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May 10, 2021
Dear KIPP Texas Families,
During National Charter School Week that just ended, the charter movement celebrated thirty years since the first charter school law was passed in Minnesota in 1991! Today, over 7,500 charter schools (about seven percent of the total number of schools) in 45 states, educate around 3 million students. KIPP Texas is a part of this amazing movement that is addressing the needs of so many students, families, and communities across the country.
In Texas, public charter schools were authorized in 1995 and KIPP was one of the first charter schools to be authorized. Our purpose, from the beginning, has been to help bridge the inequality gap in the current traditional public school system – and we are succeeding! But across Texas, many gaps in opportunities for our students persist. Disparities along racial and socioeconomic lines are much too common and have existed for far too long in our public education system.
This is one of the reasons, as a Team and Family, we champion equity. KIPP’s vision is that ALL children grow up free to create the future THEY want for themselves and their communities. We know that a joyful and academically excellent school that prepares students with skills, confidence, access to college, exposure to career opportunities, and support along their path is what will make that vision a reality.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of this Team and Family and for supporting public charter schools like KIPP Texas.
During this year’s legislative session, there have been many anti-charter bills. It’s frustrating that even after 30 years, millions of success stories, and reports that show that public charter schools work, we still have a debate as to whether or not charter schools are good for the education system. In the past four years, more than 70 proposals have been filed to slow, hinder, or halt all together the growth of schools like KIPP Texas. With 9,000 students on our waiting list (the third highest in Texas!), we know we must continue to grow to meet the needs of families waiting for a seat in our schools.
We know there are a number of issues you may be watching this legislative session. Here are some key ways to stay engaged:
- Click here to stay up to date with all that’s happening during the legislative session that ends May 31.
- Click here if you want to share your story with your legislator.
- Find your elected official’s contact information here.
Always remember: your story matters! You don’t have to be a policy expert or a master of the legislative process. Just speak from the heart!
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CDC Guidance Update
As you may have seen, in the past few weeks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released guidance for individuals who have been vaccinated, no longer recommending they wear masks outdoors and indoors.
Due to the proximity to the end of the school year and out of an abundance of caution, we will not make any changes to our health and safety protocols for Little or Big KIPPsters, at this time. We are, however, evaluating our health and safety protocols for next year and will provide an update once the CDC, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and local and state officials provide updated guidance for schools.
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Thank you for your continued partnership so we can finish this school year well!
I want to let you know that we are already hard at work planning for next year. Similar to last summer, we will provide the health and safety protocols and updates on virtual and in-person learning throughout the summer. Please stay tuned for those updates.
With gratitude,
Sehba Ali
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