Thank you is a powerful phrase but, given the generosity of the Hinsdale Central Boys Soccer program, thank you doesn't come close to expressing the heartfelt appreciation for all that they do to support student throughout the Chicagoland area.
The program helps our charity on many fronts. Each year a group of varsity soccer players solicit funds from area companies to support our work. This takes a good deal of time as the boys have to put together a presentation, make a visit to the potential donor and then follow up on various leads.
This initiative is part of the KICK program, a fifth year endeavor to help Schools Count Corp. In five years the KICK (Kick It in for Chicago Kids) has raised in excess of $20,000!!
The boys running KICK and a good core of soccer parents also reach out to the general community for financial support for our local programs. Individual donations are accepted in addition to corporate sponsorship.
The KICK program also collects winter coats as part of their effort to help school children in the Chicagoland area. Not only are coats collected but the soccer community seeks donations of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. The HC Soccer Banquet takes place on November 7th and families can donate the winter wear at the front entrance of Ashton Place prior to attending the banquet.
All is all, no matter the record, the soccer program continues to do great humanitarian work that extends well beyond the field of play.
Thank You,
Dick
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Good News
More good news on the ground at Chalmers Elementary. As many of you know we provided music instruments to Chalmers this past spring. Not only did the students start learning how to play the instruments but they had the good fortune to participate in a two-week workshop this past summer. Well, there is more good news with regard to the program.
Schools Count will provide long sleeve Kelly Green shirts to the band. An order was placed this morning. Nothing like a band having its own digs. Finally, in speaking with the band director, over the past few days, tentative plans are in the works for the Chalmers students to perform at our Annual Donor Volunteer Dinner in the early Spring of 2013!! That will be a special evening. I will be sure to get information out so that you can plan on attending this event.
I am appreciative of each and every one of our donors for providing the funds (and donated instruments) so that instruments and shirts could be provided to the deserving students at Chalmers.
Many thanks,
Dick
Schools Count will provide long sleeve Kelly Green shirts to the band. An order was placed this morning. Nothing like a band having its own digs. Finally, in speaking with the band director, over the past few days, tentative plans are in the works for the Chalmers students to perform at our Annual Donor Volunteer Dinner in the early Spring of 2013!! That will be a special evening. I will be sure to get information out so that you can plan on attending this event.
I am appreciative of each and every one of our donors for providing the funds (and donated instruments) so that instruments and shirts could be provided to the deserving students at Chalmers.
Many thanks,
Dick
Thursday, August 23, 2012
On Closer Inspection
Yesterday I reported on CPS and national ACT test scores for 2011. When one takes a closer look at the data for the inner city, Hispanics and African Americans one sees a pattern.
CPS scores (inner city which is largely devoid of affluent students) and those of African Americans and Hispanics are strikingly similar. Why is that? The answer isn't simply and that's because there are many reasons for the scores lagging behind the rest of America.
Poverty has much to do with this scenario. When people are without funds they can't buy the nutritional food, better housing, needed school supplies and decent clothing (school uniforms and winter coats for example) that have a real effect on how one performs in school.
Sadly, many inner city, Hispanic and African American families find themselves without jobs which further adds to the above poverty. Often the poor housing situation may be in an area that has much too much crime. These areas have shuttered factories, store front and litter abounds. Such areas of blight are not optimum environments relative to a student doing well in school.
All of the above factors create an environment in which a degree of hopelessness sets in. I have people tell me 'they just have to pick themselves up by the bootstraps.' Well, therein lies the problem...many of the inner city, Hispanic and African Americans (by the way there are plenty of Whites who live in poverty who are in the same situation) don't have the bootstraps to start with!!!!
Test scores are not simply about whether a child is bright or not. ACT scores do not fully correlate merely to the effectiveness of a school. No, much more goes into the formation of how a child performs on a test, ACT or otherwise.
Thanks,
Dick
CPS scores (inner city which is largely devoid of affluent students) and those of African Americans and Hispanics are strikingly similar. Why is that? The answer isn't simply and that's because there are many reasons for the scores lagging behind the rest of America.
Poverty has much to do with this scenario. When people are without funds they can't buy the nutritional food, better housing, needed school supplies and decent clothing (school uniforms and winter coats for example) that have a real effect on how one performs in school.
Sadly, many inner city, Hispanic and African American families find themselves without jobs which further adds to the above poverty. Often the poor housing situation may be in an area that has much too much crime. These areas have shuttered factories, store front and litter abounds. Such areas of blight are not optimum environments relative to a student doing well in school.
All of the above factors create an environment in which a degree of hopelessness sets in. I have people tell me 'they just have to pick themselves up by the bootstraps.' Well, therein lies the problem...many of the inner city, Hispanic and African Americans (by the way there are plenty of Whites who live in poverty who are in the same situation) don't have the bootstraps to start with!!!!
Test scores are not simply about whether a child is bright or not. ACT scores do not fully correlate merely to the effectiveness of a school. No, much more goes into the formation of how a child performs on a test, ACT or otherwise.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
ACT Scores - Local and National
Lots of smiles yesterday as it was reported that the average ACT score of CPS students soared from 17.2 to 17.6. That's a big jump for certain. At least CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard did the right thing by lauding the work of the students and teachers.
Though the 17.6 score is quite an improvement it, nonetheless, is behind the national average of 21.1 and below the goal of 20 as set by the Chicago Public School officials.
It's also worth noting that scores were released yesterday on the national scene regarding ACT test results. On the bright side, the number of students who are more proficient in Math and Science indicated some positive gains.
But progress has been rather slow in other respects. Just 25% of those who took the 2011 ACT test were deemed 'ready for college' in four core curriculum areas. That is unchanged from 2010. Perhaps most alarming in the lack of growth for a couple of racial groups.
The average score for African Americans rose from 16.9 in 2010 to 17.0 in 2011. Growth, but sadly not nearly enough. Most worrisome is the fact that just 13% of Hispanics scored high enough to be 'ready for college while a scant 5% of African Americans met the same standard.
Many of these results underscore the work that our charity is called upon to undertake in areas of extreme poverty. We will continue to do our best to help address the educational needs of children at risk.
Thanks,
Dick
Though the 17.6 score is quite an improvement it, nonetheless, is behind the national average of 21.1 and below the goal of 20 as set by the Chicago Public School officials.
It's also worth noting that scores were released yesterday on the national scene regarding ACT test results. On the bright side, the number of students who are more proficient in Math and Science indicated some positive gains.
But progress has been rather slow in other respects. Just 25% of those who took the 2011 ACT test were deemed 'ready for college' in four core curriculum areas. That is unchanged from 2010. Perhaps most alarming in the lack of growth for a couple of racial groups.
The average score for African Americans rose from 16.9 in 2010 to 17.0 in 2011. Growth, but sadly not nearly enough. Most worrisome is the fact that just 13% of Hispanics scored high enough to be 'ready for college while a scant 5% of African Americans met the same standard.
Many of these results underscore the work that our charity is called upon to undertake in areas of extreme poverty. We will continue to do our best to help address the educational needs of children at risk.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, August 20, 2012
Fuller Fun
Other than a bit of late morning rain, yesterday was a terrific day for the families of students who attend Fuller Elementary. Though the students started classes on Aug. 13th, the 'Back to School' party was held yesterday, Sunday, Aug. 19th.
It was a marvelous affair on all fronts!!! The outdoor area behind the school was packed. Kids were all over the place and, boy, did they have a great time.
Some 200 people attended the party. Everywhere one looked, everyone was having a blast. There were lots of games; rice race, bean bag toss, free throw shooting ( a big line here!) a ping pong ball toss, face painting, jump rope, and more. Prizes were awarded to those who earned enough coupons and great food was provided to the children and their families.
It was wonderful time for me as I got to chat with the principal, meet a few graduates of Fuller and talk to a few parents. One parent, in particular, was so very grateful that we brought supplies to Fuller and her three grandaughters. When she asked why our charity was working with Fuller my response was simply that our donors and volunteers knew how very thankful her family was for our work.
In a nutshell, that is what makes our working so motivating...the mere fact that people are so geniunely appreciative of all that we do to assist their kids.
Dick
It was a marvelous affair on all fronts!!! The outdoor area behind the school was packed. Kids were all over the place and, boy, did they have a great time.
Some 200 people attended the party. Everywhere one looked, everyone was having a blast. There were lots of games; rice race, bean bag toss, free throw shooting ( a big line here!) a ping pong ball toss, face painting, jump rope, and more. Prizes were awarded to those who earned enough coupons and great food was provided to the children and their families.
It was wonderful time for me as I got to chat with the principal, meet a few graduates of Fuller and talk to a few parents. One parent, in particular, was so very grateful that we brought supplies to Fuller and her three grandaughters. When she asked why our charity was working with Fuller my response was simply that our donors and volunteers knew how very thankful her family was for our work.
In a nutshell, that is what makes our working so motivating...the mere fact that people are so geniunely appreciative of all that we do to assist their kids.
Dick
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Start of the School Year
Finally, a piece in the editorial section of the Chicago Tribune that gets to the very essence of education. No, it's not about mentoring, partnering, the length of the school day, online classes, contracts and the other many issues that a part of the education scenario.
The Sunday story is about an issue far more significant than any of the above. The editorial goes right to the very core of education...the relationship between a student and his/her teacher.
Perhaps it is best to simply quote a few parts of the editorial to make this point. "A classroom isn't an assembly line - insert Fact A in Head B - but a laboratory of trial and error. Teachers may teach the same facts, but to different kids. And that's where a teacher's skill - and gift for teaching - counts." The very best and brighest understand this core value.
The editorial goes on to state, "From the first day, smart teachers know they need to establish a classroom "culture,"to help kids learn." The great abundance of our best teachers realize they are there to help children. This is a profession of aiding, inspiring, and motivating. It isn't about cramming and testing.
As Cheryl Watkins , the principal of Pershing West said to the Tribune, it means 'establishing a climate that is collegial and collaborative, letting kids know that you're not on your own, that we're working together.' You better darn well let students know that you care, that you're in their corner.
You may ask, 'so what does this have to do with School Count?' The answer is as simple as the above. Our charity works to aid those many instructors who understand and endeavor to accomplish exactly what is contained in the editorial.
Dick
The Sunday story is about an issue far more significant than any of the above. The editorial goes right to the very core of education...the relationship between a student and his/her teacher.
Perhaps it is best to simply quote a few parts of the editorial to make this point. "A classroom isn't an assembly line - insert Fact A in Head B - but a laboratory of trial and error. Teachers may teach the same facts, but to different kids. And that's where a teacher's skill - and gift for teaching - counts." The very best and brighest understand this core value.
The editorial goes on to state, "From the first day, smart teachers know they need to establish a classroom "culture,"to help kids learn." The great abundance of our best teachers realize they are there to help children. This is a profession of aiding, inspiring, and motivating. It isn't about cramming and testing.
As Cheryl Watkins , the principal of Pershing West said to the Tribune, it means 'establishing a climate that is collegial and collaborative, letting kids know that you're not on your own, that we're working together.' You better darn well let students know that you care, that you're in their corner.
You may ask, 'so what does this have to do with School Count?' The answer is as simple as the above. Our charity works to aid those many instructors who understand and endeavor to accomplish exactly what is contained in the editorial.
Dick
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Let's Help Them Get Fit
As we were delivering school supplies to Lowell Longfellow Elementary in Harvey last week, the Principal, Mr. McGrone, remarked that the children could use some much needed Physical Education equipment. The school has a gym and plenty of outdoor space so there are opportunities for the students to participate in various activities.
Among the items needed are hoola hoops, indoor basketballs, and baseball equipment (gloves, baseballs and bats). If you have access to any of these items in good condition please let me know and I'll pick it up in the next week. With school starting, I want to get these supplies to LL around Labor Day.
Physical Education, FACS, Music, Art and other such curriculum are vital components to a full fledged education and the children (and staff for that matter) would certainly benefit from these in a big way.
If you can help with any of these items simply give me a call at (630) 863-6035 or shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements to pick up the supplies.
Many thanks,
Dick
Among the items needed are hoola hoops, indoor basketballs, and baseball equipment (gloves, baseballs and bats). If you have access to any of these items in good condition please let me know and I'll pick it up in the next week. With school starting, I want to get these supplies to LL around Labor Day.
Physical Education, FACS, Music, Art and other such curriculum are vital components to a full fledged education and the children (and staff for that matter) would certainly benefit from these in a big way.
If you can help with any of these items simply give me a call at (630) 863-6035 or shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements to pick up the supplies.
Many thanks,
Dick
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