April 7, 2014

Greetings Michael J. Perkins School Community, It is with a heavy heart that I share some very concerning news. As you may be aware, Boston Public Schools has experienced a budget deficit which has led to major cuts in many areas including the area of Family & Community Engagement. The Office of Engagement, formerly known as the Office of Family & Student Engagement, has reduced its staffing and this will impact our very own Mrs. Evelyn Correa-Gonzalez. Mrs. Evelyn Correa-Gonzalez will not serve her beloved Michael J. Perkins School Community next year without a great deal of support. Mrs. Evelyn Correa-Gonzalez, dedicated mother of three Boston Public School children, is an Agent of Change in the Greater Boston Community. In her role as Family and Community Outreach Coordinator, she has developed hundreds of parents, educators, and community agencies in the areas of literacy, mathematics, child development, parenting, organizing, advocacy, and leadership. Harvard-trained, she currently teaches workshops to families on the essential life skills of focus & self-control, perspective, communication, making life connections, critical thinking, growth-mindset in the midst of challenges, and self-directed life-long learning. She strongly believes in teaching 21st Century principles and life-lessons that will propel our families out of cyclical poverty and dysfunction. Mrs. Correa-Gonzalezs contribution and impact to the City of Boston transcends beyond her role as a Family & Community Outreach Coordinator. She counsels and provides assistance and resources for families who have been trumped by homelessness, substance abuse, divorce, trauma, and death. Mrs. Correa-Gonzalez consults with government agencies to identify housing, partner with local food banks and food pantries to feed those who are underfed, and connect children and their parents/guardians with behavioral and mental health agencies. At the Michael J. Perkins School, Mrs. Correa-Gonzalez gives voice to the voiceless. This year, almost 40% of our student population and their families are Spanish speaking. Next year, we are welcoming 20 new families in our emerging multilingual K2 class which will require the sage and support of a native speaker. Our families, staff, and community partners look to Mrs. Correa-Gonzalez to maintain open lines of communication in the areas of academic performance, access to Common Core curriculum, socio-emotional development, parent advocacy & engagement, and much more. Without

her expertise and voice, our school will struggle to fully actualize BPS mission to partner with families to develop in every learner the knowledge, skills, and character one may need to excel in college, career, and life. Evelyn Correa-Gonzalez vitality and tenacity for educating, empowering, and elevating families is paramount. Her leadership and commitment to the City of Boston are unparalleled. We have an opportunity to take action and use our gifts and voices to support keeping Ms. Evelyn CorreaGonzalez as a valued and much needed member of the Michael J. Perkins School Community. We will need to identify and acquire funding resources for a total of $30,000 to cover her salary. We welcome a group of interested parent leaders/community partners who are willing to help solicit and write grants; communicate with district and city leaders about our need; and ultimately help us to fundraise the monies necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 617-635-8601. Sincerely,

Mr. Craig Martin Principal