Today I had the wonderful opportunity to go back to Curtis Elementary School, a school that our charity provided student supplies to some two weeks ago. Our mission today was to deliver some desperately needed uniforms.
Curtis has a brand new administration and an entirely new teaching staff for the 2010-11 school year. The CPS central administration made Curtis a turnaround school following the 2009-10 school year.
Obviously a brand new building staff portends big changes. I have the sense that Ms. Payne, the Asst. Principal (to the left), and Ms. Robbins, the Principal (to the right), will do a terrific job. They were most grateful for both the supplies and the polo uniform tops. Their smiles say it all.
As I think about the challenges ahead for Ms. Robbins, Ms. Payne, the staff and students I am left with many unanswered questions. First, was the entire staff at Curtis, that was let go in the spring of 2010, that bad? Weren't there some great teachers who were let go and where are they now? Second, what will become of Ms. Robbins and Ms. Payne if they don't 'turn around' the school? Will they suffer the same fate as their predessors? Finally, will people ever truly understand, appreciate and pitch in regarding the real core issues and problems confronting students and schools that are having a difficult time trying to make it?
Our charity, for one, will do all we can to help Curtis, and other schools facing huge obstacles, to move ahead in their desire to assist children.
Many thanks for your support!
Dick
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