Dear REF Community,

As we rush around this holiday season, I hope you can find a moment to pause, pour yourself a cup of tea, and reflect on what you are grateful for.  I am so lucky because when I pause and count my blessings, I get to count each one of YOU and the many ways you make our community stronger, more equitable, and more just for all of us, including the 1,500 students in the Ravenswood City School District.

As part of this year’s REF annual campaign, we have been inviting you to meet some of the incredible students and families in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park whose lives are touched by your generosity. Today, we are delighted to introduce you to Dejah and her grandmother Tammie.

Preparing to thrive in high school

Dejah is an 8th grade student at Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School (CCRMS) and is preparing to attend a local high school next year. She is determined and ambitious, particularly in mathematics, where she is excelling in a high school-level Algebra class taught by Ms. Sullivan. Ms. Sullivan describes Dejah as a “very special person” and adds, “she has really high expectations and high standards for herself. She pushes herself to be better every day.” With dreams of becoming a doctor or a lawyer, Dejah is truly inspiring.

Expanding knowledge through field trips

Dejah has embraced every opportunity that comes her way, from attending Vida Verde, Outdoor Ed and Yosemite to this year’s upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Her grandmother Tammie, shares, “when there is an opportunity for her to expand her knowledge and learn, I ask her if she wants to participate and if she says yes, we sign up for it right away.” 

The students of Ravenswood are so grateful to each and every one of you for your support. You provide the things they love most about school. In Dejah’s life, your support fully funds her algebra teacher, the after-school athletics programs, the field trips and so much more, all of which would not be possible without you.

Thank you for your generous contributions to the REF annual campaign. It is an honor to be part of this community - where we take care of and invest in each other - with you.

Warmly, 

Jenna Wachtel Pronovost

Executive Director