August 2025 Newsletter
No Hoops - No Bars
At Root 2 Rise, we believe that "welcome" is not just a word - it’s a promise. Our nonprofit refuses to make participation conditional upon grades, attendance, or any rigid criteria. We see potential in every student and offer a space where youth can reengage in learning without jumping through hoops. No paperwork hurdles. No academic blockades. Just a genuine invitation to belong.
Leadership and community flourish when access is open, not gated. Whether a student’s attendance has been spotty or their grades aren’t stellar, our message is always steady, come as you are, we value you. Root 2 Rise harnesses existing school resources to foster engagement, empowering students to become academic tutors and behavioral mentors (Tutor‑Mentors) who guide younger learners while building their own confidence and skills.
When we say “all are welcome,” we mean it—no hoops, no bars, just the steadfast belief that, given the chance, every young person will rise.
—Denise Hanson, Founder & Executive Director
One City Schools - Four Years of ‘Absolutely Inspiring’ Partnership
“Our kids love Tutor-Mentors. They absolutely inspire younger students,” said Kaleem Caire, Founder and CEO of One City Schools.
Caire said the Madison charter school is a “laboratory for the state” that couples innovative methods of education with the goal of “nurturing interest in making the world a better place.”
Currently, 540 students from preschool through high school are enrolled. Most (92 percent) are students of color, 70 percent are from households in poverty, and 20 percent have special needs.
Kaleem Caire, Founder and CEO of One City Schools
“Our goal is to help these young people who historically have not had as much success in public schools,” said Maria Dyslin, One City’s chief academic officer.
Several former Tutor-Mentors have been employed by One City as student support paraprofessionals. Dyslin believes Root 2 Rise could similarly inspire younger students to pursue careers in education.
“Our rewarding partnership with One City Schools has had durable and far-reaching results,” said Denise Hanson, executive director and founder of Root 2 Rise.
“Our partnership with Root 2 Rise makes sense,” Caire said.
Caire cited “politics” as the biggest obstacle facing One City, most notably the misconception that charter schools directly benefit from referendums that fund public schools.
“We’re expected to get better results with less money,” he said. He understands that public concern about racial injustice prompted by George Floyd’s murder seems to have subsided, but is alarmed over a concomitant decrease in concern over what should be “our highest national priority — the welfare of children.”
Tutor-Mentor Spotlights
Four Tutor-Mentors helped younger students at Lighthouse Christian School this summer, including Ian Arenas,17, who enjoyed the students so much he said it was difficult to leave them. He might consider teaching (but still plans on majoring in philosophy in college). Partner Teacher Alejandra Blanco said Arenas was “active and lovable with the kids. He made my job easier. I’m very thankful for Root 2 Rise.”
Lera Pool, 17, said Root 2 Rise demonstrated how difficult teaching can be. Even so, the experience convinced her to become an elementary school teacher. In her first semester with Root 2 Rise, she learned to set boundaries. During her second semester, “I learned how I affect kids, and know I make a difference.” She plans to attend college in North Carolina.
Willow Wilson, 19, used her stipend to save for college. After attending Madison College for a year, she will attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and major in graphic design. “I’ve always been quiet and reserved,” she said, which prompted her to pay special attention to younger students who were also quiet. “They opened up and came up and asked me questions. It was nice seeing that.'“
She said her mother noticed that she was “more mature and organized” due to Root 2 Rise. If her schedule had permitted, Wilson said she would eagerly have participated again, “even without the stipend.”
Community Outreach
Root 2 Rise distributed information at Madison’s Unity Picnic on July 26 where (from left) Outreach Coordinator Joe Thigpen, Jr. and Executive Director Denise Hanson were joined by supporters Ariel Ford and Lorie Olson.
A Step Further
Tutor-Mentor Ol’livia Jonson (left) and Partner Teacher Hanna Davis.
Ol’livia Johnson knows the value of helping others, thanks to Root 2 Rise.
Sharing her math “tips and tricks” helped a struggling student finally pass a multiplication test, an achievement that brought Johnson to tears.
It was one of many experiences that solidified her desire to be a special education teacher.
“I realized that I am truly a role model even in the small things I do,” she said, noting that young students took reading more seriously when they saw her reading.
“I’ve always been an extrovert but Root 2 Rise has taken me a step further to be able to speak out in my life with family and friends, too.”
As a senior at Reynolds Learning Academy (near Portland, Oregon), she believes she will bring the “energy and hope” she derived from helping first and second graders to her role as a Tutor-Mentor for fourth graders this fall.
"I love telling people about Root 2 Rise,” she said.
