The other day I outlined six 'Out of School Factors' that have been shown to adversely affect school achievement. The appearance of these factors, such as food insecurity, lack of proper health care/insurance, etc., is greatest in areas where poverty persists.
In the past, when people talked about funding education much of the discussion centered on putting money directly into the school (supplies, salaries, and the like). Too often, people witnessed too little 'bang for the buck.'
Though funds are needed for the schools in greatest need, what we now know is that money is needed to combat problems that exist outside of the school day and structure.
Think about it for a minute. If a child doesn't have the proper nutrition and his/her illness or disease is not treated because of a lack of funds for direct medical care or an absence of insurance, it stands to reason that the student will not perform well in school.
The above condition holds true regardless of race, religion, gender, etc according to Berliner's study. Without the proper funds to curtail the scourge of the 'Out of School Factors' all children will suffer.
Unless, and until, families have the income to use it in order to mitigate the OSF's then students will continue to have difficulties in school. Bringing at end to the blight of regions in poverty will certainly go long way towards improving student success.
Dick
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
What Happens Outside of School Matters
With so much being written about achievement gaps, school reform, school failure and other attendant issues, people often neglect to look at what takes place outside of the school setting which affects student achievement. The need to discuss these 'Out of School Factors' is critical.
David Berliner at Arizona State University has conducted extensive research into the issue of OSF. His March 2009 study entitled 'Poverty and Potential: Out-of-School Factors and School Success has identifiecd six major OSF which affect school achievement.
The six OSF factors that affect school success are:
1. low birth weight and non-genetic prenatal influences on children
2. inadequate medical, dental and vision care, often a result of inadequate or no insurance
3. food insecurity
4. environmental pollutants
5. family relations and family stress
6. neighborhood characteristics
What Berliner found is that when these elements are in evidence then students are less successful. It just so happens that areas with great poverty (often inner cities) are more prone to face these challenges. It may come as no surprise but, African Americans and Hispanics tend to be the groups who are most affected.
Over the next few days I will discuss these six OSF factors in more detail in the hopes that it will indicate the extent to which these affect students but, it will also reveal the extent to which schools don't have as much control over student success as one may think.
Dick
David Berliner at Arizona State University has conducted extensive research into the issue of OSF. His March 2009 study entitled 'Poverty and Potential: Out-of-School Factors and School Success has identifiecd six major OSF which affect school achievement.
The six OSF factors that affect school success are:
1. low birth weight and non-genetic prenatal influences on children
2. inadequate medical, dental and vision care, often a result of inadequate or no insurance
3. food insecurity
4. environmental pollutants
5. family relations and family stress
6. neighborhood characteristics
What Berliner found is that when these elements are in evidence then students are less successful. It just so happens that areas with great poverty (often inner cities) are more prone to face these challenges. It may come as no surprise but, African Americans and Hispanics tend to be the groups who are most affected.
Over the next few days I will discuss these six OSF factors in more detail in the hopes that it will indicate the extent to which these affect students but, it will also reveal the extent to which schools don't have as much control over student success as one may think.
Dick
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Ongoing Efforts
Though we have delivered tens of thousands of all sorts of student supplies to Chicago and New Orleans schools - and about to head to Joplin, MO - the goal is to continue these efforts going forward. To help people overcome their lack of resources will require us, and others, to maintain our work.
Aside from providing supplies to schools and students-in-need, it is our goal to assist schools, when possible, with other needs. For example, as the weather gets colder students will need boots, gloves/mittens and warm winter coats.
On other occasions, Schools Count Corp. will endeavor to help the various schools. Often schools need sports equipment, reading materials, and the like. At other times, schools contact us with special needs which may include teacher materials.
Last year, during the month of February, a large group of volunteers painted all three floors of Tanner Elementary School. It's possible we may do something of this nature going forward.
At any rate, our efforts to persist will continue throughout the year. Please think of ways that you can help with any of the above. As always, I appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Dick
Aside from providing supplies to schools and students-in-need, it is our goal to assist schools, when possible, with other needs. For example, as the weather gets colder students will need boots, gloves/mittens and warm winter coats.
On other occasions, Schools Count Corp. will endeavor to help the various schools. Often schools need sports equipment, reading materials, and the like. At other times, schools contact us with special needs which may include teacher materials.
Last year, during the month of February, a large group of volunteers painted all three floors of Tanner Elementary School. It's possible we may do something of this nature going forward.
At any rate, our efforts to persist will continue throughout the year. Please think of ways that you can help with any of the above. As always, I appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, August 26, 2011
CPS School Drama
The most recent tussle between the CPS Administration, along with City Hall, and the teacher's union over lengthening the school day by 90 minutes with a 2% pay raise is causing some real consternation among all parties.
City Hall and the CPS guru's not only want to see the school day lengthened they also want to add more instruction days to the calendar.
I am close enough in working with the schools to realize that the day and year needs to be extended. I think most people realize both of these need to take place. However, as the saying goes, 'the devil is in the details' concerning the entire plan.
To be perfectly blunt about it, I am not close enough to anyone on either side of the argument to offer an opinion on the many details about the plan and compensation package since I haven't seen the entire plan.
The kids need the additional help, that is for sure. But some real concerns have to be raised about the plan. For example, how will the 90 minutes be used? Is there to be 'new' curriculum and, if so, how will this be implemented? How will the 90 minutes be added on to the school day, at the start or end of it and will this affect families, transportation and extra curriculars? Is a 2% raise a 'fair' one in light of current economic problems and the significant time required of staff? Finally, what more is required of staff that has not been disclosed?
One thing is for sure, the pressure is on in terms of schools doing more for the children. This is one of those 'mountains to climb' that will necessitate people coming together to tackle a huge problem and if there isn't sufficient 'give and take,' the problem will remain.
Dick
City Hall and the CPS guru's not only want to see the school day lengthened they also want to add more instruction days to the calendar.
I am close enough in working with the schools to realize that the day and year needs to be extended. I think most people realize both of these need to take place. However, as the saying goes, 'the devil is in the details' concerning the entire plan.
To be perfectly blunt about it, I am not close enough to anyone on either side of the argument to offer an opinion on the many details about the plan and compensation package since I haven't seen the entire plan.
The kids need the additional help, that is for sure. But some real concerns have to be raised about the plan. For example, how will the 90 minutes be used? Is there to be 'new' curriculum and, if so, how will this be implemented? How will the 90 minutes be added on to the school day, at the start or end of it and will this affect families, transportation and extra curriculars? Is a 2% raise a 'fair' one in light of current economic problems and the significant time required of staff? Finally, what more is required of staff that has not been disclosed?
One thing is for sure, the pressure is on in terms of schools doing more for the children. This is one of those 'mountains to climb' that will necessitate people coming together to tackle a huge problem and if there isn't sufficient 'give and take,' the problem will remain.
Dick
Thursday, August 25, 2011
And Without an Education...
After two years of delivering supplies to some of the poorest area schools in the CPS system, it has occurred to me that the hill, more like a mountain, will be hard to climb in terms of students having a brighter future.
I have seen too many buildings abandoned, so many factories closed, jobs hard to find, too many incidents of children misbehaving inside and outside of the classroom, and a lack of structure and support outside of the school setting. These are monumental problems and I have often thought about what the support of Schools Count Corp means relative to overcoming these hurdles.
The immediate and short term answer is that we aren't putting a dent in these larger social, psychological and economic problems. I don't want to fool anyone. I am sickened by the degree of depravity and shocked by the scenes of loss.
But I hold out the hope of optimism in the long term. I have witnessed great teaching on many occasions, come in contact with very bright principals, and walked hand in hand with appreciative students.
As long as our charity, with its generous donors and volunteers, hangs in there, I have no doubt that we will make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I am determined to see individual student and school growth and I remain confident that positive results will occur in the long run.
Thanks for your help,
Dick
I have seen too many buildings abandoned, so many factories closed, jobs hard to find, too many incidents of children misbehaving inside and outside of the classroom, and a lack of structure and support outside of the school setting. These are monumental problems and I have often thought about what the support of Schools Count Corp means relative to overcoming these hurdles.
The immediate and short term answer is that we aren't putting a dent in these larger social, psychological and economic problems. I don't want to fool anyone. I am sickened by the degree of depravity and shocked by the scenes of loss.
But I hold out the hope of optimism in the long term. I have witnessed great teaching on many occasions, come in contact with very bright principals, and walked hand in hand with appreciative students.
As long as our charity, with its generous donors and volunteers, hangs in there, I have no doubt that we will make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I am determined to see individual student and school growth and I remain confident that positive results will occur in the long run.
Thanks for your help,
Dick
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Donor - Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Our charity can only accomplish what our volunteers and donors provide to us when we work with various schools. Whether we send supplies to the schools in New Orleans, Chicago, Joplin or Galveston, it is because of your support. We want to take the time to extend our thanks to you for all that you have done and continue to do in support of students in need.
I'd like to invite anyone who has helped our many causes, over these past years, to attend our Donor - Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 pm in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria. Please feel free to bring your spouse or a friend to the dinner. The more people who attend, the better!
The evening is bound to be a pleasant and rewarding occasion. We will have a dinner catered by the Hinsdale Central Chef and Restaurant students. After dinner I will highlight our work over the past year and will show a powerpoint which will include our trip to Joplin, Missouri. Following these events, Carmilla Young, Principal of Fuller Elementary (one of the CPS schools we serve) will speak about the challenges and rewards of working in the inner city.
To make your reservation simply email me at rich219@comcast.net and indicate the names and number of people who will be attending the Appreciation Dinner.
I am certain you will enjoy meeting people, many of them your friends, who find the same satisfaction and reward of assisting teachers and students who are working hard to better themselves. I look forward to seeing everyone!
Thanks,
Dick
I'd like to invite anyone who has helped our many causes, over these past years, to attend our Donor - Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 pm in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria. Please feel free to bring your spouse or a friend to the dinner. The more people who attend, the better!
The evening is bound to be a pleasant and rewarding occasion. We will have a dinner catered by the Hinsdale Central Chef and Restaurant students. After dinner I will highlight our work over the past year and will show a powerpoint which will include our trip to Joplin, Missouri. Following these events, Carmilla Young, Principal of Fuller Elementary (one of the CPS schools we serve) will speak about the challenges and rewards of working in the inner city.
To make your reservation simply email me at rich219@comcast.net and indicate the names and number of people who will be attending the Appreciation Dinner.
I am certain you will enjoy meeting people, many of them your friends, who find the same satisfaction and reward of assisting teachers and students who are working hard to better themselves. I look forward to seeing everyone!
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Our Final Trip to NOLA
After six years of working to assist the citizens and students of New Orleans, our charity will no longer be sending aid to the Crescent City. With enormous needs within the Chicago Public School system, and other areas of the country reeling from assorted tragedies, we have to move into those regions to offer our help.
It is not as if the NOLA public schools don't need the help, they most certainly do!! We simply can't be everywhere, the funds don't allow us to help as many children as we know need the support.
It saddens me that we will not be heading back south. I am sure that by next July I will be anxious to help them, knowing that they still need the backing. I'm certain that I will miss our trek to New Orleans because of the wonderful people who are doing all they can to help educate the children.
In spite of the continuing obstacles; poverty, limited resources, public schools being minimized, and so much more, I remain optimistic about the quality and commitment of building teachers and principals.
To be sure, there are people in positions of power and authority in the RSD system who are jeopardizing the progress of the schools and children. Firing good principals, making last minute decisions (for example, announcing on the first day of school that starting on the 2nd day, school will start an hour earlier!!), threatening to take over schools if they aren't made charters, allowing overcrowding, and more are instances of undermining the good done within local schools.
I have always felt, since Katrina blasted New Orleans, that the vast number of individuals, within the schools, have done far more good for the children than people realize. Their hearts and minds have always been focused on 'doing right by the children.' I don't see that changing.
I want to thank each of you, who have been involved in our NOLA projects, for making a difference in the lives of so many deserving people. You are most kind and generous.
Sincerely,
Dick
It is not as if the NOLA public schools don't need the help, they most certainly do!! We simply can't be everywhere, the funds don't allow us to help as many children as we know need the support.
It saddens me that we will not be heading back south. I am sure that by next July I will be anxious to help them, knowing that they still need the backing. I'm certain that I will miss our trek to New Orleans because of the wonderful people who are doing all they can to help educate the children.
In spite of the continuing obstacles; poverty, limited resources, public schools being minimized, and so much more, I remain optimistic about the quality and commitment of building teachers and principals.
To be sure, there are people in positions of power and authority in the RSD system who are jeopardizing the progress of the schools and children. Firing good principals, making last minute decisions (for example, announcing on the first day of school that starting on the 2nd day, school will start an hour earlier!!), threatening to take over schools if they aren't made charters, allowing overcrowding, and more are instances of undermining the good done within local schools.
I have always felt, since Katrina blasted New Orleans, that the vast number of individuals, within the schools, have done far more good for the children than people realize. Their hearts and minds have always been focused on 'doing right by the children.' I don't see that changing.
I want to thank each of you, who have been involved in our NOLA projects, for making a difference in the lives of so many deserving people. You are most kind and generous.
Sincerely,
Dick
Monday, August 22, 2011
Our Recent Journey to NOLA
Two weeks ago, August 7-9, was our sixth consecutive trip to New Orleans to assist the schools as many of them, contrary to what some may think, are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
Over the span of these six years we have served 43 different NOLA schools, most of them public and RSD but, at times, we have assisted charters and a good number of schools in St. Bernard Parish.
During our most recent delivery we delivered student supplies to 12 schools. I noticed a fair number of schools being either reburbished or rebuilt. Obviously, that is a great sign.
Sadly, though there are some events that are still troubling. Some schools that have served students are now closed, Gregory and Carver Elementary are a couple that come to mind. Also, as these schools have been shuttered, it means that other public schools are often overcrowded, even more so than in past years.
Too often, families see their children split up because of the overcrowding. A second grader may attend one school while his/her brother or sister who is in the fifth grade may have to go to a distant part of the city because there is no room in the fifth grade of the school where the second grader attends. This means that there are long bus rides, families running around the city for parent-teacher meetings and the like. How on earth can a family of three childen possibly deal with two or three different schools. It's just plain wrong.
As in the past we found hard-working students, staff and principals. They quietly go about their work in spite of severe handcaps and hardships, many of them imposed upon them without their asking.
To these people we want to say, thank you for again allowing Schools Count Corp to work with you. We find it incredibly motivating and inspiring to see your dedication and hard work pay off.
Have a great year!
Dick
Over the span of these six years we have served 43 different NOLA schools, most of them public and RSD but, at times, we have assisted charters and a good number of schools in St. Bernard Parish.
During our most recent delivery we delivered student supplies to 12 schools. I noticed a fair number of schools being either reburbished or rebuilt. Obviously, that is a great sign.
Sadly, though there are some events that are still troubling. Some schools that have served students are now closed, Gregory and Carver Elementary are a couple that come to mind. Also, as these schools have been shuttered, it means that other public schools are often overcrowded, even more so than in past years.
Too often, families see their children split up because of the overcrowding. A second grader may attend one school while his/her brother or sister who is in the fifth grade may have to go to a distant part of the city because there is no room in the fifth grade of the school where the second grader attends. This means that there are long bus rides, families running around the city for parent-teacher meetings and the like. How on earth can a family of three childen possibly deal with two or three different schools. It's just plain wrong.
As in the past we found hard-working students, staff and principals. They quietly go about their work in spite of severe handcaps and hardships, many of them imposed upon them without their asking.
To these people we want to say, thank you for again allowing Schools Count Corp to work with you. We find it incredibly motivating and inspiring to see your dedication and hard work pay off.
Have a great year!
Dick
Friday, August 19, 2011
Joplin, Here we Come!
You did it!! Enough funds were raised in our 36-hour 'Joplin Relief' effort so that we can send over $10,000 worth of supplies to the many students in need of help. The wonderful outpouring of your generosity will allow us to send them:
1,440 binders
10,000 folders
5,040 spiral notebooks
8,400 pencils
12,000 pens
1,000 packs of colored markers
2,000 highlighters
2,000 rulers
2,000 glue sticks
500 packets of construction paper
These supplies will surely come in handy for the 6,978 students who attended classes on Wednesday, August 17th. The supplies won't erase the memory of seven students and one staff member who tragically died on that fateful May 22nd day but they will allow everyone to move forward in their studies.
Many thanks to each of you!
Dick
1,440 binders
10,000 folders
5,040 spiral notebooks
8,400 pencils
12,000 pens
1,000 packs of colored markers
2,000 highlighters
2,000 rulers
2,000 glue sticks
500 packets of construction paper
These supplies will surely come in handy for the 6,978 students who attended classes on Wednesday, August 17th. The supplies won't erase the memory of seven students and one staff member who tragically died on that fateful May 22nd day but they will allow everyone to move forward in their studies.
Many thanks to each of you!
Dick
Thursday, August 18, 2011
One Last Call for Aid to Joplin
Since yesterday morning more than 20 individuals have pledged $1950.00 to the 'Joplin Relief' Fund. What an amazing total!! The entire proceeds will be used to purchase desperately needed school supplies for the children in the elementary and high schools. Though the kids are back in school and there is a real sense of optimism, the coming days and weeks will continue to be tough.
We have just 12 hours left in our fundraising efforts. I want to get our final pledges by 9:00 pm tonight, Thursday, August 18th. Simply let me know how much you can donate and then you can send a check to me in the coming days. I want to get our order placed so that our supplier, Kits 4 Kidz, can send out the resources within 7 to 8 days.
You can make a real difference in the lives of the students and schools, not to mention the entire Joplin community, by being a part of this worthwhile endeavor. Please know that every dollar counts!
Thanks for your help,
Dick
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Let's Help the Joplin schools!
Today, August 17th, is the first day of school for the children in Joplin, Missouri. It is a day of great accomplishment and celebration for the people of the city in light of the horrible destruction due to the May tornadoes.
This morning I talked with Andrea, a parent helper at the district office, who said that the need for supplies is still very great. I told her our charity is willing to pitch in and help them. Along with Kits 4 Kidz (one of our suppliers), who will pay for the shipping to Joplin, we will provide the schools with all sort of supplies.
Our charity will send supplies to the students of the various elementary and high schools prior to Labor Day. Though we have some funds to assist in the purchase of supplies, I am reaching out to you to see if you would like to make a special donation to this worthwhile cause. This is an appeal for any amount you wish to contribute. Kindly let me know the amount you wish to contribute no later than Thursday, August 18th at 9:00 pm. You can then mail a check to me payable to Schools Count Corp at your convenience. In the lower left hand corner of the check write 'Joplin Relief.' Please mail the check to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL 60448. I will be sure to send you a tax deduction receipt for your contribution.
I will go to Joplin so that I can get first hand information (and photos) on the rebuilding of the schools and city. I am grateful for your consideration of this special effort to assist the children of Joplin. I appreciate the help.
Many thanks,
Dick
This morning I talked with Andrea, a parent helper at the district office, who said that the need for supplies is still very great. I told her our charity is willing to pitch in and help them. Along with Kits 4 Kidz (one of our suppliers), who will pay for the shipping to Joplin, we will provide the schools with all sort of supplies.
Our charity will send supplies to the students of the various elementary and high schools prior to Labor Day. Though we have some funds to assist in the purchase of supplies, I am reaching out to you to see if you would like to make a special donation to this worthwhile cause. This is an appeal for any amount you wish to contribute. Kindly let me know the amount you wish to contribute no later than Thursday, August 18th at 9:00 pm. You can then mail a check to me payable to Schools Count Corp at your convenience. In the lower left hand corner of the check write 'Joplin Relief.' Please mail the check to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL 60448. I will be sure to send you a tax deduction receipt for your contribution.
I will go to Joplin so that I can get first hand information (and photos) on the rebuilding of the schools and city. I am grateful for your consideration of this special effort to assist the children of Joplin. I appreciate the help.
Many thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Impressions Concerning Chicago Public Schools
Our deliveries to the schools of Chicago went smoothly throughout the entire August 3rd and 4th period. We had plenty of volunteers (at least 12 each day), we had fun and the low bridges weren't too much of an obstacle.
Whether we encountered principals, teachers, maintenance staff or parents, the reaction to receiving school supplies was universal...a sense of elation and thanks. In fact, Mr. Flowers, the Principal at King Elementary (shown in the photo) stopped a school-wide faculty meeting so that all of his teachers could thank us for the donation. I have never seen such a mass of people feel so appreciative. It was quite moving to be a part of it.
Our group also found that a good number of schools are undergoing some significant repairs which was a positive thing to witness. Sadly, way too many schools are in need of much work. With many schools commencing instruction on August 8th, far too many are without air conditioning.
We also saw factories which are shuttered, meaning that jobs continue to disappear, and a good many homes are boarded up. In total, far too many communities are in tough shape.
No matter the conditions, we found people to be welcoming, grateful and engaging. There wasn't one school that took our donations for granted; rather, they were so appreciative of our concern for those who really need the assistance. At three separate schools, the principal shook the hand of each of our volunteers as we finished putting away the supplies. Now that is some real gratitude!
As always, we ended our two-day venture feeling as though we made a difference, knowing that going back next year will prove to be just as rewarding for everyone involved in the venture.
Dick
Monday, August 15, 2011
Volunteers Made it Happen in Chicago
These are but four of our wonderful volunteers who made our delivery to 24 Chicago Public School on Aug. 2, 3 and 4 such a huge success. Because of their effort we were able to bring 33 huge pallets of all sort of supplies to the children in many of the most desperately in need.
I want to recognize all of volunteers during this three day period. The following individuals loaded pallets and trucks on Tuesday, August 2nd; Ann Scott, Pat Edwards, Barb Ioli, Chris Freiler and his son, Peggy Luther, Dawn Oler, Maddy Oler, Skip Begley, Heather Fehrman, Kaity Fehrman, Karli Fehrman, Olivia Jones, Dylan Jones, Meredith Jones, Harry Bull, Maria O'Donnell, Laura Milas, and Yorkville softball coaches; Bruce Feldman, Jory Bodi, and Kathi. Yorkville softball players included; Heidi Dockstader, Ale Avery, Alissa Delgato, Amanda Weaver, Corrine Rowe, Jami Tennell, and Maddie Avery.
The following individuals took supplies to the schools of CPS on Wednesday, Aug. 3rd; Earl McMahon, Marge McMahon, Dawn Oler, Maria O'Donnell, Peggy Luther, April Tatro, Roger Rottmann, Brian Rottmann, Kyle Rottmann, and Reverend Timoth Sylvia.
Finally, these individuals brought supplies to additional CPS schools on Thursday, Aug. 4th; Cathy Hill, Greg Hill, Kyle Rottmann, Roger Rottmann, Terry Meyers, Dawn Oler, Earl McMahon, Marge McMahon and five people from ADM; Charleen Dohr, Anthony Hernandez, Erin Cassato, Gloria Lane, and Patrick Prosi (organized by Catie Lee).
To each of you, please know that your efforts have paid off. Students are hard at work and they have many of the materials that they need in order to have an opportunity to be successful. Please accept my thanks for your hard work and willingness to step up and help others!
Thank you,
Dick
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Reflections on Delivering Supplies
This image says it all in many respects relative to collecting and delivering supplies to CPS children last week. Lots of supplies, plenty of volunteers, a whole bunch of donors, eager workers and numerous schools participating in the 'Go Green' endeavor (32 to be precise!!).
It seems as though our efforts continue to grow and strengthen in spite of tough economic times. On the one hand, it can be problematic to collect monetary donations but we seem to be 'weathering' that storm pretty well. Those tough times are part of the reason we are helping the students of Chicago. More people are out of work these days and are unable to come up with the necessary funds to buy school supplies though they would like to do so.
After all of the tremendous efforts - on your part - to collect, buy, sort, purchase, and bring supplies to the children in the CPS system I am left with a sense of not only a great accomplishment but the very real gratitude expressed by the recipients of the supplies, the people in the Chicago Public Schools.
Since we made our deliveries I have received a number of letters that express the sincere thanks of people within CPS. Harry Randle the Principal at Yates Elementary said, "I can't tell you how grateful I am that you thought about the children of Yates School." The Principal of Lowell Elementary, Ms. Gladys Rivera, stated "with donors like Schools Count Corp., NFP we are fortunate that we are able to provide assistance for our most in-need families and it excites us for another academic year and opoens up the potential for our students to do wonderful work."
I just wanted to share some of those sentiments with you and to thank one and all for making our work in the Chicago Public Schools such a wonderful endeavor.
Many thanks,
Dick
Friday, August 12, 2011
Mission Accomplished!
Our 22 volunteers loaded three trucks with all sorts of school supplies in the sweltering heat on Tuesday, August 2nd. The heat didn't deter these fine people! Altogether, we packed the trucks with 33 very full pallets.
This gives you a sense of the terrific work of our volunteers. We counted the boxes of supplies, loaded them onto pallets, shrink wrapped them and put them on the trucks.
More great work from some of our volunteers. Many of these people have been packing school supplies for five consecutive years.
Great work and thanks for all of your help!!
Dick
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