Medgar Evers is bound to have some happy students come this fall via the generous outpouring of support from all involved in the program; from patrons to the Music Parents Assn., and of course the wonderful musicians. The Jazz was smooth and relaxing throughout the entire evening. Aside from the above groups, I want to give a special shout out of thanks to our two band directors Mr. Goeke and Mr. Kurinsky, Deborah Powell - our wonderful soloist, a guest trombone soloist Mark Bettcher and Bill Mooler the evenings Emcee.
Because of all of these efforts, we raised funds, received a flute, a french horn, a saxophone and a complete drum set. This is obviously a wonderful start to creating the Evers band.
I just received an email from the Medgar Evers Principal, Ms. Ellis, who attended the performance last night. Here's what she said, "I just want to take this opportunity to thank you once again! You are always thinking about how you can assist the students and staff at Evers. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing the talent that the students of Hinsdale Central displayed. Their talent is truly amazing. The directors are doing a terrific job bringing out the gifts possessed by those at Hinsdale."
It was indeed a wonderful evening.
Dick
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Fab Four
Last night I had the opportunity to meet with four soccer players; Alex Cole, Jackson Harris, Edison Hawkins, and Brady McKay, along with their respective Moms, as we kicked off our KICK initiative. KICK or 'Kick it in for Chicago Kids' is run by these varsity soccer players to raise sorely needed funds to assist the students within a number of CPS and Harvey, IL schools.
The KICK effort includes a soccer-tennis tournament, raising funds through sponsorships, and ann auction in addition to other activities which are designed to call attention to the needs of students in poverty while raising money for school supplies, winter coats, music instruments, school uniforms and much more.
Last evening was a great get way to start this process as the boys were eager to set the bar high in terms of raising funds and genuinely wanting to step forward to help those in need. So hats off to the Fab Four for getting off to a great start!
Dick
The KICK effort includes a soccer-tennis tournament, raising funds through sponsorships, and ann auction in addition to other activities which are designed to call attention to the needs of students in poverty while raising money for school supplies, winter coats, music instruments, school uniforms and much more.
Last evening was a great get way to start this process as the boys were eager to set the bar high in terms of raising funds and genuinely wanting to step forward to help those in need. So hats off to the Fab Four for getting off to a great start!
Dick
Monday, April 24, 2017
Tomorrow Nights Jazz Fest
Great music, refreshments, lively entertainment, a great cause and some time to unwind and listen to some of the best jazz played anywhere in the western suburbs.
Looking forward to seeing you!!
Dick
Friday, April 21, 2017
America First - Education Last!
At a time when far too many critics bemoan the alleged inadequacy of the American education system we've now learned that the Administration is willing to eliminate the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. Mind you, this program serves 1.1 million students in 9,600 centers nationwide.
Mick Mulvaney, on behalf of the Administration, said there is "no demonstrable evidence" that after-school and summer programs benefit low income students when it comes to their success during the school day.
Sorry Mick you're dead wrong!! A study by the Harvard Family Research Project found that the Learning Centers provide positive outcomes with respect to; better attitudes toward school, higher school attendance, lower dropout rates, better test scores and grades and improved homework completion.
You can be sure of one thing...I will get this data to Congress, Mr. Mulvaney and Ms. DeVos
Dick
Mick Mulvaney, on behalf of the Administration, said there is "no demonstrable evidence" that after-school and summer programs benefit low income students when it comes to their success during the school day.
Sorry Mick you're dead wrong!! A study by the Harvard Family Research Project found that the Learning Centers provide positive outcomes with respect to; better attitudes toward school, higher school attendance, lower dropout rates, better test scores and grades and improved homework completion.
You can be sure of one thing...I will get this data to Congress, Mr. Mulvaney and Ms. DeVos
Dick
Thursday, April 20, 2017
CPS Money Woes Continue
The financial picture at CPS remains about as clear as muddied spring flood waters. At isue is a lawsuit filed by CPS which asks that the money doled out to the city's teacher pension plan not count as funding for regular classroom education. The Illinois State Board of Education claims otherwise. CPS alleges that the manner in which schools and pensions are funded is discriminatory.
A Cook County judge will make his final ruling in the case on April 28th with regard to the city schools being able to receive immediate financial help from the state. Plenty is at stake here as the district is facing a $721 million June 30th pension payment in addition to figuring out the remaining length of the school year.
One thing is certain, even if the judge rules in favor of the district many financial problems will dog the system.
Dick
A Cook County judge will make his final ruling in the case on April 28th with regard to the city schools being able to receive immediate financial help from the state. Plenty is at stake here as the district is facing a $721 million June 30th pension payment in addition to figuring out the remaining length of the school year.
One thing is certain, even if the judge rules in favor of the district many financial problems will dog the system.
Dick
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
We Could Use Your Help
Our charity is not in the business of changing the world but I would be remiss if I didn't admit that Schools Count Corp. is definitely trying to alter things for the better. America and Americans have always stood for the principle of the 'common good.' And that's exactly why I'm reaching out to you. Our charity needs your help.
We are in the process of helping to build a band program at Medgar Evers Elementary School in Chicago. We need funds to be able to buy the instruments for the children. To that end, Schools Count is working with the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles as they gear up to put on a benefit concert.
And that's where you come in. The more people who attend the Tuesday, April 25th 7:00 pm program the more money we will have to buy instruments. It's that simple!! Individual admission is $5 and the whole family gets in for $10!! Of course, if you make a charitable tax deductible contribution in excess of this amount you also enter for free. What a deal. I hope you have the opportunity to join us at the Hinsdale Community House located on Madison St. in Hinsdale next Tuesday.
This is bound to be a wonderful event and you will be making a diffence in the lives of Medgar Evers students.
Thank you,
Dick
We are in the process of helping to build a band program at Medgar Evers Elementary School in Chicago. We need funds to be able to buy the instruments for the children. To that end, Schools Count is working with the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles as they gear up to put on a benefit concert.
And that's where you come in. The more people who attend the Tuesday, April 25th 7:00 pm program the more money we will have to buy instruments. It's that simple!! Individual admission is $5 and the whole family gets in for $10!! Of course, if you make a charitable tax deductible contribution in excess of this amount you also enter for free. What a deal. I hope you have the opportunity to join us at the Hinsdale Community House located on Madison St. in Hinsdale next Tuesday.
This is bound to be a wonderful event and you will be making a diffence in the lives of Medgar Evers students.
Thank you,
Dick
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Education Matters - Contact these Individuals
Since when are people seriously, and I mean seriously, questionning the worth of before and after school programs? To get students, wherever they live in America, to school early and/or to stay late is no mean feat!!! That in itself is a real task and to be able to have meaningful programs for them is particularly useful.
I have a request of you, if I may. The legislation to keep these programs or to eliminate them (which is, unfortunately, a possibility) is in the hands of Congress, specifically the Subcommittee called Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. I'd like to ask you to take a minute of your time to write a simple two or three sentence letter and get it off to the two ranking members of the subcommittee. Ask them to maintain the above critical program and others facing the chopping block.
Please send your letters to Representative Todd Rokita and Representative Jared Polis. They both share the same subcommittee mailing address which is: The U. S. House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, 2716 Rayburn House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515.
Many thanks,
Dick
I have a request of you, if I may. The legislation to keep these programs or to eliminate them (which is, unfortunately, a possibility) is in the hands of Congress, specifically the Subcommittee called Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. I'd like to ask you to take a minute of your time to write a simple two or three sentence letter and get it off to the two ranking members of the subcommittee. Ask them to maintain the above critical program and others facing the chopping block.
Please send your letters to Representative Todd Rokita and Representative Jared Polis. They both share the same subcommittee mailing address which is: The U. S. House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, 2716 Rayburn House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515.
Many thanks,
Dick
Monday, April 17, 2017
A few Questions
I have some questions I'd like to ask Boards of Education, Ms. DeVos and members of Congress. Are they fine with the proposed elimination of the Department of Education (introduced by U.S. House of Representatives member Mr. Mathis)? Are they also on board with the proposed elimination of seven programs in the Dept. of Education?
Further, where do each of these people and groups stand on funding for Title I? Likewise, are any of these officials thinking of cutting funding for Title IX? Short of eliminating any title programs, where do you stand on providing monies for school breakfast and lunch programs?
Let me be clear, programs need to prove their worth. Various school initiatives, at any level of government, must deliver on value. I can tell you, from many of my contacts and experiences in working with school officials, that the types of cuts proposed by the federal government are not warranted.
Our public officials need to understand the impact of some of their likely cuts. Until they stop the mish-mash, willey-nilly approach to dealing with public schools, we are certainly going to witness some negative consequences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Dick
Further, where do each of these people and groups stand on funding for Title I? Likewise, are any of these officials thinking of cutting funding for Title IX? Short of eliminating any title programs, where do you stand on providing monies for school breakfast and lunch programs?
Let me be clear, programs need to prove their worth. Various school initiatives, at any level of government, must deliver on value. I can tell you, from many of my contacts and experiences in working with school officials, that the types of cuts proposed by the federal government are not warranted.
Our public officials need to understand the impact of some of their likely cuts. Until they stop the mish-mash, willey-nilly approach to dealing with public schools, we are certainly going to witness some negative consequences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Dick
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Best Laid Plans...
The Chicago Public Schools were offering to buy out teachers in order realize some savings for the cash strapped district. CPS was hoping to lure a minimum of 1,500 teachers into retiring. The district was offering $1500 for each year of service. Teachers had until March 31st of this year to sign up for the plan. Just one glitch...only 900 teachers signed up which is not enough for CPS to break even and save money.
Had enough teachers opted to participate, the district would have saved millions beyond the anticipated payouts/buyouts. Since too few people enrolled, CPS is cancelling the plan. Those 900 teachers who signed up to participate can withdraw their names as long as they do so by April 30th.
No matter what plan is put forward to get CPS out of the red invariably a glitch pops up. As I said, 'the best laid plans...'
Dick
Had enough teachers opted to participate, the district would have saved millions beyond the anticipated payouts/buyouts. Since too few people enrolled, CPS is cancelling the plan. Those 900 teachers who signed up to participate can withdraw their names as long as they do so by April 30th.
No matter what plan is put forward to get CPS out of the red invariably a glitch pops up. As I said, 'the best laid plans...'
Dick
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Congress and Dept. of Ed. Cuts
Since the Administration has proposed cutting at least seven Education Dept. programs I have been keeping an eye on the Congressional end of things to try to get an idea if House of Representatives will go along with these cuts or fight to preserve the various programs. Along the way, I have sent letters to the Ranking members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, along with staffers, to describe the positive impact made by various initiatives.
I also have subscribed to receive the 'Weekly Wrap-Up' of the committees work. To date I have received no responses to my letters sent to Ms. Foxx and Mr. Scott nor have I heard from any of the staffers of the committee or the various subcommittees. Nothing in the weekly newsletters either.
I am left wondering just how far the committee will go to either agree with the cuts or put their foot down and demand that these education programs continue to be funded. Right now I'm not so sure anyone, from what I can tell, is stepping up to say that the cuts are draconian and can't be tolerated.
Stay tuned.
Dick
I also have subscribed to receive the 'Weekly Wrap-Up' of the committees work. To date I have received no responses to my letters sent to Ms. Foxx and Mr. Scott nor have I heard from any of the staffers of the committee or the various subcommittees. Nothing in the weekly newsletters either.
I am left wondering just how far the committee will go to either agree with the cuts or put their foot down and demand that these education programs continue to be funded. Right now I'm not so sure anyone, from what I can tell, is stepping up to say that the cuts are draconian and can't be tolerated.
Stay tuned.
Dick
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Hit a High Note
Being a part of an activity that brings great satisfaction to oneself, as well as others, is a great feeling. And that's exactly why I'm encouraging you to attend our Jazz Benefit on Tuesday, April 25th at the Hinsdale Community House. Not only is it a night to listen to some wonderful music but it is an opportunity to help bring music to the lives of many children at Medgar Evers Elementary in Chicago.
I can't say that I have ever gone without much in life and many of us have had the same experience. Though I'm not a musician I am confident that if I had wanted to play a trumpet or sax, while growing up, my parents would have found a way to put one in my hands.
The above is not the case for many students in poorer neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. I do know that the children of Evers have a Music program but they are without band instruments and Ms. Ellis, the Principal, is eager to see to it that the students have the opportunity to participate in a band program.
The 7 pm performance on the 25th kicks off at 7:00 pm. Like I said, it's a wonderful evening of some easy listening for you and a great way to fill the Evers hallways with the vibrant sounds of a newly created band program. A great way to hit a number of high notes!
Dick
I can't say that I have ever gone without much in life and many of us have had the same experience. Though I'm not a musician I am confident that if I had wanted to play a trumpet or sax, while growing up, my parents would have found a way to put one in my hands.
The above is not the case for many students in poorer neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. I do know that the children of Evers have a Music program but they are without band instruments and Ms. Ellis, the Principal, is eager to see to it that the students have the opportunity to participate in a band program.
The 7 pm performance on the 25th kicks off at 7:00 pm. Like I said, it's a wonderful evening of some easy listening for you and a great way to fill the Evers hallways with the vibrant sounds of a newly created band program. A great way to hit a number of high notes!
Dick
Monday, April 10, 2017
Time for Some Jazz!
The feds may be drastically cutting back on funding of public schools in many ways but that won't stop the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles or Schools Count Corp. from continuing to help create band programs in the city of Chicago. This year the HC Jazz Program will be performing in order to raise funds to create a band at Medgar Evers Elementary School.
This is not only an opportunity to hear some great music but it's an opportunity to help get instruments into the hands of some children who desperately want the chance to play a sax, trumpet, clarinet, flute, guitar or the drums. You can make this happen!!
Our Eighth Annual Concert will once again be held at the Hinsdale Community House which is located on Madison St. (just north of 55th St.) in Hinsdale on Tuesday, April 25th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. What a great way to unwind from a busy day!! Admission is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family, yes, the entire family.
One of the other ways you can help us create a band at Evers is to donate an instrument in very good and playable condition. We'd be pleased to write you a tax-deduction receipt for the market value of the instrument. One of the other ways to help the students at Evers is to donate $100 (or more) towards a specific instrument and Schools Count Corp. will pay the remaining balance. We'll be sure to submit your name and address to Ms. Ellis, the Principal, to inform her that you are the donor of the instrument.
To take part in any of the above initiatives please contact Dick Flesher at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for your valued participation.
Many thanks,
Dick
This is not only an opportunity to hear some great music but it's an opportunity to help get instruments into the hands of some children who desperately want the chance to play a sax, trumpet, clarinet, flute, guitar or the drums. You can make this happen!!
Our Eighth Annual Concert will once again be held at the Hinsdale Community House which is located on Madison St. (just north of 55th St.) in Hinsdale on Tuesday, April 25th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. What a great way to unwind from a busy day!! Admission is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family, yes, the entire family.
One of the other ways you can help us create a band at Evers is to donate an instrument in very good and playable condition. We'd be pleased to write you a tax-deduction receipt for the market value of the instrument. One of the other ways to help the students at Evers is to donate $100 (or more) towards a specific instrument and Schools Count Corp. will pay the remaining balance. We'll be sure to submit your name and address to Ms. Ellis, the Principal, to inform her that you are the donor of the instrument.
To take part in any of the above initiatives please contact Dick Flesher at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for your valued participation.
Many thanks,
Dick
Friday, April 7, 2017
Epilogue to Uber/Lyft and Choice
It all sounds so wonderful, 'Everyone should have a choice of schools.' No, there is no need to provide a choice with regard to which public school a child will attend. Every single school needs to be properly and fully resourced; otherwise, you are going to have some schools who do a great job while other schools will provide some services but avoid fulfilling other needs. In fact, this is the condition that exists right now.
I want to propose yet another argument against school choice. Children growing up in a particular neighborhood should go to school in that neighborhood. Growing up with friends, neighbors, and family in a locale is an important aspect of child development in promoting stability. This isn't some esoteric comment, research backs it up.
We shouldn't have to transport children to some part of a city that they are unfamiliar with and which might prove hard to adjust to.
This is all the more reason to make sure ALL public schools are properly provided for. This is too important of an endeavor to do otherwise.
Dick
I want to propose yet another argument against school choice. Children growing up in a particular neighborhood should go to school in that neighborhood. Growing up with friends, neighbors, and family in a locale is an important aspect of child development in promoting stability. This isn't some esoteric comment, research backs it up.
We shouldn't have to transport children to some part of a city that they are unfamiliar with and which might prove hard to adjust to.
This is all the more reason to make sure ALL public schools are properly provided for. This is too important of an endeavor to do otherwise.
Dick
Thursday, April 6, 2017
DeVos on Uber/Lyft & Choice - Part III
To compare opting for an uber/lyft ride over a taxi to having a choice among a variety of schools falls flat on a number of fronts. The quality of the product is vastly different when it comes to school choice. A school is a school is a school just isn't based on fact. For example, there are charter and selective schools one might opt for, over another, but that school may not offer services for ADD or an Autistic student. That same school, or others, might not provide other services.
Okay, I can hear some people say the following. 'Since a particular school doesn't have programs needed by my children then the parents can go elsewhere and look for another school.' I have a candid reaction to that! Why on earth should a parent have to shop around at all!!!! Every public school needs to offer a full and complete curriculum
Let's chat about vouchers. Ms. DeVos is in favor of these relative to ensuring school choice. What is the dollar value of that voucher? Is it enough to get a child into a different school than the neighborhood public school? And just how many dollars will be diverted from federal school programs that are vital to all public schools in order to make that voucher meaningful? These are but a few of the many serious problems and issues dealing with vouchers.
A voucher doesn't really address school and teacher quality.
Dick
Okay, I can hear some people say the following. 'Since a particular school doesn't have programs needed by my children then the parents can go elsewhere and look for another school.' I have a candid reaction to that! Why on earth should a parent have to shop around at all!!!! Every public school needs to offer a full and complete curriculum
Let's chat about vouchers. Ms. DeVos is in favor of these relative to ensuring school choice. What is the dollar value of that voucher? Is it enough to get a child into a different school than the neighborhood public school? And just how many dollars will be diverted from federal school programs that are vital to all public schools in order to make that voucher meaningful? These are but a few of the many serious problems and issues dealing with vouchers.
A voucher doesn't really address school and teacher quality.
Dick
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
DeVos on Uber/lyft & Choice - Part II
Secretary of Education DeVos' comparison between school 'choice' and a person having a choice in shared ridership (Uber or Lyft) over a taxi is both ill informed and it sends the absolute wrong signal regarding the issue of public education.
Yesterday I made a point about a person using his/her private funds for grabbing a ride and how that significantly differs from the use of federal tax dollars which are public monies earmarked for education. As everyone knows the use of and accountability for each stand in stark contrast to one another.
I'd also hasten to add that putting federal dollars into vouchers will undoubtedly mean that monies earmarked for various neighborhood schools and federally mandated programs - THAT DO WORK - will go wanting. In short, the schools that most need the federal dollars will be left begging. What a crime!
Dick
Yesterday I made a point about a person using his/her private funds for grabbing a ride and how that significantly differs from the use of federal tax dollars which are public monies earmarked for education. As everyone knows the use of and accountability for each stand in stark contrast to one another.
I'd also hasten to add that putting federal dollars into vouchers will undoubtedly mean that monies earmarked for various neighborhood schools and federally mandated programs - THAT DO WORK - will go wanting. In short, the schools that most need the federal dollars will be left begging. What a crime!
Dick
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
DeVos on Uber/Lyft & School Choice
Last week Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of the Department of Education, weighed in on the issue of school choice Towards the end of her presentation at the Brookings Institute Ms. DeVos not only slammed the current state of public education by declaring "the entrenched status quo has resisted models that empower individuals," she went further by comparing school choice to choosing a shared ridership over a taxi.
There are many disturbing and ill thought out points on such a strange comparison and I intend to contact Ms. DeVos to let her know that the comparison is no more apt than her noting the idea that guns need to be in some schools because of grizzly bears. You might remember that gem from her confirmation hearing.
Back to school choice and uber/lyft. Here's one point I want to bring up at the outset. A person choosing 'shared ridership' over a taxi is one that involves an expenditure of private dollars. That's all fine and good...a person's money is to be used as one sees fit. But the idea of 'choice' with regard to schooling, that is much different. With respect to the use of federal dollars this is now an issue that calls for the use of public funds.
This is one of many differences (I'll get to others tomorrow) where the taxi - uber/lyft comparison to 'choice' in school selection is, dare I say, a bogus one.
Dick
There are many disturbing and ill thought out points on such a strange comparison and I intend to contact Ms. DeVos to let her know that the comparison is no more apt than her noting the idea that guns need to be in some schools because of grizzly bears. You might remember that gem from her confirmation hearing.
Back to school choice and uber/lyft. Here's one point I want to bring up at the outset. A person choosing 'shared ridership' over a taxi is one that involves an expenditure of private dollars. That's all fine and good...a person's money is to be used as one sees fit. But the idea of 'choice' with regard to schooling, that is much different. With respect to the use of federal dollars this is now an issue that calls for the use of public funds.
This is one of many differences (I'll get to others tomorrow) where the taxi - uber/lyft comparison to 'choice' in school selection is, dare I say, a bogus one.
Dick
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