All That Jazz!!

Take various Hinsdale Musical groups like the Chamber Choir, the Jazz Band, the Jazz Ensemble and various smaller jazz groups together and you have one rockin good time. Together, all of these groups literally brought the house down last night at the Chicago Jazz Benefit to help bring music to John Hay Elementary Academy.

The wonderful musicians and their various directors (Chamber Choir - Jennifer Burkemper, Jazz Band - Matt Goeke and Jazz Ensemble - Matt Kurinsky) played an assortment of jazz pieces; from gospel to Caribbean to classical. It was a wonderful program and I am sure the patrons did indeed have a wonderful time.

I want to pay a special tribute to those talented Central students/musicians who made it possible to raise well over $2500.00 last night. You have done much to bring various groups together so we can raise money to purchase music instruments for John Hay Elementary in Chicago. You were terrific.

Speaking of John Hay, Mr. Williams, the Principal, and Ms. Chicoine, the Music Teacher, attended the benefit and I can tell you that they had a blast! They are indeed most thankful to everyone concerned for taking the time and putting forth the effort to make the evening such a smashing success.

To all those who attended, to those who donated instruments and to those who made monetary contributions...please accept my heartfelt thanks!!

Dick

CPS Selective Schools

America has always touted itself to be a number of things; the land of opportunity, one of freedom and that of equality. The are but some of the laudable features of our democratic society. The term equality has long been associated with education among a number of other societal issues.

As the years pass, it appears to me as though equality is being shortchanged; shortchanged to those among us at the greatest risk. Part of the proof of this very serious risk is well documented in a Chicago Sun Times 'Watchdogs' piece on Monday, April 28th.

The story, which I will cover over the coming days simply states that the top five Chicago CPS Selective Schools are taking more white students and fewer minorities since 2009. Why? The answer lies at the hands of a '09 ruling by U.S. District Judge Charles P. Kocoras which lifted a 1980 consent decree that had required Chicago's schools to be desegregated, with no school being more than 35 percent white.

Am I saying bright white students should not be able to get into 'selective' schools? Absolutely not!! Are these same students deserving of the best education? You bet!! What I am saying are a couple of things. First, a number of minorities would certainly benefit from a 'selective' type education. Just as importantly, I want to see an end put to high schools relying so heavily on standardized test scores for admission.

For the life of me, I wish the many schools using standardized tests would understand that so very many children - coming from desperate life circumstances - eager to get ahead, are simply going to be left behind due to factors well beyond their control.

The over-reliance on standardized test scores may help 'selective' schools choose who to admit but those same schools, perhaps unwittingly, are shutting the door to those who most need the help.

Dick

A Few Odds and Ends

Mark yesterday's painting at John Hay Elementary School a major success. We were able to paint 7 rooms in total and some of these rooms are massive (14 feet high ceilings and the rooms are 20' by 30'!!) The principal said that our $900 investment of paint and supplies would have cost him between $12,000 to $15,000 if he had to go the bid route!! Thanks to our SCC volunteers, Hinsdale Central H.S. clubs; SAS, FEA and FCCLA in addition to some John Hay staff, HC retired teachers, current HC teachers, Perma Seal and VanderCook Music service volunteers.

I can tell you that the Principal, Mr. Williams was thrilled with the outcome. Hey, saving the school some money and brightening up the classrooms for the students and staff will surely put some smiles on many of their faces. This is a wonderful school with great things taking place.

The Jazz Benefit is just around the corner!!! Head to the Hinsdale Community House at Madison and 8th St. in Hinsdale for some wonderful Jazz performed by the various Hinsdale Central Jazz groups and the Chamber Choir. It is bound to be a wonderful time. Speaking of time, the program starts at 7:00. Hope to see everyone who has a profound love of music tomorrow night, April 29th. You can't beat the $5 admission. Have an instrument to donate...I can put it to great use!

Dick

More Turnarounds in Chicago

The trend continues as three more neighborhood schools, longing for stability, are now faced with being turnarounds this coming fall. That's right, the building teachers, principal, assistant principal(s), janitors and lunchroom workers will get their pink slips this spring. Oh, CPS will proclaim that the janitors and lunchroom staff can reapply. Talk about a slap in the face! Sure, I'd go back if I was fired. Um, NO!

Of course the major reason that three schools are being turned around is because they were on academic probation for a "significant period of time." By the way, some of the current 22 'turnaround' AUSL schools are on academic probation. That wasn't part of the Wednesday public presentation. Talk about hypocricy!

It may take some time, but I hope the public soon demands that our public neighborhood schools are often the anchor of the various neighborhoods in which they are located. More than 'fixing' schools, the conditions in which the families and students live in must first be 'fixed.'

As Gresham's Principal, Diedrus Brown, said at the CPS meeting, "Give some of that [money] to the neighborhood schools. It's Chicago Public Schools, not Chicago private schools." Well said!

Dick

The Working Poor

There are plenty of poor pockets in many areas of America. Within those regions, be it inner cities or rural areas, there are plenty of citizens who do go about their jobs day in and day out. Yet, what they earn is simply not enough to pay for all of the bills or to take care of various necessities.

Why am I commenting on this when our charity and this blog deals with education? The answer is quite simple. The very hard working people who do have jobs often don't have the funds to take care of various needs that deal with educating their sons and daughters. Be it school supplies, sports equipment, tutoring (no way they'll be able to afford this luxury), music instruments or other needs, parents - though they are working - may well not be able to take care of these bills.

It is a sad state when someone is working, making minimal income, and can't help with school related expenses. I have found that these are among the people most grateful for the support that Schools Count Corp. affords their children. Something is not quite right when the educational aspirations are limited through no fault of working families.

This is just one of many reasons why we are glad to serve!!

Dick

All that Jazz!

The 6th Annual Jazz Benefit is just around the corner. We are looking to 'Pack the Place' at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29th as Hinsdale Central's various jazz groups and choir are performing at the Community House in Hinsdale. ALL, yes all of the proceeds will be used to purchase needed band instruments for John Hay Elementary School. Admission is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. Of course any donated instruments would get you free admission.

The 29th promises to be a 'Rockin' night so put the paperwork aside and join in the fun!!! By the way, Mr. Williams the Principal will attend the benefit.

See you next week!
Dick

Bootstraps

Recently I had someone mention to me that the reason people are poor and that the education system their children are part of is due to the fact that these individuals are lazy and live off the rest of us. They went on to say the all too familiar refrain that all they have to do "is pick themselves up by the bootstraps."

Therein lies the inherent problem. Most of the people who live in the throes of poverty don't want to. More to the point, the poor often have never had 'bootstraps!' Sadly, their hope of ever realizing that they will acquire these 'bootstraps' is fairly remote.

The bootstraps are a decent living wage from a decent job. It is having access to decent health care. There are plenty of other 'bootstraps' but much of it comes down to having the means to provide for oneself.

As many of you know, there is where our charity comes into play. We are intent upon helping students and their parents by providing some supplies and resources (bootstraps) so they have a better chance for success in school.

We are pleased to provide whatever 'bootstraps' we can to those in need.

Dick

HC Soccer Gives Back

So what does the Hinsdale Central Varsity Girls soccer team do on a windy and chilly afternoon in the middle of April? Aside from playing a great brand of soccer they gave some of their time and talent to working with Brooks Middle School in Harvey, IL. Led by Head Coach Michael Smith and his Assistant Brian Drelicharz, the players and coaches gave the Brooks players some useful tips on juggling, passing, footwork and dribbling.

I was a witness to the manner in which the players from both schools interacted with one another. Both groups were eager to work with one another and there were plenty of smiles to go around. The Brooks players were soaking up the tidbits being passed along to them. By 6:00 pm the Brooks players were ready for a scrimmage!! They weren't in any hurry to head home at this point.

I trust the Hinsdale Central players went home with the same sense of accomplishment, joy and satisfaction that I experienced as I watched the practice session unfold.

Perhaps one gesture capped off the meaningfulness of the afternoon. As the HC team was readying to head back home each one of the Brooks players took the time to shake the hands of each and every player and coach. Talk about class, talk about being grateful!!

Kudos to one and all!

Dick

All That Jazz

Want to enjoy an evening of jazz and, at the same time, help build a band program at John Hay Elementary School? I have just the solution...make your way to the Hinsdale Community House in Hinsdale on Tuesday, April 29th!! That's right, for just $5 per person and $10 for the whole family you can move to the music and help establish the same sounds in the halls at John Hay!!

It will be jazz at its best compliments of the Hinsdale Central Music Department! HC's very own jazz band, jazz ensemble, jazz lab combo's and the Chamber Choir will perform. WGN's Bill Moller will emcee the affair. So set your work aside, turn off the TV and head to the Community House. The program starts at 7:00 pm and you're sure to have blast.

All of the proceeds will go towards purchasing instruments for John Hay. By the way, anyone who donates an instrument in good playing condition will get in free in addition to receiving a gift receipt for tax purposes. One guarantee, you are bound to have a great evening!

Thanks,
Dick

Glasses, Poverty and Education

Yesterday I commented on the dynamic between poverty and education and expressed some general thoughts about tackling these very serious concerns. Later in the day I went to get my eyes examined and lo and behold the eyes are a bit weaker so I need new glasses. At this point you may be wondering what getting glasses has to do with poverty and education.

As I came home, after spending nearly $600 for the exam, new lens and two pairs of frames, it dawned on me that those who live in abject poverty may well not be able to afford glasses for their children (or themselves). Without the money or insurance, those who don't get their eyes checked or get the corrective procedures are in tough shape.

Imagine all the children who go to school, who live in such poor economic conditions, and they don't have access to such services. I am sure there are plenty of kids who are further handicapped in doing their school work. Certainly expensive medical services are needed for people to live well and function well.

Yes, eye exams have much to do with both poverty and education. An absence of medical services, of all types, will further exacerbate the hardships suffered by our fellow citizens.

Dick

Poverty and Education

Some advocates who want to see an end to poverty bolster the idea that to do so one need only to get a decent education. These same folks say that getting a wonderful education will almost certainly guarantee a good source of income and then all will be well.

Other citizens feel that only when the cycle of poverty has ended will we be able to do something about improving the quality of education. These people see better incomes and improved jobs as providing the sources of money to make our schools better.

These both sound like great possibilities and there is merit to both of these propositions. But alone, they aren't nearly enough. The causes and complexities of poverty, along with the continuous generational existence of this scourge, necessitates that multiple strategies must be called upon. My point is this, no single program, no single individual and no single initiative will end something as sinister as poverty.

One thing is certain, the individual person, family, and neighborhood will need our assistance to end the perils of poverty.

Dick

Myth Buster!

Those of you who follow the work of Schools Count are aware of the fact that our charity provides all sorts of free school resources to students. This has been our manner of operation for years and we will continue to conduct our work in this manner going forward.

Around this time of the year I send a letter to the principals of the various schools asking them for their needs for the coming year. This helps me to order exactly what we need. I leave it open for the principals to ask for everything and anything on the requisition form. I have already received about a dozen responses telling me what their needs will be in 2014-15.

I have often heard it said by many in the public that if you ask people what they want and that they can order anything then they will say 'I want everything I can get my hands on.' To be quite blunt about it, when it comes to people in poverty (those with many of the greatest needs) these same people who feel the principals will abuse the system, proclaim 'they will ask for things even if they don't need them.'

I have never found that to be true in our work. In fact, as I am looking at the requisition forms, many of the principals are not asking for certain supplies. If they already have enough of a particular supply they are simply requesting less.

So much for thinking that people taking advantage of our charity. It is both the honesty of those we work with and the binding trust which makes our relationship such a wonderful enterprise. Our charity is proud to serve schools thoughout the area and country.

Dick

What's A Person to Do?

Ms. Brown, the Principal of Gresham Elementary School, took part in a protest at the home of CPS Board of Education President David Vitale the other day. The protest was to call attention to the fact that Gresham is slated to be a turnaround school next year. Some will criticize Ms. Brown for this saying such things as 'she ought to stick to being principal' or 'she ought to mind her business.'

That last comment is right on cue. The school and the progress of her students is her business. From all appearances, Gresham has made good progress over the past decade. When you can get the entire student body to nearly double the state standard criteria of 'meeting' the prescibed measure on the ISAT you have done yeoman's work!

In light of that progress, Ms. Brown has a couple of choices; one, not protest and, of course, to be part of the protest against the CPS wanting to make her school a turnaround (getting rid of the entire staff at all levels). If a principal really cares about the kids, parents, community and staff then she ought to fight an unjust and ill-advised action.

That's the kind of principal I want working for me!!

Dick

Taking it to the Streets

Gresham Elementary School Principal Diedrus Brown made the most thoughtful statement concerning the CPS desire to make her school a 'turnaround' next year. Since becoming Principal in 2004 almost twice as many Gresham students are now meeting the state mandated test score as dictated by the State of Illinois. Brown said, "Is that really a steady decline?" Any person with any degree of understanding would realize that this is true progress.

Brown, CTU President Karen Lewis and around 100 other stakeholders protested the slated 'turnaround' of three schools, including Gresham, at CPS School Board President David Vitale's home yesterday.

Whether one agrees, or not, with the tactic of protesting at a board member's home, the issue should not be lost on anyone. The fact that students are making progress is the key issue. Another issue, is that by removing the entire faculty and Principal Brown, after 10 years, simply leads to instability. No school needs that added issue to so many that need to be addressed.

Isn't it easy for someone sitting afar to take the action of riding a school of all the workers? Perhaps, just perhaps, if the brass could really put themselves in the shoes of Brown, the Gresham faculty, the students and those who live in the community they might see things differently.

Dick

Checking in on Chicago Charters

Yesterday's Chicago Sun Times put it this way with respect to charters - "there's little evidence in standardized test results that charters are performing better than traditional schools operated by the Chicago Public Schools system." Talk about an eye popper.

This statement isn't made without evidence. For example, on the math portion of the ISAT, 7.3% of CPS neighborhood school students exceeded standards while 5.3% of kids at the privately run schools exceeded standards. Want more? Among charter or contract elementary students, 7.9% exceeded standards on the ISAT for reading compared with 9.8% of students at neighborhood schools.

These results were gathered by the Chicago Sun Times and the Medill Data Project at Northwestern University. The Chicago Sun Times and the Medill Data Project at Northwestern University gathered the information.

As you might expect, both charter and neighborhood schools had some that performed well and others that languished.

One thing is a certainty here in Chicago...the myth that charters outperform traditional schools just isn't true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Dick

Washington Strong

As many of you remember, School Count Corp and Archer Daniels Midland are taking part in helping the citizens of Washington, IL as they bounce back from the horrific tornado that hit their city on November 17th. I spent part of this past Friday in Washington and many positive things are taking place.

For one, there is a good deal of rebuilding taking place. On some streets I noticed that it appears as though two out of every three homes that were damaged or destroyed are being rebuilt. In other parts of the city that is not the case but, for the most part, rebuilding is progressing at a good clip.

The park district has some terrific plans in place to get the various parks repaired and up and running for the activities in the coming months. By next month I am certain these repairs will be visible and children will be out and about.

More good news. Originally, it was thought that the city of Washington might lose 30% to 40% of its taxable property for the coming year. In speaking with an official of the park district it now appears as though the city will only lose about 12% of its EAV. In other words, more revenue will come into Washington than originally anticipated. That is indeed good news.

I will keep you posted going forward.

Dick