Month: September 2016

Single Mom Pens Open Letter to CPS

As a single black mother with two children currently being taught in two totally different school settings, I can definitely see a difference in their educational habits that I believe to be inspired per their institutions/peers.  My 8 year old daughter (Cayce) is in 3rd grade at a private Catholic School (St. Angela) and has been there since the age…

Hey Parents- Did You Know There’s a Black Owned Farm & Nature Center in Chicago?

Eden Place Nature Center is the only Black owned and operated, farm and nature center in Chicago. Located on 44th Stewart, Eden Place used to be an illegal dump site. Founded by Michael Howard, Eden Place Nature Center is a doorway to nature for the residents of Chicago. Eden Place has a variety of activities this Fall for students and…

Chicago Parent Threatens to Remove Son from CPS if Strike Becomes “Too Lengthy”

As a parent who has only been with the CPS system for just over a year now, I find it disheartening to hear of a possible teachers strike and disruption of my child’s education.  To have to prepare for and find solutions that will minimize the effect of a disrupted education just as the school year has kicked off is…

What Are Chicago Teachers Actually Paid? Crunching The Numbers

Chicago teachers are expected to vote to authorize a strike next week after months of negotiations over teacher pay — and how much teachers will contribute to their pensions — have faltered. The $5.4 billion Chicago Public Schools budget, adopted in August, relies on a contract proposal rejected by the union in February that would raise teachers’ pay but require them to contribute more…

After being turned away from school, Chicago student shot and killed walking home

An 18-year-old was turned away from school for not wearing part of the uniform. He was then shot and killed while walking home with a friend and his friend’s mom. The drive-by happened at 10:30 Wednesday morning in the middle of the street. His friends mother was there and saw the whole thing, and even tried saving the boy’s life. Doss went to…

I can learn

Parents, Stand Up…Critics, Have a Seat!

Woke parents—I LOVE you guys!  Over the past week, there have been a number of you who have publicly voiced your concerns over the impending teacher’s strike.  And I, for one, am especially elated that there are more of you who are becoming more aware of the disparities in education in Chicago, inserting yourselves into the conversation, making you more…

“Don’t Strike- Think About the Children Instead”

“Think about the children.” This is what Chicago parent Ebonee Washington is urging the CTU to consider as talks of a possible teacher strike continues to surface. Washington is the parent of four children who attend CPS and charter institutes. “My children and the children is this community may not have a chance to get educated all because of money.”…

Chicago Parent Explains Why She Doesn’t Support a Potential Teacher Strike

There are strong threats of another teacher strike in Chicago. However, everyone isn’t on board. Chicago parent, Latasha Fields, doesn’t support another potential teacher strike. Instead, it justifies why Fields has chosen to homeschool her children in their Washington Heights home. Chicago Unheard recently had a chance to sit down with Fields and hear her thoughts: Do you agree? Sound…