Open vs Closed Campus: Peirce to Decide by Tuesday, June 7th

Peirce parent group, MPTSO, learned today that a vote will be taken next Tuesday, June 7th at 3pm on whether or not Peirce will become an "open" versus a "closed" campus.  CPS is calling for each school to consider moving to an open campus model in order to include recess for all students during the day.  See the South Town Star's article here:  CPS gives recess advocates a victory  The Recess Committee is comprised of the principal, three local school council parents, the school’s Chicago Teacher's Union delegate and three teachers.

Moving to an open campus would lengthen the day by 45 minutes, however, this would not increase instructional time at school.

Fortunately, Peirce students already enjoy recess during the day. So, a move to continue with the closed campus model would not change the recess schedule.  However, an open campus model would require schedule changes and a need to dip into the already shrinking budget to cover costs for adult supervision on the playground as well as the need for an indoor plan during inclement weather.  Teachers would also be asked to volunteer an extra 15 minutes daily.  According to CPS' Developing a School Recess Plan, due to budget constraints, CPS will not be able to provide additional funding to support school recess plans.


For more information on Peirce's school recess plan for the upcoming school year, please contact the main office at (773) 534-2440.