A couple of friends have posted an incredibly idiotic - and yes I will add ignorant - statement put out by NBC concerning college (I assume though it could have also pertained to high school) majors that are 'useless.' Yes, they went there! They came up with five of them...Fine Arts, Drama and Theater Arts, Film, Video & Photographic Arts, Commercial Art & Graphic Design and Architecture.
First of all, who really is to determine what is 'useless' or not? By the way, just who do 'they' think they are? And just what is 'useless' or 'useful?' Oh, I'm just getting started. Are courses of study only useful to a certain group of people if enough money is made or earned? Really, is is about money? WOW!!
I know this will take me a couple of blogs to sort out and to fully express the ignorance of the survey/study but let me conclude today's blog by stating that NBC ought to have some bright enough people to debunk and/or rebuke the information. It is harmful, not truthful, and can perpetuate a myth about the value of the arts. It evens goes so far as to add a negative to what we are trying to do in America's classrooms.
Dick
Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Politicians to the Rescue?
Given budget shortfalls, state and federal mandates (some are helpful), a too often skeptical public, and the hyper ventilation in social media about the perceived 'ills' in education, I have a bit advice for our various political leaders at all levels. Before you embark on a path to 'fix' what is thought to be wrong, if you do anything, make sure you talk to the people in the school buildings.
If something does need a 'fix' who better to ask than those engaged in teaching our young people. Yes, before you make a proposal, create another law, and before you claim to know or believe something - prior to any or little investigation - LEARN from the experts.
The vast majority of education professionals aren't looking for a handout or 'grabbing' all the money. They want to be asked their opinion, they want to share their knowledge of what works and what can be done better and they want to improve the quality of education they render their students. Along the way, if these happen, you will have shown that you respect their work and that you value their contributions to public education.
Dick
If something does need a 'fix' who better to ask than those engaged in teaching our young people. Yes, before you make a proposal, create another law, and before you claim to know or believe something - prior to any or little investigation - LEARN from the experts.
The vast majority of education professionals aren't looking for a handout or 'grabbing' all the money. They want to be asked their opinion, they want to share their knowledge of what works and what can be done better and they want to improve the quality of education they render their students. Along the way, if these happen, you will have shown that you respect their work and that you value their contributions to public education.
Dick
Thursday, October 27, 2016
I Long For...
...a return of Vocational Education and Electives to be a living part of education
...less emphasis being placed on testing
...more people entering the field of teaching
...cheaper rates of interest on college student loans
...teachers setting the tone on curriculum
...greater respect by the public for our educators
...politicians to largely remove themselves from the arena of education
...all of the above
...less emphasis being placed on testing
...more people entering the field of teaching
...cheaper rates of interest on college student loans
...teachers setting the tone on curriculum
...greater respect by the public for our educators
...politicians to largely remove themselves from the arena of education
...all of the above
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
It's Never Too Late
Though some deadlines are fast approaching with regard to collecting winter coats and fundraising for the good people of Bel Platon, Haiti, it is never too late to help those in need. Anytime you have winter wear, want to volunteer, are eager to do your own fundraiser or have an idea about how to help Schools Count, you should never waver!!!
That being said, I want to remind you that our fundraising for Bel Platon concludes this Friday, October, 28th. Remember, you can send me a check payable to Schools Count Corp. (note help Haiti in the memo section) and mail it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or make a contribution by going to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org.
Finally, we will collect coats for children here in the Chicago area until Saturday, November 5th. Just email me or give me a call at 630-863-6035 to work out details. We need both boys and girls (children's) coats of all sizes in addition to adult small and mediums. We prefer new coats if possible. No doubt any of us would welcome something 'brand spanking new!'
Many thanks!!
Dick
That being said, I want to remind you that our fundraising for Bel Platon concludes this Friday, October, 28th. Remember, you can send me a check payable to Schools Count Corp. (note help Haiti in the memo section) and mail it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or make a contribution by going to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org.
Finally, we will collect coats for children here in the Chicago area until Saturday, November 5th. Just email me or give me a call at 630-863-6035 to work out details. We need both boys and girls (children's) coats of all sizes in addition to adult small and mediums. We prefer new coats if possible. No doubt any of us would welcome something 'brand spanking new!'
Many thanks!!
Dick
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
A Ghastly Look at Bel Platon
No matter the amount of your donation, any contribution of any size would be welcome. Either donate online on our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org or kindly mail a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and send it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL. 60462. Your help WILL make a difference.
Thank you,
Dick
Monday, October 24, 2016
Haiti Fund
I have some wonderful news in terms of our fundraising for the Bel Platon community in Haiti. We have thus far raised $4200.00. Yes, $4,200.00!!! We are well on our way to collecting/meeting our goal of providing $6,000.00 worth of relief to this community.
We will raise funds through Friday of this week, Oct. 28th so there is still ample time to be part of this 'Special' initiative. Remember, you can send a check to me, payable to Schools Count Corp or go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org to make an online donation.
I hope to have more information from Bel Platon either later today or tomorrow and I will be sure to keep you up to date on conditions.
Thanks,
Dick
We will raise funds through Friday of this week, Oct. 28th so there is still ample time to be part of this 'Special' initiative. Remember, you can send a check to me, payable to Schools Count Corp or go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org to make an online donation.
I hope to have more information from Bel Platon either later today or tomorrow and I will be sure to keep you up to date on conditions.
Thanks,
Dick
Saturday, October 22, 2016
On the Ground in Haiti
Friends of Schools Count Corp.,
This information came from the lead administrator, and founder, at Bèl Platon, Mr. Tony Delus via Erik at Haiti Partners. It just came a couple of hours ago and details what is taking place on the ground in this small village in Haiti. What is written in italics comes directly from Tony in Bel Platon. It is both devastating and heartbreaking. You might also want to look at the photos in the attachment.
We are collecting tax deductible donations by mail (payable to Schools Count Corp) to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or by making an online donation at www.schoolscountcorp.org We are collecting through Friday, Oct. 28th. To those of you who have already donated, please accept my sincere thanks for your kind contribution.
Thank you, Dick Flesher
Thank you for your message. I tried to send some messages, but they wouldn't go through.
In the community of Bèl Platon:
35 houses were destroyed.
8 reservoirs were damaged/destroyed.
298 houses were damaged.
3 schools were damaged.
2 churches were damaged.
2 churches were destroyed.
With regard to animals,
about 60 cows died.
Roughly 1000 goats died.
Around 25 donkeys died.
With respect to chickens, there are none left.
Since Hurricane Matthew got done with this area, people have been hungry because there are no more gardens/crops. The children can't last long at school. There's no treated water.
With respect to the school facilities, there is no damage except for the church building which was torn open. There are real problems at the school now. Parents don't have anything to give their children to eat. Students with destroyed houses have nowhere to stay. It's even hard to find tarps to put over the roofs of houses. We've had 80 children return to the school. Another 40 that enrolled haven't shown up yet. We told parents repeatedly to send their kids even if they haven't paid their fees yet, because we know they don't even have enough money to eat...
For the time being we have purchased some tarps in order to wall off classroom space where children can sit. But since it's not covered, when the rain comes we cannot work. Tables get wet. It's only through awareness that we're holding up.
These numbers are, of course, estimates. That said, there’s no doubt that Matthew wreaked havoc in Bèl Platon and that basic needs - food, treated water, shelter - will be an issue for some time into the future.
Please see the attached pics. I’ll share more info as I learn more.
Thanks,
Erik, Haiti Partners.
This information came from the lead administrator, and founder, at Bèl Platon, Mr. Tony Delus via Erik at Haiti Partners. It just came a couple of hours ago and details what is taking place on the ground in this small village in Haiti. What is written in italics comes directly from Tony in Bel Platon. It is both devastating and heartbreaking. You might also want to look at the photos in the attachment.
We are collecting tax deductible donations by mail (payable to Schools Count Corp) to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or by making an online donation at www.schoolscountcorp.org We are collecting through Friday, Oct. 28th. To those of you who have already donated, please accept my sincere thanks for your kind contribution.
Thank you, Dick Flesher
Thank you for your message. I tried to send some messages, but they wouldn't go through.
In the community of Bèl Platon:
35 houses were destroyed.
8 reservoirs were damaged/destroyed.
298 houses were damaged.
3 schools were damaged.
2 churches were damaged.
2 churches were destroyed.
With regard to animals,
about 60 cows died.
Roughly 1000 goats died.
Around 25 donkeys died.
With respect to chickens, there are none left.
Since Hurricane Matthew got done with this area, people have been hungry because there are no more gardens/crops. The children can't last long at school. There's no treated water.
With respect to the school facilities, there is no damage except for the church building which was torn open. There are real problems at the school now. Parents don't have anything to give their children to eat. Students with destroyed houses have nowhere to stay. It's even hard to find tarps to put over the roofs of houses. We've had 80 children return to the school. Another 40 that enrolled haven't shown up yet. We told parents repeatedly to send their kids even if they haven't paid their fees yet, because we know they don't even have enough money to eat...
For the time being we have purchased some tarps in order to wall off classroom space where children can sit. But since it's not covered, when the rain comes we cannot work. Tables get wet. It's only through awareness that we're holding up.
These numbers are, of course, estimates. That said, there’s no doubt that Matthew wreaked havoc in Bèl Platon and that basic needs - food, treated water, shelter - will be an issue for some time into the future.
Please see the attached pics. I’ll share more info as I learn more.
Thanks,
Erik, Haiti Partners.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Funds for Bel Platon Community School
Our goal is to help the children and families of Bel Platon Community School by raising $6,000.00 by Friday, October 28th. Through the first week we have raised $3,350!! I can assure you that $6,000.00 would do a GREAT deal to help the kids and community of Bel Platon.
Speaking of the community, Bel Platon is a village that is spread out over a number of miles. The population numbers in the hundreds though I don't have a firm census count. The school itself has slightly more than 100 students along with 9 teachers, 2 support staff and a number of volunteers.
As I mentioned yesterday, the island took a big hit and Bel Platon is an area on the southern end of the island of La Gonave where Hurricane Matthew came ashore and literally ravaged a good portion of the area before moving northward. The island also did encounter a good deal of damage as a result of the 2010 earthquake and La Gonave has long been called the 'forgotten island.'
Any donation you can make for this special relief fund would be greatly appreciated. In working with Haiti Partners, as we have before, I can assure you that the funds will absolutely be used to aid Bel Platon. If you have questions or need further information please don't hesitate to let me know.
Many thanks!
Dick
Speaking of the community, Bel Platon is a village that is spread out over a number of miles. The population numbers in the hundreds though I don't have a firm census count. The school itself has slightly more than 100 students along with 9 teachers, 2 support staff and a number of volunteers.
As I mentioned yesterday, the island took a big hit and Bel Platon is an area on the southern end of the island of La Gonave where Hurricane Matthew came ashore and literally ravaged a good portion of the area before moving northward. The island also did encounter a good deal of damage as a result of the 2010 earthquake and La Gonave has long been called the 'forgotten island.'
Any donation you can make for this special relief fund would be greatly appreciated. In working with Haiti Partners, as we have before, I can assure you that the funds will absolutely be used to aid Bel Platon. If you have questions or need further information please don't hesitate to let me know.
Many thanks!
Dick
Thursday, October 20, 2016
A Slice of Haiti
True, there is plenty of poverty in Haiti. Sadly, that has been a long standing problem, among other maladies, which has affected this nation. Political discord has also brought a good deal of grief to this nation's people. Notwithstanding all of these issues, the people of Haiti have always had a strong sense of family and community. Visit the nation and you will see just what I mean by that.
The public wells or transportation system are prime examples of a communal respect. People often have to be quite patient while, as they wait in line at a public well, to fill their containers with clean water. The same goes for hopping a ride on a colorful bus called a tap tap. People may jostle to find a seat in the heat but Haitians accord one another with respect and kindness...there is room for all!
Following the recent hurricane, we have also seen evidence of this concern for the community. Neighbors helping neighbors, school principals opening up the their buildings so that people have temporary homes and people wading into flood ravaged portions of villages to lend a helping hand.
As I said yesterday, Haiti and Haitians matter.
Dick
The public wells or transportation system are prime examples of a communal respect. People often have to be quite patient while, as they wait in line at a public well, to fill their containers with clean water. The same goes for hopping a ride on a colorful bus called a tap tap. People may jostle to find a seat in the heat but Haitians accord one another with respect and kindness...there is room for all!
Following the recent hurricane, we have also seen evidence of this concern for the community. Neighbors helping neighbors, school principals opening up the their buildings so that people have temporary homes and people wading into flood ravaged portions of villages to lend a helping hand.
As I said yesterday, Haiti and Haitians matter.
Dick
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Haiti Matters
It's abundantly clear that Hurricane Matthew delivered a huge punch to much of western and portions of Central Haiti (including the island of La Gonave). Over 1,000 have succumbed to the storm and attending cholera, crops are wiped out, homes destroyed and the attendant urgent needs of medicine, clean water, shelter and food are visible.
Yes, Haiti matters. Children everywhere matter. One's skin color, their history, their lot in life, religion/belief system, and their location makes no difference. We all have essential needs and we all deserve a chance to make it in life. I'll never forget the book written by John Wooten, some twenty years ago, entitled 'We Are All the Same.'
With this in mind, I'd like to ask you to be a part of helping the children of Bel Platon Community School. Right now, this impoverished school is suffering from many of the ills that Matthew brought to the residents of this island community. You can be a part of seeing to it that we, in fact, are treated 'All the Same.'
To make a donation to the school, kindly write a check payable to Schools Count Corp and mail it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462. Please write 'Help Haiti' in the memo section of the check. Of course you can go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and make a donation online if you so choose.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration,
Dick
Yes, Haiti matters. Children everywhere matter. One's skin color, their history, their lot in life, religion/belief system, and their location makes no difference. We all have essential needs and we all deserve a chance to make it in life. I'll never forget the book written by John Wooten, some twenty years ago, entitled 'We Are All the Same.'
With this in mind, I'd like to ask you to be a part of helping the children of Bel Platon Community School. Right now, this impoverished school is suffering from many of the ills that Matthew brought to the residents of this island community. You can be a part of seeing to it that we, in fact, are treated 'All the Same.'
To make a donation to the school, kindly write a check payable to Schools Count Corp and mail it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462. Please write 'Help Haiti' in the memo section of the check. Of course you can go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and make a donation online if you so choose.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration,
Dick
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Bel Platon Community School in Haiti
Working through Haiti Partners, Schools Count Corp. has a school that we will help rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. As many of you know, the hurricane ravaged many parts of western Haiti including the island of LaGonave. The Bel Platon community took a huge hit; the school was damaged, crops destroyed, homes ruined and much more.
One of my friends, Erik, who works for Haiti Partners said that an associate of his is heading to the island later in the week. This will help us get a better assessment of the damage to the school and the impact on the students and their families.
To help us get the Bel Platon school and students on their feet, I'd like to extend an invitation to you to make a tax deductible donation to the cause. If you are contributing via check please send it to Dick Flesher and make it payable to Schools Count Corp.
Kindly mail it to 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL. 60462. Of course, donations can be made online by going to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and contributing.
Below are some photos of the flooding on La Gonave
One of my friends, Erik, who works for Haiti Partners said that an associate of his is heading to the island later in the week. This will help us get a better assessment of the damage to the school and the impact on the students and their families.
To help us get the Bel Platon school and students on their feet, I'd like to extend an invitation to you to make a tax deductible donation to the cause. If you are contributing via check please send it to Dick Flesher and make it payable to Schools Count Corp.
Kindly mail it to 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL. 60462. Of course, donations can be made online by going to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and contributing.
Below are some photos of the flooding on La Gonave
Monday, October 17, 2016
Help for Haitians
Many of you can recall that dark and destructive day when well over 200,000 Haitians lost their lives in the 2010 earthquake. Sadly, too much remains to be done in light of that tragedy. Thanks to many global citizens, lives were saved and rebuilding has taken place for a good number of the citizens.
Many of you lent a hand in rebuilding a school, Institution Mixte Nao, in Darbonne. Thankfully, the school is doing well!
As you know, Hurricane Matthew leveled a severe blow to the west of Darbonne and this area of the country is literally devastated on so many levels; lives lost (at least 1,000), homes which have disappeared, crops destroyed, clean water/medicine needed, the spread of cholera, and hope all but gone for so many families.
Our SCC Board of Directors is seeking to help this portion of Haiti as their needs are urgent. Though we recently worked with the Chicago area and the good people of Baton Rouge, LA, we feel a strong connection to the people of this region.
You can make a donation to this cause by making a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and writing the words "Help for Haitians" in the memo portion of the check. Kindly mail it to Dick Flesher at 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462. You can also go online to make a donation.
To kick off this effort I am pleased to match all total donations, dollar for dollar, up to $2,000.00. Our friends at Haiti Partners, along with others, could certainly use a lift. Thank you for your consideration of this special request. As always, we are ever grateful for all that you do for those in need.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
Many of you lent a hand in rebuilding a school, Institution Mixte Nao, in Darbonne. Thankfully, the school is doing well!
As you know, Hurricane Matthew leveled a severe blow to the west of Darbonne and this area of the country is literally devastated on so many levels; lives lost (at least 1,000), homes which have disappeared, crops destroyed, clean water/medicine needed, the spread of cholera, and hope all but gone for so many families.
Our SCC Board of Directors is seeking to help this portion of Haiti as their needs are urgent. Though we recently worked with the Chicago area and the good people of Baton Rouge, LA, we feel a strong connection to the people of this region.
You can make a donation to this cause by making a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and writing the words "Help for Haitians" in the memo portion of the check. Kindly mail it to Dick Flesher at 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462. You can also go online to make a donation.
To kick off this effort I am pleased to match all total donations, dollar for dollar, up to $2,000.00. Our friends at Haiti Partners, along with others, could certainly use a lift. Thank you for your consideration of this special request. As always, we are ever grateful for all that you do for those in need.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
Friday, October 14, 2016
Coats at K Mart
I know many of you are curious to know how you can help us get coats for the children in the Harvey and Chicago Public Schools. I am certainly appreciate of any help you can provide between now and the end of October. So there are still a good two and one-half weeks to go to in terms of getting coats for the kids.
I just thought I'd let you know that additional K Mart stores are closing in the Chicagoland area. I went to one such location this morning and got some great prices on some very heavy and attractive winter coats. So, you might want to head there in the coming days as the stock is dwindling fast!
Remember your contribution of coats, or providing us with the cash, is tax deductible. Just forward me the receipt and I'll be pleased to issue you a write-off letter. Thanks again for your support.
Dick
I just thought I'd let you know that additional K Mart stores are closing in the Chicagoland area. I went to one such location this morning and got some great prices on some very heavy and attractive winter coats. So, you might want to head there in the coming days as the stock is dwindling fast!
Remember your contribution of coats, or providing us with the cash, is tax deductible. Just forward me the receipt and I'll be pleased to issue you a write-off letter. Thanks again for your support.
Dick
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Updates
Just a few updates before I head to the airport...
Probably the city/area that took the biggest hit in the United States was North Carolina. Even before the hurricane, a good portion of the northeastern part of the state was hit by heavy rain. We are keeping an eye on Lumberton schools right now.
The news out of Haiti continues to be dire even though some water and food supplies, along with medicine, are making their way to Jeremie and other areas. 900 deaths, many missing and cholera has already broken out. I'll provide additional details and ways to help should you so desire.
Hooray, a tentative deal has been reached in the Chicago Public School System. There is no strike today!!!
Dick
Probably the city/area that took the biggest hit in the United States was North Carolina. Even before the hurricane, a good portion of the northeastern part of the state was hit by heavy rain. We are keeping an eye on Lumberton schools right now.
The news out of Haiti continues to be dire even though some water and food supplies, along with medicine, are making their way to Jeremie and other areas. 900 deaths, many missing and cholera has already broken out. I'll provide additional details and ways to help should you so desire.
Hooray, a tentative deal has been reached in the Chicago Public School System. There is no strike today!!!
Dick
Friday, October 7, 2016
Haiti Update
Sadly, the news continues to reveal that Haiti is reeling from Hurricane Matthew. Reuters reports that Haitian officials have raised the death toll to 339 as of 7:00 am this morning. The large city of Jeremie reports that 80% of its buildings are down and the Sud Province reports that 30,000 homes have been destroyed.
I wish I had better news for you but I simply don't.
Obviously, the Red Cross and other agencies will be helping the region though much of the area can't be reached via large trucks or other large vehicles needed to get into the region. Certainly fresh water, shelter, food and medicines are desperately needed.
Dick
I wish I had better news for you but I simply don't.
Obviously, the Red Cross and other agencies will be helping the region though much of the area can't be reached via large trucks or other large vehicles needed to get into the region. Certainly fresh water, shelter, food and medicines are desperately needed.
Dick
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Escalating Problems
Yesterday I lamented the loss of more CPS staff as the school district population continues to slide. It's almost as if there is a domino effect. Sadly, a perfect storm. A convergence of factors comes together and it spells trouble. Jobs, are lost,poverty grips a neighborhood, tax revenues plummet, crime grows, and the school lose students. Added to this mix the CPS problems; no teacher contract, turnover, layoffs, budget problems and more.
So it's no wonder that as students continue to enroll elsewhere, the CPS district office - in light of financial woes - is making cuts to their budget and those of the schools.
So, in spite of some great things happening at individual schools, the picture on a macro level is looking rather grim. I have said this before, until ALL stakeholders realize these rather dire problems and act as one nothing will improve. This scenario is one of the big reasons I am advocating that CTU not strike next week.
Dick
So it's no wonder that as students continue to enroll elsewhere, the CPS district office - in light of financial woes - is making cuts to their budget and those of the schools.
So, in spite of some great things happening at individual schools, the picture on a macro level is looking rather grim. I have said this before, until ALL stakeholders realize these rather dire problems and act as one nothing will improve. This scenario is one of the big reasons I am advocating that CTU not strike next week.
Dick
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Today is World Teachers Day
Indeed today is World Teachers Day. The name rings true as one of the fundamental functions of education is to develop and understanding and appreciation for the rest of the world. It is one of the key elements that any teacher worth his or her salt, anywhere in the world, is trying to accomplish.
Lightening Strikes Again
CPS this past Monday added 250 more staff who were provided with layoff notices due to a decrease in enrollment of some 13,800 students. The layoffs are in addition to the 1,000 who were laid off in August. It seems as though the trend of enrollment decreases, along with those being let go, show any sign of abating in the coming months.
The CPS brass based the enrollment decreases on the 10th day of attendance in current school year though Monday was actually the 20th day of classes. It will be interesting to see, as we move forward, if enrollment goes up. Should that occur, the question becomes, will CPS then add more staff back to the classrooms?
All of this portends more bad news as the Oct. 11th strike deadline approaches. It almost seems a foregone conclusion that a strike, sadly, is likely to occur.
Dick
The CPS brass based the enrollment decreases on the 10th day of attendance in current school year though Monday was actually the 20th day of classes. It will be interesting to see, as we move forward, if enrollment goes up. Should that occur, the question becomes, will CPS then add more staff back to the classrooms?
All of this portends more bad news as the Oct. 11th strike deadline approaches. It almost seems a foregone conclusion that a strike, sadly, is likely to occur.
Dick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
