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Rowe Elementary Consolidation

Thank you for visiting our informational website to learn more about the proposed consolidation of Rowe Elementary! Here, you'll find important details and updates to help you better understand the plans and how they may impact the school community.

Background

Rowe Elementary, currently operating across two campuses—1424 N. Cleaver for grades 4-8 and 1434 W. Augusta Blvd. for grades K-3—is exploring a consolidation plan to bring all grades (K-8) together at the 1424 N. Cleaver location. This move responds to declining enrollment and aims to better allocate resources while streamlining operations. With a projected total enrollment of no more than 700 students, the Cleaver campus is well-equipped to accommodate all students. The consolidation is designed to improve family convenience, enhance the coordination of school services, and provide a more cohesive and supportive environment for students. By integrating resources like mental health services and after-school programs, this change will create an environment that fosters student growth and ensures that all families have better access to essential support.

FAQs

Why is Rowe Elementary consolidating its campuses?
Rowe Elementary is consolidating its two campuses into one location due to decreased enrollment and the challenges of operating two separate campuses. Bringing all grades (K-8) under one roof will improve resource allocation, streamline operations, and provide better services for students and families.

 

What will happen to the students at the Augusta Blvd. campus?
Grades K-3, currently located at 1434 W. Augusta Blvd., will be relocated to the Cleaver campus (1424 N. Cleaver), where grades 4-8 are currently housed.

 

How many students will be attending the Cleaver campus after consolidation?
The total student enrollment is projected to be no more than 700 students, which is well within the building’s capacity and lower than Rowe's peak enrollment.

 

What are the main benefits of this consolidation for students and families?

  • Simplified drop-off and pick-up process by consolidating locations, saving families time and reducing travel.

  • Easier access to essential services, such as mental health support and after-school programs, all in one place.

  • Enhanced student well-being with integrated services from Northwestern Settlement’s Family CARES Community Mental Health Center and other important programs.

  • Improved overall student experience by creating a more cohesive and supportive environment for learning and growth.

How will safety improve for students after the consolidation?
The consolidation will streamline the drop-off and pick-up process at a single location, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing congestion. By centralizing at 1424 N. Cleaver, the overall experience for students, parents, and staff will be more efficient and organized.

What is the timeline for the consolidation?

The consolidation is set to occur beginning with the 2026/2027 school year. Northwestern Settlement will continue engaging with parents, students, and the local community to ensure a smooth transition. Community meetings and additional updates will be provided in the coming months to address any questions or concerns.

Will there be any changes to the staff or support services?
Consolidation will allow for better coordination of staff and services. Centralized staffing will provide more consistent and effective support for students, including mental health services and after-school programs.

 

How will the consolidation affect my child’s daily routine?
For most families, the primary change will be the single location for all grades (K-8), which will streamline drop-off and pick-up routines. Additionally, the school will offer more centralized services and resources that will better support your child's education and well-being.

How will the school ensure a smooth transition for students?
Northwestern Settlement is committed to working closely with parents, students, and the community throughout the transition process. There will be opportunities for feedback and discussions at community meetings, and the school will provide updates to keep everyone informed.

How will consolidation and adding more students to one building impact local residents, and what are the school's plans for mitigating traffic congestion during arrival and dismissal?

The consolidation of Rowe Elementary into a single campus at 1424 N. Cleaver will centralize the student body, which is expected to increase enrollment in that facility by approximately 225 students. We understand that this change may raise concerns about traffic congestion in the neighborhood, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.

To mitigate potential traffic issues, Rowe Elementary is committed to working closely with neighborhood residents and the City of Chicago to implement effective solutions. Some of the measures being considered include:

  • Staggered Arrival and Dismissal Times: The school is exploring ways to stagger the start and end times for different grade levels to reduce the volume of traffic at any one time.

  • Encouraging Walking and Biking: Efforts will be made to encourage students and families to walk or bike to school when possible, reducing the number of vehicles on the street.

  • Coordination with Local Authorities: The school will work with local traffic management and public safety officials to ensure that safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up zones are in place.

  • Improved School Zone Signage and Traffic Control: We will explore options for better signage and traffic management around the school to improve the flow of vehicles and ensure pedestrian safety.

We recognize that traffic concerns are an important issue for our community and will take proactive steps to minimize disruptions. Our goal is to create a safe and smooth experience for all students, families, and residents in the area. We will continue to engage with the community and local authorities to address concerns and ensure a positive transition.

Who can I contact if I have further questions or concerns?
For more details or any questions about the consolidation, please email info@nush.org and a member of our staff will respond. 

How can I stay informed about the progress of the consolidation?
Community meetings will be held, and regular updates will be shared in the coming weeks. Be sure to stay connected with the school and Northwestern Settlement for ongoing information and opportunities for feedback.

 

If you have additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We look forward to working with you as we move forward with this exciting change.

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