MEETING DATE:  15 January 2014

 

GREETERS: Walter Reed & John Bowman

PIANO: John Ray)

THOUGHT: Tom Ryan

ATTENDANCE:  Ellen Falkoff

GUESTS:  Ellen Greenberger's two college-age sons

VISITING ROTARIANS: none

Gil Gilbert — January 9,

Abbey — January 17,

Barry Miller — January 29

 

FOUNDATION MINUTE: A Paul Harris +3 was awarded to Maureen Barry

 

1) Susan Fisher asked everyone to review the 25^th Anniversary Grant press release posted on our club webpage.

2) Jeff announced that there are 3pk and cases of red wine available from our holiday fundraiser for purchase.  Contact Rob Davis. 

3) The club is considering a duck race fundraiser for May. 

4) John Kessler offered his timeshare in Las Vegas. Joyce suggested the left over wine could be used at our wine tasting fundraiser in May.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Jim Bowman will be holding a Community Service Committee meeting before next week’s club meeting at 6:45am at the club, downstairs.

 

1) Gil welcomed back.

2) Sarah Oliver and Wally celebrated a happy 43^rd wedding anniversary.

3) Welcome back Bob Spriggs from surgery.

4) John Kessler reminded everying to celebrate the Chinese New Year on January 31^st

 

SHENANIGANS:  Beth DeWall – told an excellent texting joke (in spite of shenanigans being her least favorite job at a club meeting).

 

PROGRAM:  Mimi Rodman, Executive Director,, STAND for children, Illinois with 8 staff between Chicago and Springfield, IL.

 

Chicago Public Schools have high risks of homicides and jail.  Only 1/3 of the males will go to college and only 1/3 of them will graduate.

 

Many of the current programs are only Band-aids.  What is needed is systemic change:

Better teachers (current CPS teachers average SAT scores are 18).

Better principals

More people interested in serving on the school board

More interest in school referendums

Participation in PTAs

 

STAND for children has implemented a program working with parents called STAND University for parents.  The focus is “family engagement”.  It is an intense 10 week program with no costs to the parents.  90 minute classes each week with homework.  Interaction with teachers.  Teaching basic skills such as how to read a report card and what to do at a parent/teacher meeting. Classes accommodate illiterate parents and language differences.  Parents graduate from the program and receive a diploma.  Graduation ceremonies include local elected officials and the media.

 

STAND for children helps families deal with a school closing. 

STAND advocates laws for longer school days and longer school year (CPS education is 2 ½ years shorter than the national average).

Currently they are working on legislation to allow an AP computer science course to counted as a math or science credit.  STEM jobs are the fastest growing job market and highest paying.  Computer Science courses are critical.

 

1) Can the program add education for parents with special needs children?  Good idea; she will pursue

2) Number of schools being served?  9 elementary level schools in Chicago

3) Funding?  Foundations such as Joyce Foundation and Kellogg Foundation.  Research supports the positive effects of family engagement.

 

NEXT MEETING CLUB DUTIES (January 29, 2014):

Thought:

Scribe: