As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches it is worth noting that I often get letters of thanks from principals and students, in the schools we are fortunate to serve, who are genuinely touched by the goodness and generosity of our donors and volunteers. Though they can't send a note to each of you, please know you are an important part of their school success.
As one student acknowledged, "I am excited to learn since you sent me a new notebook and pencils." A pretty simple message but one that should never be lost on any of us. It is clear that this girl is eager to learn and that she is certainly grateful for the assistance.
Lots of ways to partake of what Thanksgiving means.
Dick
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Justice
Dr. King once proclaimed that 'the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.' I have long thought about this idea/phrase and the many meanings within those words. I certainly don't disagree with the sentiment, not at all. But the moral universe is something that is living, living within each of us and I wonder about the extent to which each of us is willing/sees fit to do something about rising up to and creating a greater justice for all.
I question this as our charity continues to work in impoverished areas of Chicago and other regions in the United States. I wonder about whether our society, individually and as a whole, sees the injustices within whole neighborhoods and schools. Are schools properly resourced? Do we see the individuals, without many of the benefits we enjoy, having the same opportunities or avenues to success as we enjoy? Do we even care?
My hope is that we can shorten the time span of the 'moral universe' so that 'liberty and justice for all' arrives sooner rather than later.
Dick
I question this as our charity continues to work in impoverished areas of Chicago and other regions in the United States. I wonder about whether our society, individually and as a whole, sees the injustices within whole neighborhoods and schools. Are schools properly resourced? Do we see the individuals, without many of the benefits we enjoy, having the same opportunities or avenues to success as we enjoy? Do we even care?
My hope is that we can shorten the time span of the 'moral universe' so that 'liberty and justice for all' arrives sooner rather than later.
Dick
Monday, November 14, 2016
Arthur Ashe on the Move!!
There are lots of critics of CPS and inner city schools out there. Often, their criticism is unfounded, and misplaced, as in the case of one school we work with, Arthur Ashe Elementary, in Chicago. This is a school that goes above and beyond the normal day of education as it will offer a November 14th (TODAY!) through February 23rd 'After School Program.'
This program has three components; a hot meal from 3:00 pm to 3:30, then a one hour math and reading homework enrichment element followed by extracurriculars (cheerleading, performing arts, choir, open gym, technology, and art). Any student in grades K-8 can participate and the student MUST participate in the academic portion in order to participate in the extracurriculars.
By the way, I was looking at the perfect attendance list of students in the entire school. It's amazing!!! It's not unusual to see that 15 to 20 students, in each class, have perfect attendance for the entire month of September.
Yes, Arthur Ashe is on the rise!!
There are many CPS schools that doing something similar to Ashe. I hope some of the naysayers take a closer look.
Dick
This program has three components; a hot meal from 3:00 pm to 3:30, then a one hour math and reading homework enrichment element followed by extracurriculars (cheerleading, performing arts, choir, open gym, technology, and art). Any student in grades K-8 can participate and the student MUST participate in the academic portion in order to participate in the extracurriculars.
By the way, I was looking at the perfect attendance list of students in the entire school. It's amazing!!! It's not unusual to see that 15 to 20 students, in each class, have perfect attendance for the entire month of September.
Yes, Arthur Ashe is on the rise!!
There are many CPS schools that doing something similar to Ashe. I hope some of the naysayers take a closer look.
Dick
Friday, November 11, 2016
More School Successes
When people talk about the idea that they need to 'help themselves' (often said in a derogatory manner) they ought to understand that these schools; their families, students, staff and parent groups do just that. Kudos to Gregory and many other schools for such outreach.
Dick
Thursday, November 10, 2016
After All
After posting stories and my wide ranging thoughts on education, today is a day left to pondering. I'm left to think about what, if any, difference does it make that I blog about education, events taking place with our charity and the ongoing struggle for justice within schools and their communities.
In the whole scheme of things we are but a bit player. I get it. But on another level, in that building of 325 children or in that corner of a blighted neighborhood the only hope that many have is that perhaps one day someone will show up and say 'you matter.'
And that is the driving force. Can we offer a bit of help, a small ray of hope, and something tangible - be it a new coat, some sparkling band instruments, or some needed classroom supplies - so that people can march on knowing they count in the world?
Yes they do and in the words of a man I admire...'yes we can.'
Dick
In the whole scheme of things we are but a bit player. I get it. But on another level, in that building of 325 children or in that corner of a blighted neighborhood the only hope that many have is that perhaps one day someone will show up and say 'you matter.'
And that is the driving force. Can we offer a bit of help, a small ray of hope, and something tangible - be it a new coat, some sparkling band instruments, or some needed classroom supplies - so that people can march on knowing they count in the world?
Yes they do and in the words of a man I admire...'yes we can.'
Dick
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Education in this Election
Make Education Great (not 'again') going forward. That's right, it's not about 'Making Education Great Again,' it's about improving education and strengthening public education. It's about seeing to it that all children receive the proper education they are so richly deserving of.
Getting rid of the Department of Education, as promised by Mr. Trump, in addition to school choice/selective schools and the like does not advance the cause of public education.
A comprehensive education with the so called 'core' courses and the 'electives' is imperative. Put aside much of the testing, help ALL children with a truly rich curriculum and see to it that the system of education is a priority for this country in the years and decades to come.
Education took a back seat in this election as did most REAL issues revolving around policy and programs. By the way, having a Department of Education, on the whole, is a blessing for the children of America. It is not some sort of 'waste' as some believe.
Dick
Getting rid of the Department of Education, as promised by Mr. Trump, in addition to school choice/selective schools and the like does not advance the cause of public education.
A comprehensive education with the so called 'core' courses and the 'electives' is imperative. Put aside much of the testing, help ALL children with a truly rich curriculum and see to it that the system of education is a priority for this country in the years and decades to come.
Education took a back seat in this election as did most REAL issues revolving around policy and programs. By the way, having a Department of Education, on the whole, is a blessing for the children of America. It is not some sort of 'waste' as some believe.
Dick
Education in this Election
Make Education Great (not 'again') going forward. That's right, it's not about 'Making Education Great Again,' it's about improving education and strengthening public education. It's about seeing to it that all children receive the proper education they are so richly deserving of.
Getting rid of the Department of Education, as promised by Mr. Trump, in addition to school choice/selective schools and the like does not advance the cause of public education.
A comprehensive education with the so called 'core' courses and the 'electives' is imperative. Put aside much of the testing, help ALL children with a truly rich curriculum and see to it that the system of education is a priority for this country in the years and decades to come.
Education took a back seat in this election as did most REAL issues revolving around policy and programs. By the way, having a Department of Education, on the whole, is a blessing for the children of America. It is not some sort of 'waste' as some believe.
Dick
Getting rid of the Department of Education, as promised by Mr. Trump, in addition to school choice/selective schools and the like does not advance the cause of public education.
A comprehensive education with the so called 'core' courses and the 'electives' is imperative. Put aside much of the testing, help ALL children with a truly rich curriculum and see to it that the system of education is a priority for this country in the years and decades to come.
Education took a back seat in this election as did most REAL issues revolving around policy and programs. By the way, having a Department of Education, on the whole, is a blessing for the children of America. It is not some sort of 'waste' as some believe.
Dick
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