New Opportunities to Support Ravenswood

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:

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