Another Perspective

Yes, the Chicago Teachers are on strike and the kids, sadly, aren't in the classroom. 

There are plenty of innuendos flying around about both sides of the equation.  Critics of the union simply say there is no reason to strike, teachers already make too much, they should take what is offered and the mere fact that the union exists is what is wrong with public education.

The union participants say they want to see class sizes reduced, they want some say in how teacher evaluations are designed and implemented, and they are concerned about what happens to teachers who are laid off in the face of school closings.  Of course there are issues with benefits and pensions.

Allow me to weigh as I have gone into the schools on multiple occasions and know conditions in a number or neighborhoods. 

I can tell you this...too many classrooms are crowded and there are plenty of rooms where the only air to breathe is the hot air left from the previous day.   The fact that teacher evaluations are tied to student test performance is not a small issue and anyone who has seriously studied it realizes that only a portion of test performance is related to teacher instruction.

Even more important are the issues a good number of children bring to school which are very real.  We shouldn't kid ourselves, handling these the concerns that show up when a child enters the room are serious.  I know a family where three family members have been killed and there are six siblings attending school.  Rest assured, the teachers are faced with real challenges in working with these six children.  There are plenty of these types of concerns throughout the city.

I can attest to the fact that the challenges by the Chicago Teachers aren't dreamed up...they're real and need to be addressed in order to move forward.

Dick

500th Post!!

Today marks a small milestone in the life of our charity.  Our 500th post likely means a bit more to me than to most people and that's okay.

Some years ago I thought it necessary to create a federal non-profit to best meet the needs of people who suffered as a result of natural or man-made disasters.  At first ours was an endeavor to bring relief and aid to the people of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Since that fateful day in August of 2005 we have been helping school children in many parts of America and beyond.  Altogether we have assisted 43 schools in New Orleans for six years, brought aid to 13 Galveston, TX schools, and helped the Grant Woods School in Iowa four years ago following some devastating floods.  Last year we provided a good deal of support to the Joplin, Missouri school system following the horrific May 2011 tornadoes.  Of course, we pitched in to help rebuild IMN in Darbonne, Haiti after the earthquake of January 2010.  Over the last two years much of our attention has focused on helping students in and around Chicago, the result being that we've been able to supply children with daily supplies, warm winter coats, sports equipment and more.

Along the way I have been touched by both the goodness and generosity of our donors and the commitment made by so very many volunteers.  All have been steadfast in their desire to support our work.  At the same time, I have been moved by the graciousness and humility demonstrated by the recipients of our donations to various causes.

It moves me to say that I am looking forward to continuing the important work of Schools Count Corp and posting 500 more stories of the initiatives undertaken by our charity. 

Thank you for giving me so much satisfaction!

Dick

Students Assisting Students

That's the way it has always been with many of the students at Hinsdale Central, students assisting people with needs greater than their own.  Now a small group of students (at least small right now) wants to step up and help kids who have it rough.

SAS is a club in its formative stages.  This is a group of students interested in supporting Schools Count Corp by raising funds in addition to participating in endeavors that provide coats and other tangible materials to students in the Chicagoland area.

One of the great things about this club is the fact that the participants will garner the needed supplies and personally deliver them to CPS and Harvey, IL students.  This is not a group of students having one meeting after another.  No, this is a club of action that will be able to see the fruits of their labor.

After an initial meeting yesterday, the four students assembled, keyed in on ways to get other HC students to join the club.   They've also committed to their first fundraiser, working concessions at Homecoming on Sat., Sept. 29th.

Aside from collecting warm coats, the students are also interested in helping to paint Lowell Longfellow School in Harvey, IL.  Along the way, the club will deliver some needed classroom supplies to various schools in addition to participating in a number of events already on the Schools Count Corp calendar for 2012-2013.  Some of the club's members are even talking about getting their former elementary or junior high involved in our 'Go Green' program.

Hats off to the students of SAS!  I am thrilled that you want to reach out, with such genuine sincerity, to help kids trying to make the best of themselves.  I am really looking forward to working with you.

Dick

What it Means

There are plenty of reasons for us to support the education of those who are without supplies and resources, to help those who don't have the 'bootstraps' by which to pick themselves up.  The obvious benefit is to help those young people have more productive lives.  That's the key.

But think about the other benefits to having a child better educated.  Along the way, they will be better able to support their families.  A good number of these students will someday not only be more productive but, depending on where they live, they'll add immeasureably to the area in which they live.

I'm not suggesting everyone get a college degree.  What needs to take place is a situation in which a young person, as he/she goes through life, has the tools to follow their job, career and dream.  Maybe a child will go to 4-year college, trade school, junior college or some specialty training such as learning how to drive a semi or attend a hair style school.

In a sense the more we can help children with their education then we'll all be better off.  Yes, by getting a decent education a young person will undoubtedly lift up all of us.  To get to that goal, it makes sense for us to help them get to that point.

Dick

Wow, What a Day!

Yesterday, in many respects, was like any other day around the house.  I wrote a blog, wrote a couple of notes of thanks, played with Daisy (our puppy), did some laundry, got in my arm exercises and headed down to the end of the driveway to pick up the mail.

To my amazement - complete - a $2,500.00 check was in the mail.  It's a check from a friend and former teaching colleague.  I'd sure like to mention the name of the family but if I mention them, well, you know, then they might not like to be identified in our blog or on facebook.  Besides, if I give these people the credit for their generosity then I'd really need to mention the hundreds of donors and volunteers who have stepped forward these past seven years.

I can tell you this, the family was aware of our desire to build a band program at King Elementary School in Chicago.  Talk about pitching in!!  This funds are enough to put 20 instruments into the hands of the students.   I have already ordered the trombones, flutes, trumpets, clarients and saxophones for the children and band director.

Mr. Millman is the Assistant Principal and band director and he will be amazed, I'm sure, at how quickly we will be able to get the instruments to his students.  One thing is for certain, he and the rest of the kids will be told who donated the funds to help establish their band program.

So, to this anonymous donor (at least online), know that you are making a difference in the lives of the children who will fiill the hallways of King with the sound of music.  You have given opportunities to those who want a chance to better themselves.  For that, I am truly appreciative.

Dick

A Vote for Teachers

One of the many reasons I have always enjoyed teaching and support public education is due to the ability of teachers to adapt.  Adaptation in today's world is essential and it isn't always based on technology.

Over the years, the necessity of teachers to adapt to Education Services initiatives has called upon these professionals to adjust their curriculum.  Changes in societal lifestyles, the speed of the information age, diet/nutirition choices, the demand of the 'testing' era, and the world of work have called upon teachers to adapt.

The demands made by parents, changes in law, and education reform have also placed a huge burden on teachers in terms of making changes in their classroom practices.

When I visit schools, and watch classroom student-teacher interaction, and chat with colleagues who are still in the profession I witness people who DO make the necessary changes.  In fact, most exhibit this flexibility with attendant issues.  Quite candidly, I often find teachers to be the first in line to make the necessary adaptations so that students progress. 

Dick

Coming full circle at Chalmers

This is pretty exciting!!

First, we provided band instruments to Chalmers Elementary, this past spring, so they could start a band program.  Mission accomplished!!

Next, the band direction, Vernon Lloyd, had a two week summer workshop.  He had 45 children attend.  That's terrific  Again, mission accomplished!

And now...we are delivering some band uniforms to Chalmers tomorrow.  You know the refrain...mission accomplished!

Finally, Mr. Lloyd has confirmed that the students will perform at our Donor/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, March 21, 2013.

Well done!

Dick