CPS Students Doing What They Can To Keep Learning During Strike
CHICAGO (CBS) -- School may be out, but some students have managed to keep learning this week by taking advantage of educational resources available.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker took a look at what they've been doing.
Students at Theodore Roosevelt High School gathered in the computer lab on Thursday to work on essays for their college applications, or study for the ACT exam.
They have been trying to use the days off during the teachers' strike as constructively as possible, but they admit they'd rather be in school.
"We were just getting situated with all the teachers, and the classes, the extended day and all. So, I mean, it was difficult not being there," said Alishahyan Kanji.
High school football player Mark Sharks said, "I hope they make a deal before Monday, because we seriously need to get back in school as quick as possible. … so we can get back in the classroom, and so that our season can continue as it was before the strike."
Since schools won't be back in session on Friday, school buildings that are part of the CPS contingency plan will remain open and available for students to participate in various activities.
Parents of younger students can take advantage of the academic resources at the city's public libraries.
At the Harold Washington Library Center on Thursday, frustrations ran among parents like Lisa Harbor.
"It's kind of hard, but … I set up a schedule where we read every day, or we work on his handwriting, or math. So, I try to keep him on a schedule, so they can stay into the program, so they won't get so far behind when they go back to school," Harbor said. "I'm hoping Monday they'll be back."
Student Jalisa Dixon said, "If we get back to school on Monday, I will be really happy, because there's really nothing to do at home, and I want to learn more."
At the city's libraries, some computers and laptops have been reserved for CPS students who need to do course work. Students can ask at the front desk of any library for a computer to be assigned to them, and the normal one-hour limit will be waived.
