Grassroots Effort Pays Off Again!

It happens frequently with us here at Schools Count Corp. An individual here, a non-profit there or, in this case, a small group of high school students coming to the aid of others to make a difference.

Here's how it all unfolded. Nancy Schuessler, a volunteer with Schools Count, receives a phone call from a friend who wants to know if Nancy's daughter, Sarah, can perform "When the Saints Go Marching In" at a St. Isaac Jogues event. No problem right? Well, not quite!

Some sheet music was missing, time was short, some local band directors weren't exactly quick to respond to Sarah's plea for help and Sarah was having a bit of difficulty coming up with musicians to accompany her. Of course, all of this is taking place in the midst of school being in session!

Well, with Sarah's persistence, some help of her friends, and the timely assistance of Hinsdale Central's Jazz Ensemble Director, Jeff Waggoner, things started coming together. Jeff went so far as to make up the music arrangement when the sheet music wasn't there. Not exactly something that takes ten minutes to accomplish for a sax, trombone, tuba and trumpet!

With just a couple of days to rehearse for the Sunday event at St. Isaac's Alan Verona, Diana Kelterborn, Michael Sarantos, Elliot Wilm, Dan Wolf, and Sarah Schuessler had to practice on their own.

The event came off without a hitch. The 6-member band paraded around the St. Isaac Johes cafeteria playing music for parents who had gathered for a religious education program. The band then proceeded to gather a number of children from an adjoining room. With kazoos in hand, the St. Isaacs children enthusiastically joined the band as they re-entered the cafeteria to perform for the appreciative parents.

Due to the generosity of the Religious Education Office at St. Isaacs, the six students were well paid for their performance. Rather than keeping all the money for themselves, Dan, Sarah, Alan, Diana, Michael, and Elliot donated $160.00 to our charity! What unselfish and kind young adults. Imagine donating money to a charity, pulling the event together, helping St. Isaacs and donating their time and talents on a Sunday. Pretty special!

Our thanks goes out to the Religious Education Office at St. Isaac's, Jeff Waggoner, Mr. & Mrs. Bjeldanes, Nancy Schuessler, and, of course, the six students who made this happen.

On behalf of everyone at Schools Count Corp., please know we are grateful for you assistance and kindness.

Dick Flesher

5 Enables a Student to Thrive!

So just what does the above expression, "5 Enables a Student to Thrive" mean? Quite simply, every $5 donated, allows each student aided by Schools Count Corp to have essentially all the pens, paper, pencils, folders, binders and notebooks (not to mention other classroom supplies) for an entire school year! That's right for $5 each student has nearly all the supplies needed for each and every class.

Between our 'Go Green' recycling program and generous discounts from Walmart we are able to create such an affordable system of aiding students. In fact, most of the recycled supplies gathered from the 31 Chicagoland area schools turn out to be new or very close to being brand new. Students get materials in terrific condition!

I just want you to know that every dollar, every contribution makes a difference. Think of it, without these supplies, and your donations, a number of students may very well go without basic supplies. Now that is a recipe for disaster.

Many of you that check this blog are already donating your time, funds, and effort to this wonderful cause. Please take a moment and share this information with your friends and family. I'd also like to have you consider putting on your own fundraiser. Imagine even a 'small' fundraiser that generates $300. You'd be putting supplies in the hands of 60 students for an entire year.

This reminds me of a time two years ago when a group of 6 through 12 year olds in Vacation Bible School, on the East Coast, garnered contributions in a created way. The children collected pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday, dimes on Wednesday, and quarters on Thursday. They raised nearly $500 in four days! Not only is the total remarkable so to is the fact that I never had any association with the church or the children. It was an act of true kindness. It can be done.

Remember '5 Enables a Student to Thrive!'

Many thanks,

Dick Flesher

NOLA Public School Progress

Sure there is a long way to go before the New Orleans public schools get to where they need and want to be in terms of seeing to it that students get the best education possible. But since Hurricane Katrina hit NOLA in 2005 many public and RSD (Recovery School District - another type of public school system) have made great strides.

Don't let the pundits, naysayers, or advocates of private and
charter schools tell you any different. Schools Count Corp has served many public schools and we have seen first hand the strides made by these schools over the past four years.

Though I prefer to look at schools in many other ways than test scores, about the only way that too many people assess the quality of a school, in today's age, is to look at test scores. Be that as it may, lets take a close look at how the public and RSD schools we delivered to this past August performed on the Louisiana state test called LEAP.

We delivered supplies to 23 public and RSD schools this past August. Of those 23 schools, 14 have had there doors open to students for at least the past two years. Since the schools have tested for two consecutive years there is an opportunity to examine the LEAP scores. The other 9 schools have not been in operation for two years so there is no current LEAP score basis to determine a change in student results.

Here's what we know about the 14 schools with regard to LEAP scores. ALL 14 showed an improvement in student test scores from one year to the next. Also, the average percent of growth, of the combined 14 schools, was 51.6%. Quite remarkable!!

I wanted to point out this growth for a number of reasons. First, these schools, contrary to what some people say, are helping students. Second, these schools have made positive changes to the education they provide to students since the hurricane. Third, non-public schools aren't the only ones getting the 'job done.' Finally, relative to Schools Count Corp., we can take some satisfaction knowing that the resources we have provided to NOLA schools has gone to good use.

With your continued support we can see to it that students are well served and that they will continue to make progress in terms of receiving the best possible education! It is obvious that what everyone associated with Schools Count Corp has done has made a difference.


Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Christmas Wish List

Schools Count Corp is always looking for ways to aid children in need. Throughout the time we have served schools in various parts of the country, we have brought the joy of music to any number of students by providing them with access to various types of instruments.

The holiday season is always full of music of all sorts! Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all celebrated during the month of December. Whatever your taste in music, it abounds at this time of the year.

This brings me to our Christmas Wish List! Everyone has a wish list at this joyous time of the year and Schools Count Corp. is no different!!

Schools Count Corp. will help Live Oak Elementary School, in New Orleans, establish a music program in 2010. The school has an Arts Enrichment Program, including a music component, but it currently is in need of music intruments. We have already collected a few clarinets and saxophones but are in need of additional instruments (trumpets, saxophones, trombones and more).

If you have an instrument(s) in good working condition and would like to donate it to the drive we would welcome your donation! Remember, we will gladly write you a gift receipt for tax purposes (the conclusion of the 2009 tax year is just days away) should you donate an instrument. By the way, we'll gladly pay for the cost of shipping.

If you are interested in helping Live Oak Elementary, or have questions, please contact Dick Flesher at (630) 863-6035 or email Dick at rich219@comcast.net.

With your donation, Live Oak Elementary, at this time next year, will be playing all the wonderful music that we all annually enjoy. Many thanks for your consideration. Happy Holidays!

Thanks,
Dick Flesher

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Friends,

Since the first Thanksgiving in 1646, Americans have long celebrated the abundance and plenty provided to her citizens. Many have enjoyed this bounty through sheer sacrifice, hard work, and great determination. In a sense, these qualities are as much a time honored tradition as is Thanksgiving Day.

So too have millions, in our recorded history, gone without even the barest of essentials. Whether going without proper shelter, needed food, warm clothes, or vital resources for an adequate education, many Americans, like yourselves, have stepped up and offered your services; labor, time, goods, or dollars to help someone in a bind, someone hurting.

As far as Schools Count Corp. is concerned, each volunteer, each donor, and each supporter is critical to our efforts to aid school children in need in various corners of the United States. Because of you thousands upon thousands of young people are receiving school supplies that will enable them to get a decent education. They will have a better chance of enjoying the bounty that is Thanksgiving.

You are the backbone to these efforts and the reason Schools Count has been able to aid so many. I am truly grateful for all that you do in the cause of supporting school children. When faced with the stark reality of helping, you have always stood up and been there when you were most needed. I am most appreciative.

May you, your families, and friends have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kindest Regards,
Dick Flesher

KIKK Stalwarts - Eric Loebig and Jack O'Donnell

Just who are Eric Loebig and Jack O'Donnell, the two Hinsdale Central H. S. varsity soccer players who coordinated the KIKK fundraiser for Schools Count? Well, one look at their soccer resumes and other interests will tell you much about them and how they were able to raise in excess of $6,400.00.

Both Eric and Jack are seniors. In terms of their careers in soccer at Central, each was a standout. Eric, a midfielder, and Jack, a keeper, were starters on this year's varsity team that made it to the 'Sweet Sixteen' in the IHSA State Tournament. Both were named All-Conference players in the West Suburban Silver Division for the 2009 campaign. Eric and Jack were joint winners of the Coaches Award which honors players for their all around play.

Their HC exploits don't end on the pitch. Both Eric and Jack are recipients of the 2009 All Conference Academic Award. What this means is that both players had at least a 4.0 GPA. Quite an accomplishment indeed.

Let's take a look at what makes Eric and Jack tick beyond school. Eric loves his music. The Third Eye Blind is his favorite band. Aside from soccer Eric enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, ice hockey, golf, and surfing. Though Eric has not yet made a final decision in terms of where he will attend college, his choices have been narrowed down to the University of Missouri, Dayton, Miami, and Iowa.

Jack O'Donnell also, like most teenagers, enjoys his music. For Jack, though, there is more to it than merely listening to his favorite songs. He plays the guitar and drums and currently performs with two bands. Aside from music Jack loves watching all types of college and professional sports. Jack currently has a gig on HC's WHSD radio station on Thursday mornings. His show is a political satire called "The Americans." Jack hopes to attend DePauw University upon graduating from Central.

These are two players who clearly have their act together, both on and off the soccer field. From my perspective, there is no way the KIKK fundraiser would have been such a wonderful success without their leadership.



Many thanks,

Dick Flesher

KIKK Nails a Golden Goal!

In soccer the most exciting goal is a game winner called a 'golden goal.' The hugely successful Hinsdale Central High School soccer season may have come to a close (Sweet Sixteen!) but everyone associated with the program notched its own version of a 'golden goal' with the KIKK fundraiser!

The soccer-tennis event combined the tourney in September with a number of other team-oriented initiatives throughout the season. What an event it was!!! The final tally indicates that a staggering $6,468.71 was raised through cash contributions and the donation of various goods!!! A 'golden goal' indeed!!

Seniors Eric Loebig and Jack O'Donnell (I'll have more to say about these two in a later posting) were responsible for spearheading this effort. Everyone got in on the action. Participants included players on the various HC teams, the Boys Soccer Boosters Club, parents who weren't part of the boosters, and a number of local businesses.

So hats off to the following!!!

Family Donors: Arnold, Bucheleres, Cole, Grasso, Hetke, LaRocque, Legan, Loebig, Meyer, O'Donnell, Oleferchik, Oleszkiewicz, Pincus, Marshall Reavis, Scott, Virgili, and anonymous.

Business Donors: Campus Colors, Chipotle, Clarendon Hills Bank, Domino's Pizza, Egg Harbor, Klepacki & Associates, Kramer Foods, Soccer 2000, Stockholm Objects, Traffic Control Corporation.

Hundreds and thousands of students in New Orleans, and elsewhere, are the beneficiaries of your generosity! To one and all...what a game winner!!

Many thanks,

Dick Flesher

HC Habitat for Humanity Aids Students

Yes, the typical high school Habitat for Humanity organization works to help families obtain affordable housing. This is something that the Hinsdale Central High School chapter has done for many years! But the HCHS Habitat Club goes well beyond their work to build homes in West Virginia.

On Friday, October 23rd the members of Habitat, at Central, held a Chili Dinner in the high school student cafeteria on the evening of the last home football game. It was a smashing success!! So much so, that the organization was able to raise funds for its 2010 trip to West Virginia in addition to donating $1000.00 to Schools Count Corp for its continuing work to help students in need in New Orleans.

To the club sponsors and students who are members of Habitat for Humanity please accept my profound thanks for such a generous donation! Please know that your effort and service in helping others makes a real difference.

Dick Flesher

Branche a Hit at Appreciation Dinner

Four and one-half years after Hurricane Katrina, Benjamin Banneker's talented Principal, Cheryllyn Branche, brought her message of hope, revival and thanks to one hundred and five donors and volunteers at the Appreciation Dinner on Oct. 26th.

To hear Cheryllyn was a treat in itself as donors and volunteers got to hear, first hand, the problems and issues facing schools and those, like Cheryllyn, who operate the schools. Cheryllyn discussed funds which have not yet found their way to NOLA, overcrowding, the confusion created with a myriad number of types of schools, and the issue of state testing which has a number of ramifications.

To say that Cheryllyn is optimistic in light of state wide and city wide challenges is an understatement. Her assessment of Banneker's needs, the care with which she attends to her staff and student needs, and her willingness to give her all in the name of public education was made abundantly clear. To a person, those in attendance found a person who was humble, able to articulate current problems and had a sense of where she wanted to take Banneker. Those in attendance heard a person who is optimistic and willing to tackle the problems at hand.

Many walked away from the dinner with a sense that what they had contributed to Banneker, and other NOLA schools, has indeed been put to good use. Since that evening a number of donors and volunteers have contributed more funds to Schools Count. Two families were so moved by Cheryllyn's words of hope that they have pledged to go to New Orleans in 2010!!

One thing is certain, our commitment and concern for Banneker and her students remains strong.

What a night! What a lady!

Dick Flesher

Kickers Score Big With KiKK

It all started back on August, 29 2005. That's not just the day that Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, it's also the point at which the Hinsdale Central H. S. boys soccer squads joined in the effort to help rebuild New Orleans and the schools.

The boys continued to aid the city's schools by hosting the third annual KIKK (Kick It In For Katrina Kids) fundraiser on Sunday, September 20th. To say that the event was a success is an understatement!

Led by seniors Eric Loebig and Jack O'Donnell, the soccer-tennis competition raised in excess of $2,000.00!! True, the rain cut off the heated competition at the semi final stage but, no worries, all had a great time.

The day was a whopping success on all fronts. Not only did the soccer players come up with such a fantastic amount of cash donations, they were able to enjoy knocking the ball back and forth between friends. Where else could you go on a Sunday afternoon and receive a free t-shirt (compliments on Hinsdale Bank and Trust), have some pizza (Domino's), enjoy some great music, have a refreshing water/gatorade, and help a great cause?

The jury may still be out with respect to the final victor in the soccer-tennis competition but the entire HC soccer program can know that they have won a championship when it comes to aiding those in need.

Kudos to all the players, parents, and patrons who made this day so successful and memorable.

Many thanks,
Coach Flesher

Schools Count Corp Cares!

By the very nature of our company's name, Schools Count, its pretty obvious that our organization; its donors, volunteers, affiliated non-profits, and recipients care deeply about young people. Going a step further, we seek to enable students to have the resources available, on a daily basis, so that they can enjoy success in the classroom while having a pleasant overall experience in the process.

That is exactly why we provide not only supplies for use in day-to-day classroom work but we also provide gear for athletics, games for rainy days, resources for recess, and instruments for music programs. Our aim is to provide for a students total educational experience.

There are far too many public schools in this country, whether because of disasters or tough economic times, that aren't able - through no fault of their own - to fully meet the needs of their students.

And that's where Schools Count Corp comes in. Public schools have always been fundamental to the success of individuals, the communities in which they reside, and the larger American society. A decent public education must be afforded every child in the United States. Schools Count Corp. will do its part to help realize this right and, in turn, and the dreams of each person.

Many thanks for your continued support!!!


Dick Flesher
President

HC Boys Soccer Readies for KIKK

What team will be crowned the 2009 KIKK (Kick It In For Katrina Kids) Champion in Hinsdale Central's annual soccer-tennis fundraiser? We'll soon know as the players take to the court next Sunday, September 20th at the Hinsdale Central H. S. tennis courts. The competion begins at 2:00 pm and the champion will be crowned by 5:00 pm.

This unique game sees teams of 2-3 players playing in a group format, like the World Cup, with each team guaranted to play in three matches. After this early phase of soccer-tennis, heading or kicking the soccer ball over the net, the competition moves in single elimination phase.

Players pay a minimal registration fee to play in the event with all the proceeds going to Schools Count Corp. The funds are used to purchase supplies for Illinois and Chicagoland schools, as well as those in New Orleans, in need of various resources.

Kudos to Hinsdale Bank and Trust in Hinsdale for providing the funds to purchase t-shirts. Every participant in the KIKK competition receives a free t-shirt. Thanks Kramer's!! Your support is appreciated.

Come on out and enjoy the day and root for your favorite player. Let the fun begin!!

Dick Flesher

HC Volleyball Hits It Big!!

Yesterday, the Hinsdale Central Girls Volleyball Team made as big of an impression off the court as they have on the court so far this campaign. In case you don't know it, the Red Devils are off to a 2-0 start to their season. Coming off their latest victory over Fenwick on Friday, Aug. 28th, the Red Devils took to the senior park lot the very next day to sponsor a carwash which benefits Schools Count Corp.

And what a carwash it was!!!! In just four hours the girls took in an astonishing $1010.00!! That's right, $1010.00! The morning started off a little slow but by 10:00 am there were anywhere from four to six cars waiting to be washed. Mind you, this wasn't just an ordinary car wash. The girls climbed step ladders to wash the roofs of SUV's, washed cars thoroughly (sometimes that doesn't happen!), hand dried them and washed windows if the donors so requested.

This is our first fundraiser heading into 2010 and I couldn't be more pleased with the effort the girls put forth. Besides that, it looked as though the girls enjoyed themselves! If this is any indicator of the success that Schools Count Corp will have in raising funds, and the fortunes of the girls on the court in the '09 volleyball season, then we'll both surely reap some huge rewards.

Thanks girls!!!

Mission Accomplished!

On Friday, August 7th, nearly 30 volunteers arrived at our Mokena home to load trucks bound for Katrina ravaged schools in New Orleans. Beginning at 7:30AM they helped palletize, wrap and load 70 pallets worth of used and new school supplies and equipment for 23 New Orleans public schools. We filled two 53’ semi’s, a 26’ and 22’ rental trucks. By 4PM when we finished, everything was sorted by school and loaded. We want to thank the generous donors including the local schools for their assistance in collecting used items and keeping them out of landfills.

A big thank you goes out to Berkot’s for their assistance and to the following who assisted on the 7th: Sarah Steinke, Peggy Lutter, Hanna McClard, Eileen O’Donoghue, Zack and Denise McClard, Jake and Zack Davy, John Hill, Kyle and Rodger Rottmann, Chris Wilbur, Laura Milas, Liz and Lexi Oreluk, Linda Hurt, Dylan Canavan, Justin and Kelly Cronin, Timur Akman-Duffy, Steve Eich, Bill Zoetveldt, Carol and Kurt Smith, Ed Lynch, Nancy Schussler, Marcus Lindsey, and Ethan, Jaelynn and Valerie Ruth.

The commitment and support we have received allowed us, L. Serwat (Hinsdale), B. Feldman (Lemont), K. Parks (Cedar Lake, IN), A. & S. Hardenbol (Houston, TX), and several volunteers from the New Orleans area, to deliver these supplies to help over 10,000 children start the school year off with basic supplies. Not only were we able to deliver pens, pencils, notebooks, binders, folders, etc. but generous donations of textbooks, music instruments, and school uniforms also made their way into the hands of the students.

Following our return, additional supplies were donated to Kellar School in Robbins, IL. Again, we were overwhelmed by the generosity of those around us as we continue to aid those less fortunate. Thank you, Schools Count Corp., Dick Flesher

See you on Friday!

Thanks to all the volunteers who responded, we are looking forward to seeing you on Friday to help sort, palletize and load. As we speak we are still out picking up supplies your generous donations have made possible for purchase. We couldn't do this without you!

Our deliveries to New Orleans schools will be next week and we will be delivering to over 20 schools. We have been contacted by an RSD curriculum coordinator who we have worked with before, she is looking for textbooks for Algebra, Biology and Environmental Science. So we have been searching the area and were able to "rescue" some textbooks from SCARCE in Glen Ellyn. So in addition to school supplies we are delivering 2 pallets of textbooks as well as band instruments and weight lifting equipment! Additionally, we purchased over 100 games which were requested by schools for students on days when they cannot go outside for recess.

Thank you all for all your help and hard work. This week we have purchased and boxed over 200 school uniforms, made delivery schedules, contacted schools, contacted volunteers, made signs for pallets, picked up games and boxed and labeled those, prepared receipts for the schools. So much going on!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We have wrapped up the hours of sorting, labeling and organizing and are now in need of volunteers. We invite you to help us supply 22 New Orleans Area Schools this August. We are desperately in need of labor! On Friday, August 7th we will be organizing, palletizing and loading supplies onto 3 - 22' Rental trucks and a semi. We need help this day to get everything on the trucks. It is fun, we provide lunch and you will be helping thousands of NOLA students.

Additionally due to additional donations (YEAH) we are still in need of a volunteer to assist in driving one of the 22' trucks down to NOLA on Sunday August 9th. You could help us deliver to schools on the 10th and 11th and then we return home on the 11th or 12th.

If you are interested in going to NOLA, hotel accommodations and travel costs are covered. It is a great opportunity to help so many who desperately need it and who count on us.

We can't continue to do this without your help. Please contact Dick Flesher at rich219@comcast.net if you are interested in assisting in either way.

Thank you!

Sorting Supplies Bound for NOLA 09

The past couple of months have been spent diligently organizing, arranging, picking up, sorting, counting, and packaging used school supplies. The efforts have been continuous. Several days involved renting a 16' truck, driving to multiple schools, loading boxes, coming home, unloading, returning truck and then spending the night sorting and organizing. Try spending hours digging through crayons, pencils, pens, and glue!

As well as ripping out used pages in notebooks and boxing and counting them. Cleaning out folders, organizing teacher supplies, sorting books, etc. The efforts have been enormous and well worth it. To date we have collected the following gently used supplies that would have otherwise ended up in landfills! Please take a moment to recognize the schools listed for their efforts in organizing and collecting these items!

To Date these schools have provided:

over 8,000 folders

4,000 spirals

20 boxes of glue

over 100,000 sheets of loose leaf paper

2,600 binders

14 large boxes of crayons

16 large boxes of colored markers

over 10,000 pens and pencils

numerous art supplies

backpacks

music instruments, and more.

Schools Count to the Rescue in Galveston

Thanks to Yorkville High School, a couple of generous individual donors, and the cash contribution made by Reynolds & Reynolds out of Houston, TX Schools Count Corp was able to take an entire truckload of binders, folders, pens, pencils, loose leaf paper, and school uniforms to the Galveston schools. These are the same schools that were hammered by Hurricane Ike just months ago.

All went smoothly in terms of delivery and the folks at San Jacinto being appreciative of the supplies...literally thousands and thousands of the above materials. Just one problem (aren't there always some?). Walmart didn't have all of the goods ready for us on Sunday, Feb. 15th so we had to wait for the evening truckload to roll in before we got our full allotment of supplies. Thankfully, all worked out well in the end.

Besides, we got to meet up with family and friends as we waited for the last of the supplies to be loaded onto the truck. A great time was had by one and all over dinner at the Olive Garden.

A special thanks goes out to our volunteers; to Dawn and Maddie Oler for making the trek from Chicago to Galveston to loading and unloading the truck in addition to purchasing the school uniforms, to April and Sander Hardenbol for making their second trip to Galveston as well as aiding our fundraising efforts and; finally, to the folks at San Jacinto Elementary for all the kindness and help in making our delivery so successful.

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Delivery to Galveston Independent School District

On Monday, February 16, 2009 over $6,000 in donated funds was used to provide the Galveston Independent School District with school supplies and school uniform shirts. Special thanks to Sander and April Hardenbol for their efforts in Houston.