Most vulnerable need loving, stimulating, nurturing environment—all day
May 24, 2010
Dear Chicago Board of Education:
I am writing on behalf of the kindergarten parents at O A Thorp Scholastic Academy. Although I do not have an upcoming kindergartner, nor will I ever have one, I am sincerely concerned about your cuts in full-day kindergarten.
Our school is a magnet school that is attended by at least 50% low income and 26% poverty level children. Yet, we accomplish so much. When I started at Thorp, the school was rated #18 in the Chicago Public Schools (Chicago Magazine – composite of test scores, etc..). We have a 100% graduation rate and do this on a shoe-string budget.
Leslie Grimm (left) and Alicia Sharp (right) at breakfast at the Marquette Restaurant planning Thorp’s presentation to the Chicago Board of Education on May 26. Both Grimm and Sharp’s children attended Thorp’s full-day kindergarten, but neither have any more children entering the school. Substance photo by Sharon Schmidt.On behalf of our neediest (I am not one), I beg of you to reconsider your cuts to our youngest, most vulnerable children. These kids need to be in a loving, stimulating, nurturing environment – especially our poorest children! The wealthy can afford alternatives; 50 % of the Thorp population cannot.
Illinois funds pre-k but then strips the kindergarten! What? This makes no sense to me. Clearly the youngest children need our support.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Leslie Grimm
Senior Lecturer
Northwestern University
Bienen School of Music
