Three area Track E school openings are reminder of all CPS student requirements

School doors opened today for the 2011-2012 year at LaFayette, Drummond and Moos as part of the Track E calendar. They are part of an increasing number of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) participating in a school year schedule that trades a long summer break for three vacation periods.

While the number of instruction days remain the same for each Track E student and major holidays are observed on the same days, the first day of school is a month earlier and there are three vacations interspersed throughout the year. They are: Fall Intersession, Sept. 30, re-opening Oct. 17; Winter Intersession, Dec. 19, reopening  Jan. 9, 2012; Spring Intersession, Mar. 26, 2012, reopening Apr. 9, 2012. School closes on June 14, 2012.

Calendar of Events for TrackE maybe found here and for the regular track here.

"Instruction begins on the first day of school and we need every student in class from day one so that they do not fall behind," said CPS's Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO. "I know from personal experience as a teacher and a principal that the time spent in the classroom on the first day sets the tone and culture for the rest of the school year and increases a student's chance for success."

Children entering any CPS school for the first time or advancing to certain grade levels must provide proof of required immunizations and health exams before Oct. 15 or they could face exclusion from school. Specific health and immunization requirements for CPS students at various grade levels or entry points into the District include:

• Physical, vision and dental exams
• Immunizations for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus; polio; measles, mumps and rubella; hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox) and haemophilus influenzae (type B)

For more information: check out the CPS Back to School website or call the Back to School hotline 773.553.3277.