As the crisp autumn breeze dances through the streets of downtown Ithaca, a tale of growth and gratitude unfolds at New Roots Charter School. In this season of giving, I am moved to express deep appreciation for your role in nurturing and "growing New Roots" in the heart of our vibrant community.
Now celebrating our fifteenth year, New Roots is proud of our 100% college acceptance rate and the distinguished recognition as a US Department of Education Green Ribbon School. This story, however, extends beyond statistics and accolades—it's about the transformative journey of every young person who finds their place within the nurturing embrace of New Roots.
Imagine, if you will, the heart of a New Roots education—a unique journey of unlocking the talents and passions of each young soul. As both a mother and a teacher, this narrative resonates deeply with me. New Roots provides a life-changing environment precisely when young people stand at the threshold of their futures. One alum, reflecting on their senior year:
“My college level and advanced courses in my senior year, particularly David's Chemistry course, have helped immensely to prepare me for the intensity and challenge of being a college student.” — New Roots Alum
Your steadfast support, families & friends, has cultivated fertile ground for our students to reach heights they once only dreamed of. Through community-based learning experiences, we've witnessed young minds expanding horizons and acquiring skills that transcend the boundaries of traditional classrooms. As we approach this season of giving, we invite you to join us in crafting transformative opportunities for the year ahead.
Picture the journey we embark upon—a narrative where New Roots dedicates half the funding per pupil, yet embraces a student population with twice the rates of financial and academic need compared to neighboring districts. It's a story of twice the need and half the funding, but with an unwavering commitment to never deny a student an opportunity based on their family's ability to contribute to fieldwork expenses.
In this narrative, friends like you emerge as the unsung heroes, extending a helping hand to make extraordinary things happen for our students. With each contribution, you empower our dedicated teachers with the resources to create enriching learning opportunities. Can you envision yourself playing a part in supporting programs and purchases that have, in the past, been made possible by friends like you?
Consider the educational opportunities we've woven together:
- Outdoor leadership programs with Ithaca Youth Bureau
- Educational excursions with Discover Cayuga Lake and the Cascadilla Boat Club
- Haudenosaunee live cultural performances and educational programs
- Whole school screenings at Cinemapolis (most recently exploring "Common Ground," a documentary about regenerative agriculture)
- Plays at local venues such as The Cherry and Kitchen Theater
- College visits and fairs, including a recent journey to New Jersey to attend a college fair focused on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)
- The flourishing of our "Big Farm" at Kestrel Perch / EcoVillage, producing more food for our school lunch program and culinary arts classes
Our story unfolds with programs intentionally designed to make learning meaningful and relevant, where community and project-based learning become integral parts of every student's weekly experience. Yet, our only limits are financial!
To be a part of this narrative, to contribute to the growth of dreams, we invite you to make your tax-deductible donation today.
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