KIPP in Touch

February 2024 Vol 3, Issue #2

Celebrating Black History Month

At KIPP DC, we aim to acknowledge and celebrate Black history all year, and we make additional efforts in February to recognize and honor the historical and current achievements of Black people in our local, national, and global community.  Look for the exciting news and highlights from our schools throughout February, as they engage our students in more learning and celebrating!  Take a few minutes to check out these resources to find out more about city-wide events, Black-owned businesses, and learning opportunities available throughout the month and beyond! 

Classroom Spotlight

2nd Grade

Saint Augustine’s University

Quest Academy

This month we stopped by Mr. Anthony Hagler’s 2nd grade classroom at Quest Academy for our Classroom Spotlight. When we popped in, students were learning more about character traits through the reading of African folktales.

“I enjoy seeing my students grow throughout the school year. My role as an educator is to encourage and push my students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. I enjoy witnessing my students demonstrate trial and error to empower a space for perseverance. I am totally fulfilled to see my young scholars display mastery of skills and progression in academics.”

I am a firm believer that all students have to ability and massive potential to learn. It brings me joy to see my scholars engaged, exploring, problem solving, and working with their peers. It is captivating to witness the growth mindset of second graders as they get ready for third grade.”

Congratulations to 2nd Grade Saint Augustine Classroom led by Mr. Hagler! Check out more photos from our visit!

Cultural Exploration at Promise Academy

For ten years, the Promise Academy Culture Fair has been advocating to foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and broadening students’ exposure to different ways of life. Take a trip around the world and learn more about the significance of this event to the students and staff at Promise Academy.

Check out photo highlights from this year’s Culture Fair!

Legacy College Prep’s NAF Tank Sparks Innovation

In a recent endeavor, Legacy College Prep hosted a NAF Tank competition, drawing inspiration from the popular business reality television series, Shark Tank. This initiative sparked the entrepreneurial spirit within students from the NAF Academy of  IT, offering a stage to not only showcase their creativity but also to refine essential skills such as public speaking and teamwork. Read more about this important initiative!

Updates Across the Network

Register for the Black Male Educators Convening

Join us for the KIPP DC Black Male Educator Convening: “Empowering Excellence – Black Male Educators Taking Ownership and Action of Our Personal and Professional Development.” This year’s convening will take place at KIPP DC College Preparatory (1405 Brentwood Parkway NE) on Friday, March 15. Registration is open until Monday, February 12This year, we’re featuring curated learning sessions for HDQ staff aligned with core competencies. Don’t miss out on this empowering event! 

Register for this year’s Black Male Educators Convening. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to director of school equity initiatives Andre Samuels with any questions.


2024-25 Fellowship in Special Education Applications: Now Open!

Teachers and staff at KIPP DC interested in engaging in professional development and gaining licensure in special education can apply to the 2024-25 Fellowship in Special Education cohort. The Fellowship in Special Education is a teacher development and licensure program serving schools and teachers across Washington, DC. In the Fellowship, participants will increase their capacity to implement and adapt supports to meet the needs of all students. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, Fellows become eligible to gain licensure in Special Education through DC’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

Apply for the 2024-25 Fellowship in Special Education. Visit the Fellowship in Special Education’s webpage for more information and/or email fellows@kippdc.org with questions.


 

Upcoming Dates

  • Friday, February 16 - Development & Wellness Day, all schools closed
  • Monday, February 19 - President's Day, all schools closed
  • Thursday, March 14 - Family Teacher Conferences, all schools closed
  • Friday, March 15 - Development & Wellness Day, all schools closed
  • Friday, March 15 - Black Male Educator's Convening @ KIPP DC College Prep

Social Media Highlights

Campus Snapshots

  • Schools recently crossed an important milestone - the 100th day of school! Check out the creative costumes from a few students at Connect Academy!

  • MAD SCIENCE is building future scientists at Pride Academy! This student is learning about the wonders of air pressure!

Did You Know?

One Medical

One Medical is a membership-based primary care practice that provides virtual access to a doctor, same-day appointments, and services including prevention, screening, lab work, and care for various conditions. Membership cost is covered for KIPP DC employees and eligible dependents. Register here using code KDC1MED.