Thought I would catch you up on some of the latest...
Hinsdale Central's Students Assisting Students Club will take 30 coats to King Elementary on Wednesday, December 5th. I'm sure they will find it a rewarding experience to have raised the funds and then get to deliver the coats.
Schools Count Corp will be delivering coats to CPS and Harvey, IL schools on Wed., December 12th and Thursday, December 13th. They will be arriving just in time for the holidays and cold weather!!!
It appears as though Schools Count Corp. will head to Staten Island sometime between Dec. 28th and Jan.4th. We're still working out the details. Most all of the resources going to the Staten Island School District are being provided through the generosity of Archer Daniels Midland. The ADM office in NYC has employees living on Staten Island. Nice of them to pitch in!!
The Donor/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is definitely a 'go' for Tuesday, March 12th. It's not too soon to make your reservation. All are invited!!
I will check with Lowell Longfellow Elementary School to see when they want us to paint parts of their building. This will surely take place after the first of the year.
Dick
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Another Tussle?
Yesterday the IL State House and Senate passed identical bills saying that the CPS had until March 31, 2013 to determine which schools to close going forward. According to some there are as many as 140 underused schools in the city. I can attest to the fact that many are underused.
No one one will like their school being closed. I clearly understand that point. I am a huge proponent of neighborhood public schools and understand the need for them in the course of raising children and giving them the best education possible.
But let's be reasonable, some schools - given the declining school population - will have to be shuttered. The original deadline for making school closing suggestions was this Saturday, Dec. 1st. Given the fact that this is a monumental task and that CPS CEO Ms. Byrd-Bennett just came to the job weeks ago, it is only wise to take more time to get it right.
CTU President Ms. Karen-Lewis may be right when she says "this is going to be a mess." But putting out a hastily put together list of school closings in the next few days would surely have created 'a mess.'
One thing is for sure - in the aftermath of the fall teacher strike - there is likely another fray on the horizon. How sad!
Dick
No one one will like their school being closed. I clearly understand that point. I am a huge proponent of neighborhood public schools and understand the need for them in the course of raising children and giving them the best education possible.
But let's be reasonable, some schools - given the declining school population - will have to be shuttered. The original deadline for making school closing suggestions was this Saturday, Dec. 1st. Given the fact that this is a monumental task and that CPS CEO Ms. Byrd-Bennett just came to the job weeks ago, it is only wise to take more time to get it right.
CTU President Ms. Karen-Lewis may be right when she says "this is going to be a mess." But putting out a hastily put together list of school closings in the next few days would surely have created 'a mess.'
One thing is for sure - in the aftermath of the fall teacher strike - there is likely another fray on the horizon. How sad!
Dick
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Thanks Perma Seal
Over the past couple of years, Perma Seal has donated funds, collected coats and provided workers to help Schools Count deliver supplies to schools in August. Thanks to Lori P. for organizing this! I'm most appreciative.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Left to Ponder
Last night, as I waited for my flight from Atlanta to Chicago, I was left waxing about our very essence. Perhaps it was a long layover or due to the fact that I had just spent some time visiting my ill mother in Florida. Well, it doesn't really matter what got me thinking about such a question.
Are we simply here to earn a living, befriend others, be part of a family, 'get ahead' in the world or are we fated for events still unforeseen? I was left watching workers hustle around Hartsfield-Jackson International, many, no doubt, making meager wages. There were those who were cleaning the airport, most certainly when they couldn't find other work. Still other people were 'wired to all sorts of technology, waiting their next flight.
We're all here but a short duration. So, what difference do any of us make? I believe any of the above events, occupations, pastimes or activities have great meaning if but one condition persists. We add to society and give meaning to our existence and that of others if we can improve our human condition. When all is said and done that may be what signifies our importance and very being.
Sure, I know this is all my opinion but I feel strongly about aiding others.
It warms my heart to know that many of you, whatever you've done for Schools Count, have aided in the growth of our human condition. I am certain that your participation in the work of our charity is part of the fabric of advancing the common good. It's all part of why we are here.
Thanks,
Dick
Are we simply here to earn a living, befriend others, be part of a family, 'get ahead' in the world or are we fated for events still unforeseen? I was left watching workers hustle around Hartsfield-Jackson International, many, no doubt, making meager wages. There were those who were cleaning the airport, most certainly when they couldn't find other work. Still other people were 'wired to all sorts of technology, waiting their next flight.
We're all here but a short duration. So, what difference do any of us make? I believe any of the above events, occupations, pastimes or activities have great meaning if but one condition persists. We add to society and give meaning to our existence and that of others if we can improve our human condition. When all is said and done that may be what signifies our importance and very being.
Sure, I know this is all my opinion but I feel strongly about aiding others.
It warms my heart to know that many of you, whatever you've done for Schools Count, have aided in the growth of our human condition. I am certain that your participation in the work of our charity is part of the fabric of advancing the common good. It's all part of why we are here.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, November 26, 2012
Important Insight
The October 2012 issue of the Atlantic has a terrific article about the performance of students. The piece, "Why Kids Should Grade Teachers," thoughtfully reveals that how students perform has everything to do with specific teachers in specific classrooms.
Harvard economist Ronald Ferguson found that when 'students worked hard, paid attention and corrected their mistakes (initiated by the teacher); they liked being there, and they believed that the teacher cared about them. When the same students (both black and white) went to the next classroom, 'the very same kids reported that the teacher had trouble explaining things and didn't notice when students failed to understand a lesson.'
What the article and the results of Ferguson's study reveals is why students are learning or not learning. It is less about test results that what influences test results. It is a key indicator of what ought to take place with regard to teaching, learning, in-service programs, teacher training programs and the like.
There are plenty of factors that schools can't control when it comes to the level of student success in school. One of the influences that schools have control of deals with teacher effectiveness starting from their very hiring to the day they retire.
Teacher effectiveness has everything to do with student success.
Dick
Harvard economist Ronald Ferguson found that when 'students worked hard, paid attention and corrected their mistakes (initiated by the teacher); they liked being there, and they believed that the teacher cared about them. When the same students (both black and white) went to the next classroom, 'the very same kids reported that the teacher had trouble explaining things and didn't notice when students failed to understand a lesson.'
What the article and the results of Ferguson's study reveals is why students are learning or not learning. It is less about test results that what influences test results. It is a key indicator of what ought to take place with regard to teaching, learning, in-service programs, teacher training programs and the like.
There are plenty of factors that schools can't control when it comes to the level of student success in school. One of the influences that schools have control of deals with teacher effectiveness starting from their very hiring to the day they retire.
Teacher effectiveness has everything to do with student success.
Dick
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Put Money Where It's Needed
As I reflect upon the work of our charity in Chicago, New Orleans and other areas that have been devastated by natural and human causes I am left pondering the issue of fairness. Is it fair for those children in districts reeling from such catastrophies to go without needed resources at the expense of wealthy districts who receive state and federal aid?
Don't misunderstand me, those districts with great property values, a terrific tax base and a good deal of education success have done nothing wrong. So the question remains, do they really need the funds that could go to children and schools in dire need of assistance?
For all those who say money is the not the cure for an ailing school I would say that it's true that funding isn't the cureall but, funding is one of the critical elements that will aid a school as it attempts to help students.
What would it take to change this current scenario? It will take a bold governor, state legislator(s) or perhaps an individual school board and superintendent of a wealthy school who stands up for the idea that he/she can right a wrong.
One thing is for certain...students in an impoverished school/district need help. Our charity provides one source of assistance. It is time that others, in areas of power and influence, to stand up for those who are
jeopardized through no fault of their own.
Dick
Don't misunderstand me, those districts with great property values, a terrific tax base and a good deal of education success have done nothing wrong. So the question remains, do they really need the funds that could go to children and schools in dire need of assistance?
For all those who say money is the not the cure for an ailing school I would say that it's true that funding isn't the cureall but, funding is one of the critical elements that will aid a school as it attempts to help students.
What would it take to change this current scenario? It will take a bold governor, state legislator(s) or perhaps an individual school board and superintendent of a wealthy school who stands up for the idea that he/she can right a wrong.
One thing is for certain...students in an impoverished school/district need help. Our charity provides one source of assistance. It is time that others, in areas of power and influence, to stand up for those who are
jeopardized through no fault of their own.
Dick
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
On Thankfulness
I know each of you has his/her own story of why or the ways in which you are thankful. Perhaps you are thankful for the many good and decent people in your life or it just may be that you are grateful that certain opportunities came your way.
Whatever the case or occasion, each of us has been blessed with knowing wonderful people...family, neighbors, friends or a rare acquaintance. We have all shared many laughs, joyous times and, yes, some sad and tragic ones as well. But through it all, those people have remained true to us. What more could one be thankful for!
It just so happens that this journey with Schools Count Corp, on a personal level, has shown me the best in people. I have come to see so many of you for who you are at the core; kind, willing to pitch in when needed, considerate, and most generous in numerous ways.
I am optimistic by nature but even more so because of you and all that you have done over these many months and years.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Dick
Whatever the case or occasion, each of us has been blessed with knowing wonderful people...family, neighbors, friends or a rare acquaintance. We have all shared many laughs, joyous times and, yes, some sad and tragic ones as well. But through it all, those people have remained true to us. What more could one be thankful for!
It just so happens that this journey with Schools Count Corp, on a personal level, has shown me the best in people. I have come to see so many of you for who you are at the core; kind, willing to pitch in when needed, considerate, and most generous in numerous ways.
I am optimistic by nature but even more so because of you and all that you have done over these many months and years.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Dick
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