Hardly Useless!!

A couple of friends have posted an incredibly idiotic - and yes I will add ignorant - statement put out by NBC concerning college (I assume though it could have also pertained to high school) majors that are 'useless.' Yes, they went there! They came up with five of them...Fine Arts, Drama and Theater Arts, Film, Video & Photographic Arts, Commercial Art & Graphic Design and Architecture.

First of all, who really is to determine what is 'useless' or not? By the way, just who do 'they' think they are? And just what is 'useless' or 'useful?' Oh, I'm just getting started. Are courses of study only useful to a certain group of people if enough money is made or earned? Really, is is about money? WOW!!

I know this will take me a couple of blogs to sort out and to fully express the ignorance of the survey/study but let me conclude today's blog by stating that NBC ought to have some bright enough people to debunk and/or rebuke the information. It is harmful, not truthful, and can perpetuate a myth about the value of the arts. It evens goes so far as to add a negative to what we are trying to do in America's classrooms.

Dick

Politicians to the Rescue?

Given budget shortfalls, state and federal mandates (some are helpful), a too often skeptical public, and the hyper ventilation in social media about the perceived 'ills' in education, I have a bit advice for our various political leaders at all levels. Before you embark on a path to 'fix' what is thought to be wrong, if you do anything, make sure you talk to the people in the school buildings.

If something does need a 'fix' who better to ask than those engaged in teaching our young people. Yes, before you make a proposal, create another law, and before you claim to know or believe something - prior to any or little investigation - LEARN from the experts.

The vast majority of education professionals aren't looking for a handout or 'grabbing' all the money. They want to be asked their opinion, they want to share their knowledge of what works and what can be done better and they want to improve the quality of education they render their students. Along the way, if these happen, you will have shown that you respect their work and that you value their contributions to public education.

Dick

I Long For...

...a return of Vocational Education and Electives to be a living part of education
...less emphasis being placed on testing
...more people entering the field of teaching
...cheaper rates of interest on college student loans
...teachers setting the tone on curriculum
...greater respect by the public for our educators
...politicians to largely remove themselves from the arena of education
...all of the above

It's Never Too Late

Though some deadlines are fast approaching with regard to collecting winter coats and fundraising for the good people of Bel Platon, Haiti, it is never too late to help those in need. Anytime you have winter wear, want to volunteer, are eager to do your own fundraiser or have an idea about how to help Schools Count, you should never waver!!!

That being said, I want to remind you that our fundraising for Bel Platon concludes this Friday, October, 28th. Remember, you can send me a check payable to Schools Count Corp. (note help Haiti in the memo section) and mail it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or make a contribution by going to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org.

Finally, we will collect coats for children here in the Chicago area until Saturday, November 5th. Just email me or give me a call at 630-863-6035 to work out details. We need both boys and girls (children's) coats of all sizes in addition to adult small and mediums. We prefer new coats if possible. No doubt any of us would welcome something 'brand spanking new!'

Many thanks!!
Dick

A Ghastly Look at Bel Platon

Late yesterday Erik of Haiti Partners, the group we are working with in Bel Platon, sent me this photo. Sadly, it is a stark reminder of what Hurricane Matthew left behind...practically nothing. The effort to help rebuild the lives of the school children moves ahead and I'd like to offer you the opportunity to aid in this cause.

No matter the amount of your donation, any contribution of any size would be welcome. Either donate online on our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org or kindly mail a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and send it to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL. 60462. Your help WILL make a difference.

Thank you,
Dick

Haiti Fund

I have some wonderful news in terms of our fundraising for the Bel Platon community in Haiti. We have thus far raised $4200.00. Yes, $4,200.00!!! We are well on our way to collecting/meeting our goal of providing $6,000.00 worth of relief to this community.

We will raise funds through Friday of this week, Oct. 28th so there is still ample time to be part of this 'Special' initiative. Remember, you can send a check to me, payable to Schools Count Corp or go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org to make an online donation.

I hope to have more information from Bel Platon either later today or tomorrow and I will be sure to keep you up to date on conditions.

Thanks,
Dick

On the Ground in Haiti

Friends of Schools Count Corp.,

This information came from the lead administrator, and founder, at Bèl Platon, Mr. Tony Delus via Erik at Haiti Partners. It just came a couple of hours ago and details what is taking place on the ground in this small village in Haiti. What is written in italics comes directly from Tony in Bel Platon. It is both devastating and heartbreaking. You might also want to look at the photos in the attachment.

We are collecting tax deductible donations by mail (payable to Schools Count Corp) to Dick Flesher, 14004 John Humphrey Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462 or by making an online donation at www.schoolscountcorp.org We are collecting through Friday, Oct. 28th. To those of you who have already donated, please accept my sincere thanks for your kind contribution.

Thank you, Dick Flesher

Thank you for your message. I tried to send some messages, but they wouldn't go through.

In the community of Bèl Platon:
35 houses were destroyed.
8 reservoirs were damaged/destroyed.
298 houses were damaged.
3 schools were damaged.
2 churches were damaged.
2 churches were destroyed.
With regard to animals,
about 60 cows died.
Roughly 1000 goats died.
Around 25 donkeys died.
With respect to chickens, there are none left.

Since Hurricane Matthew got done with this area, people have been hungry because there are no more gardens/crops. The children can't last long at school. There's no treated water.

With respect to the school facilities, there is no damage except for the church building which was torn open. There are real problems at the school now. Parents don't have anything to give their children to eat. Students with destroyed houses have nowhere to stay. It's even hard to find tarps to put over the roofs of houses. We've had 80 children return to the school. Another 40 that enrolled haven't shown up yet. We told parents repeatedly to send their kids even if they haven't paid their fees yet, because we know they don't even have enough money to eat...

For the time being we have purchased some tarps in order to wall off classroom space where children can sit. But since it's not covered, when the rain comes we cannot work. Tables get wet. It's only through awareness that we're holding up.

These numbers are, of course, estimates. That said, there’s no doubt that Matthew wreaked havoc in Bèl Platon and that basic needs - food, treated water, shelter - will be an issue for some time into the future.

Please see the attached pics. I’ll share more info as I learn more.

Thanks,

Erik, Haiti Partners.