The Beauty of It All

I just got back from going to Ranchview Elementary School in Naperville. I shot out there this morning as the Principal, Sue Salness, donated two of her personal music instruments - no longer used in the family - to our drive to help Chalmers Elementary start their band program.

On the way back home I pondered the work of our charity. To me, the word charity doesn't accurately describe our work. Perhaps the words kind, decent, and caring are more appropriate.

Take this morning for example. Sue donated the music instruments because she wanted others to benefit from their use. She wanted the kids at Chalmers to have a chance to play an instrument just as her children did in the past.

When I think of Sue, and others like her, I am reminded of the fact that they are good and decent people. Yes, they are being charitable but, to a larger degree, they are demonstrating a real care and concern for others. Somehow I think the word charity/charitable isn't sufficient when it comes to the good work of our donors and volunteers.

For people to give of themselves is really a beautiful gesture.

Thanks,
Dick

People Pitching In for Chalmers

In just one day of making it known that we are doing a music instrument drive on behalf of Chalmers Elementary, people have already stepped up and made donations!! At this rate, we'll be able to really get this program up and going!!

Here are the people who have donated to the cause within the past 24 hours.

Barb Cole - drums and a trumpet
Terri Walsh - 3 music stands
Mary Rayes - trumpet
anonymous - clarinet
Sue Salness - flute and cornet
Mr. Parsons - guitar
Vielka McCarthy - clarinet

Thanks to one and all for passing along your instruments. I know, for many of you, and your children, you have had a long and strong attachment to the instruments. The lessons and music have brought your family great joy. Please know that I appreciate your parting with them, knowing they will go to a good cause.

Thanks,
Dick

Help Chalmers

Chalmers Elementary School in the North Lawndale neighborhood has a dynamic energy about it these days. To continue its growth and service to students, the school desperately wants to start a band program.

They have one problem. Right now they have NO instruments! Fortunately, thrree or four instruments have been donated to Schools Count Corp which, in turn, we'll pass along to Chalmers. We also raised $1200.00 at last week's Mardi Gras Concert which will enable us to purchase a few more instruments.

Here's where I can use your help!! In order to get the band going Chalmers will need additional instruments. I'm appealing to each of you to see if you have a trumpet, trombone, clarinet, french horn, flute or saxophone you can donate to the the cause.

Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net or call 630-863-6035 to make your instrument donation. Remember, you'll receive a tax deduction for making such a thoughtful and needed gift.

My plan is to deliver the instruments to Chalmers when I attend the March 19th Advisory Meeting. So don't delay! Contact me today and we'll make arrangements to pick up the instrument.

Many thanks,
Dick

Huge Success

By any measure, the February 21st Hinsdale Central Jazz Concert was a huge success. Lots of terrific music, a couple of great vocals, and some happy patrons. And isn't that what it's all about...people kicking back and enjoying themselves.

Not only was the music rocking the HC student cafeteria but the evening saw our charity raise nearly $1200.00 in addition to having a few instruments donated to the cause of assisting Chalmers Elementary School. The funds will purchase some sorely needed trumpets, trombones and an alto sax.

There are many people to thank for such a wonderful evening!

The Hinsdale Central Music Parents Association was sensational. They had some tasty refreshments and they had the cafeteria transformed into a night club type atmosphere. Aside from the above, the MPA took care of much of the logistical effort into making the various and many arrangements.

The musicians were simply wonderful. They have rarely sounded better!! Thanks to one and all for giving up your night for such a worthy cause. To Matt Kurinsky and Matt Goeke, HC's two jazz directors, please know that I am grateful for all the work you put into get the musicians prepared for this event.

Finally, to all of those of you who attended the event, donated funds as patrons, and brought instruments please know that I am appreciative of your support. Because of you, we are now about to help Chalmers start a band program.

Thank you,
Dick

Still Hot!

Though two days later, I am still upset that 'the powers that be' have seen fit to 'turnaround' Fuller Elementary. Yes, everyone on staff will be gone. Really, everyone - every single person - should be replaced? Incredible!! Do you mean no one was worth bringing back? I don't believe it for a minute.

Not only was Principal, Ms. Young, given less than a year to lead the school, (that is a travesty in and of itself), her skill set was likely not examined in full. Had the CPS really observed her leadership style that would have seen that she had the ability to 'turnaround' the school.

If it's ultimately improved ISAT scores that CPS wants (it is) then leaving Ms. Young in charge would have accomplished this goal. How do I know? I have observed Ms. Young and she has her teachers moving in the right direction.

By the right direction I mean the following; students are fully engaged in classroom learning, students are serious about their studies, good teaching practices are in evidence throughout the school, attendance is up, a serious literacy program has been undertaken and more. These are the actions taking place in the classroom that will result in student progress.

Too bad CPS didn't witness the positive changes which have taken place at Fuller in the past ten months. Had they bothered to really see what was taking place in the classroom they would never have let everyone go!!!

Dick

Everyone at Fuller Sacked!!

What happens when you have a thoughtful, patient, bright, and encouraging principal who eagerly works to help young people? Well, if you work in the CPS system you might get fired!

Such was the fate of our friend and outstanding principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young of Fuller Elementary School.

One might speculate that changes needed to take place at Fuller. My answer is this...Ms. Young had and was making significant progress with the staff and students in just ten months on the job! Ten months, that's all!!

Does anyone in their right mind think that changing an entire school; its climate, test scores, culture, manner of educating children and more will take place in ten months. Of course not!!

Quite simply, Ms. Young was never give a fair shot at helping the Fuller Elementary School Community. Part of the proof lies in the ISAT scores that CPS relies on to make decisions. Ms. Young, not having been at Fuller for even one year, never had the opportunity to administer the ISAT to see if improvements were taking place under her watch.

So much for credibility of CPS.

As long as this process continues in the foreseeable future - and it's more that likely - plenty of wonderful students, teachers and principals will be harmed. What a crime!

Dick

Two Special Days!

The next two days are going to be full of a good deal of fun, excitement and, hopefully, good news. The latter point regarding some optimism deals with the Chicago School Public School Board rendering a decision on closing schools and turning around others. Specifically, let's hope the Board decides not to let the staff and principal go at Tanner Elementary.

I plan on going to the CPS meeting on Wednesday morning and I will get to you regarding the verdict on any actions that involve Tanner and Ms. Young, the Principal at the elementary school in Bronzeville.

The former is sure to happen as tonight is the night of our fifth annual Mardi Gras Jazz Concert!! Yes, it's Fat Tuesday and the rhythms will be flowing within the Hinsdale Central High School Cafeteria.

Why not join us; relax, visit with friends, partake of a few refreshments and listen to some classic jazz as it is performed by the talented ensembles at HC. $5 ($10 for the entire family) will give you a great night of entertainment. The lively music commences at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you!

Thanks,
Dick

Letter to CPS Board of Education

Chicago Board of Education

It is my pleasure to address the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education and those whose work falls under their jurisdiction. As President of the charity, Schools Count Corp., and a strong advocate of CPS, I wish to address those in attendance regarding the matter of ‘turning around’ Tanner Elementary School and the tenure of its Principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young.

As you enter into your deliberation and decisions regarding the school and its resourceful Principal, but one question should prevail. Has the wisdom, strong voice, calm hand and effective leadership of Ms. Young been given sufficient time, in ten short months, to succeed? The answer to the question lies in the said question which, respectfully, should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer, each board member and anyone else associated with this body who has worked so diligently for a mere ten months. Has the last ten months that you have served given you ample time, with the same dedication displayed by Ms. Young, to demonstrate that you ought to continue in your capacity or be terminated?

I pose this question not as a rhetorical one but one mindful of both the contributions of Ms. Young and those who have served in a diligent manner for such a short duration. The answer seems apparent; the Chief Executive Officer, the board and Ms. Young are deserving of continuing in the capacities you now serve. Thank You!

Dick Flesher

Say What?

It's the dark of the morning here in Cape Coral, FL and I have my coffee in hand along with the Sunday News Press as I sit in Starbucks. As I turn to the 'Views' Section of the paper my attention turns to editorial on education.

Of course, as is usually the case in todays climate, a good portion of the article is devoted to saying how poorly the U.S. is doing compared to other countries. The article says "We are no longer No. 1." I have news for everyone, this has been going on for decades.

Of course there is a 'call to arms' to do something about not being No. 1 and lagging behind when it comes to our standing, compared to the rest of the world, when it comes to reading, science and math.

Going further, and this is what amazes me about the outcome of the meeting of the Alliance Of Educational Leaders, there are four areas to address. Here are two of the four areas, "fix the reading problem" and "close the achievement gap."

Allow me to make just one suggestion regarding achievement. We need to have everyone who endeavors to have students learn to get them to achieve to the best of their ability. That's what really counts. Closing the American achievement gap is simply nonsense.

Dick

Sherwood Shines!!

Sadly, the news that often comes out of the Englewood neighborhood on the southside of Chicago is not positive. To be sure, there is too violence and a fair share of the citizens living in poverty.

There are, however, success stories. Sherwood Elementary is but one of them. The progress being made in the school is encouraging. The composite ISAT score, during the 2010 school year, indicated that 57.5% of the students met or exceeded state standards. Last year the number of students meeting or exceeding those same state standards blossomed to 73.8%!! A remarkable improvement to say the least.

Don't let it be said that the students, building staff and parents aren't getting the job done or that they don't care. The above growth indicates just the opposite and it is just one of many reasons why Schools Count Corp. enjoys working with Sherwood.

Dont' get me wrong...it's not as if these students are of a sudden going to enter the ranks of the middle class. That is just not the case. There are many obstacles to overcome but our charity believes in the school and we will do our part to help them.

Thanks,
Dick

Scratching my Head!

Sometimes things just don't make sense. Okay, there are plenty of times when certain events or decisions made in the field of education simply defy common sense or logic.

On my way to Starbucks this morning I noticed a school bus picking up children at 6:05 am. Really...6:05!!! This is not an optimal time to start teaching. I realize the kids aren't in class at 6:05 but I am sure they are in the classroom at 7:00. Like I said, this isn't a good time for teaching and learning.

Here's another one...The more I examine schools and school practices I have noticed that a good number of schools, as a growing trend, are eliminating all sorts of what I will generically refer to as shop programs. Gone are many woods and auto mechanics classes.

These programs were typically the first exposure of students who became carpenters, mechanics, machinists, plumbers and the like.

We need people in these trades. No wonder 50,000 factories have shuttered their doors in the past eleven years!! High schools typically offered great 'shop' programs. It is a shame that these courses are disappearing. I would love to see the NEA and AFT, and the local associations, fight to keep these programs.

One other thing about shop programs going by the wayside. Ask almost anyone who has been around the teaching profession for awhile and they will tell you that there are plenty of students who want to be in these programs. Without them, I can tell you from experience, a school has more disciplinary issues.

Still scratching my head...

Dick

A Special Appeal

With our Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Concert just days away, I want to make a special appeal for some sorely needed donations. No, I'm not asking for cash donations; rather, I am in search of music instruments!!

I know a number of you who follow our blog are planning on attending the exciting event next Tuesday, Feb. 21st but for those of you who can't make the concert I'd like to offer you another opportunity to help Chalmers Elementary start their music program. If you have a music instrument in good playing condition, we could certainly use it!!

If you can donate the instrument to Schools Count, I'll pick it up or, if you are out of town, I'd be glad to pay for it to be shipped to my house. Remember, not only are you helping Chalmers but, I will write a gift receipt so that you can use it as a charitable tax deduction. Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net or call me at (630) 863-6035 and we'll make the arrangements.

Perhaps you know of a family member or neighbor who can assist us. At any rate, any help that you can give us would certainly be appreciated!

Thanks,
Dick

Fat Tuesday and Jazz!!

2012 promises to be an eventful year for the schools we serve and what better way to kick off our fundraising than to put on a Fat Tuesday Fundraiser!! Our Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Concert is just around the corner and you'll want to get in on the fun at this wonderful jazz concert.

The Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles will put you in the mood by playing a variety of favorites on Tuesday, February 21st. As in the past, Hinsdale Central will host the event in the student cafeteria commencing at 7:30 pm.

Aside from the night club atmosphere and great jazz, the HC Music Parents Association will provide all sorts of refreshments for our patrons. Quite nice of them indeed!

Admission to the event is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. A nice deal! By the way, anyone wishing to donate an instrument, in good playing condition, will be provided with FREE admission and Schools Count Corp will provide a charitable tax deduction receipt for the donated instrument. Just bring the instrument to the concert and I will be pleased to accept it.

The instruments will be given to Chalmers Elementary School in Chicago. They have a music teacher but NO instruments!! Our charity will help the school collect instruments so that they can have a band program.

What better way to shake the winter blues away than to partake in a night of jazz, all the while by helping Chalmers get their program up and running.

Looking forward to seeing you!!

Many thanks,
Dick

Income Disparity Spells Doom in Education

The latest research on the relationship between income and educational success is extraordinarily troubling. Troubling because the data indicates the gap between the rich and poor is widening while recent studies reveal a strong correlation between wealth, or lack thereof, and the degree of success in education.

The data is stunning. Sean Reardon of Stanford University reports that the gap in standardized test scores for students from low income family compared to those of high income families has grown by a staggering 40% since the 1960's.

In another study, researchers at the University of Michigan, reported that, relative to college completion, the imbalance between poor and rich has grown by nearly 50% since the late 1980's. It is a known fact that college completion is a huge predictor when it comes to success in the world of work.

The bottom line is this...income inequality exists and is growing! Sadly, the lower ones income, the less successful one will be in school; elementary, high school and college. Going a step further, less academic success will surely result in obtaining a job that likely won't pay very well. The result; poverty will perpetuate poverty. A sad, sad cycle.

The above studies, as reported by the Friday, Feb. 10th edition of the New York Times paints a pretty grim future when it comes to lower income people getting a decent education. The trend looks anything but bright and that's one of the reasons Schools Count Corp works to help areas that suffer from the effects of poverty.

Dick

Getting a Bit Ugly

Yesterday Chicago ministers called for "bold action" to save 'failing schools' while, at almost the same time, Local School Council (LSC) members/parents were about to hold a news conference regarding the filing of a lawsuit designed to stop the school shakeups.

The ministers present at CPS headquarters are largely in support of the school closings and 'turnarounds.' The LSC members believe that the schools targeted for closure or altered, in some other fashion, should get the funds slated to go to the 'turnarounds.'

Therein lies one of the main sticking points. LSC members and the Chicago Teachers Union contend that the schools, which are underperforming, will do better if the CPS provided the necessary resources. The CPS contends that they have assisted the underperforming schools. This is just one of the 'bones of contention.'

Another sore point is the fact that LSC and the CTU feel that a poor performing school, once it is on the radar as such, will go without funds to the point of degradation. Once that occurs, contend these groups, the CPS comes in to 'shakeup' (closing or turnaround) the alleged 'failing school.'

Another sore spot involves a CPS official. Some citizens don't like the fact that Tim Cawley, who is the current Chief Administration Officer at CPS, once worked for the Academy for Urban School Leadership. This organization is the primary company responsible for 'taking over' a number of schools in the CPS system. Too some, it is a conflict of interest.

One thing is certain. Too little groundwork was laid by CPS to involve the neighborhood, schools, teachers and LSC in such important decisions. CPS can say they have had meetings within these schools but the fact remains that too little was done to create a real buy in by the people in the trenches. Until that occurs the reform, in the guise of closings and turnarounds, will be ineffective.

Dick

It Should Get Pretty Interesting!

In a short 13 days the Chicago Board of Education will take an important vote on closing some schools and 'turning around' others. Obviously, no matter the city or locale, such a vote, and outcome, is very painful.

Plenty of schools, though they may be failing according to district and state standards, really do their best to succeed. Such is the case with some of the schools that CPS is likely to take action on at its February 22nd Board meeting.

To give you a small sample of the consternation that the February vote is engendering, the Chicago Teachers Union has filed a lawsuit to stop the vote. The CTU isn't merely trying to protect jobs, they are interested in keeping schools open that serve their neighborhoods well.

This point shouldn't be ignored by the Board of Education. School, staff, administration, and neighborhood stability are needed in Chicago. Take Fuller Elementary for example. Ms. Young has been there for 10 months and the CPS wants to let her go! Seriously, how is one suppose to effect real change in 10 months?! It won't happen by firing the entire staff.

One of the reasons I keep putting ISAT scores on this blog is to indicate the extent to which a number of 'low performing' schools are making progress. Granted, the progess may be slow but overcoming years of low performance, constantly shifting populations, poverty, instability caused by closing one school and sending students to a new one, neighborhood blight and the like will take monumental efforts by everyone concerned.

Let's hope the CPS Board of Education takes a look at individuals, individual school circumstances, and the various neighborhoods and doesn't simply try to address all problems by a single brush stroke.

Thanks,
Dick

Another CPS School, More Success

Alex Haley Elementary School, located on the south side, showed marked improvement in its ISAT scores from 2010 to 2011. Just another case of all those in the school doing their very best. Let's take a look.

The composite score for all students taking the exam in 2010 revealed that 68.6% of the students either met or exceeded the state standards for reading, math and science. In 2011 the same three subjects showed that the Haley students had pushed the score to 75%. Quite an accomplishment!! 75% of the children either meeting or exceeding what the state demanded.

As we continue to work with a wide aray of schools across different demographics, one thing is clear...most of the schools are making progress. Don't let the social media tell you differently!!! The vast majority of students, teachers, parents, and school officials are doing a great job.

Haley is another example, in a long line, of a CPS school doing right by the children.

Dick

Blogging Galore

I just noticed that I am about to write my 400th blog. There is nothing special about the number other than the fact that I have been at it for a few years. Perhaps that is what is noteworthy, the fact that the charity has been working to help improve conditions for a good period of time.

Therein may lie the answer, in part, to school reform and the larger issue of education. As educators, and those who support the enterprise, we have to keep at it for a sustained period of time.

From time to time I like to report on some of our ongoing efforts or reflect upon some current issues and trends. Often I examine, with great disgust, at what passes as school reform. For the most part I hope to have an uplifting story or experience that stems from the good work of Schools Count. Those stories are always a joy to blog about. This is what keeps all of us going, knowing the 'good' we bring to the lives of so many.

Our charity can't let up and we can't forgot those who are attending classes. Perhaps the students don't even know what awaits them in the years to come. That's more than likely.

I do know that if we stop bringing aid to those most in need then they will have a rough go of it. To be sure, poverty, an absence of opportunities, natural disasters and the like certain handicap a person and neighborhood.

As long as donors are generous, volunteers are giving of their time and energy and the need is there then the work of our charity and my occasional rants will continue. It is an honor to do so in your name.

Many thanks,
Dick

Welcome to Pope, Johnson, and Gregory

No, Pope, Johnson and Gregory is not a new law firm we are working with here at Schools Count. Rather, these are three schools that I visited last Friday to get a sense of their needs and progress relative to adding them to those who we bring supplies to each August.

I had the good fortune to the meet the various principals or asst. principals in addition to the personnel who they work with at AmericaSCORES. I must say that I am pleased to see that these schools are eager to work with us and it is clear that they can use some assistance.

As with other schools in Chicago, I got the sense that the school personnel are very committed to the kids in many ways. I am certain that they are attending to the total needs of the children; social, academic, emotional, and nutrition.

Having Deb, Aisha and Marissa, at AmericaSCORES, to act as a liaison will be very helpful. These three ladies have already done much to make our logistical efforts move smoothly. Though each of these three aren't hired by the schools, they sure are in tune with what is happening in the classroom.

I am eager to work with these North Lawndale schools in the coming year. There are plenty of great people!

Dick

CPS Hearing on Fuller

Last evening some fifty people gathered at CPS Headquarters in Chicago for a hearing regarding the status of Fuller Elementary School. The CPS has a recommendation on the table to make Fuller a 'turnaround' school to be run by AUSL.

You'll remember, a 'turnaround' is a situation where the entire staff is let go and a new one is put in place. AUSL would put the staff in place and 'train' them.

CPS made a couple of statements regarding the failure of Fuller, over the past four years, to raise its ISAT scores in addition to remaining on probation. Additionally, CPS stated its claim to the fact that they tried to rectify various shortcomings. Following these presentations the AUSL personnel made it pitch to turn around Fuller.

After roughly 45 minutes nearly one dozen people stepped forward to defend the new direction of Fuller under Principal Carrmilla Young. Ms. Young has been on the job less than one year!! As most people noted, Ms. Young, and the school, should be given a better chance of continuing to improve the school.

From those within schools to those in the neighborhood to those who work in areas outside Fuller, the sentiment was the same; Ms. Young and the staff have already made marked progress in its academics and school culture in just a few months. I had the pleasure to speak on behalf of Schools Count Corp and to recommend that Fuller remain in the hands of Ms. Young.

A non-partisan attorney ran the meeting and heard from all sides for two hours. It is up to the attorney to come back to CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, and the School Board, with a recommendation to leave Fuller alone or to go ahead with CPS plans to make it a 'turnaround.'

No matter where one stands on the spectrum of leaving Fuller alone or making it a turnaround, it is hard to argue with the internal progress being made by everyone at the school this year. Great learning is taking place and the children are being attended to in terrific manner. I know this for a fact...I have been in the classrooms at Fuller. Amazing stuff!!

I have been in literally 100 schools since this charity started and few of them stack up to Fuller in terms of the progress they are making on many fronts. From my vantage point, this is a 'no brainer,' Fuller has already turned the corner and does not need to be made a 'turnaround.'

Dick

Supporting Fuller Elementary

Hi Everyone,
Below is a copy of a letter I sent to all the members of the CPS Board of Education in support of Fuller Elementary School. I thought you might be interested in what we are doing to support the school. I will be sure to let you know of any communication, or CPS action, with regard to what the Board decides to do with Fuller.

Thanks, Dick

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Richard Flesher, President of the charity, Schools Count Corp. Our charity has been involved in assisting public schools in New Orleans, LA; Joplin, MO; Galveston, TX; Darbonne, Haiti; Cedar Rapids, IA and twenty eight Chicago Public Schools. Over the past two years our agency has brought tens of thousands of dollars worth of school supplies to those students most in need in the CPS system.

I am writing to you as a person who has assisted Fuller Elementary School and has an intimate knowledge of the school, the principal, the students and the staff. Over the past year I have made it a point to visit a number of classrooms at Fuller. I can report to you that the student body, over the past year, has made remarkable progress in many respects. The hallways are calm and quiet, the staff is working effectively, students are attentive and eager to learn, and Ms. Young has transformed the school into one with high expectations. It is a remarkable ‘about face’ from the 2010-2011 school year to the current one.

I believe if each of you were to visit the Fuller Elementary classrooms you would be stunned at the level of success I have alluded to in the previous paragraph. In fact, Ms. Young has already ‘turned around’ the school in significant ways. As you approach your task on earmarking schools to close or ‘turnaround,’ for the next school year, I would strongly encourage you to get into the classrooms at Fuller before you take any action. It will surely make your decision a more informed one. Many thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,


Richard Flesher
President, Schools Count Corp., NFP