The Challenge Facing Our Students in Chicago Public Schools

  1. In the News

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has been in the news recently and I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that these challenges are negatively affecting our students. Our students deserve to have the best educational environment to thrive. This includes engaged and committed teachers and staff, school facilities that are well maintained, and the necessary resources for all learning types and abilities. Unfortunately, many schools do not have the resources to ensure their students’ success and with the current funding landscape, our students are the ones losing. 

children at recess

This year, the federal relief funds from the pandemic ended, and the state doesn’t have additional funding to support CPS. Almost a quarter into the school year, and funding for CPS schools has yet to be released. This means schools aren’t able to provide the necessary programming, like Playworks to assist our students. Schools in well-resourced areas are able to bridge the funding gap through parent and community involvement. We need to address this educational inequity and ensure that financial resources are provided to all students. 

The greater Chicagoland community needs to come together and advocate for our students. We need to demand that our students are provided with the necessary supplies and programs to help them thrive: academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Here at Playworks, we leverage the power of play to transform students’ holistic health and well-being. Through physical activity and games, we are able to create a positive school environment where all students are engaged and learning. Plus, we see a decrease in negative behaviors and bullying, with an increase in social and emotional skills. We are actively working to provide each student with the best educational experience. 

Because funds have not been released to CPS schools, Playworks is not able to provide our programs to our elementary school students. We need your help! Please show your support, commitment and belief in the power of play, by making a donation. Together, we can stop educational inequity and prepare our students for school, work, and beyond.

Please support our kids,

Phasha Spencer
Playworks IL Executive Director

More In the News


graphic featuring Phasha
graphic featuring Phasha

Patch

September 9, 2024

Phasha Spencer Selected to IMPACT Leadership Development Program ›

The Executive Director of Playworks Illinois has been named to the 2025 IMPACT Leadership Development Program cohort. The cohorts consist of some of the brightest, most talented Black professionals in…

Patch

May 2, 2024

Playworks Illinois Names Phasha Spencer as New Executive Director ›

She brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, education and consulting to the organization which works to bring out the best in every kid- and adult- through…

Edsurge.com

November 20, 2019

Rethinking Recess Leads to Results On and Off the Playground ›

At first glance, it looks like your standard recess at Eliza Chappell Elementary School.  But upon closer inspection, what is happening outside during recess is in fact rather unusual. Every…