Holyoke Unites for 100% Graduation:

Update

Dear Friends:

Holyoke Unites established the Design/Plan/Change ((DPC) Team at its May 2011 meeting with the charge to "design an inclusive and efficient planning process; gather, synthesize and document data; serve as advocates for the planning process; and provide ongoing communication to Holyoke Unites about the planning process and implementation progress towards the mission of 100% High School graduation."

DCP Team's Statement of purpose

"In order to enhance student effectiveness, the graduation rate and college and career readiness, we will create a system of services citywide in order to support the entire school community. We support effective, high-level coordination of services and businesses, with strong leadership based in the Mayor's office."

Here is a summary of the main topics that were presented and affirmed by those present at the Holyoke Unites Whole Team meeting on September 14, 2011.

• Citywide Coordination of Services

We recognize this work needs to be more than one position and that this work needs to be independent of Holyoke Public Schools as well as of existing 501c3 organizations.

We recognize that this work must be sustainable through ups and downs of funding and of shifts in leadership in the school department and in city government

We recognize this represents a fundamental shift towards considering the needs of the whole child.

The Job description of this office would include knowing what needs and services exist, coordination to deliver more services more efficiently, supporting volunteerism, involving area colleges, and perhaps most important of all, ensuring communication and access to information among all stakeholders.

• Data: secure and accessible

We’ve made contact several experts on data issues and charged Jerry Koch-Gonzalez with convening a data committee to outline issues and solutions related to data: security, provider access, and quality.

• Cities of Service

We have supported Mayor Elaine Pluta's sign on to the "Cities of Service"  , which may help us with funding and with organizing volunteers in support of city wide coordination.

• Promise Neighborhood Planning Grant
  

The team agreed that Holyoke is not ready to go after Promise Neighborhood funds for this funding cycle.  If we do want to pursue this opportunity in the future, we would be in a stronger position if we successfully establish a citywide coordination office and strengthen relations with potential partner area colleges.

• Funding & Staffing Holyoke Unites and the DPC Team

We explored and ultimately did not pursue United Way funding in support of citywide coordination We did not have enough time to fully prepare a competitive proposal by the grant deadline.

We want to thank the United Way of Pioneer Valley for the recent grant award to Enlace de Familias in the amount of $25,000. This award is in support of continuing exploration of readiness to apply for Promise Neighborhood Planning grant as we move forward and/or to identify a model that ensures 100% Graduation Rate for the children of Holyoke.

Minutes of the Sept 14, 2011 will be posted in the near future with the other HU minutes