THE LOOP — Parents and students upset about new start times at many of Chicago's public schools are pushing back in the Loop this week.
The "CPS Save Our Time Rally" will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., according to an e-mail that Ogden International School sent parents.
Chicago Public Schools changed bell times at 82 schools — including pushing many high schools' start times to 9 a.m. — in an effort to save $13.5 million in transportation costs this upcoming school year. But so far the move has proven unpopular with many parents and principals, who feel the later school day will impede students' extracurricular activities, after-school jobs and ability to take care of younger siblings.
The origin of the rally is unclear. Ogden Principal Michael Beyer said he did not pen the e-mail, and did not know for certain who is organizing the rally.
Principals of Jones and Walter Payton college preps, other high schools that have spoken out against the later start times, as well as a CPS spokeswoman did not return messages seeking comment.
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