Dear Neighbors,

The start of the new school year is quickly approaching and, as the father of a young child, I’m looking forward to helping my young scholar prepare for a successful year. Many of you will take students into classrooms for the first time while others will watch their children begin their last year of high school. Regardless of where your child is in his or her journey, the destination is clear – and that’s where the Pittsburgh Promise can help. Students who graduate from one of our City’s Pittsburgh Public Schools and meet attendance and academic requirements can receive up to $40,000 for college. Since 2008, the Pittsburgh Promise has awarded thousands of scholarships and has helped over 3,200 students reach their goal of higher education.

If you don’t have any children in school, you can still play an important role in a child’s life by signing up to be a mentor. Children with mentors are more likely to do better in school than those who don’t have a positive role model in their life. You can learn more about how City employees are doing their part and also how you can sign up to help by visiting pittsburghpa.gov/servepgh/mentor.

Finally, I ask you to pay special attention to school zones and traffic laws during this school year. Please, obey the laws and signs when traveling in a posted school zone and adhere to the flashing lights of a stopped school bus that may be loading or unloading students. We must all remain cognizant and continue to work together to safeguard our children as they travel to and from school and other related activities.

I hope you all have a great and safe 2012-2013 school year.

Sincerely,
Luke Ravenstahl
Mayor, City of Pittsburgh