If you are receiving this letter it is because you are someone who believes in the work being done in the schools of New Orleans; whether you have volunteered, donated, listened to our mission or simply shown an interest – you have taken part in the push for change in the schools of New Orleans. It may have been right at the beginning, or just a few days ago; but your heart, hands, ears and voice have probably now had an impact on our schools.

Thank You.

After Katrina, we faced the task of rebuilding 80% of the city of New Orleans, almost all of the 128 public schools and most importantly the trust and community of 67,000 students and their parents. Through your help we are now back up to 66 schools and just under 40,000 students. It is an adventure and we are honored to share it with you. Where else, when else in our lives can we place such a footprint on an American city?

If you have worked along side me as a volunteer, made a donation, spoken with me about potential projects, or offered ideas; you probably understand how chaotic this work can be. Until now, there has never been a general way to keep you posted, to let you know that even when you go back home whether that be in Canada, California, New York, New Zealand or even New Orleans, the work you have done and the work going on in the schools continues. The schools we have painted, books, instruments, uniforms, sports equipment and art supplies we have delivered, playgrounds we have sweated and blistered to build, would not have happened without the many hands, hearts and faith it took from all of you to accomplish these tasks.

Thank You.

These two words cannot be said enough by me, our teachers, our students and our community. Now it is our turn to constantly be saying thank you, by keeping you updated, showing off your hard work in pictures, calendars, and maps on our new website. Hopefully this website will act as a reminder of the work you did and inspire you to continue to serve whether it is back here in New Orleans or in your own community. Look around the website and think of it as our website; where you can post comments, upload pictures, read blogs about different projects, place a pin of You on our map, or even submit a volunteer interest form. This is a place for you to share your story, stay in our loop and a place for us to say,

Thank You.

As you have seen through your efforts in the schools and now looking through the website it takes all kinds of people to complete the work in the schools. Sometimes it’s the great numbers of corporate conventions, or 2nd grade class penny drives, or the faith of matching shirts, or the hard work of a neighborhood kid; but all of you have proven to be flexible, dedicated and inspirational. Now one more favor, if your service in New Orleans has made an impact on you, continue to make an impact on her. Pass on your stories and this website; let people in your community know about the work still going on down here. By sharing your stories and our website you are sharing the stories of 40,000 students, and inspiring others to serve as well.

www.nolaschoolvolunteers.org

Troy Peloquin
Volunteer and Donations Coordinator RSD

“Knowledge of the situation is tantamount to obligation”~Dave Eggers