A Note of Thanks for CPS

Good afternoon Mr. Flesher,

Just wanted to send a note of thanks from the Jensen School Community for the generous donation of school supplies that was delivered here this summer. We have received them and are truly grateful for your kindness!

Also, just fyi, Dr. Conley is recovered from her injury and will be officially returning back to Jensen on September 6. Thank you for your concern and well wishes to her and again many thanks for the supplies!! Have a great day!

It Doesn't Add Up

I'm sure there are many mathematicians who can make sense out of some revealing numbers with regard to CPS teachers who have been given the proverbial - but real - pink slip. They will really have to work some magic as my first, second and third glance tells me something is amiss.

Let me give you but one example of what seems to be staff cuts that are unwarranted. Lowell Elementary is a school we work with and they are facing a loss of four teachers. That represents a reduction in staff of 9.5%, as reported by the Chicago Sun Times, even though there is a loss of just 5% of the students this fall as compared to last year.

I could understand a cut in staffing of nearly 10% if there were 10% fewer students but a cut of the magnitude described above just puts more pressure on the good people working at Lowell. In simple terms, that's just not right!

By the way, as the school year gets started don't be surprised to see Lowell ADD additional students to the 429 who are set to head to class on Sept. 6th. Yes, there are other schools facing the same staffing cuts as Lowell.

How this shakes out going forward is anyone's guess. Mine, based on some experience in the city, is that there's liable to be additional cuts...both in staff AND budgets.

As the flood waters recede...

I am ever mindful that those of you who support our work whether here in Chicago or in other corners of America are the ones who REALLY are on the front lines where disaster or despair abounds. Many of our donors and volunteer donate multiple times each year and, believe it or not, many of those same individuals will tell me 'I wish I could do more!'

Do more? Are you kidding?!! You often don't see the water in the second floor of a home in Baton Rouge or the kids who too often lack sufficient supplies in a Chicago classroom. You also don't see the smiles on faces of the many thousands who get a backpack, a warm coat, a sparkling clean uniform or get to lace up a pair of soccer shoes.

No, you don't get to see a young girl and/or boy holding a trumpet or sax for the very first time, likely struggling to make a few sounds. These are the untold successes of your many efforts to reach out, to reach out and answer those who, like yourselves, just want a chance.

So, as the waters in Baton Rouge go down, know that you have lifted the spirits of those who most need a helping hand.

Thank you,
Dick

Impact of Violence on Kids

Over the years I've commented on various issues in this blog; teacher evaluations, the need to provide supplies to those in need, school funding, teacher associations/unions, and so very much more. The focus has largely been about helping students and problems they face.

Given the violence that has continued to plague, in particular, the inner city, I am left wondering the extent to which the children and families who are the survivors of these shootings are affected. I can't for the life of me imagine that they aren't impacted to a large extent.

Hearing gunfire (almost daily) and/or learning that friends/family/neighbors have been shot has to be difficult to cope with. Surely, the children go to school and these issues don't stop at the front door. It's not the way it ought to be.

Dick

A Letter of Thanks

WE are the Solution

I continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support for our charity and those we serve. In less than 24 hours, we have already raised $1400, online, to pay for the cost of getting school supplies to the flood ravaged town of Baker, LA so that the students have the materials they need to head back to school.

The Baker community, with a population of 13,500, was hard hit by the flooding two weeks ago. It wasn't the only portion devastated but it took a severe blow.

The supplies, $14,000 worth, have been ordered and they should arrive around Sept. 6th. There still is an opportunity to help the students, parents, and the school community by making a donation. If you want to donate you can send a check to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL. 60462. Make the check payable to Schools Count Corp and in the lower left corner of the check write the word 'Baker.' You can also donate online by going to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and clicking on the 'donate' key.

Please accept my thanks, in advance, for your generosity. Let me know if you have questions or would like further details concerning our efforts to aid those in need.

Dick

Still Precarious

A number of you have reached out to me to inquire about the help that we can render to residents of Baton Rogue and the surrounding areas. As of now my source on the ground says that water, diapers and cleaning supplies are adequate but, going forward, that may not be the case. Stay tuned.

In terms of schools, many neighborhoods and schools took in a great deal of water. The Baker School District is but one of many with a good deal of damage. As of this morning, this five-school district is not yet up fully operational.

Many problems exist in Baker; water damage to school buildings, difficulties with transportation, books/furniture/supply ruined, people displaced due to property damage, school personnel not yet back in town and so much more. I am in contact with Ms. Davis the Asst. Administrator to the district to find out just how we may be able to be of assistance. I will get back to one and all when I have further information.

Dick

I Just Don't Get It...I Guess

Yesterday I commented on those who allege that putting money into impoverished schools, in areas of extreme poverty, is like 'throwing good money after bad.' Of course what they are saying is, why waste the money.

Whatever happened to the idea that 'we are in it to help one another?' Or, 'united we stand.' I think about the very name of our country...the United States of America. We are suppose to be bound by common interest, shared values and the idea of lending a helping hand.

Maybe, just maybe, others don't understand what has and ought to bind us together to aid children in need.

Dick

It Always Takes More than Cash

Those who bemoan the misconceived notion, with regard to school funding where poverty exists, that all we are doing is 'throwing good money after bad' are looking at but one element which impacts an entire school and community. Sadly, those who throw out such epitaphs need to consider that the causes of despair and the depth of problems encountered in schools where local blight runs deep have to consider the total long term social, economic and human needs of the citizens.

We aren't throwing 'good money after bad.' Where unemployment, underemployment, low property values, substandard wages and more exist then the issues surrounding education and funding it become more interconnected. And while its true that money alone won't fix education problems it points out the need for a comprehensive look at all the issues faced by schools of which they are but a portion of.

But without an infusion of cash for our depressed areas, including the schools, in this country think of where we would be!

Dick

What it Will Take

Where poverty exists, unemployment is too high and resources scarce, much has to happen to help young people progress through schools. It will take parents, the neighborhoods, various government bodies, non-profits and the students to work together to advance the cause of children.

When I hear people say that the above groups are 'throwing good money after bad' I have a few words to say.

If all of the various groups, profits and non-profits alike, weren't doing what we are now, we would be facing even greater difficulties going forward. Then there are those who say we've created a so called 'welfare state.' My answer is this...we MUST look out for the welfare of all people in this country. Put another way, it is incumbent upon each of us to lend a helping hand, in whatever way possible, to promote the common good.

So let's dispense with the labeling and continue to roll up our sleeves to assist one another.

Dick

Seeing is Believing

The photo of the Syrian young boy covered in ash and blood seems so very lifeless. I have thought about him, other Syrians, and those in America - and elsewhere - who are left behind, left defenseless and with so little hope of a better tomorrow.

I have always thought that the young, anywhere, are the most vulnerable. How dare any of us, humans on this earth, leave them unprotected and subject to harm.

Whether it is assisting our charity, the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders or other charitable institutions, it is incumbent upon each of us, to a person, to do something about deprivation and neglect.

I hope you will join with me to assist those in need.

Thank you,
Dick

Say It Ain't So

Last night I attended the Hinsdale District #86 Board of Education. In part, it was a large gathering as a number of parents voiced their concern about possibly putting a referendum on the November ballot to seek over $70 million for work at both Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central. The proponents of nixing the referendum also spoke of adding more students to Hinsdale South to alleviate crowding at Hinsdale Central.

A couple of people spoke of the large size of Central as an element that likely makes it impossible to address the social and emotional (not to mention others) needs of the students. Let me be clear, the staff at BOTH schools work diligently to address the needs of every student who steps through the doors at South and Central. I am a witness to the vast number of the faculty who aren't afraid to 'go above and beyond' to help ALL students. To suggest otherwise, 'ain't so.'

Dick

The Culmination

After months of fundraising and volunteer efforts on many fronts, I am happy to report that school supplies have been delivered to nearly 18,000 children in 38 schools. Aside from getting needed resources in the hands of the children, Schools Count has been able to accomplish a FIRST for the upcoming school year.

Usually, we can help build one band program each school year. Because of the generosity of our donors and the terrific work of Luscombe Music in Elmhurst (they did a collection drive of new instruments from some of their customers) we will be able to get two band programs up and running this year. Both Yates Elementary and Lavizzo Elementary in Chicago will start their band programs this year!!!

I know there are some very excited students and parents and we are just as excited for them. Thanks to one and all!

Dick

Simply Amazing

CPS teachers with multiple years of teaching experience who have been laid off at their particular schools, yes, have to reapply for a teaching position at other CPS schools. Let me see if I have this right...CPS hired you to start with, you have the credentials and likely positive ratings but you have to reapply.

Oh, the 'powers that be' will say this has to be done in this manner 'to be fair.' Fair, fair?! What is fair about someone who is competent, is given a pink slip, all to be told that he or she can 'reapply?' Maybe the same ought to be done within CPS headquarters.

It doesn't matter the school location in this country or the grade level of where someone teaching, one of the two or three most important attributes an employer can demonstrate to their employees is a profound level of respect. What I've described above is anything but respectfulness.

Dick

Small Wish

Once the school year commences, it seems to be full speed ahead right up until June!!

So, for those of you who are members of administration, serve on school boards, lead teachers, parents, those oversee school operations and others, I hope you will take the time to listen to those who are in the trenches; para pros, the kids and the teachers. Their ideas, needs and goals are what ought to drive decision making in our classrooms. Please listen to them.

Thanks,
Dick

A Note of Encouragement

It's August and it is, as per usual, hot and sticky. It's also the time of the year to pick up the supplies, participate in meetings and ready for the students. Summers come and go just like the school years, one followed by another - it seems - all too quickly.

All that said, I want to take a moment to say a few words as you head to the classroom.

Nothing beats what you do for young people. You encourage, inspire and serve as a role model. You don't merely teach a subject, yours is to do so much more. You are the one who often keeps kids out of trouble, rewards them when they deserve it, project a strong voice to discipline or inspire and make it a point to always - always - be there, no matter the situation.

In many ways you are the parents during mornings, afternoons and sometimes into the nighttime hours. You name it and you do it. Yours isn't a job, it's a calling and I want to lend my voice to thank you for what you do for young people. We are all the better for your service.

I want to wish you the very best this year and I hope you find great joy in working with the young people who will walk through that door on the first day. Greet them a smile, much enthusiasm and a longing to want to be in your presence. All the best!!

Dick

A Note of Thanks!!

Friends,
Please see the note below from the Principal of Medgar Evers Elementary. Just one of many notes of thanks from one of the schools we delivered to last week. This encapsulates the very essence of our work and the gratitude shown to each of you. Dick

Hello! Mr. Flesher,

I would like to thank you and your volunteers for giving back. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and well received. The Medgar Evers' family will always hold a special place in our hearts for your organization. Thank you deeply for ensuring that our children have the necessary supplies to be successful academically this school year!




Sincerely,

Principal Ellis

Medgar Evers Elementary

CPS - Budget and Strike Concerns

The CPS brass has touted its balanced spending plan for the coming year. Aside from picking up state funding through a property tax increase the leadership of the school system has also proposed cutting the budget by some $232 million for the coming year.

From the standpoint of the Chicago Teachers Union, the offer on the table is unacceptable. The offer would certainly provide some teachers with a pay increase. However, according to CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey, about half of all teachers would see a cut in pay during the first three years of the proposed four year deal.

Since I last wrote about the tussle over the contract in May little has changed. Okay, maybe some things have changed. Last week CPS announced that 1029 teachers and support staff would be laid off this year.

The saga continues...

Dick

To Share a Pencil

Much takes place with Schools Count that both inspires me but also makes it clear that our work is so very necessary. Last week was a great one in terms of getting student and teacher supplies to nearly 40 schools in Chicago and the south suburbs. Lots of smiles on the faces of our volunteers, school clerks, asst. principals, and principals.

One small conversation took place which really evoked some idea of what the students, their families and the schools face each day. It was the third day of our deliveries and one parent of a child who attends a CPS school remarked that "I'm so very thankful for the supplies." She went on to add, "You know, there are times when children who come to our school with no supplies have to share a pencil with the person sitting next to them."

I knew there were, and are, great needs but I had no idea that it was as bad as children having to share as something as simple and vital as a pencil!!! Can anyone truthfully relate to going without a pencil when they attended school? No way!!! And I can imagine if the parents of those going without basic supplies had the funds they would surely purchase some pencils.

Going without a pencil ought to inspire all of us to do just a bit more. As I've said before, some people promise to do more, those of us in Schools Count do more.

Dick

Welcome Back!!

After a few weeks in beautiful Upstate NY, it is time to rev up the engines for another school year. It's already off to a great start as many of our wonderful volunteers spent the past week delivering supplies to CPS, Harvey and Crestwood, IL schools. Nearly forty deliveries in all!!!

A special thanks to all of the following for making the week happen...Earl McMahon, Don Mack, Dawn Oler, Sarah Steinke, McKenzie Steinke, Eva Nigro, Sheralynn Kellough, Annette DeAngelis, The Fehrman Family (and friends), Ethan Ruth, Valerie Ruth, Jaelyn Ruth, Len Serwat, Ann Scott, Joan Brandeis, Kathy Gabric, Catie Gabric, the many ADM volunteers (10 of them in all!), Rosemary Grant, Barb Plantz, Donna Manning, Terry Meyers, Teri Archam, and the volunteers at Nathan Hale.

As I've said before, there are those who say they will do something and there are those who simply do. I am most grateful for those of you who spent these past days working to help the thousands of children served by Schools Count. Many thanks!!

Dick