A sit-in at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School is being planned for Thursday evening to protest the proposed turnaround, Chicago Teachers Union officials say.

In an open letter dated Jan. 13, students, parents and teachers asked for Holmes’ turnaround status to be reconsidered.

“For two out of last three years, our [test] scores increased by 11 and seven percentage points respectively. We are asking that you would allow the current staff to continue to work with the students of Holmes school to achieve these positive results.”

When a school is turned around, a new staff is introduced to the school during the summer period. Previous teachers and administrators may reapply for their positions.

The letter said the recent fatal shooting of a student affected the school community greatly, and that a turnaround may upset the delicate balance of healing.

They compared the achievements of Holmes to Sherman Elementary School, turned around in 2006.

“Their current profile is the same as ours, specifically in the area of test scores. They were offered capital improvements, new programs and funding. We as a staff are working to achieve the same goal without capital improvements or extra funding.”

CPS declined to comment on the proposed sit-in, as did Holmes Elementary.

At the CPS Board of Education meeting on Jan. 28, the list of school closings and turnarounds will be finalized and hearings regarding individual schools will be arranged.