Kids Already Don’t Have Books: What’s Left to Cut

School closings, overcrowded class rooms, attendance boundary politics, no books, sense of hopelessness, stressed teachers, limited resources. 

I’m confused at what’s being cut. 

There isn’t much else to take. Many of these schools are already running on empty. This is my first year living in the city with my kids and yeah – I’m concerned. With all the world’s preconceived notions of minority intelligence, how can our kids do their very best with scraps?
The CPS website says, “In the coming fiscal year, other districts will receive $2,266 per student in pension support from Springfield, while Chicago will receive only $31 per student.”

Crazy right!
My husband and  I grew up in Chicago, so we’re no strangers to talks of teacher strikes and overcrowded class rooms. But we at least had books. 
My sister is a visual learner. She is a steady A B student, however I know she’d do much better if she could actually study from a book or work book. 

When I learned she had not one book amongst 7 subjects, I was like how the hell is she suppose to study. 


Teacher’s  are using multiple websites to develop lesson plans because the school is underfunded. That’s an added headache for the teacher, students and parents. Not to mention it sucks for the environment. They’re printing who knows how many sheets per month. 

Asking kids to go online for work, in my opinion is an added distraction for them. Especially, when many aren’t taught internet etiquette. (That’s on us parents) Not blaming the teachers. I’m glad that they are being creative with their learning, but is that going to help our kids compete in college. Who knows. 
Why don’t these student have books so they can see information on a regular basis to really grasp concepts? Isn’t that what they’ll be doing in college? 
Not sure if Chicago officials even expect our kids to attend college. 
I’ll say this, my kids will SUCCEED regardless of what’s happening in this city. My family cares about our kids and we won’t let anyone or anything make them feel hopeless and optionless. 
I know there are thousands of parents who feel the same way. Let’s keep encouraging our babies. They need us now more than ever. 
How are you talking to your kids about the CPS budget cuts?

Look What I Found – Parents’ Guide to Kindergarten Success

Progress Reports-

The time of year most of us feared as kids is upon us. Now we have kids and I’m pretty sure they are feeling anxious about what their teachers will be telling us. No matter what the outcome, we have to assure our kiddies that we are here to help them succeed in school. We also have to let them know that they won’t be the best at every subject. And, that’s ok!

Check out this guide by the National PTA. It gives advice for talking to your child’s teacher and what you should expect your child to learn in Kindergarten.

Need a Indoor Play Place for Rainy Days? Try EduFun Play Center

Kids need their play time. Today we took our little mr. to EduFun Play Center in South Holland, IL.

I’ll admit I had no idea what to expect but I’m tired of the playground and Randy needed to get out the house.

 We grabbed some food from Boston Market (Yum Yum) and headed to EduFun. Didn’t know at the time but you can bring food. That’s great!! The play places in the mall won’t allow that.

The building is 1 block off 159th street. Easy to find! Because it’s a week day of course it wasn’t packed which wasn’t a problem for Randy. He doesn’t mind entertaining himself.

We knew we were on to something when Randy said “Mommy this is a nice place.”

For $5 he played for 90 minutes. They even gave him a batman tattoo and a lunch. Bonus!

Mrs. Okeisha, whom I believe is the owner offers cooking classes with 24 hours notice. We’ll definitely be back for that.

Here’s the link http://www.edufunplaycenter.com/

Get Out the Hood and Explore the World

Young people are too afraid to venture out. There are so many opportunities for growth out here. College isn’t the only option. I encourage youth to check out Ameri corps and the Peace corps. That’s a great opportunity to see the world, help others and raise money for college. Don’t be afraid to leave your hood, believe me it will be there when you get back and you’ll be more equipped to help and enlighten the people there. I gave up an opportunity to study abroad in China when I was in 8th grade. I let fear of the unknown hinder me. After that I never let an opportunity to learn pass me. You don’t need a crew to experience life, truth is everyone can’t go and see what you need to see. Your journey is yours. I went to college solo without knowing anyone. I did an internship in New York and I’ve gone to countless networking events & meetings by myself. Don’t let your fear of being alone hinder you. God has given you all the skills you need to progress and shine.

Be confident in your own abilities.

Check out these links
Americorps
PeaceCorps
Study Abroad