Here We Go Again!

The December 31st issue of the New York Times carried an extensive article on, guess what, another inner city school district closing a huge number of schools.  This time it's Philadelphia's turn for the neighborhood schools, in the poorer sections of the city, to get hammered with the closings.

There is a plan in the works to close 37 of Philly's 237 schools.  Yes, the district has financial difficulties and yes a good number of schools are underutilized.  That being said, here's is a question for you to ponder.

How would you like it if your son and/or daughter, in a poor section of the city, was faced with this situation.  Not someone else...YOU!

Let's say the school your child attends is making progress and that your children enjoy that school.  Let's also suppose that you and your children are faced with traveling great distances to another school in another part of the city.  It just may be that the new school and the classrooms, with the downsizing, are a bit overpopulated.  How are you feeling about that?

This is but another example of the poorest areas of urban landscapes being the first to feel the axe of more cuts.  By the way, speaking of cutting, perhaps these 37 schools wouldn't have closed if the state hadn't cut $419 million in educational financing this year.

Like I said, here we go again!

Dick

Somthing to Think About

Just got my copy of the book, 'Defending Public Education from Corporate Takeover.'  I'm thrilled for a number of reasons.  First of all, I believe that the globalization of our economy along with the growth of large corporations (with their huge cache of money) does signal a movement towards the privatization of public education.  I'm sad to say it but this book has much evidence of this situation.

You don't think this can happen?  We've already privatized some schools.  Look around you.  Roads, skyways and more have already been privatized.  There has even been talk of privatizing Social Security.

Second, my good friend, and former colleague, John Duffy, is one of the authors of the book.  He is a thoughtful educator and a far sighted intellectual.  His voice needs to be heard in the halls of schools, state legislatures, school boards and within the walls of school buildings.

The alleged crisis, concerning the 'failure of schools and teachers' voiced by various business associations, some citizens, and other critics is one of the underlying factors signaling a movement to privatize public education.  This book has plenty to say regarding the misguided nature of such a takeover.

I'm eager to get into the meat of the book.  Suffice it to say, you should realize that there is a serious effort underway to undermine public education, unions and the good work that has taken place in this country by men and women who have made American Public Education to be a shinning centerpiece that has much to do with aiding students to be all they can be.

If the American Dream does exist, our history of public education has play a dynamic role in the journey!

Dick

Ask Yourself, I Am

In thinking generally about schools and those our charity works with a few questions popped into my mind with regard to safety, violence and the possible appearance of guns in schools.

Do you want your 7 yr. old son or daughter to see guns?
Do you want your third grader going to school knowing that a teacher or principal has a loaded weapon?
What do you think the chances are, if teachers or other school personnel have guns in schools, that some
  might well want to search them out?
Is there a remote chance that if guns were to appear in schools that they may get in the wrong hands either
  intentionally or not?
Is this really what we want our schools to become?
Is putting guns in schools really the best way to teach children patience, tolerance and how to deal with
  issues and problems?
Do you suppose some student(s) feel they have a right to bring a gun to school if they know that school
  personnel are permitted to do so?

I know my answers to each of these questions and would encourage you and others to ponder the impact of such decisions on the process of teaching and learning.

Thanks,
Dick

2013 is Just Around the Corner!!

Many of you love to do volunteer work on behalf of those in need.  A good number of you have been kind enough to assist Schools Count and for that I'm most appreciative.  Here are some upcoming events and opportunities for you to assist us in the coming year!  Just email me at rich219@comcast.net to get in on the excitement of the various initiatives.

Feb.2, 2013:  Painting a portion of Lowell Longfellow Elementary School in Harvey, IL
Feb. 12, 2013:  Donor/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.  FREE!!  6:30 - 8:30 pm at Hinsdale Central H.S.
March 8, 2013:  Bowl A Thon at Willowbrook Lanes, 3:30 pm to 6 pm
March, 2013:  Annual Donor Drive
April 30, 2013:  Hinsdale Central Jazz Concert.  More details to follow!
May 20 - June 7, 2013:  Go Green School Supply Drive.  Always looking for more schools to join this effort in addition to having people help me load trucks.  Lunch provided!!
Aug. 6, 2013:  8:30 am to noon.  Load trucks at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. with school supplies.  Great lunch provided to all of our workers
Aug. 7-9, 2013:  Deliver supplies to CPS and Harvey, IL schools
Sept. 15, 2013:  KICK at Hinsdale Central H.S. 2pm to 5pm
Oct. 14 - Nov. 27, 2013:  Winter Wear Collection Drive
Dec. 11, 12, 2013:  Deliver coats to CPS and Harvey, IL schools

Looking forward to a banner year and the ability to work with you on so many important endeavors!

Thanks,
Dick

School Success - Many Needs

There are no easy answers when it comes to a student being successful in school.  And contrary to what many Americans believe, there isn't a single answer to overcoming learning obstacles or achievement.  Too often we look at one event, though important, and offer a single solution to its existence.

The most recent being the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.  It could be at any other school in our nation.  A school shooting, sadly, occurs and we jump in and say that there either ought to be more gun control or the appearance of more weapons on the school grounds.

In fact, there are many more issues, weapons certainly should be part of the discussion, that ought to take hold when discussing the larger issue of safety.  School safety being but one factor in the greater picture of student and school success.

There are almost too many topics to list when it comes to this point.  School safety, neighborhood safety, parent involvement, the culture of too much violence in the country, learner characteristics, poverty, crime, employment, the role of the school, and more weigh in on whether a student and school are able to make strides.  By the way, all of these play at least some part into why weapons find their way into places we don't expect them to exist.

Sadly, until we come to this conclusion we aren't likely to make much progress.

Dick

Just Thinking

When I consider the poverty stricken schools in this country and think about those areas we serve that have been devastated by natural disasters or afflicted with a lack of funds, I can't imagine not working with them.  The opportunity to work with the children and adults in these schools is most rewarding.

It's rewarding in the sense that children light up when they get new supplies.  Parents are appreciative that someone reaches out to their sons and daughters and offers a bit of assistance when the Moms and Dads wish they had the means to do so.

Whether providing daily supplies, art materials, band instruments, winter coats or uniforms, I know that the kids are all the better off.  I wish I could convey to you the hundreds of teachers who gave me a hug or firm handshake and said a warm 'thank you.'  It is the rule not the exception.

To those who struggle to achieve, to the many whose dreams we can't possibly know about and to those working each day to be successful in school, may this holiday be full of much happiness.  And to those of you who extend your kindness in support of these students, may you realize the joy of the season.

Many thanks,
Dick

Christmas Wish List

A good number of teachers and schools could really use some help this holiday season (and beyond).  Various student and teacher supplies are always needed.  Often we have to buy such supplies from our own personal funds.  We could use some help with clothing as we have a school uniform requirement.  Many of our families have difficulty finding the jobs and funds to meet this urgent need.

We really could use nurses, social workers, and school psychologists on an every day basis.  Our children's health needs, like any place in America, are critical and have a real bearing on school success.  Sometimes these people are in the building just a couple of days each week.

Our after school programs could use some tutors, coaches and mentors.  We can usually get the get to stay for help but some additional resources would be appreciated.

These are real needs and the general public may not be aware of the nature of the absence of many of these resources in many of the schools served by Schools Count Corp.  Any assistance would be appreciated. 

Many thanks,
Dick

Not Here!

Our charity works with numerous schools in areas where there are too many guns and far too much violence. These are areas that need more peace and fewer weapons. Just ask the residents, teachers, administrators and civic leaders if they want more guns on the street or anywhere else in the neighborhood. These people want fewer guns and more safety. We owe it to these people to bring up their children and educate them in an environment that is nurturing and free of guns. Dick

Made my Day!

Everyone has had a day where some person, act, or event 'made their day.'  I had just one such day yesterday as I was delivering some holiday cheer, on behalf of Schools Count, to a family at Holmes Elementary School in Harvey, IL

Before providing some gifts to a family who had just lost their Father to cancer, the youngest daughter approached me, with a huge and warm smile, and politely gave me a sucker.   We hadn't done anything for the family, up to this point in time, but the little 1st grader made me feel like I was the one receiving a gift.

I will never forget this kindness nor meeting the family consisting of the Mother and three girls.  All they could say was 'thank you' and 'God Bless you.'  These sentiments were just as genuine and sincere as the sucker the girl gave me.

The gift she gave me will always be in my heart.  Yes, Mia made my day!

Dick

That's a Switch!

Yesterday the Chicago Public School's Board of Education, along with CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, approved just two of the five proposed charter schools.  The two, along with previously approved charters, will open in the fall of 2013.

What is different this time around is that a couple of the charters were deferred, something that has never taken place when charters have been proposed in the past.  In part the deferred schools were given that status as there are questions about where the schools would be located in additions to other considerations.

One of the more thoughtful comments made about school closings came from 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell who said that "you can't rationalize the closing of neighborhood schools without rationalizing the closing of charter schools."  She has a point there considering the mixed results of charters.

If schools need to be closed, due to a shrinking student population, why do they necessarily have to be the traditional neighborhood public schools?   Indeed!

What is good to see is that a number of alderman aren't simply interested in rubber-stamping school closings or the opening of new charters.

Dick

My apology!

This isn't the first time nor is it likely to be the last that I will need to make a statement of apology.  Yesterday I blogged about the terrific work that the Hinsdale Central FCCLA Club performed in buying clothing and purchasing food gift cards for the Price Family.

The effort was wonderful.  Just one problem...the HC Invitation to Teach students, not FCCLA, were the ones who raised the funds and purchased the gifts for this deserving family.   So my apologies to each and every one of you!

I can tell you that Ms. Price was overcome with joy as she received these thoughtful Christmas gifts.  No doubt, the coats, food cards, clothing and books will be of great comfort and aid this holiday season. 

So to the ITT students, my sincere apology and my congratulations for engaging in such a worthwhile endeavor.

Dick

The Good being Done

At this time of the year too many school children and their families don't experience much of the joy associated with the holidays.  It's not that they don't want to or don't work to make it happen, it's more a matter of not having the means to buy gifts.

Well, the Hinsdale Central High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club (FCCLA) decided to do something about it for one Harvey, IL school district family.

This family of five children, along with Mom and Dad, just saw their home burn to the ground within the past couple of months.  It forced the family to live in a hotel until last week when they found a home to rent. 

The members of the club bought coats for all five children, purchased a number of Christmas gifts for each of the kids and bought over $100 worth of restaurant gift cards!!!!!  Talk about caring about the 'community!'  Each of these FCCLA members should take pride in the fact that they have brought some joy and happiness to a family in need. 

To each and every member, along with their sponsor Ms. Oler, thank you for helping these good people.

Dick

RIP - Sandy Hook Students

The horrific loss of life in the Sandy Hook Elementary School got me to thinking about those families, the community of Newtown and the schools we serve.  I am reminded of the good that takes place in schools across America and am saddened that such innocent and lovely children have been taken from their loved ones.

Too many areas served by Schools Count have far too much gun violence in their neighborhoods.  Too often, lives, including school children, are lost at an alarming rate in many urban areas.  It is a sad fact.

Our society is plagued by gun violence and it has to be curtailed at the very least.  It is time for school leaders, government officials, civic organizations and the entire population to say that we have to put an end to this menace. 

We can do better than this. 

Dick

What a Wonderful Time of the Year

Our good friend Cynthia McGann (pictured right) was responsible for helping to collect a good number of coats for our annual winter wear drive.  Her efforts garnered 100 coats and countless scarves, gloves and hats.  Thank you Cynthia!

Ms. Carter (pictured left) is the Principal at Gregory Elementary.  Her desire to help young people is noteworthy.  Just one example of her kindness is the fact that she, and some on her staff, had bought warm clothing for the children out of the their own personal funds.  Talk about someone who cares for the kids!!

These two people are but two of the wonderful individuals who make the work of Schools Count sound profoundly rewarding.  Both are doing what's best for the students.

Thank You!
Dick

Some Wonderful People!

These are some of the hard working and dedicated parents of the Local School Council at Pickard Elementary.  They were ecstatic with the donation of coats.  Talk about a sincere group of people...WOW!

As you can see by the smiles on the faces of the Johnson Elementary School parents, they are most grateful for the warm winter clothing.  It is a pleasure to work with this school.

Off to Chicago

The weather is turning colder so its time to make our annual delivery of coats across the city and the southern suburbs.  One may ask why does our charity which specializes in helping schools by providing supplies, uniforms, band instruments and other resources step in by providing winter wear.

Fair question.  By providing coats we are further able to help the children get to and from school and the bus stop thus keeping them warm.  Whatever we can do to help the students get to school, stay in school and exel is worthy of our assistance. 

Today we are heading to Chase, Pope, Johnson, Chalmers, Gregory and Pickard.  We have already made our trek to King Elementary, much to the delight of everyone at the school.

It is that time of year to offer some assistance to those in need.  The winter wear provided through the generosity of our donors puts smiles on many faces.  Where there is a child longing to get ahead in school, Schools Count will do our best to help that individual.

Thanks,
Dick

Wow, Really!!

As the CPS is in the midst of determining which public schools to close in the 2013-14 school year, the word came out last week that CPS is looking at opening up roughly a half dozen charters.  No doubt this announcement has already caused many CTU personnel and parents some real angst.

It's understandable from their viewpoint.  Many parents in poverty stricken neighborhoods, where enrollment has been shrinking, are concerned that their neighborhood school will be among those slated for closure.  All sorts of very real concerns, many of which I have previously outlined, drive their desire to keep their schools open.

On a related front, the Chicago Teacher's Union has pulled off, in my view, an idiotic marketing ploy.  The CTU has put out a 5-minute video depicting Mayor Emanuel as the 'Rahminator' and School Board member Penny Pritzker as a 'Penny Pincher.'

I understand the fact that the CTU wants to prevent schools from closing but such name calling has no place in the dialogue concerning the future of education in Chicago.  The union has to be more professional in its public dealings with officials at CPS.  Such discourse simply adds more fuel to the fire.

Dick

Ready and Rarin to Go

The weather outside is indeed chilly.  Okay, it is cold!  As you can see from the huge collection of boxed coats, we are ready to deliver many of them this week.  We will head to six CPS schools on Wed. and a number of Harvey, IL schools on Friday.

A good portion of the coats will go to the Staten Island schools in a few weeks.  It isn't too late to help these schools.  Just give me a call or drop me an email at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for additional supplies or funds.

Many thanks!!  Dick

In Need in NY

Over a month later the areas hardest hit in NY and NJ are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Schools Count will head to Staten Island (shown in the photo) to distribute winter coats, school supplies and other resources to the Staten Island School District.

If you want to be a part of this relief effort we would welcome your help.  To make a donation you can send a check to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL.  60448 or make one online by going to www.schoolscountcorp.org and following the directions.
As always, the monetary donations are a charitable gift and we will issue a gift receipt for tax purposes.

We can all do our part to bring some holiday hope and cheer to our fellow citizens who could use some help.  Thanks for your consideration!

Dick

Just Catching Up

Time to tie some loose ends together!! 

Next Wed., Dec. 12th we will be heading to Chicago to deliver coats, and assorted warm clothing to a number of schools; Chase, Pickard, Chalmers, Johnson, Pope and Gregory.  These schools are always appreciative of our assistance.

On Dec. 13th we'll head to the Harvey, IL School District in order to bring them some winter coats. 

Our trip to Staten Island is Jan. 2-3, 2013 and we are still collecting coats and funds so that we can provide the students with some resources which are sorely needed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  We have already collected many coats, bought many school supplies and other items but their needs are great and we still have room on the truck for more!!!

Let me know how you can help and we'll work to make this holiday a little brighter for others.

Many thanks,
Dick

Students Assisting Students

Hinsdale Central's Students Assisting Students made a big splash yesterday by providing 40, yes 40, coats to the children of King Elementary School in Chicago.  Three of the students actually made the trek to Chicago, after school, to present the donation to those in need.

One of the wonderful aspects of the coat drive is the fact that the 12-member club did a great deal of fundraising this semester in order to purchase the coats.  SAS raised the funds by working at the football concession stand, baking and selling coats and selling candy.

Aside from the fact that the students did all the legwork in terms of fundraising, the club members did the shopping in addition to getting to Chicago and making the connection with the King community. 

On a personal note, I am proud of the club for making such a meaningful contribution to students who could use a bit of help in the form of someone simply caring about them.  Mission accomplished!!

Thanks,
Dick

Good Deeds

Yesterday was a banner day in terms of collecting coats and other winter wear.  Schools Count was the recipient of over 100 coasts, dozens of pullovers and many pairs of mittens and gloves not to mention scarves and hats!!

Cynthia McGann, along with Mary Beth Owano, headed up this huge collection effort.  Reaching out to the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club, Kids4Good, Eisenhower Jr. High and other friends, the two were able to collect, clean and sort all of these items.  This was a big undertaking!!!

These two volunteers are often working with local schools to promote all sorts of kind acts; helping IMN in Haiti, assisting IL school children and aiding others in need.  Their work in guiding children to make meaningful and significant contributions to the larger society is most noteworthy.

As we get ready to head to CPS and Harvey, IL schools over the next couple of weeks, the children who will receive the warm clothing will have many to thank, including Cynthia and Mary Beth!

Many thanks,
Dick

More on CPS Closings

"Don't close our schools.  Consider the gang borders kids might be forced to cross.  And stop sending children far away from their homes."  These are but some of the comments made last night as parents addressed their concerns to the independent commission set up to recommend school closings later this spring.

One should have expected such comments.  These are very real concerns for the parents of many CPS children and they must be taken into consideration.

One of the other concerns voicecd at the meeting which took place at the House of Hope Church in Roseland was the fact that the meeting wasn't even publicized on the CPS website.   Hard to imagine a less credible way of asking for the engagment of the various communities.

Even more alarming, as pointed out by some parents, is the fact that the makeup of the commission has an absence of parent-community members with children attending CPS schools.  Credibility, notwithstanding the honorable intentions of the current commission members, is lacking without real community involvement.

It seems as though those most in need of help are denied the opportunities to pitch in.

Dick



 

Devil is in the Details

Last week I reported that CPS, Mayor Emanuel, and Ms. Byrd Bennett (CEO of the district) proposed that they be given an extension, until March 31, 2013, regarding which schools will be shuttered commencing with the 2013 school year.  In return, there will be a five year moratorium on school closings.  On the surface this might seem workable.

But, as the expression goes, 'the devil is in the details.'  For example, how many schools will be closed?  Are we talking 40, 50 or 75 schools?  The reason these questions about how many schools will be shut down is because it directly impacts other major concerns.

Will all of these school closings leave many neighborhoods without a public school?  If so, talk about a travesty!!  Will children then be bused long hours and long distances?   Without wanting to create a problem, rather facting today's reality, will children go to a neighboring public school where there might be entangling gang problems?  Also, when schools are closed what will be the class size?  Will they go up, down or remain relatively the same?

And what will be the driving force of school closings...age of the school, number of students attending or will test scores be the guiding light?  Or is there a combination of elements driving the closure of CPS neighborhood schools?  How many will become 'turnaround schools?

Like I said, the 'devil is in the details.'  Me thinks this is going to be messy

Dick