Hot Topic
In October we kicked off a series of conversations between KIPP DC College Preparatory (KCP) students and D.C. Councilmembers called “A Mile in My Shoes”. The series aims to improve safe passage for students to and from school, increase communication between students, communities, and civic leaders, and create space for students to be advocates for themselves and their peers. It’s important that our legislators hear directly from the people affected by laws they create.
Councilmember Robert White traveled with KIPP DC College Preparatory junior Marion, from his home in the Ward 8 to KCP in Ward 5. The hour-plus journey offered time for both Marion and Councilmember White to talk about safety, transportation concerns, and ultimately what it’s like to be a student in Washington, D.C. Check out their journey on KIPP DC’s Instagram Highlights.
Keep an eye out in November for the next “A Mile in My Shoes” conversation!
Althea Holford,
Managing Director of Community Relations
Around Town:
KIPP DC College Preparatory Student Testifies before D.C Council
“Students are not often invited to the conversation when decisions are made impacting our lives.” KIPP DC College Preparatory sophomore Jeremiah testified before the D.C Council’s education committee last month and advocated for safe passage for students who take metro as a primary mode of transportation to and from school. Jeremiah shared first-hand the trials and tribulations of getting to and from school, as well as thoughts on the new DC One Card policies. KIPP DC, Metro Transit Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department are working to ensure students can travel safely to and from school and will continue to address the concerns of our students, families, and community.
Strategies and Interventions with Harvard Universities ‘Proving Ground’
Last month, the KIPP DC community relations and academic teams partnered with Proving Ground and the Center for Ed Policy Research at Harvard University to tackle a problem that all schools face, combating absenteeism in school. Alongside KIPP DC’s engagement leader cohort, participants came together to discuss, practice, and implement new strategies to find solutions to this issue. We’re proud to have so many parent voices being heard on a topic that affects us all.
KCP Students Gear up for Election Day!
We’re a few short days away from Election Day 2018! Over the past few months, we’ve worked alongside the DC Board of Education to get our KIPP DC College Preparatory seniors registered to vote. While students who were currently 18 registered for the current election cycle, we had a number of students pre-register so they’re automatically eligible to vote when they turn 18. We’re pumped to see our students participate in the electoral process!
KIPP Codes Cohort 2 heads into the 4th week
We’re excited to have kicked off our 2nd cohort of KIPP Codes boot camp! 15 adult residents of Ward 7 and Ward 8 neighborhoods join us twice a week to learn everything about coding. Participants learn Java Basic Syntax to working on prototypes for an app or website! We’re excited to continue empowering residents to grow into the tech industry.
International Walk to School Day
On October 10, we celebrated International Walk to School Day with KIPPsters across the District. Parents and guardians, teachers, and community leaders participated in the event to advocate and bring awareness to the need for safer routes to and from school for our students, as well as to promote healthy practices. We’re grateful for friends at FedEx and Safe Schools Worldwide for providing volunteers and activities for our students and families.
Homecoming Week 2018
The halls of KCP were a sea of blue and gold as spirit week culminated with our homecoming pep rally and Spirit Day. The atmosphere was festive and exuberant at the first pep rally to be held at Golden Field, and a strong sense of pride, belonging, and school spirit could be felt as students celebrated what it means to be a Panther. Read more.
Upcoming Events:
- Election Day – (Nov. 6)
- Ward 5 Special Education Workshop (Nov. 13) – KIPP DC College Preparatory
- Enrollment Open House (Dec. 6) – KIPP DC College Preparatory
- Ward 8’s Dancing With the Scholars (Nov. 11) – THEARC
