The high school student from Brighton Park said she juggles caring for her four siblings while participating in student government and maintaining her grades. But a change to Chicago Public Schools bell schedules could throw a wrench in this balancing act by pushing high school start and end times back one hour — which is why she helped to organize a protest Wednesday at Daley Plaza.
More than 30 students, from elementary school to high school age who live across the city, called for Chicago Public Schools to stop its plan to change school start times, which they say would affect their personal security and ability to pursue their interests.
CPS plans to change the start time at 82 schools, pushing back start times at affected high schools from 8 to 9 a.m. CPS says the move will save about $13.5 million, but opponents say it will make it harder for students to participate in extracurricular activities, work at after-school jobs and take care of younger siblings.
The protesters Wednesday echoed these criticisms, saying they fear for the safety of students who will have to walk through dangerous neighborhoods later than they’re used to. They are also concerned they’ll have to give up sports and clubs so they can get home earlier to be safe, do homework and meet family obligations.
They carried signs that said, “Save Our Time,” “Students Have Lives, Too,” and, “Listen to Your Principals” while chanting, “Nine is late, eight is great.”
At times, they addressed the crowd using a megaphone, saying they would have to give up sports and clubs if CPS pushes back their school’s start time. Those who wouldn’t be directly affected by the change said they attended the rally to support students from other schools.