Letters from parents on the Longer School Day Pioneer Program

Chicago Public Schools has received a plethora of feedback on the Longer School Day Pioneer Program. Below you’ll find letters from parents at Disney II Magnet Elementary School, one of the schools who have elected to take part in the Longer School Day Pioneer Program.

“I’m a believer”

To those families with questions about the extended day, my message is "I'm a believer." When Disney II opened, many hoped that it could become a model for successful urban education. The educators who formed the school saw an extended day as a necessary ingredient for that success. At the time, I didn't have strong feelings either way about the length of the day -- I just wanted my kids to get a good education.

When Disney II opened my children were in preschool and they are now in first and second grades. The progress they have made is truly amazing -- and the same is true throughout our student body. In only a few years, Disney II has become one of the top performing elementary schools in the city. There are many factors that contribute. We have a faculty that is truly amazing. But, even the best of teachers cannot accomplish their goals if not given enough time to work with the students.

Perhaps the greatest testimonial to the benefits of the extended day and the learning that can be accomplished is that when I told my kids they would be at school longer, they were thrilled! Every moment of our extra time is filled to capacity with new challenges and the kids can't get enough of it.

Ann

“Incredibly dedicated”

We are parents of two children that attend Disney Magnet II and are writing in regard to the new extended day coming to Disney II. We are thrilled that this option was given to our teachers and more so that they voted in favor of supporting. As you probably know, we as parents have been funding our own extended day program prior to this as we felt it was important. We believe this extra time will allow our teachers to have longer time periods to teach the core subjects that are so important and to include physical activity, art and technology into their day. This will allow more time to learn all of the topics that are important for their development. The teachers and principal at Disney II are incredibly dedicated and always put the students first—this being the ultimate example.

Sincerely,

Dianne and Todd

“Important enough to take a risk”

To the Teachers of Disney Magnet II,

Thank you is far from appropriate for the sacrifice you have chosen. It took me a moment to realize the importance of your decision. I consider this to be brave, selfless, proud, innovative and truly the new frontier for Chicago Public Schools and your team has chosen to be at the forefront. We can all look back years from now when the city of Chicago has changed forever and test scores are something to be proud of again in the majority of our schools. It will be easy to point to the brave few who decided this was important enough to take a risk.

My wife and I are humbled by your actions and truly believe this is something significant. Thank you for your tireless efforts and inspiration for us all to be better people.

Rick, Amy, Isabelle and Ryland

“One of the greatest gifts…”

Dear Principal Chkoumbova and Faculty of Disney II,

As parents of two students at Disney II we cannot begin to thank you and your staff for your continued efforts to provide the best possible education for the students at Disney II. The unanimous vote for extended day is yet just another example of the commitment and dedication of the principal and faculty.

We believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a quality education. It is the foundation of the rest of their lives and we would like to express our most profound gratitude to you for making that foundation deep and strong. As misguided priorities, motivations and decisions of the past have whittled away the CPS school day to a level that is among the lowest in the nation, so have our children’s scholastic performance. We believe this decision to extend the school day is an example of the kind of leadership needed to place students in a position to succeed at top levels in a competitive global market in the 21st century. It gives us confidence our children will live self-actualized, self-sufficient and productive lives based on a quality education.

Any parent that is in doubt of the benefits of a longer school day should consider this a long term investment into their children’s future.

Again, our sincerest thanks and utmost respect.

Davor & Connie

“Simply the best”

I am deeply grateful to the teachers at Disney II for endorsing the longer school day.
Simply the best teaching staff and administration of any school in the city.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Matthew

“Thank you”

Thank you, teachers and staff for all your dedication to our children and our community, close and far. Please continue to let us know how we can support you in your efforts.

Sincerely,

Dennis and Jennifer

“Worthy investment”

Chad and I would like to thank you all for supporting the new pilot program. We understand the sacrifice you, as teaching professionals, are making to extend the already longer school day. You are proving that educating our children is a worthy investment of time, finances, and effort. Please know that we will support you in any way possible and our door/e-mail/phone is always open.

Most gratefully,

Christine & Chad