Dear CPS Families,
We are writing to you with an important update on in-person learning. Because many Chicago Teachers’ Union (CTU) members have chosen not to report to school buildings, we have made the difficult decision to cancel classes for a second consecutive day. There will be no in-person or remote instruction tomorrow, Thursday, January 6, and parents and caregivers should not plan to send their children to school. All after-school programs, athletic practices, and other school events are also canceled. We apologize for the disruption that the union’s illegal work stoppage is causing for your family.
CPS is committed to returning students to in-person instruction as soon as possible. In-person instruction is critical for students’ academic, social, and emotional progress, and critical for working families who rely on CPS to care for and educate their children day in and day out. By contrast, we know that remote learning not only places a burden on families, but causes students to suffer academically, socially, and emotionally.
The good news is that many staff members, including many teachers, chose to report to work today for in-person instruction. We have spent the day connecting with CPS principals to determine the level of instruction each school can offer CPS families. Some schools have enough staff reporting to work to return to in-person instruction as soon as Friday, January 7. Other schools have more limited capacity, and may provide learning packets and other materials for students to use during this illegal work stoppage. Your school’s principal will be reaching out to your individual school community regarding what level of instruction they can provide your family. In the meantime, CPS will be working around the clock with principals, staff, and families to return to in-person learning as soon as possible.
As a reminder, take-home breakfasts and lunches will be available at schools from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for any community member under the age of 18 who is in need of a meal.
Additionally, families who need childcare options can explore the following resources:
- The Safe Haven Sites listed here are available for childcare. Sites will be open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Registration is available on site and a parent or guardian must be present with the child at the time of registration.
- Chicago Park District field houses will be open during normal operating hours. These facilities will be available to CPS students ages six and older. All Chicago Park District programs will take place as scheduled. For more information on park locations and hours of operation, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com.
- Chicago Public Library locations are open during normal hours (children must be accompanied by an adult and can’t be left at the library unattended). CPL has grab-and-go kits with activities for children to do in the library or to take home.
- Community Based Organizations throughout the city are offering daytime programs for students. A list of programs can be found here. This list will be updated as new programs are identified. For more information about programs and how to register, please reach out to the contact - or visit the website - listed.
Sincerely,
Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools