Eli Whitney Elementary School

Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with the health situation at Eli Whitney. My kid seems to be catching something every other week, and it’s no wonder when you look at how crowded the classrooms are. The student-to-teacher ratio is over 25:1, which makes it impossible for them to keep the rooms sanitized or keep an eye on sick kids who should’ve stayed home. The attendance rates aren't great either, and there's a real 'keep your head down' vibe instead of a focus on student wellness. Between the old building’s ventilation and the sheer amount of germs circulating in those packed rooms, it feels like a constant battle just to stay healthy.

Honestly, I’ve been pretty happy with how Eli Whitney handles things. My youngest is in 2nd grade there and the school feels a lot cleaner than some of the other CPS buildings I’ve been in. They are super quick to call if a kid looks even a little bit feverish, which can be a pain if you're at work, but at least you know they aren't letting germs just sit in the classroom all day. I do wish the communication about local flu outbreaks was a bit more proactive, sometimes we find out from the neighborhood group before the school sends an email, but overall the staff really cares about the kids' well-being.