How did Chicago Public Schools’ first day of classes go? What Chicagoans say.

“Very, very stressful.” “Not as bad as I worried it would be!” “Horrible.” “Three kids, I’m working remote, and I only got interrupted once by my fourth-grader. I call that a success.”

By Alice Bazerghi

A teacher oversaw classes from an empty classroom at Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Academy of Social Justice in Englewood on Tuesday, the first day back for the Chicago Public Schools.

In a first day back unlike any other, Chicago Public Schools students, parents and teachers launched the school year remotely on Tuesday. We asked Chicagoans how it went. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

“No real issues but very stressful. It was impossible to work from home at the same time, especially with four kids having to be logged in and on camera all at once. Luckily, I had my dad here to help, but not sure how long that will last.” — Joey Lynn Battaglia-Pinaglia

“Stressful. I work at a learning center. I had three students, three different age groups, three different schools, three different electronic devices, three different portals/apps. Most links worked. Others didn’t. I’m emotionally drained.” — Jennifer Landin Hurt

“My third-grader had no problems, thank god! I had so much anxiety about it, but everything went smoothly.” — Lori Brown

“Three kids, I’m working remote, and I only got interrupted once by my fourth-grader. I call that a success.” — Bri Yount

“Pretty good. I encouraged him to get up in between classes to stretch his legs. It was a bit more difficult to get him back in his seat afterwards.” — Shelly Rachal Estrada

“My eighth-grader did good. She’s a person that plans ahead and likes to be organized, so she wouldn’t have issues. Now, my fifth-grader starts Friday, so I’m preparing and coaching him now on what my expectations are.” — Mica Garrison

“Great, the teachers were prepared and had an awesome day! I’m glad I was here to see and hear what was on the agenda.” — Chiana Doll

“I have a senior at Jones, and it went fine. Teachers gave work that required a keyboard answer or direct response. This can work. She is committed.” — Reava Lynette King

“My second-grader on his own had a smooth day!” — Rosie Cerero

“Little problems, but still helps that kids have something to look forward to in the morning.” — Martha Miranda