Dear Friends,


As the seasons change, so too does the landscape around us. And while the world may feel uncertain, one thing remains true: my unwavering commitment to the students, families, teachers, and staff of the Ravenswood City School District.


That commitment isn’t just professional. It is deeply personal. My journey in this community began decades ago as an intern, and that experience sparked a passion

for youth development and education that has shaped my entire career. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to building programs and organizations that reflect

a simple but powerful belief: every child in Ravenswood deserves the opportunity

to thrive.


I founded The.Circuit because I saw a need that had not gone away. Even as times have changed, the need to connect students to opportunity, creativity, and technology

is as urgent as ever. The.Circuit was created to meet that moment, and to create

a space where students can explore, learn, and grow in ways that prepare them for

a future full of possibility.


Every day, I see the brilliance and resilience in our students. I see the strength of our teachers and families. I see the impact that a little support and a lot of belief can have. That is what fuels me, and what keeps our mission moving forward.


In moments like this, the work we do together matters more than ever. The challenges facing nonprofits are real, and the resources that allow us to keep showing up for students are essential. But the heart of our mission has never been clearer: to open doors for young people and help them imagine what’s possible.


That’s why I am reaching out. Your partnership has always meant so much, and today your continued support is vital. By standing with us, you are investing in a future shaped by the talent and potential of our students.


Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can keep building something powerful for the students who are counting on us.



With heartfelt gratitude,

Michele Sharkey

Co-Founder


 

Tech Talk at Amazon Sparks Innovation and Inspires Students!


Our students recently experienced an electrifying "Tech Talk" field trip to Amazon, diving headfirst into the world of innovation!


The Amazon team created an incredibly welcoming and educational environment. A highlight

of the day was an inspiring panel discussion where experts shared their personal journeys and career paths, powerfully illustrating the real steps involved in achieving their dreams – a core message

of The.Circuit EPA.


Students also benefited from engaging virtual workshops leading up to the event, culminating

in a fantastic day of racing. The engineers and Amazon Web Services (AWS) DeepRacer team served as wonderful teachers, providing invaluable access to cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking. One guest speaker underscored the importance of experimentation, highlighting that "it's their job to fail, testing and testing until they get it right," emphasizing that failure is a crucial part

of the problem-solving process.


This powerful month of programming, a first-time collaboration for The.Circuit, has undoubtedly elevated our programs to new heights. We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Amazon team for this incredible opportunity!

6th Graders Gear Up for Greece with Immersive Tech!


Ms. Applegate's enthusiastic 6th-grade social studies class recently spent an engaging day

in our lab, diving into our immersive technology systems. This hands-on exploration served

as exciting preparation for their upcoming virtual trip to Greece, allowing them to experience

the ancient world in a whole new way.


The learning adventure doesn't stop there! Following their virtual travels and a deep dive into

"The Hunger Games," Ms. Applegate's class will return to our lab for an unforgettable IMAX-type experience, bringing the thrilling world of the movie to life. Stay tuned for more updates on their immersive learning journey!

Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers!


It's Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the amazing individuals who dedicate their time and energy to supporting The.Circuit EPA

and our students.


A huge thank you to the members of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity at Stanford University!

Your commitment since day one has been invaluable, from helping us build out our space

to supporting digital literacy and collaborating on all our exciting projects. We are so incredibly thankful for your ongoing partnership.


We also extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated students from Menlo-Atherton High School. Your support in our after-school program plays a vital role in our students' learning

and skill-building journeys.


Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who contribute to our second language development initiatives and after-school homework center. Your dedication makes a significant difference in the lives of our students.


We are truly grateful to have each and every one of you as part of our village.

Your passion and commitment are deeply appreciated. Thank you for all that you do!

 

The.Circuit EPA

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