Too Many Baltimores

What is taking place in Baltimore is indeed sad and tragic. There are many moving parts; the death of Freddie Gray, the peaceful protests, the destructive riots, the police department, the manner of handling the affair by local and state authorities, the decades long problems - blight, poverty, decay - in portions of the city, the good work of many organizations and so much more.

These various elements have much to do with one another in the story that is Baltimore. It is the same story that has played out in other parts of the country. It is an ongoing story.

What I have seen happen in the journalistic media, but more frequently in social media, is too often the concentration on just one of the above elements. I have been appalled at the rants about the youth destroying property as if that is the only part of the story that they people want to see. By the way, I absolutely do not
condone such heinous acts.

But the point is this...this isn't simply a matter of the sad ending to the life of Freddie Gray. People need to understand the numerous events and issues that have been the life of Freddie Gray and lives of so many others who have not met the same fate as Freddie.

We all need to be more knowledgeable about what takes place in areas of neglect and despair particularly if we are not familiar with such regions. There are too many Baltimore's in America and we all be better served to learn about what can be done to improve each of them.

What Does It Mean?

Over the years I've attempted to let people know what is taking place with our charity; fundraisers, special packing and delivery days, important initiatives, the 'Go Green' Program and so much more. On other occasions I've filled you in on events taking place within CPS and the field of education at large.

What does it all mean? Just what has been the outcome after some 1,000 blog posts?

Well, fortunately, it means that the journey continues and the work is ongoing. It signifies that our charity and all that it encompasses has survived, perhaps it is even thriving. We've stuck it out, we've managed to keep our heads above water. More to the point, it means that we continue to serve those; those without the necessary resources, those who are suffering often due to no fault of their own.,

After all these years, 10 years since Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans schools and the city, we are still making a difference, saying that when people of good will come together we can and will make a difference.

Here's to another 1,000 blogs.

Dick

Smashing Success

Take some talented musicians, under great teacher leadership, and mix that with the efforts of many in the music community and you end up with an amazing Jazz Benefit!! Such was the scene at a packed Community House in Hinsdale last evening.

Whether it was Miles Davis' Freddie Freeloader or John Coltrane's Impressions or Duke Ellington's Such Sweet Thunder, the patrons were treated to some crisp and powerful jazz. We also had Chris Greene, a tenor sax player and composer, as part of the evening. It made for a rockin good time!!!

Hats off to all the musicians, the teachers, the Hinsdale Central Music Department and the Music Parent Association for a wonderful event.

On another note, we collected $1700.00 in check donations and a few hundred dollars in cash (the parents will count that amount and let me know the final total). It is a certainty that the benefit raised over $2,000, an amount that will purchase some sorely needed music instruments for Barton Elementary and the Harvey, IL. elementary schools.

Thanks to one and all!!
Dick

Today's the Day

Time to make some noise, make some music!!! The 7th Annual Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Benefit is tonight. Make your way to the Community House in Hinsdale for the 7 pm extravaganza!!! There are a variety of performances which are bound to put a smile on your face.

Not only are there a number of different groups performing but the main goal of raising funds to buy instruments for the Harvey Elementary School District will come to fruition. There are six elementary schools in the district and right now they have no band program (Brooks Middle School does have an outstanding band).

So, in many respects tonight is a watershed event in terms of bringing music to the hallways of the elementary schools. I'll look forward to seeing you tonight!!!

Thanks,
Dick

Don't Exclude Me

I wonder what it would be like to enjoy music and that I had a desire to play a trumpet or sax and my family or the school couldn't really afford to spend the money on one. I guess I could continue to listen to some great jazz or the blues or some other genre of music but it wouldn't be the same unless I could get my hands on that precious instrument.

Admittedly, I have never played a brass instrument and am not likely to do so in my lifetime. But, like everyone else, I have gone without something I have long desired. I am sure those of you reading this blog have found yourself in a similar circumstance. It might, therefore, be easy to say to this child, "we never get what we want."

Of course, there is a difference here. What we are talking about is a situation where all students have access to a well rounded public education and that includes the arts. Yes, we all go without but, a public education for all must include exposure to every facet of what our culture and society has to offer.

With this in mind, I want to again extend an invitation to all to attend the HC Jazz Benefit on Monday, April 27th at 7:00 pm at the Community House in Hinsdale. Let's see to it that music is a part of each child's early education.

Thanks,
Dick

Music in Five Days!!

In just five short days the students who participate in the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles will strut their stuff. There are lots of great reasons to go to the event on Monday, April 27, the jazz being one of the main attractions. And it isn't just for the patrons, the kids get great joy out of playing/performing!

This is exactly why Schools Count is teaming up with the high school music program; to give other students, who have no access to music instruments, the opportunity to enjoy jazz just like the Central musicians.

As Dr. Kyle Pruett, Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, recently put it, "It [music] enriches his or her appetite for things that bring you pleasure." There you have it. Among all the other benefits of music, when you get right down to it, the real value of music is in the pleasure it provides to the musician.

That being the case, let's further the joy of students in areas that otherwise don't have access to music instruments. Looking forward to seeing you at the Community House at 7:00 next Monday.

Thanks,
Dick

Financial Woes at CPS

To say that there is a financial mess at CPS is to resort to understatement. Here are but a few of the problems; first, pensions are taking a growing bite out of the budget; second, poor borrowing policy/debt repayment woes has the district in a bind; and third, the yearly budget is running in the red. There are other problems to be sure but these are among the major ones facing CPS, the city and the State of Illinois.

What will be done? Likely, a fix involving many moving parts. More revenue might be generated, CPS cuts are likely, getting a 'pension holiday' granted from the state is a real possibility, putting off hard choices seems sure to take place (kicking the can down the road if you will) and more. There is even talk of filing for bankruptcy.

Whatever the solutions, it will be incumbent for Mayor Emanuel, CPS, the CTU, state legislature and Governor Rauner to sit down and work this out. Unless everyone mentioned comes to the table to solve the problem, well, good luck. People will have to face this dire situation with the aim of solving the problem rather than merely protecting their turf.

Dick

A Fine Mess You've Gotten Us Into!!

Page after page of the Tuesday edition of the Chicago Sun Times paints a tainted and tarnished CPS school system. The CEO has taken a paid leave of absence, there is a federal probe of a $20 million no bid contract with SUPES Academy, the school system has a growing budget problem, and there are many other lurking questions swirling around the Mayor's Office and that of the Governor's Office.

Add to this fact that a new teachers' contract is on the horizon in addition to growing calls for an elected School Board and you have a recipe for an impending disaster.

These are problems that won't go away anytime soon. They can't as the amounts of money are in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Just what the CPS, city and state do will be interesting to watch. Sadly, it is everyone's problem and it will take the talents of many to solve the crisis. This can be emphasized enough.

I will add to final points and pick up on this tomorrow. First, this black eye is not good for those in the trenches; the schools, staff, students and their families. Second, and related to this first point, the work of our charity must continue to engage with the real stakeholders in the CPS system...the kids. They aren't responsible for this mess and they can't be ignored just because the adults in charge have created this fiasco.

Dick

Each of You DO Make a Difference

Often times it happens in bits and pieces. Of course I am talking about the contributions of so many of you. I want you to know that donating one musical instrument, providing one hour of volunteer service and contributing even a single dollar makes all the difference in the world to a young person who has so little.

Don't ever think for a moment that any contribution is significant in the eyes of someone who goes with appropriate school supplies, a musical instrument, a uniform, warm clothing or the opportunity to participate in something many of us may take for granted.

Never be dissuaded from stepping up and saying "I want to help make a difference." Put another way, you'd be pleased to have someone, unbeknownst to you, to step forward and lend a helping hand. Just let me know...and I'll find a way for you to help our charity; more importantly, helping a student move ahead in life.

Thanks,
Dick

CPS CEO Facing Serious Allegations

Chicago Public Schools Chief, Barbara Byrd-Bennett is facing a serious allegation that would be harmful to her and the entire school system not to mention Mayor Emanuel. In short, the investigation revolves around the allegation that Ms. Byrd-Bennett had a role in awarding a $20 million no bid contract to SUPES Academy for principal training. Oh, and by the way, Ms. Byrd-Bennett use to work at SUPES Academy.

That in and of itself, if true in terms of any involvement by Byrd-Bennett, would be harmful to the school system and Mayor Emanuel. After all, the mayor has placed a good deal of trust in his hand picked CEO and she does have a good deal of support in many circles. If guilty of the above transgression, the high regard for Barbara would dissipate almost immediately.

The schools have lacked stability and Ms. Byrd-Bennett brought a degree of that to the CPS system. At a time when a new teacher contract has to be negotiated and the fact that the district faces a $1.1 billion deficit, the time could not be more inopportune for such calamity.

Everyone is in a bind here; the system, the CEO, Mayor Emanuel and others. Time will tell how this plays out but right now the optics aren't good.

Dick

All that Jazz

For all those who love some cool jazz why not head to the Community House in Hinsdale, IL (on Madison St.) on Monday, April 27th to relax to the smooth sounds of the various Hinsdale Central High School jazz groups. You are bound to hear some timeless favorites in addition to some less frequently played pieces.

The entrance fee is $5 per person and $10 for the entire family. The wonderful program commences at 7 pm. In addition to the award winning ensembles, refreshments will also be available. All of the proceeds of the event will benefit the start of a band program in the Harvey, IL. elementary schools.

While I'm thinking of it, what better way to get this program off on the right foot than to donate a gently used instrument that you, or children, no longer play. Not only can you donate the instrument but this will cover your admission to the event and I'll provide you with a gift receipt for income tax purposes. WIN, WIN!!

Thanks,
Dick

The Verdict is In

You can look at nearly any study of Music Education and you will find the results are the same. Music makes a profound and positive difference in the lives of those involved. Quite simply music, performed by students over a period of time, improves nearly every aspect of their lives.

One study, ten years in length and involving 25,000 middle school and high school students, found that music enabled students to score higher on standardized tests (yes, I know I'm not a fan of them). By the way, it ought to be noted that this held true no matter the child's socio-economic status.

Other studies have found similar results. Prolonged Music Education in school improved Math, English and other academic skills. Beyond these findings, it should be noted that social and emotional growth is enhanced through Music Education.

I'm mentioning all of these findings as another way to induce my friends to find a way to collect music instruments so that I can provide them to Harvey, IL elementary school students. If you are longer using your trumpet, drums, sax, clarinet, trombone or flute, please consider donating to the cause.

Thanks,
Dick

Hmm...Just Look at Finland

Yes, all cultures have their own particular traits and customs. That being said, many nations in the world offer their young people a public education. A nation's public education, in turn, has a good deal to do with that particular country's means of operations; from customs to its economic system to its social programs and more.

Current so called reformers, and here I am especially calling out the privatizers, are constantly lambasting the American education system. One of their chief complaints is that we are falling behind such countries as those in Asia and Scandinavia among others.

Well, perhaps those so called reformers would be wise to heed the advice of one of these nations, Finland. As one Finnish teacher so aptly put it, "We pay teachers like our doctors, students enjoy over an hour of recess and there's no mandatory testing - the opposite of what America does."

So, in this day and age of high pressure testing in this country, maybe it's time we took a page out of the playbook of the Finns and examined what we are doing to our American education system.

Dick

Creating the Harvey Band Program

The Harvey, IL school system has a wonderful junior high band program at Brooks Middle School. There are six elementary schools which feed into Brooks and our charity is working to start a band program within the elementary school system.

So here is a shout out to everyone who has ever played a music instrument...we could use some help!! If you have a clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, saxophone or drums that you no longer want or play please consider donating them to our charity so that we can, in turn, get them to the students in Harvey.

Dr. Adams, the Superintendent is thinking of starting a summer program as a lead-in to have actually band instruction in the upcoming 2015-16 school year. So, we have to get the instruments, at least two dozen of them, in the next two months so the program can get off the ground.

Just email me at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for a pickup in addition to providing you with a gift receipt for your donation. Thanks for your consideration!

Dick

A Fine Mess You've Gotten Into

Last week the heralded Washington Post ran a piece on the teacher evaluation plan about to hit New York State teachers. Here's the news...it's not only problematic but it is harmful!!

Harmful, yes. 50% of the teachers evaluation will be based on test scores according to Carol Burris a current Principal. By the way, Ms. Burris was the New York State 'Teacher of the Year' in 2013. This is a lady who has kept abreast of the standardized test movement and the growing movement to make them an integral part of the teacher evaluation system.

On the surface, 50% of rating a teacher is based on a standardized test score. 50%!! Of course that test score doesn't factor in the educational, social, and cultural background of students no matter their location in NY. The test doesn't take into account the struggles students have had nor does it measure other sorts of growth beyond a particular curricular content area. Yeah, I'll say it, what a joke.

This mad craze to rate teachers based on some standardized test score is ludicrous and it needs to stop.

Quantifying teacher performance, through standardized tests, with the ever-changing social, behavioral and brain pattern of young people makes almost no sense.

UGH!!

Dick

Reflecting and Moving On

I have been out of the blogging business for a number of days as I have been involved in a School Board Election. Last night saw Jennifer Planson, Bill Carpenter and Kathleen Hirsman secure an overwhelming victory, a victory for our students, school personnel and the communities at large.

Let it be known that honorable and decent candidates, grassroots work, long hours, putting forth the effort and getting many people on board to support a cause does result in success. The jaded perception that 'good' somehow is out of vogue or that it doesn't sell is simply giving in to the notion that 'my vote doesn't count' and that 'I can't do anything about it.'

Well, doing the right thing for the right reasons does play and it is important to follow that call to action.

Speaking of a call to action...it is time to get back to the work of Schools Count Corp!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
Dick