No South Loop School move this fall

01/08/2010 3:22 PM

By Micah Maidenberg
Editor

4 Comments - Add Your Comment


South Loop School

South Loop School's sixth through eighth grades won't be moving to the National Teachers Academy this coming fall.
"I understand that the past few weeks have been challenging for all of us as a family. Today I have some good news to share. South Loop School will not make any relocation changes for the 2010-2011 school year," South Loop principal Tara Shelton wrote in an e-mail to South Loop parents today.
Patricia Adams, the South Loop local school council president, confirmed there won't be a move next school year but said she did not have further details.
Chicago Journal has phone calls in with principals at both South Loop and NTA, as well as Chicago Public Schools.
Teachers academy principal Amy Rome Rome told parents last night she was scheduled to meet with various stakeholders today, including a representative from CPS chief executive Ron Huberman’s office and principal Shelton, from South Loop.

Past Journal coverage on this issue:
Dec. 17, Move to teachers academy likely
Dec. 24, More time
Jan. 7, NTA parents want answers
Jan. 8, NTA parents meet



4 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Marinauser from South Loop
Posted: 01/14/2010 2:50 PM

I don't know whether moving some grades to NTA is right or not. But, the proposal was hardly taking "someone" else's school. The school belongs to the taxpayers, not to the children or just the parents of the children that currently attend. SLS would have used empty classrooms that I and other taxpayers are footing the bill for including heating those empty rooms. It makes no sense to sit empty while a school 8 blocks away is overcrowded. Combine all into one school with a gifted program.


By things that make me go... from South Loop
Posted: 01/09/2010 8:56 PM

That's right slb. The "South Loop Way" is for the administration and a very small clique of parents at South Loop to demand everything, work with no one, and then to point fingers at everyone but themselves when things go awry. The real credit goes to the teachers and students at South Loop, who have been able to make tremendous strides despite constant bungling from the school's administration.


By S from NTA
Posted: 01/09/2010 4:41 PM

Actually, it was selfish of any South Loop parents to think they could just come in and take someone's school without being invited. Those at SL who opposed it were smart and understood how hostile the NTA environment would have been if they had disrespectfully barged in that way. If there are any parents who are unhappy with the situation at SL, they are very welcome to apply for enrollment at the 'superior facility' NTA. Otherwise, maybe SL should stop accepting so many students...


By slb from South Loop
Posted: 01/08/2010 10:54 PM

Now we'll see how the selfishness of next year's 6th,7th, and 8th grade parents who opposed this move plays out for everyone. Rather than going to a far superior physical facility in the NTA, everyone will now be crammed into the main South Loop building, benefiting no one. Overcrowded classrooms and no room for music, art, and other activities. CPS's belated decision to consider the move was a real opportunity. Now we've blown it by being too selfish. Is that the "South Loop Way"