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In case you haven’t seen this Facebook post that celebrates MLK Day, watch KIPP Destiny’s KIPPsters recite Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
January 19, 2021
Dear KIPP Texas Families,
I hope you all got a chance to enjoy time with your loved ones over the weekend. I also hope you celebrated Dr. King and engaged in acts of service to honor his legacy.
Before you read this week’s updates below, I want to acknowledge this important moment in our country’s history as we await the historic Inauguration tomorrow. I’m both eager to see Kamala Harris be sworn in as the first female, Black-South Asian Vice-President and hopeful that we’ll have a peaceful transition.
What’s exciting is that we have seen so many firsts during this election cycle. In addition to Kamala Harris, Rev. Raphael Warnock is Georgia’s first Black US Senator, Jon Ossoff is Georgia’s first Jewish US Senator, Sarah McBride is the first transgender state senator in US history, Cori Bush is the first Black congresswoman in Missouri’s history, and Iman Jodeh is Colorado’s first Muslim lawmaker. These are all important firsts and not lasts.
While there are so many uncertainties that remain during this time, it’s also a time when our KIPPsters can see themselves more and more in their elected officials. In our classrooms as we share lessons on equity, justice, and advocacy and develop in our KIPPsters the skills and confidence to lift up their voices, we hope you partner with us in doing the same in your homes. Together, we will build a more just world and better tomorrows.
_____________
Re-Enrollment Reminder – Deadline is January 31
We can’t wait to have your KIPPster continue their educational journey with us next year! I want to remind you that the KIPPster Re-Enrollment process for the 2021-2022 school year is already open on SchoolMint. All current KIPP families should have received an email on January 11, via SchoolMint, to notify how to log on and start the process.
Please do not create a new SchoolMint account. Your username will be provided in the SchoolMint email, or you may contact your school for login support.
For all families with KIPPsters currently in Pre-K4 through 11 grade, the Re-Enrollment forms need to be completed by January 31. For students currently in pre-K3, the forms will be available from April 1 – April 23, due to TEA guidelines.
For more information on the re-enrollment process, please visit www.KIPPtexas.org/enroll to see our frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 Vaccines Update
We have all seen that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Texas (and frankly, around the country) has been slower than we had hoped and information about how to access the vaccine and who can get a vaccine has been confusing. As we learn more, we will continue to keep you updated. Here’s what we know so far:
- Who is currently eligible for vaccines in Texas? As of January 8, groups 1A and 1B (click on the links for the Texas Department Health and Human Services definition of each group) are eligible to get vaccines now, and KIPP Texas strongly encourages those who qualify to get the vaccine when it becomes available to them.
- If you would like to sign up to receive the vaccine, please visit the TXDSHS vaccine provider website.
- At this time, there are no changes to our virtual and in-person learning options.
- KIPP Texas has not received an allotment of COVID-19 vaccines. We will communicate with you when/if we do or if we are able to partner with a third party to offer a streamlined process for vaccines for those who qualify.
Culture Connections: Latinx Views
You are invited to KIPP Texas’ first Culture Connections featuring Latinx Views! On January 28, from 4 to 5 pm, we will come together virtually for a panel discussion to hear, learn, and celebrate the Latinx community and inspire hope and action.
Please see the flyer for the event link and more information. Hope to see you there!
Grab & Go Meals for KIPPsters Learning Virtually
KIPP Texas is committed to providing freshly prepared meals with the nutrition necessary to fuel academic success while building lifelong healthy habits. Across our four regions, we have a team of 70 Child Nutrition staff, many of whom have KIPPsters in our schools, who lovingly and carefully prepare and serve meals for our KIPPsters every single day. So far in 2020-2021, KIPP Texas has served more than 520,000 nutritious meals!
We want to remind you that if your KIPPster is participating in virtual learning, you can still pick up Grab & Go meals at every KIPP Texas campus daily, from 9 am to 1 pm. Please review the Grab & Go meals website for more information.
With gratitude,
Sehba Ali
Important Links:
Virtual Learning Portal
At a Glance Back to School Guide
Complete Family Back to
School Guide
Grab & Go meals
