How did the first day of school go for you and your kids?
In a first day back unlike any other, Chicago Public Schools students, parents and teachers launched the school year remotely on Tuesday. We asked Chicagoans how it went. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“No real issues but very stressful. It was impossible to work from home at the same time, especially with four kids having to be logged in and on camera all at once. Luckily, I had my dad here to help, but not sure how long that will last.”
Joey Lynn Battaglia-Pinaglia
“MY THIRD GRADER HAD NO PROBLEMS, THANK GOD! I HAD SO MUCH ANXIETY ABOUT IT, BUT EVERYTHING WENT SMOOTHLY.”
Lori Brown
“Stressful. I work at a learning center. I had three students, three different age groups, three different schools, three different electronic devices, three different portals/apps. Most links worked. Others didn’t. I’m emotionally drained.”
Jennifer Landin Hurt
“Three kids, I’m working remote, and I only got interrupted once by my fourth grader. I call that a success.”
Bri Yount
“My eighth grader did good. She’s a person that plans ahead and likes to be organized, so she wouldn’t have issues. Now, my fifth grader starts Friday, so I’m preparing and coaching him now on what my expectations are.”
Mica Garrison
“Pretty good. I encouraged him to get up in between classes to stretch his legs. It was a bit more difficult to get him back in his seat afterwards.”
Shelly Rachal Estrada
“Great, the teachers were prepared and had an awesome day! I’m glad I was here to see and hear what was on the agenda.”
Chiana Doll
“I have a senior at Jones, and it went fine. Teachers gave work that required a keyboard answer or direct response. This can work. She is committed.”
Reava Lynette King
“My second grader on his own had a smooth day!”
Rosie Cerero
“Little problems, but still helps that kids have something to look forward to in the morning.”
Martha Miranda
“Good. She just has to focus more.”
Jen Perry
“It was horrible! Teenagers ...”
Angela King
“Very, very stressful.”
Derrick Dmac Mcclain
“Not as bad as I worried it would be! Thankful for a good first day!”
Julie Preker
“THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK. I’M TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH FIVE CHILDREN!”
Alma Robinson