As the school year gears in The Windy City, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are seeing more than the usual pre-classroom jitters. Parents partook in weekend festivities, such as a North Lawndale block party described by the Chicago Tribune, trying to distract themselves from worries about the heat, school bus shortages, and ongoing contract negotiations. Briana Louis, for example, expressed her nerves about sending her child off to kindergarten. In contrast, others danced around, seemingly putting off the thought of schools without air-conditioning on a potentially scorching first day.
Meanwhile, initiatives to enrich students' understanding of U.S. governance systems and symbols are being introduced inside CPS classrooms. A Chicago Sun-Times report spotlights two such teachers emboldened by summer educational programs. Mike Feinberg, from Walt Disney Magnet Elementary, returned from a Supreme Court Summer Institute aiming to upskill his 8th graders' judicial branch know-how. He pointed out that, "With all the stuff that's been in the news lately ... these are things that kids are often talking about in class," signaling the relevance of an enriched curriculum.
Virginia Valdez of Jamieson Elementary, who attended the White House History Teacher Institute, now plans to cascade her newfound knowledge to transform her kindergarteners into little aficionados of the presidential residence. Conveying her excitement, Valdez said, "I have a very clear vision now of how I want to present it" to her students, infusing her lessons with the different roles played by the White House.
The excitement about learning and the concern for essential services aren't mutually exclusive for CPS families. As Maricela Carrillo watched her children's folkloric dance, covered by the Chicago Tribune piece, she contemplated the future of CPS extracurriculars and academic programs, specifically bi-lingual education which has grown in demand. The fine dance of educational policy will continue to occupy administration and parents alike as they consider the implications of the forthcoming Board of Education elections. Carrillo is among those keen on seeing how "a lot of changes are coming," as she focuses on providing her children with a robust bilingual foundation.
