Happy Fall! September was an exciting month for our team. It was full of highlights in academics and around the community. The most exciting news this month was KIPP DC Heights Academy in Ward 8 being named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. Also in September, we hosted our 8th Annual Citywide College Fair and wrapped up the fall cohort of KIPP Codes, KIPP DC’s community coding bootcamp! September also saw the continuation of our Mile in our Shoes initiative, with Councilmember Charles Allen, to continue to discuss ways we can keep students safe to and from school. We’re looking forward to a great October!
Althea Holford, Managing Director of Community & Government Affairs
Around Town
KIPP DC Heights Academy Named 2019 National Blue Ribbon School
We’re proud to celebrate KIPP DC Heights Academy on being named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education! This year, KIPP DC Heights Academy is one of only three DC public schools to receive this distinction in 2019. This is a tremendous achievement for students, families, staff, and the Ward 8 community. We’re eager to continue empowering more students in Ward 8 in the coming years. Read more.
KIPP DC Hosts 8th Annual Citywide College Fair
On September 21, we welcomed more than 200 students and families from KIPP DC College Preparatory, Somerset College Preparatory, and schools across the District to KIPP DC’s 8th Annual Citywide College Fair, held at KIPP DC College Preparatory. 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.
Councilmember Allen joins KIPPsters for Mile In my Shoes
Last fall, we kicked off a series of conversations with KIPP DC College Preparatory students and D.C. Councilmembers called “A Mile in My Shoes.” The series aims to give students an opportunity to speak with city leaders on issues that impact them daily. In September, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen accompanied a KIPP DC WILL Academy middle school student from his Ward 8 home to KIPP DC’s Shaw Campus. During their time, they discussed the trials of commuting to and from school and how we can ensure safer travels for students. To date, KIPP DC students have met with Councilmembers Robert White, Trayon White, Kenyan McDuffie, David Grosso, and Charles Allen. We look forward to connecting with other city leaders! Check out their journey on KIPP DC’s Instagram Highlights.
KIPP Codes Cohort
We’re a month into our 3rd cohort of KIPP Codes, a weekly coding boot camp for adult residents of DC’s Ward 7 and Ward 8. In partnership with Community College Preparatory Academy, we’re working with 20 participants to help guide them through the basics of webpage design and learning how to code. It’s great to see so many of our community members taking advantage and learning viable skills through this free opportunity. Learn more about KIPP Codes at KIPP DC.
Community Meetings around New High School Design
This summer, the Deputy Mayor for Education announced the upcoming release of the Ferebee Hope school for reuse. We believe that this site is a great location in Ward 8 for a permanent home for a second KIPP DC high school. In August, we connected with community members to see what they would like in a new high school and community space. Throughout September, the KIPP DC team held open meetings with KIPP DC students and families to get a sense of what they would like out of a high school in Ward 8. We learned so much about what matters to our students and families and look forward to including all suggestions into a comprehensive new school model.
Upcoming Events:
KIPP DC co-hosts the Anacostia Annual Boat Ride – October 5
KIPP DC College Preparatory Homecoming Game – October 5, 1:00pm at KIPP DC’s Golden Field
KIPP DC Alumni Tailgate – October 5 (12 pm – 1 pm) at KIPP DC’s Golden Field
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council -October 24 KIPP DC Participate in the Safe Passage Public Meeting
