Dear [NAME]:
I remember when my kids were in school, this time of year would be crazy around our house--shopping for school supplies, scheduling doctor’s appointments, speed reading the assigned summer book and helping to ease the anxiety of starting at a new school, some years in a new city. We sent them off knowing they were as prepared as they could possibly be.
But the reality is that not all students go back to school equally prepared. Poverty brings a whole set of challenges that make it harder for students from struggling families to succeed. In fact, Massachusetts ranks third-worst in the country when it comes to the achievement gap among low-income students.
The good news is together, we are improving the academic outcomes of students who need more support. Read on for ways your donations are making a big impact.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ve compiled some advice for parents and grandparents to get their kindergarteners ready for the big day. If your kids are off to college for the first time, our Marian L. Heard Scholars have some great advice for success.
And for those whose kids have already flown the nest, we have some rewarding opportunities to mentor new college students, who are often the first in their families to attain higher education.
The new school year brings new opportunities. Let's ensure Massachusetts makes the grade for all of its students.
Mike Durkin
President & CEO
mdurkin@unitedwaymassbay.org
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