14th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event
Oct
15
1:00 PM13:00

14th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event

RIISEing Together As One!

Join us at the 14th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event!

Get ready for an exciting day of networking and discovering new opportunities. We're back at the YMCA of Greenwich, located on East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, CT.

Check out last year's event!

On October 15, connect with independent school recruiters and explore a wide range of independent school options. Whether you've been to recruitment events and open houses or just starting your journey, this intimate boutique event is perfect for anyone looking to make valuable connections and identify dream school communities.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to meet admission experts and enrolled families, learn about different schools, and gain valuable insights into culturally responsive communities.

You are not alone!

Mark your calendars and join us at the 14th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event!

RSVP Here Today [https://RIISEFBRE23.eventbrite.com

 

Participating Schools...check back as this list grows to accommodate your boutique recruitment experience!

Brunswick School

The Pennington School

St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's School

Riverdale Country School * School Fair Sponsor

St. Luke's School CT

Sacred Heart Greenwich

Ethical Culture Fieldston School

Rye Country Day School

St. Luke's School NYC

...more to come!

 
 
 
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Igniting Genius Week  On Martha's Vineyard!
Aug
15
to Aug 17

Igniting Genius Week On Martha's Vineyard!

Igniting Genius Pitch Competition

Target audience: College students: rising first year, sophomores & juniors

Dates: August 17, 2023, in-person pitch on Martha's Vineyard

Overview: The Igniting Genius Pitch Competition is aimed at 25 self-identifying BIPOC college students who will be rising first-year, sophomores, or juniors this summer. Participants will receive mentorship and coaching to build social impact solutions to a real-world problem posed by PwC. Ultimately, students will pitch their solution to a panel of PwC judges with the possibility to earn up to $1,000 in entrepreneurship credits and the opportunity to be considered for an interview for an internship with PwC for Summer 2024!

Application Materials

Igniting Genius Pitch Competition Application

 
 
 
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RIISE Up Parent Leadership Night
Aug
8
6:00 PM18:00

RIISE Up Parent Leadership Night

Join RIISE for an empowering evening of growth and collaboration at RIISE UP: Parent Leadership Night. This event focuses on optimizing parent-school partnerships to advocate for students of color. We'll explore how to enhance curriculum, culture, and engagement. It's time to show up, take up space, and lead by example as we have those necessary and difficult conversations. Together, we'll leave a legacy, leveraging the investment in independent schools while affirming ourselves and our kids. Discover best practices, hear from current parent leaders, and participate in our affinity group think tank. We're committed to the overall success of our scholars socially and emotionally, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity, while ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. Let's strike a balance between cultural celebration and impactful strategic plans. Together we'll RIISE as one.

RSVP Today - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riise-up-parent-leadership-night-tickets-673286216197?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.4riise.org/

https://www.instagram.com/4riise/

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11th RIISE Parent Power Conference - Responsive Recruitment + Enrollment
Jun
11
2:00 PM14:00

11th RIISE Parent Power Conference - Responsive Recruitment + Enrollment

 

A conference designed for black & brown families to access, network, and successfully navigate independent school education & community.

Start early by,

1. researching pK-12 options in spring

2. attending school open houses in spring

3. applying earlier during fall admission season

4. applying to earlier entry grades

5. registering for RIISEPPC’s spring experience

RIISE TIP: #4 can be a strategic admission game-changer. Don’t wait.

Join other families on an educational journey and meet independent school admission decision-makers, thought-leaders, and parent advocates who value your cultural and social capital.

Resources In Independent School Education is prepared to offer you a culturally responsive experience as you consider the financial and social investment.

You will learn important tips on navigating and negotiating the process of getting in and thriving in an independent school for the overall success of your young scholar. And, make important connections!

You can always depend on RIISE to create and hold space that is powered by a roadmap designed for PK-12 independent day and boarding school success.

We're over the moon that Barnard College is our host venue again!

Register today to increase your awareness, access, admission, and enrollment in independent school education.

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What can you expect on June 11?

2:00 - Conference Welcome

2:05 - Keynote Discussion

2:35 - Parent Power Sessions

I Expert Admission Sessions

II Expert Enrollment Sessions

3:30 - Independent School Recruitment Fair

5:00 - Conference Close

Thank you in advance for joining us. And spreading the word!

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The Early-Birds! We'll continue to update you here as our independent school list grows this spring!

Riverdale Country School Co-ed | PK-12 | Day | Bronx, NY | * RIISE Member | **Session Sponsor

Horace Mann School Co-ed | N -12 | Day | Bronx, NY | * RIISE Member

Rye Country Day School Co-ed | Pk -12 | Day | Rye, NY | *RIISE Member

Grace Church School Co-ed | PK-12 | Day | New York, NY

Roberts Field School Co-ed | N - 5 | Day | Brooklyn , NY | *RIISE Member

St. Luke's School Co-ed | 5-12 | Day | New Canaan, CT | *RIISE Member

The Browning School Boys | K-12 | Day | New York, NY | *RIISE Member

Greenwich Academy Girls | PK-12 | Day | Greenwich, CT | *RIISE Member

Brunswick School Boys |PK-12 | Day | Greenwich, CT | *RIISE Member

The Spence School Girls | K-12 | Day | New York, NY

St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's School Co-ed | PK-12 | Day | New York, NY | * RIISE Member

The Buckley School Boys | K-9 | Day | New York, NY

The Chapin School Girls | K-12 | Day | New York, NY

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Brown Butter Collective
Apr
22
10:30 AM10:30

Brown Butter Collective

 

Let's Have Some Fun Celebrating You!

Your success as a high-achieving 8-12th grade Black independent girl scholar is Our future

The Brown Butter Collective (BBC) returns Saturday, April 22, 11a-3p  at Avenues New York in Chelsea to celebrate and uplift Black girlhood! 

Curated with love and activated by influencers like lululemon,  the Brown Butter Collective is for the love of You, our Black Girl Scholars!

Get ready for an afternoon of loving & affirming experiences activated by influencers that value your well being! 

 *More experiences are being added to this magical day every day!!!!                                                                   

*Lunch, snacks, and swag included!  *There's a Mother/Caregiver Lounge too!  *Limited Space Available

-Cost: $150 per scholar (includes mom or caregiver)-

***Note, participating schools are covering the registration cost for their students. 

If your school is not listed you are more then welcome to register and make payment by midnight  4.20, by filling out this pre-registration and making payment


Much Love,

BBC Organizers:

Gina Parker Collins - Indy School Trailblazer (917.370.2840, ginaparkercollins@gmail.com)

Stacy Pettus-Parker - Fashion Industry Veteran

Two mothers who wished really hard for a collective like Brown Butter for their Black girl scholars!

 
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Early Childhood: Preparing for the Best Possible Foundation
Mar
25
10:30 AM10:30

Early Childhood: Preparing for the Best Possible Foundation

 

Join us virtually at 10:30-11:30 am this Saturday, March 25 and we'll share with you conscious-parenting tips that supports early childhood development and education.

Getting your young child ready for school is more than ABC and 1,2,3!

You'll learn about:

-brain development -breaking down the neuroscience into digestible parts
-social-emotion skills -offering a few examples of how to develop
-activities to prepare your child for early education

and...

  • The importance of creativity and mindfulness in developing cognitive skills.

  • The benefits of a 'pedagogy of place' for young learners to acquire new knowledge and skills within the context of familiar and personal content.

  • The benefits of integrating nature into learning for both cognitive benefits as well as an early sense of connection and subsequent responsibility for conservation and sustainability.  

  • The importance of explicit instruction for anti-bias and anti-racism integrated into all aspects of the scope and sequence of curriculum.

Presenter: Roberts Field School Carney O'Brien, Co-Director, Park Slope, Brooklyn 

Co-Presenter: Olufemi Yeshua EL, MEd early childhood education, Faculty, Teacher Ed, BMCC

You will receive information about how to join this virtual event shortly.

Happy Spring!

Gina Parker Collins

Founder, RIISE - Resources In Independent School Education

@4RIISE

 
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Brunch & Painting a Vision for Education
Dec
11
2:00 PM14:00

Brunch & Painting a Vision for Education

 

Sunday, December 11, 2022
2:00 to 4:00 pm

Be our guest, bring a friend/neighbor, and join us this Sunday, December 11, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, at Hudson Social in Stamford, CT, as we paint a vision for our young scholar's education! 

With parents & caregivers from Rye Country Day School, we are hosting this enjoyable gathering to inspire the academic, social, emotional, cultural, and even financial considerations that inform decisions about education.

We'll start with an informal yet informative Brunch and then close with an intentional moment to Paint Our Vision for education. This curated moment will send you home with your masterpiece that will inspire and guide your family's educational journey!

Space is limited. Register today!

Brunch begins at 2 pm at Hudson Social - 128 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT  

Painting Inspiration follows with your version of Jacob Lawrence's Panel 58 Migration Series

Sponsored by Rye Country Day School

Hosted by Gina Parker Collins - RIISE (Resources In Independent School Education)

Guest Dr. Stefanie Chambers, Department Chair at Trinity College

Paint Instructor Chermia Amour @chermiaamourart


 
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13th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event
Oct
9
1:00 PM13:00

13th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event

 

Sunday, October 9, 2022
1:00 to 4:30 pm

Come and experience why an independent school education for your young scholar can be a game changer for your family and its legacy. Will you show up to position your young scholar?

This fall, we are in a new venue, just a little further north of Bronxville, in Greenwich, CT! Register today to participate and engage with decision-makers from excellent schools in New York City, Westchester & Fairfield counties.

Joining us in keynote discussion to push the opportunity forward and power your independent school experience is former WNBA star & point guard badee (watch NYC Point Gods on Netflix), actress, ed-tech entrepreneur, and indy school alumna, the dynamic Niesha Butler.

If you're considering applying for PreK, Kindergarten, 6th, 9th, or any grade in between, give yourself the gift of time, insight, and networks as early as possible to shine bright during this and future admission seasons.

Register today, and we'll open doors of opportunity with an independent school education on Sunday, October 9. Check back here often for updates on participating schools and sponsors.

In community,

Gina

Gina Parker Collins, Founder, Resources In Independent School Education - RIISE

Participating Schools & Sponsors:

Riverdale Country School [pK-12] | Co-ed Day |[Bronx]** School Fair Sponsor

Greenwich Academy [pK-12] | Girl Day | [Greenwich] **

Horace Mann School [N-12] | Co-ed Day | [Bronx] **

St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s [N-8] | Co-ed Day | [Manhattan]**

Westover School [9-12] | Girl Boarding | [CT]**

Sacred Heart Greenwich [pK-12] | Girl Day | [Greenwich]

Rye Country Day School [pK-12] | Co-ed Day | [Rye]**

Ethical Culture Fieldston School [pK-12] | Co-ed Day | [Bronx] ** Parent Advocate Sponsor

King School [pK-12] | Co-ed Day | [Stamford] Venue Sponsor

Greenwich Country Day School [N-12] | Co-ed Day| [Greenwich]

Brunswick School [pK-12] | Boy Day | [Greenwich] **

St. Luke's School [5-12] | Co-ed Day | [New Canaan] **

Greens Farms Academy [pK-12] | Coe-ed Day | [Wesport]

The Browning School [K-12] | Boy Day | [Manhattan]

The Harvey School [6-12] | Co-ed Day & Boarding | [Katonah]

Foxcroft School [9-12] | Girl Boarding | [Virginia] **

**RIISE Member Schools

Register today: https://RIISEFBRE22.eventbrite.com

 
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Prep Alumni Affairs - The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions
Sep
15
6:00 PM18:00

Prep Alumni Affairs - The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions

 

Thursday, September 15, 2022

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Join us at the Collegiate School for an evening with Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, the authors of "The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions," as they take a deep dive into the intricacies of the college admissions process and discuss the unique challenges that face Black families today. This in-person event will be hosted by Prep for Prep Trustee and Collegiate alumnus Jerry Bright with an introduction by Prep for Prep's CEO, Ruth Jurgensen. Proof of vaccination is required and all guests must wear a mask for the duration of the event.

Registration closes on Tuesday, 9.13 @ 6pm https://prepriise.eventbrite.com

The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions at Collegiate

Thursday, September 15, 2022

6pm-8pm

301 Freedom Pl S, New York, NY 10069

 
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Thriving in Independent School,  A DISCUSSION WITH KENDRA JAMES | ADMISSIONS: A MEMOIR OF SURVIVING BOARDING SCHOOL
Sep
13
6:30 PM18:30

Thriving in Independent School, A DISCUSSION WITH KENDRA JAMES | ADMISSIONS: A MEMOIR OF SURVIVING BOARDING SCHOOL

 

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a lively discussion with Kendra James, author of Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School, about finding your fit in independent schools. Moderated by Gina Parker Collins (founder/CEO of RIISE), we will talk about how students can find the dream school for their authentic selves. This is an in-person event hosted on the Harvey campus. 

Admissions is a sharp-witted and deeply insightful look into the storied world of elite prep schools from the first African-American legacy student to graduate from The Taft School.

RSVP- https://ThrivingIndependentSchool.eventbrite.com

 
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10th RIISE Martha's Vineyard Event
Aug
18
to Aug 19

10th RIISE Martha's Vineyard Event

Join us on April 11, 2022, from 7-8PM ET for a conversation with Mark Robinson and Raymond Smaltz, III, who will talk about their book, “Place of Privilege.” Mark and Ray are among the very first young Black men to attend The Dalton School. Their book tells the story about what happened to the Black boys placed into this strange new world, without any support system or rules of engagement.

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10th RIISE Parent Power Conference  - In Person!
Jun
5
2:00 PM14:00

10th RIISE Parent Power Conference - In Person!

Join us on April 11, 2022, from 7-8PM ET for a conversation with Mark Robinson and Raymond Smaltz, III, who will talk about their book, “Place of Privilege.” Mark and Ray are among the very first young Black men to attend The Dalton School. Their book tells the story about what happened to the Black boys placed into this strange new world, without any support system or rules of engagement.

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Caregiver Wellness Moment -A Fairchester Independent School Community Event
May
22
1:00 PM13:00

Caregiver Wellness Moment -A Fairchester Independent School Community Event

Join us on April 11, 2022, from 7-8PM ET for a conversation with Mark Robinson and Raymond Smaltz, III, who will talk about their book, “Place of Privilege.” Mark and Ray are among the very first young Black men to attend The Dalton School. Their book tells the story about what happened to the Black boys placed into this strange new world, without any support system or rules of engagement.

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*POSTPONED* RIISE & POLLYANNA AUTHOR NIGHT
Apr
11
7:00 PM19:00

*POSTPONED* RIISE & POLLYANNA AUTHOR NIGHT

Join us on April 11, 2022, from 7-8PM ET for a conversation with Mark Robinson and Raymond Smaltz, III, who will talk about their book, “Place of Privilege.” Mark and Ray are among the very first young Black men to attend The Dalton School. Their book tells the story about what happened to the Black boys placed into this strange new world, without any support system or rules of engagement.

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RIISE Admission Series: Got Questions? Admission Directors Respond
Sep
16
7:00 PM19:00

RIISE Admission Series: Got Questions? Admission Directors Respond

RIISEAdmission9:16.png
 

How do you successfully apply to an independent school during a pandemic?

...

Three admission leaders will address uncertainty and your questions!

...

Register Today

https://riiseadmissionseries.eventbrite.com

...

Independent school admission applications are LIVE!

...

This is no ordinary year. Do you feel confident about applying to day & boarding schools?

We know you have questions. We have the experts to address them!

...

Three admission leaders will provide you with inspiration and insight to support your admission journey!

Register here with your question(s) and we will see you next Wednesday, September 16!

https://riiseadmissionseries.eventbrite.com

...

Admission Experts:

Tammara Gary Westover School

Dwayne Pina St. George's School

Susan Mantilla-Goin Fay School

Moderator:

Gina Parker Collins RIISE

**you will receive your link to join the day of the event.

 
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How Black Parents Racially Socialize Young Scholars To Thrive In Indy Schools
Jul
22
4:00 PM16:00

How Black Parents Racially Socialize Young Scholars To Thrive In Indy Schools

We are here for families of color to increase awareness & have greater access to culturally responsive spaces that acknowledge educational disparities & barriers while affirming cultural capital and entitlement to a good education.

And, that’s what you get just by walking in the door at The RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event on 10.20 at Sarah Lawrence College central to NYC, Westchester, CT.

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Addressing  Impacts of Remote Learning for Independent School Students of Color Virtual
Apr
24
12:30 PM12:30

Addressing Impacts of Remote Learning for Independent School Students of Color Virtual

We are here for families of color to increase awareness & have greater access to culturally responsive spaces that acknowledge educational disparities & barriers while affirming cultural capital and entitlement to a good education.

And, that’s what you get just by walking in the door at The RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event on 10.20 at Sarah Lawrence College central to NYC, Westchester, CT.

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RIISE Member School Parent Of Color Event: Are You Looking For Me? Affirming Our Students & Ourselves
Apr
2
6:00 PM18:00

RIISE Member School Parent Of Color Event: Are You Looking For Me? Affirming Our Students & Ourselves

Copy of Flyer Card Title.png

It’s a fact, families of color are among the numerical minority in independent schools. Yet, we are not alone. The most vibrant and valuable school communities are those where parents of color seek each other out, develop as a resource network, and establish voice & visibility positively influencing various areas of the larger community.

As you may know, there are many advantages to affinity spaces, both on a personal and institutional level, and with buy-in from senior leadership, we look forward to exploring the ways to move ahead more intently.

POC, are you ready to re-connect with purpose in 2020?

Your school is not a RIISE member school? Want to learn more? Contact, info@4RIISE.org

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[CANCELLED/POSTPONED} A Hilltop Racial Literacy Parent Event: ...
Mar
3
6:00 PM18:00

[CANCELLED/POSTPONED} A Hilltop Racial Literacy Parent Event: ...

A Hilltop Racial Literacy Parent Event: How to (Further) Engage Our Children in Conversations About Race and Racism: Connecting the Classroom to Home.png

CANCELLED/POSTPONED - Check back for details

For children and adults living in the United States, race is a topic of great impact and importance. Even though race dominates our media and news cycles, our sense of identity and psyche, race and/or racism was something many parents did not learn about in their own education, and some households today do not proactively speak about it. Regularly, parents and guardians have questions, such as how and when to discuss race and how to maintain and embrace unity while doing so. A team of educators from Pollyanna have created a comprehensive, innovative K-8 Racial Literacy Curriculum and a Parent/Guardian Companion Guide to share essential knowledge about race, and how to engage in productive conversations about race and racism, both in the classroom and at home. Presenting to parents and guardians at Hilltop Schools, Monique Vogelsang, lead creator of this Curriculum and Guide, will review key racial literacy ideas and highlight books and media sources, discussion topics, and activities for families to further develop their racial literacy skills. By the end of the workshop, parents and guardians will learn essential information and strategies to engage their children in conversations about race. We will start promptly at 6 pm on Tuesday, March 3. Food will be served during the program. Meet us at Riverdale's Lower School Campus - 1 Spaulding Lane, Bronx, NY. We thank the Hill School Parent Association Committees for supporting this important event. Are you courageous? RSVP here https://forms.gle/wE5Mh2DCZLxFQjUy6

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Three Timely Tips To Finish The Indy School Admission Process Strong!
Oct
30
7:30 PM19:30

Three Timely Tips To Finish The Indy School Admission Process Strong!

 

Last week's 10th RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event started with honest and lively dialogue among parent advocates. We then moved onto an engaging school fair, and closed with the expert witness and testimony of admission directors & educators, sponsored by Riverdale Country and Metropolitan Montessori Schools!

These conversations continue as deadlines approach and RIISE wants to make sure you finish strong! Join us for this Wednesday's webinar as we share some admission secrets about this fascinating, selective, and subjective admission process!

We've got three crucial tips for each topic (that's a total of nine!) to help you close the deal:

*The Essay

*The Interview

*The Investment

Register to gain access to this pivotal and culturally relevant webinar!

RIISE Member Families are automatically registered to receive login information.

Not a member yet? Visit https://4riise.org/membership-signup/


 
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RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event
Oct
20
2:00 PM14:00

RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event

We are here for families of color to increase awareness & have greater access to culturally responsive spaces that acknowledge educational disparities & barriers while affirming cultural capital and entitlement to a good education.

And, that’s what you get just by walking in the door at The RIISE Fall Boutique Recruitment Event on 10.20 at Sarah Lawrence College central to NYC, Westchester, CT.

View Event →