September 2, 2010 - Cambridge, MA:
Cambridge School Volunteers, Inc. (CSV), a not-for-profit organization
started more than 40 years ago by a group of public school parents,
announced today the appointment of Jennifer Fries as their new Executive
Director.
“Cambridge School Volunteers matches volunteers with kids of all
needs and levels of learning.” said Louise Adler, CSV’s Board President.
“CSV ensures that all children in the Cambridge Public Schools have the
attention they need to excel academically and personally. Together, CSV
volunteers bring the richness of our community’s intellectual and
cultural life to all students. We are thrilled to have Jennifer come
back as our new Executive Director, because we know that her energy,
experience, and commitment are what our community’s kids need now.”
Superintendent Jeffrey Young said, “Cambridge Public Schools is
deeply grateful for CSV's long-standing and deep commitment to our
students. In addition to the daily tutoring and support the volunteers
provide, we view CSV as a key partner in building a strong sense of
community which extends beyond the door of the schoolhouse. I speak for
our entire staff when I say we look forward to working with Jennifer
Fries to develop the potential for adult volunteers to meet the learning
needs of our diverse student body."
As Executive Director, Fries will lead the organization in its
efforts to recruit, train, and place more than 900 volunteer tutors and
volunteers within the Cambridge Public Schools. CSV’s volunteers work
with students from junior kindergarten on up to 12th grade, in every
elementary school across the city, as well as at Cambridge Rindge and
Latin School, the city’s public high school. CSV volunteers assist in
the classroom, tutor students who have fallen behind or who need that
extra help in their AP classes, read aloud to promote love of books,
coach Science Olympiad and other enrichment activities, promote math
literacy, provide career mentoring, share their love of music and the
arts, and even help first generation students to apply for college.
Fries’ management background was extremely attractive to CSV. She is
an experienced fundraiser, a 2005 graduate of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy
School of Government, and a Cambridge public school parent. Fries’
background includes community involvement and work with a number of
education, non-violence, and anti-poverty groups. Fries most recently
headed up fund development and policy for One Family, Inc. From
2002-2004, Fries was Executive Director of CSV. Fries’ daughter attends
the Amigos School.
Fries said, “I am thrilled to be returning to CSV. Today, education
is the key to our community’s vibrancy and growth. More than ever, we
need to ensure that there is no achievement gap between our kids, and
that we convey high expectations for all children. CSV’s volunteers
give kids the boost they need to succeed and excel in math, reading,
science, and the humanities. From the retired college professor to the
biotech whiz kid, volunteers bring something special to the classroom.”
To volunteer in the schools this year, call 617.349.6794 or visit www.csvinc.org.