Updating the Bids

As of 9:00 am Thursday, Dec. 29th here's where we stand on the bidding for the Haitian paintings. Thanks to one and all for your interest.

Painting #1: $110.00
Painting #2: $100.00
Painting #3: $75.00
Painting #4: $100.00
Painting #5: $100.00
Painting #6: $65.00
Painting #7: $75.00
Painting #8: $50.00
Painting #9: $100.00
Painting #10: $50.00

An Update on Painting Bids

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Here's an update on the bids on the various Haitian paintings as of 9:00 am on Dec. 26th. Thanks for your interest!

Painting #1: $110.00
Painting #2: $100.00
Painting #3: $75.00
Painting #4: $85.00
Painting #5: $100.00
Painting #6: $50.00
Painting #7: $75.00
Painting #8: $50.00
Painting #9: $100.00
Painting #10: $50.00

Silent Auction - Dec. 23

As of 8:00 am on Thursday, December 23rd here is the update on bidding on the 10 Haitian paintings. To all those who have made bids, many thanks! To one and all, may you enjoy the holiday season.

Painting #1: $110.00
Painting #2: $100.00
Painting #3: $75.00
Painting #4: $75.00
Painting #5: $100.00
Painting #6: $50.00
Painting #7: $75.00
Painting #8: $50.00
Painting #9: $100.00
Painting #10: $50.00

Silent Auction Bidding Goes On

As I was getting ready to post the bids on the Haitian paintings it occurred to me that I ought to post the guidelines for the bidding on the blog. I will provide those after I list the bids as of 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 21st.

Painting #1: $110.00 Painting #6: $50.00
Painting #2: $100.00 Painting #7: $75.00
Painting #3: $75.00 Painting #8: $50.00
Painting #4: $75.00 Painting #9: $100.00
Painting #5: $100.00 Painting #10: $50.00

In less than one month, Jan. 12th, 2011, the 1st anniversary of the Haitian earthquake will be at hand. In the spirit of continuing to assist Haitians, SCC is holding a silent auction on ten pieces of authentic Haitian artwork purchased in Haiti by Schools Count Corp in November. All proceeds of the silent auction will benefit IMN School in Darbonne as they work to complete the third phase of rebuilding. We paid $28 for each painting. The opening bid is $40 per painting. Should you want to participate in the auction, simply make your bid by emailing it to me at rich219@comcast.net. You need only to note two things in your bid, the amount and the number assigned to the painting you are bidding on. I will update the bidding, through the SCC company blog, every couple of days so that you can follow the bidding. Simply go to http://www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com/ to check on bidding. By the way, if you are outbid on a painting I will email you to let you know. The paintings are shown in great detail if you scroll down on the blog. The final bid on all painting is Jan. 12th at 9:00 pm.

Aside from acquiring a wonderful piece of art, you will receive a tax deduction for the difference between the purchase price and what you paid for the painting should you have the highest bid. So, if a winning bid is $110 then you would acquire the painting as well as getting a tax deduction for $82 ($110 - $28). All sales are final. Payment is by check only, payable to Schools Count Corp. Arrangements will be made, agreeable to both SCC and the winner bidder, regarding delivery.

All of the paintings are on canvas and are not framed. I did have an Art teacher examine the paintings to determine the type of media used. All of the paintings are signed though some are simply initialed as I have noted. Some of the artist signatures are difficult to read and I have done my best to represent them to the best of my ability.

Please accept my thanks for your interest in the silent auction!
Dick Flesher

Silent Auction Update

Here is an update on the Silent Auction of the 10 Haitian paintings. Remember, you can bid again if you have been outbid. To those of you who have made bids, please accept my thanks for your interest in the paintings and supporting the rebuilding of IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti.

If you want to take another look at the paintings, you can scroll down to the Dec. 19th posting and take another look!

Painting #1: $100.00
Painting #2: $100.00
Painting #3: $75.00
Painting #4: $75.00
Painting #5: $100.00
Painting #6: $50.00
Painting #7: $50.00
Painting #8: $50.00
Painting #9: $100.00
Painting #10: $50.00

Many thanks!
Dick Flesher

Haitian Artwork Silent Auction

Painting 1, oil on canvas. Artist: Millien. Height 24", Width 20"

Painting 2: Oil on canvas. Signed as G.T. Height 20", Width 23 1/2"

Painting 3: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Nook (?) Pierre Pierre. Height 24", Width 23 3/4"

Painting 4: Mixed media on canvas. Signed with the letter 'G' with vertical lines through the G. Height 24", Width 20"

Painting 5: acrylic on canvas. Artist: S. Auband. Height 20", Width 23"

Painting 6: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Richard Donnette (spelling?). Height 19", Width 23 1/2"

Painting 7: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Elysrra Francisco. Height 17", Width 23 1/2"

Painting 8: Oil on canvas. Artist: Pichard(?) Bethany. Height 19 1/2", Width 23"

Painting 9: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Thony. Height 22 1/2", Width 16"

Painting 10: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Bellevue Kender. Height 20", Width 24"

Lockport HS to Aid IMN in Haiti

I am always amazed at the good that the young people do in the world. So many of our high schools and elementary schools have all sorts of programs to aid those in need. There are Interact Clubs, Key Clubs, Student Councils, National Honor Societies and many more school organizations that help others through various forms of outreach.

The Interact Club of Lockport High School is just one such group. Last year the members of Interact provided a huge source of funds to help rebuild IMN. I just spoke with the club members, yesterday, and shared some of my April 2010 travel experiences with them.

As the first anniversary of the Jan. 12th earthquake approaches, the Interact Club wants to pitch in to help Maxandre Bien-Aime, the Principal, finish the third phase of rebuilding the school. The members of the club, along with their sponsors, have already begun to come up with some ideas to raise funds to continue the rebuilding.

Because of the great energy and commitment of the 'Porters' I am certain that plenty of money will be collected to help the students at IMN. To each and every member please accept my thanks!

Dick

News on Haiti

Plenty is happening in Haiti these days with the recent presidential vote, cholera outbreak, and the upcoming 1st anniversary of the Jan. 12, 2010 devastating earthquake. Here's a quick recap of events:

Schools Count Corp will hold a silent auction in late Dec/early Jan in order to raise funds for IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti. We will be auctioning-off 10 original Haitian paintings to raise funds for the school. In the next day or two I will contact you with details of the auction along with some wonderful photos of the artwork.

Some tragic events continue to unfold in Haiti concerning the discontent with the November presidential election. Popular singer Michel Martelly, the third place finisher in the race, along with the front-runner, Mirlande Manigat, called the Provisional Electoral Council's plan to let the top three vote-getters be involved in a partial recount flawed. Violence has erupted in various parts of the country in protest of the election results. Most observers contend that fraud ran rampant in the election. A new three day appeal process was called for on Sunday, Dec. 12th but this will not likely quell the riots and protests. Sadly, more violence is feared in the coming week.

The cholera outbreak continues to take a tragic toll on many Haitians. Over 2,000 Haitians have died and at least another 90,000 have been sickened by the disease. The 'El Tor' strain is considered a particulary troublesome strain. It is very virulent and hard to slow down once it spreads. And spread it will. It is likely to spread to as many as 300,000 to 400,000 citizens.

Schools Count Corp will continue to support and reach out to Haitians in need. Thanks to all for your continued efforts to help IMN.

Dick

Phone Call from King Elementary

It is noon on Friday, December 10th and I just received a wonderful phone call from the Principal of King Elementary School, Mr. Flowers. I wish I could have each and every person who endeavors to benefit Schools Count Corp and, in turn, the students in various American schools participate in the phone call.

Mr. Flowers was effusive in his praise of those who made it possible for the King students to receive winter coats. As he stated, "you made this holiday season more hopeful for them. You have shown the parents (of the students) that there are those who care." You bet we care!

Mr. Flowers went on to say that if we need something he would be glad to get some King students and teachers (including himself)to come out to the Hinsdale area to assist us in a project, some work or a fundraiser. Talk about being appreciative of receiving the winter coats!!!

It is a pleasure to work with people and schools who are so very appreciative of our support. I often marvel at those who are in need of our services who often, in turn, reach out to us to offer their backing.

Thanks Mr. Flowers and King!
Dick

Coats Arrive at King Elementary!

Nearly 55 winter coats made their way into the wanting hands of the children and staff at King Elementary School in Chicago. The photo of coats is just a small sample of the coats donated by Kids4Good and the Hinsdale Central Amnesty International Club.





Ms. Velasco of King met us on Thursday, Dec. 9th and she was truly amazed by the outpouring of such wonderful donors. Ms. Velasco said that many children have inquired about obtaining coats. She went on to say that "these are simply beautiful and the kids will be suprised to know that someone cares about them." I couldn't put it any better than that!!




At this time of the year it really doesn't matter that we reach out to people close to home, in Chicago, or some far away place as long as we reach out to help those most in need. To each of you who have raised funds, bought coats, collected them from your closets or sought them out from your neighbors, please accept my thanks on behalf of the King Elementary School students.

Happy Holidays,
Dick

Help from Kids4Good

Earlier this year Cynthia McGann, from Kids4Good, contacted me with regard to Schools Count Corp helping their organization with the rebuilding of IMN School following the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. For those of you who follow our blog, you know that ours has been a great partnership since that day.

That strong relationship continues to this day. Kids4Good has responded to our call for winter coats in the midst of this cold weather snap. Kids4Good is currently collecting winter coats so that we can deliver them to King Elementary in Chicago.

There are scores of students who are without gloves, winter coats and other warm clothing. Thanks to various Hinsdale Central clubs, donors at Schools Count Corp and Kids4Good we will be able to deliver roughly 40 coats to deserving students at King this Thursday, December 9th.

To Cynthia, the volunteers/donors of Kids4Good, and the various students who participate in Kids4Good please accept my thanks for the donation of coats. I am most grateful for your assistance.

Dick

Coats for King!

As everyone in the Midwest can attest, the temperatures are FRIGID!!! These kinds of temps make it difficult to do almost anything outdoors including going to school.

Many of the students of the Chicago Public Schools are in need of winter coats. Last Friday, Dec. 3rd, we delivered 40 brand new winter coats to Curtis Elementary School. To say that everyone at the school was thrilled is truly an understatement. School can be tough enough for the best of students. Imagine what it would be like to stand outside, without a winter coat, while waiting for a bus. Even worse, ponder a child walking to school without a warm coat. A pretty tough proposition.

Because of the generosity of Ms. Otahal's classes, the Humanitarian Army and Amnesty International, Schools Count will be able to donate another 40 winter coats to King Elementary School in Chicago. We will make our delivery on Thursday, Dec. 9th. To join our efforts to help keep kids warm contact me at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for me to pick up childrens coats.

To those who have aided our 'Coats to Curtis' and 'Coats to King' efforts please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Dick

Coats arrive at Curtis Elementary

You can see for yourself the smiles on the faces of the people at Curtis Elementary as we brought them 40 winter coats on Friday, Dec. 3rd. To a person, everyone was ecstatic with the early Christmas presents!!

A big thanks goes out to the Humanitarian Army and Amnesty International at Hinsdale Central High School for collecting the funds to purchase the coats. No doubt you have brought much happiness to the children and parents of the neighborhood and school!

Many thanks,
Dick

The Fallacy of School Competition

Yesterdays front page lead in the Chicago Sun Times was a piece entitled 'City's great elite-school race.' And there's plenty of proof that there is a race, to be sure, more like a sprint, to get into the elite magnet schools and selective-enrollment schools in the city of Chicago.

I understand that parents want to have their children get the best education possible but the process of going through that is simply ridiculous on a number of counts.

For one, parents complain about the rules changing from year to year regarding admissions. That, in and of itself, would be a daunting task to keep up with. Worse yet is the fact that people are hoping against hope that they can get their son or daughter into one of the elite schools. Last year 13,065 teeens took a test for 2,942 seats at the selective-enrollment high schools. For elementary schools the scenario was much the same. 10,050 students applied for just 1,787 seats. The above situation holds true for enrolling in magnet schools.

Most damaging of all are the effects of this overly heated competition to get into selective and magnet schools. As therapist Christine Whitley noted, "most people are feeling overwhelmed." Misty Lake and her husband, who live in the Austin neighborhood, commented that "this is just such a ridiculous process." In their case they have been going to CPS programs since their daughter was 18 months old, "trying to make sure they knew everything before applying for kindergarten."

This is simply crazy! Sure parents want their children to attend excellent schools and to not have to attend less than adequate neighborhood schools. The cure isn't more frenzy of this type, the solution is to upgrade neighborhood schools in need of assistance.

Let's be frank, the vast majority of magnet and selective schools have many exellent students, siphoning-off those children from neighborhood schools. The fix can't be more siphoning, it has to be finding all sorts of ways to 'lift up' neighborhood schools. That process will be long and hard but it has to be done otherwise we will simply continue to have a school competition race that essentially boils down to the 'haves and have nots.' And that is something no American should tolerate.

Thanks,
Dick

Sue Duncan - Volunteer Extraordinaire

Let's take care of first things first. Yes, Sue Duncan, 75, is the mother of Arne Duncan the current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Ms. Duncan, though, has an entirely different background relative to working in the field of education. She has never been elevated to a lofty position of power and authority; rather, she has given much of her life, on a voluntary basis, in the service of educating children.

The Sunday, November 28th Chicago Tribune put together a simply wonderful and inspiring piece on the volunteer work of Ms. Duncan. Sue has tutored thousands of Chicago school children for free for the past 49 years! Yes, for free. Mind you, most of the her tutoring has been directed towards children from the poorest neighborhoods. Quite an accomplishment.

What makes her work all the more notable is the fact that Ms. Duncan came from a well-to-do background. She is the daughter of a wealthy financier. She attended prestigious Smith College and her husband was a professor at the University of Chicago.

As the Tribune noted, "despite here privileged background, Sue Duncan remembered difficult times from her childhood. Her mother suffered from deep depressions, and when Duncan needed love and support, her nanny, Eva Guy, became a surrogate parent."

To this day Ms. Duncan credits Ms. Guy with her inspiration to reach out to others to offer them affection and support.

Over the years Ms. Duncan has tutored children in math and reading. She also makes sure that the children get in their daily exercise along with working on homework. But more important, Sue has done it with grace, warmth, and discipline. Over the years Ms. Duncan has had strict rules; no yelling, no violence, no weapons. As the Trib noted, "You had to tuck in your shirt, say please and thank you, and sit with your hands folded." And her style worked forty nine years ago and it continues to work to this very day.

There is much to be said about aiding others through tutoring or any other act of selflessness. Ms. Duncan surely serves as a model for all of us in the field of education who seek to find ways to enable children to be all they can be. Thank you Ms. Duncan.

Dick

Reaction to Chicagoland Extra Article

After reading the Wed., Nov. 24th Chicagoland article, "In more schoolrooms, kids' future is electronic," I came away impressed with the fact that going online enables students to work at their own pace but far less satisfied that, by doing so, the quality of interaction between students and teachers will be maintained and, in turn, the educational experience will be greatly enhanced.

As a long time teacher, I have been down this road before in a somewhat different fashion. The 1970's was a period of independent study. Packets were handed to students and they were to work at their own pace. I wasn't convinced then that this was all it was cracked up to be. I found far too many students left in the lurch, having too little interaction between the teacher, packet and student.

I believe the article gives the impression that if students have the use of their own computer, each day, they will learn faster, better, and more efficiently. Roughly translated, in my view, the article is saying that students will receive a better education. Not so fast!

Though the computer software is far more about students "having some control over things now," than the individualized packet I see one very glaring similarity. If 25or 30 students are left alone to work online on their Algebra, Advanced Physics or Sociology and many of them are in different portions of said work, where does that leave the teacher who has to interact with all of the students on an individual basis?

Teachers are 'stretched' enough as it is, I see this as stretching them even further, trying to respond to each student.

I didn't advocate for the abandonment of individual learning packets in the 70's nor am I calling for dropping online learning in 2010. That would be foolish. But putting a computer in front of a student for the entire period or most of them each day is not much different than putting a book in front of them for most periods or having them learn largely from packets.

I believe there is an inherent truth about any learning tool. That device will only be as good as the quality of interaction between student and teacher. Kids have all sorts of questions about the computer, packet, or book and they will need to have input from teachers.

I have conducted research on this in the middle part of the decade, asking students the value of learning tools, including computers and teachers. The vast majority of 1,000 respondents rated the value of teachers higher than the value of computers.

I would caution educators and the public at large about jumping to the conclusion that each student having their own computer, in and of itself, will necessarily lead to a better education.

Dick

CNN Heroes

Last night Anderson Cooper, of CNN, had a program honoring ten heroes in America as well as in other parts of the world. It really was a stirring program in many ways. The stories of these individuals reflected a selflessness that, in many ways, exceeds all comprehension.

What I found remarkable about each story is that these heroic individuals saw their fellow countrymen in despair or without the opportunity to live a decent life and did something about it. I think people by nature are kind and caring. What sets these people apart is their ability to do something about it, often under trying circumstances or by overcoming huge obstacles.

Take for example the hero from Cambodia, Aki Ra, who is still trying to help people deal with the presence of landmines and weapon caches in his native country of Cambodia. Given the Vietnam Conflict and the harsh rule, later on, of the Khymer Rouge, imagine the thousands of landmines and weapons still in existence. Mr. Ra, and his Cambodian Self Help Demining, are risking their lives so that others are not exposed to these life threatening devices. His is truly a heroic story.

Whatever the name of the organization, whatever its mission, charities and individuals who act on behalf of others not only commit acts of decency, they advance the cause of humanity.

Our hats off to all who serve those in need.

Many thanks,
Dick

What's to be Made of This?

Today's Chicago Tribune has a lengthy article concerning a Evanston High School proposal to increase diversity in its most challenging courses by eliminating an elite Freshman Honors course and replacing it with a rigorous non-Honors course.

The debate goes something like this; proponents of Honors courses take the position that if a student has the previous scores and capabilities to handle this course then the Honors course needs to be provided for those high achieving students. Critics charge that minority students are missing out on the most challenging courses in the school. The bottom line often finds largely white students in Honors courses while non-whites are rarely in them.

I for one have often disapproved of Honors courses, tracking and the labeling of courses and students. Here's my argument: no matter the name of a course, it ought to be enriching and challenging for any and all students. Let me put it another way: American History is American History no matter its name. A terrific course in American History should be the primary objective of the course, plain and simple, and should not be designed/based upon by who 'gets in' and who's 'left out.'

As a former teacher I know plenty of my past and present colleagues will disagree with me on this...that's okay. It seems that much of what we do by labeling is simply pigeon-holing students. And let's be honest, once a student comes into ninth grade as an Honors student that's where they will stay for the rest of their high school career. Sadly, those who enter high school in a non-honors path are likely to stay there, despite any success they may have, until they graduate.

Schools, teachers, and students will be best served by having great courses across the board. Nowdays, it's almost as if a course or program of studies has to be designed for each student. That's certainly not feasible. What is feasible and reasonable is to provide a great course and to have parents and teachers work together to help that student succeed.

It's time to get off the tracking train!

Thanks,
Dick

On the Horizon

As the holidays are at hand, plenty of planning is already taking place to help school children in 2011. Helping in excess of 30 to 35 schools is a daunting task in many respects, not the least of which is organizing fundraisers. So here's what's on tap at this point in time. Mark your calendars now!

January or February: Team up with Global Hope to paint portions of Tanner Elementary School in Chicago. We will sell authentic Haitian paintings just brought back from the island. More details will follow about the auction that will be used to raise funds for the IMN School in Darbonne

Tuesday, February, 22nd: Fourth Annual Hinsdale Central H.S. Mardi Gras Concert at 6:30 pm in the HC student cafeteria.

March: Annual SCC Donation Drive

March or April: Likely (still in the works) HC Bowling event to be held at Willowbrook Lanes.

Saturday, May 7th: Hinsdale Central H.S. Girls Soccer carwash held in the senior parking lot. The times will be published in early 2011.

May 20th - June 10th: 'Go Green' Collection of school supplies at various area schools.

Early August: Loading supplies onto trucks bound for New Orleans and Chicago Public Schools.

As the coming weeks unfold other events are likely to be added to the calendar. If all goes well we might even hold a 5K race, 3K walk during the late spring or early summer. To participate in these events or to volunteer as a worker simply contact me at rich219@comcast.net.

I'm sure we'll have plenty of fun along the way in addition to helping those who have a need for our services!

Thanks,
Dick

A Personal Thanks

Thanksgiving Day is but a few days away and I want to reflect on some on my personal feelings regarding this traditional day of being thankful as it relates to Schools Count Corp.

As I pause to reflect upon the year and our work with school children in different corners of the country, as well as Haiti, I am left profoundly indebted to those of you who donate your time and energy, not to mention the monetary contributions, to the greater good of educating children.

I am gratified to see so many people out there who have a sense that the world can be a better place by working to make it so. I am always amazed to see volunteers step up to pick up supplies, pack boxes, load trucks and deliver supplies to schools. We are never short on labor.

For those many people who donate funds, your kindness is simply amazing and your willingness to commit money to ongoing projects, year after year, is truly incredible. Along these lines, I want to thank the many people who have run fundraisers for our charity. They are too numerous to mention but my admiration for your work is endless. Thank You!

To each of you, please know that I speak for our Board of Directors and the many students we serve when I say that you have done much to help those most in need. It is not hyperbole or 'back slapping' of any sort when I say that you have made a difference in the lives of so many. I have been told this by parents, teachers and school officials. To a person, they want you to know how very thankful they are for your generosity and concern for others.

So in the very spirit of Thanksgiving Day, and the season, please accept my thanks.

Sincerely,
Dick Flesher

Thanks Habitat!

Imagine my surprise when I open a Hinsdale Central H. S. envelope to find a check made out to Schools Count Corp. for $1,400! It took a little bit to find out the origin of the check and to fathom the importance of it relative to our work.

$1,400 goes a long way towards providing an elementary of 375 students with most of the basic supplies they will need for the better part of the 2011 school year. Combined with some 'Go Green' supplies, the $1400 will buy many new folders, binders, pencils, pens, colored markers and notebooks for deserving children.

I want to thank the Hinsdale Central advisors, Dan Otahal and Kelly Holton, for having Schools Count Corp as a beneficiary of the October Chili Dinner fundraiser. I am also grateful to the many club members for working at the dinner and for selling tickets in order to raise funds. To one and all, please accept my thanks!

Dick

Dedicated to the Students we Serve

Last night was a special night for me, as President of Schools Count Corp, as the Illinois High School Soccer Assn. (IHSSCA) awarded me with its 'Man of the Year' award. I am truly grateful for the recognition of the work of those volunteers and donors, here at SCC, who toil on behalf of children in need. It is my pleasure to accept the award in the name of those we serve.

I am grateful for the honor though, at the same time, I'm left saddened by the sad truth that too many students go without some basic resources that are needed on a daily basis. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to have too little paper to write on or to be without basic organizers like folders and binders.

Isn't it funny that we tell children to focus, take school seriously and to study; yet, too often those students lack some basic tools which would enable them to get the most out of each class.

I accept this award on behalf of all those who support Schools Count Corp and the students we serve. I do so knowing that much remains to be done and we will redouble our efforts to enable those who attend school to get the best education possible.

Many thanks,
Dick

CPS Principal Pay

The headline in yesterday's Chicago Sun Times dealt with 'Chicago's Top-Paid Principals.' The half page article also laid out the annual salaries of all of the high school and elementary school principals exluding the charters (why is that?).

The range of salaries, from top to bottom, had a high end $154,920.86 to the low end $114,318.29. The average of all principals salaries was reported to be $133,000.

Though the article didn't state that CPS principals are overpaid or paid more than they are worth, I felt that the reporting gave the reader a sense that they were making plenty of money; in fact, maybe too much. I feel this way, in part, because the Sun Times compared CPS principal salaries to those of Elgin and Wheaton Warrenville. The article noted that CPS principal salaries are greater than those in these two districts.

I am certain that had the Sun Times selected Hinsdale District #86, Lyons Twp., Lake Forest District #115 or Niles CHSD #219 to compare salaries, it would be reveled that CPS principals would make far less than their counterparts in these four districts.

So I found it interesting that the Sun Times made sure they found districts, outside of the CPS system, where principals made less than the $133,000 average made by CPS principals.

Here's the real crux of the matter as far as I'm concerned. Running a CPS school, in many cases, is a real challenge. To get right down to it, it's far more than a challenge it's a daunting endeavor. Quite often principals are dealing with broken homes, violence in the neighborhood and too few resources in addition to a whole host of other problems besides working to ensure students get a quality education. They'll earn every bit of the $133,000.

Let's look at it another way. Running a company with 500, 1000, 2100, or 2700 employees is a huge undertaking. I am certain that the vast number of CEO's in America with this number of employees is making far more than $133,000 per year and with far fewer hassles to deal with than CPS principals!!!

I have worked with Chicago Public School principals and can tell you that the money that they earn is not wasted. The vast majority of CPS principals are well worth what they are paid. In fact, it would be pretty easy to prove that far too many principals are worth more than the average $133,000 figure. That should be the emphasis of the Sun Times article.

Dick

New CEO for Chicago Public Schools

Terry Mazany is taking over the helm of CPS schools effective immediately. Mr. Mazany is the interim head of the large school system because of the upcoming departure of Ron Hueberman.

Though Mr. Mazany was never a school teacher he does have experience in public schools as he was an associate superintendent in Southfield, MI and Oakland, CA. And the new CEO of the Chicago Public School system is no stranger to the Chicago schools. As President of the Chicago Community Trust Mr. Mazany has been a force behind the Trust pumping $50 million into the school system.

The Chicago Community Trust supports a number of ongoing education programs. The funds have aided reading programs, built new schools, supported teachers seeking national certification in addition to backing Renaissance 2010.

One of the reasons for commenting on the CCT and Mr. Mazany is due to the fact that Schools Count Corp provides classroom supplies to CPS students and we are eager to stay in touch with the leadership of the system.

Let's hope that the short 200 day tenure of Mr. Mazany is a portend of good things to take place at CPS headquarters as well as in the classrooms. Any strides forward that help the children will indeed be welcome.

Dick

Money Talks

I have heard the argument numerous times that money doesn't make any difference in educating a child. Those who argue this idea point to various districts in the country where money has been poured into schools with little change in achievement.

This idea about 'pouring money into schools' brings up all sorts of questions. Does the money go directly to student support? How much of it goes towards running the building? What portion pays for teacher salaries? Lots of questions to be sure. Don't get me wrong, whenever money from the local, state or federal authorities is directed to schools it ought to be used wisely.

But the people who contend that it is a 'waste' to put money into schools ought to rethink a few facts. Lets take a look at a couple of schools here in Illinois. A comparison of CPS schools and a couple of other top spending schools is most illustrative.

The number #2 school in spending per pupil, in Illinois, is Lake Forest CHSD 115. They spend $23,789 on each student. By the way, there are no percentages of the number of students attending #115 listed as 'low income.' Niles Twp. CHSD 219, the number #3 ranked in spending per pupil, spends $21,990 per student and has a 'low income' student population of 27%. On the other hand, the Chicago Public School system spends just $12,880 on each student and has a 'low income' rate of 87%.

Upon further examination, one finds that test scores, of various sorts, also reflects a wide gap between the highest spending schools and the CPS system. I know that money alone doesn't account for disparity between schools with regard to test scores. There are a whole host of other issues.

However, when students go without basic supplies, when children don't have the proper nutrition, when access to the best learning tools is not readily available and when teachers have to buy resources out of their own pockets then the students are going to suffer.

To the extent that we can, Schools Count Corp will continue to provide students, in areas of limited funding (high rates of 'low income'), with basic resources. Money does talk and money does make a difference when it comes to student learning.

Dick

Keep the Coats Coming In!

Bargain galore!!! I just noticed that Walmart had a terrific sale on boys and girls winter coats. They are lined and have hoods that are also lined. Lots of great colors and all for only $14 per coat. You can't beat that!!

The $320 donated to Schools Count Corp by Ms. Otahal's English I Honors classes has been put to good use to buy 22 winter coats. This is the first purchase made in the Hinsdale Central High School 'Coats for Curtis' drive sponsored by the Humanitarian Army and Amnesty International.

I know both of the above groups are raising funds, in the upcoming week, to purchase more coats for the students at Curtis Elementary. I have no doubt that we can come up with as many as 35 to 40 winter coats for those children in need. Just think...the children will be able to come to school, and return home, keeping plenty warm as the temps start to fall.

Keep watching for further updates and photos as we get ready to head to Curtis, to make our delivery, during the week of November 22nd. What a way to celebrate the holiday season.

To everyone participating in this program...many thanks!!

Dick Flesher

I Wonder

What must it be like to live in an environment where there is too much poverty, too little neighborhood security, and there is less support than a 3 year old, 7 year old or teenager really needs? Stop and think about it for a few moments. Really, I can't put my hands around it and honestly say how I would react to this type of daily life.

And because I can't really fathom how I would react to living under such circumstances, I am left only with various impressions and anecdotes relative to a young person going to school under these conditions.

There are three things I know for certain. First, I would never judge how a young boy or girl is managing such a situation since I don't really understand their daily lives. Second, I am more convinced than ever before that, with the right assistance, young people in such an environment are well worth assisting in order to overcome the above obstacles. Finally, Schools Count is totally committed to helping those who are struggling with many of the conditions that they had no part in creating.

I wonder...

Dick

Going Forward

It is never too early to make plans relative to helping children in need. Though 2010 is rapidly coming to a close I want to let everyone know that 2011 is already taking shape!

Next year we will continue to work with both New Orleans and Chicago Public Schools. The $5000.00 grant from the Joe W. and Dorothy Brown Dorsett Foundation, in part, will allow SCC to go back to New Orleans for a sixth consecutive year. With regard to CPS schools, it is the intent of SCC to work with up to 30 schools next fall. This is a sizeable increase from the aid rendered this past year. It is exciting to be able to work with students and staff so close to home.

There may very well be some events planned around raising funds for Haitian relief as the January 12th earthquake anniversary approaches.

As events unfold relative to fundraising, events that people can participate in, picking up supplies, loading trucks, and delivering supplies I will be sure to keep you informed. There will certainly be plenty of opportunities for you to pitch in and help.

As always, the success of this charity depends on you and your kind and generous efforts, all of which are apparent to me each and every day. Please let me know of your ideas in terms of extending our outreach and effectiveness.

Many thanks,
Dick

Cholera Worsens in Haiti

Posted: Wednesday, 10 November 2010 4:44AM
Cholera now in Haiti capital, rapid spread feared

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - A cholera epidemic that has killed nearly 600 people in Haiti has gained a foothold in earthquake-ravaged Port-au-Prince and is expected to spread widely and quickly in the sprawling city of 3 million people, health authorities said on Tuesday.

The three-week-old epidemic, which had mostly hit Haiti's rural central regions so far, now menaced crowded slum areas of the capital, as well as tent and tarpaulin camps there housing more than 1.3 million survivors of the January 12 quake."The disease has reached the metropolitan area," Gabriel Thimote, the director general of Haiti's health department, told reporters in Port-au-Prince.

The spreading epidemic, which experts predict will be worsened by flooding caused by Hurricane Tomas earlier this month, has piled another humanitarian emergency on the Western Hemisphere's poorest state as it struggles to recover from the devastating earthquake that killed more than 250,000 people.

Presidential and legislative elections scheduled for November 28 in the Caribbean nation are set to go ahead.

Thimote said 115 cases and one death had been recorded at a hospital in the city's biggest slum, Cite Soleil, a labyrinth of brick, wood and tin-roof shanties bisected by rubbish-choked canals draining into the sea.Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Deputy Director Jon Andrus said that the Haitian capital, which even before it was wrecked in the January earthquake had suffered from very poor sanitary conditions, was "ripe" for a rapid spread of the diarrheal disease, which is transmitted by contaminated water."We expect transmission to be extensive ... we have to prepare for a large upswing in numbers of cases," he told a news briefing in Washington.

Andrus gave a figure of 73 cholera cases in Port-au-Prince, and said PAHO, the regional office of the World Health Organization, was working with local Haitian health authorities to reconcile reporting of cases.Up to November 7, cholera had killed 583 people in the country and sickened 9,123, Haiti's health ministry said.

The United Nations and aid agencies and private NGOs have set up special cholera treatment centers in the country, including Port-au-Prince.Andrus said facilities were "stretched but sufficient.""We expect patients to be treated in tents, in hospital compounds, outside the walls," he said.He said vaccination was being ruled out at the moment, both because existing oral vaccines for cholera were not effective in the midst of an epidemic and on grounds of logistics, cost and training requirements.There were also limited global supplies of the anti-cholera vaccine, Andrus said.

Cholera can kill in hours, but if caught early can be easily treated through oral rehydration fluids.Making a comparison with a previous cholera epidemic in the Americas that had started in Peru in 1991, the WHO official said "upwards of 270,000 cases" could be expected in Haiti if the epidemic ran for several years.

HC Comes Through!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to the Hinsdale Central High School Freshman English I Honors classes about helping people and schools in need. It really was a pleasure to see so many students engaged relative to learning about ways in which they can help various charities or non-profits.

I shared stories of our trips to New Orleans schools and our efforts to help rebuild IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti. Aside from the stories we took a look at a number of slides centered around conditions in Haiti. This stimulated lots of discussion and questions.

By the end of the day a surprise awaited me! Lauren Otahal, one of the Frosh English I Honors teachers, presented me with a $320 check. Lauren's four classes had been donating money over the past couple of weeks in order to help Schools Count Corp. Each time candy was purchased the students would donate some funds.

Needless to say I was flattered that the students would consider SCC and that they were able to generate this amount of money. I am truly grateful for the donation. I asked the students if I could use the money to buy coats for Curtis Elementary School in Chicago. They thought this was a wonderful idea. Within the next week or so I will buy the winter coats and deliver them to Curtis.

Thanks HC!
Dick

SCC News

Haiti: Though Hurricane Tomas wreaked a degree of havoc on the western portion of Haiti, the damage was not as severe as anticipated. Certainly Port-au-Prince missed the brunt of the storm. The area most affected was around Leogane, an area that was nearly 90% destroyed following the Jan. 2010 earthquake. The greatest worry now is that the run off waters and flooding could exacerbate the cholera situation.

Cholera: As of today nearly 440 people have died from the cholera outbreak and another 6400 remain hospitalized. Though many relief agencies feel the situation is largely in check, the recent floods from Tomas almost will certainly make containing the disease that much more difficult.

Coats for Curtis: We need all sorts of winter jackets and coats, excluding red ones, for our "Coats for Curtis" drive. Please contact me if you have a coat (for a boy or girl) that would fit someone who is 5 to 14 in age. Just shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for me to pick up the coat. I know the children, and their parents, would be most grateful for any help you can give them as we approach winter.

Many thanks,
Dick

Funding for New Orleans

I have some fantastic news on the fundraising front. Yesterday I received notification that Schools Count Corp., NFP has received a $5,000.00 grant from The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. The funds are being provided for our August 2011 trip to New Orleans. The contribution will be used to buy supplies for the children we assist in the various schools.

This is the first grant SCC has received during the existence of SCC. It is the hope of everyone involved that this will be the first of many foundations stepping up to aid the cause of education in schools that most need the help.

I am most grateful to the Board of Trustees of The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation for placing their trust in our work. At the same time, I want to assure the foundation that Schools Count will make the best use possible of the funds.

Many thanks,
Dick

Alarming Facts and Trends

Let me give you some of the cold, hard facts concerning some alarming trends relative to what is happening in America which have clear implications relative to the work of Schools Count Corp.

51,000,000 Americans lack health insurance and 44,000,000 Americans (1 in 7) lived in poverty. Sadly, these numbers are staggering and growing! Children, who come from families living under such conditions, are more likely to go to school hungry, less properly clothed and without the resources they need to be successful in the classroom.

Tragically, 2% of all children in this country are homeless. In some respects the school serves as a home for these innocent victims of blight, poverty and neglect. School, therefore, becomes a home of safety, a place of warmth and caring as well as the place where they receive an education.

These are but a few of the conditions which exist that make it all the more imperative for government and non-government agencies to step up, not cut back on funding, and work to help those in need. Schools Count will continue to assist those bright-eyed first graders, eager fourth students, and those who are trying to make a better lives for themselves by gaining a decent education.

I appreciate those of you who are willing to join this worthwhile struggle.

Many thanks,
Dick

Coats for Curtis

Over recent days, as the temps drop, it again comes to mind that many of the students we serve in New Orleans, and particularly in Chicago, will be in need of some coats as we head into late fall and early winter.

Hinsdale Central High School's Amnesty International and the Humanitarian Army clubs are collecting winter coats for Curtis Elementary School in Chicago over the next two weeks. They are collecting both within the school and throughout the community. This is a terrific service project and the personnel at Curtis are thrilled that we are helping.

I want to reach out to you to see if you can help these two fine clubs come up with some coats. If you have a coat that would fit a 5 yr. old to a 14 yr. old and, that is in great condition, we would be appreciative of such a donation. We are not able to take any sort of red coat per guidelines provided by the staff at Curtis.

I will pick up coats in the area on Wednesday, Nov. 17th. Simply give me your address and I will be there at a time convenient for both of us. Contact me at rich219@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements for me to pick up the coat(s). All the coats will be delivered to Curtis prior to Thanksgiving. I am sure the students and parents will be thankful for our concern and support.

Your generosity is most appreciated!!

Many thanks,
Dick

Elections, Taxes, and Schools

The day after another election and the results are in, not just for elected offices, but, for a whole host of assorted referendums. I live in a elementary school district where a referendum was, again, narrowly defeated. Mind you, this district hasn't passed one for over thirty years so it's not as if the district is filling up its coffers. No doubt, many cuts will be made, most will ultimately hurt students.

All this brings me to taxes. I find it hard to swallow our progressive income tax system that really sticks it to the middle class in terms of what they pay and are left with to meet today's needs. Though I understand property taxes are the primary means of funding education, I'm left amazed that federal funding of education, through revamping the tax brackets, can't be achieved so that schools aren't cutting programs.

One may have their opinion on this matter but that shouldn't be clouded by hard facts. Here's what I mean. As of Nov. 3, 2010 a four person family making $85,000 will be taxed at 28% meaning, if the itemized deductions are relatively the same for other taxpayers, that person will pay $23,800 in taxes. The family will be left with $61,200 to live on for the year. Another family of four making $375,000 is in the 33% tax bracket and will pay $123,750 in taxes, leaving them with an income of $251,250. Finally, a family of four earning $1,000,000 per year is taxed at 35% meaning, they will pay $350,000 in taxes. They will have $650,000 to live on for the rest of the year. By the way, it is typical for the higher income earners to lower their taxable income resulting in fewer taxes but, for the sake of this argument lets say their itemized deduction levels are on similar ground.

Don't you think that a family of four is going to have more of a struggle to make ends meet by living on $61,200 compared to a family the has $650,000 to live on? Of course they are!!!

That's why when it comes to education funding (and funding of other programs) I keep thinking about a number of questions. First, how much money do people really need to live on? I also wonder if people with hundreds of thousands of disposable dollars consider it as a moral imperative to 'go above and beyond' so that we aren't cutting education programs that, in the long run, are good for the whole group.

I think that as a country we can adequately fund needed programs, such as education, and still leave people with plenty of disposable income if we want to. It isn't just politicians that need political will, the citizens with the means to do so, have to demonstrate the same courage to act on behalf of the greater good.

Dick Flesher

Arresting Cholera in Haiti

I have tried to check various news sources, and some direct contacts in Haiti, to get a sense of what is happening with the cholera outbreak. The good news is that it seems, for the time being, that the disease is not spreading and that the number of people affected is not growing. All that being said, people can carry cholera for days without knowing it and, in the meantime, they could inadvertly spread it. Let's hope not.

Relative to IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti, the region where we helped to rebuild the school, the news is even better. John Engle of Haiti Partners, who was on the scene late last week, reports no cases of cholera...thank goodness. He also had the sense that the probability of its spread may be diminishing. This is again good news.

Having traveled to Haiti this past spring I got a sense of the degree unclean (unsafe) drinking water. Quite simply, it is staggering. Where there are water holes, filth is everywhere. The main river in Haiti is polluted beyond belief. People do their wash in this river, bathe, and get drinking water. Among all the staggering issues haunting this island nation few problems are as paramount as obtaining clean water.

Superman In NOLA Schools

As you are well aware, there is plenty of discussion surrounding the film Waiting for Superman. As many of know the film levels plenty of criticism at the public schools, particularly in the inner cities, in this country.

I have some great news for those donors and volunteers of Schools Count Corp as well as for the skeptics of public education. Great things are happening in public schools without privatizing. Within the past few days I've gotten my hands on the spring 2010 State of Louisiana LEAP test scores. The results are most encouraging and should send a signal to those who often malign the efforts of teachers, unions, and students, in the public schools pf New Orleans.

I want to share the improvement in these test scores to underline the great work of the students, staff and leaders in the schools we have served for the past five years. Take a look for yourself and you can see the wonderful results.

School/2008-09 score/2009-10 score/ % change

Tureaud Elementary, 72.4, 77.1, + 6.5%
Coghill Elementary, 53.3, 70.4, + 32%
Schaumburg Elementary, 61.7, 68.4, + 11%
J. W. Johnson Elem., 51.8, 64.7, + 25%
Fannie Williams Elem., 60.6, 63.3, + 4.5%
Habans Elementary, 59.2, 62.9, + 6.3%
Henderson Elementary, 62.3, 62.4, + less than .1%
Banneker Elementary, 58.9, 60.1, + 2%
Reed Elementary, 47.2, 50.0, + 6%
Gregory Elementary, 37.6, 49.3, +31.1 %
Carver Elementary, 36.1, 47.6, + 31.9%
Drew Elementary, 40.7, 47.1, + 15.7 %
Craig Elementary, 48.7, 44.0, - 9.7%
Arthur Ashe Charter, 67.2, 82.9, + 23.3%
McDonogh H. S. ,21.6, 42.2, +95.4%
Greater Gentilly H. S., not open, 47.3, no comparison

As you can see from the above LEAP scores, every school we delivered to this past August, with just one exception, had better test scores than the previous year. Though a school's total and real worth can't be measured in standardized test scores, it is obvious that great progress in being made in New Orleans.

No, 'Superman' has not made an apprearance at the above schools, rather, the people in these schools have fashioned their march forward! Great work...keep it up. Don't let people tell you otherwise.

Dick Flesher

Bits and Pieces

ACE: The ACE (Athletes Committed to Excellence), at Hinsdale Central High School, held a kickball contest a couple of weeks ago. A team headed by senior Andrew Worthington came in first place and won the astounding amount of $700. Even more astounding, the team decided to donate the entire amount to our charity! Thanks guys!!!

Global Hope: This wonderful non-profit, which we have had the pleasure of working with in the past, is heading to New Orleans to help reburbish one of the schools in need. Their destination is L. E. Rabouin H. S a 1925 Art Deco style building. 23 volunteers from Global Hope are going to paint hallways, repair/drywall where locker banks have been removed, design and building a new 18' office reception counter and they will restore the outside basketball count among other projects. No doubt, these generous volunteers will do some work that is desperately needed! Be safe and enjoy yourselves!!

Haiti: The sad news out of Haiti is that cholera has hit a rural area outside of Port-au-Prince and 250 have died while countless others have been hit by the horrible disease. There are four or five cases in Port-au-Prince but my sources say these people have been isolated and that they picked up cholera outside of the capital. To my knowledge, no one has been affected at IMN School (which we helped rebuild) at this point in time. I will keep you posted.

Thanks,
Dick

Principal Reassigned in NOLA

As if the climb out of destruction of Hurricane Katrina wasn't enough (which it was!) now this. Schools have had a long struggle after the storm; teachers and students being displaced out of their homes, schools shuttered due to damage, people being moved around like chess pieces, and everyone feeling the psychological effects of all sorts.

In spite of all of the hardships, plenty of the hardest hit schools in areas ravaged by the hurricane have recovered very well five years later. When you get right down to it, the fortitude of everyone involved in education in NOLA has prevailed. Hard working administrators, eager students, terrific teachers, and diligent principals have made huge strides.

One such school, with its staff and students, which has made significant strides forward is Francis Gregory Elementary. I learned yesterday that Gregory's principal, Aldine Lockett, has been reassigned. Reassigned, are you kidding me!?

Here is a school, put in trailers, where the State of Louisiana LEAP test scores have improved three straight years. Beyond that benchmark, I know that Mr. Lockett has committed himself to Gregory. He knows no limits when it comes to supporting staff and students. He has worked tirelessly and in an unselfish manner to help those most in need of assistance.

It would be hard to find a kinder more considerate man that Aldine. I have found him approachable and thoughtful. Over the years that our charity has supported Gregory, I have felt that Mr. Lockett was genuinely appreciative of our work. He was always generous in praise of our efforts and he sought to bring attention to our initiatives in New Orleans schools.

And he is replaced? Well, whoever takes over the reins at Gregory will have big shoes to fill. As the saying goes, 'everyone is replaceable.' The fact of the matter is, the position will be filled but with a person of Mr. Lockett's track record; well, that's a whole other story!

All the best Aldine!
Dick

The Chili Dinner was a Hot Time!

Though all of the counting of the funds, from last Friday's Chili Dinner, hasn't quite been completed, I can tell you that, as of today, sales are slightly over $3,000.00!! To say the least, that is a fantastic total.

Please know that I am grateful for all of the work provided by the Hinsdale Central Habitat for Humanity club members. These young people cleared tables, served chili, provided drinks & dessert, and greeted our hungry guests with a broad smile.

To all of those who supported the chili dinner, please accept my thanks for your participation and donation to both Habitat for Humanity and Schools Count Corp. I truly hope you enjoyed the meal and evening. To the very last person I chatted with at HC, one and all said the chili was delicious and that they had an enjoyable time. Your participation in this endeavor allows both Habitat and Schools Count to go into 2011 with some necessary funds to support our work.

Many thanks,
Dick

Look at this NOLA School

I am often in contact with a number of New Orleans schools, which we annually assist in the month of August, with regard to what is taking place throughout their school year. Just yesterday I received the Gregory Gator Elementary 'News' from their principal, Aldine Lockett. I want to share a small item from the 'News' that says much about the school, its students and faculty.

Here's the excerpt from the 'News.' "HandsON New Orleans has requested that schools participate in a can good drive that the organization is conducting October 1-23, 2010. Parents and students are asked to contribute as many can goods or dry goods that they can to benefit persons who were affected by the Gulf Oil spill. Students that bring can goods or dry goods will receive 1 GATOR Buck for each good that they bring each day until October 23, 2010. Please support this worthy cause."

I realize lots of students, throughout the country, support aid programs such as the above. However, what is noteworthy about Gregory pitching in to help HandsON is the fact that many of the students at Gregory are in need of support and assistance of various types. Here is a school, in need of our support, reaching out to others in need. I was struck by this thoughtful and selfless act on the part of everyone at the school. It is one of the many reasons why Schools Count Corp continues to bring school supplies to Gregory Elementary each and every August.

Dick

Your Help is Needed

The success of this non-profit, like almost any other charity or business, is dependent upon many people working together for a common cause. In our case, we need a huge group of people to donate money, pack supplies, find sources of supplies, make deliveries to various locations, participate in various fundraisers and to help locate sources of donations.

It is this latter point that I want to emphasize. Though we have a number of fundraisers (Chili Dinner, KICK, a Mardi Gras Concert and a bowling event) in the works for our expanding efforts in 2011, I want to reach out to those of you who are part of our network to ask you to consider establishing a fundraiser to benefit our work.

Perhaps you might want to run a car wash or a silent auction. You might be interested in developing a 3K or 5K walk or a stair climb to benefit our work. There are plenty of means of raising funds to help children in need. I am simply appealing to you to see if you have an interest in initiating some sort of fundraiser. Obviously, a number of our volunteers and donors would be willing to aid you and participate in such an endeavor.

The more people who pitch in to help. It is always better to have people share in the success of our efforts. Please feel free to give me a call at 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net to chat with me about the possibility of your organizing your very own money-maker.

Many thanks,
Dick

Chili and Superman

What, chili and Superman? How on earth do these two, one a food, the other a film, have anything to do with one another? On the surface, nothing. But these have much to do with one another when it comes to schools.

For the past five days I've written two blogs on the chili dinner and, prior to that, three blogs on Waiting for Superman. Here's the point; the film advocates for new schools, those in Harlem established by Geoffrey Canada and KIPP schools established in many inner cities. What about those students, who by the luck of the draw, as shown in the film, don't get into such schools? Well, they are headed back, in all probability, to the public schools.

That's where the chili dinner comes in. We work to help schools in many inner cities where the students don't have a chance or opportunity to attend Canada's schools in Harlem or the KIPP schools. We help those students most in need in the public schools at the mercy of a lottery system.

For every $1000 that Schools Count Corp earns from the chili dinner we can purchase, tax free, 500 binders and 3200 folders! That is a staggering amount of supplies. So if Superman doesn't arrive at the New Orleans and Chicago Public Schools, at least our company can greatly aid the children most in need.

I hope you can make the chili dinner this Friday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $5 apiece and the 'all you can eat' dinner will take place at Hinsdale Central H.S. from 4:30 to 7 pm.

Thanks for your support!
Dick

Anyone for Chili

This Friday, October 15th should be a wonderful night for lots of reasons!

For one, the HC football team is playing one of its traditional rivals, the York Dukes. Both teams seem destined for the state playoffs (York has already qualified) and a HC victory will put HC in the playoffs.

Aside from that excitement, the Hinsdale Central H.S. Habitat for Humanity Club is teaming up with Schools Count Corp for the fourth annual Chili Dinner. All of the proceeds will benefit both groups going into 2011, Habitat for its annual trek to build a home in West Virginia and Schools Count for its delivery of supplies to Chicago Public School students.

Tickets for the 'all you can eat' chili, along with a dessert and beverage, are just $5. Dinner will be served in the Central cafeteria from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Why not bring the entire family out and have a great meal while helping two worthy causes? You're bound to have a great time!!

Thanks for your support!
Dick

Chili Dinner on Oct. 15th

It's that time of the year...Friday night football, cool temperatures, and chili! And it also just so happens that all of this is taking place while Habitat for Humanity, at Hinsdale Central, teams up with Schools Count Corp for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.

Our 4th annual Chili Dinner will take place on Friday, October 15th in the Hinsdale Central H.S. student cafeteria from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets, whether purchased ahead of time, or at the door are $5. That's an amazing price considering you get all the chili you can eat plus a dessert and beverage. By the way, did I mention that there are all sort of toppings for the chili? Well, there are!

All of the profits from the chili dinner will benefit two organizations, the HC Habitat for Humanity Club and Schools Count Corp. The Habitat member will use their funds for their 2011 building trip to West Virginia while Schools Count will use their portion of the proceeds to buy school supplies for students in the Chicago Public Schools.

Why not avoid cooking after a long week of work and school? Get the whole family together and come on out to support these great organizations! Once you finish your delicious meal you just might want to head out to the football field to watch the Red Devils take on the York Dukes.

Hope to see you on the 15th!

Thanks,
Dick

Waiting for Superman - Part III

As I suggested yesterday, it is impractical to simply shut down tens of thousands of schools nationwide and to replace them with something new. Yes, reforms need to take place but not at the expense of dismantling the entire public school sector. To be sure, whether intended or not, that is the impression one is left with after viewing Waiting for Superman.

Let me offer some thoughts on some reforms that educators, not for-profit enterprises, ought to consider implementing. This is not a point to take lightly. The vast number of superb educators in this country are capable of making such decisions without non-educator assistance. To wit, when is the last time you heard of educators lecturing lawyers about reforms in the area of law? On the same point, I have never heard of teachers telling the fire department how to run their affairs.

As educators we ought to go to our district and building administrations and ask for fewer interuptions to the school day. Late starts, partial day institutes, and teacher improvement sessions, during the regular school day, pull teachers out of their classes. The vast number of teachers I work with don't like this and want to be with their students in the classroom. Disruptions to the normal five-day week are common and need to be eliminated. Students would be better served in such a scenario.

Students would prosper with a 7 1/2 hour school day. Too many schools have less than seven hours of instruction. Quite simply, 6, 6 1/2 or 7 hours is not enough time to give students the optimum classroom time. To go beyond 7 1/2 hours would be detrimental to the overall educational experience (activities, jobs, athletics, etc) that students currently enjoy.

I also believe that having a school year of 190 to 192 classroom instruction days would be wise. Notice I said that these are instruction days and not days devoted to the assorted tasks which government bodies and school districts set aside for other sorts of activities.

In terms of teachers who don't get the job done, and some of them are out there, it is better left to each school to deal with this issue. If a private law firm, farm, or 'mom and pop' store has a poor employee it is left to them, as it should be, to determine the employee's fate. Each school (and school district) has to determine the point at which remediation and retention should occur. There is no need for a state or federal law enforcement agency to jump in and oversee how to handle a poor instructor. There are plenty of good school administrators who can, and do, handle this effectively.

I believe the above changes can take place and would be useful in terms of improving the quality of instruction in the vast number of American public schools.

I am hopeful that teachers, local teacher associations, and school administrative personnel will be the forces to enact such changes. State and national education associations would be well served, in my view, to move forward on this front.

Dick Flesher

Waiting for Superman - Part II

Waiting for Superman suggests some pretty monumental reforms in public education. While I agree that reforms are warranted, there are three very real conditions (there are actually more than three but these arguments should suffice for now) that preclude the drastic actions suggested by Davis Guggenheim.

First of all, a total overall of the schools, implied by the film, simply isn't warranted. There are plenty of public schools in urban, suburban and rural areas that are flourishing. Our charity works with a number of inner city schools and I would never alter their current terrific work. For example, Benjamin Banneker in New Orleans, is a case in point regarding their success with all levels and types of students. Quite simply, it is an inner city school that gets the job done and the reforms sought by Guggenheim aren't warranted in this school.

A second practical point needs to be made clear regarding Guggenheim's call to action. Even if reforms are made and new schools are created the time frame for making such alterations will take many years because of the thousands of current schools who need to keep their doors open. Those so called 'failing schools' will need support until such time that reforms can take place. The point is this, schools can't suddenly be torn down and closed overnight even if the need exists.

Finally, though Guggenheim taps into the work of KIPP and Geoffrey Canada, among others, I feel that he needs to look at some of the best public school practioners, teachers and building personel, who operate within the public school sector. I think he would find that there are literally thousands of very bright and thoughtful teachers who have created and implemented reforms within the current system and have carried them out successfuly. The whole system isn't rotten nor does the whole system need to be done away with.

Tomorrow, I will offer some ideas (solutions) to current problems that will enable growth and progress to continue within the current structure.

Thanks for your support of Schools Count Corp!
Dick

Waiting for Superman

Yesterday I had the opportunity to watch Waiting for Superman. It is a compelling movie in that it; uncovers some startling poor reading statistics nationwide, takes dead aim at the teacher unions in the country, and bemoans children not having the quality of education they need and deserve.

Much hype and a fair amount of criticism have accompanied the film and I must say that I can understand why teachers in this country are pretty upset. There is a great deal of blame laid on public schools though I thought the film made it clear that there are plenty of great teachers in both the good and not-so-good public schools. At least the film made it clear that it takes great teachers, wherever they are, do have a profound impact upon young people.

The thrust of the film was this; public schools, especially the inner cities ones, right now, are not getting the job done. And because of this situation school reform has to take place right now. The reasons for the decline of public school education are many according to Guggenheim; a lack of accountability, tenure laws, too many governmental agency rules, poor teachers, outdated organizational structures, and teacher unions...to name a few.

Guggenheim identified Geoffrey Canada's schools in Harlem and the Kipp schools (99 of them nationwide at the time of the film) as having the right idea when it comes to improving the quality of education. Among the practices that provided positive results, aside from eliminating some of the roadblocks to reform mentioned in the previous paragraphs, were a longer school year and a longer school day.

While there are parts of the film that I found discomforting I was not, as a retired teacher, offended. Reforms are needed and I will get to some of those tomorrow.

My chief concern is this...if a school is open right now and it is having some difficulties, the current need is not for immediately shutting its doors and firing the entire staff. Struggling schools will not close tomorrow. That is a simple truth. What many of these schools need is some immediate practical help.

Oh, by the way, what happens to the three students, out of the five in the movie, who don't get into a Kipp School, a charter, or one of Canada's schools? Well, they head back to the so called 'lousy' school. It is that school, and its students, who need our assistance.

Dick

Comment on Oprah's Show on Education

Oprah Winfrey's Friday, September 24th show was most provocative, timely, and intriguing!! Each of the guests offered a thought or viewpoint that was constructive relative to moving the country forward in the realm of education.

Oprah's guests included Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children's Zone, Cory Baker the Mayor of Newark, NJ, Chris Christie the Governor of New Jersey, Arne Duncan the Secretary of the Department of Education and Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook who is donating $100 million to the city of Newark to reform its education system.

The most profound idea that was generated among the entire group, including statements by Oprah, dealt with the idea that to improve education in the country we have to stop the blame game and come together. Of this there is no question. This is the case with many of today's problems, concerns, and issues...coming together.

I found Cory Booker, the Mayor of Newark, NJ and Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children's Zone to be most impressive because of their passion relative to making a great education a dream that comes true for all, even those who, up to now, have been left behind.

Mr. Booker has a great point when he states that we have to get rid of "sedentary agitation." He, of course, is referring to the fact that people get upset with some poor practices in some areas of education and people do nothing about it. He calls on all concerned to "stop the blame game." He is spot-on concerning this point. Unions, government groups, school officials, parents, students, and everyone else involved in education have got to have a common goal. We all have to simply help children while refraining from pointing fingers at one another for the real or perceived failure(s) that exist.

In terms of specifics Mr. Canada offered some that I think we need to implement. As a retired teacher, of over 30 years, and a current substitute teacher, I agree that the school year needs to include more instruction days and more time, each day, needs to be spent on instruction.

I would like to encourage my teaching colleagues and union officials at all levels to embrace the idea and to work with school officials to find a way of achieving this while making the appropriate compensation for the extended effort.

Unless we move forward on a variety of fronts then we are likely to face a situation described by Cory Baker. He warns us that if we don't make educational reforms "we can't have a superior democracy with an inferior education system." There are plenty of great teachers and terrific systems in place right now but we can do our part to help those in need.

To those who continue to aid Schools Count Corp, you are certainly doing your part to help those who most need the assistance.

Thank you, Dick

Area Firms Aid KICK

Local business donations were terrific and one of the biggest reasons for the huge success ($3,290) of the KICK event on Sunday, Sept. 19th. Without them, the event would have been a success but certainly not to this extent.

Not only do I want to recognize them but please consider them when making your next purchase or business transaction. They are clearly civic minded and and most helpful relative to all sorts of local fundraisers and charity events.

Here's the Honor Roll of business donations made to KICK...

Domino's Pizza of Clarendon Hills (donated 20 pizzas)
Einstein Bagels of Hinsdale (donated 6 dozen assorted bagels)
Garnett Family
Hinsdale Bank and Trust of Hinsdale (sponsor of participant t-shirts)
Perfect Plan (prizes provided to 1st and 2nd place finishers by the Cole Family)
Scott Family (drinks and pizza)
Soccer 2000 (donated ball for a raffle prize)
Worthington Family (provided all the water and gatorade)

To one and all...many thanks!

Dick

KICK keeps on Giving

(photos taken by: Harry Bull)

KICK not only was a whopping success in terms of having a great time playing soccer-tennis but it also proved to be a HUGE winner in terms of raising funds for the schools we serve in Chicago!!





Through the efforts of all involved; families, the players, and businesses we brought in $3,290.00 To give everyone a sense of the importance of such a total, it represents 10% of our total budget for one year! Put another way, we can provide schools supplies to ALL the children in three Chicago Public Schools for an entire year!






All of the people associated with the Hinsdale Central Boys Soccer Program, and those who participated in the event, should take great pride in assisting so many children in desperate need of what we often take for granted.

Many thanks, Dick Flesher

KICK - A Huge Success!!

These are but four of the participants in the Hinsdale Central Boys Soccer Tennis KICK (Kick it in for Chicago Kids) competition. By any measure, this year's event was a momumental success. Some 23 teams took part in an afternoon of great fun. Every team participated in a minimum of two soccer-tennis matches in addition to being provided with cold drinks, pizza, bagels, and some good times with friends.



From a standpoint of raising money for Chicago Public Schools, the day brought in some $3000.00 in cash through entry fees, family donations and corporate sponsorship. This is a fantastic amount of money and it will go a long way towards enabling children in CPS schools to have plenty of daily classroom supplies. Much of the credit for this success is due to the efforts of Taylor Cole (to the left) and Andrew Worthington (to the right) the directors of KICK 2010.

These boys got out there and got the job done! This is an incredible feat given the fact that they are attending school and in the midst of their soccer season. Both Taylor and Andrew signed up the players, contacted businesses seeking funds, corresponded with local companies in terms of getting product donations, made up teams and playing brackets, set up the tennis courts and monitored the competition.

I want to give a special thanks to Mrs. Worthington for her help in organizing many of the on-site activities, Dawn Oler for her assistance in bringing in much of the food and aiding me in keeping the grounds in great shape, Harry Bull for taking the photographs, and Brian Anderson (of Buildings and Grounds) for providing tables, chairs, water and more.

To all those who participated in KICK, please accept my heartfelt thanks for making this such a special day. I am ever grateful for your willingness to aid our charity and, in turn, students who need our help.

Many thanks,
Dick