Tell us: What do you think about Chicago’s fall reopening plan?

School buses are parked in front of North-Grand High School in Chicago. A U.S. flag flies from a pole in front of the school.
In May 2019, school buses gather in front of North-Grand High School in Chicago. (Stacey Rupolo for Chalkbeat)

Chicago leaders just released a plan that includes in-person learning for most students in the fall, with an exception of an all-remote schedule for high school juniors and seniors.

Parents will have the option to opt for full-time remote learning.  

In announcing its plan, Chicago joins New York in breaking ranks with some other large cities that have said they will hold school virtually in the fall. To see what Illinois districts are planning, find our tracker here. 

Chicago Public Schools will host five virtual meetings starting Monday to solicit community feedback on the plan, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said that what school will ultimately look like in the fall will hinge on the spread of the coronavirus and the advice of experts. 

As Chicago starts to release details – and as districts across Illinois begin to publish their own plans – Chalkbeat wants to hear from you. If you’re a parent or student, what does this plan mean for your family and your academic experience? If you’re a teacher, how are you feeling about returning to in-person learning and how will you juggle the schedule with your own family?

Chalkbeat wants to gain perspective from parents, students, and school staff. Tell us your feedback, concerns, and lingering questions below.

The Latest

The sponsor of the bill says it would create a culture of expectation that formal education must begin early.

Parents, teachers, and others have long criticized the practice of reassigning teachers after the school year has begun. But it’s unclear if ‘leveling’ is gone for good or merely paused.

Lawmakers could revive a plan to let all parents use Education Scholarship Accounts on classes, tutoring, extracurricular activities, and more.

Purdue Polytechnic High School Lab School offers personalized curriculum to around 20 students while getting support from the charter school network.

The plan — which will be finalized this summer — will prioritize improving students’ daily experiences in the classroom, addressing staffing and funding, and collaborating more closely with school communities.

Whether a school is following district discipline rules “is an indicator of the climate of a school,” Superintendent Alex Marrero said.