Sunday, January 30, 2011

Crisis in Schools?

To hear the call for school reform, one would think that nearly all schools in this country are in need for a 'shake-up.' That simply isn't the case. I won't deny the fact that some schools are underperforming or don't meet the needs of its students to the fullest, quite the contrary, many need support, but they don't need to be shuttered.

Most of those schools which need assistance didn't suddenly stop performing. Did you ever stop and think about the fact that a neighborhood that has lost manufacturing jobs, is hit hard by crime and has too many gang members might be part of the reason for a schools's demise? A school is just one part of the community and if the larger community suffers, it stands to reason that individual parts, such as the schools, are going to also feel the ills effects. That being the case, how can a school, which has lost some of its punch counteract such problems?

I am pleading with reasonable people to better understand the above conditions and not to simply abandon those poor performing schools. Local governments and the citizens of a neighborhood need to band together to find ways to enable a poor performing school to improve its performance.

By the way, contrary to the popular myth now circulating, there are plenty of inner city public schools on the rise. Those stories, sadly, aren't part of the current dialogue regarding school reform. Before one judges that ALL American schools are in a state of crisis, it would be helpful to examine all the facts.

Thanks for your support of SCC!
Dick

Thursday, January 27, 2011

A Critique

Last night I had an opportunity to view the education film entitled The Lottery. The film was most provocative, resembling the earlier film, Waiting for Superman, calling attention to the positive results of the Harlem Success Academy while being critical of neighborhood public schools.

Both films have some real merits in terms of school reform and the success of some charter and non-neighborhood schools. One criticism I have of both films is the fact that they largely center their attention on the successes of inner charters and the failures of inner-city public schools while essentially ignoring the HUGE successes of many, many rural and suburban neighborhood public schools not to mention a good number of inner city neighborhood public schools.

I realize the focus of the film, The Lottery, is to examine the positives associatecd with the Harlem Success Project. However, I believe far too many people, who view the film, will walk away generalizing that what happens in Harlem is true for the rest of America. Quite simply, that's not even close to the truth.

Aside from the above points, I can name many, many inner city neighborhood public schools, as well as suburban and rural ones, that are serving their students extraordinarily well. Don't be misled...there are plenty of traditional public neighborhood schools that set high standards, have curriculum rigor, and prepare their students for entry into the world at large.

For example, Benjamin Bannker Elementary in New Orleans is an inner city public school. The school is superb. Teachers at Banneker are bright, they set the bar high, relate well to their students and don't mind being accountable. Ms. Branche, the Principal, is a thoughtful leader. She inspires and works tirelessly on behalf of the entire school community.

I don't want it said that we have to abandon neighborhood schools and immediately set up charters in order to achieve success. That simply isn't the case. I won't deny the successes of some schools in the two films, but neither will I deny (nor should you) that many of those same success stories are to be found in thousands of neighborhood public schools throughout America.

Dick Flesher

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

More on Neighborhood Schools

In yesterday's blog I made a point of endorsing neighborhood schools as adding to the health of the community and school. I want to follow-up yesterday's points by looking at the pluses of neighborhood schools from another angle.

Many of the suburban schools in Chicago, and around the country, are indeed neighborhood ones. Many of the these schools are attractive for a variety of reasons and cement the area both educationally and in other ways.

Let me take the pluses from an educational point of view. When students attend school, within the same vicinity, its quite easy for students to get together to work on projects or to study for exams. Likewise, high schools students who live in the same community often join organizations, clubs or sports when they now their neighborhood friends participate in them. The shared daily school experience also spills over, outside the building, into discussions with neighborhood classmates. Most, if not all, of these interactions are absent in non-neihborhood schools.

Neighborhood schools that have farmer markets, sporting events, car washes, plays, and various school and non-school events are sure to attract a great many more community students and parents than a non-neighborhood school. Why? Because the people in the community have a vested interest in the community because their son(s) and/or daughter(s) have attended the local school.

By the way, think about this if you would. Generally speaking, do you suppose parents in a tight-knit neighborhood school setting are more likely to put money into maintaining a quality school vs. a school where the students aren't largely from the immediate community?
I think you'll parents from a tight-knit neighborhood more likely to put funds into maintaining their neighborhood school.

All of these are reasons to further support neighborhood schools in rural, urban and suburban areas.

Many thanks,
Dick

Monday, January 24, 2011

Need for Neighborhood Schools

With all the buzz about private schools, selective ones, charters, and charter clusters, the need for neighborhood public schools is all the more necessary. You need not merely look at the overly competitive selection process that is associated with the above schools to know that neighborhood public schools deserve more attention and support.

Neighborhood public schools, where the students primarily come from the immediate vicinity, are critical to the success of the neighborhood and the students. Often as businesses close or move, it is the local school that becomes the anchor and focus of community events. Often plays, playgrounds, after-school activities, farmer markets and the like are held at the various neighborhood schools. Why not? These are often safe and accessible venues for such activities.

On the educational front, what can be better for kids than high performing neighborhood schools? To me, nothing! Having a child walk a few blocks to school, in a safe manner, beats being transported all around the city. What better way for kids to grow up, and attend school, than doing so with their lifelong buddies in the neighborhood? Want to see more parent involvement with the education of their sons and daughters? Keep it local.

These aren't mundane issues. The above points have critical implications for learning and social development. It is high time we stopped 'tearing down' neighborhood public schools and saw the good in doing everything we can to help them progress.

Dick

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Calling All Volunteers

Tanner Elementary School in Chicago is one of the many schools which benefits from the supplies that we bring to the students each August.

Global Hope, a fabulous organization that we've worked with in prior years, is planning a huge painting and touch up project for Presidents Day weekend. We'll be doing some repairs and painting of classrooms and hallways on Saturday, Feb. 19th and Sunday Feb. 20th.

Global Hope is an organization that has provided Schools Count Corp with funds so that we can purchase supplies for the children. For the past two years GH has made the trek to New Orleans to work on rehab projects in two city schools. I am certain we will do a bang up job at Tanner! I have no doubt that we will put some smiles on the faces of administrators, teachers and students when they come back to school on Feb. 22nd!

Why not get out of the 'Feb blues' and lend a helping hand for one day or both of the days. The more people we have the more we can do to make Tanner sparkle. Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net to let me know that you (and a friend or family member) are willing to pitch in and help.

Many thanks, Dick

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Working in Chicago Public Schools

Since Schools Count Corp was established as an official federal charity in July of 2007, the non-profit has sought to ease the burden on students and families as a result of natural crisis such as hurricanes, earthquakes and spring floods. These natural disasters have taken us to Galveston, TX, New Orleans, Haiti, and Iowa.

While aiding areas, long term, still reeling from these natural disasters, Schools Count feels that assisting children who are without school supplies as a result of economic malaise is just as critical. The economic downturn and inner city blight makes it tough on families, who have to stretch few dollars, to meet lots of daily needs including providing basic school supplies for their children.

Whether children go without because of a violent storm or some other cause, the issue still revolves around helping students get an education. Every student deserves a decent education and if we can help children find success in the classroom, we'll do our best to serve them.

As we go forward in 2011 the goal of Schools Count Corp remains the same...to bring out the best in children. There are few better ways to do that than to assist them in school. Our mission is unchanged..."to tap the vast potential of the human mind" and there's no better way than to help students get the best education possible.

Thanks for your commitment to this cause!
Dick

Monday, January 17, 2011

Upcoming Events

Now that are hugely successful Silent Auction is over I want to fill you in on some upcoming events in the coming weeks. There are plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer or donate to our cause and I hope you will avail yourself of one or more of these.

Feb. 2, 2011: This is the final day that the Hinsdale Central H.S. Junior Class will collect all sorts of school supplies for Curtis Elementary School. The Junior Class will wrap the supplies in Valentines Day paper and we'll deliver them on Feb. 14th!

Feb. 19,20: Painting Tanner Elementary School in Chicago! This is one of the schools we assist in terms of providing supplies to the students. This is an all-day event that our friends at Global Hope are organizing. Let's brighten up the school and put some smiles on the faces of the students and staff.

Feb. 22, 2011: Fourth Annual Hinsdale Central H. S. Mardi Gras Concert. This event is put on by the HC Jazz Ensembles. The lively music will commence at 6:30 pm. As in the past, the concert will be held in high school student cafeteria. Admission is $5 per person and $10 for the entire family.

Feb.-March: This is our annual 'Donor Drive.' This is your opportunity to contribute cash towards students in need in various schools in Chicago and New Orleans. Remember SCC is a charitable organization and, as such, we will provide you with a tax receipt for your donation.

March 18, 2011: The Future Educators of America, along with FCCLA (at Hinsdale Central H. S.), will be hosting a bowling benefit at Willowbrook Lanes (Plainfield Rd.) on Fri. the 18th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The cost is $25 which includes shoes and 3 games. Why not get in on the fun and support Chicago Public Schools! To be a part of action contact Dick Flesher at rich219@comcast.net.

May 7, 2011: The girls varsity soccer team at HC will put on a car wash to benefit Schools Count. Stop in and give your car a spring cleaning! The car wash will be held in the senior parking lot at HC. Details on the time will be forthcoming in a matter of days!

May-June: This is the time of our 'Go Green' initiative. If you are a teacher at an area school why not collect the supplies left behind by the students and donate them to Schools Count. 30 area schools already participate in the program. We are always looking for new or gently used pens, notebooks, colored pencils, filler paper, scissors, rulers, pencils, and binders. Just let me know that you want to participate in the program and I'll stop by and pick up the supplies.

Aug. 7-9: This is our Sixth Annual delivery of students supplies to 15 - 18 schools in New Orleans. We are always in need of volunteers to help us load trucks and make the journey to New Orleans.

Other events are in the works so be sure to follow the blog so that you can take part.

Many thanks,
Dick

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Silent Auction Success!

Just want to give everyone the great news. Schools Count Corp sold nine original Haitian paintings for a grand total of $875.00!! To receive nearly $100.00 per painting speaks to the generosity of so many. To all those who put in a bid and took an interest in our Silent Auction on the Haitian paintings...many thanks! To those who acquired a painting, may you enjoy it for many years to come.

As you know, the funds raised through the Silent Auction will augment the third and final phase of rebuilding IMN School in Darbonne.

The Principal of IMN happens to be in Chicago right now and he is thrilled with the continued support of Schools Count Corp., Kids4Good, and Global Hope. Maxandre, the Principal, reports that the school, with its new clean water system, has more students than ever before! There are over 150 students attending IMN. Why not! With a new building, brand new student supplies, clean water, new creole books and more, it's no wonder the student population is growing and expectations are high.

Thanks again for you support of IMN and Haitians!
Dick

Monday, January 3, 2011

Silent Auction for Haitian Artwork

Note: All bids are updated as of Jan. 12th at 6:00 am. There are just 15 hours left to bid on your favorite painting(s)!

Today, Jan 12th, the 1st anniversary of the Haitian earthquake is at hand. In the spirit of continuing to assist in the rebuilding of IMN School in Darbonne, SCC is holding a Silent Auction on ten Haitian paintings. All proceeds of the Silent Auction will benefit IMN. Schools Count Corp paid $28 for each of the following ten paintings. The auction has been ongoing for the past two weeks and the current bid is noted next to each painting. Should you desire to make a bid simply send me your bid by emailing me at rich219@comcast.net. You have to note just two things in your bid, the amount and the number assigned to each painting. I will update the bids each day on this blogspot. You can go to http://www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com/ to check on the bids.

Besides 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 $110.00 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 winning bidder, regarding delivery. The final bid on all paintings is Jan. 12th at 9:00 pm.

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 will note. Some of the artist signatures are difficult to read and I have done my best to represent them to the best of my ability. All ten of the paintings are shown below.

Please accept my thanks for your interest in the Silent Auction! Dick Flesher






Painting 1, oil on canvas. Artist: Millien. Height 24", Width 20" Current bid: $110.00













Painting 2: Oil on canvas. Signed as G.T. Height 20", Width 23 1/2" Current bid: $120.00












Painting 3: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Nook (?) Pierre Pierre. Height 24", Width 23 3/4"
Current bid: $75.00
















Painting 4: Mixed media on canvas. Signed with the letter 'G' with vertical lines through the G. Height 24", Width 20" Current bid: $100.00











Painting 5: acrylic on canvas. Artist: S. Auband. Height 20", Width 23" Current bid: $100.00














Painting 6: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Richard Donnette (spelling?). Height 19", Width 23 1/2"
Current bid: $70.00













Painting 7: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Elysrra Francisco. Height 17", Width 23 1/2"
Current bid: $100.00











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


Current bid: $50.00











Painting 9: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Thony. Height 22 1/2", Width 16"
Current bid: $100.00














Painting 10: Acrylic on canvas. Artist: Bellevue Kender. Height 20", Width 24"
Current bid: $50.00

9 Days to Enter Your Bid!

Imagine this beautiful Haitian painting in your home! This spectacular oil on canvas will surely brighten any room in your house. This original Haitian rendering of Haitian life is 20" (height) by 23 1/2" (width) and is not framed.

The current bid is $100.00.To place a bid simply contact me at rich219@comcast.net.

Not only will your home be adorned with this wonderful piece but the donated funds will help to finish the rebuilding of IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti.


Thanks for your interest in aiding Haitians in need through the silent auction. Schools Count Corp will also provide a charitable tax deduction for the winning bid.


Dick

Sunday, January 2, 2011

10 More Days to Bid on Haitian Paintings!

This is painting #1 which currently has a high bid
of $110.00. The Haitian artist is Rony Millien. To see other works of Mr. Millien go to the website http://www.galeriemartelly.com/.

With 10 days to go in the bidding, which coincides with the Jan. 12th earthquake, I wanted to update everyone on the bidding for the 10 Haitian paintings. Please know that all the money raised in the silent auction benefits IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti.

Many thanks! Dick


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

Girls Singing at IMN

Classes Singing at IMN

IMN School Opens

Driving into Port Au Prince

IMN School Welcome

Tour of IMN School

IMN School