As Way Opens
Maybe you have noticed, our Meeting has a wealth of current and retired public school teachers. That may be partly due to our Quaker history. The first Quaker school in America, the William Penn Charter School, was originally opened in 1689 as a public school, opening its doors to all students of all socioeconomic means. In fact, Penn Charter was one of the first schools to offer financial aid for its students, as well as teach females and students of all racial backgrounds. It is also known that many early Quaker schools transitioned to make way for public education in our country, because Quakers saw equality and community a priority. Next week, throughout Indiana, teachers have asked for a day off to make their voices known at the Indiana Statehouse. I have asked my wife, Sue, an experienced teacher at a public school here in Indy to share her perspective as I believe it reflects the values of our early Quaker foundations in Public Education.
As I ponder the gathering of educators at our Indiana Statehouse next Tuesday (Nov. 19th), I sensed a need to write out my thoughts. Please note: These thoughts are mine, not those of people I work with or for, just the observations of an Indiana Public School Educator who has 25 years of experience in private, parochial, and for the past decade or so, public schools.
You may be seeing people comment on teacher pay. Yes. That is an issue. An even larger and more worrisome issue I am seeing in Indiana is that there is less and less funding for public education. Indiana teachers are graded on our students’ learning outcomes from tests that encompass one small part of the whole learning experience. These tests take days and days of teaching time to accomplish. We are told to do this, teach that way, show this in our classrooms and use that new curriculum, but sadly are also told that there is no money to fund the supplies needed to teach this way. And frankly, that’s because the money has been taken from public funding and given to private entities at the hands of our state legislators. So, we go out and buy our own supplies, if we can afford it. And if we can’t, our “grade” and our students’ opportunity to learn, suffers.
Just think about it, in what other profession are professionals told to buy their own supplies? For example, I do not see doctors supplying gloves and surgical tools, but I am supplying my own notebooks, plastic covers, baggies, storage bins, cleaning supplies, coats for students who have none, backpacks for those that break, books for my classroom library (needed to teach the new curriculum)....and the list goes on. I am sure my school district would provide these things and has in the past for teachers, but sadly their funding is being given to our religious and private counter parts – using tax monies in a land that boasts religious freedom, to fund their schools. The reality is that we have more and more needs in our public schools and less and less monies to help educate every student.
Also, these schools who are taking the public education funds are not allowing all students in regardless of needs and are not meeting the needs of all students. When they can’t meet student needs, those children are sent back to the public system. Which no longer has the funding to provide for all the needs we’re expected to, yet we are still “graded” the same.
So, yes, teacher pay is important. But it would seem less so, if we did not have to spend part of that pay to finance our own classrooms just to barely get by and give all students the education every person deserves and is every person’s right.
I chose to move into teaching in the city at this stage of my career. My eyes have been opened wide to the differences in education our state is willing to provide for our underprivileged communities who deserve the same education as our privileged communities. Without change in policies, we will continue to grossly underserve populations who have the same right to free education as every other child. We need to ask, How can we be voices for these students and all students who deserve better from our state government and education system?
When I was a child, it was a choice and privilege for people who could afford it to go to private and religious schools. I know. My parents paid for them and I went to them. They and I knew that. And when my small-farmer dad lost the ability to afford to farm without also working in a factory when I was in high school, we applied for financial aid because that type of education was important to my parents. It was a sacrifice, but it was a chosen sacrifice and we understood that it was not a basic right. We could have chosen to go to public schools, and frankly, maybe should have. My children do. But, why now, has that become a right for everyone? And why now are we taking public monies to finance educations that are filled with religious and privatized propaganda? I mean, there are schools taking monies from our state who will not let certain types of people teach there or attend there. This is not nor should it have ever been the case in public schools. If we want specialized education in those forms, I believe we should sacrifice and pay for it like past generations have. Either way, there should still be a public education system available for those who can’t or don’t choose their specialized way. We are taking freedoms away from children who cannot advocate for themselves who need and have a right to an education, and we are closing our eyes to this fact because we don’t want to see it. Too often, we have become focused on only our own needs and have lost sight of the similar needs of our neighbors.
I love my school district! I truly believe that those running it want the very best for every child and family that walks through our schools’ doors. I truly believe their hands have been tied and are becoming more tied because the funds are now dwindling. The level of education that my district has sought to provide over the years is remaining high because of the professional and dedicated teaching and support staff members who are employed by and also volunteer in our schools. By and large most people have chosen to work in our schools to give the best education possible to the children and families we serve. And we have striven to do that even when funds are less, and we have to supplement our classrooms and student needs more and more.
Personally, I arrive at work at least a half hour before the contracted time and most days leave an hour and often 2 hours or more after the contracted time. I bring work home and try to add little things to our required curriculum that will enhance the learning experience of our students. I want them to have the most amazing school experience possible, and at the very least, I want each student that walks through my classroom door to know that s/he is loved, that s/he is capable of learning, and that s/he can dream all the dreams and that whatever s/he aspires to be professionally as a grown up is within range. With hard work and much effort and learning, we can all grow up to work toward accomplishing those dreams.
Friends, I go to the statehouse next Tuesday to stand with and for my own children, the children I serve in my classroom this year, all the children I’ve taught through the years, and those children who will come to school in the future. I go to stand with and for all of the amazing support staff who serve beside teachers in schools and on buses every day. I go to advocate for a living wage and benefits for these support staff who go above and beyond for our children on a daily basis, whose loads are also overflowing because funding is decreasing but the number of children who need to learn is not.
And together we go to the statehouse for the students who cannot advocate for themselves, for the bus drivers, for the instructional assistants, for the social workers, school psychologists, behavior coaches, office staff, maintenance staff, media center staff, technology staff, crossing guards, food service staff, school nurses, special area “teachers” who teach whole schools and often get paid an hourly wage with no benefits, and we go for anyone who works with children in public schools who needs a voice.
I tell my own children to be assertive and stand up for what is right in the world. I teach my students that if someone needs help we need to help them or try to find someone who can. So, I now stand with all those who are fighting for the right to get back to the business of giving every child the best education possible, as is and has always been a basic right in this free country, whatever that takes. Thank you for listening and supporting public school teachers in Indiana.
~Sue Henry, Kindergarten Teacher
Joys & Concerns
Let’s thank our Mid-North Food Pantry volunteers! Last Wednesday we had a great group of volunteers at the food pantry! Dan H, Kathy and Bill F, Linda L, Rosita M and Cletus T, David B, Kathy R, Beth F, Christie M, Carol and Jim D. We served 131 families—the most we have ever served! Thanks to everyone for helping during this most busy day.
Quaker-Affiliated Organizations
IFCL -- Redistricting Reform Events ~ Want to be heard at the Indiana Statehouse but not sure how? Want fairer elections and a more transparent process for determining future legislative districts? IFCL has answers, just in time for the approaching legislative session! On Sunday, Nov. 17, at 3:00 p.m., First Friends will host a free training session put on by All IN 4 Democracy, the coalition IFCL works with. Come join us in Fellowship Hall to learn how to talk about redistricting with legislators and your relatives at Thanksgiving dinner. Then on Tuesday, November 19 at noon, rally with us for redistricting reform on the Statehouse steps (Capitol Avenue side) as our legislators arrive for the 2020 session. Contact Phil G or Ed M for further information.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Reclaiming Our Democracy: One Dinner Table at a Time ~ The Indianapolis Peace & Justice Center invites you to come play politics! The Center is designing a game aimed at giving us a conversational, problem-solving “booster shot.” Conversation is a skill that involves more than just speaking. It requires meaningful and intentional listening. We need to practice it more often if we are to move beyond the tribalistic bunker-mentalities that threaten to overwhelm us. Based on conversations around a family dinner table, each participant will play a role as we tackle some of the thorny issues we face moving into this critical election year. It will be held on Wednesday, November 13th, 7:00-8:30 pm in the dining room at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St. There is ample off-street parking. Like all Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center events, this is free and open to all. But since we need to prepare materials, we ask that you RSVP: 317-288-0408 or 2.john.clark@gmail.com.
SING ALONG With JIM and the BAND! We will meet on our regular third Friday, November 15. Come at 7:00 to the parlor for 1 1/2 hours of fun. Song sheets in large print are provided. May you be led from within to participate in the joy of making music together.
Experiment with Light! Friends, all are invited as we start our own program. This is a continuation of the lovely meditation experiment presented by Jaime Mudd in June. We will be gathering at the Meeting House on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Our next meeting date is November 19, 7:00-8:30 pm. It's an amazing opportunity to grow both individually and as a community. Hope you join us.
Please Help Us with Memorials! Memorials are articles written for our Memorial Book about a passed away member of the Meeting and are often written by members or attenders of the meeting. A memorial is like an obituary, but more personal and is signed by the writer. it should contain some information about the person’s roles or participation within the meeting (committees served on, member of the choir, care of grounds, etc.) Recently we have had a number of people pass away that we do not have memorials for—see below for a list of names. We need help catching up on these. Please review these names and see if there is one you would like to volunteer to write a memorial for. Below you will find a link that will give you a general idea of what a memorial would look like. If you are willing to do one, let the office know at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485. Thank you for helping to honor our departed Friends!
People needing memorials: Alice T, Janet S, Bonnie H, Mark K, Phyllis H, Charles J, Bob D, Duffy F, Ed T, Hugh G, Bob C. Example: http://bit.ly/34RqLg4.
Meditational Woods Bird-of-the-Month for November
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: The Busy Friend
Recently I met a Friend (of the Quaker variety) who had a noticeable quality. She spoke quickly, moved quickly, and got things done. Hustle and bustle. I’m not objecting; in fact, I think every organization needs at least one of these people to keep things moving. However, sometimes I am worn out by the constant movement!!
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet visits our woods in April and May on its way northward, and again in October and the first bit of November while returning to the south. This tiny bird is constantly on the move. By the time I have my binoculars on its location, the kinglet has moved nearby. The motion is continuous, and, in addition, as it inches its way across the branch, the bird gives its wings a flick with each inch. The ruby-crowned has one of most impressive songs, especially for its size. All I heard last week, however, was the call, “gee-dit”.
I have pictured a male, with its tiny, hard-to-see red crown patch. The female lacks this mark. Its cousin, the golden-crowned kinglet, has a different eye pattern and crown patch, but has the same movement.
I admire the energy of these Friends, both human and avian, but whew!! Take a moment to rest!! ~ Brad Jackson
From Erin
Garden Committee ~ We are offering more requested recipes from the Community Garden Pitch-In. The gardeners have worked hard to bed down their plots, digging in leaves and planting oats to return nutrients to the soil.We do have some cold crops like kale and collards. Garlic starts have been planted as well. Dan dug and rototilled a butterfly-shaped space where he planted Ed K.’s donated milkweed seeds. We hope to see the beginnings of our Monarch garden in the spring. Monarchs lay their eggs ONLY on milkweed plants. Thank you everyone for a fine season!
Ben & Jill’s Cheesy Jalapeno Corn Casserole
Ingredients
1 (11-ounce) can corn, drained well
Dan is creating our potential monarch garden where the Boy Scout fire ring used to be.
1 (14.75-ounce) can creamed corn
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (7.5-oz) package corn muffin mix, I use Martha White
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. (or you can use a smaller one but you will have to cook it longer.)
In a large bowl stir together corn, sour cream, and egg.
Mix in onion, jalapenos, garlic powder, paprika, salt, melted butter, corn muffin mix, and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
Pour into prepared casserole dish.
Bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on top and continue to cook until set in the middle, about 15 to 20 more minutes. It is done when there is only a slight jiggle in the middle when you shake the dish.
Recipe shared by Ben & Jill. Source: https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/cheesy-jalapeno-corn-casserole/.
Nancy’s Meatlover’s Chili
1# lean grassfed ground beef
Jackie is holding cold weather crops--kale and collards.
1# organic ground pork
1 1/2 c. chopped white onion
2 cloves garlic
26 oz. chopped organic tomatoes
16 oz. can kidney beans
16 oz. can black beans
30 oz. organic tomato sauce
2 T. chili powder (more if you prefer spicy hot or add chili pepper)
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Cook meat, garlic and onion in skillet over medium heat 15 minutes or until brown. Drain. Mix meat and other ingredients. Cover and cook in large crockpot over low heat for ten hours. Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese and serve with tortilla chips. You may add a little lime juice to each bowl of chili.
For a unique flair you may prefer to add some cinnamon or allspice.
Seasoned Friends invites you! All Friends of retirement age are invited to our next Seasoned Friends luncheon and wiener roast which will be Thursday, November 21 at 11:30am here at First Friends. If you are able to bring a dessert to share, please do so. After our luncheon we will hear from guest speaker Bill Henry who will tell about the history of Quakerism. Bill Henry is a graduate of Earlham College and a life-long Quaker who has been active in the FGC for over 50 years. He has served as the Mayor of Marion from 2000-2004 and is currently a candidate for Mayor of Marion as an Independent candidate. He started his Quaker journey as a member of First Friends Church in Marion, Indiana. If you would like to come, please RSVP with the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.
Men’s Threshing Together ~ If you are interested in gathering with other men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and all in a non-threatening atmosphere over a meal, then Threshing Together is for you! Join us for our next meeting tomorrow, Thursday, November 21 at 7:00pm. See locations here: http://bit.ly/ThreshingFall2019.
College Care packages - It is time to send care packages to our college students as they prepare for their exams at school. We will put out boxes starting this Sunday, November 10. We are asking that everyone help fill the boxes with goodies like candy, cookies, cards, and other treats. Please bring enough for all 4 of our college students. Don’t have time to shop? We will gladly accept monetary donations—and we will do the shopping for you! Just leave your check in the offering plate on Sunday with the notation “college packages” or send your donation to the office. Please make sure all donations are in by Sunday, November 24. Thank you for your support!
Mark your calendars for Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading’s 6th Annual Lasagna Dinner hosted by Ruth K in her home on Tuesday, November 26th at 6:30 pm. We will be discussing Educated by Tara Westover led by Carrie Sample. Please bring a covered dish (see below) and a book for our Annual Holiday Book Swap. If your name ends with the letters: A-L Salads/Covered Dishes and M-Z Fruit Dishes/Desserts. Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org if you need directions. Hope to see everyone there, feel free to bring a friend if you’d like!
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at First Friends! On Tuesday, November 26th at 7pm, First Friends will be hosting the Shalom Zone Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service. Join us for a night of giving thanks, singing, and sharing! Pastors from Allisonville Christian, St. Pius X, and Cross & Crown will be participating in the service, as well a combined choir from all of our churches led by Eric Baker. An offering will be taken and all proceeds will benefit the School on Wheels. Afterward we will enjoy fellowship time and some light snacks. This is always a wonderful event for our community to give thanks together!
Directory Feedback Requested! We are asking all members and attenders of the meeting to fill out a short survey regarding the First Friends pictorial directory. Whether you participated in the photoshoots or not, we are hoping you will take a couple of moments to answer a few questions. This will greatly help the office in future directory endeavors, as well as give you a chance to voice your thoughts! Find the survey here: https://forms.gle/brcxacSzhA7RwNp76. Thank you for your time!
Jeff Rasley has a new book! Jeff Rasley has just released a new book titled You Have to Get Lost Before You Can Be Found: A Memoir of Suffering, Grit, and Love of the Himalayas and Basa Village. It's about changing direction in life after finding new meaning in middle age working with a remote village in the Nepal Himalayas. It's also an adventure travelogue through the Himalayan region of Southeast Asia. First Friends' involvement in helping to establish the Basa Village Foundation is part of the story. There are more pictures in the e-book, and they are all color photos. You can find the book on amazon at https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Lost-Before-Found/dp/1696951860. For more information visit www.jeffreyrasley.com.
This Week’s Queries
Where do I need to stop and listen or take a needed pause in my life?
What is being stirred in my heart?
What is rubbing me the wrong way? And why?
In what way am I being led to respond?