Ravenswood Education Foundation
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REF Updates

New Opportunities to Support Ravenswood

4/24/2020

1 Comment

 
Dear REF Community,

Your generosity of financial support, time, and spirit have already had a tremendous impact in the Ravenswood community. Because of you, all Ravenswood students now have access to devices and the internet at home, many families’ current needs around food and household items are being supported, emergency childcare for essential workers is being provided, and so much more. The District wouldn’t be where it is today without you.

As we settle into distance learning and schools stay closed, new opportunities to support students, families and educators continue to surface. Here are a few newly identified ways you can continue to make a difference right here in your own backyard:

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Volunteer
The District, All Students Matter, SmashHigh, the City of East Palo Alto, Ravenswood Family Health Clinic, and REF are partnering to meet the needs listed below through volunteer efforts. 
  • Academic Tutoring (remote) - The District aims to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one academic tutoring. Middle School students will have the opportunity to be supported by local community college students. We are looking for volunteers who would like to be paired with a TK-5th grade student to provide academic support in literacy and math.
  • Tech Support (remote) - Distance Learning can only work with a solid technology foundation. The IT department at RCSD is in need of volunteers to help support helpdesk efforts and device preparations, as well as offer over the phone advice for Ravenswood families learning this new online system.
  • Moving Help (in person) - Brentwood and Willow Oaks will be merging into Costaño and Belle Haven’s campuses respectively, requiring a lot of teachers to move their belongings to their new classrooms. Teachers will need hands-on support to assist in this big move.
  • Medical Assistance at EPA COVID testing site (in person) - East Palo Alto is working on providing free COVID 19 testing for its residents. There will be a need for volunteers who have some medical experience, specifically doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and other technical staff to assist with the testing.

Would you like to learn more about any of these volunteer opportunities? Please let us know by completing this form. We encourage high school students, college students, and families to join the efforts as their skills and time allow. We will be in touch shortly with more information.

Donate to the REF Emergency Fund
The REF Emergency Fund is actively responding to critical needs in the District as they arise. To date, this support has included providing:
  • 430 ipads to ensure all TK, K and 1st grade students have access to online distance learning
  • Kiwi crate subscriptions for all students TK-5th grade and tinker crates for our middle school maker students
  • $80,000 worth of Safeway and Target gift cards to our most vulnerable families
  • Emergency childcare for children of essential workers in Ravenswood
  • Support for Ecumenical Hunger Program - a local food pantry
  • Masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer for District essential workers and volunteers

As the situation evolves and we begin to anticipate what learning in the summer and fall will look like, the need will grow. Your on-going contributions to the REF Emergency Fund allow us to act quickly and responsively. We are so grateful for your partnership.

Warmly,

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
REF Executive Director
1 Comment

Families, Teachers & Community Collaborate for Distance Learning in Ravenswood

4/17/2020

0 Comments

 
Dear Ravenswood Community,
​

As you know, distance learning is the new normal throughout the country. While challenging for all schools, in communities like Ravenswood, where the living quarters are extremely tight, pressures around basic needs are mounting, and access to wifi and devices at home is new, the obstacles to learning can feel overwhelming. 
​

With support from you and the REF community, Ravenswood families and educators are rising to the occasion. The stakes are high and there’s a long journey ahead, but good work is happening to ease the transition and prepare for the future. Below is a brief update. 

How You Can Help
  • Sign up to volunteer. All Students Matter and REF are partnering with the District to collect a bank of volunteers we can call on as in person and remote opportunities arise. Remote tutoring opportunities are coming soon!
  • Contribute to the REF Emergency Fund. 
  • Donate and volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank or Ecumenical Hunger Program.
  • Pass this email along to friends so they can join the REF email list
  • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for our latest updates.
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REF Emergency Fund - Your Impact in Action
Thanks to all of you, the REF Emergency Fund has raised nearly $650,000 to support distance learning, address basic needs, provide emergency childcare and more. Some examples of your impact include:
  • Technology - With support from the Emergency Fund, our partnership with CZI, the efforts of community volunteers, and the tireless work of the District IT department, all 2nd-8th graders now have chromebooks and home access to the internet. Soon, the TK-1st grade students will receive ipads to expand their access to online learning too. 
  • Hands-on Learning - Every child TK-5th grade received a kiwi crate this past week with an opportunity to have 3 additional crates sent to their homes in the coming months. Kids are already using their crates to build, create, make, design, explore and more (check out Willow Oaks 3rd grader and his newly built drawbot above).
  • Food distribution - To date, REF has provided $40,000 worth of Safeway and Target gift cards to our most vulnerable families to purchase food and household items. 
  • Emergency Childcare - REF is partnering with Saint Mark’s AME Zion Church to provide emergency childcare for essential workers in the Ravenswood community.

Our community members - families, educators and all of you - are going above and beyond to take care of each other and keep our kids learning during these unprecedented times. In Mr. Anguiano’s words, on behalf of Ravenswood, thank you.
Warmly,

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director

0 Comments

Join Us in Congratulating Ravenswood!

4/6/2020

1 Comment

 
Dear REF Community,
​

We are thrilled to share with you that earlier today, RCSD School Board President Ana Maria Pulido announced that the board has selected Gina Sudaria to serve as Ravenswood’s permanent superintendent!
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President Pulido stated “After a long and thorough process, the Board made the decision to select a leader with deep institutional history. We felt that Gina is best suited to push forth the many reforms undertaken at Ravenswood over the last few years.” 

We couldn’t agree more! As a Ravenswood educator for the past 22 years, Gina has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Ravenswood students, families, teachers and staff. In her role as interim superintendent, she has remained focused on improving instruction for every child while guiding the district through significant changes including the creation and adoption of a new strategic plan and the consolidation of schools to ensure fiscal solvency. Over the past month, her leadership has continued to shine as she and her team support families and teachers to transition to distance learning while also making sure that their basic needs around food, technology, childcare and well-being are met.  

Throughout her tenure as a teacher, coach, principal, and district office leader, Gina has earned the trust of all around her. Her authentic optimism and commitment are contagious and she builds a climate and culture that makes people want to be part of her team. Gina is truly a gem, combining a fierce intelligence, educational expertise,  and unparalleled work ethic, with grace and kindness. We are so excited to partner with her, the board and the entire district as we enter this new chapter in Ravenswood history. 

Please join us in sending Gina a congratulatory note through this Awesome Box. Messages will be collected through April 14 at which point they will be sent to Gina directly. 

We are #OneRavenswood

Warmly,
 

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost, Executive Director
1 Comment

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Ravenswood Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization and donations are tax deductible.

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  • Home
  • Annual Spring Event
  • Who We Are
    • Mission and Values
    • Who We Serve
    • Our Team >
      • Board Resources
    • Corporate and Foundation Partners
    • Community Partners
    • Financial Information >
      • Form 990
  • What We Do
    • Annual Report
    • Talent Initiative
    • Literacy Initiative
    • Staff Professional Development & Support
    • Makerspaces
    • Daily Enrichment
  • Volunteer
    • Adopt-a-Classroom
    • Adopt-a-School
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
  • REF Updates
    • Ravenswood News
    • Videos
    • COVID-19 Efforts