Good afternoon, Families!
Happy New Year! It’s the start of 2022, and I am so grateful for each of you as we start the year together with health, safety, and the well-being of our Little and Big KIPPsters top of mind. On the eve of our return, I want to reemphasize the care for our Team & Family by channeling one of my favorite mantras, “clear is kind,” and provide an overview as we adjust our plans next week due to Omicron and the rise of COVID cases.
Here is a preview of the schedule for the week:
Tuesday and Wednesday, January 4-5: We strongly encourage all Little KIPPsters and their families to take advantage of our free drive-through COVID PCR testing available on each campus. Please note that there will not be testing onsite at KIPP Courage or at Spring Branch ISD. Little and Big KIPPsters can test at any other KIPP campus. Additionally, KIPP Mosaic Academy testing will be available at KIPP Mosaic Primary.
We HIGHLY encourage every Little KIPPster and their families to test. To create a more seamless testing process, please CLICK HERE and complete the test registration before attending this free and easy drive-through COVID testing at the KIPP campus* closest to your home.
Please note the following:
- When you begin the registration process, you will not be able to proceed without uploading a picture of an ID. However, this does not need to be a state-issued driver’s license. Any photo ID will suffice and a parent’s ID may be used for a student’s registration. If you do not have an ID, please upload a picture of a blank piece of paper. Nobody will be turned away.
- On the Insurance page, please select “Uninsured Cares Act” and upload a picture of a blank piece of paper in lieu of your insurance card. Insurance is not required for testing.
- If you do not have a photo ID or SSN, please type “NO ID” in the Subscriber ID field.
- If you plan to bring a family member, each person must register separately using the link above.
- Click here to find the COVID testing traffic flow map for your selected campus. You can help us reduce wait times by registering online ahead of your arrival. We ask for your grace and patience as we move through the car line as quickly as possible.
Thursday, January 6: All Little KIPPsters will return to school in-person with normal hours.
- Masks are required at all times. Medical-grade masks (pictured) are required. Cloth masks are not permitted without being layered with a second mask.
- And please remember, if your KIPPsters or someone in your household has tested positive for COVID, is symptomatic, or has been exposed to COVID in the last 10 days, please immediately contact your KIPPster’s school.
Friday, January 7: School open with normal hours.
Other Updates:
- Quarantine Guidelines: While there have been some recent guidelines updates for the general public, Pre-K-12 guidelines remain the same. Therefore, we are still requiring a 10-day quarantine for those who test positive for COVID. The only addition to our COVID protocols is that we are now requiring a 10-day quarantine for staff and students who live with someone who has tested positive. Students who are quarantining will have access to KIPP Remote Learning Academy.
- Athletics: Athletics will continue with the following safety precautions:
- No spectators for practices nor competitions the next two weeks
- Medical-grade masks (pictured above) are required during practice and competitions for all KIPPsters
- Free COVID testing for coaches and athletes will be provided before competitions
Next week and beyond, I have no doubt that we will Rise Together as a Team & Family. Our commitment to our KIPPsters and each other through our priority of caring for our Team and Family has always been and will always be what makes KIPP special. Let’s continue to center Team and Family by putting empathy, care, and community first as we launch 2022 and navigate the challenges of the Omicron variant in the weeks ahead.
For those of you who are not feeling well or who have family and loved ones who are not well, I am thinking of you. I wish everyone well and encourage you to let us know how we can support you.
Have a restful day, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of testing yourself and your families this week. Thank you, families!
One song,
Sehba Ali
