KIPP in Touch

March 2024 Vol. 3, Issue 3

KIPP DC Alumnus Nina Meyers is Writing Her Own History

Before Nina Meyers was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Finance and growth equity investor for Goldman Sachs, she was a KIPPster walking the halls of KEY Academy. We caught up with her to discover more about her journey from KIPP DC KEY Academy to joining Goldman Sachs and leading a $1o billion dollar investment to narrow opportunity gaps for at least one million Black women. Read more about Nina’s amazing journey!

Classroom Spotlight

University of Tennessee

KIPP DC LEAD Academy

We visited LEAD Academy this month to stop into the 3rd grade University of Tennessee classroom lead by Ms. Aya Barnes! When we stopped in, her class was engaging in reading fluency and lessons on Black History.

She enjoys guiding students through their academic journey and “witnessing their growth and development, both intellectually and personally.” It’s incredibly rewarding to see students overcome challenges, grasp difficult concepts, and gain confidence in their abilities,” she said.

“Building strong relationships with students and being able to support them not only academically but also emotionally is fulfilling. Seeing their curiosity ignited and witnessing their passion for learning flourish is what drives my dedication to teaching. Ultimately, knowing that I’ve played a role, no matter how small, in shaping their future success is immensely gratifying.”

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

Be Strong, Be Smart, Be Bold.

Wednesday afternoons come alive on the fifth floor of KIPP DC College Prep as 20 high school girls gather for Bold Girls Society, a transformative Girls Inc. partnership program. This empowering initiative serves as a catalyst, fostering leadership and creating a vibrant community of strong, smart, and bold young women. Learn more about the Bold Girls Society!

Updates Across the Network

School Calendars

School calendars for the 2024-25 school year were recently finalized. Here are a few key dates to have on your radar for the start of next school year:

  • Family Engagement Days: Monday, August 12
  • First day of school for Prek3-8: Tuesday, August 13
  • First day of school for High School: Thursday, August 15

View calendars for students, school-based staff, and headquarters below.

2024-25 Fellowship in Special Education Applications

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.

Volunteers for KIPP DC Family Reunion

Family Appreciation Week is April 1-6! This year, we will be hosting an appreciation event open to all KIPP DC families on Saturday, April 6 from 12 – 3 pm at Oxon Run Park (1100 Valley Ave SE). We’ll have games, food, face painting, live music, student performances, and more! We are looking for volunteers to assist with the event. If interested please complete this form by Friday, March 29. Please email Tierra Reeves or Vanessa Gerideau with questions.

Family Referral Raffle

Refer a new family by March 15 for a chance to win a KIPP DC Movie Pack ($400). The KIPP DC Movie Pack includes a projector and a larger snack box. One raffle entry for every new family referral submitted. Each month, we will announce new prizes, so check our site and refer often. Refer a family by March 15!

 

Upcoming Dates

  • Thursday, March 14 - Family-Teacher Conferences
  • Friday, March 15 - Development & Wellness + 2nd Annual Black Male Educators Convening
  • Thursday, March 21 - All HDQ Spring Meeting
  • April 1-April 6 - Family Appreciation Week

Social Media Highlights

Campus Snapshots

  • March 3 – 9 is Mental Health Practitioner Week! We are grateful for our MHPs and all they do to help us create positive and affirming school cultures across our campuses!

  • The KEY Academy HBCU Club headed to Delaware State University earlier this month, fostering exposure and celebrating the enduring legacy of HBCUs!

Did You Know?

KIPProm

KIPProm is the most memorable school dance yet! Enjoy a night of dancing and fun as we raise money to support KIPP Forward and the crucial work they do to support current and future KIPP DC alumni.

Purchase Tickets!