Fraction of affected students at alternative sites

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CHICAGO (AP) Officials say about 18,000 Chicago Public Schools students took advantage of sites established as classroom alternatives due to the teacher strike.

Nearly 11,000 students attended half-day programs at 144 public schools on Monday. The remainder showed up at churches, parks, libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA.

The strike involving more than 25,000 Chicago Teachers Union members meant no school for about 350,000 students.

Parents were encouraged to sign up their students to attend what the district calls Children First contingency sites at the schools, which were staffed by non-teaching staff. The students received free breakfast and lunch, and participated in non-educational activities.

Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard says the district will continue to provide "safe and engaging programming for students who do not have alternative options."

CPS students can't play sports during the strike, the Illinois High School Association said.

Chicago Public Schools student athletes won't be able to play games or practice during the teachers' strike.

School officials asked IHSA to waive its rules banning athletic activity during teacher strikes. But on Monday the association denied the request.

IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman said the association's board of directors decided granting the request was beyond its authority. Hickman says after much discussion, board members felt respecting the guidelines put in place by member schools "was the only option available."

IHSA officials say its bylaws do allow school boards to approve practice sessions for schools that are on strike

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