The Nation magazine has a piece that just came out that says much about how teachers and schools in the wake of Hurricane Harvey are helping those in dire need of support. I believe this small excerpt captures both the essence of the article and the Spirit De Corp of some of our nation's teachers. The segment deals with a portion of Corpus Christi.
"A lot of people say, everyone evacuated,” she says. “But honestly, the poverty-stricken children, who are children highly at risk, probably didn’t evacuate…. So they are going to be traumatized, and we just have to ensure that we have all the psychiatrists and psychologists and school personnel ready to be able to deal with those issues when the children come back.”
The teachers’ union has been coordinating basic resources for the whole community, including serving as a hub to connect people with relief resources, providing teachers and students with emergency supplies, and distributing food.
“We’re going to try and help in every possible way, working with others in the community…to make our schools havens…to provide the services that our children need at this time,” Vera said. “And we do it well because that’s our business.”
To those who want to assist our charity as we work to help get schoolchildren back in the classroom please be so kind as to consider a donation to Schools Count Corp. (www.schoolscountcorp.org)
Thank you,
Dick
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Help is Help
It doesn't matter the amount of money, the materials donated or the hours of service to help those in need. Whatever one can do to render a helping hand or a shoulder...well, it's all good. Kindness and decency always prevail, always serve the common good and speak to our better angels.
As Neil Steinberg put it in todays Chicago Sun Times..."Either you sympathize with people, or you do not." This is that time when sympathizing and helping our fellow Americans is critical.
If you can help our charity, I'd be most appreciative. To donate go to www.schoolscountcorp.org and click 'donate.' To do it the old fashion way you can send a check to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Court, #112, Orland Park, IL 60462. Kindly make the check payable to Schools Count Corp. and write 'Texas' in the memo section of the check.
Thank you!!
Dick
As Neil Steinberg put it in todays Chicago Sun Times..."Either you sympathize with people, or you do not." This is that time when sympathizing and helping our fellow Americans is critical.
If you can help our charity, I'd be most appreciative. To donate go to www.schoolscountcorp.org and click 'donate.' To do it the old fashion way you can send a check to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Court, #112, Orland Park, IL 60462. Kindly make the check payable to Schools Count Corp. and write 'Texas' in the memo section of the check.
Thank you!!
Dick
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Help Houston
Friends of Schools Count,
Many of you have reached out to me asking how/what ways you can help those in need in various parts of Texas. Over the past couple of days I have made contact with a teacher in Texas who attended Hinsdale Central High School. I also have made a number of contacts with a minister who I have worked with over the years.
Yes, both said that urgent assistance is needed. Schools Count will help in two ways. First, we will provide assistance to Houston and Rockport Schools by providing student supplies and some hygiene products. Second, as conditions unfold and I can get trucks into neighborhoods we will likely have to provide diapers, food, baby formula, water, cleaning supplies and more to various regions. It will take a couple of days for teams to form on the ground to assist with this effort.
Our Board of Directors has enthusiastically endorsed helping our fellow citizens. Right now we need funds to get this effort underway. To make a tax deductible donation towards helping our southern neighbors you can do so in one of two ways. You can go to our charity's website at www.schoolscountcorp.org and click on 'donate.' If you contribute on line please indicate 'Texas' in your note. If you opt to write a check please make it payable to Schools Count Corp. and mail it to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Court, #112, Orland Park, IL 60462. Kindly write the word 'Texas' in the memo section.
Our goal is to raise $25,000!!! We would appreciate your support no matter the size of the donation.
Just a footnote. My supplier of school supplies just confirmed that they will take care of the entire cost of shipping school supplies!!!
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher, President
Dick Flesher
Schools Count Corp., NFP
9550 140th Ct., Apt. #112
Orland Park, IL 60462
630-863-6035
www.schoolscountcorp.org
www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com
Raising Funds for Students
The Hinsdale Central H. S. boys soccer team, specifically Alex Cole, Edison Hawkins, Jackson Harris and Brady McKay, are spearheading an effort to raise funds for our charity. Just head on out to Portillo's tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30th between 5:00 pm and 8:00 and order to your hearts content!!! This fundraiser is taking place ONLY at the Portillo's on Route 83 in Willowbrook and you must have the flyer in order for us to receive 20% of the proceeds during these hours.
If you need the flyer just email me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll get one to you right away. This is a great opportunity to help the soccer team, through the KICK initiative, raise sorely needed funds to help children get the supplies they so desperately need and deserve.
This is a great chance to indulge in some delicious food (okay, plenty of calories too!) and help those in need!!
Thank you,
Dick
If you need the flyer just email me at rich219@comcast.net and I'll get one to you right away. This is a great opportunity to help the soccer team, through the KICK initiative, raise sorely needed funds to help children get the supplies they so desperately need and deserve.
This is a great chance to indulge in some delicious food (okay, plenty of calories too!) and help those in need!!
Thank you,
Dick
Monday, August 28, 2017
Poverty and Teaching - Day 6
It is indeed an unfortunate situation but poverty can find its ways into schools and, in turn, impact the learning of children. I've already mentioned the fact that low property values lead to low tax collection. That being the case, an impoverished community isn't able to fix, repair or upgrade facilities to the extend needed.
In practical terms this means lead paint may be remaining years after it ought to be removed. Asbestos may well be lurking in some tile that should have long ago been hauled out of the building. Lead in pipes leading to drinking fountains...another issue. Old chalkboards that need to be replaced with whiteboards...another problem. Some schools in impoverished buildings (I've seen them) have unsafe conditions. Other parts of the building may find too little space for certain types of instruction. I'm sure schools that have been neglected don't have the proper access for wheelchairs and other types of physical needs of certain students.
On another level, schools suffering from poverty may lack the proper instructional and student/teacher supplies to fully and adequately meet the learning needs of the students.
The list goes on. As you look at these shortcomings, it is not difficult to come to the conclusion that the children will suffer as a result of such circumstances. It's a shame as no student should be denied the access to a terrific education. Poverty within a community or school shouldn't hold anyone back.
Dick
In practical terms this means lead paint may be remaining years after it ought to be removed. Asbestos may well be lurking in some tile that should have long ago been hauled out of the building. Lead in pipes leading to drinking fountains...another issue. Old chalkboards that need to be replaced with whiteboards...another problem. Some schools in impoverished buildings (I've seen them) have unsafe conditions. Other parts of the building may find too little space for certain types of instruction. I'm sure schools that have been neglected don't have the proper access for wheelchairs and other types of physical needs of certain students.
On another level, schools suffering from poverty may lack the proper instructional and student/teacher supplies to fully and adequately meet the learning needs of the students.
The list goes on. As you look at these shortcomings, it is not difficult to come to the conclusion that the children will suffer as a result of such circumstances. It's a shame as no student should be denied the access to a terrific education. Poverty within a community or school shouldn't hold anyone back.
Dick
Friday, August 25, 2017
Poverty and Teaching - Day 5
The obstacles that children living in poverty have to deal with in their communities and/or homes are significant. For that matter, children who come from more affluent homes must also deal with a whole set of issues, not unlike the impoverished, but on a far lesser scale. But for those coming from poverty the challenges entering school are burdensome to say the least.
All the issues I've talked about over the past few days for those students who live in poverty will play out in school. And it's very likely that the students who are affected don't have the skill set to deal with their very own issues.
A child coming to school who has seen or been involved with violence is surely going to bring those issues to the classroom. A student poorly clothed or nourished is not going to perform as well as we would hope. One coming from a broken home is more likely to be confronted with his/her own challenges when it comes to schoolwork. Why wouldn't we suspect some acting-out behavior? Why would a teacher expect that a student coming from abject poverty would be able to function at their very best?
Let me say this as I conclude for the week. Teachers need to understand the above and should act not out of sympathy but empathy. Understanding the challenges of students living in poverty is a must and can't allow our nation's teachers to throw up our hands and say 'there's nothing I can do about it.'
Have a good weekend,
Dick
All the issues I've talked about over the past few days for those students who live in poverty will play out in school. And it's very likely that the students who are affected don't have the skill set to deal with their very own issues.
A child coming to school who has seen or been involved with violence is surely going to bring those issues to the classroom. A student poorly clothed or nourished is not going to perform as well as we would hope. One coming from a broken home is more likely to be confronted with his/her own challenges when it comes to schoolwork. Why wouldn't we suspect some acting-out behavior? Why would a teacher expect that a student coming from abject poverty would be able to function at their very best?
Let me say this as I conclude for the week. Teachers need to understand the above and should act not out of sympathy but empathy. Understanding the challenges of students living in poverty is a must and can't allow our nation's teachers to throw up our hands and say 'there's nothing I can do about it.'
Have a good weekend,
Dick
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Poverty and Teaching - Day 4
Sadly, and far too often, poor children live in chaotic, unstable households. You can take my word for it or that of the researcher, Eric Jensen, I'm following in his insightful paperback Teaching with Poverty in Mind. Along these lines, poor children are more likely to come from single-guardian homes and their parents or caregivers tend to be less emotionally responsive. Further, 'single parenthood strains resources and correlates directly with poor school attendance, lower grades, and lower chances of attending college.'
I've also witnessed homes where deep poverty exists and persists and where getting decent meals and having access to clean clothes are problematic. All too frequently these same homes are not able to provide the proper type of hygiene that is required to help ensure success in school.
Where poverty is rampant in homes, far too many students have too little parental time and supervision.
All of the above can and does, for many children coming from impoverished homes, translates into "undermining the development of self and the capacity for self-determination and self-efficacy.' Kids may also feel that their parents are uninterested in them. And, if that is the case, the kids will not seek out their parents for help with their schoolwork.
As you can see, the home environment plays a critical role with respect to how a child, coming from an environment of poverty, will fare in school.
Dick
I've also witnessed homes where deep poverty exists and persists and where getting decent meals and having access to clean clothes are problematic. All too frequently these same homes are not able to provide the proper type of hygiene that is required to help ensure success in school.
Where poverty is rampant in homes, far too many students have too little parental time and supervision.
All of the above can and does, for many children coming from impoverished homes, translates into "undermining the development of self and the capacity for self-determination and self-efficacy.' Kids may also feel that their parents are uninterested in them. And, if that is the case, the kids will not seek out their parents for help with their schoolwork.
As you can see, the home environment plays a critical role with respect to how a child, coming from an environment of poverty, will fare in school.
Dick
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Just a Break
I want to take a quick respite from the series I'm running on 'Poverty and Teaching' to pass along another note of thanks from Gregory Elementary School. Ms. Carter is always there to give our volunteers and donors a shout out and I want to always be sure to pass along these notes of thanks. These are Principal Carter's own words of praise.
Thank you Richard for all that you and your organization do to support our schools. Thank you for not just understanding the needs of our school but taking an active role in being a great support.
You and your team are truly appreciated.
Yours for children...
Donella Carter, Principal
John M. Gregory Math & Science Academy
A CPS Level One High Performance School
3715 West Polk Street
Chicago, Illinois 60624
Thank you Richard for all that you and your organization do to support our schools. Thank you for not just understanding the needs of our school but taking an active role in being a great support.
You and your team are truly appreciated.
Yours for children...
Donella Carter, Principal
John M. Gregory Math & Science Academy
A CPS Level One High Performance School
3715 West Polk Street
Chicago, Illinois 60624
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Poverty and Teaching - Day 3
It needs to be understood at the outset that when discussing issues dealing with poverty and education that this isn't merely about how poverty impacts just one group of people. There are plenty of different racial groups who are impoverished in so very many ways and these groups can be found in desert or mountain regions or they are visible in both rural and urban areas. The point is...poverty is poverty.
Today I want to comment on one of two general areas dealing with poverty, that which takes place outside of the school building. We need to take a look at both the neighborhood and homes.
Impoverished neighborhoods or communities, when compared to those which are more affluent, are more likely to have a less developed socioeconomic structure. There are fewer libraries, poorer paying jobs, fewer job opportunities, infrastructure in need of repair or replacement. Impoverished neighborhoods will likely have fewer green areas, fewer playgrounds and there's every chance that such communities can be less safe particularly in urban regions.
It's not difficult to comprehend that such slights are harmful to the kids.
Poor communities or towns are certainly bound to have lower property values and are able to collect less in taxes. It's not hard to see how this affects the dollars available for schools and the children.
Tomorrow I'll talk about the manifestation of poverty inside of homes.
Dick
Today I want to comment on one of two general areas dealing with poverty, that which takes place outside of the school building. We need to take a look at both the neighborhood and homes.
Impoverished neighborhoods or communities, when compared to those which are more affluent, are more likely to have a less developed socioeconomic structure. There are fewer libraries, poorer paying jobs, fewer job opportunities, infrastructure in need of repair or replacement. Impoverished neighborhoods will likely have fewer green areas, fewer playgrounds and there's every chance that such communities can be less safe particularly in urban regions.
It's not difficult to comprehend that such slights are harmful to the kids.
Poor communities or towns are certainly bound to have lower property values and are able to collect less in taxes. It's not hard to see how this affects the dollars available for schools and the children.
Tomorrow I'll talk about the manifestation of poverty inside of homes.
Dick
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Poverty and Teaching
It only seems reasonable, based on the work we do in impoverished areas, to spend some time talking about the multiple meanings of poverty, its manifestation inside schools and outside the walls of the building, the effects of poverty on students and the implications for teachers in terms of how to handle it in the classroom.
This effort will take a number of postings as poverty isn't, by any stretch of the imagination, merely a matter of dollars and cents. Poverty rears its ugly head in so very many ways. And what may be poverty on the southside of Chicago may not look the same in parts of NYC or LA. The length of time a family or neighborhood has had to endure poverty, the degree of poverty (for example; are they underemployed, do they earn a decent wage but have no health insurance, the number of children, illnesses, etc.) and more are critical to understand.
I hope you will follow our blog over the next week of two as we endeavor to better understand the various issues and concerns surrounding the plight of students living under such conditions.
Thanks,
Dick
This effort will take a number of postings as poverty isn't, by any stretch of the imagination, merely a matter of dollars and cents. Poverty rears its ugly head in so very many ways. And what may be poverty on the southside of Chicago may not look the same in parts of NYC or LA. The length of time a family or neighborhood has had to endure poverty, the degree of poverty (for example; are they underemployed, do they earn a decent wage but have no health insurance, the number of children, illnesses, etc.) and more are critical to understand.
I hope you will follow our blog over the next week of two as we endeavor to better understand the various issues and concerns surrounding the plight of students living under such conditions.
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, August 18, 2017
Notes of thanks to YOU!!
- Dick,
Thank you so much for the donations and for what you do for kids! It is much appreciated.
Michael Herring
Principal
Jahn School of The Fine Arts
- Thank you sooooo much! Holmes School appreciates all that you do.
- Mr. Flesher,
As always, your organization's continued support to our school and scholars is truly appreciated! I look forward to hearing back from you regarding the Appreciation Dinner, many thanks again!
- Thank you so much for all your supplies. Your generosity is so appreciated by me and my school community. I am going to see if I or one of my staff members can attend your dinner. Can you please email me the location? Thanks again for everything. Sincerely, Alice Buzanis
Thank you so much for the donations and for what you do for kids! It is much appreciated.
Michael Herring
Principal
Jahn School of The Fine Arts
- Thank you sooooo much! Holmes School appreciates all that you do.
- Mr. Flesher,
As always, your organization's continued support to our school and scholars is truly appreciated! I look forward to hearing back from you regarding the Appreciation Dinner, many thanks again!
- Thank you so much for all your supplies. Your generosity is so appreciated by me and my school community. I am going to see if I or one of my staff members can attend your dinner. Can you please email me the location? Thanks again for everything. Sincerely, Alice Buzanis
Thursday, August 17, 2017
IL State Funding
As I mentioned yesterday, I see the current state of affairs regarding the funding education in IL as a sort of 'mumbo jumbo.' And the more I look at the various portions of SB 1 (which has been passed by the House and Senate and has veto amendments added to it by Governor Rauner) it is all the more confusing.
The bill in its original form provides more funding to the schools in the state and a good bit more for CPS schools. This was too much for the governor and he vetoed portions of the bill. In total CPS would lose roughly $463 million more under Rauner's veto than what was passed in SB 1. The Chicago system would lose $250 million in a state block grant.
Also, the funding bill, in its original form is 'evidence based.' This means that many economic factors in the various districts are taken into account to determine the monies received. Sounds to me like people can't agree on what ought to comprise 'evidence based.'
As near as I can determine trouble lies ahead. The Senate has overridden the veto but the House has yet to act. They have 15 days to do so and they need Republicans to vote down the governor's veto. Aside from this very real concern is the fact that the $6.7 million that was suppose to be dispersed to IL schools on August 10th didn't occur.
I'll do my best to sort through this and keep you informed.
Dick
The bill in its original form provides more funding to the schools in the state and a good bit more for CPS schools. This was too much for the governor and he vetoed portions of the bill. In total CPS would lose roughly $463 million more under Rauner's veto than what was passed in SB 1. The Chicago system would lose $250 million in a state block grant.
Also, the funding bill, in its original form is 'evidence based.' This means that many economic factors in the various districts are taken into account to determine the monies received. Sounds to me like people can't agree on what ought to comprise 'evidence based.'
As near as I can determine trouble lies ahead. The Senate has overridden the veto but the House has yet to act. They have 15 days to do so and they need Republicans to vote down the governor's veto. Aside from this very real concern is the fact that the $6.7 million that was suppose to be dispersed to IL schools on August 10th didn't occur.
I'll do my best to sort through this and keep you informed.
Dick
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Mumbo Jumbo
One way to accurately describe the current school funding situation is to, generously, say it is confused. I prefer to say that the crisis is akin to 'mumbo jumbo.' With different formulas, a veto of the original bill by the governor of the state, an override of the veto by the IL Senate and more is it any wonder that the August state payment wasn't made?
This is serious for obvious reasons. People have to get their acts together in order for students to prosper. This isn't the way to treat people. Education is a bedrock of our society and unless, and until, our leaders step up to see the need to properly handle the funding of our schools we will surely suffer for error of their ways.
Dick
This is serious for obvious reasons. People have to get their acts together in order for students to prosper. This isn't the way to treat people. Education is a bedrock of our society and unless, and until, our leaders step up to see the need to properly handle the funding of our schools we will surely suffer for error of their ways.
Dick
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Have a Great Year!
It's not much of a choice. I could have blogged about the ongoing state budget battle in Springfield over school funding or to welcome teachers back to the classroom. Obviously I've opted for the more positive message!
As you head back to the classroom in the next few days to welcome students back to another year of excitement and challenge I wanted to take a bit of time to wish you the very best this year. Yours is a calling and an opportunity to afford the students of your wit and your desire to help them grow. And make no mistake about it, that's exactly what you do.
I know that there are always some roadblocks along the way but don't let that deter you. I know that each of you wants to develop those crucial relationships which connects you to each student. Your guidance, wisdom, intellect, patience and tolerance will embolden all in the classroom.
Thank you for your steadfast desire to go to the classroom each and every day, knowing that students are all the better for your service.
Best,
Dick
As you head back to the classroom in the next few days to welcome students back to another year of excitement and challenge I wanted to take a bit of time to wish you the very best this year. Yours is a calling and an opportunity to afford the students of your wit and your desire to help them grow. And make no mistake about it, that's exactly what you do.
I know that there are always some roadblocks along the way but don't let that deter you. I know that each of you wants to develop those crucial relationships which connects you to each student. Your guidance, wisdom, intellect, patience and tolerance will embolden all in the classroom.
Thank you for your steadfast desire to go to the classroom each and every day, knowing that students are all the better for your service.
Best,
Dick
Monday, August 14, 2017
The Untold Story
The Chicago daily news often talks about the shortfall of money in CPS, the back and forth between the city and Springfield and many other issues revolving around the financial crisis. Of course these are important concerns that have to be tackled but these stories overshadow what I see when I visit the various schools.
Last week I met a CPS Principal and Asst. Principal who were going door to door to inform neighborhood families about the many qualities of their schools. I met another Asst. Principal who, aside from her typical duties, takes student uniforms home to wash them so that the kids can have a clean set of clothes when they attend class. In her Mom sews the clothes of the students!!!
This is but a sampling of the real concern that so very many staff members exhibit every single day. It is the untold story of CPS people who truly care about children. It extends well beyond teaching and learning and it represents the very best of those who labor in our classrooms.
Dick
Last week I met a CPS Principal and Asst. Principal who were going door to door to inform neighborhood families about the many qualities of their schools. I met another Asst. Principal who, aside from her typical duties, takes student uniforms home to wash them so that the kids can have a clean set of clothes when they attend class. In her Mom sews the clothes of the students!!!
This is but a sampling of the real concern that so very many staff members exhibit every single day. It is the untold story of CPS people who truly care about children. It extends well beyond teaching and learning and it represents the very best of those who labor in our classrooms.
Dick
Friday, August 11, 2017
Assisting Children in Need
In gratefulness,
Dick
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