Knock Em Down WILL Build It Up

WOW, talk about fun and a fundraiser!!

The "Knock 'Em Down to Build It Up" bowl-a-thon was a huge succees!!  67 bowlers descended upon Willowbrook Lanes on March 19th to help raise money for IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti and did they ever raise the money!!

There were prizes for the three highest individual scores in addition to lots of candy and treats being provided to the top two teams in each of the three games.  Finally, our top student was awarded for generating the greatest dollar value of sponsorship

When all was said and done, well over $1200 was generated through the sponsorship of the bowlers.  This is a huge sum of money and will go far in the expansion of the school.

A huge thanks goes out to various Hinsdale Central clubs for making the day happen.  FEA and FCCLA had much to do with organizing the events, getting sponsors and convincing other students to participate. 

Student Government, LHO, ACE, and the girls
bowling team members showed up in great numbers
to support the event.

Special thanks goes to FEA sponsor Marge
McMahon, FCCLA sponsor Lisa Sopiarz, FACS member Dawn Oler, Volleyball Coach Kelly Maley, girls freshmen softball coach Lynn Hatzikostantis, and Activities Director, Pam Kalafut for all the work they put into the benefit. 

Finally, thanks to you bowlers...you are making the rebuilding of IMN a reality.

Dick Flesher

Aiding Kids4Good

Not only is Schools Count Corp aiding IMN in rebuilding its school we are doing so in cooperation with Haiti Partners and Kids4Good.

With students now attending school, the children are in need of various supplies.  Kids4Good has a number of initiatives in the works in order to get classroom resources to IMN.

In order to help Kids4Good, Schools Count Corp has donated 75 notebooks, 120 pencils and 80 pens to the Hope4Haiti endeavor.  To the left is a note from Kids4Good thanking you, the donors of Schools Count, for your assistance.

The Latest News from Haiti

I want to provide you with the progress underway at IMN in Darbonne, Haiti courtesy of Maxandre Bien-Aime the principal of the school.

Yesterday, Thursday, March 18th was a HUGE day as Maxandre and his staff welcomed students back to school!!  Following is a brief not of Maxandre:

"I'm very happy because this morning my student back to school.  It was very exciting for me.  I can't find the best word to thank all of you.  I learned a few stories from my students.  These stories are very sad.  They survived but they lost parents, sisters, and cousins, their houses collapsed, they failed and run...they falled and run, wow, very bad stories.  They want to thank you for your help and they are very appreciate the new space.  They are very enjoyed."

"Tomorrow they will draw some pictures or design."

Peace, Maxandre

No doubt Maxandre and his students are incredible people; resilient, forging ahead, wanting to better themselves and grateful for our help.  To those of you who continue support Schools Count, Haiti and IMN please accept my profound thanks.

Dick Flesher

IMN Update

I want to share part of a letter I received this morning from the Principal, Maxandre, at IMN in Darbonne, Haiti.  The first portion of the letter deals with money, space and construction.  I'll spare you the details and get to the latter part that has much more to do with the students.

Say Maxandre:

"What will we do with the kids in the next couple of weeks before school officially opens?  With help from a social worker named Nakej Brutus, the teachers at IMN will participate in a two-day seminar (15-16 March).  Nadej will work with the teachers on how they need to support and work with the children who have been traumatized by the great shock of the earthquake.  The teachers will create a special curriculum with a series of themes which are relevant to what the kids have just lived through.  Another seminar is scheduled for 30-31 March on providing psycho-social support for the students."

"The kids will play, make drawings, and learn what to do when a natural disaster strikes the country.  They will also enter into a formal apprenticeship on April 15th that will be decided upon by the principal and teachers.  But this is a special year, for a bunch of special students, at a special school.  Even the evaluations/tests will have to be made special."

"John Engle and some friends of his will also help IMN receive 10 laptops to help the kids learn how to use a computer.  These laptops are made especially for kids.  A young woman named Matanya who is close to the school will be going for two weeks to participate in a seminar so that she can return to teach four kids from the school  plus five other young people from the area information technology.  This is a pilot program."

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our donors and supporters.  Haiti has become even more dependent on outside help now, and I'm so happy for Cynthia, Erik, Mary Lou, Dick and all their teams and the many other friends who've begun to help IMN.  I assure you that the money you've sent is being spent in the best way possible and directly to support the education of Haiti's children at IMN.  I want to thank you all.  I had some fears about being able to realize this project, but each time I receive an email, a phone call, I feel stronger and I believe we can succeed."

Words well said by Maxandre!

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Great Progress at IMN!

Within the past 24 hours Maxandre, the Principal at IMN, sent me these photos regarding the ongoing contruction of IMN.

You have to admit, this is truly fabulous progress!!  If you have read some of my other blogs you know that the teaching staff is getting ready to welcome the students back to classes within days.

One of the things most striking to me about the photos is the utter urgency with which the work and workers are going about building the school.  The look in their eyes tells me that they are one determined bunch.

At any rate, I simply wanted to share the latest with you.  Feel free to pass these along to your family, neighbors and friends.  Let them know that Haitians know how to get the job done.

Though the building is being erected at a furious clip much work remains to be done.  Your continued interest and supported is appreciated and very much needed.

Again, many thanks!
Dick

We Need You!

People from all walks of life have jumped in to assist Haitians in their time of need.  From governments in every corner of the earth to the smallest charities,   citizens, young and old, have supported Haitians in their time of need.

This is an important story in the midst of what is seemingly a never-ending saga of the misery that the earthquake brought to this serene island nation.  Yet out of the hardships and heartaches I know that Haitians are doing their part to rebuild their lives.

As I write you, I am aware of Haitians erecting their own homes, starting micro businesses, and constructing schools.  It almost seems as though these resilient people are literally creating jobs out of thin air but, creating jobs they are.  All of this is a testament to forge ahead.

We at Schools Count are bound and determined to continue to aid Haitian education.  As you are well aware, there are no 'quick fixes' to an institution as large and complex as education.  We're all too familiar with this story here in America.

Schools Count has a number of fundraisers in the works right now and your helping us by supporting various fundraisers would be appreciated.  We are having a bowl-a-thon this Friday, March 19th at Willowbrook Lanes.  To sponsor a bowler simply email me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll set you up.  Red and blue 'Hands Helping Haiti' braclets will be available at the end of this week.  To buy a $2 braclet just let me know and I'll get one to you right away.  Looking to do some spring shopping?!  Why not buy a $5 ticket from us to earn a 20% off coupon and 15% off savings pass at Lord & Taylor's April 13th event?  100% of the proceeds from each of these fundraisers will go towards helping to rebuild IMN school in Haiti.

Imagine 100 people donating $5 for Lord and Taylor discounts combined with 500 people buying $2 braclets and 70 people - at $10 apiece - sponsoring a student bowling.  The resulting $2200 would go a long way towards rebuilding a $30,000 school.

Don't wait, Haitians aren't!!!  Jump in and help the children of Haiti.  We Need YOU!!

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

IMN Meeting on Friday

IMN Update, 12 March, 2010, 47 people present
(from Principal/Director Maxandre, translated by Erik Badger from Haiti Partners)

"On the morning of 12 March, two months after the earthquake, parents of IMN students came together so that we could exchange ideas about these three points"

  1 - How each parent experienced the earthquake
  2 - What they think about reopening the school
  3 - What IMN is proposing to parents

"It was a very enriching meeting.  Parents described their experiences of the earthquake and how they've been living afterwards.  Some described being in the garden or their yard when the quake hit.  In the moment, they didn't know what they should do, they were screaming Jesus' name and running back home to see where their kids were.  When they succeeded in finding their children, they ran out into open fields.  When we asked whether among the children there were any grave injuries or other problems, they all responded that, thank God, the children weren't injured.  However, all of their houses were damaged leaving the parents on the streets.  Some among them haven't found tents to stay in.  Even worse, the aid that's being distributed isn't reaching them.  They said they only find food with great difficulty.  It's the little that they'd saved that they're living off.  Things are really difficult..."

"Regarding the question of the children returning to school, all the parents said they'd been thinking about this.  To them, children aren't suppose to spend two months at home without going to school.  Each day the children ask to return to school, the only thing being that they won't return to a school with a cement roof or a school constructed with cinder blocks because they remember how many people died.  The parents agree that they would like their kids to return to school, but how can this be done?  Won't the principal have to ask them for money?  Will the little money they paid last September be considered payment for the whole school year?  They asked many questions, many excellent questions.  Other questions they asked were whether the state was going to help the principal find the money to pay the teachers, to rebuild the school, to clean up the space.  These were excellent questions, but the principal and everyone else there couldn't respond because they understand how the state works in Haiti.  Since the earthquake, the state hasn't contacted the principals in  the district, so we can't even count on the state helping to pay teachers, or get the school back on its feet."

"So what must be done?  The parents wondered if the principal could seek help from his friends who could support the children's studies; this would permit the principal not have to send the kids home if they can't pay the school.  But if the kids couldn't pay for school, the principal won't be able to find the little money he needs to pay the teachers when they come to school.  Many great ideas were exchanged at this meeting.  The parents agreed that they were better off relying on their friends abroad than relying on the state.  Because if they had relied on the state in the past to purchase school supplies, pay teachers or rebuild the facilities, the kids never would have gotten to school."

"When Maxandre announced that the relationship established with our friends at kids4good and other friends in Chicago will begin to help rebuild the school, everyone was very, very happy; they all said a great 'thank you.'  Maxandre invited them to go visit where they're reconstructing a part of the school so they could see the work for themselves.  They understood the necessity of the kids returning to school in the coming days."

"Maxandre the then distributed to each parent an envelope with 200 Haitian dollars, equaling US$25, as described in the proposeed budget.  All the parents received this with great happiness."

"Regarding the children's return to school, Maxandre is organizing a seminar for the teachers next week and the kids will come to a large meeting set for 18 March.  After this, each student must receive supplies for them to begin to work under the supervision of their teachers."

"Friends, this was a wonderful meeting.  The parents were very happy and thankful and they asked that our friends at kids4good and in Chicago continue to stand by IMN to help it recover until it really gets back on its feet."

I truly hope you find some sense of optimism and appreciativeness, as I did,  in the voice of these Haitians!

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Maxandre Meeting at IMN

Just wanted to let you know that construction is continuing on Institute Mixte Nao in Darbonne.  I heard from the Director (Principal) just a few minutes ago and this it what he had to say when I mentioned that I would be traveling to Haiti in April.

Said Maxandre, "This morning I had meeting with all parents in IMN school.  This was very enjoyed when I tell them I will have you as guest."  Though a brief note it nonetheless gives a hint of his optimism and positive attitude in the face of some daunting challenges.

As more details of construction of IMN become available I will be sure to pass them along to you.

Many thanks,
Dick Flesher

Meet Principal Maxandre and the IMN Staff

        

Haiti Update

Just wanted to pass along some updates on our work to help rebuild Institute Mixte Nao in Darbonne, Haiti. Lots of things are in the works as the school is being rebuilt.

First of all we have a number of exciting projects that we are participating in to raise more funds for the construction of IMN. The Hinsdale Central H. S. FEA and FCCLA clubs are sponsoring a March 19th bowl-a-thon from 3:30 to 6:00. Students participating in the 3-game bowling are seeking sponsors for the number of pins knocked down. If you want to sponsor a bowler you can do so by emailing me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll hook you up.

This will be a great event as we are providing food to the bowlers, a t-shirt, and various prizes. Of course the real winners in this are the students of IMN!

Speaking of bowling, one of my great student volunteers at York H. S., who has collected school supplies for New Orleans schools, is also running a bowl-a-thon. As details emerge I'll be sure to pass along the information. All of the proceeds of both bowl-a-thons will go towards IMN.

Within the next week to 10 days I will also be selling red and blue wrist bands (the colors of the Haitian flag) for $2. The inscription says "Hands Helping Haiti." Again, all of the money raised will aid IMN. If you want to place an order let me know and I'll send you the band(s) as soon as they come in.

Finally, on another note, I will be traveling to Darbonne, Haiti in April to assess the progress on the school and get a first hand glimpse of the damage to the region. Just as importantly, I will have a chance to talk with the citizens of Darbonne and to meet with John Engle of Haiti Partners. My visit will also afford me the opportunity to meet Maxandre the Director of IMN. I am especially looking forward to meeting some of the students who attend IMN. I'll be sure to sure my impressions of the April 23-26 trip when I return to the states.

Anyone interested in running their own fundraiser...GO FOR IT!! Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dick Flesher

Haiti School to Reopen!

Great news!!

Haiti Partners, who we work with in concert, along with Kids4Good, has just reported that IMN has already started construction to rebuild the elementary school in Darbonne, Haiti.

You have to check this out to believe it!! The crew chief says a structure will be up in a couple of weeks! Nearly two months after the earthquake rocked Haiti the students will be returning to class.

Your donations and hard work have made this possible.

Many thanks!
Dick

Marvelous Mardi Gras

The third annual Hinsdale Central Jazz Ensemble Benefit was marvelous in so very many ways! The February 23rd concert was full of sensational jazz. All three ensembles were simply brilliant!

The larger Hinsdale community simply loves their jazz and there was no better proof of it than the fact that it was a standing room only crowd in the student cafe. Every person who attended raved about the music.

It was a marvelous night in terms of raising funds for Live Oak Elementary School in New Orleans. The final admission and donation tally was a staggering $2198.00! Beyond the cash we were able some other contributions; an electric guitar, a couple of trumpets and a sax. Quite a haul and these will go a long way towards helping Live Oak get their music program up and running.

The success of the night belongs to many; the jazz musicians, HC Jazz Director Jeff Waggoner, Debbie Waggoner (and, of course, their daughter), the patrons, the HC Music Parents Association, and the HC Central Bldg and Ground Department. Together these people made for a memorable night.

Many thanks!
Dick Flesher

A Haitian Voice!

To the left are some of the students, prior to the Jan. 12th earthquake, who attend Institute Mixte Nao in Darbonne, Haiti. Their hard working Director (Principal) is Maxandre.

Yesterday I received a brief email from Maxandre and I want to share it with you. Maxandre speaks both English and Creole. I have not translated Maxandre's words; rather, I left them as they were written. I think you will, nonetheless, get the warm sentiment he is expressing in his note.

"Thank you very much for your note and your nice words. I'm very happy to have you in my group of supporters. So students, staff and parents will happy to see you and touch, talk to you."

"They hope you will find the best way to help them to go to school."

"I learned you already sent a check to HP (Haiti Partners). Its wonderful. Thank you, thank you."

"We count to you."

Your best Maxandre

Whenever Maxandre writes me, though through an email, I still find that he is so full of hope and appreciativeness. Since you are the donors and volunteers in the effort to help rebuild IMN I wanted to share Maxandre's sentiments and feelings with you.

Thanks for all that you do!!
Dick Flesher