Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Jean-Claude Brizard today launched the 2011-2012 back to school campaign.  This year, CPS will lead an aggressive campaign that will marry new media technologies and grassroots activities to increase attendance on the first day of school.

Mayor Emanuel will also issue a Call to Action for City departments and sister agencies, local businesses, faith leaders and community organizations to boost the Chicago Public Schools efforts to have students in school on the first day. His office will send out a letter to all city department and sister agencies heads outlining the actions he is asking them to take in promoting back to school awareness. The Mayor’s office volunteer initiative, One Good Deed Chicago, will also help to recruit volunteers for phone banking.

“We all have a role to play in helping Chicago’s children succeed – they are our city’s future. Students with good attendance habits are making the right choices to stay on track to graduate and succeed. We plan to use every available tool at our disposal to make sure that parents, students and communities know when school starts and we will work together to get kids to schools on day one,” said Mayor Emanuel.