The READY Report
READY to Talk
At READY, we honor the incredible work of the many stakeholders who are tirelessly working to improve education in our community. As we aim to provide 10,000 children with access to quality schools over the next 10 years, we recognize that this ambitious goal is only achievable when guided by the experience and expertise of those who have been leading the charge.
This edition of the newsletter will introduce you to some of READY's new and ongoing initiatives to achieve our mission – and how you can support! Check out our brand new website to learn more.
You may have noticed we updated our logo – now a pencil – which is the foundation of our new monthly video series hearing from local education experts, community members, and families. Each will share their insight then “pass the pencil” to next month’s expert.
Check out this month’s installment, where I kick off the series and introduce this exciting new platform. YOU could be our next guest!
Yours in service,
Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD
Founder and Executive Director
READY School Finder
**Updated version with enhanced features coming soon**
We aim to make finding the best-fit school easy!
When our READY School Finder first launched in October 2023, we hoped it would help families with one of the biggest challenges locally: finding the best-fit school for their child. In just one year, the first generation of the School Finder reached more than 1,600 people!
We're currently working on the next generation of the School Finder, incorporating valuable feedback from users and the community to enhance its effectiveness. You can look forward to more data, easier school navigation, and a refreshed design. Stay tuned for release details and find out how you can host a "Lunch and Learn": READY will provide lunch for up to 25 employees at local workplaces and walk them through navigating the new School Finder.
Bowling 4 STARS
On Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Radio Social, READY is hosting Bowling 4 STARS, sponsored by the City of Rochester, Exploration Elementary Charter School, and University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men.
This community event will unite local partners for a night of fun, food, and shared purpose. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to fund scholarships for Rochester City School District and area charter school graduates who plan to pursue college degrees in education. These future educators are essential to our vision of building a local pipeline of talented, homegrown teachers.
Research shows that teachers of color profoundly impact academic outcomes for students of color, including higher test scores, graduation rates, and college-going aspirations. Yet, in Rochester, 80% of teachers are white, while over 90% of students are students of color. Many students will complete their education without ever being taught by someone who shares their racial or cultural background.
With your support, Bowling 4 STARS will help change that. Sponsor a team today and help us increase the number of teachers of color in our community.
We'll see you on the lanes!
READY Parent Advisory Council |
The READY Parent Advisory Council is a dynamic group of parent leaders dedicated to shaping the future of education in Rochester. As a key pillar of our mission to increase access to quality schools, these parent leaders will provide critical feedback and share valuable insights to assist READY in meeting the needs of students, families, and educators.
The Council offers a unique opportunity for members to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, directly influencing READY’s practices and strategic direction. Council members have strong connections to parent-driven, local organizations like the Roc the Future Alliance, Greater Rochester - PLTI, The Children's Agenda, and Student Success Project. These organizations have a proven track record of empowering families and driving positive change in the community, and Council members bring this valuable experience to READY’s mission of increasing access to quality schools in Rochester. Their expertise and perspectives will help READY implement innovative solutions, engage families, and support system leaders in responding to increased demand for quality schools.
Please join us in celebrating our dedicated Council members:
- Candace Cabral
- Kamsinya Hall
- LaShana Boose
- Loritea Ellis
- Maria Cruz
- Monica Graham
- Samson Hall
- Tiffany Howard
- Ulises Vargas
We are excited about the meaningful impact these leaders will have in transforming our schools and look forward to the progress ahead!
READY School Incubator Update | |
Our READY School Incubator is officially underway- the first session kicked off in September! We launched with an incredible panel discussion featuring East EPO Superintendent Blocker Marlene, Breakthrough Leadership CEO Deborah Hanmer, Connected Communities Executive Director Dr. LaShunda Leslie-Smith, DSW, LMSW, Innova Girls Academy Head of School Academics Brittany Rumph, and Charter Champions CEO Dr. Paul Miller. Their insights set the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
Following the panel, students took part in a "day of visioning" activity where they shared their perspectives on what an ideal learning environment should look like, offering invaluable input that our Fellows can immediately integrate. It’s incredible to see these young leaders shaping the future of education!
Next, we’re heading to Denver for a trip filled with inspiration, where our Fellows will immerse themselves in school visits, explore essential aspects of school design, and continue refining their school model, theory of learning, and signature learning experience. This journey promises to be a key step in shaping their innovative educational proposals.
Stay tuned: next month, we’ll share key takeaways
from our Denver trip!
Stay Connected: Follow READY on Social Media!
Want to stay up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and initiatives from READY?
Follow us on social media! Join our growing community of supporters on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay informed and engage in major community-level discussions on education, reform and what’s needed to increase the number of quality schools locally.
Don’t miss out—click, follow, and be part of the conversation today!
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