Do you have a couch or love seat you aren't using?
How about a dining room table and chairs stored in the garage?
Are there end tables, dressers or night stands you are no longer making use of?
How about chairs and kitchen furnitre?
The above are some of the items I am collecting this week so that I can deliver it to the good people of Harrisburg, IL. who are in the midst of rebuilding in the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes.
Should you want to donate any of the above items (without glass) that are in great condition, I would be pleased to pick them up this Wednesday, March 28th. I will be delivering the furniture the following day, March 29th.
To make a donation simply call me at 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for me to pick up the items.
Thanks for your consideration!!
Dick
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Calling All Furniture!!
As many of you are aware, the small southern IL. town of Harrisburg was hit hard by tornadoes at the end of February. As the citizens try to pick up the pieces from the deadly twisters the town could use some assistance.
I have already told officials at the Harrisburg schools that we will provide some help to the students this coming fall.
Right now, as people start to find housing, there is a call for donations of furniture. I will take a truckload of furniture to Harrisburg on Thursday, March 29th. If you have some furniture that you can donate I'd be glad to come by on Wednesday, March 28th and collect it.
We are looking for beds (frame, mattress, box springs), couches, love seats, chairs, kitchen tables with chairs, dining room table and chairs, coffee tables and end tables. Since this is a long trip I won't be hauling anything to Harrisburg that has glass.
To make a donation call Dick Flesher at 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for me to pick up the furniture!
Many thanks for your consideration!
Dick
I have already told officials at the Harrisburg schools that we will provide some help to the students this coming fall.
Right now, as people start to find housing, there is a call for donations of furniture. I will take a truckload of furniture to Harrisburg on Thursday, March 29th. If you have some furniture that you can donate I'd be glad to come by on Wednesday, March 28th and collect it.
We are looking for beds (frame, mattress, box springs), couches, love seats, chairs, kitchen tables with chairs, dining room table and chairs, coffee tables and end tables. Since this is a long trip I won't be hauling anything to Harrisburg that has glass.
To make a donation call Dick Flesher at 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for me to pick up the furniture!
Many thanks for your consideration!
Dick
Thursday, March 22, 2012
A Positive for Students
As many of you know, I have raised some red flags on plenty of issues regarding the manner in which CPS will implement the longer school day commencing in the fall of 2012. I'm still rather skeptical of the extent to which they are thinking about the use of the lengthened day.
Amid these concerns, one positive has come about as a result of the extended school day (8:00 am to 3:30 pm). All students within the system will have a mandatory 25 minute recess period that piggybacks to a 20 minute lunch period (the order may to switched so that lunch come first).
In essence students will have a 45 minute break from the rigors of school. No doubt this will be welcome news for the kids.
By the way, by giving the children a 45 minute break, teachers will also have that time to themselves. Teachers have a good deal on their plates and providing that time for them will be a plus.
By the way, kudo's go out to those planning the day on another front. By finishing the 'official' part of the instructional day at 3:30 those schools with well established after-school programs should be able to continue them without too many concerns.
At least one huge issue remains regarding the lengthened day. If students attend school for 7 1/2 hours and then go to an after-school activity, in addition to riding a bus, how will the children respond to being at school for 10 hours? It is a critical concern for certain.
Dick
Amid these concerns, one positive has come about as a result of the extended school day (8:00 am to 3:30 pm). All students within the system will have a mandatory 25 minute recess period that piggybacks to a 20 minute lunch period (the order may to switched so that lunch come first).
In essence students will have a 45 minute break from the rigors of school. No doubt this will be welcome news for the kids.
By the way, by giving the children a 45 minute break, teachers will also have that time to themselves. Teachers have a good deal on their plates and providing that time for them will be a plus.
By the way, kudo's go out to those planning the day on another front. By finishing the 'official' part of the instructional day at 3:30 those schools with well established after-school programs should be able to continue them without too many concerns.
At least one huge issue remains regarding the lengthened day. If students attend school for 7 1/2 hours and then go to an after-school activity, in addition to riding a bus, how will the children respond to being at school for 10 hours? It is a critical concern for certain.
Dick
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Can You Hear the Call CPS?
Yesterday I commented on dropping off musical instruments at Chalmers in addition to attending the Advisory Committee meeting. I made the point that the various charities, grants, and NGO's do much, thankfully, to support the Chalmers students and staff.
Two days later, I am left wondering if CPS officials, at various levels, understand the extent to which they don't supply schools like Chalmers that have such critical needs. I'm also left pondering whether CPS appreciates the extent to which these various agencies attend to Chalmers' needs. Do they care?
I'm also left thinking about the future of public education, particularly in impoverished areas, in terms of whether they will wilt on the vine if NGO's and other charities can no longer sustain their support.
The demands placed on schools to perform, in the form of mandates and in the name of 'school reform,' are immense. As those calls for improved performance grow, the need for resources and materials also continues to escalate. Will CPS respond to these needs? One is left to wonder...
Dick
Two days later, I am left wondering if CPS officials, at various levels, understand the extent to which they don't supply schools like Chalmers that have such critical needs. I'm also left pondering whether CPS appreciates the extent to which these various agencies attend to Chalmers' needs. Do they care?
I'm also left thinking about the future of public education, particularly in impoverished areas, in terms of whether they will wilt on the vine if NGO's and other charities can no longer sustain their support.
The demands placed on schools to perform, in the form of mandates and in the name of 'school reform,' are immense. As those calls for improved performance grow, the need for resources and materials also continues to escalate. Will CPS respond to these needs? One is left to wonder...
Dick
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Good and Not So Good
I spent a good portion of yesterday morning delivering music instruments and athletic bags to Chalmers Elementary. The principal, assistant principal, coach and AmericaScores coordinator were thrilled with the outpouring of gifts.
Thank you to one and all for making your wonderful donations to this cause!!
Following the hugs and handshakes, a number of us sat down for a meeting of the Advisory Council. This group is made up of various CPS agencies, NGO's, charities and Chalmers Elementary School personnel.
This is a group that provides in-school services and after-school programs for the staff and children of Chalmers. No doubt, these groups provide some wonderful support to the school.
Though I walked away from the meeting full of hope, based on the commitments made to the children, I was also struck but a feeling of wonderment. Questions and apprehension were foremost.
I thought to myself...What would happen to the school if the grant money disappeared? How could these programs continue if the charities and NGO's pulled out and went elsewhere? What are the chances that these programs will be curtailed given the current state of reduced government spending?
The answers to these questions are troubling, troubling because any reduction in aid to Chalmers and any other inner city schools in impoverished areas will certainly spell doom.
Dick
Thank you to one and all for making your wonderful donations to this cause!!
Following the hugs and handshakes, a number of us sat down for a meeting of the Advisory Council. This group is made up of various CPS agencies, NGO's, charities and Chalmers Elementary School personnel.
This is a group that provides in-school services and after-school programs for the staff and children of Chalmers. No doubt, these groups provide some wonderful support to the school.
Though I walked away from the meeting full of hope, based on the commitments made to the children, I was also struck but a feeling of wonderment. Questions and apprehension were foremost.
I thought to myself...What would happen to the school if the grant money disappeared? How could these programs continue if the charities and NGO's pulled out and went elsewhere? What are the chances that these programs will be curtailed given the current state of reduced government spending?
The answers to these questions are troubling, troubling because any reduction in aid to Chalmers and any other inner city schools in impoverished areas will certainly spell doom.
Dick
Monday, March 19, 2012
Still More!
A few months ago I ran a number of stories about the increase in the number of minutes added to the school day in the Chicago Public Schools commencing in the fall of the 2012-2013 school year.
Just last Thursday, the CPS announced that the school year will have an additional ten days tacked onto the coming school year.
As I have noted, the extended time is likely to produce some beneficial results. Why, because the kids and teachers will make it work!
That being said, hopefully the local schools and teachers will have a big part to play in how the extended time will be used. If CPS just lays down some rules about instruction that will improve test scores, then the 'buy in' by staff will be minimal.
In fact, any time changes are made to the school day, instruction, and curriculum, who better to ask than the those in the trenches? Engaging the people who work directly with the students is not only smart planning, it's imperative. Allowing teachers to play a prominent role in laying out the school day will indeed be a wise use of the extended day and school year.
Let's see if CPS heeds this call!
Thanks,
Dick
Just last Thursday, the CPS announced that the school year will have an additional ten days tacked onto the coming school year.
As I have noted, the extended time is likely to produce some beneficial results. Why, because the kids and teachers will make it work!
That being said, hopefully the local schools and teachers will have a big part to play in how the extended time will be used. If CPS just lays down some rules about instruction that will improve test scores, then the 'buy in' by staff will be minimal.
In fact, any time changes are made to the school day, instruction, and curriculum, who better to ask than the those in the trenches? Engaging the people who work directly with the students is not only smart planning, it's imperative. Allowing teachers to play a prominent role in laying out the school day will indeed be a wise use of the extended day and school year.
Let's see if CPS heeds this call!
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, March 16, 2012
Food for Thought
Diane Ravitch, a noted education expert, in a piece in Education Week, highlighted some of the changes taking place with regard to teacher attitudes with respect to job satisfaction and those who might leave the occupation. The results should be warning to all of us.
Ravitch has found that 59% of teachers were satisfied with their career in education in 2009 while that figure has dropped to 44% today. Of those who are likely to leave the occupation, just 17% thought would in 2009 while that number has jumped to 29% at this point in time.
These aren't Ravitch's numbers, they are the latest results compiled by the Met Life Survey of the American Teacher.
Ravitch points out that these trends coincide with some sad truths over the past couple of years.The past two years have seen funding cuts in education instituted by various levels of government. The result is larger class sizes, reductions in pay, cuts in student health services by provided by schools, higher insurance premium payments by teachers, cuts in art and music programs, reduction in staffing, and more.
What teacher would be happy to see these cuts? Any educator seeing these events is bound to be displeased. In fact, if a teacher wasn't upset with seeing such reductions something would be wrong.
These conditions are real and are taking place in plenty of areas across America. The fact that teachers are facing greater obstacles, in an already challenging position, is not in the best interest of students and educators.
Dick
Ravitch has found that 59% of teachers were satisfied with their career in education in 2009 while that figure has dropped to 44% today. Of those who are likely to leave the occupation, just 17% thought would in 2009 while that number has jumped to 29% at this point in time.
These aren't Ravitch's numbers, they are the latest results compiled by the Met Life Survey of the American Teacher.
Ravitch points out that these trends coincide with some sad truths over the past couple of years.The past two years have seen funding cuts in education instituted by various levels of government. The result is larger class sizes, reductions in pay, cuts in student health services by provided by schools, higher insurance premium payments by teachers, cuts in art and music programs, reduction in staffing, and more.
What teacher would be happy to see these cuts? Any educator seeing these events is bound to be displeased. In fact, if a teacher wasn't upset with seeing such reductions something would be wrong.
These conditions are real and are taking place in plenty of areas across America. The fact that teachers are facing greater obstacles, in an already challenging position, is not in the best interest of students and educators.
Dick
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Still Puzzled
I'm still baffled with the statement made by Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, regarding the starting pay of teachers at $60,000 to $65,000 and then earning up to $150,000.
Seriously, where did he get these numbers? Are they based on what educators earn in other countries or is this their value?
Like I said, I'm puzzled. Mr. Duncan has to know that there are thousands of school districts in this country, some wealthier than others. There is simply no way that this kind of pay will take place in areas where jobs are in need and families live from one paycheck to another. They certainly couldn't afford to pay these salaries.
Put another way, there are more pressing needs in public education than having these types of salaries. Don't get me wrong, as a former teacher, I can see that salaries need to be increased in some areas of our state and in the country.
However, there are far more pressing needs that face students, parents, and educators than meeting these 'pie in the sky' numbers. From my vantage point, in terms of administering this charity, I can see the need to level the playing field in terms of education in our society.
Thanks,
Dick
Seriously, where did he get these numbers? Are they based on what educators earn in other countries or is this their value?
Like I said, I'm puzzled. Mr. Duncan has to know that there are thousands of school districts in this country, some wealthier than others. There is simply no way that this kind of pay will take place in areas where jobs are in need and families live from one paycheck to another. They certainly couldn't afford to pay these salaries.
Put another way, there are more pressing needs in public education than having these types of salaries. Don't get me wrong, as a former teacher, I can see that salaries need to be increased in some areas of our state and in the country.
However, there are far more pressing needs that face students, parents, and educators than meeting these 'pie in the sky' numbers. From my vantage point, in terms of administering this charity, I can see the need to level the playing field in terms of education in our society.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Arne Duncan on Teacher Pay
Arne Duncan has publically stated that beginning teachers should make a minimun of $60,000 to $65,000 and that those high performing, experienced teachers could earn up to $150,000 a year.
Oh yeah, that sounds good.
I take no stock in the rhetoric of Mr. Duncan. Even if he truly feels that teachers deserve this kind of pay, he has to know that the trend is for state and local governments to cut the funding of education. Just look at the vast number of public school referendums that are shot down.
His remarks may very well be heart felt but I have heard this bird chirp before.
Not only are municipalities holding the line on funding but there are plenty of school systems making drastic cuts in personnel. The Los Angeles School District is expected to hand out 11,000 pink slips this spring. Those cuts portend larger class sizes, making it even more difficult for teachers to attend those in need.
There are plenty of areas of the country that not only can't afford to pay this kind of money to teachers, but, sad to say, they won't buy the idea that this is what they should be paid for their services.
Everyone, whether a teacher or welder or carpenter, wants to make more. Talk of it at this time isn't feasible.
Dick
Oh yeah, that sounds good.
I take no stock in the rhetoric of Mr. Duncan. Even if he truly feels that teachers deserve this kind of pay, he has to know that the trend is for state and local governments to cut the funding of education. Just look at the vast number of public school referendums that are shot down.
His remarks may very well be heart felt but I have heard this bird chirp before.
Not only are municipalities holding the line on funding but there are plenty of school systems making drastic cuts in personnel. The Los Angeles School District is expected to hand out 11,000 pink slips this spring. Those cuts portend larger class sizes, making it even more difficult for teachers to attend those in need.
There are plenty of areas of the country that not only can't afford to pay this kind of money to teachers, but, sad to say, they won't buy the idea that this is what they should be paid for their services.
Everyone, whether a teacher or welder or carpenter, wants to make more. Talk of it at this time isn't feasible.
Dick
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
An $1800.00 Bowl-a-thon!
Exactly 100 bowlers took to the lanes at Willowbrook Bowl last Friday and boy did we have some fun. There were plenty of strikes and spares, good fun and sadly a few gutter balls!
It was all worth it as the proceeds from the event was the best ever! We netted over $1800.00 in profits!!
Kudos to Ms. Oler and Ms. McMahon for all the hard work they put into arranging for prizes, food and the organization of the event. You were tremendous!
Hats off to Michael Smith, the Hinsdale Central High School Girls Varsity Soccer Coach, for bringing all of the players from the various squads so that they could participate in the event. Your support is very much appreciated.
Just to give you some idea of the impact that the proceeds render to a school...the $1800.00 is enough money to purchase most of the classroom supplies for a school of 300 children for the entire school year. The significance is great and I know the students, parents and staff are so very appreciative of your generosity.
Many thanks,
Dick
It was all worth it as the proceeds from the event was the best ever! We netted over $1800.00 in profits!!
Kudos to Ms. Oler and Ms. McMahon for all the hard work they put into arranging for prizes, food and the organization of the event. You were tremendous!
Hats off to Michael Smith, the Hinsdale Central High School Girls Varsity Soccer Coach, for bringing all of the players from the various squads so that they could participate in the event. Your support is very much appreciated.
Just to give you some idea of the impact that the proceeds render to a school...the $1800.00 is enough money to purchase most of the classroom supplies for a school of 300 children for the entire school year. The significance is great and I know the students, parents and staff are so very appreciative of your generosity.
Many thanks,
Dick
Friday, March 9, 2012
Henryville Schools Moved to New Locations
HENRYVILLE, Ind. — School officials in a tornado-ravaged southern Indiana community say 1,200 students displaced by storm damage to their schools will likely finish out the school year in classrooms in nearby New Albany and Scottsburg.
The students had attended classes in Henryville, where a three-school campus was heavily damaged in the March 2 storms.
The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., reports (http://cjky.it/xUiSQu ) that West Clark Community Schools superintendent Monty Schneider told the district's school board Thursday night that kindergartners through sixth-graders will likely resume classes March 19 at the vacant Graceland Christian School campus 15 miles to the south in New Albany.
Junior and senior high students are expected to return to classes after the system's March 26-30 spring break in the new Mid-America Science Park 11 miles north in Scottsburg.
___
Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com
The students had attended classes in Henryville, where a three-school campus was heavily damaged in the March 2 storms.
The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., reports (http://cjky.it/xUiSQu ) that West Clark Community Schools superintendent Monty Schneider told the district's school board Thursday night that kindergartners through sixth-graders will likely resume classes March 19 at the vacant Graceland Christian School campus 15 miles to the south in New Albany.
Junior and senior high students are expected to return to classes after the system's March 26-30 spring break in the new Mid-America Science Park 11 miles north in Scottsburg.
___
Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Harrisburg Wins While Losing BB Game
Harrisburg (H.S.), IL was playing its biggest basketball game of the season on Tuesday night. A win would send the team to the IHSA Class 2A Finals in Peoria this weekend.
This was no ordinary game as the team was carrying the hopes of this small town on its shoulders following the February 29th tornado that literally tore apart this small southern Illinois town.
Six lives were lost while hundreds, even thousands, found their lives forever altered. No game, no matter the outcome, can change that fact.
Playing in front of 7,500 fans at Southern Illinois University, Harrisburg fell to Breese by a final count of 37-30. What is remarkable is the fact that the team displayed the same grit and character they had all season.
Forget the outcome. No matter that Harrisburg won't go to the state finals, the team gave the town thrills throughout the season that will last a lifetime and beyond. Yes, for years, residents will talk about the horror of the life shattering tornadoes. But one thing is certain, these same folks will just as quickly and fondly recall that their hoopsters were within a step of reaching the pinnacle of basketball glory.
That one grim day of destruction was met with the applause of the 7,500 fans that saluted the Harrisburg team as it departed the court that March night. For one fleeting moment, Harrisburg had overcome the despair created by the path of destruction. Maybe, just maybe, it will lead to brighter days for the town.
Thanks,
Dick
This was no ordinary game as the team was carrying the hopes of this small town on its shoulders following the February 29th tornado that literally tore apart this small southern Illinois town.
Six lives were lost while hundreds, even thousands, found their lives forever altered. No game, no matter the outcome, can change that fact.
Playing in front of 7,500 fans at Southern Illinois University, Harrisburg fell to Breese by a final count of 37-30. What is remarkable is the fact that the team displayed the same grit and character they had all season.
Forget the outcome. No matter that Harrisburg won't go to the state finals, the team gave the town thrills throughout the season that will last a lifetime and beyond. Yes, for years, residents will talk about the horror of the life shattering tornadoes. But one thing is certain, these same folks will just as quickly and fondly recall that their hoopsters were within a step of reaching the pinnacle of basketball glory.
That one grim day of destruction was met with the applause of the 7,500 fans that saluted the Harrisburg team as it departed the court that March night. For one fleeting moment, Harrisburg had overcome the despair created by the path of destruction. Maybe, just maybe, it will lead to brighter days for the town.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Update on Henryville
As you can see for yourself, the photo of Henryville Elementary and High School indicates the great extent of damage suffered as a result of the tornadoes. Both the high school and elementary school are in need of many repairs. A spokesperson for the district said that 40% of the building is destroyed.It certainly seems improbable that the building is safe enough to house students for the remainder of the school year. The West Clark Community School District is looking for the best possible way to move the 1200 students to other schools. The Board of Education is meeting tomorrow night, in part, to consider where to send the students.
One positive note, thanks to some thoughtful decisions by the bus drivers, principal and other folks, no student lives were lost as a result of the storm as the students were released from school last Friday.
As events continue to unfold, I will be sure to let you know of any assistance we can lend to the students, parents, and school.
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
More Amazing News from CPS
Yesterday CPS Chief Brizard made some incredible comments regarding his system, money and unions and most of the comments are puzzling at best or at least worrisome for those of us who support public schools.
The CEO told at the Economic Club of Chicago and said that "It doesn't make sense that our parents pay taxes and then pay tuition to go to (private) school as well." Briazrd went on to say that "it's a matter of making sure the dollars for the children."
Look Mr. Brizard, that is terrific that parents of students who want to attend private school do so...no problem. If families want that particular education and they have the funds to do, more power to them.
Those who attend private schools have the means to do so. The CPS neighborhood schools are in dire need of the funds so why on earth would you divert funds away from the neediest of areas of the city?
Many people in the poorest parts of the city of Chicago don't need to be further handicapped. When you get right down to it, should funds move away from public CPS schools to private ones, you are talking about making the playing field even more unequal.
Where is the justice and equality that we brag about in America? The Brizard statement flies in the face of these democratic ideals.
Dick
The CEO told at the Economic Club of Chicago and said that "It doesn't make sense that our parents pay taxes and then pay tuition to go to (private) school as well." Briazrd went on to say that "it's a matter of making sure the dollars for the children."
Look Mr. Brizard, that is terrific that parents of students who want to attend private school do so...no problem. If families want that particular education and they have the funds to do, more power to them.
Those who attend private schools have the means to do so. The CPS neighborhood schools are in dire need of the funds so why on earth would you divert funds away from the neediest of areas of the city?
Many people in the poorest parts of the city of Chicago don't need to be further handicapped. When you get right down to it, should funds move away from public CPS schools to private ones, you are talking about making the playing field even more unequal.
Where is the justice and equality that we brag about in America? The Brizard statement flies in the face of these democratic ideals.
Dick
Monday, March 5, 2012
This is Sickening
On Friday Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, along with CPS CEO Brizard, announced that the CPS system will pay a $25,000 signing bonus for up to 50 top-flight principals. Said Emmanuel, "A signing bonus will ensure that we attract the best principals from around the country."
My first reaction? I thought the CPS system was in dire financial straits!!
I have news for the mayor and the office of the CPS, you may - note I said may - attract people but whether they pan out or not is another story. Great educators, including principals, are good at their craft because of what they bring to the position. Cash doesn't ensure an effective leader.
By the way, Mayor Emmanuel, you might want to look in your own backyard for some great principals. CPS just terminated Ms. Young, of Fuller Elementary, a week ago. Ms. Young is bright, effective, and given a real chance, will succeed! This lady is hard working and will fit the bill. You don't have to scour the countryside for effective leaders.
Here's another dandy, current CPS leaders will be given a $5,000 bonus when they find a great principal. Again, I thought that the district was in a dire financial position.
As it turns out, all of the money for principal bonuses and 'finder fees' will be privately funded. Really!! Private enterprise taking over a job that belongs to the public domain?
Public education, by its nature, belongs to the public sector. If this continues, public education will be sold off while we sleep.
Dick
My first reaction? I thought the CPS system was in dire financial straits!!
I have news for the mayor and the office of the CPS, you may - note I said may - attract people but whether they pan out or not is another story. Great educators, including principals, are good at their craft because of what they bring to the position. Cash doesn't ensure an effective leader.
By the way, Mayor Emmanuel, you might want to look in your own backyard for some great principals. CPS just terminated Ms. Young, of Fuller Elementary, a week ago. Ms. Young is bright, effective, and given a real chance, will succeed! This lady is hard working and will fit the bill. You don't have to scour the countryside for effective leaders.
Here's another dandy, current CPS leaders will be given a $5,000 bonus when they find a great principal. Again, I thought that the district was in a dire financial position.
As it turns out, all of the money for principal bonuses and 'finder fees' will be privately funded. Really!! Private enterprise taking over a job that belongs to the public domain?
Public education, by its nature, belongs to the public sector. If this continues, public education will be sold off while we sleep.
Dick
Friday, March 2, 2012
Harrisburg School Suffers Tornado Damage
By Sharon Stevens Education Reporter
Harrisburg, IL (KSDK) - The damage in Harrisburg wasn't limited to homes and businesses. Schools were hit as well.
While some seem fine from the outside, when you go inside, it's a different story.
All classes have been canceled until Monday. Meanwhile, educators are keeping their fingers crossed about the future of the newest school, Harrisburg Middle School.
At first glance, the school on Bulldog Boulevard looks fine. The classrooms are empty, and in and around Harrisburg Middle School, engineers and educators are checking for possible structural damage. Cracks in the ceilings and walls that weren't there before, are there now.
In addition to possible structural damage, the district has some other concerns. Students are scheduled to begin state-wide testing next week. That will take place as planned.
The state high school basketball sectionals are also going on. Wednesday night's game against Benton was canceled, but the teams will be playing Thursday night in nearby El Dorado.
Superintendent Dennis Smith says no students or staff at the middle school were injured, although many families did suffer property damage.
Harrisburg, IL (KSDK) - The damage in Harrisburg wasn't limited to homes and businesses. Schools were hit as well.
While some seem fine from the outside, when you go inside, it's a different story.
All classes have been canceled until Monday. Meanwhile, educators are keeping their fingers crossed about the future of the newest school, Harrisburg Middle School.
At first glance, the school on Bulldog Boulevard looks fine. The classrooms are empty, and in and around Harrisburg Middle School, engineers and educators are checking for possible structural damage. Cracks in the ceilings and walls that weren't there before, are there now.
In addition to possible structural damage, the district has some other concerns. Students are scheduled to begin state-wide testing next week. That will take place as planned.
The state high school basketball sectionals are also going on. Wednesday night's game against Benton was canceled, but the teams will be playing Thursday night in nearby El Dorado.
Superintendent Dennis Smith says no students or staff at the middle school were injured, although many families did suffer property damage.
Take A Look Around You
Does nearly everyone within a school community see the plight of students merely within the confines of the realm of education? I wonder. Sadly, I believe that is the case with a majority of schools with America.
We tinker with state exams, constantly assess students, create new software for educational purposes, establish 'schools within schools,' make plenty of accommodations for students, revise the manner in which teachers are evaluated and more.
Yet, when it comes to looking at the question of why students are struggling or a school is 'on the ropes,' little talk ever takes place among boards of education, state departments of education or local schools that extends to a discussion about the lack of success of a child beyond the four walls of the building.
This just makes no sense. It's as if what happens to a student and his/her ability to be educated is merely confined to what takes place within the classroom. On so many levels, that simply makes no sense.
Of course, people who are responsible for running schools and educating children will tell me that there job is to take care of the building and what happens outside of the classroom and school day is none of their business. My reply is this...If what is taking place outside of the school is harming the ability of students to learn then it is your business to attend to these matters.
Until people who run schools look at the very real factors that affect education beyond the confines of the school building and school day, those students who are facing real life challenges within and outside of the building will not progress to the extent we'd envision.
Thanks,
Dick
We tinker with state exams, constantly assess students, create new software for educational purposes, establish 'schools within schools,' make plenty of accommodations for students, revise the manner in which teachers are evaluated and more.
Yet, when it comes to looking at the question of why students are struggling or a school is 'on the ropes,' little talk ever takes place among boards of education, state departments of education or local schools that extends to a discussion about the lack of success of a child beyond the four walls of the building.
This just makes no sense. It's as if what happens to a student and his/her ability to be educated is merely confined to what takes place within the classroom. On so many levels, that simply makes no sense.
Of course, people who are responsible for running schools and educating children will tell me that there job is to take care of the building and what happens outside of the classroom and school day is none of their business. My reply is this...If what is taking place outside of the school is harming the ability of students to learn then it is your business to attend to these matters.
Until people who run schools look at the very real factors that affect education beyond the confines of the school building and school day, those students who are facing real life challenges within and outside of the building will not progress to the extent we'd envision.
Thanks,
Dick
Thursday, March 1, 2012
ISAT Testing Next Week
With so much discussion taking place these days about school reform; lengthening the school day, adding more days to the school year, greater teacher accountability, trimming pensions, and more, I'm left dazed by the fact that the state and federal powers that be are willing to sacrifice most of next week to state testing here in Illinois.
Think about it...lots of officials want accountability and more learning to take place yet they are willing to give up the better part of a week of instruction for the ISAT test!
Students are assessed throughout the school year in a myriad of ways. Teachers do this pretty much on a daily basis. In terms of real learning, yes real learning, I doubt that the ISAT will either foster it or reveal the lack thereof.
Think about the monetary resources poured into state testing. I have no doubt that better use of these resources could be made if they were poured directly into classroom instruction. The poorest schools could surely use the help.
One more thing to think about regarding the ISAT's. They test students in reading, math, and science (important subjects to be sure) but they don't test critical thinking, creativity, skills in Art or Music or Family and Consumer Sciences, nor do they track the individual progress of a student from one year to the next.
State testing...it surely doesn't accomplish many things that could enable a student to better himself/herself.
Dick
Think about it...lots of officials want accountability and more learning to take place yet they are willing to give up the better part of a week of instruction for the ISAT test!
Students are assessed throughout the school year in a myriad of ways. Teachers do this pretty much on a daily basis. In terms of real learning, yes real learning, I doubt that the ISAT will either foster it or reveal the lack thereof.
Think about the monetary resources poured into state testing. I have no doubt that better use of these resources could be made if they were poured directly into classroom instruction. The poorest schools could surely use the help.
One more thing to think about regarding the ISAT's. They test students in reading, math, and science (important subjects to be sure) but they don't test critical thinking, creativity, skills in Art or Music or Family and Consumer Sciences, nor do they track the individual progress of a student from one year to the next.
State testing...it surely doesn't accomplish many things that could enable a student to better himself/herself.
Dick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
