Many of our donors and volunteers, at some point in their lives, had the very rich opportunity and experience to play a musical instrument. It takes a good deal of practice, time and patience to be adept at playing an instrument.
There are many children out there, who we work with, who long for just such an experience! There's just one problem, they don't have the funds or access to the trumpet, trombone, drums, clarinet, flute or saxophone!
That's where Schools Count Corp comes in. We have already helped establish a band program at Chalmers Elementary and now we are assisting King Elementary in Chicago. We are buying some instruments but I'd like to reach out to you to ask you to consider donating an instrument that may be in your possession which you no longer use.
I can assure you that your donated instrument will not collect dust! It will be put to good use right away! There are children at King who want to be in the band program but can't join because there are simply not enough instruments to go around. Well, we can help them do something about it.
Simply contact me by calling 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net and we can chat about the opportunity to help the kids. I can write you a charitable tax receipt for the current market value of the instrument and would be pleased to provide it to you. Thanks for your consideration.
Though parting with the instrument may be difficult, it will also allow a deserving, perhaps even aspiring, musician the chance to do something they have always longed to do...to play.
Thank you,
Dick
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Seven Years Later
Seven years to the day, yet another hurricane has hit New Orleans and the surrounding area. Scant coverage of this disaster has taken place other than on the Weather Channel. To my knowledge no breaches of levees has taken place in the Lower Ninth, Gentilly, or other areas within Orleans Parish.
There has been considerable damage in such places as Plaquemines Parish, Jefferson Parish and many parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Biloxi, Waveland, Bay St. Louis and Gulfport are but some of the affected cities in MS. I will try to get a better assessment of the damages to these areas and pass them along to you.
I am well aware that people were pulled from rooftops yesterday and that the situation is far from stable. Some levees, other than the ones repaired, have been topped. Flooding is a huge problem and with a lack of power in many part of the NOLA area, one understands that pumps won't be able to operate.
I can report that our good friend Cheryllyn Branche is safe though she has some damage to her home. I have not been able to get ahold of Marcel and Marva Scott in Gentilly but when I do I will pass along our best wishes.
At this point, because I don't have a complete report, I am not sure of our involvement, if any, in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. If we have the opportunity to assist these good people I will be sure to get in touch with you.
Thanks,
Dick
There has been considerable damage in such places as Plaquemines Parish, Jefferson Parish and many parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Biloxi, Waveland, Bay St. Louis and Gulfport are but some of the affected cities in MS. I will try to get a better assessment of the damages to these areas and pass them along to you.
I am well aware that people were pulled from rooftops yesterday and that the situation is far from stable. Some levees, other than the ones repaired, have been topped. Flooding is a huge problem and with a lack of power in many part of the NOLA area, one understands that pumps won't be able to operate.
I can report that our good friend Cheryllyn Branche is safe though she has some damage to her home. I have not been able to get ahold of Marcel and Marva Scott in Gentilly but when I do I will pass along our best wishes.
At this point, because I don't have a complete report, I am not sure of our involvement, if any, in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. If we have the opportunity to assist these good people I will be sure to get in touch with you.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Teacher Unions - Hardly Villians!
I just learned this morning that the Chicago Teacher's Union has filed a ten day notice of its intent to strike. The chances of a strike are quite high following the Labor Day Holiday. This is not an unexpected event, many expecting one since early this spring.
I occasionally hear people complaining about teachers, education, and the alleged failure of schools (teachers) to meet the needs of students. Films are literature are out there claiming that such problems, and others, are caused by teacher unions.
That is simply inaccurate. There are hundreds of thousands of teachers out there. These good stewards of the educational process have all sorts of needs, pay being just one of the. Teachers understand curriculum, learning, the student and what motivates him/her, methods of delivering materials, how to make effective use of time, assessments and much more.
To make the above issues, and a whole host of others, more relevant and understood by the general public, a voice must be heard. Unions and other teacher associations are willing and able to attend to the concerns related to these issues. When you get right down to it, dealing with these issues is vital to students receiving a top flight educational experience.
Unions and teacher associations do an excellent of working on student and teaching concerns. These union and association benefits rarely get noticed by most people. This is but another reason NOT to villify teacher unions.
Dick
I occasionally hear people complaining about teachers, education, and the alleged failure of schools (teachers) to meet the needs of students. Films are literature are out there claiming that such problems, and others, are caused by teacher unions.
That is simply inaccurate. There are hundreds of thousands of teachers out there. These good stewards of the educational process have all sorts of needs, pay being just one of the. Teachers understand curriculum, learning, the student and what motivates him/her, methods of delivering materials, how to make effective use of time, assessments and much more.
To make the above issues, and a whole host of others, more relevant and understood by the general public, a voice must be heard. Unions and other teacher associations are willing and able to attend to the concerns related to these issues. When you get right down to it, dealing with these issues is vital to students receiving a top flight educational experience.
Unions and teacher associations do an excellent of working on student and teaching concerns. These union and association benefits rarely get noticed by most people. This is but another reason NOT to villify teacher unions.
Dick
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Hurricane Isaac
Seven years ago tomorrow, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast region, wreaking havoc in so very many ways. Though much rebuilding has taken place much of Gentilly, East New Orleans and the Lower Ninth are regions still working to regain their original vitality.
Not much can be said as another hurricane approaches, though it's suppose to be much less intense, other than we wish for the very best for all the citizens in the city and surrounding area. For me, and many of our donor and volunteers, the good people of NOLA are, in many respects, family.
Our charity started its work by aiding the residents and forty three of NOLA's schools. It has been a great joy to see so many families and schools grow in the aftermath of Katrina. One can only hope that the city and its residents will be spared the heartbreak that took place seven years ago.
Our thoughts, concerns and prayers are with you.
Dick
Not much can be said as another hurricane approaches, though it's suppose to be much less intense, other than we wish for the very best for all the citizens in the city and surrounding area. For me, and many of our donor and volunteers, the good people of NOLA are, in many respects, family.
Our charity started its work by aiding the residents and forty three of NOLA's schools. It has been a great joy to see so many families and schools grow in the aftermath of Katrina. One can only hope that the city and its residents will be spared the heartbreak that took place seven years ago.
Our thoughts, concerns and prayers are with you.
Dick
Monday, August 27, 2012
What is Going On?
It seems that almost any story one would read in a daily newspaper or see on television involves a teacher strike, their pay, school reform, and the problems associated with paying their pensions. There is no denying the fact that these issues are out there.
The problem is this...if that's all the media focuses on then many of the current realities of the profession are ignored or out of the purview of the general public. Teaching and teachers are going through a transformative period that is often not of their doing, has a draining effect and consumes huge portions of time and effort.
It is not uncommon for a teacher to have a variety of students in the same class...Honors, AP, Regular, Inclusion, those with IEP's and the like. The demands made of teachers in such a situation necessitates that a teacher often work with multiple aides and have at least a couple of different lesson plans for the same class period. The days of having one lesson for one class are going by the wayside.
The above situation calls on teachers to have a couple of different curriculums, additional handouts, and different classrooms materials. I am aware of many teachers dealing with this scenario. It also means that students with greater needs demand more teacher attention. Sadly, some students get passed over not because a teacher intends to; rather, it simply isn't practical to 'get to' everyone.
You would be surprised at the out-of-classroom time, at school and home, that an instructor spends with aides, case managers and parents in just one of the above described classrooms. It is incredible!!!
Oh, it doesn't end here!! You can be sure that a teacher will have to have different assessments, different tests and different rubrics that deals with the above situation.
The general public lacks much of this information. Ones view of the teaching profession and the demands placed on teachers may simply be ill informed. To be sure, those of us who have been teachers would be hard pressed in today's classroom.
The challenges are great but what I see taking place by those many great teachers continues to amaze me!
Thanks!
Dick
The problem is this...if that's all the media focuses on then many of the current realities of the profession are ignored or out of the purview of the general public. Teaching and teachers are going through a transformative period that is often not of their doing, has a draining effect and consumes huge portions of time and effort.
It is not uncommon for a teacher to have a variety of students in the same class...Honors, AP, Regular, Inclusion, those with IEP's and the like. The demands made of teachers in such a situation necessitates that a teacher often work with multiple aides and have at least a couple of different lesson plans for the same class period. The days of having one lesson for one class are going by the wayside.
The above situation calls on teachers to have a couple of different curriculums, additional handouts, and different classrooms materials. I am aware of many teachers dealing with this scenario. It also means that students with greater needs demand more teacher attention. Sadly, some students get passed over not because a teacher intends to; rather, it simply isn't practical to 'get to' everyone.
You would be surprised at the out-of-classroom time, at school and home, that an instructor spends with aides, case managers and parents in just one of the above described classrooms. It is incredible!!!
Oh, it doesn't end here!! You can be sure that a teacher will have to have different assessments, different tests and different rubrics that deals with the above situation.
The general public lacks much of this information. Ones view of the teaching profession and the demands placed on teachers may simply be ill informed. To be sure, those of us who have been teachers would be hard pressed in today's classroom.
The challenges are great but what I see taking place by those many great teachers continues to amaze me!
Thanks!
Dick
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Hard to Put into Words
Thank you is a powerful phrase but, given the generosity of the Hinsdale Central Boys Soccer program, thank you doesn't come close to expressing the heartfelt appreciation for all that they do to support student throughout the Chicagoland area.
The program helps our charity on many fronts. Each year a group of varsity soccer players solicit funds from area companies to support our work. This takes a good deal of time as the boys have to put together a presentation, make a visit to the potential donor and then follow up on various leads.
This initiative is part of the KICK program, a fifth year endeavor to help Schools Count Corp. In five years the KICK (Kick It in for Chicago Kids) has raised in excess of $20,000!!
The boys running KICK and a good core of soccer parents also reach out to the general community for financial support for our local programs. Individual donations are accepted in addition to corporate sponsorship.
The KICK program also collects winter coats as part of their effort to help school children in the Chicagoland area. Not only are coats collected but the soccer community seeks donations of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. The HC Soccer Banquet takes place on November 7th and families can donate the winter wear at the front entrance of Ashton Place prior to attending the banquet.
All is all, no matter the record, the soccer program continues to do great humanitarian work that extends well beyond the field of play.
Thank You,
Dick
The program helps our charity on many fronts. Each year a group of varsity soccer players solicit funds from area companies to support our work. This takes a good deal of time as the boys have to put together a presentation, make a visit to the potential donor and then follow up on various leads.
This initiative is part of the KICK program, a fifth year endeavor to help Schools Count Corp. In five years the KICK (Kick It in for Chicago Kids) has raised in excess of $20,000!!
The boys running KICK and a good core of soccer parents also reach out to the general community for financial support for our local programs. Individual donations are accepted in addition to corporate sponsorship.
The KICK program also collects winter coats as part of their effort to help school children in the Chicagoland area. Not only are coats collected but the soccer community seeks donations of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. The HC Soccer Banquet takes place on November 7th and families can donate the winter wear at the front entrance of Ashton Place prior to attending the banquet.
All is all, no matter the record, the soccer program continues to do great humanitarian work that extends well beyond the field of play.
Thank You,
Dick
Friday, August 24, 2012
Good News
More good news on the ground at Chalmers Elementary. As many of you know we provided music instruments to Chalmers this past spring. Not only did the students start learning how to play the instruments but they had the good fortune to participate in a two-week workshop this past summer. Well, there is more good news with regard to the program.
Schools Count will provide long sleeve Kelly Green shirts to the band. An order was placed this morning. Nothing like a band having its own digs. Finally, in speaking with the band director, over the past few days, tentative plans are in the works for the Chalmers students to perform at our Annual Donor Volunteer Dinner in the early Spring of 2013!! That will be a special evening. I will be sure to get information out so that you can plan on attending this event.
I am appreciative of each and every one of our donors for providing the funds (and donated instruments) so that instruments and shirts could be provided to the deserving students at Chalmers.
Many thanks,
Dick
Schools Count will provide long sleeve Kelly Green shirts to the band. An order was placed this morning. Nothing like a band having its own digs. Finally, in speaking with the band director, over the past few days, tentative plans are in the works for the Chalmers students to perform at our Annual Donor Volunteer Dinner in the early Spring of 2013!! That will be a special evening. I will be sure to get information out so that you can plan on attending this event.
I am appreciative of each and every one of our donors for providing the funds (and donated instruments) so that instruments and shirts could be provided to the deserving students at Chalmers.
Many thanks,
Dick
Thursday, August 23, 2012
On Closer Inspection
Yesterday I reported on CPS and national ACT test scores for 2011. When one takes a closer look at the data for the inner city, Hispanics and African Americans one sees a pattern.
CPS scores (inner city which is largely devoid of affluent students) and those of African Americans and Hispanics are strikingly similar. Why is that? The answer isn't simply and that's because there are many reasons for the scores lagging behind the rest of America.
Poverty has much to do with this scenario. When people are without funds they can't buy the nutritional food, better housing, needed school supplies and decent clothing (school uniforms and winter coats for example) that have a real effect on how one performs in school.
Sadly, many inner city, Hispanic and African American families find themselves without jobs which further adds to the above poverty. Often the poor housing situation may be in an area that has much too much crime. These areas have shuttered factories, store front and litter abounds. Such areas of blight are not optimum environments relative to a student doing well in school.
All of the above factors create an environment in which a degree of hopelessness sets in. I have people tell me 'they just have to pick themselves up by the bootstraps.' Well, therein lies the problem...many of the inner city, Hispanic and African Americans (by the way there are plenty of Whites who live in poverty who are in the same situation) don't have the bootstraps to start with!!!!
Test scores are not simply about whether a child is bright or not. ACT scores do not fully correlate merely to the effectiveness of a school. No, much more goes into the formation of how a child performs on a test, ACT or otherwise.
Thanks,
Dick
CPS scores (inner city which is largely devoid of affluent students) and those of African Americans and Hispanics are strikingly similar. Why is that? The answer isn't simply and that's because there are many reasons for the scores lagging behind the rest of America.
Poverty has much to do with this scenario. When people are without funds they can't buy the nutritional food, better housing, needed school supplies and decent clothing (school uniforms and winter coats for example) that have a real effect on how one performs in school.
Sadly, many inner city, Hispanic and African American families find themselves without jobs which further adds to the above poverty. Often the poor housing situation may be in an area that has much too much crime. These areas have shuttered factories, store front and litter abounds. Such areas of blight are not optimum environments relative to a student doing well in school.
All of the above factors create an environment in which a degree of hopelessness sets in. I have people tell me 'they just have to pick themselves up by the bootstraps.' Well, therein lies the problem...many of the inner city, Hispanic and African Americans (by the way there are plenty of Whites who live in poverty who are in the same situation) don't have the bootstraps to start with!!!!
Test scores are not simply about whether a child is bright or not. ACT scores do not fully correlate merely to the effectiveness of a school. No, much more goes into the formation of how a child performs on a test, ACT or otherwise.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
ACT Scores - Local and National
Lots of smiles yesterday as it was reported that the average ACT score of CPS students soared from 17.2 to 17.6. That's a big jump for certain. At least CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard did the right thing by lauding the work of the students and teachers.
Though the 17.6 score is quite an improvement it, nonetheless, is behind the national average of 21.1 and below the goal of 20 as set by the Chicago Public School officials.
It's also worth noting that scores were released yesterday on the national scene regarding ACT test results. On the bright side, the number of students who are more proficient in Math and Science indicated some positive gains.
But progress has been rather slow in other respects. Just 25% of those who took the 2011 ACT test were deemed 'ready for college' in four core curriculum areas. That is unchanged from 2010. Perhaps most alarming in the lack of growth for a couple of racial groups.
The average score for African Americans rose from 16.9 in 2010 to 17.0 in 2011. Growth, but sadly not nearly enough. Most worrisome is the fact that just 13% of Hispanics scored high enough to be 'ready for college while a scant 5% of African Americans met the same standard.
Many of these results underscore the work that our charity is called upon to undertake in areas of extreme poverty. We will continue to do our best to help address the educational needs of children at risk.
Thanks,
Dick
Though the 17.6 score is quite an improvement it, nonetheless, is behind the national average of 21.1 and below the goal of 20 as set by the Chicago Public School officials.
It's also worth noting that scores were released yesterday on the national scene regarding ACT test results. On the bright side, the number of students who are more proficient in Math and Science indicated some positive gains.
But progress has been rather slow in other respects. Just 25% of those who took the 2011 ACT test were deemed 'ready for college' in four core curriculum areas. That is unchanged from 2010. Perhaps most alarming in the lack of growth for a couple of racial groups.
The average score for African Americans rose from 16.9 in 2010 to 17.0 in 2011. Growth, but sadly not nearly enough. Most worrisome is the fact that just 13% of Hispanics scored high enough to be 'ready for college while a scant 5% of African Americans met the same standard.
Many of these results underscore the work that our charity is called upon to undertake in areas of extreme poverty. We will continue to do our best to help address the educational needs of children at risk.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, August 20, 2012
Fuller Fun
Other than a bit of late morning rain, yesterday was a terrific day for the families of students who attend Fuller Elementary. Though the students started classes on Aug. 13th, the 'Back to School' party was held yesterday, Sunday, Aug. 19th.
It was a marvelous affair on all fronts!!! The outdoor area behind the school was packed. Kids were all over the place and, boy, did they have a great time.
Some 200 people attended the party. Everywhere one looked, everyone was having a blast. There were lots of games; rice race, bean bag toss, free throw shooting ( a big line here!) a ping pong ball toss, face painting, jump rope, and more. Prizes were awarded to those who earned enough coupons and great food was provided to the children and their families.
It was wonderful time for me as I got to chat with the principal, meet a few graduates of Fuller and talk to a few parents. One parent, in particular, was so very grateful that we brought supplies to Fuller and her three grandaughters. When she asked why our charity was working with Fuller my response was simply that our donors and volunteers knew how very thankful her family was for our work.
In a nutshell, that is what makes our working so motivating...the mere fact that people are so geniunely appreciative of all that we do to assist their kids.
Dick
It was a marvelous affair on all fronts!!! The outdoor area behind the school was packed. Kids were all over the place and, boy, did they have a great time.
Some 200 people attended the party. Everywhere one looked, everyone was having a blast. There were lots of games; rice race, bean bag toss, free throw shooting ( a big line here!) a ping pong ball toss, face painting, jump rope, and more. Prizes were awarded to those who earned enough coupons and great food was provided to the children and their families.
It was wonderful time for me as I got to chat with the principal, meet a few graduates of Fuller and talk to a few parents. One parent, in particular, was so very grateful that we brought supplies to Fuller and her three grandaughters. When she asked why our charity was working with Fuller my response was simply that our donors and volunteers knew how very thankful her family was for our work.
In a nutshell, that is what makes our working so motivating...the mere fact that people are so geniunely appreciative of all that we do to assist their kids.
Dick
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Start of the School Year
Finally, a piece in the editorial section of the Chicago Tribune that gets to the very essence of education. No, it's not about mentoring, partnering, the length of the school day, online classes, contracts and the other many issues that a part of the education scenario.
The Sunday story is about an issue far more significant than any of the above. The editorial goes right to the very core of education...the relationship between a student and his/her teacher.
Perhaps it is best to simply quote a few parts of the editorial to make this point. "A classroom isn't an assembly line - insert Fact A in Head B - but a laboratory of trial and error. Teachers may teach the same facts, but to different kids. And that's where a teacher's skill - and gift for teaching - counts." The very best and brighest understand this core value.
The editorial goes on to state, "From the first day, smart teachers know they need to establish a classroom "culture,"to help kids learn." The great abundance of our best teachers realize they are there to help children. This is a profession of aiding, inspiring, and motivating. It isn't about cramming and testing.
As Cheryl Watkins , the principal of Pershing West said to the Tribune, it means 'establishing a climate that is collegial and collaborative, letting kids know that you're not on your own, that we're working together.' You better darn well let students know that you care, that you're in their corner.
You may ask, 'so what does this have to do with School Count?' The answer is as simple as the above. Our charity works to aid those many instructors who understand and endeavor to accomplish exactly what is contained in the editorial.
Dick
The Sunday story is about an issue far more significant than any of the above. The editorial goes right to the very core of education...the relationship between a student and his/her teacher.
Perhaps it is best to simply quote a few parts of the editorial to make this point. "A classroom isn't an assembly line - insert Fact A in Head B - but a laboratory of trial and error. Teachers may teach the same facts, but to different kids. And that's where a teacher's skill - and gift for teaching - counts." The very best and brighest understand this core value.
The editorial goes on to state, "From the first day, smart teachers know they need to establish a classroom "culture,"to help kids learn." The great abundance of our best teachers realize they are there to help children. This is a profession of aiding, inspiring, and motivating. It isn't about cramming and testing.
As Cheryl Watkins , the principal of Pershing West said to the Tribune, it means 'establishing a climate that is collegial and collaborative, letting kids know that you're not on your own, that we're working together.' You better darn well let students know that you care, that you're in their corner.
You may ask, 'so what does this have to do with School Count?' The answer is as simple as the above. Our charity works to aid those many instructors who understand and endeavor to accomplish exactly what is contained in the editorial.
Dick
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Let's Help Them Get Fit
As we were delivering school supplies to Lowell Longfellow Elementary in Harvey last week, the Principal, Mr. McGrone, remarked that the children could use some much needed Physical Education equipment. The school has a gym and plenty of outdoor space so there are opportunities for the students to participate in various activities.
Among the items needed are hoola hoops, indoor basketballs, and baseball equipment (gloves, baseballs and bats). If you have access to any of these items in good condition please let me know and I'll pick it up in the next week. With school starting, I want to get these supplies to LL around Labor Day.
Physical Education, FACS, Music, Art and other such curriculum are vital components to a full fledged education and the children (and staff for that matter) would certainly benefit from these in a big way.
If you can help with any of these items simply give me a call at (630) 863-6035 or shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements to pick up the supplies.
Many thanks,
Dick
Among the items needed are hoola hoops, indoor basketballs, and baseball equipment (gloves, baseballs and bats). If you have access to any of these items in good condition please let me know and I'll pick it up in the next week. With school starting, I want to get these supplies to LL around Labor Day.
Physical Education, FACS, Music, Art and other such curriculum are vital components to a full fledged education and the children (and staff for that matter) would certainly benefit from these in a big way.
If you can help with any of these items simply give me a call at (630) 863-6035 or shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements to pick up the supplies.
Many thanks,
Dick
Friday, August 17, 2012
Plenty in the Works!!
Okay, our deliveries have been made to the various schools and many thousands of children have some brand new supplies to get them off to a great start in the school year. So the job's done, right? In terms of getting the supplies to where they are needed, yes, but, we have an exciting array of events, fundraisers and various initiatives right around the corner.
So, here are some of our plans going forward. We would love to have you participate in as many of them as possible. Should be fun!
Sept. 16: The Hinsdale Central High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team is conducting its Fifth Annual KICK event (Kick it in for Chicago Kids). This is a tremendous soccer-tennis team event. For details on entering or to see what you can do to be a part of it just give me a holler.
Friday, October 19: Our Fifth Annual Habitat for Humanity/Schools Count Corp Chili Dinner from 4:30 pm to 7:00 just prior to the start of the HC - York home football game.
Oct. 22-Nov.9: Our Second Annual Winter Coat Drive to assist Chicago area students. New and used coats (but clean and in great condition) are needed along with mittens and gloves. Our goal is to collect 1,000 coats. Delivery will be the week before Thanksgiving, making the holiday a warm and thankful time!
Contact Dick Flesher at 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net to take part.
Feb./March 2013: We will hold our Donor/Volunteer Dinner at a time to be arranged in the next few weeks. The event will be held at Hinsdale Central High School from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It's a free dinner and a chance to hear a special guest. It's also a wonderful time to share in the accomplishments of so many like-minded and caring people.
March 2013: Our annual bowling event will take place on either the second or third Friday of the month. This is a wonderful time to have some fun and raise some money for the coming year. We'll hit the lanes from 3:30 pm to 6:00 at Willowbrook Bowl on Plainfield Rd. in Willowbrook, IL. More details to follow.
These are but a few events that will take place in the coming months. Many more are sure to be added. We look forward to working together to help children who really want to learn.
Thanks,
Dick
So, here are some of our plans going forward. We would love to have you participate in as many of them as possible. Should be fun!
Sept. 16: The Hinsdale Central High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team is conducting its Fifth Annual KICK event (Kick it in for Chicago Kids). This is a tremendous soccer-tennis team event. For details on entering or to see what you can do to be a part of it just give me a holler.
Friday, October 19: Our Fifth Annual Habitat for Humanity/Schools Count Corp Chili Dinner from 4:30 pm to 7:00 just prior to the start of the HC - York home football game.
Oct. 22-Nov.9: Our Second Annual Winter Coat Drive to assist Chicago area students. New and used coats (but clean and in great condition) are needed along with mittens and gloves. Our goal is to collect 1,000 coats. Delivery will be the week before Thanksgiving, making the holiday a warm and thankful time!
Contact Dick Flesher at 630-863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net to take part.
Feb./March 2013: We will hold our Donor/Volunteer Dinner at a time to be arranged in the next few weeks. The event will be held at Hinsdale Central High School from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It's a free dinner and a chance to hear a special guest. It's also a wonderful time to share in the accomplishments of so many like-minded and caring people.
March 2013: Our annual bowling event will take place on either the second or third Friday of the month. This is a wonderful time to have some fun and raise some money for the coming year. We'll hit the lanes from 3:30 pm to 6:00 at Willowbrook Bowl on Plainfield Rd. in Willowbrook, IL. More details to follow.
These are but a few events that will take place in the coming months. Many more are sure to be added. We look forward to working together to help children who really want to learn.
Thanks,
Dick
Thursday, August 16, 2012
One Program at a Time
Music instruments and music programs are a huge expense but, as many of you well know, for many children music is both a delight and quite essential. By the way, music ought to be a critical component of any decent education.
This past spring we were able to provide 25 assorted music instruments to Chalmers Elementary School in the North Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago. The program is already thriving as witnessed by the fact that 45 students took part in a two weeks summer camp!! Chalmers is well on its way to providing the kids with a first rate band program.
As you know, last week we delivered seven truckloads of student supplies to CPS and the Harvey School District. As we delivered the supplies to King Elementary, we learned of their desire to have a band program. Well, we may not have the funds to help every school garner music instruments (though that would be nice!) but we made a commitment to get tombones, clarinets, saxophones and the like to King in the coming weeks.
Here's how you can help. If you have an instrument in good playing condition and would like to donate it, that would be wonderful. Remember, we can provide you with a charitable gift receipt for a tax deduction. If you know a nieghbor, friend or other family member who no longer uses their instrument I'd appreciate your passing along the word of our work with King Elementary.
If you can help us, that would be terrific! Just call me at (630) 863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net to take part in this initiative.
Many thanks,
Dick
This past spring we were able to provide 25 assorted music instruments to Chalmers Elementary School in the North Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago. The program is already thriving as witnessed by the fact that 45 students took part in a two weeks summer camp!! Chalmers is well on its way to providing the kids with a first rate band program.
As you know, last week we delivered seven truckloads of student supplies to CPS and the Harvey School District. As we delivered the supplies to King Elementary, we learned of their desire to have a band program. Well, we may not have the funds to help every school garner music instruments (though that would be nice!) but we made a commitment to get tombones, clarinets, saxophones and the like to King in the coming weeks.
Here's how you can help. If you have an instrument in good playing condition and would like to donate it, that would be wonderful. Remember, we can provide you with a charitable gift receipt for a tax deduction. If you know a nieghbor, friend or other family member who no longer uses their instrument I'd appreciate your passing along the word of our work with King Elementary.
If you can help us, that would be terrific! Just call me at (630) 863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net to take part in this initiative.
Many thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Supplies Sent, Coats Will be on their Way
Yes, our mission last week of delivering almost 60 pallets of supplies to nearly 40 CPS and Harvey, IL schools was an astounding success. The kids have the needed supplies, parents are thrilled with the donations and school personnel know they can get the kids revved up for learning on day 1!!
But providing the necessary everyday tools for learning is but one facet of assisting children with their education. It's not nearly enough to drop off the supplies and then call it a year. Much more needs to be done to really help the students.
Kids will hit some rough spots during the school year. Additional supplies will be needed, emotional support would be helpful, and tutoring is always a critical component. Along the way, the weather (as we all too well know) will turn cool, then cold and snowy!
In this regard we will help the children and their families, particularly the ones who need warm winter clothing. We will once again hold our annual Coat Drive this fall. The drive will run from Monday, October 22nd to Friday, November 9th. We will then deliver the coats (and mittens & gloves) the week before Thanksgiving. This will surely make the holiday season a more joyous one.
We need coats for boys and girls, ages 4-15 (grades PK through 8th grade). We can use both children and adult sizes. We will accept both new coats and those that are used but in very good condition and that are clean.
Why not help us out, clean out the closet and check with your neighbors? You would be helping a great cause!! Our goal is to collect 1000 coats. With your help we'll reach our goal!!
To be a part of this drive simply contact Dick Flesher at (630) 863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net.
Many thanks,
Dick
But providing the necessary everyday tools for learning is but one facet of assisting children with their education. It's not nearly enough to drop off the supplies and then call it a year. Much more needs to be done to really help the students.
Kids will hit some rough spots during the school year. Additional supplies will be needed, emotional support would be helpful, and tutoring is always a critical component. Along the way, the weather (as we all too well know) will turn cool, then cold and snowy!
In this regard we will help the children and their families, particularly the ones who need warm winter clothing. We will once again hold our annual Coat Drive this fall. The drive will run from Monday, October 22nd to Friday, November 9th. We will then deliver the coats (and mittens & gloves) the week before Thanksgiving. This will surely make the holiday season a more joyous one.
We need coats for boys and girls, ages 4-15 (grades PK through 8th grade). We can use both children and adult sizes. We will accept both new coats and those that are used but in very good condition and that are clean.
Why not help us out, clean out the closet and check with your neighbors? You would be helping a great cause!! Our goal is to collect 1000 coats. With your help we'll reach our goal!!
To be a part of this drive simply contact Dick Flesher at (630) 863-6035 or email me at rich219@comcast.net.
Many thanks,
Dick
Monday, August 13, 2012
Schools Aided in 2012
Thanks to all of our donors and volunteers who helped us in aiding the following Chicago and Harvey Public Schools!
1 W. Pullman
2 Songhai
3 Curtis
4 Lavizzo
5 Alex Haley
6 Tanner
7 Dumas
8 Fuller
9 Parkman
10 Holmes
11 Sherwood
12 Banneker
13 Wentworth
14 Barton
15 Evers
16 Jenner
17 Pickard
18 Gregory
19 Bethune
20 Johnson
21 Pope
22 Chalmers
23 King
24 Lowell
25 Von Humboldt
26 Chase
27 Yates
28 Lafayette
29 Sandburg
30 Bryant
31 Brooks
32 Whittier
33 Holmes
34 Longfellow
35 Maya Angelou
36 Banneker (NOLA)
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Delivery in full swing!
We are in the midst of school supply delivery for this year. Please visit our Facebook page for daily updates!
http://www.facebook.com/SchoolsCountCorp
http://www.facebook.com/SchoolsCountCorp
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