KIPP Texas Together: October Family Newsletter

A Message from the ceo

KIPP Texas Families,

As October draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a month that was absolutely brimming with student energy and achievement. It was also Principal Appreciation Month, and it was an honor to celebrate the leadership that makes it all possible. The rhythm of the school year is now in full swing, and our students have truly hit their stride thanks to outstanding administrative support.

In the classroom, we have had remarkable intellectual curiosity during mid-terms and key projects. This academic drive was matched by a vibrant spirit across all our extracurriculars. On fields and courts, our athletes demonstrated remarkable teamwork and sportsmanship, while our stages and art studios came alive with creativity and passion. Events like Homecoming united us in a powerful show of school pride, reminding us of our strong community. We also want to give a special acknowledgment to our seniors who have been diligently focused on their futures as they pour countless hours into their college applications.

Let’s continue to support one another and make the coming month just as successful. A huge congratulations to all our students for an incredible October, and a sincere thank you to our principals for their dedication!

With gratitude, 

Sehba Ali

KIPP Texas CEO

Academics

Leading the Way: Four Campuses Earn “A” Ratings!

Four of our campuses have earned an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency! This is the highest distinction a school can receive, reflecting an inspiring commitment to academic excellence. These schools are lighting the path forward, setting a high standard of achievement and providing a blueprint for success that elevates our entire KIPP Texas family. We are incredibly proud to see the hard work of their students, families, and Big KIPPsters recognized at the state level!

A huge round of applause for these trailblazing campuses:

We celebrated this monumental achievement with joyful events on each campus. The success of these schools is a powerful beacon of what is possible, and their leadership inspires all of our campuses as we continue our collective journey toward excellence. Congratulations on leading the way!

Celebrating Outstanding KIPP Leaders

Principal Appreciation Month gave us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the inspiring leadership and dedication of our staff.

At KIPP Camino Academy, School Leader Ashley Sanchez is a shining example of optimism and resilience. She recently demonstrated immense poise and commitment when addressing her staff and parents, inspiring confidence and sharing her dedication to giving students and families the “best year ever.” Driven by a personal goal to create core memories for her own family, Ashley is passionate about doing the same for the entire school community. Her belief in building learning environments where students feel brave, valued, and confident, combined with 18 years of experience, earns her the community’s deep gratitude and several rounds of applause.

Meanwhile, at KIPP Austin Collegiate, School Leader George Ramirez leads with a powerful growth mindset. Taking inspiration from his own life motto—that a journey is “not yet arrived to”—George applies this adaptability to his leadership, driving a strong start. Having served KIPP since 2015, his core mission is deeply personal: ensuring every student is provided with the opportunity, support, and encouragement necessary to pursue their dreams.

Together, these leaders exemplify the resilient, student-first commitment that makes our KIPP community thrive.

A Look Ahead
  • Fall  Holiday: Monday, November 24 – Friday, November 28, 2025 
  • Professional Learning Day (No school for students): Friday, December 19, 2025
  • Winter Holiday: Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
2025-26 Academic Calendars

bring joy

 Hispanic Heritage Month Recap: KIPP Austin Brave & Mexic-Arte Museum Create Artful Connections

KIPP Austin Brave High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an eight-week screen printing workshop for art students, guided by experts from the Mexic-Arte Museum. Ms. Cassandre Connolly, a Master Teacher, emphasized that the program encourages students to explore their identities and express their cultures through art. By creating designs for t-shirts, students gained practical experience and connected with Austin’s vibrant art community.️

Read the Full Story

Refer a Friend to Join KIPP Texas

The best communities are built by friends. If your experience at KIPP Texas has brought joy to your family through dedicated teachers, a supportive environment, and seeing your child thrive, we invite you to share that feeling.

When you refer a friend, you do more than recommend a school; you open the door to a joyful learning journey for a child you care about. Let’s grow our KIPP Texas family together!

In The news

The Farm Fresh Program: Bringing the Farm to KIPP Texas Classrooms

KIPP Texas Public Schools participated in the Texas Farm Fresh Challenge throughout the month of October, bringing agricultural education to life for students across all four regions. The initiative, designed to encourage healthy choices and support local Texas producers, was implemented through a series of hands-on activities.

KIPP Texas schools focused on making learning tangible. One highlight was the “Bring a Chicken to School” event, which offered students direct lessons in life science and responsibility. A glimpse of this fun was captured at KIPP Nexus. Students also linked physical activity to nutrition by powering a Bike Blender to create smoothies from seasonal Texas fruit, while engaging coloring activities reinforced classroom lessons on nutrition and local food sources.

These comprehensive efforts ensure KIPP Texas is successfully “eating local” and “teaching local,” while building a generation with a lasting connection to Texas agriculture.

Learn More: The statewide Farm Fresh effort helps schools connect with local producers through the Texas Farm Fresh Network.

KIPP University Prep Senior Made Global History!

KIPP University Prep senior and two-time DMC USA Champion, Rene “The Kid RC3” Cardenas, took his talent to the world stage, competing in the prestigious DMC World DJ Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on October 11. Rene, who credited his success to balancing academics with the IB music program, showcased the discipline and skill he honed in the classroom on an international platform. His incredible journey proves the power of pursuing the path you choose. You can still see highlights of his accomplishments on Instagram and TikTok at @thekidrc3!

Read the story of the Two-Time USA Champion.