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

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

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

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

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

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

Assisting Children in Need

This is always a special week in early August as our charity, along with its many donors and volunteers, is privileged enough to bring some sorely needed supplies to CPS and Harvey, IL students. This is a photo of our volunteers from the first day of deliveries to the north and northwest portions of Chicago. I want to extend a special thanks to one and all for your time, dedication and concern for the students who will most certainly benefit from the NEW supplies that will greet them as they get ready to head back to their respective schools!

In gratefulness,
Dick