The Magic of Mondays: Skinner West Families Are Bringing Back the Staff
Walk, bike, or drive down Monroe and Adams on a Monday morning, and you’ll see it — a student and their friends wave hello to their favorite crossing guard. A student sprints down the hall to find a favorite teacher. A parent lets go of a small hand at drop-off, already sure their child is in good hands.
This magic moment exists because of the school and instructional support staff who greet, guide, and care for our kids every single day, the aides, assistants, and support positions that hold a school day together.
This year, the ongoing CPS budget crisis cut several of those positions at Skinner West, and our school will be at a loss unless we do something about it.
We’re hoping that you’ll help us bring back the magic this school year and restore school support positions.
What is the Magic of Mondays?
Magic of Mondays is a one-time, community-wide campaign to restore the school and instructional support positions Skinner West lost to budget cuts, in time for the 2026–2027 school year. It starts now with all gifts and corporate pledges due August 14, 2026, so the school can confirm staffing before the first day of class.
Why It Matters
Skinner West students work hard, and the staff who support them give real skill, leadership, and care to make that work possible. Support staff are the constant in a child's school day. When those positions disappear, kids, teachers, and families feel it.
Friends of Skinner West exists to close gaps like this one. As a parent-powered, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, FOSW has long supported Skinner West through fundraising, volunteer work, and partnerships that fund technology upgrades, curriculum resources, and support for teachers and staff. Magic of Mondays is the next chapter of that work, built to meet an urgent, immediate need.
The Goal, and How to Help
Friends of Skinner West is aiming to raise more than $300,000 by August 14, enough to bring back the positions our school needs most. Reaching that goal takes gifts at every level:
Start small. A gift of $100 adds up fast when families give together. If every household gives something, we can make a difference in restoring school assistants, teacher aides, or instructional leaders.
Give bigger if you can. A larger gift can fund a meaningful part of a staff position for the full year.
Make a corporate connection. A single large corporate pledge can fund an entire position outright. If your employer offers matching gifts, or if you know a local business that might want to sponsor a position, Friends of Skinner West can provide a formal pledge form and any documentation needed for approval.
Every gift and/or pledge is due August 14, 2026.
A Community Effort, One Gift at a Time
If you're able to give, big or small, or if you know someone who can, now is the time. Every gift and pledge is due August 14, 2026, and every dollar goes directly toward bringing our support staff back for the school year ahead.
Ready to give, or want to learn more about corporate sponsorship? Reach out to Friends of Skinner West to find out how you can be part of Magic of Mondays.
