Our Children are Brilliant! Let’s Rest and Renew!

KIPP Texas Families,

Last week I spent the day in San Antonio alongside Allen Smith, the Regional Superintendent of KIPP Texas-San Antonio. We visited every school, connected with each school leader, and spoke with many Little and Big KIPPsters. It was great to see our KIPPsters in action and lovely to connect with the incredible leaders and teachers who have wrapped their arms around our students so beautifully this year. In every school, I was so excited by the level of excellence, focus on equity, and joy in our classrooms. 

When I visited a 6th grade reading class at KIPP Camino, I just didn’t want to leave. Teacher Cassandra Berlanga was reading The Odyssey with her class; the level of engagement was through the roof. You could feel how much she loved this text, and she was passing her love of reading to our Little KIPPsters through her passion. The conversations amongst KIPPsters were rich and discourse was just right; KIPPsters were learning at a high level, and they were doing the heavy lifting. I loved every moment I spent in that classroom! 

The first set of STAAR tests is in the books! Our high school KIPPsters successfully completed the English EOC (end of course) exams last week!  They were ready and prepared because our families, teachers, and leaders are committed to their success. This is one of the many opportunities this year for our KIPPsters to show the world what we already know—our children are brilliant and are the leaders of tomorrow. Let’s rock the next set of STAAR and AP exams in just a few short weeks!

Happy Easter!

Holy Week in the Christian faith begins today for our Little and Big KIPPsters who celebrate, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday celebrations. Wishing all who celebrate a joyous, celebratory weekend.

Discover Pre-K at KIPP Texas!

Student Smiling

At KIPP Texas, we believe it is never too early to begin a KIPP education! With joyful and personalized attention, starting KIPP at Pre-K ensures a strong foundation and puts students on a path toward long-term success in K-12, college, career, and life. Currently, Pre-K is offered in our Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston regions. To learn more, check out our new Pre-K webpage to discover all Pre-K is about at KIPP Texas!

Here’s an example of Pre-K learning in motion at KIPP CONNECT Houston Primary!

The KIPP Pre-K class has been learning about cars, trucks, and wheels, and they closed the week with a movie day in their boxed car! Thank you to the KIPP CONNECT Pre-K team for giving our Littlest KIPPsters hands-on learning experiences! 

If your incoming or returning Pre-K student was extended an offer, the registration window is now open! Please visit our New to KIPP website to access all registration resources or reach out to a staff member for help. 

National School Library Week

Last week was National School Library Week (April 3-9), and we shared a spotlight on Kara Lee, KIPP Austin Vista Middle School librarian, on our KIPP Texas Facebook page. Each day, she Champions Equity in her library by creating a brave and belonging space with diverse voices in books. She prides herself on allowing all students a place where diversity is welcomed and empathy is learned. Check out her video spotlight!

Thank you Kara, all of our librarians, and avid book readers who share the passion for reading with our Little KIPPsters.

Regional COVID Levels

Each week we will share an update on where each of our KIPP region’s current COVID threat levels according to the CDC Community Levels tool. As of 6 a.m. on Monday, April 11, the levels are as follows:

Austin: LOW Masks are strongly recommended but not required in KIPP schools or offices. Masks are still required in healthcare areas.

Dallas: LOW Masks are strongly recommended but not required in KIPP schools or offices. Masks are still required in healthcare areas.

Houston: LOW Masks are strongly recommended but not required in KIPP schools or offices. Masks are still required in healthcare areas.

San Antonio: LOW Masks are strongly recommended but not required in KIPP schools or offices. Masks are still required in healthcare areas.

Please follow our Health & Safety Guidelines found here according to the level in your region. 

Please follow our COVID Protocols found here according to the level in your region. 

If COVID-19 Community Levels change mid-week in counties where our schools are located, we will not change our Health & Safety Guidelines until the following week unless the update involves a high (orange) threat level. In this instance, we will share same-day communication with regional staff and families, and the appropriate KIPP Texas COVID Policies will go into effect immediately.

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Please enjoy another Rest and Renew Day on Monday, April 18 to round out a four-day weekend (April 15-18) for all Big and Little KIPPsters! When we return, we have one more month-long sprint to finish 2022-23 well!

I wish you all a joyful week.

With gratitude,

Sehba Ali