October is just around the corner and with it comes some cool temperatures.
Over the next five to six weeks Schools Count will collect new coats and those gently used ones which are clean. We'll also collect gloves, mittens, and winter hats. Our goal is to collect 1,000 coats. Please be a part of this effort to enable children to get to and from school by staying warm.
Providing supplies to students for their use throughout the year is critical. It's also important for the students to have warm clothing during the frigid winter months. If students had to walk to school or wait for a bus without warm clothing that would just add to their difficulties.
Please check your closets, chat with friend and neighbors and seek out the support of your family in terms of helping us assist the children in the CPS system and Harvey, IL.
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
SAS - Join Now
There is a movement underfoot right now, at Hinsdale Central High School, to start a movement where the students from Central reach out to help other students. I believe this is a profound and important venture for these young people. To be of service to others is a noble cause.
SAS stands for Students Assisting Students and it aims to help school children in and around Chicago obtain the supplies and resources they need to be successful in the classroom. The club has a variety of exciting activities planned for the 2012-13 school year. They'll obtain classroom supplies, conduct a winter coat drive, help paint a school or two and collect student supplies from area school in the Spring of 2013.
Right now there are just a couple of students spearheading this effort but they are serious about enlisting the support of others at HC in this cause.
By the way, this is not a money-making club or one that chats about doing something. This is truly a service oriented organization. In fact, the service starts this weekend, Homecoming at HC, and continues throughout the remainder of the school year.
To be a part of this terrific club simply show up at the Hinsdale Central High School football field this Saturday, Sept. 29th at 8:30 am. Ask for Jenny (or myself) and she will give you a sense of what you will do for the next two hours as we sell concessions at Homecoming.
SAS is bound to be a big hit and will do wonderful things for children in need.
Thanks,
Dick
SAS stands for Students Assisting Students and it aims to help school children in and around Chicago obtain the supplies and resources they need to be successful in the classroom. The club has a variety of exciting activities planned for the 2012-13 school year. They'll obtain classroom supplies, conduct a winter coat drive, help paint a school or two and collect student supplies from area school in the Spring of 2013.
Right now there are just a couple of students spearheading this effort but they are serious about enlisting the support of others at HC in this cause.
By the way, this is not a money-making club or one that chats about doing something. This is truly a service oriented organization. In fact, the service starts this weekend, Homecoming at HC, and continues throughout the remainder of the school year.
To be a part of this terrific club simply show up at the Hinsdale Central High School football field this Saturday, Sept. 29th at 8:30 am. Ask for Jenny (or myself) and she will give you a sense of what you will do for the next two hours as we sell concessions at Homecoming.
SAS is bound to be a big hit and will do wonderful things for children in need.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
What's Going On?
A Chicago Public School strike, one in Lake Forest and some others pending. There are also a good number of schools negotiating but making little progress in talks. Well, these strikes and other potential job actions are just the tip of the iceberg from my vantage point.
Last year Governor Walker, and the legislature, of Wisconsin imposed restrictions on public employees engaging in collective bargaining. I also know of a good number of schools where the district wants to not only offer a 0% increase in wages, they want to restrict raises by eliminating lanes and steps.
Fortunately, yesterday a judge in Indiana ruled that the State Board of Education (I think this is the correct organization) could not use a particular form in the various school district in Indiana that would change the school day (lengthen it or add hours) and prevent the chance for an increase in salary. Just think what the repercussions would have been had the judge not struck down the rule.
These are but a small sampling of the many assaults on public unions and associations. Why the villification of unions? Are we to believe that it's all about funding? That's part of it for sure. Teachers need to negotiate with their bosses because, in large measure, too many people just don't understand the many issues that confront today's educator.
The assault on collective bargaining needs to stop!
Thanks,
Dick
Last year Governor Walker, and the legislature, of Wisconsin imposed restrictions on public employees engaging in collective bargaining. I also know of a good number of schools where the district wants to not only offer a 0% increase in wages, they want to restrict raises by eliminating lanes and steps.
Fortunately, yesterday a judge in Indiana ruled that the State Board of Education (I think this is the correct organization) could not use a particular form in the various school district in Indiana that would change the school day (lengthen it or add hours) and prevent the chance for an increase in salary. Just think what the repercussions would have been had the judge not struck down the rule.
These are but a small sampling of the many assaults on public unions and associations. Why the villification of unions? Are we to believe that it's all about funding? That's part of it for sure. Teachers need to negotiate with their bosses because, in large measure, too many people just don't understand the many issues that confront today's educator.
The assault on collective bargaining needs to stop!
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Big News?
The big news that hit the airwaves yesterday proclaimed that more students in America are taking the ACT test than the SAT. Yeah, I guess.
It got me to thinking about what is important in the whole process of educating youth and what it really takes for a student to make it in the world. I also thought about the whole local and state testing which students are subjected to a growing basis. Finally, I thought about those people I know who have 'made it' and reflected on my own background.
I have long held the belief that what really enables a person to be successful are those elements of ones personality and fiber that have nothing to do with the ACT or SAT.
No, what is more important than ones test results is an individuals drive, grit, interest, motivation and determination. Give me a person who excels in these qualities and I will assure you that such a person, irrespective of their test scores - high or low - will 'make it' in the world.
It's been a long time since I have heard the general public, many educators or the media extol the above virtues. Yes, I'll say it, drive, grit, interest, motivation and determination are far more important than what a test score says. I am sure there are plenty of you out there who can attest to this and your lives reflect this reality.
Education can best serve students by working to instill such qualities in today's learner.
Dick
It got me to thinking about what is important in the whole process of educating youth and what it really takes for a student to make it in the world. I also thought about the whole local and state testing which students are subjected to a growing basis. Finally, I thought about those people I know who have 'made it' and reflected on my own background.
I have long held the belief that what really enables a person to be successful are those elements of ones personality and fiber that have nothing to do with the ACT or SAT.
No, what is more important than ones test results is an individuals drive, grit, interest, motivation and determination. Give me a person who excels in these qualities and I will assure you that such a person, irrespective of their test scores - high or low - will 'make it' in the world.
It's been a long time since I have heard the general public, many educators or the media extol the above virtues. Yes, I'll say it, drive, grit, interest, motivation and determination are far more important than what a test score says. I am sure there are plenty of you out there who can attest to this and your lives reflect this reality.
Education can best serve students by working to instill such qualities in today's learner.
Dick
Monday, September 24, 2012
Some Additional Thanks
A few words of praise and thanks are in order!
First, additional funds have come into Schools Count Corp. via the Hinsdale Central High School KICK endeavor. The fantastic sum of $5,885.00 was raised through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, the soccer-tennis tourney and family contributions. Thanks to one and all.
I want to give a shout out to Maria O'Donnell as she purchased four dozen sorely needed uniforms for the students at Bryant Elementary School in Harvey. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
Finally, to Sheralynn and Jeff Kellough, you really came through in a big way! These music lovers and great supporters of Schools Count made funds available to purchase a number of clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets and trombones. King Elementary School, in the CPS system, now has plenty of instruments for their music class and band program.
No matter the needs, these generous people, like you, are always there to jump in when the need arises. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Dick
First, additional funds have come into Schools Count Corp. via the Hinsdale Central High School KICK endeavor. The fantastic sum of $5,885.00 was raised through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, the soccer-tennis tourney and family contributions. Thanks to one and all.
I want to give a shout out to Maria O'Donnell as she purchased four dozen sorely needed uniforms for the students at Bryant Elementary School in Harvey. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
Finally, to Sheralynn and Jeff Kellough, you really came through in a big way! These music lovers and great supporters of Schools Count made funds available to purchase a number of clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets and trombones. King Elementary School, in the CPS system, now has plenty of instruments for their music class and band program.
No matter the needs, these generous people, like you, are always there to jump in when the need arises. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Dick
Friday, September 21, 2012
Heading to Hammond
We often deliver various types of supplies to a number of the schools in the North Lawndale neighborhood. We typically take California Ave. north to get to the schools and always pass Hammond Elementary on the way. Well, today we won't pass Hammond; rather, we'll stop in.
I have a good number of notebooks, pens, binders, pencils, art supplies, loose leaf paper and folders remaining from our delivery last month and the Asst. Principal at Hammond mentioned their need for these types of resources.
I don't know that much about Hammond but I'm looking forward to making the trek to the city to help the kids and learn a bit more about the school and neighborhood. Hammond is the 34th CPS school that we have worked with this fall. Glad we can help another school in the southern portion of the North Lawndale region.
The fact that I am going to Hammond towards the end of September simply underscores the fact that the needs of the children and school are ongoing throughout the year. Providing supplies once a year is helpful but it doesn't fully address their continuing needs.
Glad we can help a bit!
Dick
I have a good number of notebooks, pens, binders, pencils, art supplies, loose leaf paper and folders remaining from our delivery last month and the Asst. Principal at Hammond mentioned their need for these types of resources.
I don't know that much about Hammond but I'm looking forward to making the trek to the city to help the kids and learn a bit more about the school and neighborhood. Hammond is the 34th CPS school that we have worked with this fall. Glad we can help another school in the southern portion of the North Lawndale region.
The fact that I am going to Hammond towards the end of September simply underscores the fact that the needs of the children and school are ongoing throughout the year. Providing supplies once a year is helpful but it doesn't fully address their continuing needs.
Glad we can help a bit!
Dick
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Everyone Makes a Difference
The idea of helping others is not new nor is it a novel idea to volunteer to benefit a cause. Sometimes people feel that they are a bit short of time or funds. They might also assume that what they contribute 'is but a small amount or very little.' To that I say, not true!!
Whatever one can donate, be it funds or a bit of time and effort in terms of assisting our charity it makes a huge difference in the lives of the students we serve. Each time a person contributes $5, a student receives all the classroom supplies needed for one entire school year! Think of it, a $100 donation essentially takes care of an entire class! Quite amazing.
What if you volunteered for 10 hours throughout the entire year. In one sense it is a small amount of time but that 10 hours is significant if looked at another way. 5 hours could be spent loading supplies in August and 5 hours could be used to paint a school on a Saturday. Imagine 30, 40 or 50 participating.
Look at it another way, let's say you can help for just 5 hours. That time could be spent by collecting coats for 2 hours and helping to deliver supplies for the other 3 hours. Again, this is a major contribution.
Whatever you can do to assist Schools Count is valuable and your help is greatly needed and appreciated. You should never feel like your volunteer efforts are 'too little.' Doing nothing is 'too little.' I am always grateful for people stepping forward to help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Dick
Whatever one can donate, be it funds or a bit of time and effort in terms of assisting our charity it makes a huge difference in the lives of the students we serve. Each time a person contributes $5, a student receives all the classroom supplies needed for one entire school year! Think of it, a $100 donation essentially takes care of an entire class! Quite amazing.
What if you volunteered for 10 hours throughout the entire year. In one sense it is a small amount of time but that 10 hours is significant if looked at another way. 5 hours could be spent loading supplies in August and 5 hours could be used to paint a school on a Saturday. Imagine 30, 40 or 50 participating.
Look at it another way, let's say you can help for just 5 hours. That time could be spent by collecting coats for 2 hours and helping to deliver supplies for the other 3 hours. Again, this is a major contribution.
Whatever you can do to assist Schools Count is valuable and your help is greatly needed and appreciated. You should never feel like your volunteer efforts are 'too little.' Doing nothing is 'too little.' I am always grateful for people stepping forward to help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Dick
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