September 10, 2008

Dear Rochester Business Leader:

The Rochester City School District is taking bold steps to improve the quality of its schools and the performance of its students. The future of our city depends on the success of our youth. We are committed to this work, yet we are aware that we cannot do it alone.

We are launching an exciting new initiative that offers the business community a unique opportunity to directly shape the lives of our students. I invite you to join us in this opportunity.

The Rochester PENCIL Partnership Program will build and support relationships between business leaders and principals to inspire innovation and transform schools. The PENCIL (Public Education Needs Civic Involvement in Learning) Partnership Program is a New York City-based non-profit. It has benefited hundreds of schools across New York City over the past 13 years, resulting in an influx of new resources, skills and expertise for principals, teachers and students. We are pleased to bring this successful program to our city.

Our goal is to identify a private sector partner for each of our 62 schools and programs. As a former regional superintendent and school principal in New York City, I have experienced firsthand the powerful impact that private sector partnerships can have on public schools.

Our partnerships will kick off with a “Principal For A Day” event the morning of Thursday, December 11, concluding with a luncheon. This event will bring you into your partner school to meet the principal, staff and students and to get a feel for what the school is all about. I’m sure you will find it a rewarding experience.

Please see the enclosed materials for more information. To participate, simply print and mail in the application on this website or sign up via the e-mail application by November 7. If you have any questions, please contact Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez at 262-8133.

The Rochester PENCIL Partnership Program is a very special opportunity to apply your unique skills and expertise to support the success of our students. I look forward to counting you among the important network of business leaders who will help to transform our city’s education system one school, and one student, at a time.

Sincerely,

Jean-Claude Brizard