KIPP Texas Together: February Family Newsletter

A Message from the ceo

Dear KIPP Families and KIPPsters,

As we prepare for March, there is a sense of momentum in our schools. This season offers us a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the values that ground us—love, legacy, and the unwavering strength of our community.

We recently shared the warmth of Valentine’s Day, a reminder that at the core of every KIPPster’s journey is a foundation of care and mutual respect.That spirit of connection flows naturally into our celebration of Black History Month, where we honor the profound legacy of those who paved the way for the opportunities we embrace today. Their stories of perseverance serve as a blueprint for our students, proving that leadership is built on a foundation of character and a commitment to excellence.

This season is a powerful reminder that our KIPPsters are not just learning history; they are the living continuation of a great story of growth. You, our families, are the essential partners in this work, ensuring that the lessons of the past fuel the leadership of the future. Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared mission and for the strength you bring to our community every day.

With deepest gratitude,

Sehba Ali

CEO, KIPP Texas

Academics

 KIPP Texas 2026-2027 Academic Calendar Now Live!

It is never too early to get a head start on your schedule. KIPP Texas has officially released the academic calendars for the 2026-2027 school year, allowing families across Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio the opportunity to coordinate their lives well in advance.

Access the academic calendar:kipptexas.org/academic-calendar/

Finish Strong – Support Your Student with our Virtual Panels

The end of the 2025-2026 school year is in sight. We want our Little KIPPsters to maintain their positive momentum as they work to finish the academic year strong. KIPP Texas invites families to register now for our virtual panels that will highlight the unique challenges students face during this time of the school year. Whether it’s navigating the “spring slump” with a primary or middle school student, or trying to re-engage a high schooler who has already checked out, our parents don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for a targeted 90-minute virtual session designed to give families the exact tools and resources they need to keep students on track and motivated through June.

  • For Primary & Middle School Families: Don’t Let Them Fall Off Now: How to Finish the Year Strong. We’ll dive into academic support, habit-building and the specific resources available to help younger and middle-grade learners stay focused.
  • For High School Families: Grades, Attendance & Motivation: What to Do When Kids Are Checked Out. A candid look at credit recovery, attendance hurdles and sparking a “second wind” in students preparing for the transition to adulthood.

Our virtual panels are offered at a variety of convenient times during the week of March 23. Click the link below to register and select the panel that’s right for your family.

A Look Ahead
  • HOU/SAN Professional Learning Day (no school for students): Friday, March 6
  • HOU/SAN Spring Break: Monday, March 9 – Friday, March, 13
  • AUS/DFW Professional Learning Day (no school for students): Friday, March 13
  • AUS/DFW Spring Break: Monday, March 16 – Friday, March, 20
  • Family Conference Day (No school for students): Monday, March 30
  • Spring Holiday: Friday, April 3
2025-26 Academic Calendars

bring joy

Honoring History and Inspiring Future Leaders at KIPP Texas📚

This February, KIPP Texas campuses are vibrantly celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month by transforming classrooms into centers of discovery and community pride. From Houston to San Antonio and beyond, our schools are honoring the profound legacy of Black pioneers through student-led research, local business expos, and creative tributes that bridge the gap between history and the modern world. By highlighting the rich diversity of the African diaspora and the enduring influence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we are ensuring that our students see themselves reflected in the leaders of the past as they prepare to become the innovators of the future. Inspired by the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, this month-long celebration is more than a lesson in history; it is a powerful movement to empower our Little KIPPsters to live abundantly and author their own extraordinary futures.

Keep the KIPP Love Growing: Refer a Friend or Submit a Sibling Application!

Though Lottery Day has passed, there’s still time to refer-a-friend to join your family at KIPP Texas for the 2026-27 school year! 🎉 Share the joy of being a KIPPster and why families love KIPP Texas: our joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students for college, career, and beyond. Use the link above to complete the form, and a member of our student recruitment team will reach out to your referral to help them complete their application.Our current families can also keep siblings together by submitting a sibling application through your existing SchoolMint account. Seats are limited, so act fast!

In The news

Redefining the Game: Jordan Carrethers on Why PE is the Secret Ingredient to Student Confidence

Whether he’s serving as Athletic Director or leading a Regional SG (Student Growth and Achievement) Fellowship, Jordan Carrethers is redefining what Physical Education (PE) looks like at KIPP East End. With almost 10 years in the Houston region, “Coach C” argues that PE is “arguably the most important” department for building student self-esteem and focus.

“PE drives the culture of joy at our schools. Our department has a profound impact on student growth and achievement.

Did you know? Coach C’s students recently held their own against adults in a local Pickleball tournament, a proud moment that boosted their confidence and showcased the rigor of his program.

Calling All KIPPsters: Graduation is Near and It is Time to Apply to College Financial Aid

Applying for college is expensive, but filling out the FAFSA is one of the smartest ways to lower those costs and protect your future. While there is no such thing as “free money” since financial aid is actually funded by taxpayers and requires you to maintain good grades to keep it, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the only way to access the billions of dollars already set aside for students. By spending about 30 minutes on the application at studentaid.gov, you can unlock federal grants that you generally do not have to pay back and gain access to federal loans that are much cheaper and safer than private bank loans. You also become eligible for work-study positions with flexible hours designed for student schedules, and perhaps most importantly, many colleges will not even consider you for their own private aid or merit scholarships unless you have a FAFSA on file. The 2026–2027 application is open right now, and because much of this funding is first-come, first-served, filing early is the best way to ensure you do not miss out on the resources you’ve earned.