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The end of 2018 brought some new challenges and exciting future potential for the educators and students of Decatur, Il. Starting with personnel moves - the Decatur school board decided to implement a new facilities plan, which includes reducing the number of its facilities, while also blending positions for certain jobs. This is all circled around a 5-yr plan.
One of the highly impacted schools from this new plan is Harris Alternative, previously known as Harris Elementary School. Harris Alt. is going to become a school for students who a traditional education setting is not a good fit. The goal is to greatly expand the number of students the program helps. Here is an article regarding proposed changes to the Alt Ed program. This is a new style they are trying out and I for one am hopeful for its success!
With all this said, I am trying to help my friend, Kelley Larrick Morrison, who is the principal of the impacted Harris Alternative school. If anyone can make this work ... she can! But she and her teachers have literally been given the BARE minimum for their students. While I know these are not considered the best students (because they are in an alternative school) it doesn't mean they should do with less or nothing. They should have the same availability and access to educational materials as other students at "normal" schools.
Our foundation (First Chance Foundation) helped Kelley last year fund the school supplies for their students, and we are going to help again...however, this year they are in need of SO MUCH MORE! Everything from rugs for the classrooms, to crayons! The district didn't budget for some very necessary items. My hope is that we are able to provide all the wanted and needed items that will allow the teachers to manage their classrooms, but most importantly to give students the opportunity to succeed!!
Since school starts in the next month, we need to raise the funds quickly so that the items can be purchased and delivered in time for the first day! August 12th is the first workday for teachers...let's make this happen! I know these teachers and students will be so appreciative and happy for this wonderful gift!
The header photo is from Herald and Review - Jim Bowling
One of the highly impacted schools from this new plan is Harris Alternative, previously known as Harris Elementary School. Harris Alt. is going to become a school for students who a traditional education setting is not a good fit. The goal is to greatly expand the number of students the program helps. Here is an article regarding proposed changes to the Alt Ed program. This is a new style they are trying out and I for one am hopeful for its success!
With all this said, I am trying to help my friend, Kelley Larrick Morrison, who is the principal of the impacted Harris Alternative school. If anyone can make this work ... she can! But she and her teachers have literally been given the BARE minimum for their students. While I know these are not considered the best students (because they are in an alternative school) it doesn't mean they should do with less or nothing. They should have the same availability and access to educational materials as other students at "normal" schools.
Our foundation (First Chance Foundation) helped Kelley last year fund the school supplies for their students, and we are going to help again...however, this year they are in need of SO MUCH MORE! Everything from rugs for the classrooms, to crayons! The district didn't budget for some very necessary items. My hope is that we are able to provide all the wanted and needed items that will allow the teachers to manage their classrooms, but most importantly to give students the opportunity to succeed!!
Since school starts in the next month, we need to raise the funds quickly so that the items can be purchased and delivered in time for the first day! August 12th is the first workday for teachers...let's make this happen! I know these teachers and students will be so appreciative and happy for this wonderful gift!
The header photo is from Herald and Review - Jim BowlingOrganizer and beneficiary
Kelley Larrick
Beneficiary