Focus:future is a student-centered program that provides mentoring and motivational support to the 7th and 8th graders at Ravenswood School. 



Using a specially developed curriculum, community members and parents of Ravenswood students act as mentor volunteers to help 8th graders research and make decisions about the high school options available to them.  Navigating the process of applying to high schools in the city is quite involved and can be confusing for students and their parents.  We strive to help by providing information and clarification as well as motivating students to consider a range of school options based on their interests and abilities.  The mentors meet with students periodically from September through December during their library periods.  We also collaborate with the school teachers, staff, and administration regarding visits by high school representatives, pertinent speakers and related activities.

Did you know that a student's 7th grade attendance, grades and test scores are critical in determining what high school options may be available to him or her?  Because 7th grade is so important we strive to support and motivate students during this pivotal year by creating classroom events and exercises that raise awareness, promote accountability and responsibility and educate students on their own role in the future.

Mentorships provide valuable and meaningful experiences for all those involved.  The work is incredibly rewarding and the help you offer our students is priceless.  For more information about focus:future, please contact community volunteer Jennifer Simokaitis.

Related Program: Ravenswood Reality Fair.  Reality Fair is a half-day event nicknamed "Real World Ravenswood".  It is held at Ravenswood School and provides 7th and 8th graders hands-on experience with life-skills such as budgeting money, managing a family, securing housing and transportation, planning for retirement, and more.  Students arrive at the event having researched and selected a career with a salary and proceed through a succession of stations making various financial decisions.  Roughly 30 volunteers plan and staff the event taking on a variety of roles such as bankers, car salesman, travel agents and debt counselors.  Students then take this experience back to the classroom and further explore their choices though various classroom activities.  For more detailed information on the fair and a school calendar of events, please see our News & Events page.

The focus:future program and the Ravenswood Reality Fair are administered by Ravenswood Community Services, a community outreach group.


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