I just got back from going to Ranchview Elementary School in Naperville. I shot out there this morning as the Principal, Sue Salness, donated two of her personal music instruments - no longer used in the family - to our drive to help Chalmers Elementary start their band program.
On the way back home I pondered the work of our charity. To me, the word charity doesn't accurately describe our work. Perhaps the words kind, decent, and caring are more appropriate.
Take this morning for example. Sue donated the music instruments because she wanted others to benefit from their use. She wanted the kids at Chalmers to have a chance to play an instrument just as her children did in the past.
When I think of Sue, and others like her, I am reminded of the fact that they are good and decent people. Yes, they are being charitable but, to a larger degree, they are demonstrating a real care and concern for others. Somehow I think the word charity/charitable isn't sufficient when it comes to the good work of our donors and volunteers.
For people to give of themselves is really a beautiful gesture.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
People Pitching In for Chalmers
In just one day of making it known that we are doing a music instrument drive on behalf of Chalmers Elementary, people have already stepped up and made donations!! At this rate, we'll be able to really get this program up and going!!
Here are the people who have donated to the cause within the past 24 hours.
Barb Cole - drums and a trumpet
Terri Walsh - 3 music stands
Mary Rayes - trumpet
anonymous - clarinet
Sue Salness - flute and cornet
Mr. Parsons - guitar
Vielka McCarthy - clarinet
Thanks to one and all for passing along your instruments. I know, for many of you, and your children, you have had a long and strong attachment to the instruments. The lessons and music have brought your family great joy. Please know that I appreciate your parting with them, knowing they will go to a good cause.
Thanks,
Dick
Here are the people who have donated to the cause within the past 24 hours.
Barb Cole - drums and a trumpet
Terri Walsh - 3 music stands
Mary Rayes - trumpet
anonymous - clarinet
Sue Salness - flute and cornet
Mr. Parsons - guitar
Vielka McCarthy - clarinet
Thanks to one and all for passing along your instruments. I know, for many of you, and your children, you have had a long and strong attachment to the instruments. The lessons and music have brought your family great joy. Please know that I appreciate your parting with them, knowing they will go to a good cause.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, February 27, 2012
Help Chalmers
Chalmers Elementary School in the North Lawndale neighborhood has a dynamic energy about it these days. To continue its growth and service to students, the school desperately wants to start a band program.
They have one problem. Right now they have NO instruments! Fortunately, thrree or four instruments have been donated to Schools Count Corp which, in turn, we'll pass along to Chalmers. We also raised $1200.00 at last week's Mardi Gras Concert which will enable us to purchase a few more instruments.
Here's where I can use your help!! In order to get the band going Chalmers will need additional instruments. I'm appealing to each of you to see if you have a trumpet, trombone, clarinet, french horn, flute or saxophone you can donate to the the cause.
Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net or call 630-863-6035 to make your instrument donation. Remember, you'll receive a tax deduction for making such a thoughtful and needed gift.
My plan is to deliver the instruments to Chalmers when I attend the March 19th Advisory Meeting. So don't delay! Contact me today and we'll make arrangements to pick up the instrument.
Many thanks,
Dick
They have one problem. Right now they have NO instruments! Fortunately, thrree or four instruments have been donated to Schools Count Corp which, in turn, we'll pass along to Chalmers. We also raised $1200.00 at last week's Mardi Gras Concert which will enable us to purchase a few more instruments.
Here's where I can use your help!! In order to get the band going Chalmers will need additional instruments. I'm appealing to each of you to see if you have a trumpet, trombone, clarinet, french horn, flute or saxophone you can donate to the the cause.
Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net or call 630-863-6035 to make your instrument donation. Remember, you'll receive a tax deduction for making such a thoughtful and needed gift.
My plan is to deliver the instruments to Chalmers when I attend the March 19th Advisory Meeting. So don't delay! Contact me today and we'll make arrangements to pick up the instrument.
Many thanks,
Dick
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Huge Success
By any measure, the February 21st Hinsdale Central Jazz Concert was a huge success. Lots of terrific music, a couple of great vocals, and some happy patrons. And isn't that what it's all about...people kicking back and enjoying themselves.
Not only was the music rocking the HC student cafeteria but the evening saw our charity raise nearly $1200.00 in addition to having a few instruments donated to the cause of assisting Chalmers Elementary School. The funds will purchase some sorely needed trumpets, trombones and an alto sax.
There are many people to thank for such a wonderful evening!
The Hinsdale Central Music Parents Association was sensational. They had some tasty refreshments and they had the cafeteria transformed into a night club type atmosphere. Aside from the above, the MPA took care of much of the logistical effort into making the various and many arrangements.
The musicians were simply wonderful. They have rarely sounded better!! Thanks to one and all for giving up your night for such a worthy cause. To Matt Kurinsky and Matt Goeke, HC's two jazz directors, please know that I am grateful for all the work you put into get the musicians prepared for this event.
Finally, to all of those of you who attended the event, donated funds as patrons, and brought instruments please know that I am appreciative of your support. Because of you, we are now about to help Chalmers start a band program.
Thank you,
Dick
Not only was the music rocking the HC student cafeteria but the evening saw our charity raise nearly $1200.00 in addition to having a few instruments donated to the cause of assisting Chalmers Elementary School. The funds will purchase some sorely needed trumpets, trombones and an alto sax.
There are many people to thank for such a wonderful evening!
The Hinsdale Central Music Parents Association was sensational. They had some tasty refreshments and they had the cafeteria transformed into a night club type atmosphere. Aside from the above, the MPA took care of much of the logistical effort into making the various and many arrangements.
The musicians were simply wonderful. They have rarely sounded better!! Thanks to one and all for giving up your night for such a worthy cause. To Matt Kurinsky and Matt Goeke, HC's two jazz directors, please know that I am grateful for all the work you put into get the musicians prepared for this event.
Finally, to all of those of you who attended the event, donated funds as patrons, and brought instruments please know that I am appreciative of your support. Because of you, we are now about to help Chalmers start a band program.
Thank you,
Dick
Friday, February 24, 2012
Still Hot!
Though two days later, I am still upset that 'the powers that be' have seen fit to 'turnaround' Fuller Elementary. Yes, everyone on staff will be gone. Really, everyone - every single person - should be replaced? Incredible!! Do you mean no one was worth bringing back? I don't believe it for a minute.
Not only was Principal, Ms. Young, given less than a year to lead the school, (that is a travesty in and of itself), her skill set was likely not examined in full. Had the CPS really observed her leadership style that would have seen that she had the ability to 'turnaround' the school.
If it's ultimately improved ISAT scores that CPS wants (it is) then leaving Ms. Young in charge would have accomplished this goal. How do I know? I have observed Ms. Young and she has her teachers moving in the right direction.
By the right direction I mean the following; students are fully engaged in classroom learning, students are serious about their studies, good teaching practices are in evidence throughout the school, attendance is up, a serious literacy program has been undertaken and more. These are the actions taking place in the classroom that will result in student progress.
Too bad CPS didn't witness the positive changes which have taken place at Fuller in the past ten months. Had they bothered to really see what was taking place in the classroom they would never have let everyone go!!!
Dick
Not only was Principal, Ms. Young, given less than a year to lead the school, (that is a travesty in and of itself), her skill set was likely not examined in full. Had the CPS really observed her leadership style that would have seen that she had the ability to 'turnaround' the school.
If it's ultimately improved ISAT scores that CPS wants (it is) then leaving Ms. Young in charge would have accomplished this goal. How do I know? I have observed Ms. Young and she has her teachers moving in the right direction.
By the right direction I mean the following; students are fully engaged in classroom learning, students are serious about their studies, good teaching practices are in evidence throughout the school, attendance is up, a serious literacy program has been undertaken and more. These are the actions taking place in the classroom that will result in student progress.
Too bad CPS didn't witness the positive changes which have taken place at Fuller in the past ten months. Had they bothered to really see what was taking place in the classroom they would never have let everyone go!!!
Dick
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Everyone at Fuller Sacked!!
What happens when you have a thoughtful, patient, bright, and encouraging principal who eagerly works to help young people? Well, if you work in the CPS system you might get fired!
Such was the fate of our friend and outstanding principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young of Fuller Elementary School.
One might speculate that changes needed to take place at Fuller. My answer is this...Ms. Young had and was making significant progress with the staff and students in just ten months on the job! Ten months, that's all!!
Does anyone in their right mind think that changing an entire school; its climate, test scores, culture, manner of educating children and more will take place in ten months. Of course not!!
Quite simply, Ms. Young was never give a fair shot at helping the Fuller Elementary School Community. Part of the proof lies in the ISAT scores that CPS relies on to make decisions. Ms. Young, not having been at Fuller for even one year, never had the opportunity to administer the ISAT to see if improvements were taking place under her watch.
So much for credibility of CPS.
As long as this process continues in the foreseeable future - and it's more that likely - plenty of wonderful students, teachers and principals will be harmed. What a crime!
Dick
Such was the fate of our friend and outstanding principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young of Fuller Elementary School.
One might speculate that changes needed to take place at Fuller. My answer is this...Ms. Young had and was making significant progress with the staff and students in just ten months on the job! Ten months, that's all!!
Does anyone in their right mind think that changing an entire school; its climate, test scores, culture, manner of educating children and more will take place in ten months. Of course not!!
Quite simply, Ms. Young was never give a fair shot at helping the Fuller Elementary School Community. Part of the proof lies in the ISAT scores that CPS relies on to make decisions. Ms. Young, not having been at Fuller for even one year, never had the opportunity to administer the ISAT to see if improvements were taking place under her watch.
So much for credibility of CPS.
As long as this process continues in the foreseeable future - and it's more that likely - plenty of wonderful students, teachers and principals will be harmed. What a crime!
Dick
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Two Special Days!
The next two days are going to be full of a good deal of fun, excitement and, hopefully, good news. The latter point regarding some optimism deals with the Chicago School Public School Board rendering a decision on closing schools and turning around others. Specifically, let's hope the Board decides not to let the staff and principal go at Tanner Elementary.
I plan on going to the CPS meeting on Wednesday morning and I will get to you regarding the verdict on any actions that involve Tanner and Ms. Young, the Principal at the elementary school in Bronzeville.
The former is sure to happen as tonight is the night of our fifth annual Mardi Gras Jazz Concert!! Yes, it's Fat Tuesday and the rhythms will be flowing within the Hinsdale Central High School Cafeteria.
Why not join us; relax, visit with friends, partake of a few refreshments and listen to some classic jazz as it is performed by the talented ensembles at HC. $5 ($10 for the entire family) will give you a great night of entertainment. The lively music commences at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you!
Thanks,
Dick
I plan on going to the CPS meeting on Wednesday morning and I will get to you regarding the verdict on any actions that involve Tanner and Ms. Young, the Principal at the elementary school in Bronzeville.
The former is sure to happen as tonight is the night of our fifth annual Mardi Gras Jazz Concert!! Yes, it's Fat Tuesday and the rhythms will be flowing within the Hinsdale Central High School Cafeteria.
Why not join us; relax, visit with friends, partake of a few refreshments and listen to some classic jazz as it is performed by the talented ensembles at HC. $5 ($10 for the entire family) will give you a great night of entertainment. The lively music commences at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you!
Thanks,
Dick
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