A Bit of Followup

Lamenting the RIFed band instructor, as I did in yesterday's blog, is not nearly enough. Remember, this was not about the teacher's classroom performance which is exceptional. The 'riffing' was about dollars and too few students in the school. It is critical to know that the number of students in the band program wasn't down.

Parents of the band program need to go straight to the CPS Board of Education and the CEO with their concerns. The principal, by the way, isn't the culprit. If there are fewer students in the school, in total, the principal is TOLD to make cuts. The principal is at the mercy of CPS headquarters.

The 'slash and burn' that is going on in many inner public schools is astounding and more than a bit concerning. As I continue to watch the plight of big city schools I foresee a time when traditional neighborhood schools will largely become extinct. Oh, they may EXIST but, for all practical purposes they will be constrained by so many factors that the product they can and must deliver will be truly compromised.

What a shame!!

Dick

A Death Blow

A terrific band instructor is being RIFed part way through the school year. That's right!! Because of decreasing enrollment at this particular school this teacher is being let go after the band program and school year have commenced. This raises lots of questions and concerns but I will pose a personal one to each of you. Here it is...How would you like it if your son and/or daughter had their competent teacher cut?

Mind you, this is not a RIF situation because of poor performance in the classroom. No, according to the brass this is about lower enrollment. You see it is all about dollars.

Okay, how about some other big issues aside from dollars. Who will teach band to the children? Will band be held five days a week? If there is band practice/instruction, what will be the quality of the instruction? What will happen to the instruments if there is no band? What was looked at, if anything, in order to keep this competent teacher?

This is but another example of the erosion of 'electives' in public education and I, for one, am tired of it. By the way, FACS, Music, Tech Ed., Art, Business Ed., Shop, and others should not be considered electives. These are programs that are fundamental to our system of public education.

Just one more 'death blow.'

Dick

Thanks for All You Do!

Too often when charities collect funds for relief efforts after a storm or they collect money to aid a very critical cause, donors are left to wonder just who benefits. Contributors give generously but seldom see the true results of their goodness. In many cases this is understandable given the conditions in a particular area ravaged by a storm or the distance between locations. And, justifiably, we trust the charity to follow through on their commitments.

I have often thought that a charity can make a great connection when donors and volunteers of an organization can come together with those who are the recipients of the gifts. Schools Count endeavors to help make these connections.

On Wednesday, October 7th Schools Count will offer just such an opportunity as we will get to meet a number of personnel from schools who have received school supplies, uniforms, band instruments, winter coats and more. I am sure these people will want to say 'thank you' in their own way.

To be a part of this wonderful evening, including a free dinner, just shoot me an email to say you will attend. The 'Appreciation Dinner' will be held on the 7th at Hinsdale Central High School in the student cafeteria. We will meet at 6:00 pm and that will be followed by dinner at 6:30. Everyone, yes, everyone is welcome!!! Just send Dick Flesher, at rich219@comcast.net, the names of those attending.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you!!!

Thanks,
Dick

We Are Doing What's Right

I have just watched and witnessed the Pope addressing our Congress as well as viewing his going to St. Patricks to feed the homeless. I think everyone would be moved in some way, large or small, by his words and actions. No, this is not a short note about religion; rather, a simple message that connects to the mission of Schools Count Corp.

His words of expression about helping others or following the golden rule certainly resonate with our desire to continue to help the children in need. Quite simply, assisting others, lending a helping hand or recognizing the needs and aspirations of others is critical to not only improve education but the very quality of life we all wish to have.

Quite simply, we are privileged to be able to help others and by doing so we are 'Doing the Right Thing.'

Thank you,
Dick

5,000 Pink Slips

With the ever increasing CPS budget debt and cuts already put in place at the start of the school year, the district's teachers, students and their families are now looking at a looming crisis of exponential size.

The brass at CPS is hoping the nearly $500 million deficit will be eased by legislators in Springfield. Good luck on that one! As of this morning I have seen no movement whatsoever that would indicate that Springfield will be able to ease the pain.

Absent help from the state capital, CEO Claypool has broached the idea of cutting up to 5,000 teachers (1,000 for each $100 million) to get the district out of the red. Okay, even IF that saved the money it accomplishes something far more harmful.

Such a move would seriously imperil student learning...plain and simple not to mention causing plenty of pain for many folks. Talk about a travesty!!!

Dick

Generous Sponsors and Donors

A good number of people helped to make our Sunday KICK fundraiser so very successful. These photos give you some idea of the extent to which numerous companies and families stepped forward to say, "I will help the KICK initiative and Schools Count see to it that children are provided with the necessary resources to be successful in the classroom."

Amazing generosity and kindness put smiles on the faces of school children!

Dick

KICK Success

Mitch Collins, Jimmy Walker, Bryan Loebig and Nick Silva, along with their Mothers, truly made yesterday's KICK event an overwhelming achievement. It was a bright, sunny day with lots of fun; tennis-soccer matches, spike ball, pizza and other refreshments, music and so very much more!!

It was heartwarming to see the boys in the HC soccer program engage in this terrific endeavor which does so very much to help SCC as we work to get resources to thousands of deserving children in many regions of the Chicagoland area.

This initiative collects funds for our charity through various sources; the entrance fee to the tennis-soccer matches, proceeds from an auction, family and corporate sponsorships, material donations and so very much more. I can relate to you that the gross proceeds will exceed $10,000 this year. What an incredible amount, what an amazing way to help deserving students.

To each participant, to each sponsor please accept my heartfelt thanks!

With gratitude
Dick