This Shouldn't Come as a Surprise

Today's issue of the Chicago Sun Times carries a piece about the lack of progess in the reading scores of the elementary schools. The report, put out by the University of Chicago's Consortium on Chicago School Research, says that the scores have remained relatively stagnant for the past twenty years. I am sure many in the public are horrified with this report.

This comes as no surprise to me. I have often commented, through this blog, that what students learn in school is largely affected by conditions outside of school and many of those conditions have deteriorated over the past twenty years.

Given neighborhood safety, the proliferation of gangs in too many areas, familial concerns, poverty, and the like, it might be a miracle that reading and math scores have held their own during this era. I'm dead serious about this! Before we throw stones at the schools, teachers and children we need to get real and consider what it would be like for US to grow up in such an environment.

To improve the performance of students in reading and math, along with other course work - which shouldn't be forgotten - in such an environment will take much longer than twenty years. It will take as long as it takes to make the streets safe, get rid of the gangs, provide decent paying jobs, and to have well established and strong family relations.

Thanks,
Dick

The Thoughts of One Principal

The Monday, September 26th edition of the New York Times carried an interesting piece entitled 'The Secrets of a Principal Who Makes Things Work.' There are a good number of Ms. Getz's ideas (she works in a tough part of NYC) that, in my view, have much merit. I want to share them with you.

"A good principal has been a teacher"

"A good principal feels at home in a cafeteria filled with 800 children eating rubbery scrambled eggs for breakfast"

"A good principal has her own style"

"A good principal protects her teachers from the nonsense"

"A good principal sets her own standards high"

"A good principal works with union leaders to carry out her education agenda, and if she can't, takes them on"

"A good principal knows teachers are only part of what make a school run"

"A good principal takes money out of her pocket for the school"

"A good principal loves and trusts the public schools where she works"

"A good principal worries in private, ignores the surreal and finds a way to get things done"

"A good principal has a To Do list several feet long"

"A good principal leads by example"

Many good qualities in the above and its clear that the relationship between the principal and his/her teachers is a critical one relative to the success of students.

Dick

Mark it on your Calendar!!

Let's get together with like minded and supportive people of education! I can think of no better way to the celebrate that successes of all of the work, time, energy and goodwill of our donors and volunteers than saying 'thank you' at our October 27th 'Donor Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.'

It's a great meal, with a terrific program, a wonderful guest in Principal Carmilla Young (Fuller Elementary in Chicago) and the food is free!! To be a part of the festive evening simply email me at rich219@comcast.net.

We only do this every other year so make it a point to come out to share in the wonderful experiences that comprise the work of Schools Count. You'll enjoy hearing from one of the recipients of the great work of our charity.

Looking forward to seeing you!
Dick

Another Way to Look at It

There are critics out there who think that public education has gone the way of the Titanic. Such people accuse teachers of wrongdoing, unions of harming the educational process, and bureacrats of protecting the system.

I have never claimed that some poor teachers are out there or that some bureaucratic practices are sometimes out of touch with what goes on in the classroom.

But let's take another look at public education from a different vantage point. Let's examine how students have been affected by their teachers. Who hasn't had inspiring teachers? Plenty of us have had such individuals. Who hasn't had a teacher who we have gone to with some serious issue or problem, school related or not? It happens frequently. And who among us can claim a teacher or two as a role model? My guess is that there are plenty of individuals who can answer in the affirmative.

Though some reforms need to take place, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the vast majority of public school educators continue to inspire, will be there when needed and will act as a positive role model.

I for one, continue to see positive things taking place in public education.

Dick

KICK is still 'kickin' it In!

Plenty of players from the various Hinsdale Central High School boys soccer squads took part in the KICK event this past Sunday. To each of you, and your parents, please accept my thanks for being a part of such an important event relative to helping young people who are your age who often go without the school supplies we often take for granted.

We also had a number of local Business Sponsors who stepped up and contributed in a significant way. Thanks goes out to Clarendon Hills Bank and Hinsdale Bank, SVM/Fuel Incentive Products, Inc., Silbrico Corporation, Sports Clip, Kramer's Foods, Domino's Pizza, Soccer 2000, Daily Scoop, Campus Colors, and Meatheads.

A number of Soccer Family Sponsors also provided sizeable support to the KICK effort. They include the following families; Andrews, Basalone, Bergevin, Cheever, Enders, Floersch, Gesior, Gutman, Krohn, McGowen, Meyer, Oleferchik, Parsons, Pranger, Proussaloglou, Reavis, Scott, and Williams.

As of the is morning the grand total of $5800.00 has been raised in the name of children-in-need.

I realize that each and every person has a choice of what they can do with their funds but I want everyone to know that I am heartened by your choice of assisting our charity through your generosity. You have surely put a smile on the face of many children!

Many thanks,
Dick

KICK Works Wonders!

This past Sunday the Hinsdale Central High School boys varsity soccer team was to hold its soccer-tennis KICK (Kick It in for Chicago Kids) event. Well, mother nature decided not to cooperate and the heavens opened up and doused the tennis courts with a good bit of rain. That canceled the fun part of the day...playing!

Due to the conditions we went indoors and passed out the KICK t-shirts (they look absolutely great) and enjoyed some pizza and gatorade. Ann Scott and I thanked everyone for coming and related some stories of thanks told to us by the children who have received school supplies courtesy of KICK.

Despite the miserable conditions, KICK turned out to be a monumental success. Altogether, with corporate sponsors, family backing, KICK registration fees and donated gift certificates $5,600.00 was raised...truly an amazing amount of money!

I want to thank seniors Mitch Reavis, Will Meyer and Andrew Scott (varsity players) for coordinating the event. Their leadership is certainly appreciated. Thanks also goes out to every single parent, player and company who supported the event and, in turn, are helping those in need obtain the resources they desperately need in order to be successful in their studies.

Thanks to one and all,
Dick

Thank You's - 2011

I am always trying to figure out ways to convey the gratefulness of the recipients of school supplies to our donors and volunteers. It's not always easy to find a way to pass along the heartfelt thanks of those, particularly people hundreds of miles away, who have benefitted from your kindness.

Fortunately, last week I received some 60 letters from students in New Orleans expressing their gratitude for your assistance. The letters of thanks from a few 4th and 5th graders at Fannie Williams Elementary School are to the right of this note. Simply click on the image and it will enlarge to the point where you will be able to read it.

If you are like me, after reading the notes, it is pretty obvious that the kids are extremely thankful for the donation of supplies. Of course none of this would be possible without your time, effort, and funds.

Enjoy!!
Dick

Some Randomness!!

#1 I continue to be perplexed by this scenario. Our population, number of school age students, are all on the rise in this country yet we are getting larger class sizes in many areas while teachers are being cut. Makes no sense to me.

#2 Why do we continue to assess student success largely based on test scores? What happened to improvement, work ethic, attendance and the like?

#3 A fantastic teacher is still the primary means of delivering a great education. Can you imagine if your son or daughter was taught purely by a computer without the face-to-face interaction? I can...it would be disaster!!

#4 I hope schools, and the public-at-large, don't lose sight of the fact that vocational training needs to be an important element in the educational process. Not everyone wants to attend college.

#5 I find it appalling when I hear people say that young people, who come from high crime areas with great poverty, simply 'need to pick themselves up by the bootstraps.' Here's the big problem with that statement...they aren't provided the proverbial bootstraps!!! (resources, support, community backing, jobs, etc.)

Thanks for following my blog,
Dick

The Challenge of Non Profits

I had a lengthy phone conversation with a good friend of mine who embraces volunteerism and the idea of aiding others in need. She is a woman of deep conviction and great passion. I have always found her willing to embrace new adventures, seeking ways to help those who go without, and finding ways to bring others to join in various causes.

My friend confided in me that she will have to give up some of her work in running a non-profit. She also mentioned that finding someone to take over for her is simply not panning out. We also talked about the fact that many people have lots going on in their lives and sometimes these folks aren't able to help as much as they did in the past.

On the one hand, this was a sad phone call but, on the other, I do understand her need to step aside.

Giving of ones time, mental effort, money and a certain amount of freedom can certainly be very consuming when it comes to doing volunteer while, at the same time, raising a family, working, and attending to other pressing concerns. In short, running a charity is a big responsibility.

I have long respected the work of this individual and I understand her dilemma. I simply want to congratulate her on all that she has done for so many people over such a long period of time. I know her willing to be of comfort to others will not end just because she has to step back.

I also want people who read this blog to know that I truly appreciate all that they do in the name of true charity. Your countless acts of kindness are appreciated.

One other observation seems to be clear to me. As long as we keep many people involved in our work so that no one person shoulders too much of the burden, we are all the better for it.

Thanks so much,
Dick

Poverty on the Rise in America

One may wonder just what the rising poverty rate has to do with the work of Schools Count Corp. A rising number of people who live in poverty means that there are fewer dollars to purchase everything, including items for a child's education.

Nationally, 15.1% of all Americans live in poverty, a staggering 46.2 million of our fellow citizens. This is the highest number of people living in dire straits since 1959 according to the Census Bureau.

Since 2007, the median income in this country has declined by 6.4%. In Illinois, last year, the median income fell a whopping 5.5%, from $53,743 to $50,761. There are simply too few dollars to spend on health insurance, food, and other essentials, including school related resources .

Can you imagine living under these conditions? By the way, the poverty rate is defined as a family of four having an income of $22,314 or less. Yes, your calculations are right...one out of six Americans lives in poverty! This is a stark reminder of the critical need for our work to continue.

No wonder people can't afford proper health care, insurance, decent shelter, and quality food. I believe that Schools Count Corp is doing the right thing by assisting children who live in impoverished areas.

Thanks for helping the students who most need it.

Dick

Aid to Barton Elementary

Yesterday we made the trek to Clara Barton Elementary in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood with all sorts of school supplies. You name it and we brought it! Asst. Principal Ms. Higgenbotham was delighted that we could make it.

It turns out that we got the supplies to Barton just in time for a community 'Back to School' event this coming Friday, Sept. 16th. I will do my best to make the 2 pm to 6 pm festivities.

Though 96% of the children receive aid, due to poverty, in the form of meals, I got the sense that the surrounding neighborhood is doing plenty to revive itself. Lawns and homes were neat. The streets were clean and it was apparent, from all the posted signs, that the citizens are doing their best to keep the children safe and in school.

It seems to me as though these folks are doing their very best in many respects and it is reflected both in the school and neighborhood. My point is this...plenty of places in Chicago are working hard to create a better environment for their families, Auburn Gresham being one of them.

Thanks,
Dick

Time to Honor our Donors and Volunteers!

Dear Donors and Volunteers,

Never before has Schools Count Corp. been able to help so many students in so many locations. Because of your efforts we have been able to serve twelve New Orleans schools, twenty-six Chicago Public Schools, one Indiana school, seven tornado ravaged schools in Joplin as well as supplying some desperately needed funds to IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti.

Your generous monetary contributions and many efforts in various volunteer endeavors have been instrumental in aiding so many schools, teachers, students and families. Because of your terrific work, on behalf of others, I want to extend an invitation to you to attend our ‘Donor Volunteer Appreciation Dinner’ on Thursday, October 27, 2011. The dinner and program will take place in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30.

Aside from seeing friends and meeting like minded people who are kind enough to serve a cause, the evening will also be quite special in that I will share some information and photos regarding a portion of our work during the past year. We’ll also hear from Ms. Carmilla Young, a most dynamic and energetic principal from Fuller Elementary School in Chicago. I’m sure you’ll find Ms. Young’s message both hopeful and uplifting.

Please join us for what will surely be a wonderful meal (with vegetarian choices) and a special program. Feel free to invite your spouse, neighbors, other family members and/or friends. Kindly email me at rich219@comcast.net to give me the names of the people who will be attending the dinner. I’d appreciate getting all the reservations no later than Friday, Oct. 21st.

Kindly note that the meal is free and we will not be soliciting for funds this evening. This is a night to say ‘thank you.’

I look forward to seeing you and sharing in the accomplishments of our charity. I want each of you to know that I am most grateful for all that you have done for Schools Count Corp. and the children we serve.

Sincerely,
Dick Flesher

Here's a Testimonial from CPS!

Supporters of SCC, What follows is a brief email I received, within the past hour, which describes the gratefulness of one Mom at a CPS school. It is a testiment to all that you do for our charity and the students we serve.

Hello Mr. Flesher,

As always, we are greatly appreciate your continuous support. We were able to service our students this year beyond the norm. This would not have been possible without your support. This year we enrolled a family of five in the Banneker. The young mother was placed in housing in the Englewood Neighborhood by a local shelter. We were able to assist this family with school supplies. This young mother was overtaken emotionally. She told us, words could not describe her gratitude. This is just one of the many testimonies we have received from our Banneker's families.

Unfortunately, Banneker is having our Family and Fun Night at Banneker on October 27,2011. It will be a celebration of the seasons, students, families and talent. Please let us know how we can be of support.


Regards,
Theresa Ann Lee
Assistant Principal
Benjamin Banneker School
773-535-3020 Main Office
773-535-3272 Fax

'Can't We All Just Get Along'

A good number of years ago that quote, 'Can't We All Just Get Along,' was sounded in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The riots came about due to the acquittals of police officers who beat Rodney King. It was clear from video footage that King had been severely beaten.

I reference this term relative to the current situation regarding the desire of the CPS administration lengthening the day and school year while most within the various schools have yet to fully weigh in on the issue. True, the Chicago Teachers Union President has voiced her disapproval but the vast majority of teachers haven't really made their voice known.

My point is simply this: almost everyone realizes that more instruction time needs to be added to the calendar for the sake of the children. Understanding this point ought to make it farily easy to proceed. Well, I guess it isn't so easy after all.

It is time that the adults stopped acting like children and got their collective acts together in order to come to an agreement on how best to add quality time to the school day.

Unless both groups decide to 'get along,' the kids and their education will be left in the wake of petty arguments.

Dick

Part V - 'Poverty and Potential'

Another major 'Out of School Factor' that contributes towards a child having a difficult time of succeeding in school deals with being medically uninsured. Being uninsured means that there is a better chance that an illness or disease will go untreated.

Untreated aliments may very well keep a student from attending class, putting a child behind when they go back to school. If a student goes to school while being sick, they are probably not going to function very well.

Let's take a look at just who the most vulnerable are in our society.

By looking at income we can see the following:
14.5% of those making between $50,000 and $75,000 are uninsured
21.1% of those making between $25,000 and $50,000 are uninsured
24.5% of those making under $25,000 are uninsured

By looking at race we can see the following:
10.6% of whites (non-hispanic) are uninsured
19.6% of blacks are uninsured
16.5% of Asians are uninsured
32.8% of Hispanics are uninsured

There you have it, being black or Hispanic and in lower income groups means that those people are more likely to be uninsured. Needless to say these students will have a more difficult time in school.

Not only do they need health insurance but they need assistance once they get back to school. Our charity often works with schools in lower income areas. It is where we are truly needed.

Dick

Part IV- 'Poverty and Potential'

One of the six 'Out of School Factors' which affects student success in the classroom deals with children who are born pre-natal or at a low birth weight. What we know is this; those babies born at a 'low birth weight' have more cognitive and behaviorial problems than those born at a normal birth weight.

Quite obviously, these problems will impact student learning in a negative way. Another effect of cognition and behaviorial problems centers on the very real need for schools to find accommodations for such problems.

The Berliner study came up with some interesting facts concerning groups who have the lowest birth weights and are, therefore, more likely to encounter the greatest chance of developing cognitive and behaviorial deficiencies.

Low birth weight refers to babies who are born between the weight of 3 lbs., 5 oz. and 5 lbs., 8 oz. By the way, there are other categories of weight classification, those born who are 'very low,' others 'extremely low,' and children born at a high birth weight.

Let's look at one group, children born at a 'low birth weight.' 8.3% of all children born are classified in this category. 7% of both white and hispanic children are born at the 'low birth weight.' 14% of black children fall into this category.

As you can see, twice as many black children are born at a 'low birth weight' which means they are more prone to the behaviorial and cognitive problems I alluded to earlier in this piece.

This 'OSF' factor puts a strain on the children, families and schools and necessitates that children who are born at a 'low birth weight' will need extra help, aid and resources.

The above is but one of many reasons why Schools Count Corp helps many inner city children.

Dick

Poverty and Potential - Part III

As you know from past blogs, the 'Out of School Factors' do directly impact student success. It is interesting to note that the neighborhoods have a profound impact on children and their opportunities for success int he classroom.

The neighborhood can offer few quality jobs or lots of them. It affords children and families a whole variety of food options, some better than others (and we know nutrition affects school performance). Some neighborhoods are safe, others are much less secure. Some areas are more prone to have pollutants, other areas are much less toxic

What we know is that the above 'Out of School Factors,' that are most harmful, tend to exist where there is more poverty than not.

You might be interested to know just who lives in areas with the greatest levels of poverty and where negative 'OSF' are most in evidence.

In regions in the United States where there is a poverty rate is between 70% and 100% the breakdown is as follows:
4% of white students live in these areas
9% of Asian students live in these areas
40% of Latino and black students live in these areas

Our charity attempts to go into schools where the poverty rates are highest, knowing that both 'In School' and 'Out of School' Factors are working against the children. We will continue to help those most in need.

Dick