KIPP in Touch

September 2019 Vol. 2, Issue #2

KIPP DC Hosts 8th Annual Citywide College Fair

More than 200 students and families from KIPP DC College Preparatory, Somerset College Preparatory, and schools across the District attended KIPP DC’s 8th Annual Citywide College Fair held at KIPP DC College Preparatory on Saturday, September 21. Representatives from more than 60 colleges and universities from across the country engaged attendees and answered questions about campus life, course offerings, activities, and financial aid at their respective schools. Read more about KIPP DC’s 8th Annual Citywide College Fair!

Equity in Action

Stevenson College

Quest Academy

September’s “Equity in Action” features the Stevenson College classroom at Quest Academy led by Eber Robinson. On establishing a sense of belonging in their classroom, they shared, “I knew when I became a teacher, I wanted my classroom to feel like a second home. I can remember being the age of the kids in my classroom and wanting to stay home with my family because it was my comfort zone, and I didn’t want to go to school.”

“I still remember the first classroom and teacher that made me feel welcome and gave me that feeling that I wanted to go to school, and that’s what I try to create here. I want this to feel like a second home for my students and know it’s a place they can learn, grow, and always feel welcome.”

View more photos from this month’s visit!

Heights Named 2019 National Blue Ribbon School

Today, it was announced that KIPP DC Heights Academy has been named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for their commitment to excellence and equity. Three KIPP DC Schools have won the National Blue Ribbon School Award. Heights Academy joins Promise Academy in 2018 and KEY Academy in 2007 in earning this distinction.

The National Blue Ribbon School award honors public and private schools where students achieve at high levels. Since 1982, more than 8,000 of America’s schools have received this prestigious award. Read more about Heights Academy being named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School!

Feedback on Permanent Second High School Facility

As we shared at the All-Staff Kickoff in July, KIPP DC is currently working to secure a permanent home for our second high school. We aspire for this school campus to be a community school, a hub of learning, recreation, and community benefits.

The Deputy Mayor For Education has released the Ferebee-Hope school site in Ward 8 for charters to submit revitalization proposals for. We believe this would be an ideal location to build a permanent high school, with all the amenities, classroom space, and fields we have at KIPP DC College Preparatory. We are in the process of collecting feedback and would appreciate staff insights. We’ve been working with families and the community, but we also value your insights as we work toward the proposal deadline in November. Please take a brief survey today to help shape our plans for Ferebee-Hope.

We will have an important hearing on our proposal in mid-November. If you’re interested in helping with KIPP DC’s advocacy efforts or mobilizing families, please let us know on the survey. We’ll be in touch throughout the fall as we move through this process. Thank you for your feedback, it will help us build an even brighter future for KIPPSters.

-Allison Fansler, President & Dane Anderson, Chief Operating Officer

Upcoming Dates

Friday, September 27 - Development & Wellness Day
Saturday, October 5 - KIPP DC College Preparatory Homecoming
Monday, October 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day, All School Closed + Floating Holiday for HDQ
Thursday, October 31 - Development & Wellness Day
Friday, November 1 - Parent Teacher Conferences

Social Media Highlights

In the News

Campus Snapshots

Earlier this month, Councilmember Charles Allen commuted from Ward 8 to the Shaw Campus with several Lead and WILL Academy students as part of our "Mile in My Shoes" safe passage conversations. Check out their journey on our Instagram story!
The KCP Panthers celebrate their 5-0 start to the season! Show your support as the Panthers look to remain undefeated as they take on Richard Wright this Saturday at Golden Field!

Did You Know?

School & Classroom Investment Grants

All KIPP DC staff members, including HDQ staff, are invited to apply for a special School and Classroom Investment Grant of up to $5,000. These funds are intended to enable you to do something above and beyond existing school budgets, and we are including a focus on investments that directly support KIPP DC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All submissions are due by Friday, October 11. Download the application and email Clare Gallagher with any questions!

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!