Appreciation Dinner Attendees,
As we look forward to our Tuesday, March 12th 'Appreciation Dinner,' I want to alert everyone to parking for the event. Since the dinner will be held in the Hinsdale Central H. S. Fieldhouse (55th and Grant Streets, Hinsdale, IL) we will have everyone park in close proximity to the Fieldhouse which is located at the south end of the high school complex.
Kindly park in one of two designated areas off of 57th Street. You can park in the circular drive at the south end of the Fieldhouse or the large lot at the corner of 57th and Grant Streets. These are the only two parking areas set aside for all of our dinner guests and they can easily accommodate everyone. The other parking lots are to be used for spectators attending a basketball game later in the evening.
If you have any questions or need further information just shoot me an email. Looking forward to seeing you and sharing in the work of our charity! The doors open at 6:00 pm with dinner commencing at 6:30 pm.
I'm looking forward to seeing you!!
Dick
Monday, March 11, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Making Some Sense of It
I'm not necessarily a Rahm Emanuel fan. I've also had plenty to say about the upcoming closures of many CPS schools. Too many are on the potential chopping block list and too many will likely be closed, never to re-open.
But Emanuel, any partisanship aside, made some strong points about why some schools need to be shuttered in the coming year. As Rahm said, "there has been a big change in the city over the last decade and we need to make sure that our schools are reflective of the change in our city." Yes, many parts of the westside and southside have seen their populations shrink while businesses disappeared along with the residents. It is hard to argue this point.
I also have no problems with the mayor stating that "we have to make the adjustments so every child and every receiving school is a high-quality school." Again, that makes complete sense.
The city, for far too long, has seen a crumbling of various neighborhoods. What needed to take place, prior to these closings, was a plan to revitalize the various communities. Back then factories needed to be kept open, jobs created, crime squashed and improvements made. Since these actions weren't taken, we are left, sadly, to close up shop.
But Emanuel, any partisanship aside, made some strong points about why some schools need to be shuttered in the coming year. As Rahm said, "there has been a big change in the city over the last decade and we need to make sure that our schools are reflective of the change in our city." Yes, many parts of the westside and southside have seen their populations shrink while businesses disappeared along with the residents. It is hard to argue this point.
I also have no problems with the mayor stating that "we have to make the adjustments so every child and every receiving school is a high-quality school." Again, that makes complete sense.
The city, for far too long, has seen a crumbling of various neighborhoods. What needed to take place, prior to these closings, was a plan to revitalize the various communities. Back then factories needed to be kept open, jobs created, crime squashed and improvements made. Since these actions weren't taken, we are left, sadly, to close up shop.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
CPS Commission Report on Closings
By the end of this month, just a bit over three weeks from now, CPS will announce its school closing list. Big numbers have been thrown around. CEO Byrd-Bennett has said that 129 are being considered for closure. Yesterday the Commission on School Utilization said that 80 could be closed since there are enough available seats in other schools to accommodate the students.
Does that mean they will be packed in like sardines? Will these schools, which take in the added students, have much larger class sizes? What will become of the closed schools? What is to be the fate of the community? Finally, most importantly, how will the children handle this?
There are some points raised by the commission that should be heeded. As Frank Clark, head of the commission noted, " There's no reason to close schools unless they're going to put kids into a better educational environment." Time will tell if the powers that be heed such advice.
The commission went on the explain that how full a school is shouldn't be the sole factor in any closing decision because it "ignores the reality of what actually happens in individual schools." Another point that better be considered by the people who are deliberating over what schools to close.
My bet is that the list of school closings will be lengthy. As one mother explained the closings will "not be fair." I'd add this...it's not just. Our society is suppose to be built on justice (With liberty and justice for all).
Does that mean they will be packed in like sardines? Will these schools, which take in the added students, have much larger class sizes? What will become of the closed schools? What is to be the fate of the community? Finally, most importantly, how will the children handle this?
There are some points raised by the commission that should be heeded. As Frank Clark, head of the commission noted, " There's no reason to close schools unless they're going to put kids into a better educational environment." Time will tell if the powers that be heed such advice.
The commission went on the explain that how full a school is shouldn't be the sole factor in any closing decision because it "ignores the reality of what actually happens in individual schools." Another point that better be considered by the people who are deliberating over what schools to close.
My bet is that the list of school closings will be lengthy. As one mother explained the closings will "not be fair." I'd add this...it's not just. Our society is suppose to be built on justice (With liberty and justice for all).
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Austerity in Education
Yes, we all have to tighten the purse strings at some point in time. We might want to head to the Rocky Mountains for a summer trip or go overseas to take in the beauty of Paris or London. These events may well have to be put on hold or canceled if the college fund for the kids needs replenishing. I'm sure a number of people would love to have season's tickets to some sporting event but, you might have to forgo their purchase if there is no bonus or raise.
There is a time to save money or to curtail ones spending. In short, given today's language, one might have to go on an austerity program.
As I watch the public sector shrink, I am left a bit befuddled by the cry for more austerity in such public works as fire protection, police safety and education. These programs, by their very nature, are critical to our safety, growth and well being.
I don't think we ought to waste money...that's for sure. But when it comes to educating our children, we better find it in our fabric not to cut corners. As I said, the growth and well being of our students is at stake and I'm not willing to harm programs that will harm them. An overzealous group of people who want to cut school budgets, just to cut, have no business making such decisions.
Dick
There is a time to save money or to curtail ones spending. In short, given today's language, one might have to go on an austerity program.
As I watch the public sector shrink, I am left a bit befuddled by the cry for more austerity in such public works as fire protection, police safety and education. These programs, by their very nature, are critical to our safety, growth and well being.
I don't think we ought to waste money...that's for sure. But when it comes to educating our children, we better find it in our fabric not to cut corners. As I said, the growth and well being of our students is at stake and I'm not willing to harm programs that will harm them. An overzealous group of people who want to cut school budgets, just to cut, have no business making such decisions.
Dick
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Core, Elective and More
Yesterday I commented on the idea that obtaining a college education seems to be the 'end all' in terms of pushing this goal on nearly all students to the exclusion of other alternatives. This didn't arise by chance nor will it end soon. The whole process of testing with huge implications towards attending college is just a part of the overall picture.
Most high schools classify their courses as core and elective. For all practical purposes the core courses are treated as the highest priority. Proponents of this approach insist that 'in order to get into college,' one needs these core subjects.
Just how bad is it getting? Many schools have dropped their shop programs and they give too little emphasis and support to such elective courses as Art, Business, Drama, FACS, Music and the tech courses. You don't have to believe this blog, just look at the number of schools that have either dropped these programs or placed them on the chopping block in some fashion.
You mean to tell me you don't have to be able to use Math, Science or English skills in the culinary arts? Ha! Do you think a mechanic needs math skills or problem solving abilities? You bet they do! And how many musicians, artists, and personnel in the foods industry do you suppose need to be able to communicate with the public and run a business using 'core' types of skills? Plenty!!
It is time to drop the idea that core courses are somehow more valuable or important simply because those are the courses needed to get into a good college.
Most high schools classify their courses as core and elective. For all practical purposes the core courses are treated as the highest priority. Proponents of this approach insist that 'in order to get into college,' one needs these core subjects.
Just how bad is it getting? Many schools have dropped their shop programs and they give too little emphasis and support to such elective courses as Art, Business, Drama, FACS, Music and the tech courses. You don't have to believe this blog, just look at the number of schools that have either dropped these programs or placed them on the chopping block in some fashion.
You mean to tell me you don't have to be able to use Math, Science or English skills in the culinary arts? Ha! Do you think a mechanic needs math skills or problem solving abilities? You bet they do! And how many musicians, artists, and personnel in the foods industry do you suppose need to be able to communicate with the public and run a business using 'core' types of skills? Plenty!!
It is time to drop the idea that core courses are somehow more valuable or important simply because those are the courses needed to get into a good college.
Monday, March 4, 2013
College Isn't the End All
I get it but, I really don't understand why. Lots of standardized testing, uniform curriculum and the push for everyone to attend college. That't the push these days. Everyone wants their daughters adn sons to be educated. Problem is, being educated doesn't necessitate that everyone earn a college degree.
Being educated means many things; making thoughtful decisions, being creative, acting in a civilized/adult-like manner, choosing ones career based on ones interests, formulating a way to solve problems, understanding the world and much, much more. College might be one way to accomplish for some, for others there might be a different and more appropriate way.
Perhaps high school is the only experience a person desires. It just might be that a young man or woman wants to be an apprentice in a particular area. Trade school could offer some the opportunity to progress. Still others might want to drive a semi...college is not needed here. There are endless other options/paths that a person may want to explore. So be it.
The bottom line is this...a university education isn't for everyone. At the rate we are going in American it appears as though this is the only option presented to young people. How sad.
Dick
Being educated means many things; making thoughtful decisions, being creative, acting in a civilized/adult-like manner, choosing ones career based on ones interests, formulating a way to solve problems, understanding the world and much, much more. College might be one way to accomplish for some, for others there might be a different and more appropriate way.
Perhaps high school is the only experience a person desires. It just might be that a young man or woman wants to be an apprentice in a particular area. Trade school could offer some the opportunity to progress. Still others might want to drive a semi...college is not needed here. There are endless other options/paths that a person may want to explore. So be it.
The bottom line is this...a university education isn't for everyone. At the rate we are going in American it appears as though this is the only option presented to young people. How sad.
Dick
Friday, March 1, 2013
Plenty of Fun
You can beat the gray skies, cold temperatures and snow by having a little indoor fun!! Come on out to Willowbrook Lanes on Plainfield Rd. next Friday, March 8th and bowl with some friends. We start knocking down the pins at 3:30 and will be finished by 5:45 pm.
Organize your own team of three bowlers at $25 per bowler. You get shoes, three games of bowling, and an assortment of snacks. $10 goes towards paying for the bowling and the other $15 benefits the work of Schools Count Corp. We have plenty of prizes for the winning team. We also have some prizes for those who don't win!!!
It's bound to be a great time!! Why not get your friends together and celebrate a TGIF by helping a great cause and having a blast.
Simply email me at rich219@comast.net to get on board. Don't have a team of three? Don't let that bother you...come on out and bowl! By the way, you can pay by cash or check and you can pay me at Willowbrook Lanes which is near the corner of Route 83 and Plainfield Rd.
Thanks!
Dick
Organize your own team of three bowlers at $25 per bowler. You get shoes, three games of bowling, and an assortment of snacks. $10 goes towards paying for the bowling and the other $15 benefits the work of Schools Count Corp. We have plenty of prizes for the winning team. We also have some prizes for those who don't win!!!
It's bound to be a great time!! Why not get your friends together and celebrate a TGIF by helping a great cause and having a blast.
Simply email me at rich219@comast.net to get on board. Don't have a team of three? Don't let that bother you...come on out and bowl! By the way, you can pay by cash or check and you can pay me at Willowbrook Lanes which is near the corner of Route 83 and Plainfield Rd.
Thanks!
Dick
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