Dr. Aldo Calderin

Your work does not go unnoticed. You are an essential part of our school community, and we are grateful for everything you do to make our schools a better place for every child. Please join us in thanking these incredible individuals who make a difference — one lunch period, one recess, and one student at a time!

Every single day, they show up with patience, compassion, and dedication. They build relationships. They model respect. They help shape a positive school environment in ways that truly matters. To our Lunch Hostesses & Supervisors: We see you. We appreciate you. And today, we celebrate you.

Our Lunch Hostesses & Supervisors are so much more than the people who serve meals. They are the warm smiles that greet students in the middle of a busy day. They are the calm voices that bring order to a bustling lunchroom. They are the watchful eyes that keep our students safe during lunch and also on the playground during recess. They help create a space where students can relax, recharge, connect with friends, and feel cared for. They step in with kindness when a child needs help, encouragement when someone is having a tough day, and consistency that helps every student feel secure and supported.

🦸‍♀️ IT'S SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY! 👩‍🍳 Today, Cicero District 99 proudly celebrates a group of everyday heroes who often work behind the scenes but whose impact is felt in every cafeteria, every playground, and every child's day.

🎈 HAPPY DÍA DEL NIÑO 🧒 Last Saturday, Cicero District 99 hosted a statement event! Thousands of families filled Unity Junior High School for our largest celebration of the year: Día del Niño & Academic Showcase... and what a celebration it was. This day belongs to our children and they showed us exactly why. From the moment you walked in, you could feel it. Pride. Joy. Culture. Talent. The artwork? Absolutely stunning — every piece telling a story, every student pouring their heart onto the canvas. The performances? Nothing short of breathtaking. From the electrifying dance teams of Roosevelt Elementary, to the powerful sounds of the Morton High School Mariachi Band, to the mesmerizing Azteca dancers and folklórico groups across the District... the stage came alive with color, culture, and passion. It didn't just entertain — it moved you. And then came the brilliance. Our Academic Bowl brought together some of the brightest young minds across every grade level — students competing, pushing, and shining. Congratulations to our champions from Cicero West, Wilson, Warren Park, and Unity! And to our art competition winners — your talent is undeniable. The future is in incredible hands. But this day was also about joy. Free toys in the hands of smiling kids. Funnel cakes and food bringing families together. Photo booths capturing memories. Bounce houses full of laughter. And yes... a giant dancing gorilla that somehow stole the show. Because here in Cicero, we don't do things halfway. We go ALL OUT — for our kids, for our families, for our future. None of this happens alone. Thank you to our incredible partners and sponsors who showed up in a big way. Thank you to Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick, The Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee, Miss Cicero 2026, and Univision Chicago for bringing energy, heart, and unforgettable hosting. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, their effort, and their belief in what this day represents. It truly takes a village and Cicero showed what that village looks like. This is who we are. And if you weren't there... just know this: you can't miss it next year! Happy Día del Niño from Cicero District 99! #WeMoveForwardTogether #AvanzamosJuntos #diadelniño #DayOfTheChild #CommunityStrong

🌟 PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR! 🌟 Register Here: bit.ly/D99Prek2627 Do you have a child who is 3-5 years old? Give them the best possible start by enrolling them in Cicero District 99's Early Childhood Program! The early years are the most important years in your child's development. Our preschool program helps children build strong foundations in learning, language, social skills, confidence, and independence — setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond. At District 99, we believe EVERY child deserves a strong start. ✨ Full & Half Day AM/PM Sessions Available ✨ Dual Language Program ✨ Special Education Services ✨ Your child can start ANYTIME throughout the school year ✨ Safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments ✨ Caring teachers who are dedicated to helping every child grow Our Early Childhood Program is designed to help children learn through play, exploration, friendships, and meaningful experiences that make school exciting and welcoming. Parents — this is more than preschool. This is the beginning of your child's educational journey. If your child is between the ages of 3-5 and lives in Cicero, now is the time to enroll! Don't wait — spaces fill quickly, and giving your child an early start can make all the difference. 📞 Questions? Call 708-982-4500 for answers and support Every 3-5 year old in Cicero belongs in our Early Childhood Program. Let's work together to prepare our youngest learners for a bright future! #WeMoveForwardTogether #AvanzamosJuntos #preschool #earlychildhoodeducation #EnrollToday

@D99Cicero Great morning with the Morton Arboretum, Unity students, planting trees! We even got signs posted by students and staff as we planted trees🌳❤️

The event was held thanks to an ongoing collaboration between District 99 and The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), an urban and community forestry program dedicated to improving the tree canopy in communities throughout Chicagoland with a focus on environmental equity and under-resourced communities. As part of the District’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and student engagement, 10 trees were planted on Unity’s campus, supporting the Town of Cicero’s broader goal of expanding the town’s tree canopy. “This is more than just planting trees — it’s about empowering our students to take an active role in shaping our community,” said Tom Tomschin, board president of District 99. “When students see the impact of their actions, it builds a sense of responsibility and hope for the future.”

ROOTING FOR A GREENER FUTURE: CICERO STUDENTS, EDUCATORS JOIN FORCES WITH THE MORTON ARBORETUM TO ENHANCE THE TOWN'S TREE CANOPY 🌳 Arbor Day may be a one-day annual celebration on the last Friday in April, but today, students and staff from the @D99Cicero did their part to ensure the community recognizes the daily importance of trees and their contribution toward creating a healthier environment for all. District 99 partnered with @MortonArboretum for a special tree-planting event at Unity Junior High School, bringing together students, staff and community partners to invest in a greener, healthier future for all.

❤️ Drop a heart below. Share this post. Help us spread the word. Let's show everyone just how much Unify Fridays means to Cicero. Because when families show up, communities grow. And when communities grow, everyone wins. See you next season. #WeMoveForwardTogether #AvanzamosJuntos #UnifyFridays #FamilyFirst

Unify Fridays is about more than entertainment. It's about strengthening families. It's about supporting our youth. It's about building community. And we want it to keep growing. Our goal is simple: we want every District 99 family to say they've experienced a Unify Friday. We want every middle schooler and teenager to know this is THEIR space. We want the gym packed, the music loud, and the community stronger than ever next year. So now we're asking YOU. If you've been to a Unify Friday, if you want to see Unify Friday return next year, if you believe our kids deserve more safe spaces like this...

In tandem with the tree planting event, the Arboretum’s CRTI program is fostering an ongoing partnership with District 99 and Unity Junior High School, working together to transform the school’s campus into a Level One Arboretum — an accreditation which covers the core functions of an arboretum and represents a major accomplishment in an organization’s commitment to the care of its trees and landscaping. “As a District, we are committed to expanding the tree canopy across our school sites, and this event at Unity will create a hands-on learning opportunity that connects students to science, sustainability and community responsibility,” said Dr. Anthony Grazzini, executive director of grants and accountability for District 99. “Together, we are helping create greener spaces that benefit students, families and the entire Cicero community for generations to come.”

@LC5_2008 @MaxPreps @bigherbbaseball @CoachPych @Cobra_Baseball @PrepBaseballIL @gbebaseball @FlatgroundApp

Pitching stats so far: IP: 34.2 K: 44 BB: 11 WHIP: .894 BAA: .159 ERA: 0.20 ( Ranked 17th in the Nation) @MaxPreps @bigherbbaseball @CoachPych @Cobra_Baseball @PrepBaseballIL @gbebaseball

Warriors win again in a close game 5-3 v Addison Trail Biggs 4.1IP 3 hits 5k Swanson 1.2IP for the hold Crocker on for the save in the 7th Ramey and Dasbach with big RBI’s Warriors finish the series tomorrow at Addison Trail

💪 @LC5_2008

Laughter, tradition, and community filled the Cicero Senior Center, as seniors gathered for a fun afternoon of Lotería! Friends came together to enjoy this beloved classic game, sharing smiles, friendly competition, and unforgettable moments. Events like these continue to bring joy and connection to our senior community. 💛 A special thank you to Senior Center Director Diana Dominick for helping create meaningful experiences where friendships grow and traditions thrive! #CiceroSeniors #LoteriaFun #SeniorCenterJoy #TownOfCicero #CommunityMatters #WeAreCicero #SomosCicero

🎭 THE SUN CAME OUT AT GOODWIN: A SHOW-STOPPING NIGHT OF ANNIE! ☀️ From the very first note played by the school band, Goodwin Elementary School's production of Annie had the entire gym captivated. For those who know and love the classic story, Annie follows the journey of a spirited young orphan living under the harsh rule of Miss Hannigan, dreaming of the parents who left her behind. With hope in her heart and determination in her step, Annie's life changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks. What begins as a temporary visit becomes a heartwarming journey of family, resilience, and the belief that "The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow." And Goodwin's students brought every bit of that magic to life. The set design was absolutely stunning, transforming the gym into scenes full of charm, color, and Broadway-style wonder. The costumes were beautifully done — thoughtful, vibrant, and full of personality — making every character feel authentic and memorable. The students were phenomenal. Their singing, acting, and dancing were filled with confidence, joy, and heart. From the lead roles to every ensemble performance, each child gave it their all, and it showed. They didn't just perform the story — they made the audience feel it. The gym was packed wall-to-wall with proud families, friends, and supporters, and the energy in the room was unforgettable. The applause was loud, the smiles were endless, and the standing ovation was more than deserved. A huge bravo to the incredible production team, teachers, directors, volunteers, and everyone working behind the scenes. Creating something this polished, joyful, and memorable takes dedication, talent, and love — and Goodwin delivered all of it. This school play was a full production, a celebration of young talent, and a reminder of how powerful the arts can be. Take a bow, Goodwin Elementary — you truly shined. #WeMoveForwardTogether #AvanzamosJuntos #Annie #Bravo #BetYourBottomDollarTomorrow

♟️ CHECKMATE TONIGHT'S PLANS! ♟️ Looking for something fun, different, and actually worth leaving the house for? Join the Cicero Public Library for CHESS NIGHT tonight, Wednesday, April 29 from 4-5:30 P.M. Whether you're a total beginner, a casual player, or someone who's been saying "I should really learn chess someday..." — THIS is your sign. 🔥 Learn from chess coach, Dr. Mikhail Korenman, one of Illinois' most respected chess educators. Named 2026 Illinois Chess Coaches Association Coach of the Year, Dr. Korenman is recognized for building powerhouse chess programs and using chess to transform lives across generations. He created and led the groundbreaking Cook County Jail chess program, helping thousands of participants use chess to build patience, discipline, and critical thinking — so impactful that it gained international recognition through FIDE's global "Chess for Freedom" initiative. His mission isn't just about winning games — it's about connection, confidence, and community. As Dr. Korenman says: "We're not looking to make new world champions... we're looking for people to communicate through chess." So head on over to the Cicero Public Library (5225 W. Cermak Rd.) to meet new people, sharpen your mind, learn strategy + life skills, have fun in a welcoming space, and discover why chess is one of the most powerful games ever created. 📞 Give them a call and let them know you're coming tonight: (708) 652-8084 ext. 7 Share with your chess partner, your smartest friend, your most competitive cousin, or someone who needs a new hobby... because the best move you make this week might be showing up! #WeMoveForwardTogether #AvanzamosJuntos #chessnight #Checkmate #CiceroLibrary

The Rams (12-8-1, UEC: 10-2) get back in the win column tonight with a 11-0 victory over Elmwood Park. We will be back on the field on Thursday when the Rams host Larkin. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30!