End of Year Reflections from Ravenswood

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