At KIPP DC, the safety of our students is our top priority. We believe that students and families should be able to travel to and from school without risk or harm. At KIPP DC, we believe solutions should come from those that are the most impacted. For this reason, it is essential that lawmakers hear directly from the people affected by safe passage laws. KIPP DC is seeking solutions. In conjunction with students, families, city leaders, and the community we can work toward a safer D.C. for all students.
Why Safe Passage Matters
With nearly 50% of D.C. students and families attending schools outside of their ward of residence, travel to and from school is a daily concern. As educators and community members, we’re committed to ensuring each of our students’ passage to and from school is safe and free of harm. With the help a grant by the Deputy Mayor for Education and the United Way of the National Capital Area, KIPP DC will host a series of community conversations with other schools, students, parents, neighborhood organizations, and elected and public safety officials. Our goal is to make an impact for our students.
Upcoming Safe Passage Events
Throughout the 2019-20 school year, we will host a number of events to promote safe passage for students. Check back this fall to RSVP for events.
Safe Passage Community Conversations:
During Spring 2019, we used human-centered design model and engage in these much needed conversations:
March 5, 2019
Congress Heights Safe Passage Zone
Somerset Prep Academy
Town Hall Participant Recommendations
March 28, 2019
Historic Anacostia Safe Passage Zone
Thurgood Marshall Academy
Town Hall Participant Recommendations
April 11, 2019
L’Enfant Plaza Safe Passage Zone
Washington Global
Town Hall Participant Recommendations
April 24, 2019
Minnesota Avenue Safe Passage Zone
D.C. Prep – Benning Campus
Town Hall Participant Recommendations
May 8, 2019
NOMA Safe Passage Zone
KIPP DC College Preparatory
Town Hall Participant Recommendations
May 15, 2019
Citywide Convening
KIPP DC College Preparatory
A Mile In My Shoes
This fall, we kicked off a series of conversations between KIPP DC College Preparatory high school 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. We believe it’s important that our legislators hear directly from the people affected by laws they create. Over the course of the series, KIPP DC College Preparatory students have met and taken journeys with:
Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White
At-Large Councilmember Robert White
SBOE’s DC Student Advocate – Faith Gibson Hubbard
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen
Are you an elected official interested in partaking in the ‘Mile in My Shoes’ series? Email Althea Holford
Safe Passage Events
Stop the Violence & Increase the Peace Rally
Each year, we’re proud to co-host the “Stop the Violence & Increase the Peace” rally! The rally and walk are organized in partnership with Ms. Veeda Rasheed and bring together a host of community organizations, clubs, churches, and families for a peaceful rally through D.C.’s Ward 7. The rally ended at the Benning Boys and Girls Club, where in the past we’ve heard remarks from At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, and Metropolitan Police Department Sixth District Commander Durriyyah Habeebullah on the importance of stopping violence in the community. Check out more photos.
Kids Walk to School Day
On October 10, 2018 we celebrated International Walk to School Day with KIPPsters across the District. In coordination with friends at FedEx and Safe Schools Worldwide, parents and guardians, teachers, and community leaders participated in the annual 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 look forward to continuing this partnership and pushing for safe passages for students.
Additional City-Wide Resources and Partners
We’re proud to be alongside tremendous community organizations and the DC City Government to ensure students, parents, and communities have the resources to provide safe passage for students. Below are resources available online from city and civic organizations:
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education