CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Have you noticed that, as of the Winter solstice on December 22nd, the days are getting longer in Chicago? It could be that we’re just really hopeful for Spring, but we actually do seem to pick up on that extra minute of sunshine each day.

Beginning today, students at a number of Chicago schools — public and charter — will most certainly notice longer days. 105 minutes longer, to be exact. As part of a new instructional initiative, city schools are stretching students’ days to 7.5 hours, up from 5 hours and 45 minutes. In all, 40 schools will have enacted the extension by month’s end and all Chicago schools will have made the move by Fall.

For making the switch, each school receives $75,000 and each teacher receives an $800 stipend.

CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard told ABC7, “the vast majority of parents are tremendously on board, love the idea. The vast majority of teachers have said to us that they love the idea, and they know our kids really need this. We expect to see results near the end of the school year, but think of the practice time.”

The extension will certainly give students much needed additional time in the classroom. Of the top 10 cities in the nation, Chicago ranks last in the amount of time its students spend in the classroom.

A primary reason that CPL offers Teacher in the Library, a free, structured, after-school learning environment where teachers assist both students and parents.

• All students are welcome.
• All teachers are fully accredited.
• Help in Cantonese, Mandarin, Polish and Spanish is available at select libraries.

Teachers help students grow their focus while using appropriate learning strategies and finding the best resources for homework and other assignments.

Teachers help parents by answering any questions they may have regarding their children’s assignments. Overall, the program helps parents provide the best help possible at home.

Teacher in the Library has been extremely successful in providing children and their families with academic support and encouragement. CPL locations receive funding for the program through the generosity of the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Interested in helping your student maximize their potential? Check out our complete list of participating library locations for the branch nearest you!

Oh, and whether or not you’ve noticed the days getting longer, this might help lift those Winter spirits: only 87 days until the Cubs home opener at Wrigley!