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CPS Releases List Of Contingency Sites For Friday Teachers' Strike

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Officials at the Chicago Public Schools have released a list of contingency sites where parents can take their children on Friday, when teachers plan a one-day strike.

The strike will affect 392,000 CPS students. For those who can't stay home, the district is offering more than 250 contingency sites – schools, libraries, and parks – where kids can spend the day. To find a contingency site near you and sign up your child at one of the locations, click here.

Registration for the contingency sites is not required, and no students will be turned away, but CPS said signing up will help officials make sure each site has proper staffing.

The sites include 107 schools, all 80 Chicago Public Library branches, and 80 Chicago Park District sites

Around 125 pastors also offered up their churches in conjunction with the Safe Haven Program, although those locations are not included on the official CPS list.

During the last Chicago teachers' strike in 2012, teachers picketed for more than a week. Safe Haven churches were at full capacity during that time; they provided food, mentors, and activities.

On Tuesday, some of the Safe Haven pastors came together to offer sites for students, and mediation for CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union.

"We are asking them right now to come together to a table with us, the faith-based that has the heartbeat of the city; to come together so we can work out a deal so that we do not have another strike," said Rev. Robert Belfort, pastor of New Life Pilsen Church. "Our number one important thing is to keep the children safe, and so we want a place for safety for them first and foremost. We're not on CPS side. We're not on CTU's side. We're on the children's side."

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool said the sites will have learning activities like arts and crafts.

Students will also find enrichment classes at charter schools like Frazier.
Charter schools will be open because teachers there are not in the union. So principals like Tiffany Brown will make space for parents looking to have their children prep for statewide tests.

"Right now we're in high stakes testing season where students need not to have a break in their lessons and so we can have some test taking strategies."

CPS encouraged teachers to report to their schools or a contingency site if they do not want to take part in the strike.

The Chicago Teachers Union, however, has warned teachers they could be kicked out of the union if they cross picket lines.

CPS has said the strike is illegal, and teachers will not be paid if they do not show up for work on Friday, but it's unclear if the district will take disciplinary action.

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