Additional funding provided by the Ravenswood Education Foundation (REF) this year has helped the District provide a vital boost to approximately 570 students, 

140 parents pack the gym for the SGI Summer Academy informational meeting. 20 to 30 parents would be typical, said organizer Ruth Woods.

43% more than last year, through Summer Academies now underway at three locations.  Teachers and staff carefully 

identify the students invited to participate based on their need for academic enrichment.  Brentwood Academy and Belle Haven are the sites for Summer Academies run in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula.  The Green Oaks/Cesar Chavez campus is host to the Small Group Instruction (SGI) Summer Academy serving 290 students and involving twice as many teachers and two more schools than last year.  The relationships continue as students are taught by the same teacher in the regular school year.  

In order to achieve $3.2 million in reductions required by decreased public funding, the District will be merging four schools into two, instituting five furlough days, and increasing class sizes as part of a balanced budget plan for the coming year 2011-2012.  In a June 16th letter to parents and community members, Superintendent Maria De La Vega acknowledged the pain in taking these drastic measures and asked for patience, understanding and support during these "agonizing days" for public schools across California.   

REF continues to collaborate with the District leadership on the most effective ways to support the schools and students amid these challenges.  More information can be found at Palo Alto Online. 

• Week of July 11th:  Summer Academies conclude 

• August 25:  First Day of School for the 2011-2012 Year