Washington, IL - 4 Days Later

There are some reports out of Washington, IL that now say up to 1,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed in this hard hit town. Yes, rebuilding will take place but in the meantime the struggles will be many as the winter season is on the horizon.

With so many homes damaged it makes sense that the school age children, and their parents, lost much. Clothes, personals, books, music instruments, furniture. The list is endless. The point is this: the students are going back to school today and are likely to be without many items that they need in the classroom and on the field of play. We can certainly help in this regard.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can think of no better way to demonstrate our personal thanks for peace, safety, a warm home and the good that we enjoy. Please consider making a donation to Schools Count Corp. in the coming days so that we can help our fellow citizens realize the same joys we are fortunate to realize.

Any donation helps. Simply write a check payable to Schools Count Corp and mail it to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Note tornado in the memo section.

Thanks for your consideration,
Dick flesher

Latest on Washington, IL

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Washington, IL high school football team went on to win the 5A Championship?!! They are playing in the semi-finals this weekend so I'll be sure to keep you up to date on their hopeful march to Champaign and the championship game.

In just two days, Schools Count Corp has raised over $1300!!! Our goal is to collect $10,000. You can be a part of helping the citizens of Washington, IL to enjoy Thanksgiving next week by donating to the cause. Simply send a check to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Indicate 'tornado' in the memo section. If it's easier go online at www.schoolscountcorp.org to make a charitable contribution.

We are working with the school nurse at Washington H.S. to find a way to get what is really needed to those most in need. I will keep you posted!!

I have now heard reports of up to 600 buildings damaged or destroyed as a result of the tornado.

Many thanks,
Dick

More on Washington, IL

I am in contact with a couple of churches in Washington, IL. with respect to their needs in light of the horrible devastation wrought by the Sunday tornado. Though we all want to help these folks, I have to tell you that the churches have not been able to sort out their very real needs. Many kind hearted people have sent water, blankets and clothing. Right now, they don't need any more of these items.

Please be so kind as to be patient with these people. They have suffered much and we need to give them the time and space to determine their way forward. To inundate them with supplies and resources that they might not be able to dispense or store just isn't the way to help them.

I can assure those of you who donated, we will bring these people the aid they ask for in due time. Until then please keep them in your thoughts and stay in touch with me going as the days unfold.

In the meantime, feel free to send a donation to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Make your check payable to Schools Count Corp. Kindly note the word 'tornado' in the memo part of the check. You can certainly donate online by going to www.schoolscountcorp.org.

To date, the estimate is that 400 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. This creates all sorts of attendant problems for these families.

Many thanks,
Dick

Washington, IL in Need of Help

Images such as this one give a sense of much of the devastation that has hit Washington, IL. As of this morning, fortunately, despite the destruction, few deaths have hit the town of 17,000. But as the photo makes clear, the loss is staggering.

At this point, I am waiting for Bayview Baptist Church in Washington to get back to me with their needs. We will certainly get them what we can whether it is clothing, personal supplies, food, blankets and the like. With the cold settling back in, sadly, housing will be a necessity.

Please follow our blog and facebook to see how you can assist us. For the time being you can certainly make a charitable donation by mailing a check to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. Kindly make the check out to Schools Count Corp and write 'tornado' in the memo section. You can also go to our charity's website to make a donation. Simply go to: www.schoolscountcorp.org and make your contribution. Finally, at some point (likely this week) we will probably head to Washington. I'll keep you abreast of the details.

Thank you,
Dick

It's A Shame

Teachers being told to give the PSAE, ISAT and now Common Core State Standards. Staff and school administrators told they can only measure up if a child's test scores improve. Schools being shuttered while some are overcrowded. Boards of Education micromanaging what is best left to the classroom professionals.

People being told that unions are evil and are one of the major reasons why we are allegedly failing our students.
Too many in govt. ready to jump on the bandwagon of vouchers, charters and selective enrollment schools. The move is underfoot to privatize a treasured and valuable endeavor - public education.

Worse yet too many teachers and students are without the very real resources they need on a daily basis to follow all of the above marching orders. How does that make any sense? You are told, too often, to do the impossible or what isn't practical yet one has to accomplish these feats without the proper support.

What a shame!!

Dick

Well, What Do You Know!

I quite often disagree with Dennis Byrne on various policy matters and issues. However, Mr. Byrne of the Chicago Tribune shared a couple of realistic ideas concerning education that I not only agree with but, more importantly, they hold the promise of helping student learning.

Two days ago the editorial writer suggested that we ought to do away with standardized testing. His reasons, which I agree with, are clear. Eliminating standardized testing will allow teachers more time to teach and will save money. The key component, I believe, is that it will free teachers to teach and children can learn.

Of course, the skeptics and so called reformers will cry about such a move. They'll contend that there is no way to hold teachers accountable and that we can't track student learning. They'll go on to say that if we can't track learning through testing then how on earth can we determine who should receive funding and how will we ever be able to rate teachers!!

On my, the earth is falling!!! I have news for these critics. Long before standardized testing made its appearance, teachers were held accountable for their actions and those same teachers always found a way to get the most out of their students and were able to help them move on in life; to college, to a place in the world of work, or some other endeavor.

Thank you Dennis for speaking the truth, for arguing for a common sense idea, one sure to help the students.

Dick

Part II - The Street

As if the growing poverty among public school students wasn't dishearterning enough, The Street has reported that homelessness among public school students is on increase. From academic year 2010-11 to that of 2011-12 the number of homeless children rose a staggering 10%.

It has left me pondering many things. First, does the typical citizen really have an awareness of these conditions and are they prepared to do anything about it? I'm also left gasping, gasping for these kids and their families...struggling to get through each day. Really, they are homeless and/or poor and we expect them to perform on standardized tests?! Give me a break.

Oh, by the way, obviously if students are struggling because of the ailments brought about due to poverty or being homeless, the pundits, corporate reformers and critics will wail and complain about teachers and schools not getting the job done. Again, give me a break!

Also, I am growing less confident that the powers that be, from government to so called reformers to society at large will step up and address the root causes of poverty, blight, unemployment and neglect.

Dick