KIPP in Touch

November 2019 Vol. 2, Issue #4

LEGO Robotics Clubs "STEM"-ulate Learning for KIPPsters

While LEGOs are a ubiquitous childhood toy, for KIPPsters at KIPP DC middle schools, they are tools used to help solve real-world science and technology challenges through the LEGO Robotics clubs at KEY, Valor, Northeast, WILL, and AIM Academies. First piloted last year at AIM and WILL Academies, the program has grown in size and scope due in part to a $10,000 Amazon Future Engineer Robotics grant. Find out more about how KIPPsters are growing academically and socially through the LEGO Robotics clubs.

Equity in Action

Temple University

VALOR ACADEMY

November’s “Equity in Action” features the Temple University classroom at Valor Academy led by Teana Fields. On establishing a sense of belonging in her classroom, she shared, “I make the effort to know as much as I can get to know about my students and their individual interests outside of school. Whether it be sports, anime, or hair and make-up, I love learning from them and about what they care about.”

She added, “Teaching is a give and take relationship. I may teach them something in class, but I learn just as much from them. And it builds respect and a want to learn, because they know they are being listened to and that you care.”

View more photos from this month’s visit!

Updates Across the Network

As we head into Thanksgiving Break and look ahead to winter, here are a few updates on key initiatives happening across the organization:

KIPP DC’s 2020-21 Vice Principal Pool Application

As part of our commitment to equity and transparency, we are launching a public and streamlined vice principal pool selection process for the 2020-21 school year. This process will allow any internal KIPP DC employee who is interested in a vice principal role to apply and progress through a selection process. We hope this approach will provide clarity around responsibilities, requirements, and the selection process for vice principals. The deadline to apply for the 2020-21 vice principal pool is Friday, January 17, 2020. Interested teammates can access the application here. View full list of competencies as well as a FAQ that outlines the three-step application process.

“KIPP DC at 25”

Earlier this month, we introduced you to our “KIPP DC at 25” strategic plan as we step back as an organization to evaluate our impact and focus our efforts on where we want KIPP DC to be in five years. If you haven’t already, please take the “KIPP DC at 25” staff survey before you wrap up for Thanksgiving break. Your voice and perspective is crucial in shaping the future of our organization and what we can do better to set our students, families, alumni, and ourselves up for success. As we look ahead to December, we look forward to hosting nearly 30 campus-based focus groups and turning the input we receive there and through the “KIPP DC at 25” staff survey into a vision and plan for the future. 

Ferebee-Hope Second High School Facility

Last week, KIPP DC had the opportunity to present our proposal for a permanent second high school facility in Ward 8 at the Ferebee-Hope recreation center. We had more than 300 students, families, and staff members attend and show their support for our proposal. We expect to have an update from Mayor Bower’s team on if the site will be awarded to KIPP DC in the next month or two. Thank you to everyone involved who helped provide content, reviewed the submission, and supported our proposal in being so strong. 

Upcoming Dates

  • Monday, Nov. 25-Friday, Nov. 29 - Thanksgiving Break, all schools closed
  • Wednesday, Nov. 27-Friday, Nov. 29 - Thanksgiving Break, HDQ closed
  • Friday, Dec 6 - Wellness & Development Day
  • Thursday, Dec 12 - KIPP DC College Preparatory Winter Arts Showcase
  • Monday, Dec 23-Friday, Jan 3 - Winter Break, all schools closed

Social Media Highlights

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

Campus Snapshots

  • Check out the new mural at KIPP DC’s Somerset Campus, embracing the rich history and culture of DC!

  • The KCP Panthers continue their historic season in November with a 42-0 win over Richard Wright in the DC Charter School Championship!

Did You Know?

Landed Homeownership Support Program

Landed is a new homebuyer education program open to teachers, school administrators, and staff—who have worked in education for at least two years—that supports them in becoming homeowners by providing a personalized team that includes a partner agent and home buying expert. 

Landed also provides down payment assistance towards a home through its shared equity down payment program. The down payment program offers up to $120,000 to help educators get to a 20% down payment, with no income restrictions.

More info on how Landed works.

Equity in Action Nomination

Our schools create learning environments that are joyful, authentic, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Nominate a classroom at your school for their care of students and classroom culture!