Families, Teachers & Community Collaborate for Distance Learning in Ravenswood

Dear Ravenswood Community,
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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. 
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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.

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