Dear Legislators, I am writing today because parent voice needs to be uplifted and amplified in discussions that affect children and families. I, along with hundreds of other parents, am extremely concerned about the lack of public school funding and the anticipated additional budget cuts that will dramatically affect our students in Chicago. The Illinois State Constitution promises “the state…
Tag: Illinois
When Enough is Enough: The Political Circus in Illinois
I hate to write articles complaining about the issues because I’m usually a solutions-oriented person but sometimes, the occasion calls for a little griping. So, here it goes. I was scrolling through Facebook today and came across an article written in the Chicago Sun-Times titled, “Gov. Rauner Says Some CPS Schools Almost Like “Crumbling Prisons”. Curious to know how the…
#Budget4IL Twitter Chat: Recap
On May 17, 2016 a group of concerned citizens discussed the Illinois budget (or lack thereof) under the #Budget4IL hashtag on Twitter. To view the entire thread, follow us at @ChicagoUnheard. [View the story “#Budget4IL Twitter Chat: Recap” on Storify]
Home-schooled 16-year-old Illinois Girl to Enter PH.D. Program
In addition to celebrating her “Sweet 16”, 16-year-old Thessalonika Arzu-Embry will start a PH.D. program in aviation psychology this Fall. The scholar was home-schooled by her family in Great Lakes Naval Station, in North Chicago, and began her college career at the age of 11. “I feel honored for the opportunity to help others at an early age. I feel very…
Turns Out Karen Lewis and Bruce Rauner Have a Lot in Common
Yesterday at a City Club of Chicago luncheon, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis equated Governor Bruce Rauner with Islamic State terrorists. She suggested that his behavior is equivalent to “acts of terror on poor and working-class people.” That’s a very harsh comment. Even if it is being directed at a governor who seems content to watch the lives of…
A Walk-Out Isn’t Going to Help the Kids and Families in Chicago Public Schools
It’s Election Day in Illinois; the greatest emblem of participation in our democracy and civic life. I guess that’s why it struck me as extremely ironic when I read on the Chicago Tribune website that the Chicago Teachers Union has doubled down on its plan to implement what amounts to a one-day strike on April 1st. It seems that the…
Four Things Parents Want From Santa
When I was in the early grades in my Chicago Public School on the west side, this was the time of year that we wrote letters to Santa. By third grade, I was pretty sure that Santa wasn’t real (or at least that my neighborhood wasn’t on his route), but there was something comforting about penning a little note to…