Mark yesterday's painting at John Hay Elementary School a major success. We were able to paint 7 rooms in total and some of these rooms are massive (14 feet high ceilings and the rooms are 20' by 30'!!) The principal said that our $900 investment of paint and supplies would have cost him between $12,000 to $15,000 if he had to go the bid route!! Thanks to our SCC volunteers, Hinsdale Central H.S. clubs; SAS, FEA and FCCLA in addition to some John Hay staff, HC retired teachers, current HC teachers, Perma Seal and VanderCook Music service volunteers.
I can tell you that the Principal, Mr. Williams was thrilled with the outcome. Hey, saving the school some money and brightening up the classrooms for the students and staff will surely put some smiles on many of their faces. This is a wonderful school with great things taking place.
The Jazz Benefit is just around the corner!!! Head to the Hinsdale Community House at Madison and 8th St. in Hinsdale for some wonderful Jazz performed by the various Hinsdale Central Jazz groups and the Chamber Choir. It is bound to be a wonderful time. Speaking of time, the program starts at 7:00. Hope to see everyone who has a profound love of music tomorrow night, April 29th. You can't beat the $5 admission. Have an instrument to donate...I can put it to great use!
Dick
Monday, April 28, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
More Turnarounds in Chicago
The trend continues as three more neighborhood schools, longing for stability, are now faced with being turnarounds this coming fall. That's right, the building teachers, principal, assistant principal(s), janitors and lunchroom workers will get their pink slips this spring. Oh, CPS will proclaim that the janitors and lunchroom staff can reapply. Talk about a slap in the face! Sure, I'd go back if I was fired. Um, NO!
Of course the major reason that three schools are being turned around is because they were on academic probation for a "significant period of time." By the way, some of the current 22 'turnaround' AUSL schools are on academic probation. That wasn't part of the Wednesday public presentation. Talk about hypocricy!
It may take some time, but I hope the public soon demands that our public neighborhood schools are often the anchor of the various neighborhoods in which they are located. More than 'fixing' schools, the conditions in which the families and students live in must first be 'fixed.'
As Gresham's Principal, Diedrus Brown, said at the CPS meeting, "Give some of that [money] to the neighborhood schools. It's Chicago Public Schools, not Chicago private schools." Well said!
Dick
Of course the major reason that three schools are being turned around is because they were on academic probation for a "significant period of time." By the way, some of the current 22 'turnaround' AUSL schools are on academic probation. That wasn't part of the Wednesday public presentation. Talk about hypocricy!
It may take some time, but I hope the public soon demands that our public neighborhood schools are often the anchor of the various neighborhoods in which they are located. More than 'fixing' schools, the conditions in which the families and students live in must first be 'fixed.'
As Gresham's Principal, Diedrus Brown, said at the CPS meeting, "Give some of that [money] to the neighborhood schools. It's Chicago Public Schools, not Chicago private schools." Well said!
Dick
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The Working Poor
There are plenty of poor pockets in many areas of America. Within those regions, be it inner cities or rural areas, there are plenty of citizens who do go about their jobs day in and day out. Yet, what they earn is simply not enough to pay for all of the bills or to take care of various necessities.
Why am I commenting on this when our charity and this blog deals with education? The answer is quite simple. The very hard working people who do have jobs often don't have the funds to take care of various needs that deal with educating their sons and daughters. Be it school supplies, sports equipment, tutoring (no way they'll be able to afford this luxury), music instruments or other needs, parents - though they are working - may well not be able to take care of these bills.
It is a sad state when someone is working, making minimal income, and can't help with school related expenses. I have found that these are among the people most grateful for the support that Schools Count Corp. affords their children. Something is not quite right when the educational aspirations are limited through no fault of working families.
This is just one of many reasons why we are glad to serve!!
Dick
Why am I commenting on this when our charity and this blog deals with education? The answer is quite simple. The very hard working people who do have jobs often don't have the funds to take care of various needs that deal with educating their sons and daughters. Be it school supplies, sports equipment, tutoring (no way they'll be able to afford this luxury), music instruments or other needs, parents - though they are working - may well not be able to take care of these bills.
It is a sad state when someone is working, making minimal income, and can't help with school related expenses. I have found that these are among the people most grateful for the support that Schools Count Corp. affords their children. Something is not quite right when the educational aspirations are limited through no fault of working families.
This is just one of many reasons why we are glad to serve!!
Dick
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
All that Jazz!
The 6th Annual Jazz Benefit is just around the corner. We are looking to 'Pack the Place' at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29th as Hinsdale Central's various jazz groups and choir are performing at the Community House in Hinsdale. ALL, yes all of the proceeds will be used to purchase needed band instruments for John Hay Elementary School. Admission is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. Of course any donated instruments would get you free admission.
The 29th promises to be a 'Rockin' night so put the paperwork aside and join in the fun!!! By the way, Mr. Williams the Principal will attend the benefit.
See you next week!
Dick
Monday, April 21, 2014
Bootstraps
Recently I had someone mention to me that the reason people are poor and that the education system their children are part of is due to the fact that these individuals are lazy and live off the rest of us. They went on to say the all too familiar refrain that all they have to do "is pick themselves up by the bootstraps."
Therein lies the inherent problem. Most of the people who live in the throes of poverty don't want to. More to the point, the poor often have never had 'bootstraps!' Sadly, their hope of ever realizing that they will acquire these 'bootstraps' is fairly remote.
The bootstraps are a decent living wage from a decent job. It is having access to decent health care. There are plenty of other 'bootstraps' but much of it comes down to having the means to provide for oneself.
As many of you know, there is where our charity comes into play. We are intent upon helping students and their parents by providing some supplies and resources (bootstraps) so they have a better chance for success in school.
We are pleased to provide whatever 'bootstraps' we can to those in need.
Dick
Therein lies the inherent problem. Most of the people who live in the throes of poverty don't want to. More to the point, the poor often have never had 'bootstraps!' Sadly, their hope of ever realizing that they will acquire these 'bootstraps' is fairly remote.
The bootstraps are a decent living wage from a decent job. It is having access to decent health care. There are plenty of other 'bootstraps' but much of it comes down to having the means to provide for oneself.
As many of you know, there is where our charity comes into play. We are intent upon helping students and their parents by providing some supplies and resources (bootstraps) so they have a better chance for success in school.
We are pleased to provide whatever 'bootstraps' we can to those in need.
Dick
Thursday, April 17, 2014
HC Soccer Gives Back
So what does the Hinsdale Central Varsity Girls soccer team do on a windy and chilly afternoon in the middle of April? Aside from playing a great brand of soccer they gave some of their time and talent to working with Brooks Middle School in Harvey, IL. Led by Head Coach Michael Smith and his Assistant Brian Drelicharz, the players and coaches gave the Brooks players some useful tips on juggling, passing, footwork and dribbling.
I was a witness to the manner in which the players from both schools interacted with one another. Both groups were eager to work with one another and there were plenty of smiles to go around. The Brooks players were soaking up the tidbits being passed along to them. By 6:00 pm the Brooks players were ready for a scrimmage!! They weren't in any hurry to head home at this point.
I trust the Hinsdale Central players went home with the same sense of accomplishment, joy and satisfaction that I experienced as I watched the practice session unfold.
Perhaps one gesture capped off the meaningfulness of the afternoon. As the HC team was readying to head back home each one of the Brooks players took the time to shake the hands of each and every player and coach. Talk about class, talk about being grateful!!
Kudos to one and all!
Dick
I was a witness to the manner in which the players from both schools interacted with one another. Both groups were eager to work with one another and there were plenty of smiles to go around. The Brooks players were soaking up the tidbits being passed along to them. By 6:00 pm the Brooks players were ready for a scrimmage!! They weren't in any hurry to head home at this point.
I trust the Hinsdale Central players went home with the same sense of accomplishment, joy and satisfaction that I experienced as I watched the practice session unfold.
Perhaps one gesture capped off the meaningfulness of the afternoon. As the HC team was readying to head back home each one of the Brooks players took the time to shake the hands of each and every player and coach. Talk about class, talk about being grateful!!
Kudos to one and all!
Dick
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
All That Jazz
Want to enjoy an evening of jazz and, at the same time, help build a band program at John Hay Elementary School? I have just the solution...make your way to the Hinsdale Community House in Hinsdale on Tuesday, April 29th!! That's right, for just $5 per person and $10 for the whole family you can move to the music and help establish the same sounds in the halls at John Hay!!
It will be jazz at its best compliments of the Hinsdale Central Music Department! HC's very own jazz band, jazz ensemble, jazz lab combo's and the Chamber Choir will perform. WGN's Bill Moller will emcee the affair. So set your work aside, turn off the TV and head to the Community House. The program starts at 7:00 pm and you're sure to have blast.
All of the proceeds will go towards purchasing instruments for John Hay. By the way, anyone who donates an instrument in good playing condition will get in free in addition to receiving a gift receipt for tax purposes. One guarantee, you are bound to have a great evening!
Thanks,
Dick
It will be jazz at its best compliments of the Hinsdale Central Music Department! HC's very own jazz band, jazz ensemble, jazz lab combo's and the Chamber Choir will perform. WGN's Bill Moller will emcee the affair. So set your work aside, turn off the TV and head to the Community House. The program starts at 7:00 pm and you're sure to have blast.
All of the proceeds will go towards purchasing instruments for John Hay. By the way, anyone who donates an instrument in good playing condition will get in free in addition to receiving a gift receipt for tax purposes. One guarantee, you are bound to have a great evening!
Thanks,
Dick
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