ABOUT SENN ARTS
Since 2012, the Senn Arts program at Senn High School, one of CPS’ most diverse schools, has benefitted CPS students through a unique and intensive arts curriculum. This highly successful magnet program, which draws students from the neighborhood as well as from all corners of the city, is an asset for all Senn students and a resource for the entire city. Not only that, but Senn Arts students are part of a vibrant community at Senn High School, taking part in the school’s special synergy between Arts, IB, and Major Studies. Recent changes to the program threaten this innovative institution, which would be an immense loss, not just for Senn Arts students and families, but for the entire Senn community.
Unfortunately, the current Senn administration has been systematically weakening Senn Arts in a variety of ways. Most recently, in November, Principal Dacres suddenly announced major cuts to the Senn Arts program, reducing the total number of guaranteed arts classes from eight to five. The school administration has described these cuts as out of their control, and required by CPS.
These cuts will significantly impact nearly 20% of the Senn student body — students who chose Senn High School over any other neighborhood, choice, selective enrollment, or private school in the city because of the unique education they get from the combined IB and Senn Arts programs. The cuts undermine the integrity of a thriving curriculum, reduce students’ access to college-level coursework and scholarships, impede the program’s ability to attract prospective students, and lessen opportunities for all Senn students to connect to the arts.
As Chicago Public Schools parents, students, and supporters, we believe that Senn Arts deserves to be fought for and that creative solutions can be found.
Therefore, we call upon the Senn Administration and CPS to:
- Cancel the proposed cuts to the Senn Arts program and work together to find solutions that ensure graduation compliance while restoring the program’s unique and successful model.
- Work with Senn Arts students, parents, teachers, and other Senn High School stakeholders to develop program models and schedules that strengthen Senn for all students, including restoring valuable opportunities for weekend performances and tech rehearsals that have been lost this year.
- Recommit to cultivating a vibrant educational environment through listening to the voices of students, teachers, and parents.