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Although we are in unprecedented times, the resilient spirit of the KIPP DC community continues to push forward. At the start of the month of March, we held the first meeting of the Ferebee-Hope Community Advisory Board. Together with District agency representatives, project partners, and stakeholders from Washington Highlands, we met to understand the community’s needs. At the third annual GEMS Summit, KIPP DC welcomed young women from around DC for a day filled with sisterhood, empowerment, and joy.
With the onset of COVID-19 we pivoted to new ways to serve our community. This month we created food resources open to all families to ensure that critical needs are met. We’ve supplied more than 30,000 meals and continue to do so. We have connected with more than 550 KIPP DC alumni and provided support. Simultaneously, we launched the KIPP DC Remote Learning platform to continue the work of teaching and learning. Daily we see school leaders, teachers, and administrators engaging students and families across all platforms. Where the distance between us has grown, the commitment to serve has surpassed it. We are in challenging times; but we are in it together.
We will get through this.
Althea O. Holford
Managing Director of Community and Government Affairs
Around Town:
3rd Annual G.E.M.S Summit
On March 7, we invited girls and mothers from across the city the 3rd annual G.E.M.S. Summit. The G.E.M.S. summit aimed to address the pressures young girls face during their middle and high school years. Students attended sessions related to wellness, coping with stress, personal branding on social media, belonging, and what it means to be a young woman of color today. We welcomed some amazing speakers who were able to inspire our girls. A huge thank you to award winning journalist Anna-Lysa Gayle and YouTube star and influencer Princess Jay for joining us and leading impactful sessions. Check out photos and video from the 3rd annual G.E.M.S. Summit.
First Meeting of the Ferebee Hope Community Advisory Board
In the offer to reuse the Ferebee Hope site, KIPP DC proposed a Community Advisory Board to be a liaison between the KIPP DC project team and the the Washington Highlands community. In March, the Ferebee-Hope Community Advisory Board met for the first time. This partnership is the first of its kind for the District of Columbia and critical in ensuring successful project implementation and completion. Details on the initial meeting and participants can be found here.
Remote Learning at KIPP DC
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health pandemic, KIPP DC students, teachers, and staff have gone 100% virtual! Over two days, our team distributed 5,800 learning packets, 1,200 bags of food, and learning materials to students to ensure a successful transition during this uncertain time. KIPPsters are learning and interacting with teachers and leaders using Zoom, Google Classroom, and even learning lessons through Instagram Live. I’m so proud to see how our community has come together to support students, families, and teachers during this time. Check out our schools on Instagram to see them in action.
KIPP DC Meal Sites During School Closure
We’re committed to ensuring all students have access to meals during school closures. We know that many students rely on school breakfast and lunch meals as a main source of nutrition during the school week. Throughout the closure three KIPP DC campuses have remained open for serving food to all students 18 years old and under. Our teams have worked hard to prepare nearly 1,200 meals for students. We look forward to continuing this effort throughout the duration of the closure. Learn more about KIPP DC meal sites and sites around DC where food is available.
KIPP DC Alumni Support during COVID-19
The work of KIPP Through College & Career is more critical than ever. Since the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis, KIPP DC has provided emergency support to more than 550 alumni facing university closures and income disruption. The team has provided counseling and guidance, as well as more than $20,000 in financial assistance for unexpected transportation, housing, food, storage, and technology expenses. Support our alumni today.
D.C. Coronavirus Resource Hub
During this unprecedented time it is more important than ever that our community stay connected to vital resources. On KIPP DC’s Resource Learning Hub, you’ll find resources for educational programs, apps, and plans for students PreK-12. In addition, please take advantage of resources provided by the District of Columbia. The DC Coronavirus Resource Hub houses many resources for students, families, and non-profit and small businesses.
