Ready, Set, Go!!!

I cannot tell you how much behind the scenes work goes into heading to NOLA. Between supplies, contacts, volunteers, equipment, it is unbelievable. I don't know how Dick got it all done in the past. But we are having a great time and know it is for such a good cause. I think there was a list of about 40 things to get done, none of them simple. We are pushing through it. We had some trouble getting enough drivers to go down, but I think we are good now. Big day on Friday loading everything up. We are still heading out to get supplies, pallets, and more!

I am really looking forward to seeing the schools and students. More when we return!

School Supplies

Spending days now picking up, sorting, counting, and packaging school supplies that have been donated from local schools. It keeps them out of the landfill and is a great way to provide for the needs of more students in NOLA. You would not believe what kids throw away! We were also able to donate a bunch of novels to a local library for their book sale to help them raise funds:)

The Situation with the Schools...

I have taken some excerpts from Dick's letter regarding the situation we witnessed at the NOLA schools. Please read and take action! I personally was so disheartened by the system and what is occurring. To me it is creating a segregation like we have never seen before. The children and society are truly the victims!

"On the schooling/education portion of my trip to New Orleans I was completely taken back by some abysmal changes since my last visit in August of 2008. Some individual school sites where one school existed in the past, now have two or three different types of schools side by side (a charter, a public school/RSD , and a private school!) Imagine, if you will, how each will be treated with regard to obtaining resources, not to mention other issues!"

"Here's another appalling fact; a number of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders performing well in RSD and Orleans Parish public schools, over the past year, are now being actively recruited away from their schools. Sadly, this disrupts the school 'community' from year-to-year and it means that many poor performing students are herded together, quite honestly, from all over the city in some pretty tough conditions. This recruitment process has already led to a 'have' and 'have not' situation in some cases. You can surely catch my drift."

"In some cases RSD (Recovery School District), schools run by the state of Louisiana, and public schools are even having some grade levels taken from them and put into other buildings while some grade levels aren't moved. Can you believe it?! This is being done at an alarming rate and without asking principals and others within the affected buildings. This leaves schools and principals wondering if they will exist and have a job in the fall. "

"I found that hard working teachers, principals, and students at the RSD and Orleans Parish schools are still underfunded and without vital resources. Before going any further I need to tell you that almost all of the parents of these children work. Quite simply, since Katrina, prices have skyrocketed. One parent told me a couple of days ago that her property taxes have risen 500% since the hurricane! With sky high housing costs, expensive homeowners insurance premiums, and exorbitant property tax rates it is no wonder that the less fortunate have little money to help their children with school supplies."

"...conditions in a number of schools are horrible and actually deteriorating. Something has to be done and done now. Children not only need daily school supplies but we are finding that they need uniforms, belts, underwear, and resources for after-school activities."

"Schools Count Corp is making every effort to serve as many of these needs as possible. I desperately need your help, the kids need your help!! Quite simply, our non-profit needs another $12,000 to $15,000 to serve the above needs in over 20 New Orleans schools. Many of you have already made contributions this year and for that I am most grateful. I am appealing to each and every one of you to help in any way you can. If you aren't able to contribute further, I completely understand, if you can terrific."

"Remember, your donation is a charitable deduction on your federal return AND we make sure that 100% of your donation, yes 100%, are used to buy the supplies that the children need and deserve. Mail your contribution, payable to Schools Count Corp, to Schools Count Corp., c/o Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood, Mokena, IL. 60448. Please don't wait another day! Finally, I'd be grateful if you would take the time to pass this email along to your friends and family. It would be most helpful."

"Kindly accept my thanks for your past support and consideration of this urgent plea."

Sincerely,
Dick Flesher

Schools Count Corp., NFP
20048 S. Kohlwood
Mokena, IL. 60448
phone: 630-863-6035
website: www.schoolscountcorp.org
blog: http://schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com

Working in NOLA

While at Ferry Place, we worked on tar papering a roof, figuring out flashing (Kate did that valley ever get figured out????), measuring for trusses (measure 24" then mark at center and 3/4" to each side of that). We also worked off a pump jack scaffolding system to paint one side of a house, 2nd floor. Jim and Bonnie and some additional church members provided a scrumptious dinner, twice and po-boys for lunch on Friday.

As usual, the best part is meeting and talking to all the people. Truly a dedicated and hard working group.

Now, on to more food... We ate at Tomatillo's on Esplanade (remember that place Nelly and Jon????) also at Nacho Mama's on Magazine, our customary trip to Cafe Du Monde, and visited Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro. The best meal and culinary experience was at Emeril's Delmonico on Friday night. Magnificent food and atmosphere, we had a terrific time, I would highly recommend it!

We spent considerable time visiting schools as well and I will post more on the craziness there when I get a chance.... Dawn

Hello From NOLA

We arrived in NOLA on Saturday, and are enjoying our time here. We walked through Audubon park, ate snow balls, and scouted out schools to help this fall. We also were able to visit some of our friends, Marcell and Marva Scott, finally got their swimming pool pumped and fixed. We also visited with Henry across the street, at 84 he is still doing well, driving 14 miles to and from work as a security officer each day. His house just got put up, but the gas and electric aren't hooked up yet so he is still living in a Super 8 motel.

Tuesday and Wednesday we have been working with RHINO and Habitat on Ferry Place. They have 7 houses completed and we are working on 4 now. I will write more when I can, but here are some pics from the week so far. Dawn

Schools Count Receives Award

http://www.etown.org/awards.past.php



If you are interested, Dick received this award this past month from eTown, you can hear the interview here!

We visited Galveston!

Thanks to Madison, April, Sander, Marti, and everyone who helped us out in Galveston! We delivered over $6,000 in school supplies and uniforms to the Galveston Independent School District!

Back to Galveston

In a mere seven days Schools Count Corp will head back to the Galveston schools to bring the students desperately needed classroom supplies. Nearly six months after Hurricane Ike slammed into this part of Texas, many students have needs that are still unmet when it comes to having the necessary supplies for their daily work.

I am eager to get back to Galveston for a number of reasons. Above all, I want to find out how the kids and their families are faring. I also want to assess the extent to which schools and the community have been able to 'bounce back' from such a horrific storm. I am also eager to share with the children the goodness of so many friends.

This trip is being made possible due to a number of remarkable people!!

Reynolds and Reynolds, out of Houston, raised funds for this trip through a 'Casual Attire' fundraiser which was held during January. Yorkville High School was also instrumental in this endeavor as they raised $1000! Hinsdale Central High School, through their Habitat for Humanity Club, raised $2100. Of course there were a number of individual donors who came through with some cash. Many thanks to one and all!

Then there are the volunteers! April and Sander Hardenbol will head to Galveston on Monday, Feb. 16th to help deliver the supplies. Nice of them to take a day off from work to aid the cause. Dawn Oler, from Mokena, IL., along with her daughters, will also venture south. Ms. Nelson-Frazier and her students have had a 'school supply drive' at McDonald Junior High. I am certain they collected lots of valuable resources.

Once I get to Galveston I'll be sure to let you know how the schools and students are progressing. Until then, be well.