Ravenswood Education Foundation
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What's Happening in Ravenswood

Full of Hope

9/3/2020

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Dear Ravenswood Community,

It’s a start to the school year like no other. Yet, despite tremendous challenges, Ravenswood students, families, teachers, staff, and community members from across town lines are rallying together to meet this moment with grace, resilience, and optimism. 

This first week of distance learning has seen record online engagement, tighter collaboration between families and staff, and a commitment to improving every day to give our kids the education they deserve, whether in person or remote. 

Here’s how a few district leaders are feeling: 
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What gives me the most hope is the way that you, the REF community, have stepped up your support over the last 6 months. Last week alone you helped to distribute stocked backpacks to all 1,800 students, provide WiFi hotspots to everyone who needs them, and establish safe learning hubs for families needing more support during this time. It is amazing to see our village come together. 

We need you now more than ever. Here are some tangible ways you can continue to make a difference:

Donate to our Annual Campaign - Look out for our Annual Report mailed mid-September, and make a contribution. Your donations help us provide grants to the school district to hire essential teachers and support staff and provide instructional materials for all of our students.

Adopt-A-Teacher - Sign up to be paired with a teacher and give much needed learning support. This year’s program focuses on providing classroom supplies to enhance instruction and appreciation and encouragement to keep Ravenswood teachers inspired. You can learn more here or contact Jazmin for additional information.

Provide 1:1 Virtual Tutoring with All Students Matter - The district aims to provide a virtual tutor to every interested child to enhance the distance learning experience. Learn more about the opportunity or sign up to volunteer at www.allstudentsmatter.org.

Reach Out - REF will be hosting a number of learning sessions throughout the year with updates about the district’s progress. Please reach out to Jazmin to be sure to be included on the invitation. 

There is no doubt that this is going to be a hard year. But together, we can do hard things. Thank you for choosing to be part of the team. 

Warmly,
Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director
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End of Year Reflections from Ravenswood

6/16/2020

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Dear REF Community,

One thing I’ve always loved about the cyclical nature of the school year is how June offers us time to reflect. And wow, do we have a lot to reflect on from the 19-20 school year. From creating and adopting a new strategic plan to making the challenging decision to merge campuses, from bringing on revered long-time Ravenswood educator Gina Sudaria as permanent superintendent to making the unprecedented decision to close schools and shelter in place, the Ravenswood and REF community have experienced a lot. As this tumultuous year comes to an end, I believe Ravenswood is the best positioned it has ever been to make transformational change and give our students the high quality education they deserve.

Lessons We’re Keeping 
These months of distance learning time have taught us many lessons that we can keep with us well beyond this spring, including:

Home-School Connections
The need and opportunity for tight home-school connections have come into sharp focus. Throughout the spring, educators and parents have not only communicated more frequently but have seen inside each other's homes, yielding a whole new level of understanding and connection.

Leveraging Technology
With three months of practice working with programs such as Seesaw, Lexia, Reflex Math, and Google Classroom, the school community is more prepared than ever to use technology strategically for a wide range of supports.

The Value of School
The District, REF, and many local partners have acted fast to address meal distribution, mental health services, family income loss, emergency childcare, and more, making it clear that school is a hub for supporting local families.

The Value of Community
If this time has taught us anything, it is how important it is to show up for each other. The REF community has distributed technology, provided language interpretation, tutored, cleaned, moved, and donated, showing that we really are one community here in the bay area.

REF Emergency Fund
Thanks to your incredible generosity, the REF Emergency Fund has raised an unbelievable $999,230.64 to date! This funding has allowed REF to address needs identified in the district as they surface. So far, we have supported:
  • Distance Learning (eg. Chromebooks, iPads, instructional materials through DonorsChoose)
  • COVID safety supplies (masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, face shields for staff and volunteers)
  • Food Distribution and Financial Relief (gift cards to Target, Safeway and Chevron and a contribution to Ecumenical Hunger Program)
  • Childcare for Essential Workers

Looking Ahead
The Reopening Schools Task Force will release a plan by mid-July for the upcoming school year. No matter the structure, it is clear that the continued support of our entire community will be needed. 

On a personal note, as my first school year as REF’s Executive Director comes to an end, I want to express my deep gratitude for the privilege of doing this work alongside you. The generosity and commitment of the Ravenswood and REF community are unparalleled. I am inspired every day to be part of your team,

Wishing you good health, joy, and a summer that feels at least somewhat like summer. Looking forward to rolling our sleeves up together in the new year!


Warmly,
​

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director
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Black Lives Matter

6/4/2020

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Dear REF Community,
​

Black lives matter.

With our hearts burning, the Ravenswood Education Foundation stands firmly with our community to condemn police brutality, institutionalized racism, and all forms of oppression. 

The recent tragic killings of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many other black people preceding them remind us that the work is far from over.

Our kids in Ravenswood, just like our kids across the country, deserve to live in a society that sees them, hears them, respects them, values them and affirms their right to life, liberty and justice. To achieve Dr. King’s “beloved community,” we at REF recommit to listening and directing our time, our energy, our bodies, and our wallets where our values are.
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Yesterday, organized by an M-A sophomore (and former Costaño School student), over a thousand in the Ravenswood community came together to peacefully march in support of Black Lives Matter. In a time of deep despair, the actions of this next generation give us hope that things can and will change.

In the words of Gina Sudaria, Ravenswood Superintendent, “Let’s take action to disrupt the status quo, disrupt the inequities and address them, and ensure that social justice prevails in Ravenswood City School District… It’s our everyday actions that will count.”
From all of us at REF and in solidarity,
​

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director
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Supporting Distance Learning at Home

5/22/2020

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Dear Ravenswood Community,

In a matter of moments, distance learning turned every teacher and student’s home into a classroom. But not all homes are set up for remote learning, especially for the Ravenswood community where space is tight and resources are limited. 

To address this inequity, REF launched an exciting new partnership with DonorsChoose to provide our community with much needed instructional materials. Teachers submit their proposals, REF fully funds the projects twice weekly, and the materials are shipped to teacher or student homes. With your support, REF has funded 69 distance learning projects over the past two weeks alone, putting $46,611 worth of practical, useful, learning materials into student and teacher hands for immediate use.

You can access the complete list of Ravenswood projects here. Take a look at some of the inspiring work supported thus far:
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Your generous support of the REF Emergency Fund has made this practical and responsive initiative, in addition to so many other supports, possible during these challenging times, and it’s making a real difference. Thank you for choosing to be part of the Ravenswood team!

Warmly,

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
REF Executive Director
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It’s Teacher Appreciation Week!

5/21/2020

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Dear Jenna,

Ravenswood teachers deserve to be celebrated year round, but Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a great opportunity to show our love and gratitude. Given the challenges of this pandemic as well as the impending consolidation of our schools, it was extra important to REF to get creative and recognize the herculean efforts of each of the 125 Ravenswood teachers as they rise to meet their students’ needs through distance learning and beyond. 

Below are some of the ways the REF community has said thank you to our local superheroes this week:
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Feeling inspired to show your appreciation and support the Ravenswood community? Join us by signing up to volunteer or contributing to the REF Emergency Fund. Your gifts of time and resources are making an incredible difference in the lives of our teachers and their students and families.

Warmly,
​

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director
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Student Mental Health in Ravenswood during SIP

5/21/2020

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Dear Jenna,

I hope this message finds you well as you navigate the rollercoaster of these challenging times. As we are all experiencing, the impact of school closures and the shelter in place mandate extends well beyond our school and work lives and into our overall well-being. Supporting Ravenswood students’ mental health has always been a REF priority, and in the current context, nurturing the whole child takes on a new level of urgency. Today, I am happy to highlight a longtime REF grantee and partner, Counseling And Support Services for Youth (CASSY), who is working responsively to shift how it supports our students' mental health needs. 

Services Provided During Shelter in Place
During the week following the announcement of school closures, CASSY therapists were quick to transition and reached out to their existing Ravenswood student clients to offer telehealth services, by telephone or through video. To date:
  • 58 students have opted to continue their services remotely
  • 6 new students requiring support were identified and are being counseled
  • 157 online individual sessions have been provided
  • 253 online parent consults were made
  • 41 online staff consultations

Examples of Mental Health Support in Action
  • A CASSY therapist at Willow Oaks recently held a telehealth play therapy session with a 1st grade student. The therapist was able to remotely guide the student to use dolls in her home and witness and reflect on her process just as if they were in the office at school.
  • A CASSY therapist at the Ravenswood Middle School has been working with a 7th grade student with anxiety and low self esteem. Telehealth allows the parents to support the girl’s counseling. The student often goes out on the balcony for her telehealth session, and reports that afterwards she shares her insights with her mother. This new involvement allows her mother to remind her daughter to use her coping skills throughout the week.

As we assess the impact of remote therapy, we look forward to updating the ways we deliver services to improve student well being. REF is thankful to support and partner with CASSY and other organizations engaged in the Ravenswood Wellness Initiative, including the Children’s Health Council, Child Mind Institute, and One EPA, to support our students’ mental health needs, now and for the future.

How You Can Help
  • Donate to REF Emergency Fund - Your continued generosity allows REF to be responsive to the needs of our students, families and schools. 
  • Volunteer - We continue to look for volunteers to tutor students, provide IT support, help move classrooms and more. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please respond to this form.


With gratitude,
​

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director
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New Opportunities to Support Ravenswood

4/24/2020

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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
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Families, Teachers & Community Collaborate for Distance Learning in Ravenswood

4/17/2020

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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. 
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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.
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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

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Join Us in Congratulating Ravenswood!

4/6/2020

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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
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

3/27/2020

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When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ - Mr. Rogers ​

Dear Ravenswood Community,

As we come to the end of our second week of school closures and sheltering in place, I am grateful to provide you with some updates from Ravenswood that will warm your heart and soothe your soul. 

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 opportunities arise. The District has identified significant volunteer needs related to technology distribution the week of April 6. We will be making every effort possible to maintain social distancing and adhere to health guidelines for folks who join in person. 
  • Contribute to the REF Emergency Fund
  • Donate and volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank or Ecumenical Hunger Program
  • If you are able, continue to pay folks who typically work in your home, or that you see in your daily lives. Many of the parents in Ravenswood work in service industries that pay hourly, so this time will be devastating economically. 
  • Stay up to date by checking the District website.
  • Please pass this email along to friends so they can join the REF email list.

REF Emergency Fund
Your generosity helped us achieve our matching grant and to date we have raised $383,776.85 for the REF Emergency Fund! In the last week alone, these funds have allowed the District to:
  • Provide 234 gift cards to families to purchase essential groceries and household items
  • Procure 300 masks for the child nutrition team to use to keep food distribution safe for families and staff
  • Purchase 430 ipads for every TK, Kindergarten and first grade student to ensure that every child in the district has access to online learning (2nd-8th graders will receive chromebooks previously used in the classroom)
  • Order 1650 hands-on at home learning STEM kits from KiwiCo to ensure that our students are able to engage in experiential learning regardless of what their family can provide

Community Champions 
Thank you to all the REF community members who are getting creative and using your expertise in all kinds of new ways to support the Ravenswood family through birthday fundraisers, live streaming yoga classes, sponsoring meals and more. Here are a few fun highlights from our community this week:
  • Kelli Agnich is taking Porchraits in exchange for a contribution to the REF Emergency Fund.
  • Thanasis Pashalidis and the Taverna team are providing hot meals to Ravenswood’s essential workers.
 
More to follow after the District reconvenes the week of April 6. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or suggestions. I am so grateful to be part of this team of helpers with you - we truly are one community.

Warmly, 

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost
Executive Director
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  • Home
  • About
    • Annual Report
    • Strategic Plan
    • Schools and Demographics
    • Leadership & Board of Directors >
      • Board Resources
    • Financial Information
    • Sponsors
  • Impact
    • Mental Health Initiative
    • Literacy Initiative
    • Makerspaces
    • Daily Enrichment
    • Science Initiative
    • Staff Appreciation
  • Get Involved
    • Holiday Toy Drive
    • Adopt-a-Teacher
    • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • COVID-19 Efforts
  • Contact Us
  • Whats Happening
    • Ravenswood News
    • Gala 2020
    • Videos