We had the pleasure of visiting Principal Dr. Giwa at Pershing School and Principal Tolbert at Mason Elementary on the first day of school, and it’s clear that school leaders truly make all the difference. From Principal Tolbert’s dedication to ensuring every student was registered and ready to learn without missing a beat, to Principal Dr. Giwa’s unwavering focus on setting clear expectations for both students and staff, we saw leaders who were not distracted by the noise but driven by progress.
During our visit to Pershing School, it was inspiring to see Principal Dr. Giwa interacting with students, reflecting the genuine rapport she has built with them. In every classroom, engaged students were already aware of the expectations set for them. It was impressive to see so many teachers actively establishing classroom and school expectations. It’s clear that the foundation Dr. Giwa has laid with her team is reflected in how smoothly everything ran. This speaks volumes about her leadership and the environment being created for all of our students.
At Mason Elementary, chatting with Principal Tolbert and hearing her thoughts was a highlight. Her dedication to her school community was evident, and her openness about sharing her experiences is truly inspiring. As she approaches retirement next month, we’re excited to feature her insights in our upcoming magazine, where she’ll reflect on her time in the role and offer best practices for school leaders.
These leaders represent what we know is happening across Chicago Public Schools—school leaders going above and beyond. Day after day, it is the school ,leaders setting the tone: greeting students with warmth, connecting with communities, with parents, and laying the groundwork for success long before the first day of school. Ensuring that everything is in place to create a welcoming and supportive environment for every student and family.
As we step into this new school year, we wish you a fantastic year ahead filled with growth, learning, and joy for everyone! We want to see your favorite first day (or first week, or first month) photos! Whether it’s a snap with students, a proud moment in your office, or a joyful scene from your school—share it with us in the comments or tag us! Selected photos will be featured in the October edition of our magazine. Let’s capture and share these back-to-school moments together!
We want to visit your schools, too! Let us know when exciting things are happening so we can highlight your amazing work. Our magazine provides a fantastic opportunity to connect, share, and learn from each other. We’re eager to celebrate the incredible efforts you and your teams put in every day while advocating for the support and resources you need to continue doing this important work. Whether it’s a special event, a unique program, or just a great day in the life of your school, we want to be there to share your story and amplify the great work being done in public schools across Chicago.
Wishing everyone a happy and successful new school year! We look forward to continuing our regular check-ins, partnering with you on content for the magazine, and supporting you as you lead your schools to success. Thank you for all that you do!
