Dear Prefix LastName:

What an important time of year this is! We all need hope, and that is what Easter is all about. It seems that every page of the gospel has a story about how Jesus raised someone from the dead or restored their sight or cured their ills: all seemingly impossible situations that Jesus changed. It seems like we need that assurance more than ever because so many people feel overwhelmed by their situation and that of the world around us. Jesus’ power is not to be contained; even death submits to His love.

And each one of those cases began because someone dreamed that things could be different; things did not have to be the way they were. As Easter people, we all have to work on our ability to dream. Nothing will ever happen if we don’t think it will. How sad that page of the gospel is when it says that Christ could not do many miracles in a certain place “because they didn’t believe.” St. Paul used the phrase of “hoping against hope.” Where Jesus is involved, nothing can hold us back. What Pope Pius XI affirmed fifty years ago is still true: “It is no longer permitted to anyone to be mediocre.” We should be embarrassed by our optimism. We should be afraid that people would laugh if they knew what we hope for the world. It is precisely our being convinced that things can change that will bring about that change. “Let it be done to you according to your faith.” Unless we can dream and dream big, we tie the Holy Spirit’s hands. The Spirit cannot work wonders among us if we are convinced that everything is going to be the same. We are all called to establish the Kingdom, nothing less. As someone said, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”

Sr. Helen Prejean is the Sister of St. Joseph who works with prisoners on death row. Listen to her message to anyone who proclaims to be a follower of Jesus Christ: “Now set your sails and brace yourself for a riveting ride. Who knows to what shore God will take you? If it is not scary, and surprising and an adventure all at the same time, it is not the call of the gospel of Jesus. Enjoy the ride.”

The Cristo Rey Network dreams every day that center-city young people really do have a future. All they need is a chance with someone who cares for them. The world can be different, and it will be! Let’s set sail on our Easter trip of hope. May we never turn back. May people see in us that Christ really did rise from the dead, that nothing can hold back His love.

In the risen Cristo Rey, John P. Foley Executive Chair P.S. I have recently stepped into the world of “blog.” With just more than a handful of posts, the blog, titled “From the Desk of John Foley, S.J.,” chronicles weekly the rich blessings and inspirations that have led the Network’s continued growth.

FROM THE DESK OF JOHN FOLEY, S.J.

http://cristoreynetwork.wordpress.com.

Cristo Rey Network Quarterly Newsletter: Spring 2010 Issue

The Cristo Rey Network recently launched a new video project, “My Education, My Job, My Success,” in partnership with Best Buy’s @15 initiative and generous support from The Bradley Foundation.

For five months, Cristo Rey Network students, Brandon Guevara from Christ the King Preparatory in Newark, NJ and Jasmine Kendrick from Detroit Cristo Rey High School in Detroit, MI, will document how they live their lives at 15, learn from their jobs and school, love their families and communities, and also become leaders in all their environments - the core foundations of the @15 campaign.

Network launches new partnership with Best Buy’s @15

President’s Briefing: Robert Birdsell

Myth: All Cristo Rey Network schools are run by the Jesuits.Fact: While the Society of Jesus sponsored the first school, Cristo Rey Jesuit (Pilsen), today the Jesuits are one of 24 religious sponsors and endorsers of the Cristo Rey Network’s 24 schools. View the complete list at cristoreynetwork.org.

“@15 fuels the power of America’s teenagers,” said Cristo Rey Network President and CEO Robert Birdsell. “We are ecstatic for this opportunity for our inspiring students to share from their perspectives how a 15-year-old can break the cycle of poverty by integrating school and work.”

Brandon and Jasmine will record experiences from their homes, corporate work-study positions, and schools in relation to the themes live, learn, love, and lead. Footage will be edited into short documentaries to be posted monthly, from March thru June, at www.at15.com and www.cristoreynetwork.org.

On behalf of the entire Cristo Rey Network, I am pleased to share with you two recent exciting developments.

First, I had the pleasure of meeting former First Lady, Laura Bush, during her visit to Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory High School in Houston on Thursday March, 11. Our relationship was initiated back in January 2009 when Fr. Foley was presented the Presidential Citizens award by President George W. Bush. Correspondence with Mrs. Bush’s staff continued and three weeks ago, Mrs. Bush accepted Cristo Rey Jesuit President Fr. TJ Martinez’s invitation to see the new school, opened last fall. During this visit, Mrs. Bush participated in a classroom time-capsule project with Cristo Rey Jesuit students, engaged in a round-table discussion about the Corporate Work-Study Program, and delivered remarks about education reform. It was a momentous occasion that will always be remembered. Photos are available to view at www.cristoreynetwork.org.

Secondly, The Philanthropy Roundtable’s newly published guidebook, Saving America’s Urban Catholic Schools: A Guide for Donors, profiles the Cristo Rey Network as an innovative model in urban Catholic education. Committed to what works in raising academic achievement among low-income and minority children, the Roundtable commissioned this book on donor-led efforts to revive the nation’s urban Catholic schools. We are thrilled to be included in this guidebook and would like to extend our hands of thanks to you, who make the efforts of the Cristo Rey Network possible.

Best Buy launches new @15

College Preparatory Education + Postsecondary Initiatives =Student Success

The Cristo Rey Network would like to congratulate Natalia Amaya, ‘06 graduate of Cristo Rey Boston, who recently landed a full-time job at Deloitte, her former Corporate Work-Study sponsor. Since her time working there in 2005, Natalia remained on board as an intern while pursing a degree in accounting from Suffolk University. “I am excited to learn a lot from Deloitte. It is kind of scary [transitioning into the real world], but it will be worth it.” - Natalia Amaya

Student and Sponsor Spotlight

Approximately half of all low-income high school graduates enroll in a 2- or 4-year college. According to our most recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse Student Tracker Service, over 80% of the Class of 2008 has enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college so far. Source: US Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS).

Cristo Rey Network to Pilot New Math Assessments and Instructional Tools Linked to Student Learning The Cristo Rey Network is pleased to announce a $149,733 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the organization’s participation in the Mathematics Assessment for Learning Project. Launched by the Foundation to increase college readiness for high school students, the Project will help prepare Cristo Rey Network schools to use new mathematic assessments to guide classroom learning.

The math assessment project is part of a much larger Network-wide strategic plan, the Educational Enrichment Initiative (EEI), which is focused on supporting quality academic outcomes. Recently deployed, the Initiative ensures that each graduate of a Cristo Rey Network school is prepared for college success.

Best Buy launches new @15

In 2006, HSBC became the first Corporate Work-Study Partner to sponsor the work-study program within nonprofit organizations. Through a company grant, HSBC sponsors nine work-study jobs in five markets across the United States. Each job is supported by a team of four students. One of the student teams works at HSBC – North America Headquarters, while the others work for nonprofit organizations, including Chicago Botanic Gardens, American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society. In addition to supporting the Network’s Corportate Work-Study Program, HSBC employees have lent a helping hand by volunteering their time to beautify Cristo Rey Network schools, conduct training sessions, and assist with college applications. We are grateful for HSBC’s continued partnership.

Source: Actual graduate history and graduate projections for Classes 2010–2013 are based on Network enrollment figures from the 2009-2010 Cristo Rey Network Statistical Directory.

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14 East Jackson Blvd. Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60604

April 21-22, 2010Annual Meeting June 21-25, 2010 Kellogg Leadership Academy June 28-July 2, 2010 2009 Leader Schools Phase One July 6-9, 2010 2009 Leader Schools Phase Two July 12-15, 2010 2010 Leader School Meeting July 19-22, 2010 New Teacher Orientation Teacher Effectiveness TBD (July, 2010) Post-Secondary Summit

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About the Cristo Rey Network®: The Cristo Rey Network is comprised of 24 high schools that provide a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to 5,892 urban young people who live in communities with limited educational options. Most of our students qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program. Member schools utilize a longer school day and year, academic assistance, and counseling to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college. All students at Cristo Rey Network schools participate in a work-study program through which they finance the majority of the cost of their education, gain real world job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of their education.