Like high school seniors across the country, I’m disappointed and sad that I don’t have the chance to complete my senior year with my classmates and teachers.
The novel “fun” of being at home has ended. I would rather be at school, doing what most seniors do during the final weeks of high school. Our class will miss out on college signing night, a scavenger hunt downtown, senior night and prom. I’m sad to miss these moments, since the few friends I have are going to be moving away to school outside Chicago. I honestly just wanted a normal senior year.
Graduation is something we look forward to, and it feels like others don’t understand its importance to us. The Class of 2020 won’t get to celebrate with our friends and families. Unfortunately, the pandemic will be what people remember — not our hard work and success.
During this time, internet access is super important. It allows us to stay connected, learn outside the classroom, and, when possible, celebrate with our classmates.
The mayor has announced that we’re having a citywide “virtual” graduation, but people who don’t have internet access will feel very disconnected, not able to attend something meant to help them feel appreciated. Internet access is important, for this event in particular and also in general.
Evelyn Mendoza, Back of the Yards
Read Evelyn's Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Learn more about Chicago's digital divide in our issue brief, and sign up to get involved.
A Year at Kids First Chicago: What I’ve Learned from Listening to Chicago Families
My first year at Kids First Chicago has been a journey of listening, learning, and connection. Every conversation with parents, caregivers, and community members has deepened my belief that those closest to the challenges are best equipped to create the solutions.
Support Dr. King. Choose our Children, Not Politics.
A proud parent of a CPS student, Minijoie, witnesses firsthand the positive impact of well-supported schools and the challenges that arise when political decisions undermine that support. Read their perspective
Call for Honest Collaboration Between Teachers, Administrators, and Parents
CPS parent Blaire Flowers reflects on the CTU-CPS contract and calls for meaningful engagement with parents.