Some Words of Thanks

Below is a note that I received from Ms. Carrmilla Young, the Principal of Fuller Elementary.  Many of us know that she is a bright, energetic and caring person.  Tomorrow is her last day as Principal.  What a kind and classy person!!  We wish her well.

Hi All,


Tomorrow marks my final day in CPS and I'd be remiss if I did not take time to thank you for all that you did to make this year successful. I am so grateful for your compassion, dedication, and support. You have no idea what a blessing you were to us over the course of such a challenging year.

We saw tremendous highs such as students accepting the challenge to become exceptional students and even better people, a 63% graduation rate (the highest in years), and continued academic growth! We also faced our share of disappointments- such as not being able to finish that which we began. Through it all, we could count on you to mentor, paint lockers, donate supplies, clothing, and gifts, volunteer, host us at basketball games, and just about everything else in between.

I had the opportunity to speak to the incoming Principal, Mrs. Pamela Creed, and told her all about the wonderful impact you had on our children. I have copied her on this email as well as an e-introduction. It is my sincere hope that you continue your partnership with the students of Fuller as they truly looked forward to every moment spent with you.

Again, words can't thank you enough for all that you've done! I'd love to remain in contact with you all as you never know when or how our paths may cross again.

What a Haul!!

This is but one day of being on the road collecting supplies from the various schools in the area who are donating supplies to the cause of assisting children who desperately need and want the help.

This one photo alone represents the donation of Clarendon Hills Middle School!  This is quite a haul.

Megan Hoff, a teacher at CHMS (and former student of mine) has the sixth grade students engage in this service project.  You name it, they collected it!

This is the fourth consecutive year that Megan and the CHMS students have conducted the supply drive and each year we are able to count on the students for their generous support.  They don't just collect some supplies and throw them in a box in a hapharard fashion.  These items are sorted, organized, wrapped securely, and put in a spot that makes it easy for me to collect.

Thanks CHMS!
Dick

Just Some Random Thoughts

At various times I stop to consider the work that our charity has been engaged in over the years.  Naturally, aside from reflecting on the good we've done I almost always think about what would be happening to the children if we weren't helping them.  It leaves me saddened to think that they could possibly, most likely, be further behind.

On another level, I am left appalled over the fact that much of America just doesn't realize the educational deprivation that hits literally millions of children and families in this country.

School reform, hah, what a joke!!!  If you want some real reform then the place to begin would be seeing to it that significant equal opportunity exists in education.   

How is there equal opportunity when you lack basic tools to perform in the classroom, have too little support at home, are exposed to violence in the community, and jobs are lacking?  The fact of the matter is that too many students don't have an equal chance at the American dream.

This isn't a partisan or political point of view; rather, a statement of fact.  The lack of an equal opportunity afflicts rural areas just as surely as it does the inner city.  No matter your race, you can be faced with the lack of real equal opportunity.

I don't want to hear people say 'they just need to pick themselves up by their bootstraps' because there are simply far too many young people who don't have bootstraps!!

Dick

CPS Strike Vote

Word has it that the teachers of the Chicago Teacher's Union membership has given the go-ahead for a strike if negotiations break down and a contract is not agreed to between the CTU and CPS.  In order for such approval, according to the rules, 75% of the teachers would have to give their approval of a strike.

To be quite candid, this is not an unexpected result given the fact that the school day and school year will be lengthened in the 2012-13 school year.

I wonder just how much thought was given by CPS, Chief Executive Brizard, the School Board and Mayor Emmanuel to the contract negotiation process prior to asking for, and receiving, the added school days and hours.  Perhaps they did take these factors into consideration knowing that a new contract would need to agreed to but, if they did, they had to also realize that the chances for a vote to strike were on the horizon.

Did the 'powers that be' really think they could get a contract done, in a timely and contructive fashion, given these important lengthening factors?  It certainly leaves me scratching my head.  Lots of messages being sent but I see little good taking place as of now.

Dick

More and more supplies!

 It certainly takes everyone pitching in to make a difference when it comes to serving many thousands of children who are in need of essential school supplies. 

The Owano family ALWAYS pitches in by collecting supplies at the various Darien schools.

As you can see there are well over 35 boxes of used and nearly new school supplies.  You name it and they collected it.  If one had to buy these resources at the normal price, during the school year, they would have to pay at least $3,500 to $4,000!


The Owano's spearheaded this drive by getting area teachers and students to buy into the idea that unused resources can really make a difference in the lives of those who too often don't have the basics.

Thank you Owano Family!
Dick

Heading Out

We continue to be in the midst of picking up school supplies in the area.  Today we are making our way to the Clarendon Hills Middle School, Propsect Elementary, DeLay Elementary, Center Cass School, Eisenhower Jr. High, and Lace Elementary.

Many of these schools have participated in our 'Go Green' program for a number of years and, for that, I am indeed most appreciative.

It never ceases to amaze me that many individuals and groups say, 'it's just a small amount.'  Well, those contributions continue to grow and they often aren't 'small' no matter the standard.

By the way, we have plenty of people who continue to volunteer to help load and unload trucks.  Yesterday, while picking up supplies at Hickory Creek Elementary, two janitors helped me load the truck.  Today, Kelly Cronin and two of her friends will assist me while picking up supplies in the Darien, Hinsdale, and Clarendon Hills area.  Plenty of people continue to pitch in.

Many thanks,
Dick

An Honor

Yesterday was one of the highlights of heading Schools Count Corp.  I was invited to attend the Harvey School District end-of-the-year school celebration as we provided the children with winter coats, Christmas gifts and food gift cards.  It was a time to have a meal, share some time with colleagues, meet people and share in the achievements of those in attendance.

I was blown away with the size of the celebration from the time I entered the parking lot a good 30 minutes before the program started.   The gym was packed!

My experience only became more rewarding as the program got underway.  The Brooks Middle School jazz band was simply spectacular!   I have heard many ensembles but this group for their age...wow did they rock the gym!!!!!!!!!!!!

The various district administrators greeted me, past school board members, retirees and IL. State Representative Will Davis in a most courteous and warm manner.  I truly felt at home and at ease considering I knew one person among the hundreds in attendance.

Those who spoke were passionate, sincere and self effacing.  What a great group of professionals.  If I were in charge, I'd hire a good number of them.

Towards the end of the program, as a representative of the charity, I was called to the front of the gym to receive a plaque.  The words of praise read by the MC were heartfelt.  Those in attendance greeted the contributions of our charity to the children and teachers with thunderous applause.  I was stunned.  Like I said, it was an honor. 

To know that people were so very appreciative was at once inspiring and humbling.  What a day, what a group of people, and what a privilege to be able to serve others.

Dick

Huge Donations

It's hard to put into words just how generous the various schools, staffs, and students have been when it comes to donating supplies.  To be succinct, we are getting some amazing contributions! 

We have collected supplies from 23 schools with many more to go.  It is fair to say we have over 1,500 binders, MANY thousands of markers, thousands of colored pencils, 2,000 folders, over 1,000 spirals and an enormous influx of glue, scissors and art supplies.  Simply incredible.

Just about ready to head to Darien and Downers Grove this morning.  Our stops include Lakeview Elementary, Prairieview, Westview Middle School and Maercker Elementary. 

Many thanks!
Dick