to meet the calls of the [state] mandate" socialstudies.education.illinois.edu/BlackStudies...

Black Studies Illinois
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Jun 16

“A Democratic governor who had been on the fence about participating in the new federal school choice program said Friday her state won’t participate, following the Trump administration’s release of a preview of how the program will operate.” You know what to do @govpritzker.illinois.gov

Text: Gov. Tina Kotek of Oregon said in a statement that the Trump administration's information release "indicates states like Oregon will not have the flexibility they need to participate in alignment with our values.
"At this point, I simply cannot trust that any education policy coming from Trump's White House is in the best interest of Oregon's kids and our public education system," she said.

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Jun 10

CALL your rep TODAY and ask them to co-sponsor the "Keep Public Funds In Public Schools Act of 2026"—the bill that would REPEAL the federal school voucher scheme. If they’ve signed on, call to thank them and ask them to urge their colleagues to sign on. Find them: www.congress.gov/contact-us

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Jun 5

The "Keep Public Funds In Public Schools Act of 2026"—the bill that would REPEAL the federal voucher scheme—still has MANY Illinois congresspeople who haven’t signed on in support! CALL your rep TODAY and ask them to co-sponsor! Find them here: www.congress.gov/contact-us

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· May 28

Rep Gwen Moore (D-WI) will soon introduce the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, legislation that would REPEAL the federal school voucher scheme. Let's show broad support for repeal when the bill is introduced! Take 30 seconds to ask your rep to co-sponsor TODAY: bit.ly/repeal_fed_vouchers

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· May 17

It’s a birthday party for Illinois Families for Public Schools! Join us for an “old-school” celebration of our 10 years in the fight for public schools and a fundraiser to keep us moving into our next decade. Tickets and more info: bit.ly/June25party See you Thursday, June 25th, 6:30pm!

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· May 4

Get on the good foot, Pritzker! AZ and KS have joined WI, MN, & KY state leaders and rejected the fed school voucher scheme. AZ Gov. Hobbs called the program like it is, a "voucher scam" that would further strain public education funding. Write @govpritzker.illinois.gov: bit.ly/no_vouchers_letters

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 22

Details on what the Illinois Revenue Alliance is proposing:

Image of fact sheet titled “Equitable Recenue Policies Illinois Families Need to Thrive” from: https://www.illinoisrevenuealliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-overview-for-website-1.png

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 21

⚠️ Student data privacy violation settlement—If your child logged into Naviance (PowerSchool's college and career planning product) at least once between Aug. 18, 2021, and Jan. 23, 2026, they may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 20

Together, we’ve achieved BIG advocacy wins in the fight against the new federal school voucher program. Thank YOU for springing into action and boosting the NO vouchers advocacy steps across all levels of government. 🧵 #edusky

graphic with tan background and a transparent image of the Illinois state Capitol building in the background. Text: no federal school vouchers for Illinois.

Image of a sheet of notebook paper with text: Rejecting Vouchers Action Steps RESULTS! A checkmark list w/ text: Both of Illinois' US Senators signed on as sponsors to theKeep Public Funds in Public Schools Act to repeal the federal voucher program; Cook County’s Board shelved a pro-voucher resolution.;The Chicago Board of Ed unanimously approved an anti-voucher resolution. Text: collective advocacy FOR THE WIN!; ilfps.org

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 8

With an overwhelming majority vote, the Chicago Board of Education passed an anti-voucher resolution today! As the largest school district in the state and one of the largest in the county, this is a strong win in the fight against the federal school voucher program.

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 8

We urge the Chi Board of Ed to consider the strong and thoughtful message from Monica Dillon (@chicagotribune.com) calling out the discrimination school vouchers bring, particularly for students with disabilities. Vote YES on 26-0408-RS1 to keep the federal school voucher program out of Illinois.

Quote Graphic: Letters to the Editor; Public schools serve all kids;The Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on Resolution 26-0330-RS1, a necessary stand against the expansion of federal school voucher programs in Illinois. While proponents often frame vouchers as “freedom of choice,” for Chicago’s most vulnerable students — particularly those with special needs — that choice is often an illusion that comes at a high cost.; Monica Dillon, Chicago; The Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2026; ilfps.org

Quote Graphic: Letters to the Editor; Public schools serve all kids; Public schools are mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to every child. When families accept a voucher for a private institution, they often unknowingly waive these federal civil rights. Unlike our neighborhood public schools, private schools are not legally required to follow a child’s individualized education program (IEP) or provide the specialized therapies and equipment guaranteed in the public system.; Monica Dillon, Chicago; The Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2026; ilfps.org

Quote Graphic: Letters to the Editor; Public schools serve all kids; Furthermore, private institutions maintain the right to cherry-pick their student body and may deny admission to children with complex disabilities. This creates a two-tiered system in which public funds are siphoned away from the schools that welcome everyone to support institutions that can — and do — discriminate. As our city continues to advocate for fair state and federal funding, we must protect the integrity of the public system that serves all kids. I urge the Board of Education to vote “yes” on Resolution 26-0330-RS1 and keep public funds in public classrooms.; Monica Dillon, Chicago; The Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2026; ilfps.org

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 7

Respectfully, Speaker Welch there isn’t time to chat. We’re on the eve of the 2027 deadline for when the IL General Assembly promised public schools would be fully funded, and we’re still BILLIONS away from what the state’s own formula says our public schools need. Millionaires Tax now!

Text: Tax talk: Welch also supports the idea of a millionaire's tax, saying "those who can pay more should pay more," pointing to $4 billion in potential revenue. He stopped short of making it a centerpiece of this year's plan, suggesting instead that it's an ongoing conversation, including on how funding might be used — for property tax relief, for example, or pensions.?

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 7

ACTION ALERT for the stand against the Trump administration's harmful school voucher program! The Chi Board of Ed anti-federal voucher resolution is now on their Wed., April 8th agenda. Chicagoan? Contact your Board of Ed member TODAY—urge them to vote YES on this resolution: bit.ly/cps_boe_no_v...

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 3

We’ve got governor envy! WI, MN, and KY’s leaders firmly rejected federal vouchers and made the fight for public schools their priority, we need Pritzker to say loud and proud, NO VOUCHERS for IL—we love our public schools! Write today (even if you’ve reached out before): bit.ly/no_vouchers_letters

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Apr 2

“The Rising Generations Strategy Group”—priorities of the group include school choice and AI….with $$ from Bezos, Crown, Gates, Walton, etc. What could go right? Press release: www.aspeninstitute.org/news/rising-... #edusky

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Mar 31

Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility & rally w/us on Sat, April 4, at Federal Plaza-1pm, in solidarity with our trans community, to demand visibility, change, justice, & equality for transgender and nonbinary individuals everywhere. Sign up: tinyurl.com/TDOVChicago2026

Grey chalkboard background with graphic of person holding a megaphone. Text: Rally for Trans Visibility Endorsed by: Illinois Families for Public School. Saturday, April 4th - 1PM, Federal Plaza, Chicago

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Mar 28

#NoKings today: we’ll be in Chicago! Find your nearest rally—text “No Kings” to 59798

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Mar 27

Productive time in Springfield sharing info with legislators about keeping federal vouchers out of IL! Thanks to Sen. Morrison and Rep Jimenez for sharing time with us and Sen. Guzman, Sen. Simmons, and Sen. Ventura for leading on SB 3966—PROHIBIT FED VOUCHER PROGRAM

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Mar 11

Speaking of that new Trump federal school voucher program… just going to leave this here. “God’s new gold mine”: youtu.be/AgY6Bww-YZA?... mychurchsgo.org/home

Graphic of an island setting with young person, wearing a backpack, holding a shovel in front of a treasure trust full of gold. Text: God's new gold mine
New Federal K-12
Scholarship Tax Credit
Help kids find the narrow way!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
MY CHURCH SGO
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SGO presentation for Donors

Illinois Families for Public Schools@ilfps· Mar 7

Help us let voters know there’s a misleading pro-voucher question on their primary ballot, orchestrated by the Illinois Policy Institute (an ultra-conservative, anti-public school org funded by rightwing billionaires) as a ploy to garner support for federal vouchers. RSVP bit.ly/3_10callsforschools