Jazz Success - Thank You

Medgar Evers is bound to have some happy students come this fall via the generous outpouring of support from all involved in the program; from patrons to the Music Parents Assn., and of course the wonderful musicians. The Jazz was smooth and relaxing throughout the entire evening. Aside from the above groups, I want to give a special shout out of thanks to our two band directors Mr. Goeke and Mr. Kurinsky, Deborah Powell - our wonderful soloist, a guest trombone soloist Mark Bettcher and Bill Mooler the evenings Emcee.

Because of all of these efforts, we raised funds, received a flute, a french horn, a saxophone and a complete drum set. This is obviously a wonderful start to creating the Evers band.

I just received an email from the Medgar Evers Principal, Ms. Ellis, who attended the performance last night. Here's what she said, "I just want to take this opportunity to thank you once again! You are always thinking about how you can assist the students and staff at Evers. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing the talent that the students of Hinsdale Central displayed. Their talent is truly amazing. The directors are doing a terrific job bringing out the gifts possessed by those at Hinsdale."

It was indeed a wonderful evening.

Dick

Fab Four

Last night I had the opportunity to meet with four soccer players; Alex Cole, Jackson Harris, Edison Hawkins, and Brady McKay, along with their respective Moms, as we kicked off our KICK initiative. KICK or 'Kick it in for Chicago Kids' is run by these varsity soccer players to raise sorely needed funds to assist the students within a number of CPS and Harvey, IL schools.

The KICK effort includes a soccer-tennis tournament, raising funds through sponsorships, and ann auction in addition to other activities which are designed to call attention to the needs of students in poverty while raising money for school supplies, winter coats, music instruments, school uniforms and much more.

Last evening was a great get way to start this process as the boys were eager to set the bar high in terms of raising funds and genuinely wanting to step forward to help those in need. So hats off to the Fab Four for getting off to a great start!

Dick

Tomorrow Nights Jazz Fest

The Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles are ready to rock the Community House tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 25th, in order to benefit Medgar Evers Elementary School as they embark on starting up their very own band program. Admission to this great event is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. The benefit starts at 7:00 and you won't want to miss one single arrangement!!!

Great music, refreshments, lively entertainment, a great cause and some time to unwind and listen to some of the best jazz played anywhere in the western suburbs.

Looking forward to seeing you!!

Dick

America First - Education Last!

At a time when far too many critics bemoan the alleged inadequacy of the American education system we've now learned that the Administration is willing to eliminate the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. Mind you, this program serves 1.1 million students in 9,600 centers nationwide.

Mick Mulvaney, on behalf of the Administration, said there is "no demonstrable evidence" that after-school and summer programs benefit low income students when it comes to their success during the school day.

Sorry Mick you're dead wrong!! A study by the Harvard Family Research Project found that the Learning Centers provide positive outcomes with respect to; better attitudes toward school, higher school attendance, lower dropout rates, better test scores and grades and improved homework completion.

You can be sure of one thing...I will get this data to Congress, Mr. Mulvaney and Ms. DeVos

Dick

CPS Money Woes Continue

The financial picture at CPS remains about as clear as muddied spring flood waters. At isue is a lawsuit filed by CPS which asks that the money doled out to the city's teacher pension plan not count as funding for regular classroom education. The Illinois State Board of Education claims otherwise. CPS alleges that the manner in which schools and pensions are funded is discriminatory.

A Cook County judge will make his final ruling in the case on April 28th with regard to the city schools being able to receive immediate financial help from the state. Plenty is at stake here as the district is facing a $721 million June 30th pension payment in addition to figuring out the remaining length of the school year.

One thing is certain, even if the judge rules in favor of the district many financial problems will dog the system.

Dick

We Could Use Your Help

Our charity is not in the business of changing the world but I would be remiss if I didn't admit that Schools Count Corp. is definitely trying to alter things for the better. America and Americans have always stood for the principle of the 'common good.' And that's exactly why I'm reaching out to you. Our charity needs your help.

We are in the process of helping to build a band program at Medgar Evers Elementary School in Chicago. We need funds to be able to buy the instruments for the children. To that end, Schools Count is working with the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles as they gear up to put on a benefit concert.

And that's where you come in. The more people who attend the Tuesday, April 25th 7:00 pm program the more money we will have to buy instruments. It's that simple!! Individual admission is $5 and the whole family gets in for $10!! Of course, if you make a charitable tax deductible contribution in excess of this amount you also enter for free. What a deal. I hope you have the opportunity to join us at the Hinsdale Community House located on Madison St. in Hinsdale next Tuesday.

This is bound to be a wonderful event and you will be making a diffence in the lives of Medgar Evers students.

Thank you,
Dick

Education Matters - Contact these Individuals

Since when are people seriously, and I mean seriously, questionning the worth of before and after school programs? To get students, wherever they live in America, to school early and/or to stay late is no mean feat!!! That in itself is a real task and to be able to have meaningful programs for them is particularly useful.

I have a request of you, if I may. The legislation to keep these programs or to eliminate them (which is, unfortunately, a possibility) is in the hands of Congress, specifically the Subcommittee called Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. I'd like to ask you to take a minute of your time to write a simple two or three sentence letter and get it off to the two ranking members of the subcommittee. Ask them to maintain the above critical program and others facing the chopping block.

Please send your letters to Representative Todd Rokita and Representative Jared Polis. They both share the same subcommittee mailing address which is: The U. S. House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, 2716 Rayburn House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515.

Many thanks,
Dick