Take 55 eager volunteers from Schools Count Corp., Knickerbocker Roofing, Global Hope, and some students from Hinsdale Central High School and Southland College Prep H.S. and great things are bound to take place!
In just under six hours this group of people transformed an entire first floor hallway (and lockers) along with the gymnasium into a bright and sunny setting for the students and staff at Lowell Longfellow Elementary School in Harvey, IL.
When the students and staff arrive at Lowell this morning they are bound to notice the difference!! Dont' let anyone kid you, appearances do make a difference. Having freshly painted portions of the school make it more welcoming for one and all. It lets everyone know that they school and those in it are important and that others care for them.
This wonderful group of volunteers have, no doubt, lit up the hallways and brought a fresh breath of air to the gymnasium/auditorium. I want to thank each and every person who took some time from their weekend to step up and help a school working to make a difference.
Dick
Monday, April 29, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
A Bombshell
The State of Illinois has cut off funding to the UNO Charter School system. This is no small deal any way you examine it. The state took this action as a result of insider deals with respect to $98 million in state grant funding.
Here's the deal...two firms owned by members of the d'Escoto family received $8.5 million in funding. The owners of the companies are brothers of Miguel d'Escoto who use to be the No. 2 executive with UNO. The IL. Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says it would not notified of what might be the appearance of a conflict of interest (familial relationship). There were a number of grant agreements that called for notification in writing of any potential conflicts of interest.
I don't know the particulars of how this will shake out but I do know some of the immediate repercussions.
This certainly presents a potential black eye to the public in terms of their feelings towards UNO in particular and, perhaps, about charters in general. Of course, the additional funding UNO was to receive is now cut off and it is hard to imagine their ability to obtain grants going forward. Obviously, UNO has some explaining to do in terms of their past, current and future relationship with the companies in question. It also remains to be seen how the current 13 UNO charters, and their staffs, along with parents and students, will react to this news. And will IL politicians who have backed UNO continue to do so?
No doubt, there is more to come.
Dick
Here's the deal...two firms owned by members of the d'Escoto family received $8.5 million in funding. The owners of the companies are brothers of Miguel d'Escoto who use to be the No. 2 executive with UNO. The IL. Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says it would not notified of what might be the appearance of a conflict of interest (familial relationship). There were a number of grant agreements that called for notification in writing of any potential conflicts of interest.
I don't know the particulars of how this will shake out but I do know some of the immediate repercussions.
This certainly presents a potential black eye to the public in terms of their feelings towards UNO in particular and, perhaps, about charters in general. Of course, the additional funding UNO was to receive is now cut off and it is hard to imagine their ability to obtain grants going forward. Obviously, UNO has some explaining to do in terms of their past, current and future relationship with the companies in question. It also remains to be seen how the current 13 UNO charters, and their staffs, along with parents and students, will react to this news. And will IL politicians who have backed UNO continue to do so?
No doubt, there is more to come.
Dick
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Thank you Asean
Leave it to a 9 year-old. Asean Johnson, a third-grader at Marcus Garvey spoke at the CPS Board of Education meeting yesterday and his words should be a stinging reminder of the fact that some schools slated for closure should be left open.
"Why are you closing Gregory when it has everything you say you want a school to have?" implored Asean. Asean went so far as to show the CPS an editorial which noted that Garvey already has all the extras that CPS is demanding when schools are closed and consolidated into another neighboring school.
Garvey has a great library, a computer lab and it even has higher test scores than Mount Vernon, the school which is to accept Garvey students in the fall.
Perhaps most telling of all, proving that Garvey is doing the job, is the fact that this nine-year old was poised, on point (facts), made sense, dealt directly with the issues, and refuted many of the arguments posed by CPS these past few months. Asean's presentation, alone, was ample proof, to keep Garvey's doors open next fall.
Dick
"Why are you closing Gregory when it has everything you say you want a school to have?" implored Asean. Asean went so far as to show the CPS an editorial which noted that Garvey already has all the extras that CPS is demanding when schools are closed and consolidated into another neighboring school.
Garvey has a great library, a computer lab and it even has higher test scores than Mount Vernon, the school which is to accept Garvey students in the fall.
Perhaps most telling of all, proving that Garvey is doing the job, is the fact that this nine-year old was poised, on point (facts), made sense, dealt directly with the issues, and refuted many of the arguments posed by CPS these past few months. Asean's presentation, alone, was ample proof, to keep Garvey's doors open next fall.
Dick
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
HELP...Please!
To my friends, supporters of Schools Count Corp and anyone who is willing to give a 'shout out,' I can really use your help. On Tuesday, April 30th the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Program is putting on a concert to benefit the work of Schools Count Corp. This is our final fundraiser of the spring/summer and we would love to have a packed house. Admission is $5 per person, $10 for the entire family. Donate an instrument and you get in FREE!
The performance will take place at the Community Center (on Madison St. in Hinsdale) at 7:30 pm. Drinks and snacks will be provided and the event will kick off at 7:30 pm. If you would kind spread the word...verbally, twitter, email, text, facebook, etc. I'd be most grateful.
Of course, of course...if you can make it, all the better!!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
Dick
The performance will take place at the Community Center (on Madison St. in Hinsdale) at 7:30 pm. Drinks and snacks will be provided and the event will kick off at 7:30 pm. If you would kind spread the word...verbally, twitter, email, text, facebook, etc. I'd be most grateful.
Of course, of course...if you can make it, all the better!!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Songhai Story
Given the fact that Songhai’s ISAT scores have gone up so drastically in the past three years, it is indeed a very sad day to learn that Songhai is to be closed. In 2010 49.1% of Songhai’s students met or exceeded state standards. By 2012 that same measurement found that 60.1% of the children met or exceeded that benchmark. That is an increase of 22.4%, far more than the average for the entire CPS system. This is indeed a remarkable achievement given the abnormal amount of CPS approved administrative turnover at Songhai.
As the Founder and President of Schools Count Corp, a federal charity that provides free student supplies to nearly 40 CPS schools, I can attest to the strong commitment of Ms. Pirtle, and her staff, to the students of Songhai and the community. Those of you at CPS should be made aware of the fact that the achievement I alluded to earlier is the direct result of the staff making significant improvements in curriculum delivery and their emphasis on helping students work to the best of their ability. Without the steadfast work of the Songhai staff you would have more empty desks and far less ISAT score achievement than you do now.
What is all the more remarkable about the Songhai success story is that it has been obtained in spite of the very real blight which exists in the neighborhood. I can assure you that closing Songhai will not only further exacerbate that blight but you are bound to see ISAT scores plummet as students are crowded into other schools. This school isn’t underutilized, it is utilized wisely by the current staff given the dearth of resources.
Closing schools just adds to the very real trend of something being taken away from the residents. They have lost enough stores, factories, jobs and security over the years. Closing the schools is but another instance of the citizens ‘losing’ something or having something taken away and it is outside of their control. I urge you to keep hope alive, give the children and community what they deserve. Keep Songhai open.
Sincerely,
Richard Flesher
As the Founder and President of Schools Count Corp, a federal charity that provides free student supplies to nearly 40 CPS schools, I can attest to the strong commitment of Ms. Pirtle, and her staff, to the students of Songhai and the community. Those of you at CPS should be made aware of the fact that the achievement I alluded to earlier is the direct result of the staff making significant improvements in curriculum delivery and their emphasis on helping students work to the best of their ability. Without the steadfast work of the Songhai staff you would have more empty desks and far less ISAT score achievement than you do now.
What is all the more remarkable about the Songhai success story is that it has been obtained in spite of the very real blight which exists in the neighborhood. I can assure you that closing Songhai will not only further exacerbate that blight but you are bound to see ISAT scores plummet as students are crowded into other schools. This school isn’t underutilized, it is utilized wisely by the current staff given the dearth of resources.
Closing schools just adds to the very real trend of something being taken away from the residents. They have lost enough stores, factories, jobs and security over the years. Closing the schools is but another instance of the citizens ‘losing’ something or having something taken away and it is outside of their control. I urge you to keep hope alive, give the children and community what they deserve. Keep Songhai open.
Sincerely,
Richard Flesher
Monday, April 22, 2013
In Their Shoes
Too often I hear people saying that the children and the families we serve just need to work harder or simply 'pick themselves up, dust themselves off' and carry on. That's pretty darn easy for people to say, especially if you have never experienced deprivation from day 1 of your life.
No, I'm not asking anyone or suggesting that someone foresake what they have in life. That's not my point by any stretch of the imagination. What I am asking people to do is to have some empathy for those who go without.
Put another way, put yourselves in their shoes. Before racing to judgement, imagine what it would be like living in a portion of a city or neighborhood when gunshots are ringing at night. Imagine trying to raise your son or daughter in such an environment. Imagine what it must be like to raise a child who is scared of gangs and gunshots. You just might come to understand their plight.
How easy do you suppose it would be to have two jobs, making close to minimum wage, and living in such poverty, hoping you can someday save enough for clothes and supplies for your kids. Saving for college? Really?
All I am saying is this...it doesn't hurt to have some empathy for these people.
Dick
No, I'm not asking anyone or suggesting that someone foresake what they have in life. That's not my point by any stretch of the imagination. What I am asking people to do is to have some empathy for those who go without.
Put another way, put yourselves in their shoes. Before racing to judgement, imagine what it would be like living in a portion of a city or neighborhood when gunshots are ringing at night. Imagine trying to raise your son or daughter in such an environment. Imagine what it must be like to raise a child who is scared of gangs and gunshots. You just might come to understand their plight.
How easy do you suppose it would be to have two jobs, making close to minimum wage, and living in such poverty, hoping you can someday save enough for clothes and supplies for your kids. Saving for college? Really?
All I am saying is this...it doesn't hurt to have some empathy for these people.
Dick
Friday, April 19, 2013
News on Different Fronts
Hinsdale Central 'Students Assisting Students' will take part in our painting of Lowell Longfellow Elementary School on Saturday, April 27th. This group has participated in significant projects to help the various schools and students we work with.
If any of you have contact with the Downers Grove or Glenbard school districts would you be so kind as to contact them to see if they would be willing to donate gently used student supplies at the end of the year? We are looking for binders, loose leaf paper, notebook, pens, pencils, colored markers, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and rulers.
We will be running our 'Go Green' collection pickup from the area schools during the weeks of May 27 - 31 and June 3 - 7. I'll make arrangements to pick up at times that are convenient for the participating schools.
Remember, our May 30th benefit Jazz Concert will take place at the Hinsdale Community House (on Madison) at 7:30. This is a wonderful way to spend the evening with family and friends while assisting our charity! Tickets are purchased at the door.
Dick
If any of you have contact with the Downers Grove or Glenbard school districts would you be so kind as to contact them to see if they would be willing to donate gently used student supplies at the end of the year? We are looking for binders, loose leaf paper, notebook, pens, pencils, colored markers, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and rulers.
We will be running our 'Go Green' collection pickup from the area schools during the weeks of May 27 - 31 and June 3 - 7. I'll make arrangements to pick up at times that are convenient for the participating schools.
Remember, our May 30th benefit Jazz Concert will take place at the Hinsdale Community House (on Madison) at 7:30. This is a wonderful way to spend the evening with family and friends while assisting our charity! Tickets are purchased at the door.
Dick
Thursday, April 18, 2013
So Where Are We?
657 blog posts later on education, the work of our charity and the way forward, I am left somewhat paralyzed. Paralyzed because schools are closing, resources are still lacking, reasonable gun legislation is voted down in the halls of Congress and, most importantly, the people who most need the assistance are left in the wake.
So where are we? We are left with but one recourse...to march on and redouble our efforts. Contact the powers that be with the intent of educating them, getting more supplies to more children, asking more donors and volunteers to join the cause, and assure those who we help that help is on the way.
We are left to call about our best intentions and to act upon them. There is no sense lamenting what isn't; rather, find ways to forge ahead. And that is just what Schools Count Corp will do!
We look forward to having your efforts, in whatever form they take, to aid our cause.
Thanks,
Dick
So where are we? We are left with but one recourse...to march on and redouble our efforts. Contact the powers that be with the intent of educating them, getting more supplies to more children, asking more donors and volunteers to join the cause, and assure those who we help that help is on the way.
We are left to call about our best intentions and to act upon them. There is no sense lamenting what isn't; rather, find ways to forge ahead. And that is just what Schools Count Corp will do!
We look forward to having your efforts, in whatever form they take, to aid our cause.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
We Mostly Do it to Ourselves
Just heard that there is an 'amber alert' for a one-year old in Maywood, IL.
It's hard to get the image of the eight-year old, killed in the Boston bombing, out of my head (I don't really want to) who held up a poster he made advocating for peace and humans not harming others.
Who will forget the fact that Hadiya Pendleton walked in the Inauguration Day Parade only to return to Chicago and senselessly be gunned down the following week.
Virginia Tech, Columbine, Newtown...enough said
Bullying, autism, ADHD and other illnesses that can afflict students. And some of the children in schools where these conditions exist have a nurse in the building once a week!
Like I said, we mostly do it to ourselves or others perpetrate these acts of harm upon others. These are but a sampling of the many types of injustices that come to children/students in their early lives. Hopefully, our charity helps to lessen the effects of what they face on an almost daily basis.
Dick
It's hard to get the image of the eight-year old, killed in the Boston bombing, out of my head (I don't really want to) who held up a poster he made advocating for peace and humans not harming others.
Who will forget the fact that Hadiya Pendleton walked in the Inauguration Day Parade only to return to Chicago and senselessly be gunned down the following week.
Virginia Tech, Columbine, Newtown...enough said
Bullying, autism, ADHD and other illnesses that can afflict students. And some of the children in schools where these conditions exist have a nurse in the building once a week!
Like I said, we mostly do it to ourselves or others perpetrate these acts of harm upon others. These are but a sampling of the many types of injustices that come to children/students in their early lives. Hopefully, our charity helps to lessen the effects of what they face on an almost daily basis.
Dick
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
All that Jazz
No sooner than I had mentioned it, yesterday, that our charity was looking for ways to raise fund and presto the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Program came through! The HC Jazz Program will put on a wonderful event on Tuesday, April 30th at the Community Center on Madison St. in Hinsdale. The event will kick off at 7:30 pm.
This promises to be a rolicking event as a number of different groups will take part in the fundraiser. The HC Jazz Combo's will get the night going followed by the Jazz Singers, the HC Jazz Band and finally the Jazz Ensemble. The night will also feature guests musicians Deborah Powell (what a voice!) and guitarist Aaron Koppel (not to be missed).
Anyone who donates an instrument (which Schools Count Corp. will get to a CPS School) will get free admission in addition to a tax write-off for the donation. The cost is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. I am sure there are few jazz events or festivals held anywhere in the Midwest where the admission is this inexpensive.
Besides the terrific music coffee, water and snacks will be provided. This promises to be a memorable event, one that will surely help the children served by our charity!
Hope to see you on the 30th!
Dick
This promises to be a rolicking event as a number of different groups will take part in the fundraiser. The HC Jazz Combo's will get the night going followed by the Jazz Singers, the HC Jazz Band and finally the Jazz Ensemble. The night will also feature guests musicians Deborah Powell (what a voice!) and guitarist Aaron Koppel (not to be missed).
Anyone who donates an instrument (which Schools Count Corp. will get to a CPS School) will get free admission in addition to a tax write-off for the donation. The cost is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. I am sure there are few jazz events or festivals held anywhere in the Midwest where the admission is this inexpensive.
Besides the terrific music coffee, water and snacks will be provided. This promises to be a memorable event, one that will surely help the children served by our charity!
Hope to see you on the 30th!
Dick
Monday, April 15, 2013
We Could Use Your Help
As the weeks, months and years go by and Schools Count Corp. endeavors to continue to serve children in the Chicagoland area and elsewhere, it seems as though we can just assume or hope that conditions are getting better for those that need the assistance. The fact of the matter is that this is not what is happening in the various neighborhoods.
Now that spring is upon us (well at least yesterday was a great day!) I am in the process of determining who to serve, how many students are involved, the cost of supplies, determining what we have available to spend and more. Speaking of more, there are 11 schools being shut down by CPS for the coming fall. That doesn't mean that these students don't exist, they are simply being relocated and often at schools we've never worked with but also need the help.
The bottom line is this...we will be bringing supplies to an additional 2,000 to 3,000 students beyond what we provided last fall. That means we could really use an an additional $5,000 to $7,000 beyond what we've already collected through our generous donors and via grants.
I am reaching out to one and all, asking you to consider making a tax deductible charitable donation to purchase supplies for these children. You can donate via our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and using a credit card or by mailing a check to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448.
Thank you for your consideration.
Dick
Now that spring is upon us (well at least yesterday was a great day!) I am in the process of determining who to serve, how many students are involved, the cost of supplies, determining what we have available to spend and more. Speaking of more, there are 11 schools being shut down by CPS for the coming fall. That doesn't mean that these students don't exist, they are simply being relocated and often at schools we've never worked with but also need the help.
The bottom line is this...we will be bringing supplies to an additional 2,000 to 3,000 students beyond what we provided last fall. That means we could really use an an additional $5,000 to $7,000 beyond what we've already collected through our generous donors and via grants.
I am reaching out to one and all, asking you to consider making a tax deductible charitable donation to purchase supplies for these children. You can donate via our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and using a credit card or by mailing a check to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448.
Thank you for your consideration.
Dick
Friday, April 12, 2013
Not Going to Change
Having announced 54 school closings, Barbara Byrd-Bennett the CEO of the Chicago Public School system is now conducting hearings on the individual schools. In most cases three hearings will be held for each school in April and May. As I mentioned yesterday, I went to one such hearing on Wednesday evening.
Each of the people who spoke on behalf of their school did so in a thoughtful and caring manner. I know they are hoping that the CPS brass will change their minds about the school closings. To a person, they don't really believe this will occur.
So, then, why are the hearings being held? I believe that CPS may be able to garner some information that will assist them in making the transition a bit smoother. Maybe the home office is hoping to convey the sense that they care about the schools being impacted and that this will smooth over raw nerves.
Let me say this, holding the hearings after the school closings have been announced won't serve to ease tensions. Such hearings simply keep the wounds open. If CPS were to renounce their initial school closing list to a certain extent then the public forums would serve some purpose.
It's not only unlikely the list of closings will change...it absolutely won't!
Dick
Each of the people who spoke on behalf of their school did so in a thoughtful and caring manner. I know they are hoping that the CPS brass will change their minds about the school closings. To a person, they don't really believe this will occur.
So, then, why are the hearings being held? I believe that CPS may be able to garner some information that will assist them in making the transition a bit smoother. Maybe the home office is hoping to convey the sense that they care about the schools being impacted and that this will smooth over raw nerves.
Let me say this, holding the hearings after the school closings have been announced won't serve to ease tensions. Such hearings simply keep the wounds open. If CPS were to renounce their initial school closing list to a certain extent then the public forums would serve some purpose.
It's not only unlikely the list of closings will change...it absolutely won't!
Dick
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Their Side of the Story
Last evening I had the opportunity to attend the public forum on the closing of Banneker Elementary School in the Englewood neighborhood. Banneker is one of the 54 schools slated for closing in the coming fall. Actually, the building will remain open and the over 300 students from Mays Elementary will join the Banneker students.
A couple of students, teachers, community members and a office staff worker spoke on behalf of leaving Banneker open and not combining the two schools. They made impassioned and reasonable pleas. There was no screaming or demeaning comments launched at those facilitating the meeting. I say because the sense of the loss of their school weighs heavily on them and I was amazed that they could keep their emotions in check.
What I found most credible and warranting of keeping Banneker as one entity was the fact that, to a person, each member of the Banneker staff conveyed the sense of family that exists at all levels within the school. Whether the Principal, Asst. Principal, teachers or secretarial personnel, the testimony was riveting in terms of how each staff member cares about the children as if they were their very own son or daughter.
Nothing could be more compeling or be more convincing of leaving Banneker as it is now constituted. Trouble is, friends, all of this is in vain.
Dick
A couple of students, teachers, community members and a office staff worker spoke on behalf of leaving Banneker open and not combining the two schools. They made impassioned and reasonable pleas. There was no screaming or demeaning comments launched at those facilitating the meeting. I say because the sense of the loss of their school weighs heavily on them and I was amazed that they could keep their emotions in check.
What I found most credible and warranting of keeping Banneker as one entity was the fact that, to a person, each member of the Banneker staff conveyed the sense of family that exists at all levels within the school. Whether the Principal, Asst. Principal, teachers or secretarial personnel, the testimony was riveting in terms of how each staff member cares about the children as if they were their very own son or daughter.
Nothing could be more compeling or be more convincing of leaving Banneker as it is now constituted. Trouble is, friends, all of this is in vain.
Dick
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Cutting Your Way to...
I think it is, at once, hilarious and quite tragic that people who think cutting school budgets is the panacea for 'curing the ills' or that such action is 'school reform.' Those individuals are darn glad their taxes aren't going up (duh, 100% of us would be happy if that didn't happen!). Of course, what they fail to realize is the other side of the equation, you know, 'to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.'
Cut budgets and you end up, in many cases, with the elimination or harm done to after school programs. By the way, all the decent research on after school programs indicates that they provide multiple benefits. Yep, it's called 'penny wise and pound foolish.'
Austerity folks say that it is time 'to cut the frills.' Are you telling me cutting back on nurses or band programs are frills? No, they aren't! Building improvements and renovations...those aren't frills, they have to take place on an on-going basis.
Here's another...increasing class sizes. The austerity crackpots feel that money can be saved by trimming some staff. Instead of 25 in a class, why not 30 or 32 students. After all, how could it be any harder to have an additional number of students? It is plenty harder since teachers often have more papers to grade, invariably end up with some additional Education Services students, and have to have adjustments to their lessons with the added students.
Cutting school budgets may temporarily save some dollars only to result in greater harm in the long run.
Dick
Cut budgets and you end up, in many cases, with the elimination or harm done to after school programs. By the way, all the decent research on after school programs indicates that they provide multiple benefits. Yep, it's called 'penny wise and pound foolish.'
Austerity folks say that it is time 'to cut the frills.' Are you telling me cutting back on nurses or band programs are frills? No, they aren't! Building improvements and renovations...those aren't frills, they have to take place on an on-going basis.
Here's another...increasing class sizes. The austerity crackpots feel that money can be saved by trimming some staff. Instead of 25 in a class, why not 30 or 32 students. After all, how could it be any harder to have an additional number of students? It is plenty harder since teachers often have more papers to grade, invariably end up with some additional Education Services students, and have to have adjustments to their lessons with the added students.
Cutting school budgets may temporarily save some dollars only to result in greater harm in the long run.
Dick
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
13 IS an Unlucky Number
As I think about Congress going back in session, the horrific tragedy in Newtown, CT and our need to keep schools safe by various means (including reasonable gun safety legislation) I am left dazed that 13 United States Senators have commited to filibuster any and all gun safety bills. What this means is that they won't even allow a debate to take place in the Senate Chamber.
Are you 13 senators serious? You won't even discuss the issue let alone vote on anything. Yep, that's exactly what they are doing.
Anytime something as serious as 12,000 deaths per year at the end of a barrel is on the docket then people of all stripes ought at least talk about what can be done to lessen the death toll. Does anyone else think 12,000 deaths are too many?
This country doesn't need another Columbine High School or Sandy Hook massacre. What we need are people of courage, moral character and those who have a concern for the safety of their fellow citizens. I wish those 13 senators could put themselves in the shoes of those families who have lost loved ones. Perhaps they could bring themselves to talk about the issues and concerns shared by many Americans.
Dick
Are you 13 senators serious? You won't even discuss the issue let alone vote on anything. Yep, that's exactly what they are doing.
Anytime something as serious as 12,000 deaths per year at the end of a barrel is on the docket then people of all stripes ought at least talk about what can be done to lessen the death toll. Does anyone else think 12,000 deaths are too many?
This country doesn't need another Columbine High School or Sandy Hook massacre. What we need are people of courage, moral character and those who have a concern for the safety of their fellow citizens. I wish those 13 senators could put themselves in the shoes of those families who have lost loved ones. Perhaps they could bring themselves to talk about the issues and concerns shared by many Americans.
Dick
Monday, April 8, 2013
Secret to Success
To hear the founder, Tim King, of Urban Prep High School, one gets the notion that there is no "secret recipe for a successful school." Urban Prep is an all African American male high school with three locations in the city of Chicago. Of its many claims to fame none stands out more than the fact that all of the 167 graduating seniors will head off to college this fall.
I agree with King that there is no one element or factor that insures a student will be successful in school. It is clear that many things work in favor of Urban Prep.
They have an extended school day and school year in addition to an eight period day. Uniforms are a must...a tie and coat have to be worn. The school also emphasizes a particular school culture, has a strong college counseling program, is a single gender school and it focuses on the language arts. In many respects, it mirrors many other schools aside from the single gender format.
Though the school doesn't look at test scores as part of the admission process, I am wondering what factors they consider in the process. Do incoming freshman need certain grades? How many children will be accepted that have been in some sort of trouble in the past? I'm also curious to know what portion of the student body is made up of Educational Services students.
A good number of schools claim they aren't selective - and they might not be on certain criteria - but they can be selective in other ways. I'm wondering if that applies to Urban Prep's success.
Dick
I agree with King that there is no one element or factor that insures a student will be successful in school. It is clear that many things work in favor of Urban Prep.
They have an extended school day and school year in addition to an eight period day. Uniforms are a must...a tie and coat have to be worn. The school also emphasizes a particular school culture, has a strong college counseling program, is a single gender school and it focuses on the language arts. In many respects, it mirrors many other schools aside from the single gender format.
Though the school doesn't look at test scores as part of the admission process, I am wondering what factors they consider in the process. Do incoming freshman need certain grades? How many children will be accepted that have been in some sort of trouble in the past? I'm also curious to know what portion of the student body is made up of Educational Services students.
A good number of schools claim they aren't selective - and they might not be on certain criteria - but they can be selective in other ways. I'm wondering if that applies to Urban Prep's success.
Dick
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Why Not Join Us
Looking for a way to help others? Have you ever given someone a helping hand and felt good about doing it? Well, we have just such a project coming up that would do much to brighten up a school and brighten your day!
Schools Count, along with Global Hope, will paint portions of Lowell Longfellow Elementary School in Harvey, IL on Saturday, April 27th. We'll meet at the school at 8:00 am. All you need is some energy, a smile, some paint clothes and a sack lunch. Our two organizations will provide all of the needed materials.
Just drop me a note at rich219@comcast.net to let me know that you want to get in on the excitement of sprucing up the school now that it's spring. You can be sure that Mr. McGrone (the Principal), the students, teachers and community will be appreciative of your volunteer service.
Looking forward to hearing from you!!
Dick
Schools Count, along with Global Hope, will paint portions of Lowell Longfellow Elementary School in Harvey, IL on Saturday, April 27th. We'll meet at the school at 8:00 am. All you need is some energy, a smile, some paint clothes and a sack lunch. Our two organizations will provide all of the needed materials.
Just drop me a note at rich219@comcast.net to let me know that you want to get in on the excitement of sprucing up the school now that it's spring. You can be sure that Mr. McGrone (the Principal), the students, teachers and community will be appreciative of your volunteer service.
Looking forward to hearing from you!!
Dick
Friday, April 5, 2013
Where Do We Go From Here?
That's a fair question to ask given the turmoil and many CPS school closings. More importantly, as time will tell, where and how the children perform and respond to the changes they are about to encounter is what is most critical. The answer(s) to that are not likely to be forthcoming any time soon.
Given the fact that the students being moved and those schools and students absorbing hundreds of additional students, plenty of day to day situations will be faced by all. I can't answer the question 'Where Do We Go From Here' relative to what will take place on the ground within the CPS schools impacted by the closings.
I can answer the question from a different viewpoint, one that focuses on the work of our charity. The massive changes will necessitate that the work of Schools Count Corp must continue unabated. Even if the closings didn't occur, our work would have to move forward.
Fighting against the obstacles faced by many children and their families in various communities within the city of Chicago is daunting. It will take many years of much service by many organizations to help combat the poverty, crime, blight and neglect that too many have faced for too long.
So the answer to the question 'Where Do We Go From Here' relative to our work is a pretty simple one to answer. The struggle continues and our work will persist.
Dick
Given the fact that the students being moved and those schools and students absorbing hundreds of additional students, plenty of day to day situations will be faced by all. I can't answer the question 'Where Do We Go From Here' relative to what will take place on the ground within the CPS schools impacted by the closings.
I can answer the question from a different viewpoint, one that focuses on the work of our charity. The massive changes will necessitate that the work of Schools Count Corp must continue unabated. Even if the closings didn't occur, our work would have to move forward.
Fighting against the obstacles faced by many children and their families in various communities within the city of Chicago is daunting. It will take many years of much service by many organizations to help combat the poverty, crime, blight and neglect that too many have faced for too long.
So the answer to the question 'Where Do We Go From Here' relative to our work is a pretty simple one to answer. The struggle continues and our work will persist.
Dick
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tense Times
The CPS Board of Education meeting yesterday was anything but calm and placid. Tensions were high and nerves were raw. When charges of racism are thrown at CEO Barbara Burd-Bennett you know things have spun out of control.
Though I disagree with a fair number of actions that are leading to the closing of 61 schools, I don't think for a moment that Byrd-Bennett is a racist. People need to be a lot more thoughtful and careful when throwing around such insults. Judging people is a risky business.
Back to the tensions...plenty to go around. Not only were many of the schools slated for closing furious but a good number of other school personnel voiced their concerns. Many of them deserve merit.
For example, Barton Elementary isn't slated for closure yet they are to be a turnaround (everyone is replaced). The folks at Barton were left out of any discussions regarding their future. Speaking of their future and turnaround status, Barton has already made some great progress over the past two years. Just what CPS is looking at with regard to this school is puzzling.
Some representatives of schools, who will be taking in many more students in the fall, showed up to voice their concerns that their schools may well be overburdened with the additional students. Again, these schools felt that they were left out of the discussions. The fact of the matter is...they were!!
Too much happening, way too soon and it's bound to create problems.
Dick
Though I disagree with a fair number of actions that are leading to the closing of 61 schools, I don't think for a moment that Byrd-Bennett is a racist. People need to be a lot more thoughtful and careful when throwing around such insults. Judging people is a risky business.
Back to the tensions...plenty to go around. Not only were many of the schools slated for closing furious but a good number of other school personnel voiced their concerns. Many of them deserve merit.
For example, Barton Elementary isn't slated for closure yet they are to be a turnaround (everyone is replaced). The folks at Barton were left out of any discussions regarding their future. Speaking of their future and turnaround status, Barton has already made some great progress over the past two years. Just what CPS is looking at with regard to this school is puzzling.
Some representatives of schools, who will be taking in many more students in the fall, showed up to voice their concerns that their schools may well be overburdened with the additional students. Again, these schools felt that they were left out of the discussions. The fact of the matter is...they were!!
Too much happening, way too soon and it's bound to create problems.
Dick
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
On the Move
Should be quite a contentious CPS Board of Education meeting this morning. I was going to attend to speak on behalf of a number of schools that are being closed but I know this is going to be a raw and nasty one. I will stay home and attend to some matters that may assist the children being displaced by the closures.
What follows is a list of the schools being closed (left column) that we work with at the current time. The right hand column contains the respective schools that the students will be transferred to commencing this fall. We will do our very best to help the children in their new buildings.
King...................................to Jensen
Pope..................................to Johnson
Dumas................................to Wadsworth
Banneker............................to Mays
Lafayette............................to Chopin
Von Humboldt....................to DeDiego
Songhai...............................to Curtis
West Pullman......................to Haley
Parkman.............................to Sherwood
Bethune..............................to Gregory
Wentworth.........................to Altgeld
Dick
What follows is a list of the schools being closed (left column) that we work with at the current time. The right hand column contains the respective schools that the students will be transferred to commencing this fall. We will do our very best to help the children in their new buildings.
King...................................to Jensen
Pope..................................to Johnson
Dumas................................to Wadsworth
Banneker............................to Mays
Lafayette............................to Chopin
Von Humboldt....................to DeDiego
Songhai...............................to Curtis
West Pullman......................to Haley
Parkman.............................to Sherwood
Bethune..............................to Gregory
Wentworth.........................to Altgeld
Dick
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
If That's the Way it has to Be
Yesterday I posted a note from David Millman, Asst. Principal of King Elementary, who thanked us for our work with the students and staff at King. His letter, and others like it that I received last evening, got me to thinking about the way forward for the people affected by the CPS closings.
No matter the cost, CPS, watch dog groups, the Chicago Police and others, will have to see to it that the students moving to new schools need security and protection. Anything short of this will be a travesty.
Also, for those students transferring, new schools should hire some of the staff and administration from the schools being closed. First of all, the schools adding students will have to add staff. Beyond this point, it will certainly help students to see the familiar, confident, competent, smiling faces of staff who they know so very well.
Academically, these students will need all the resources and medical attention necessary to make the transition as seamless as possible. As the student population nearly doubles in some schools, it is imperative that nurses, counselors and psychologists are in the building every single day of the week.
If the school closings have to take place, the proper preparations need to be acted upon.
Dick
No matter the cost, CPS, watch dog groups, the Chicago Police and others, will have to see to it that the students moving to new schools need security and protection. Anything short of this will be a travesty.
Also, for those students transferring, new schools should hire some of the staff and administration from the schools being closed. First of all, the schools adding students will have to add staff. Beyond this point, it will certainly help students to see the familiar, confident, competent, smiling faces of staff who they know so very well.
Academically, these students will need all the resources and medical attention necessary to make the transition as seamless as possible. As the student population nearly doubles in some schools, it is imperative that nurses, counselors and psychologists are in the building every single day of the week.
If the school closings have to take place, the proper preparations need to be acted upon.
Dick
Monday, April 1, 2013
This Says it Best
Dear Mr. Flesher,
What a kind and understanding letter, filled with wonderful sentiment for what is happening to us. I so appreciate you taking the time to write. While we are all struggling to deal with the situation that we have been dealt, Mr. Flowers and I continue to try to put the best face on it that we can. Our thoughts are for our students and our staff and how we can best help them in this trying time. We will be working on finishing the year with our heads held high and are working daily to try to keep everyone's moral up and trying to help everyone transition to whatever comes next.
I certainly want to thank you and Schools Count for your support for our school over the past few years. We have been grateful, not only for the material support that has been provided to us, but to the uplifting manner in which it was provided. While teachers (and administrators) often have thankless jobs, it does not take much to keep us going. Having you and your organization visit us each year and watching how hard you all work to help and to see your heartfelt smiles when you visit us provides everyone with such a lift. Just knowing that someone out there cares enough to reach across the boundaries that separate us warms our hearts and raises our spirits.
Thank you again for all your support and concern for us and those we serve. Where ever Mr. Flowers and I land, I hope we find the occasion to work with you and Schools Count again. I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that what you all are doing is making a positive difference!
Thanks again for all that you do!
What a kind and understanding letter, filled with wonderful sentiment for what is happening to us. I so appreciate you taking the time to write. While we are all struggling to deal with the situation that we have been dealt, Mr. Flowers and I continue to try to put the best face on it that we can. Our thoughts are for our students and our staff and how we can best help them in this trying time. We will be working on finishing the year with our heads held high and are working daily to try to keep everyone's moral up and trying to help everyone transition to whatever comes next.
I certainly want to thank you and Schools Count for your support for our school over the past few years. We have been grateful, not only for the material support that has been provided to us, but to the uplifting manner in which it was provided. While teachers (and administrators) often have thankless jobs, it does not take much to keep us going. Having you and your organization visit us each year and watching how hard you all work to help and to see your heartfelt smiles when you visit us provides everyone with such a lift. Just knowing that someone out there cares enough to reach across the boundaries that separate us warms our hearts and raises our spirits.
Thank you again for all your support and concern for us and those we serve. Where ever Mr. Flowers and I land, I hope we find the occasion to work with you and Schools Count again. I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that what you all are doing is making a positive difference!
Thanks again for all that you do!
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