Raising Hell:
Not giving priority to where your kids will be during the Chicago Teacher’s Strike
Raising Them Well:
Having a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C – or at least a plan in the making!
Okay Chicago Parents, it’s official. Teachers are striking, and you and your kids are left hangin’. I know this is such a drag. So inconvenient. You’ve got to work. They’ve got to learn. What is a parent to do? The worse thing is to do nothing. The Chicago Public Schools’ got a back-up plan. If you don’t have alternative arrangements in place, Register your children with Chicago Public Schools Children First sites www.cps.edu/childrenfirst. A total of 144 designated sites are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm. The sites are fully staffed. Reading and school books, lesson plans, art materials, etc. are provided. If you have a child with a disabilty, there are accomodating Children First facilities your child can attend. For all kids’ safely, about 1000 officers will be stationed at these sites, at least one nurse will be assigned as well.
Sign up on the web: www.cps.edu/childrenfirst or call 311. If the phone lines are jammed, and you don’t have a computer, try registering through your smart phone. To test it, I searched the website, clicked the url, and it took me to the site. If that doesn’t work for you, ask a neighbor or family member to borrow their computer; or go to the library. You will need their student I.D. numbers to register via computer. If you don’t have it, visit the website to find out how to access it
Why do you have to register? This ensures the facility keeps track of each child in the program and provides a decent teacher/student ratio (1 to 25).
After 12:30, then what? Additional safe havens are located at Girls and Boys Clubs, Chicago Park Districts, Chicago Public Libraries, faith-based organizations and community centers. Again, the email address to get the full scoop is www.cps.edu/childrenfirst.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the parents, teachers and officials involved. Let’s hope they stop raising hell, and agree to a contract. And as for you parents who go that painful extra mile to ensure your children’s well being, you’re raising them well.
