October, 2021

New York State Department of Education,

At Launch, parents are partners! We believe that in order to meet the needs of every student, partnering with and engaging parents/families is very important. Studies have shown that regardless of family income or background, students whose parents/families are involved in their education are more likely to have higher grades/test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills and adapt to school well.
Launch Charter School provides a welcoming and engaging space for all families and staff  to come together as one community to collaborate on policy, culture and our Habits of Heart and Mind decisions.

The Parent Association Mission Statement reads: The Launch Parent Association encourages and equips families to be active participants in the social, emotional and educational life of their children.
We are able to reach these goals by having the full support of staff who volunteer to participate in Parent Association Meetings for dissemination of important school wide information, utilizing best practices for academic and social emotional success. Our school wide celebrations are a holistic approach to making every student feel worthy of respect. Launch understands that representation matters and our enrichment programs mirror our student population embedding pride and a foundation of knowing who they are.
We have seen the growth in our children, their increased self-esteem, their ability to advocate for themselves, become involved in social justice activities and community projects which gives them agency in the world around them. There aren’t many schools like Launch. Launch is not only educating our children but they are giving them experiences to become well rounded, informed and expressive children. Launch needs to be renewed because it’s a safe haven for many of the children that attend. It has renewed parents' faith in helping their children learn.

This is why we believe that Launch Charter School’s five year renewal should be granted. We also are advocating for Launch Charter Schools expansion, we are certain that the continued implementation of high expectations and execution in academics while nurturing social emotional needs would be of great benefit to our children ultimately in a  k-12 setting.  Please grant the expansion to high school.

Here are some testimonials from Launch parents:
“Launch is a phenomonal  School. Academics isn’t the only reason why parents love Launch. The school is raising socially and emotionally aware young adults.They are grooming the kids to be wonderful leaders in the future and equipping them with the tools needed to navigate in this world.

This school is a must have in the community. There are little to no schools in the area that loves and cares for the students the way Launch does.The opportunities for the children at the school are endless and If they don’t have it at school, they bring in the help.The children have voices at this school and are heard.They are teaching them to love themselves and others.This school teaches them about people from all walks of life, ethics and social issues in the world. Also it is a safe community for the children.I don’t have to worry about the safety of my child while she is in Launch care.

The expansion of Launch would be a huge help to this community with bridging the gap from community and school.They would be able to help more children and parents. Every child should be able to experience a great learning environment no matter their background or where they are from. Launch will be able to do that on a bigger scale than they already do.”   (Danielle Jones | mother of 7th grade student Layana Jones)

“As a new Launch parent, I was looking for a school that wasn’t only concerned with my son’s academic needs but his social, emotional and mental needs. I was looking for a school that offered opportunities that would benefit the whole child. I was also looking for a school that wouldn’t take away from his identity. They have proven to be a school that goes out of their way to help their black and brown students achieve success in every way. They are always looking for opportunities to fill their gaps to learn more about their black and brown students. We believe that expanding the school would be a great idea and it will give them the capacity to do more great work.” (Thamar Innocent | mother of 6th grade student Elias Innocent)

“My overall experience with Launch has been amazing. They are very reachable and you get a quick response unlike those places that take forever to get back to you and I love it.  My older daughter graduated from Launch a few years back and she was very prepared for high school."  (Michelle Lightell | mother of 7th grade student Aaliyah Fowler)

"My daughters have been at Launch since the 6th grade.. it’s been wonderful; we left public school and came to charter school and it has been an amazing experience.  I am appreciative for the hands-on approach and constant communication from the teachers.   Launch really supports students and families throughout the process. I know the girls will go to great high schools.” (Crystal Flunory | mother of 8th grade students Jhamaiya & Jhonaé Flunory)

Respectfully Submitted,

Launch Charter School Parent Association

Ms. Marcia Ward Mitchell -  Outreach Coordinator      
Ms. Ikara Burgess - Fundraising Coordinator
Ms. Lucienne Charlotte  - Fundraising Committee
Ms. Danielle Jones- Outreach Committee
Ms. Thamar Innocent- Outreach Committee
Ms. Sheryl Davis - Parent Engagement Coordinator