Taft High School

📣Tonight!!!

🎥 Taft Outdoor Movie Night & Delicious Concessions Lineup!
As we shared a couple of days ago, this isn't just any movie night! We'll be showing Grease and have some great food options lined up!

We are celebrating Taft alumnus Jim Jacobs, who wrote Grease based right here on his real-life experiences at Taft High School in the 1950s! Come experience "Taft's Summer Nights at the Real Rydell" right where the magic began.

To make the night even better, we are thrilled to feature some incredible local businesses serving up delicious treats and refreshments. Make sure to come hungry and support them!

Our Featured Concession Vendors:
Happy Bobas: Quench your thirst and grab a snack with a selection of drinks, water, and chips.
Chiquita Scoops: Treating us to a fantastic spread of elotes, tamales, churros, conchas, and donuts!
October Cafe: Providing the ultimate movie essentials—fresh popcorn and cookies.
Event Details Recap
When: June 3, 2026. Gates open at 7:00 PM.
Where: TAFT VC FIELD (6530 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.)
Cost: FREE Entry!
What to Pack
Don't forget to bring your favorite cozy blankets or lawn chairs to claim your spot on the grass! Gather your friends and family for a beautiful, community-centered night under the stars as we work together to educate global citizens to create a better world.

Please RSVP!
If you haven't already, please take a quick second to let us know you're coming so we can get an accurate headcount for our local vendors. You can RSVP by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer (below) or with this link: Movie Night RSVP

https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/6oDpC8XrYoSzgjVD9SnfvUy-XlG?domain=docs.google.com

If you have any questions, please reach out to Rachel Miner at [email protected].

We can't wait to see you all next week for a legendary night at the Real Rydell!

🏈Taft Summer League schedule! All games will be hosted at Taft! Thank you for sponsoring the summer leagues across the state!
Chicago Bears

Join the Friends of Taft Inaugural Golf Outing on Aug. 10th
Families, Alumni & Neighbors, Friends of Taft is thrilled to invite our entire school community and surrounding neighborhood to our Inaugural Golf Outing!

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual golfer looking for a beautiful day outside, this event is the perfect way to connect with neighbors while raising vital funds to support our students and school programs.

Enjoy a fantastic morning filled with golf, food, and community spirit!

Event Details
When: Monday, August 10th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)
Where: Edgebrook Golf Course, 6100 N. Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
What’s Included With Your Registration:
Every ticket guarantees a fun-filled day on the course, including:
18 Holes of Golf along with a golf cart.
Food & Drinks to keep you fueled and refreshed.
Access to exciting Raffles & Prizes.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Gather your friends, family, or your favorite foursome and register before spots fill up.

Click Here to Register Now for the Friends of Taft Golf Outing!

https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/rslvCJEkXYi1W115JsVfMcyrzGS?domain=friendsoftafths.betterworld.org

If you have any questions, want to learn more about player slots, or are interested in local neighborhood sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Rachel Miner at [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you for your incredible, ongoing support of the Taft community. We can't wait to see you out on the greens!

Taft Girls Varsity Golf Team Tryouts!
Calling all Taft Golfers! Are you interested in teeing off with the Girls Varsity Golf Team this fall?

Tryout info:
Billy Caldwell Golf Course
6150 N Caldwell Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Tuesday, August 11th @3:30PM w/ first tee time set for 3:48PM
All golfers MUST have an updated physical on file with the Taft Athletic Department and have completed the Golf Registration Form (click here)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfrWP1sLBgU4ZRNgKqD6ARgaMwntwLKsVBYiPFjYtQFtUUkg/viewform

BEFORE August 11th in order to be eligible to tryout. Don't delay!

*Fall sports registration link to be shared at a later date through Taft Athletics Department. Athletic fee will only be assessed after making the team.

Contact Coach Larkins with any questions: [email protected]

Apply for After School Matters SUMMER
Do you want to earn money while learning a new skill?

Apply for the After School Matters Entrepreneurship, Podcast Exploration, Art & Social Media, Mindfulness Leader Internship, OR Water Polo hosted at Taft's Varsity Campus over the summer!

Applications are/will be available on the ASM Website. Follow the directions below. All students who are within the age requirements for each program can apply for After School Matters. Stipend may vary based on program and age.

Entrepreneurship Apprenticeship
Instructors: Rene Pineda ([email protected]), Isa Combes ([email protected]), and Gray Mendoza ([email protected])
When: 6/22/26 - 7/17/26 on Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Ages: 14-15
Student Stipend/Pay: $480
Podcast Exploration
Instructor: Mat Alvarez ([email protected])
When: 6/22/26 - 7/17/26 on Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Student Stipend/Pay: $17.05/hr before taxes
Art & Social Media
Instructor: Luis Beltran ([email protected])
When: 6/22/26 - 7/17/26 on Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Ages: 14-15
Student Stipend/Pay: $480
Water Polo
Instructors: Luis Navarro ([email protected]) and Roberto Henriquez ([email protected])
When: 6/22/26 - 7/17/26 on Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM​
Ages: 14-15
Student Stipend/Pay: $480
Mindfulness Leader Internship
Instructors: Tahniat Nadeem ([email protected]), Norberto Gudino Jr. ([email protected]), Mona Antwan ([email protected])
When: 6/22/26 - 7/17/26 on Mon - Fri 8:30 AM -3:00 PM
Ages: 16+
Student Stipend/Pay: $17.05/hr before taxes
Mindfulness Leader Apprenticeship
Instructors: Yaretzi Cornelio ([email protected]), Tahniat Nadeem ([email protected]), Mona Antwan ([email protected])
When: 6/22-7/17 on Mon-Fri 8:30 AM -3:00 PM
Ages: 14-15
Mindfulness Leader Ambassadors are a force for GOOD as it enhances, trains, and aligns young minds to aid the development of Emotional Intelligence. Mindfulness Leaders is a first-of-its-kind educational program operating on an app to serve high school and University students worldwide. You get to learn 23 core principles, providing invaluable life skills and spread it to your community and family. This advanced apprenticeship program is recognized by The White House and Chicago Mayor’s Office as an essential tool for helping both teens and adults thoughtfully manage their lives. While all teens will receive the ML app; the final project allows us to gain practical skills in facilitating workshops as a group to community partners and introducing the Mindfulness Leader mobile app as a resource for continued mindfulness instruction. Apply today and become a Mindfulness Leader!

Apply at the After School Matters Website!
Go to https://www.afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply/
Click on Apply
Search and Select: Entrepreneurship @ Taft; Video Production @ Taft; Podcast Exploration with .Boy.Radio; Art & Social Media @ Taft, Mindfulness Leader Internship or Apprenticeship @ Taft, OR Water Polo @ Taft.
If the application is not available, please try again at a later date.

Questions? Email Taft ASM Liaison Mrs. Newton at [email protected] or the ASM Instructors listed for each program.

⚽️Boys Soccer Tryouts - SAVE THE DATE
High school boys soccer tryouts will take place August 10-12, 2026 from 8 AM-12 PM at the Read-Dunning Athletic Complex- 4939 N Oak Park Avenue.

Students must be in grades 9-12, have an updated athletic physical, and be registered with Taft.

More information to come!

Local School Council Meeting Postponed
The Local School Council meeting original scheduled for Tuesday, May 25th has been moved to Tuesday, June 2nd.

The time (6pm) and location (Varsity Campus) remain as planned.

CLICK HERE for more information about Taft's Local School Council.

https://www.tafthighschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=302253&type=d