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The beginning of the new school year brings many mixed emotions. There is sadness that summer is ending and excitement for the new school year ahead.
We are excited to welcome our new and returning Little KIPPsters on August 16, and have taken precautionary measures to create a safe, equitable, and joyful environment for all students. Below, you will find important updates regarding our school operations.
Transportation
Bus Tracking App
This year, KIPP Texas families who utilize our transportation services can register for an app that provides real-time tracking, estimated time of arrival, and schedule changes for our bus routes. Simply register through the FirstView app, which can be accessed from any smartphone or desktop.
Bus Health and Safety Protocols
Because we anticipate nearly full buses this year, there will not be social distancing on the bus. We highly recommend that all bus riders use a mask and hand sanitizer. We will provide masks for any student who requests one.
Bus Route Information
Specific information regarding your child’s bus schedule, pickup locations, and routes will be provided by your KIPPster’s school.
Child Nutrition
FREE breakfast will be served “Grab n’ Go” style to every Little KIPPster along with FREE lunch. All KIPPsters automatically qualify for FREE breakfast and lunch. Additional portions may be purchased. Meals will be consumed either in the classroom or the cafeteria, depending on school operations. Check the KIPP Texas Child Nutrition webpage for regular updates.
Student Technology
We are committed to bridging the digital divide by providing KIPPsters with the tools and technology to enhance learning. As you put together your to-do lists for the first day of school, would you please check if you are still in possession of a KIPP Chromebook? We will continue collecting any KIPP devices that were not returned at the end of last school year so we can refresh, inventory, clean, inspect, and distribute to our KIPPsters this fall. If you find that you still have a KIPP Chromebook, please send it with your child on the first day of school.
Health and Safety
The safety of our Little and Big KIPPsters remains a top priority for KIPP Texas Public Schools. To see all of KIPP Texas’ health and safety-related information for the 2021-22 school year, please click here.
#MaskUpForKIPPsters | Opt-In Program
We firmly believe that a safe, masked, in-person learning environment is what’s best for our KIPPsters. And, we know the number of students in our classrooms will increase significantly compared to last year. KIPP Texas strongly recommends the use of a face mask on our campuses and facilities while around other KIPPsters so much that we’re asking our families and staff to actively stamp their commitment by opting in to wear a mask.
Please join me in a commitment to wear a mask by submitting a Mask Opt-In form. Securing opt-ins will allow our teachers and leaders to remind our staff and students about proper mask wearing to keep our classrooms safer. Our goal is to get 100% of our Team & Family commit to keep ourselves and each other safe by wearing masks while inside our buildings.
Please consider getting the word out about our #MaskUpForKIPPsters campaign and having Little and Big KIPPsters commit to wearing a mask in KIPP buildings by sharing a picture of you wearing a mask that covers your face and mouth on social media, using #MaskUpForKIPPsters or the graphic below.
Immunizations
State law requires that all children attending school are immunized against various diseases. The COVID-19 vaccine is NOT required at this time to enroll in school. During registration, a copy of the student’s shot record is required. The nurse will evaluate the currency of the student’s shots and notify the parent/guardian of any other required immunizations. KIPP Texas is required to abide by the no shots-no school requirements. These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed exemption affidavit is signed and submitted to the school. The list of required vaccines can be found on the Texas School & Child-Care Facility webpage.
KIPP it 100%
KIPP Texas wants all KIPPsters to have perfect attendance this school year! If a student has to miss school due to illness, please notify the school, and submit a doctor’s note within two school days. Schools will contact families every day their child is not present. Students are considered chronically absent if their total number of excused and unexcused absences exceed 10%.
Orientation
Orientation is an opportunity to review school policies, turn in registration and immunization paperwork, obtain class schedules, and ask specific questions regarding their upcoming year.
Additional information will be provided on:
- Transportation – routes / logistics / pick up cards
- Meals
- Attendance
- Athletics / after school activities / extracurriculars
- Optional Fees
- Uniform information (sales where applicable)
- Meet the teacher information
- School supply list
- School calendar
Schools will contact families directly about orientation dates and times.
It’s important that parents/guardians attend orientation so students are prepared to begin classes on August 16. Effective school-family partnerships are critical to student learning and success in school. Partnerships between schools and families can improve students’ grades, attendance, persistence, and motivation. Research shows that children learn best when the significant adults in their lives–parents, teachers, and other family and community members–work together to encourage and support them.
Beginning of Year Website
If you’re looking for all of the back-to-school information in one place, we’ve got you covered! We launched our 2021 beginning-of-year website this week, and it’s your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know.
