As I think about the many hard working and dedicated students, teachers, parents and administrators at possible targeted CPS schools that may be slated for closing next year, I ponder just how they are feeling right now knowing that they might be on the chopping block.
Indeed, this has probably been the situation for a number of schools for a number of years. Talk about some tension, apprehension and more. UGH!
I will tell you this...I have been in schools that have been closed or 'turned around' (meaning everyone was let go at year's end) and I have witnessed the tireless efforts to excel by all of the above named groups. You might be surprised to learn that these people just go about their business of teaching and learning.
I wonder just how many CPS officials REALLY are aware of and understand the commitments made by these individuals. I wonder if they REALLY 'get it.' I wonder if they will take into account, aside from empty seats, the heartfelt dedication, grit, determination and progress made by teachers and students.
I wonder...
Dick
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Let Me Give it Another Shot
Yesterday I made mention of the fact-finding CPS commission that is investigating the 'method' to be used in determining which schools to close later this spring. I also said that one of its recommendations is to not close any high schools due to gang related issues.
I don't disagree with this point. Using this parameter in addition to other 'on the ground' realities should also be used by the commission. What they would find is that there are plenty of indicators which should lead the commission and the CPS brass to close very few schools.
Let me touch on some other issues, beyond the gang situation, that ought to be examined.
The commission needs to understand that neighborhoods need an anchor. The school is often that unifying force. Beyond that fact, if the school has a 30% or 40% rate of empty seats but it is succeeding test score wise or by growth, that school needs to remain open.
A school should not be closed if a new administration and new staff has been put in place in the last year or two. These people have to be given a fair chance to lead. Closing a school just because there are empty seats is no justification for a staff, with a relatively new beginning, to have the plug pulled. Right now, this type of instability is far too rampant in the CPS system.
The CPS hierarchy needs to attend to many of this critical points in assessing which schools will close and which are to remain open.
Dick
I don't disagree with this point. Using this parameter in addition to other 'on the ground' realities should also be used by the commission. What they would find is that there are plenty of indicators which should lead the commission and the CPS brass to close very few schools.
Let me touch on some other issues, beyond the gang situation, that ought to be examined.
The commission needs to understand that neighborhoods need an anchor. The school is often that unifying force. Beyond that fact, if the school has a 30% or 40% rate of empty seats but it is succeeding test score wise or by growth, that school needs to remain open.
A school should not be closed if a new administration and new staff has been put in place in the last year or two. These people have to be given a fair chance to lead. Closing a school just because there are empty seats is no justification for a staff, with a relatively new beginning, to have the plug pulled. Right now, this type of instability is far too rampant in the CPS system.
The CPS hierarchy needs to attend to many of this critical points in assessing which schools will close and which are to remain open.
Dick
Sunday, January 13, 2013
More CPS News
The Commission on School Utilization, formed by CEO chief Ms. Byrd-Bennett, has come out with a few initial recommendations. The commission's most eye-popping point, two days ago, was that no CPS high schools be targeted for closure because of gang related issues. WOW! Gangs are indeed an issue so at least the commission considered something other than empty seats in a school.
Speaking of empty seats. This is still likely to be the major driving force for closing elementary schools commencing with the 2013-14 school year. Tensions are running high throughout many neighborhoods with regard to potential being on the chopping block.
By the way, the commission is not suppose to recommend which schools are to be closed; rather, its task is to determine the 'best method' for arriving at such a decision. Incidentally, the CPS brass doesn't have to follow the commission ideas. That seems unlikely since Byrd-Bennett set up the commission.
Not surprisingly, the commission has already gone on record as saying that 'turnaround' schools should not be considered for closure. That's not a shock. CPS is quite heavily vested in them and to close some would be tantamount to admitting some sort of failure.
Over the next few days I will have more to say about CPS school closings. Stay tuned.
Thanks,
Dick
Speaking of empty seats. This is still likely to be the major driving force for closing elementary schools commencing with the 2013-14 school year. Tensions are running high throughout many neighborhoods with regard to potential being on the chopping block.
By the way, the commission is not suppose to recommend which schools are to be closed; rather, its task is to determine the 'best method' for arriving at such a decision. Incidentally, the CPS brass doesn't have to follow the commission ideas. That seems unlikely since Byrd-Bennett set up the commission.
Not surprisingly, the commission has already gone on record as saying that 'turnaround' schools should not be considered for closure. That's not a shock. CPS is quite heavily vested in them and to close some would be tantamount to admitting some sort of failure.
Over the next few days I will have more to say about CPS school closings. Stay tuned.
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, January 11, 2013
A Big Event
Yes, March 12th is two months away but, we have a wonderful event planned for that evening!! Our 'Donor/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner' will take place to honor the unselfish and generous work of so many giving people.
Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun-Times and the King Elementary School band headline the activities.
Mary is the multiple award winning columnist for the Times. Her work has earned her a reputation as a stalwart in terms of social justice and a journalist who isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues. Her remarks will no doubt be timely and thought-provoking.
The King Elementary band is excited to perform for our entire SCC audience, knowing that we had much to do with putting instruments in their hands! I can't wait to hear them!!
The dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 12th in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria. The high school is located at the intersection of 55th and Grant Streets in Hinsdale. The doors open at 6:00 pm with the dinner/program commencing at 6:30. To attend simply email me at rich219@comcast.net with the names of those attending.
It is an honor for us to take some time out of our busy days to get together and share in the successes that you have made possible through your hard work, support, and generous contributions. I look forward to seeing you.
Dick
Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun-Times and the King Elementary School band headline the activities.
Mary is the multiple award winning columnist for the Times. Her work has earned her a reputation as a stalwart in terms of social justice and a journalist who isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues. Her remarks will no doubt be timely and thought-provoking.
The King Elementary band is excited to perform for our entire SCC audience, knowing that we had much to do with putting instruments in their hands! I can't wait to hear them!!
The dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 12th in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria. The high school is located at the intersection of 55th and Grant Streets in Hinsdale. The doors open at 6:00 pm with the dinner/program commencing at 6:30. To attend simply email me at rich219@comcast.net with the names of those attending.
It is an honor for us to take some time out of our busy days to get together and share in the successes that you have made possible through your hard work, support, and generous contributions. I look forward to seeing you.
Dick
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Many Ways to Assist Us
There are almost as many ways to raise money for worthwhile activities and charities as there are people!! You name it and it can be done. Auctions, raffles, car washes, donations, flower sales, matching gift programs, product sales and more!!
Speaking of product sales, I have one friend, Annette, current teacher and former colleague of mine, who is willing to donate 100% of her Avon sales this January to Schools Count. Annette has aided our charity on many previous occasions and this is another one of her ways of helping the children we serve. So why not take a look at the link, below, see if something strikes your fancy. Remember, you'll not only purchase something for yourself or someone else you'll also be facilitating the work of Schools Count Corp.
Thanks for your consideration!
Dick
Dear Dick:
For the month of January I will donate 100% of my profits to Schools that Count.
Here is my website:
http://heydoctord.avonrepresentative.com/
Speaking of product sales, I have one friend, Annette, current teacher and former colleague of mine, who is willing to donate 100% of her Avon sales this January to Schools Count. Annette has aided our charity on many previous occasions and this is another one of her ways of helping the children we serve. So why not take a look at the link, below, see if something strikes your fancy. Remember, you'll not only purchase something for yourself or someone else you'll also be facilitating the work of Schools Count Corp.
Thanks for your consideration!
Dick
Dear Dick:
For the month of January I will donate 100% of my profits to Schools that Count.
Here is my website:
http://heydoctord.avonrepresentative.com/
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Some Snipets
Ouch!! The other day I mentioned that Kids4Good was hosting a Haitian art exhibit with the opening this Saturday, Janurary 12th. I put out the wrong address. The exhibition will take place at the Haitian American Museum of Chicago. The address is 4654 N. Racine, Chicago, IL. This is certain to be a hit as we approach the third anniversary of the devastating earthquake.
GREAT NEWS! Mary Mitchell, the award winning columnist of the Chicago Sun-Times has agreed to give the keynote address at our Donor/Volunteer Dinner on Tuesday, March 12th. Along with the King Elementary School band, Mary is sure to spark some thoughtful discussion about inner city education. Mary attended CPS schools and has a real understanding of the dynamics of neighborhood public education. Just email me and let me know you are attending.
Todays Chicago Sun-Times reports that "The Walton Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Wal-Mart's founder, gave more money to Chicago to start new charter schools last year than it did to any other city - $3.8 million. Okay, I will check their website and apply for some funding for SCC!
Dick
GREAT NEWS! Mary Mitchell, the award winning columnist of the Chicago Sun-Times has agreed to give the keynote address at our Donor/Volunteer Dinner on Tuesday, March 12th. Along with the King Elementary School band, Mary is sure to spark some thoughtful discussion about inner city education. Mary attended CPS schools and has a real understanding of the dynamics of neighborhood public education. Just email me and let me know you are attending.
Todays Chicago Sun-Times reports that "The Walton Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Wal-Mart's founder, gave more money to Chicago to start new charter schools last year than it did to any other city - $3.8 million. Okay, I will check their website and apply for some funding for SCC!
Dick
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
My Take on Pension Reform
Don't get me wrong. The mess pertaining to the underfunding predictament deals with the state government not taking care of matters over the years. That being said, nothing will solve this crisis unless everyone becomes part of the solution.
The state government, current teachers, business community, unions and retirees will each have to weigh in 'dollarwise' to end the spiraling pension black hole. I have some fellow retirees who may not like to hear this but, as a retired teacher I am willing to do my part.
As a retired school teacher, I have a good pension. I get a 3% Cost of Living increment each year. I am willing, along with the above groups, to do my share to solve the problem. I would certainly be willing to go without the COLA for a period of four, five or six years as part of the package to solve the pension crisis. If I have to pay a bit more for my health care when I hit 65 so be it.
Despite those people (and there are a number of them) who got us in this mess, one group, alone, won't get us out of it. Everyone has to contribute some funds or forego some benefits.
Dick
The state government, current teachers, business community, unions and retirees will each have to weigh in 'dollarwise' to end the spiraling pension black hole. I have some fellow retirees who may not like to hear this but, as a retired teacher I am willing to do my part.
As a retired school teacher, I have a good pension. I get a 3% Cost of Living increment each year. I am willing, along with the above groups, to do my share to solve the problem. I would certainly be willing to go without the COLA for a period of four, five or six years as part of the package to solve the pension crisis. If I have to pay a bit more for my health care when I hit 65 so be it.
Despite those people (and there are a number of them) who got us in this mess, one group, alone, won't get us out of it. Everyone has to contribute some funds or forego some benefits.
Dick
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