Wednesday, November 30, 2016

We Have Enough to Do

Those of us who have been retired from teaching for 5, 10, 15 or more years would be stunned by the increasing demands placed upon teachers. Keeping up with technology is just one such aspect as it seems as though schools are constantly putting new hardware out there that teachers and students have to adapt to year in and year out.

It's not just keeping up with technology that makes a career in teaching so imposing. The consternation arises from all corners;, standardized testing, the demand for instant feedback on all sorts of issues, new forms of evaluating teachers, the drumbeat for being 'better' from critics for alleged shortcomings, fending off unwarranted attacks about unions and so very much more.

All of these new demands (and so many more that I haven't included) are on top of grading papers, developing lesson plans, teaching day to day, meeting with students, working in sports/clubs/activities and the other teaching duties. School governance needs to be careful about what I see as 'piling on.' Yes, piling on, adding so much to the plate that the plate can't handle one more thing added to it.

Dick

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Giving Tuesday

There are plenty of great schools out there. District #86 has two such schools, Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central. Though they are terrific schools where students are thriving, there are also a number of students who are homeless and are part of the federal government's free and reduced lunches. In fact, there are a large number of such students, 75 homeless and 641 in the latter category.

Their needs are great and we are raising money through our 'Go Fund Me' initiative. To make a donation simply go to the website, www.gofundme.com and type in the word 'Pircon' where its says search. You will see our endeavor which says D86: Neighbors in Need and "We rise by lifting others."

Let's lift up those who could benefit from a helping hand. Whether its clothing, school supplies, gym uniforms or a prom dress/tux, these hard working students would be able to be that much more successful at our schools.

Thank you,
Dick

Monday, November 28, 2016

News Flash

The number of unions in America has been dwindling for many decades. And, as a former teacher and someone still engaged in education, I have first hand information and knowledge on teacher associations and unions. Are you ready for this? They aren't a problem nor do they stop progress in the classroom.

To hear soon-to-be Secretary of Education, Ms. Devos, talk about unions, one would think that the future of education in America is doomed if we don't get rid of them. If unions are such a problem, why is it that Hinsdale Township District #86, Stevenson High, Skaneateles Central, New Trier, Naperville Unit District, Lyons Township and hundreds more/thousands more, perform so well if unions are the alleged problem?

No, I want an answer to the above. Unions don't prevent progress, they are often on the cutting edge of real progress in the classroom.

Dick

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Here A Coat, There A Coat...

A special and loud shout out to all those who donated coats or funds to our annual drive. You were able to acquire 400 coats, 150 pairs of gloves and 150 hats into the hands of the students at the following schools; Barton, Jahn, Yates, Chase, Gregory, Hughes, Pilsen, Pickard, Lavizzo, Arthur Ashe, Haley, Bryant, Sandburg, Lowell Longfellow, Maya Angelou, Holmes (in Harvey), Whittier and Brooks.

Keeping kids warm, making the holidays special, putting a smile on their faces and seeing to it to let them know whey are not forgotten; rather, they are cared for!!

Dick

Monday, November 21, 2016

Chipotle, Chipotle!!

Today, Monday, November 21st marks the final day of the Hinsdale Central H.S. boys varsity soccer team's KICK fundraiser. From 4 pm today until 8 pm you can purchase any number of meals (with a flyer) and 50% of the proceeds will benefit the fundraiser and, in turn, our charity. The only Chipotle honoring the flyer is the one located on 300 E. Ogden Ave. in Westmont.

If you are planning to grab a bite to eat, while helping School Count Corp., I'd be glad to send you a flyer so that you can participate in the event. Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll send you a flyer.

Thank you!!!
Dick

Friday, November 18, 2016

A Well Rounded Person

I think the vast majority of us could agree upon the idea that they would like to see their son/daughter be a well rounded person. I'll let you come up with your own definition or criteria for such a person. One thing is for certain, the more well rounded people we have in the world, I believe, we will be all the better.

That's one of the reasons that I am adamantly opposed to the over emphasis on STEM...Science, Technology, English and Math. There is certainly every reason to support each one of these curriculum. No argument here in terms of the need for each of these. My point is that STEM is often used as the 'holy grail' for a top education and producing, so to speak, a top notch student. In my view, nothing could be further from the truth.

A well rounded person is what we need to shoot for and having a public school, or private for that matter, that puts an over reliance on any area of ones education works to the detriment of seeing to it that we have well rounded students.

Dick

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Thanksgiving and Thanks

As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches it is worth noting that I often get letters of thanks from principals and students, in the schools we are fortunate to serve, who are genuinely touched by the goodness and generosity of our donors and volunteers. Though they can't send a note to each of you, please know you are an important part of their school success.

As one student acknowledged, "I am excited to learn since you sent me a new notebook and pencils." A pretty simple message but one that should never be lost on any of us. It is clear that this girl is eager to learn and that she is certainly grateful for the assistance.

Lots of ways to partake of what Thanksgiving means.

Dick

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Justice

Dr. King once proclaimed that 'the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.' I have long thought about this idea/phrase and the many meanings within those words. I certainly don't disagree with the sentiment, not at all. But the moral universe is something that is living, living within each of us and I wonder about the extent to which each of us is willing/sees fit to do something about rising up to and creating a greater justice for all.

I question this as our charity continues to work in impoverished areas of Chicago and other regions in the United States. I wonder about whether our society, individually and as a whole, sees the injustices within whole neighborhoods and schools. Are schools properly resourced? Do we see the individuals, without many of the benefits we enjoy, having the same opportunities or avenues to success as we enjoy? Do we even care?

My hope is that we can shorten the time span of the 'moral universe' so that 'liberty and justice for all' arrives sooner rather than later.

Dick

Monday, November 14, 2016

Arthur Ashe on the Move!!

There are lots of critics of CPS and inner city schools out there. Often, their criticism is unfounded, and misplaced, as in the case of one school we work with, Arthur Ashe Elementary, in Chicago. This is a school that goes above and beyond the normal day of education as it will offer a November 14th (TODAY!) through February 23rd 'After School Program.'

This program has three components; a hot meal from 3:00 pm to 3:30, then a one hour math and reading homework enrichment element followed by extracurriculars (cheerleading, performing arts, choir, open gym, technology, and art). Any student in grades K-8 can participate and the student MUST participate in the academic portion in order to participate in the extracurriculars.

By the way, I was looking at the perfect attendance list of students in the entire school. It's amazing!!! It's not unusual to see that 15 to 20 students, in each class, have perfect attendance for the entire month of September.

Yes, Arthur Ashe is on the rise!!

There are many CPS schools that doing something similar to Ashe. I hope some of the naysayers take a closer look.

Dick

Friday, November 11, 2016

More School Successes

This marquee may seem like any other at a public school. But notice that it mentions that Gregory Elementary, a CPS school, not unlike others in the city, is hosting a food pantry. It is not uncommon, at all, for public schools in Chicago to run literacy classes, clothing drives, food pantries and more in order to help the students and their families.

When people talk about the idea that they need to 'help themselves' (often said in a derogatory manner) they ought to understand that these schools; their families, students, staff and parent groups do just that. Kudos to Gregory and many other schools for such outreach.

Dick

Thursday, November 10, 2016

After All

After posting stories and my wide ranging thoughts on education, today is a day left to pondering. I'm left to think about what, if any, difference does it make that I blog about education, events taking place with our charity and the ongoing struggle for justice within schools and their communities.

In the whole scheme of things we are but a bit player. I get it. But on another level, in that building of 325 children or in that corner of a blighted neighborhood the only hope that many have is that perhaps one day someone will show up and say 'you matter.'

And that is the driving force. Can we offer a bit of help, a small ray of hope, and something tangible - be it a new coat, some sparkling band instruments, or some needed classroom supplies - so that people can march on knowing they count in the world?

Yes they do and in the words of a man I admire...'yes we can.'

Dick

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Education in this Election

Make Education Great (not 'again') going forward. That's right, it's not about 'Making Education Great Again,' it's about improving education and strengthening public education. It's about seeing to it that all children receive the proper education they are so richly deserving of.

Getting rid of the Department of Education, as promised by Mr. Trump, in addition to school choice/selective schools and the like does not advance the cause of public education.

A comprehensive education with the so called 'core' courses and the 'electives' is imperative. Put aside much of the testing, help ALL children with a truly rich curriculum and see to it that the system of education is a priority for this country in the years and decades to come.

Education took a back seat in this election as did most REAL issues revolving around policy and programs. By the way, having a Department of Education, on the whole, is a blessing for the children of America. It is not some sort of 'waste' as some believe.

Dick

Education in this Election

Make Education Great (not 'again') going forward. That's right, it's not about 'Making Education Great Again,' it's about improving education and strengthening public education. It's about seeing to it that all children receive the proper education they are so richly deserving of.

Getting rid of the Department of Education, as promised by Mr. Trump, in addition to school choice/selective schools and the like does not advance the cause of public education.

A comprehensive education with the so called 'core' courses and the 'electives' is imperative. Put aside much of the testing, help ALL children with a truly rich curriculum and see to it that the system of education is a priority for this country in the years and decades to come.

Education took a back seat in this election as did most REAL issues revolving around policy and programs. By the way, having a Department of Education, on the whole, is a blessing for the children of America. It is not some sort of 'waste' as some believe.

Dick

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Keeping Kids Warm

As you can see, these are some happy Lavizzo Elementary School staff when we delivered nearly 35 new winter coats to the children. As these two office workers mentioned, "we have students who will be so happy to get the coats. They love school and wouldn't think of missing one day." Well, because of so many wonderful donors, a number of kids will be able to stay warm and won't miss any school!!

Dick

Monday, November 7, 2016

Coats for the Kids

This is but a small portion of the many winter coats headed to 17 CPS and Harvey schools starting tomorrow. This is our seventh year of keeping the kids warm as they head to and from school each day. Got to keep 'em bundled up as the walk to school, catch the bus or wait for a ride.

To each one of you who donated coats, the time to collect them or provided us with funds...thank you so very much for caring!!!

Dick

Friday, November 4, 2016

Medgar Evers - Chicago

Many years ago a kind soul and social activist, Medgar Evers, fought for and lost his life fighting for social justice. A bright, thoughtful and articulate person did his part to move our country forward. Well, many years later his cause continues on the far southside of Chicago.

Medgar Evers is a school we have worked with over the past five years in terms of helping students who have a need for various supplies and resources.

The students and faculty at Medgar Evers decided to pitch in and raise funds for Bel Platon Community School in Haiti. The school and community was hit hard by Hurricane Matthew nearly a month ago. Hats off to the students and faculty for raising nearly $300!! Three hundred dollars in Haiti is an amazing amount of money and will do much to help the children of Bel Platon.

Talk about 'paying it forward!' Thank you Medgar Evers!!

Dick

Medgar Evers - Chicago

Many years ago a kind soul and social activist, Medgar Evers, fought for and lost his life fighting for social justice. A bright, thoughtful and articulate person did his part to move our country forward. Well, many years later his cause continues on the far southside of Chicago.

Medgar Evers is a school we have worked with over the past five years in terms of helping students who have a need for various supplies and resources.

The students and faculty at Medgar Evers decided to pitch in and raise funds for Bel Platon Community School in Haiti. The school and community was hit hard by Hurricane Matthew nearly a month ago. Hats off to the students and faculty for raising nearly $300!! Three hundred dollars in Haiti is an amazing amount of money and will do much to help the children of Bel Platon.

Talk about 'paying it forward!' Thank you Medgar Evers!!

Dick

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Lovable Losers No More

Of course the Cubs were always known as the Lovable Losers. We loved Earnie, Ryno, Fergie, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and so many more. So in a very real sense they were never 'losers.' Of course they lost ballgames more often than not but you just kept on love 'em!! So the game 7 win and the World Series victory just makes them that much more lovable!!!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

To Sum Up

The idea that the Arts and various elective courses somehow count for less or that they are in the words of the NBC survey, 'useless'is misguided, without merit, and incorrect. This move to denigrate the Arts and electives just takes us down that slippery slope of 'we can do without it.

Hmm...that translates into 'we can't afford these programs.' My answer is...we can't afford to not have these programs!!

American liberal (sorry folks this is isn't a bad word, it means a wide exposure to different ideas, curriculum and the like) education at all levels is a necessity sown into the fabric of our country. We cannot, for one minute, allow the erosion of the Arts and electives in our schools and universities.

To do so may well result in what many have said long before I say it, "be careful what you wish for."

Dick

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Useless Courses - Part II

And just what does a NBC survey/poll prove or attempt to validate by criticizing the various Arts? Good question but what I know, and I will say, as a former teacher, I know, is that the arts alluded to by the NBC are the very ones that have much to do with problem solving, deep thinking, creativity and reflection.

These are qualities that should reside in all of us, period. They are the skills and thought processes that enable one to find resolutions to problems, to be able to find new ways to work with others and they have their place in our economic, social and culturally well-being. In short the Arts are indispensable.

In this day and age of short-term attention spans, cost effectiveness, high stakes testing, getting the best paying job (not necessarily a bad thing) and being efficient, the Arts offer a counter weight or balance that enables one, and our collective population, to make wise and thoughtful decisions, to foster wisdom in the face of 'I want an answer right now,' and to do so mindful of others and their ideas.

School and college Arts Programs AREN'T useless.

Dick

Girls Singing at IMN

Classes Singing at IMN

IMN School Opens

Driving into Port Au Prince

IMN School Welcome

Tour of IMN School

IMN School