This month we celebrate history and the future! We are incredibly excited about what we have planned for February, our annual young men’s and women empowerment events are around the corner. Additionally, January brought to fruition the work and dedication of many inside and outside of KIPP DC. We saw students, parents, school staff and community members all coming together to support the Ferebee-Hope proposal. With the award from Mayor Bowser, it is clear Ferebee-Hope will be something special. I look forward to partnering with community members to build the first of its kind community council for this project and the community and student focus of the new school. Thank you to everyone that has lent a hand in this new opportunity for Ward 8.
-Althea Holford
Ferebee Hope Approval
We’re excited to share that this month Mayor Bowser announced KIPP DC has been awarded the Ferebee-Hope site in Ward 8’s Washington Highlands neighborhood to build a permanent home for our second high school. Throughout the summer and fall of 2019, we deeply listened to the needs of our families and the community. At Ferebee-Hope, we plan to build a first-of-its-kind, community campus that promotes educational excellence, wellness, and lifelong learning. This high school will be a permanent home for our Somerset College Preparatory students. This facility will be operated by the Department of Parks & Recreation. Also on the site, KIPP DC will construct a community center for partner organizations to provide various community benefits, including space for Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Training Grounds adult education program, and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry who will provide mental health services for neighborhood residents and KIPP DC families. Learn more at www.kippdc.org/ferebeehope.
Jacque Patterson joins Education Panel
On January 28th, KIPP DC Chief Community Engagement Officer, Jacque Patterson, joined DC Deputy Mayor of Education Kihn, and board members from across 35 schools to engage in important discussions on the DC Policy Center’s State Of DC Schools report. Jacque joined a panel with other public school leaders, where he shared the positive effects of engaging communities in school and policy decisions. We always look forward to connecting and sharing best practices to empower all DC schools.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade
This month, KIPP DC students, families, and staff proudly marched, in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Anacostia! The day was filled with song, dance, and tons of cheering as we celebrated the life of Dr. King. The parade concluded at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Ward 8 where we heard from Mayor Muriel Bowser and a host of DC elected officials. Thanks to all who joined us for this impactful day!
Young Men’s Empowerment Summit
Join us on Saturday, February 8 for the third annual Young Men’s Empowerment Summit! This event for 6th to 12th grade young men is an opportunity for fellowship and conversation about topics that impact our community. We’re bringing together young men from across Washington, DC to engage in meaningful activities related to empowerment, civic responsibility, self-care, and identity. Learn more and RSVP.
3rd Annual G.E.M.S. Summit
On March 7, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’ll host our 3rd annual Girls Embracing Their Magic and Strength (G.E.M.S.) Summit at KIPP DC College Preparatory! The G.E.M.S. Summit will consist of a series of sessions with dynamic speakers that emphasize excellence, entrepreneurship, activism, and the arts. Please reach out to Nathan Woods with any questions.
Black History Month at KIPP DC
Celebrate Black History month at KIPP DC! We’re excited to host a number of events across our schools that are open to the public. This year, KIPP DC College Preparatory is hosting a Black History Month event ‘The Family Reunion.” The event will be held on Friday, February 28th and feature acts from various KIPP DC schools. It will be a wonderful celebration of history, culture, and the bright future ahead. If you would like to join us, please reach out to Althea Holford.
