Arna Wendell Bontemps Elementary School

Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with the health situation at Bontemps. The attendance is a huge red flag—it feels like kids are constantly out sick or just not coming in, and the school doesn't seem to have a solid handle on it. It’s tough because when absenteeism is this high, you know the cleanliness and illness policies aren't being followed strictly enough. I'm always worried my kid is going to catch something since the neighborhood and school facilities just haven't been getting the updates or maintenance they really need. It feels like we are an afterthought compared to other CPS schools, especially when you look at the resources available for student wellness.

My experience with Bontemps has been okay, but it’s definitely a typical inner-city public school vibe. The staff does their best to keep the hallways and classrooms clean, but with so many kids, germs just spread like crazy during flu season. I will say they are pretty quick about calling you if your kid has a fever, but sometimes the communication about things like lice or hand-foot-mouth going around the classroom is a bit lagging. I’d love to see more focus on healthy snacks and maybe more outdoor time when the weather is nice, but for a CPS school in Englewood, they’re doing a solid job with the resources they have.