Holiday Cheer

There is truly some holiday cheer with regard to all the good that takes place at Schools Count and that is largely due to the generosity of our family of supporters providing resources to so many children. I am certainly appreciative of your many contributions to the cause of providing for those students in need. Nothing like a helping hand!!

There is no such deed or contribution, large or small, which isn't significant. The significance lies in fact that you have chosen to take action to support students reeling from the effects of natural disasters or poverty. Often these effects which are felt are not merely classroom related; rather, they are almost always tied to the emotional well being of the children.

I truly hope your holiday season is one of much joy, joy in the presence of loving family and friends all while realizing the joy you have long provided to so many thousands of students both here in the state and abroad. I'll look forward to reconnecting with you in the New Year. Until then...be well.

Happy Holidays,
Dick

How Very Sad

Over nearly one decade of working with schools in the Harvey, IL K-8 system it has become apparent that the schools have continued to do their utmost to help the children living within the community. Thankfully there are many eager children and committed educators in each building.

Sadly, what exists outside the respective schools is more than alarming. I have seen homes become vacant and boarded up over the past years but over these last few weeks I believe conditions are worsening. There are literally complete blocks of abandoned homes in portions of the neighborhood.

I left two schools yesterday wondering if the community will survive in the years ahead.

Dick

Spending on Public Education

As I continue to follow events with with regard to spending in public schools I've become accustomed to those who want to either limit what is spent or to make cuts to programs. Either of these two paths is not in the interest of ANYONE!! If money is mismanaged or stolen that's a whole different story.

Money put into programs and educators has been proven to be beneficial. It's not a hoax. Bruce Baker at Rutgers states emphatically that too many people are operating out of a long ago mindset/belief system that says putting more money into education is a waste. Simply not true according to Baker.

Linda Darling Hammond of the Learning Policy Institute makes clear that more funding does aid student learning. As she notes, funding alone is simply one element of aiding in student/school progress. I have spent a good deal of time following and reading research out of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Research. The evidence is clear more money spent on the right programs works.

So here we are...if money is not stolen, not mismanaged then we need to continue to invest in public education.

Dick