Our Support of the Ravenswood Community During this Time

Dear REF Community, 
During this stressful time, as we protect our loved ones, stock up on supplies, and prepare for the weeks ahead, I am heartened by the outpouring of care from our REF community asking how you can support local students and families most in need. 
Today, in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Ravenswood City School District made the difficult decision to close schools from Monday, March 16 through April 3. While closing schools is challenging for all communities, it is particularly challenging here, where 90% of students qualify for free and reduced price lunch and the majority of our parents work hourly service jobs. 
How We Can Help:
In collaboration with Interim Superintendent Gina Sudaria, we have identified the following avenues for support:

• Contribute to the REF Emergency Fund - REF is establishing an emergency fund to provide financial relief related to the school closures. We are working closely with Ravenswood Interim Superintendent Gina Sudaria and her team to develop a plan to address identified needs, including those listed below. If emergency needs do not deplete the fund, your donations will roll over to support district programs as students, teachers, and staff return to school.
  
• Donate and/or volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank - The Second Harvest Food Bank will be a major source of food for our most vulnerable families. Please consider supporting their much needed efforts.
  
• Use the Ravenswood City School District website for the most up to date information including volunteer opportunities.
  

Areas of Concern We are Working to Address:

1. Distance Learning - Teachers and staff are dedicated to doing all they can to make sure learning continues. Children in grades TK-5 arewill receivinge take-home bags with books at their reading level, writing prompts, math exercises, and login information for online learning programs. Middle School students will continue to engage in learning through the online Summit Platform. REF is working with local community partners including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Facebook to ensure that all children who need a device or mobile hotspot for internet access will receive one.
   
2. Food Distribution - Although schools will be closed for class, they will remain open Monday through Friday to provide breakfast and lunch for children via drive-through distribution stations.  In the event that the families are not able to come to campus, meals will be delivered.
   
3. Supporting District Families with Financial Needs - Many of our families work hourly service jobs and are only paid if they are able to go to work. REF is collaborating with the district and other local agencies to identify ways to help with rent, bill payments, and groceries. 
   
4. Supporting District Staff - Ravenswood employs over 300 people who rely on their salaries to take care of themselves and their families. Although some staff members will be able to continue to work during school closures, the district is creating a plan to financially support our district staff, especially our certificated, hourly employees. REF is preparing to support these efforts in the event that public dollars are not able to cover the cost of this compensation.​
   

With your help, we can take care of each other and face this crisis with love, gratitude and generosity. It is a privilege to be part of this community with you. 

Warmly, 
Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
REF Executive Director