Welcome to the Rising Stars of Massachusetts 2012!

In November, Governor Patrick released his education agenda, and the first item on his list was ensuring that children in Massachusetts become proficient readers by the end of third grade. The path to literacy - and reading success by third grade - begins at birth and includes high-quality early education. The governor is now preparing his recomendations for the fiscal year 2013 budget. He needs to hear from you. Let the governor know you share his commitment to providing opportunities for success to all Massachusetts children. Urge him to prioritize investing in our "rising stars" in the FY13 budget.

You can help by having children in your program decorate paper stars and asking families, educators, and staff at your program to complete a support letter to the Legislature. Click the links to the right for more information.

Last year, children across Massachusetts sent thousands of decorated "Rising Stars" to Governor Patrick urging him to preserve and protect the progress the commonwealth has made on behalf of children and families. This year, let's send more!

Please send your stars to Governor Patrick at the State House by Wednesday, January 18 2012 - the earlier the better! And please send us early educator and family support letters along with your participation form to the address below:

Mike McLaughlin
Strategies for Children
400 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02110

For more information about Rising Stars of Massachusetts 2011 please contact Mike McLaughlin, EEA Field Director at 617-778-6448.