KIPP in Touch

April 2019 Issue #8

Seniors Speak: Talking College & Future Goals

Spring can be a whirlwind for high school seniors. From planning for graduation to searching for prom outfits and preparing for life after high school, our KIPP DC College Preparatory seniors have been hard at work making sure they finish the year strong. To date, the class of 2019 has submitted more than 1,400 applications to colleges and universities across the country. 25 of those applications are from Jayln and Lawrence, who shed light on their college search experience as their senior year winds down. Read more from Jayln and Lawrence.

Classroom Spotlight

2nd Grade Binghamton University

KIPP DC Lead Academy

Earlier this month, KIPP in Touch visited Lead Academy  and stopped by the Binghamton University classroom, led by Ms. Heidy Pichardo. KIPPsters were learning to use bar models to solve one and two step story models in Math. We stuck around for Reader’s Workshop, where students were concluding their chapter book unit by focusing on character development and author’s craft.

“I truly enjoy seeing my scholars flourish in areas that challenged them when the school year started,” remarked Ms. Pichardo when asked what she enjoys most about working with this group of KIPPsters. “They have become excellent problem solvers, and I love how they challenge each other during discussions to think beyond the prompt and prove their ideas.”

Congratulations to the Binghamton University classroom for being this month’s classroom spotlight. View more photos from this month’s visit!

Northeast Academy wins 2019 KIPP Cup

Move over March Madness, there’s another spring basketball tournament you need to be aware of! The 2019 KIPP Cup took place April 5-6 in New York City, where KIPPsters from middle schools across the east coast traveled to compete for national honors and bond with fellow KIPP team and family members. KIPP DC Northeast Academy went undefeated throughout, defeating KIPP Washington Heights in the championship game. Valor and KEY Academy’s boys and girls basketball teams also represented KIPP DC during the two-day event. Read more about Northeast Academy’s huge win.

Updates Across the Network

TNTP Survey: Thank you to those of you that have already completed the TNTP staff survey. For those of you who have not yet, please complete the survey before you head into the weekend.  We are excited to get your feedback and input on the KIPP DC staff experience. Please complete the survey by Friday, April 26. This work is critically important to making investments and improvements in our staff and culture, and your feedback matters!

School Calendars: View finalized calendars for the 2019-20 school year.

 

 

The KIPP in Touch Podcast: Lauren Catalano on KIPP DC's Partnership With Somerset Prep

This month's KIPP in Touch Podcast focuses on KIPP DC's 2020 priority of "EXPANDING OUR IMPACT." Earlier in the school year, KIPP DC announced a partnership with Somerset Prep Academy to operate both a middle and high school at the current Somerset location starting next school year. Lauren Catalano, principal of Somerset Prep Academy, sat down with us to talk about what she’s most excited for Somerset's students and families to gain from the partnership, and what makes the educational experience at Somerset unique.

Upcoming Dates

  • Wednesday, May 1 - Teacher Development Day, early dismissal for KIPP DC College Preparatory
  • Tuesday, May 14 - Citywide Safe Passage convening at KIPP DC College Preparatory
  • Friday, May 24 - Early dismissal for all schools
  • Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day, all schools closed

Social Media Highlights

Follow us and stay up to date on the latest happenings around KIPP DC!

Campus Snapshots

  • Author Leah Henderson visited AIM Academy earlier this month to discuss and sign her book "Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America."

  • KIPPsters at our Shaw Campus enjoying the spring weather with a little lunchtime yoga.

Did You Know?

Professional Development Opportunities

Fellowship in Special Education: Apply now for the Fellowship in Special Education! Fellows complete coursework throughout the summer and school year, and upon completion can gain licensure in special education, and will be eligible for a $4,500 taxable bonus. Applications are due by May 10. Please reach out to Martha Hoffman with any questions.

Relay Master’s of Arts in Teaching: Apply now for the Relay Master’s of Arts in Teaching! This is an opportunity to earn a fully-subsidized master’s degree and improve your instructional effectiveness. Coursework will include pedagogy, specific content, and involve a significant amount of real-time practice and feedback. Applications, which require school leader support, are due by May 1. Please reach out to Rebecca Maltzman with any questions.

Classroom Spotlight Nomination

Do you know a special group of KIPPsters that deserves recognition for their outstanding performance?

Contact us and let us know!