Saturday, April 10, 2010

We Interrupt Regular Blogging to Save Stock School

Please note the big blue button I've added on the side over there. I'm using this small public platform to get the word out about helping to save Stock School. Stock is a Preschool in Chicago (right down the block from me) that is in danger of closing in the coming months. Stock's motto is, "Where All Children Belong." Regardless of ability or disability, all children have a home at Stock School.

Because the state of Illinois has decided to cut full funding for Preschool programs (among a ton of other bad funding decisions), Stock school is in great danger of closing this summer. "Due to the fiscal crisis at the state level, the CPS Office of Early Childhood will only be funding Preschool for All (PFA) programs in schools with a poverty rate of 93% or greater.The elimination of the PFA classrooms for the 2010-2011 school year will effect approximately 300 students at Stock and approximately 10,000 early childhood students citywide. Ninety-three students with Individual Education Programs will be transferred and educated with their typically developing peers in blended programs located in high poverty schools. The Office of Specialized Services has made no recommendations at this time regarding the location of the programs for the 48 students enrolled in our special education instructional classrooms."

Early childhood education is vital - shutting down preschool programs is not the right answer to funding issues. Please show your support for such a wonderful place like Stock. The students that attend this school and the amazing teachers that give their heart daily should not have to suffer because Stock isn't under the poverty level.

Go here to sign a petition to help Save Stock. Thank you!

We now return to The Social Secretary's usual business.

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