Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. People slow down a bit, families unite, and most of our fellow citizens do reflect upon the bounty that is theirs. It is also a time when the holiday season kicks off and people rush off to do some 'Black Friday' shopping or park in front of the television to take in some football.

Thanksgiving is also a time to see to it that others are given support, some needed food, or a helping hand. We fill Salvation Army kettles, participate in a walk for hunger, prepare meals for the homeless or perform some other act of kindness.

There is room for both caring for our own and others in society. Being able to serve ourselves and others is something that I will always be thankful for. For those who aid our charity, and in turn those we serve, please accept my heartfelt thanks.

Dick

Keeping Kids Warm

Despite a flat tire in front of John Hay Elementary School, we were able to get over 30 coats to both John Hay and Pickard Elementary Schools yesterday. The staff was delighted to get the warm coats and other winter wear. You'd might be surprised to learn that attendance soars when kids are bundled up for the harsh winter. We are still collecting so that we can deliver to CPS, Harvey, Posen and Robbins schools in the days ahead.

Thanks to one and all!!
Dick

Common Sense from a Teacher

Saturday's Chicago Sun Times, as always, carried a 'Viewpoint' piece written by Hen Kennedy who is a middle school teacher at Carl Von Linne Elementary School. Ms. Kennedy's letter is not some off the wall piece harping on the senselessness of standardized testing. Rather, it is a thoughtful piece about the impact of standardized testing on learning.

Ms. Kennedy laid out what has taken place in her Social Studies classes this fall and the ramifications that 16 days of upcoming testing will have on her curriculum. As Ms. Kennedy puts it, "the amount of testing is limiting my students' opportunities to learn." It isn't just a matter of missing over three weeks of school, it is a matter of disrupting the flow of teaching/learning, losing ones classroom to testing, and other logistic headaches.

Ms. Kennedy isn't opposed to standardized testing so that point ought to be clear. What is at stake is the loss of significant opportunities to learn. Said Ms. Kennedy, "they (the students) cannot afford to lose access to the types of learning they find exciting, engaging and meaningful."

Anyone who argues with that last statement just doesn't get it.

Quite an Honor, Quite a Young Man

Evan Floersch a senior on the Hinsdale Central High School Varsity soccer team has enjoyed an amazing run for the past few weeks and months. It all culminated in a terrific honor at last nights Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Assn. All State Banquet.

Evan was not only an All State Selection but he was honored as the 'Player of the Year' in Illinois. Yes, THE Player of the Year! He was also the anchor of the Red Devil defense that captured the Illinois 3A Championship two weeks ago.

Beside these soccer feats, Evan was part of the group of HC players who raised $6,010 for Schools Count Corp in late summer/early fall. Like I said, quite a young man!!!

Thanks Evan!
Coach Flesher

Two Stories in One

Today's Chicago Sun Times ran a story entitled, "Report: State Struggling to teach poor kids." There are certainly plenty of reasons why children from impoverished families and portions of the state have a tough time in terms of learning. This blog and other researchers have commented on this at length.

One of the disheartening aspects of the report centers on the extent of poverty in Illinois. Sadly, more than half of ALL students in Illinois are classified as low income. At the same time, state funding for education has been dwindling. To say the least, these are not good trend.

The great story in the article got buried in the final two paragraphs of the article. CPS, where some 80% of the students are low income, saw gains in math and reading that far outpaced those of students state-wide. Yep, that little piece of information got buried. Oh well...

To the kids and staff in those CPS schools, well done my friends, well done!!!

Dick

Thankfulness

It occurs to me that the idea of being thankful is not a one-sided endeavor or act of kindness. Certainly, you, our many donors and volunteers have stepped forward to voice your concern for others in so very many ways; labor, cash donations, product contributions and so much more. For that, I am eternally appreciative.

What I would like to convey to each of you is this simple message. Wherever we deliver winter coats and accessories, band instruments, school uniforms, after-school resources, or student supplies, the outpouring of genuine thankfulness is simply heartwarming. I constantly receive notes of thanks, letters of appreciation or emails that express gratitude for your acts of caring and concern.

I can relate to you that no one takes your work for granted particularly those who are the recipients of your generosity.

Dick

Makes Sense to Me

I know very little about the new Archbishop of Chicago, Blase Cupich, other than what I have read in the newspapers over the past month or so. But what I heard Cupich say in a Monday evening homily gave me pause as I reflect on the work of our charity.

My reflections on the Cupich homily comments don't have anything to do with religion. Out of his many insights, I found this one particularly poignant..."So many are left unconnected because of poverty spread across generations, racism or not having mentors to guide and inspire them." He continued, "Our aim should be to make sure everyone has a place at the table of life."

My sentiments exactly and they fit with the work of Schools Count.

Dick