HELEN C. PEIRCE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
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peirce update

9/2/2020

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Greetings Peirce!

This update includes information on:

New Information
  • Video & Presentation from Family Meeting on September 1st
  • Family Orientation Meetings: September 3rd at 2pm
  • Selective Enrollment Process for 8th grade students
  • Care For Real School Supply Distribution
  • Local School Council Application Period Extended

Repeated Information
  • Chromebook Pick Up & Headset Request
  • School Schedules
  • Meal Distribution
  • External Program Opportunities
  • Support for Peirce Families

Lori Zaimi
Principal
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September 1st Family Meeting Follow Up
Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in tonight's family meeting!

Click here for a link to the video
Passcode: =?6?7=Y$
Attached are the presentation slides

In addition, there were a few issues with some of the links shared from the Peirce Service Organization, you can find corrected links below:
Room Rep / Family Support Team interest form
Mentor Interest Form 
Meet-up address: https://www.meetup.com/Peirce-Parent-Social-Meetup/

Family Orientation Meeting
All homeroom teachers will be hosting a family orientation meeting on Thursday, September 3rd at 2pm. You will receive information directly from your child's teacher on how to access the google meet. We recognize that many families have more than one child at Peirce, therefore, sessions will be recorded and posted in google classroom for families to access.

High School Selection Process
Revised criteria for high school admissions and academic centers
Because assessment and grading policies were impacted last year due to COVID-19, we are updating our criteria for admission to high schools and academic centers.

NWEA scores
Seventh grade spring NWEA scores are used in the application and selection processes to determine students’ eligibility in the high school selective enrollment process, in addition to the enrollment process of over 100 academic programs, including International Baccalaureate (IB). For sixth graders applying to academic centers for seventh grade, fifth grade spring NWEA scores are used.

Typically, students must score a minimum percentile of 24 on both their spring reading and math NWEA exams in the year prior to applying (i.e., seventh grade spring scores for high school programs). Students with IEPs and English learners must have a combined percentile of 48, but do not need to achieve the 24th percentile on each exam.

To determine eligibility for students applying for high school admission for the fall of 2021, CPS will consider students’ highest NWEA scores from any of the following prior administrations:
  • Winter 2019
  • Fall 2019
  • Spring 2019
If students do not have any valid NWEA scores from these administration windows, or have not taken the NWEA with CPS, the district will be administering the exam in October, on select weekends, for interested families. More information on signing up for the Fall NWEA is available at go.cps.edu under “NWEA MAP”.

Grades
Many programs consider students’ grades and GPA as a component of the selection process. During remote learning last spring, most students received final grades that accurately reflected their learning and work. However, we know some students were not able to participate in virtual remote learning. For the 2020–21 high school admission process , the district will use the highest scores of either their final grades or the average of their first and second quarter grades.

Selective Enrollment Exam
The selective enrollment exam is administered during the winter of eighth grade as a component of the selection process for selective enrollment high schools. CPS plans to administer this exam in person as scheduled during the winter of SY2020–21 with proper health and safety protocols in place. The dates of the selective enrollment exam will be announced in the fall.

Attendance
Some high schools consider attendance during the application and selection process. Because attendance was not tracked during remote learning in the spring, attendance will not be used as an admissions criteria for the fall of 2021.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Sessions
IB programs required students to attend an information session; however, students’ abilities to attend these information sessions has varied leading to inequitable outcomes for applicants to IB programs. In light of the transition to remote learning, these information sessions will not be required for the SY2020–21 application process.

Auditions
Auditions for students applying to fine and performing arts programs will be conducted remotely. Auditions vary depending upon the program; school staff will have additional information about auditions and how they will be conducted in the fall.

Selective Enrollment Elementary School Testing

Testing for selective enrollment elementary school programs including gifted and classical programs will also be administered in person during the winter of SY2020-21 with proper health and safety protocols in place. The dates of these exams will be announced in the fall.

Increased access for students with disabilities in high school cluster programs
Cluster programs are designed for students requiring a significantly modified curriculum with moderate to intensive supports in a separate classroom from general education peers for the majority of the day. Prior to the upcoming application cycle, cluster students could not participate in the GoCPS high school application process. This fall, eighth grade cluster students will be able to apply to cluster programs (and other high school programs, as appropriate) through GoCPS, similar to the application process for their general education peers.

Remote tours, information sessions, open houses and other events
Learning about school options by attending tours, open houses, and other events is an important part of choosing the right fit for your child. With students starting the school year learning at home and the continued need for social distancing, schools will conduct events and tours remotely. Event details will be posted on go.cps.edu as we receive information from schools, as well as individual school websites.

Although the school year will look different this year, families will still have ample time to research their options and apply to their preferred high schools. Key dates are as follows:
  • September 14, 2020: The GoCPS website, with refreshed content for the upcoming admissions cycle, will be available for families to start researching their options.
  • October 12, 2020: The application opens for families to begin to apply.
  • December 11: Deadline for families to submit their applications.
For more information, please visit go.cps.edu or contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at gocps@cps.edu or 773-553-2060.

Care For Real School Supply Distribution
Care for Real has school supplies available to food pantry clients (while supplies last). Families in need can come to Care for Real at 5339 N Sheridan on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am - 12 pm and Saturdays between 9 am - 1 pm. Families are encouraged to bring a shopping cart or sturdy bags to bring home food and please wear a mask.
Local School Council Application Period ExtendedDear LSC Candidates, Judge Applicants, LSC Members, School Leaders, and Community Partners,


As you are aware, the district was unable to hold the Local School Council (LSC) elections in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor JB Pritzker signed a law in June that will allow Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to move the LSC election to November and extend current LSC terms until the new election takes place. We are writing today to update you on the following changes to this year’s LSC elections.


We are adjusting our LSC election timeline.
  • The candidate application period will reopen from August 31, 2020 to October 2, 2020. Please find the nomination process forms online or at your local CPS school. Completed forms must be returned to the principal of the school where you intend to run for the LSC along with two pieces of acceptable identification by 3 p.m. on October 2, 2020.
  • Candidate forums will be held virtually from October 19–30, 2020 to give school communities the opportunity to hear from prospective members. The LSC and principal should set up the virtual forums the same way they set up the virtual LSC meetings and share the forum details with candidates, parents, school staff, and community stakeholders via email and the school website.
  • LSC elections will be held during report card pick-up days this fall;elementary school LSC elections will take place on November 18, 2020 and high school LSC elections will take place on November 19, 2020.
  • Newly elected LSC members will be inaugurated on January 10, 2021 and will begin their roles on January 11, 2021.


The deadline for judge applications has been extended to 3 p.m. on October 6, 2020. Applicants must submit their completed Form 18-20 to the school where they would like to serve and submit their completed Form W-9 and CPS Internal Accounts Vendor Request Form to internalaccounts@cps.edu. Judges will be selected in October and trained in late October and early November.


Current LSC terms will be extended from 24 to 30 months to ensure LSCs are able to continue supporting schools prior to the next election.Current members’ terms will expire on January 10, 2021 provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.


New LSC members will serve for 18 months to allow the district to return to its usual spring LSC election cycle in 2022. Thus, LSC member terms for 2020–22 will conclude on July 1, 2022.


Thank you to the dedicated, passionate members of our CPS community who are running for election to create positive, well-rounded learning environments for our students..We are confident these changes will allow our LSCs to adapt to our present circumstances and meet the challenges we are currently facing. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Willy Montes de Oca at gwmontedeoc@cps.edu or Myra Winding at mgwinding@cps.edu.


Sincerely,


Dr. Willy Montes de Oca
Director of LSC Relations
Chicago Public Schools
Myra Winding
Assistant Director of LSC Relations
Chicago Public Schools




Chromebook Pick Up InformationFamilies still in need of Chromebooks for students are able to pick one up from the main entrance. Pre-registration is not required. We want all Peirce students to have access to a working device in order to access remote learning.

When: Any Monday-Friday
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Main entrance.

School SchedulesDuring the classroom orientation meeting on September 3rd, teachers will review individual classroom schedules, on a high level, please note the following:
  • School Schedules: This link will take you to our school schedules, there are three tabs at the bottom of the document - K-5th Specials, 6th-8th Specials and Grade Level Schedules. Please know that while this is how we are planning to start the school year, there may be adjustments as we begin remote learning.
  • These schedules are only applicable during remote learning.
  • Lunch: Schedules were created so that all students PK-8th grade have lunch from 11:15 - 12:00
  • Kindergarten-5th Grade Specials: Students in grades Kindergarten through 4th grade will have one specials class that will run for 2 weeks, with the opportunity to engage in all specials by the end of the quarter. In addition, students will have a "Free Choice" Friday where they can engage in the specials class of their choice - we understand some students will be missing their "favorite" specials class.
  • 6th-8th Grade Specials: Similar to K-5th grades, students will be programmed to have 1 class for an extended period of time. 2 weeks of Spanish, 2 weeks of PE and 4 weeks of their elective. Electives will change at the end of each quarter.
  • Special Education, Bilingual and Intervention Supports are built into the school's master schedule - service providers will be reaching out regarding any work they may be engaging in with your child. Not all Peirce students receive these services.


Meal DistributionPeirce will continue to be a meal distribution site during remote learning. We are waiting to receive final details, but it will likely be similar to the spring where families were able to pick up meals Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm. Stay tuned for more information.
External Programming Opportunitiespdf 
lv Remote Learning Support Flyer (1).pdf

pdf2020 Camp Participant Emergency Information Packet_Fillable.pdf

pdfChildcare Registration Form (REMOTE LEARNING).pdf

YMCA Remote Learning SupportThe Lake View YMCA will be offering remote learning support services out of our Y facility located at 3333 N. Marshfield. The service would run from 7am to 6pm and offer support to students in their remote learning as well as facilitating enrichment activities to enhance participants continued development.



Registration is officially open. To register parents would need to call our membership team at (773)248-3333. Once registered with our team, parents will need to complete a registration packet and emergency contact form (attached)- the supporting documents can be dropped off to us at the Lake View Y or submitted via email to; lakeviewdaycamp@ymcachicago.org.

PearchutePearachute is helping families form in-home, in-provider, and virtual e-learning pods for our school community. Many of our families have already signed up. The Learning Pods will be led by early childhood education college students who would have been spending this year as student teachers. You can learn more here, including information about financial aid. (https://blog.pearachutekids.com/resources/pearachute-learning-pods)
Solidarity Fund UpdateAn update on the Peirce Solidarity Fund from Mr. Lerner:


Thanks to everyone for their support of the fund that we started over the summer. To date, we have raised close to $8,000. So far we have provided payments of $500 to 15 Peirce families. Families have reported using this cash assistance for things like rent payments, paying overdue bills, buying groceries, and getting much needed medical care for their children when they could not find a doctor who would take their insurance. All payments have remained anonymous except to the school staff members who have been helping out with the effort.


Thank you to the staff who helped out with the Solidarity Fund in various ways. Sheila Miller, Bessie Reyes, Vickie Delgado, Berenice Heinlein, Tiffany Brugman, Tracy Fisher, Luis Carbajal, Marissa Moritz, Rebecca Zisook, James Callerstrom, Hannah Canale, and Stacy Gibson have all played some part. Thanks also to all of those who contributed. Various parents and community members have also helped with organizational roles. This continues to be a great team effort!


We are continuing to accept contributions as more families are awaiting assistance. You can find us on Venmo @PeirceSolidarityFund and on PayPal, at PeirceSolidarityFund@gmail.com.

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 Helen C. Peirce
School of  International Studies
1423 W. Bryn Mawr
Chicago IL, 60660
Phone: (773) 534 2440
Fax: (773) 534 2577

PK Branch
5300 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone:  (773) 534-2234
​Fax:  (773) 534-2235

Fax: (773) 534-2577 
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Non-Discrimination Statement It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of any protected category by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), specifically, but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender or sex (includes gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and pregnancy-related medical conditions), race or ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age, immigration status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, political belief or affiliation (not union-related), military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in the educational programs or activities the Board operates.

Concerns or inquiries regarding sex discrimination, harassment, or retaliation can be made to the Board’s Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Student Protections and Title IX (OSP) or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

For information on mental health, go to Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources
  • Home
  • About
    • Our History
    • Mission & Vision
    • School Tours
    • Enrollment Information
    • Policies & Forms
    • Staff Directory
    • Local School Council (LSC)
    • Continuous Improvement Work Plan
    • Support Peirce
    • Branding Guidelines
  • Family Information
    • Before & After School Programs
    • Case Management
    • Student Door Entry
    • New to Peirce
    • Family Communication
    • Parent Organizations
    • Principal's Newsletter
    • Volunteer Opportunties
  • Academics
    • International Baccalaureate >
      • IB Primary Years Programme
      • IB Middle Years Programme
      • IB Learner Profile
    • Pre K
    • Art
    • English Learner Program
    • Counseling Department
    • Dance
    • Garden
    • Music
    • Physical Education
    • Restorative Practices
    • Spanish
    • Sports Programs
    • Technology
  • Calendar