February 14, 2022

Love is in the air and so is some good COVID News!

KIPP TEXAS FAMILIES,

Happy Valentine’s/Friendship Day! I love this day because it is dedicated to showing love and joy. As we’ve been talking about all year, a little extra kindness and love goes a long way, especially as we work to build resiliency in ourselves and our Little KIPPsters. Whether you are showing love or receiving love from a Little KIPPster, friend, child, or partner, I hope this Monday is extra sweet for each of you. I wish you a dino-mite day filled with fun Valentine’s/Friendship day puns and your favorite sweet treats. And remember, you each have a pizza my heart! (My kids helped me with that one!)

This week for Black History Month, we are highlighting some of our Black student groups and their sponsor staff mentors who Rise Together to Champion Equity. At KIPP Somos High School in San Antonio, the Black Student Union helps young Black students individually and collectively achieve academic excellence, prepare for professional success, and develop personal growth throughout their time at KIPP. With daily meetings in their social-emotional learning class, the Black Student Union discusses methods to become more empowered by serving and engaging in the community alongside their mentors. They develop the skills needed to succeed in any path they choose so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

I am so proud of our Black Student Unions and all of our student groups who celebrate the richness of Black culture.

COVID News: Moderate Restrictions

After consulting our in-house pediatrician and public health expert, Dr. Maria Rivera, earlier this week, we can confirm that we see some signs of regression of the Omicron surge in our schools and across our regions. While this is promising news, we are not out of the woods yet! We have carefully reviewed our COVID policies and are excited to moderate restrictions while maintaining our commitment to safe and joyful schools. These updates will be effective Monday, February 14 through March 31. We will provide further updates to our Team and Family at that time.

POLICY	CHANGE TO POLICY: YES/NO	CURRENT POLICY
Masks	✔️ Yes	Our mask mandate is still in place for all KIPPsters and visitors. Studies have shown that adults wearing masks help keep children safe and universal masking policies decrease transmission. Please continue to wear a medical-grade mask or double-up cloth masks. Masks are required in KIPP buildings and on school buses if you are in the same room with other KIPPsters. You can remove your mask outdoors if you are able to social distance, 6-feet apart.
Student Travel	✔️ Yes	Day trips are now permitted with the above mask policies followed.
In-person meetings	✔️ Yes	These are permitted with proper mask wearing and limited attendance.
Sports	✔️ Yes	Testing and mask requirements are still in place. Spectators will be limited to two (2) guests per athlete for both indoor and outdoor events, and all spectators are required to wear a face mask. Athletes should mask for all indoor practices and games and any time they are within 6 feet of others while outdoors.

_____________________

We are approaching a four-day weekend! Please remember that Friday, February 18, is a Rest and Renew day, and Monday, February 21, we are off in observance of Presidents’ Day.