Dear KIPP DC Innovate Families,
As we close out Women’s History Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact of Sonia Sotomayor. As the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in U.S. history, Justice Sotomayor has dedicated her life to fairness, justice, and service. Growing up in the Bronx, she faced many challenges but remained focused on her education and her dreams—ultimately rising to one of the highest positions in our nation.
Her journey teaches our Sparks that perseverance, self-belief, and a commitment to doing what is right can lead to incredible opportunities. She reminds us that our backgrounds do not limit us, they strengthen us, and that every student has the potential to achieve greatness.
I also want to extend a sincere apology for the recent interruption to instruction caused by the Zoom outage. We understand how disruptive this was for students and families. While Zoom works to fully resolve the issue, students will temporarily access their classes through Google Meet. Student schedules have been updated with the appropriate links to support this transition. At this time, we anticipate this will be a short-term adjustment, likely for just a day. We truly appreciate your flexibility and support as we navigate this shift.
As a reminder, students will not have school this Friday as our staff engages in professional development. This time allows our team to continue strengthening instruction and planning to best support your children.
Lastly, communication regarding CAPE testing has been shared through multiple emails. Please be sure to review these messages carefully, save the testing dates, and reach out to us if you have any transportation needs or concerns. Your partnership in ensuring students are prepared and present for testing is essential to their success.
Thank you, as always, for your continued trust, flexibility, and partnership. We are grateful to work alongside you in support of your child’s growth and achievement.
Let’s have a wonderful week!
Sparks Shine, All the Time! ✨
Ms. Casagrande
Director, KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy
Upcoming Events & Important Announcements
Here's a look at what's happening at our school in the coming weeks:
Mar 31, 2026- Graduation RSVP, Graduation Additional Ticket Request and T-Shirt Form Due
Apr 1, 2026 - Apr 2, 2026- DIBELS Progress Monitoring
Apr 3, 2026- Schools Closed for Students
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026 SPRING BREAK
Apr 28, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026- Grades ⅝ CAPE In-Person Testing (ELA/Math)
May 5, 2026 - May 7, 2026 - Grades 6/7 CAPE In-Person Testing (ELA/Math)
May 12, 2026- Grades ⅝ CAPE In-Person Testing (Science)
May 15, 2026- Sneakerball (5:00-7:00) Shaw Campus
May 22, 2026- Level 99 Field Trip (CAPE and Sparks Points Incentive Trip)
May 25, 2026-School Closed
Jun 5, 2026- Kings Dominion Trip
Jun 8, 2026- 8th Grade Graduation Dress Rehearsal
Jun 11, 2026- 8th Grade Graduation (9:00-11:00) @ Shaw Campus
Jun 11, 2026- End of Year Celebration Bundy Field
CAPE Testing - IN PERSON!
In the District of Columbia, the required DC CAPE assessments are:
English language arts/literacy (ELA) - grades 3-8 and high school (ELA I and ELA II)
Mathematics - grades 3-8 and high school (Algebra I and Geometry)
Science - grades 5, 8, and high school biology
At Innovate, the DC CAPE assessments will be administered for Grades 5 and 8th on April 29, 30, and May 1st (ELA and Math] and May 12th [Science], and for Grades 6 and 7 on May 5th-May 8th [ELA and Math].
As a District, we need to have a high participation rate to ensure we receive much-needed federal funding for our schools. At our school, students will take these assessments on computers. Please rest assured that students with identified learning needs will be provided necessary test accommodations per their individual plans (IEP, 504 plan, and/or English Learner plan).
We are excited that DC students are participating in these high-quality assessments that will help all of us better understand what our students know and are able to do. You can find helpful resources, including sample score reports, at osse.dc.gov/dccape to help you better understand the assessments. We ask for your assistance in encouraging your child to do their best, and in making sure your child is present and on time during the testing windows for both assessment and instruction.
If you have any questions regarding these assessments, please contact me.
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Shoutout to the following 8th graders for completing a 4-square every day last week: Alex, Charisma, Cooper, Heaven, Diamond, and Zariya.
A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO JHAYLEN R. IN 8TH GRADE ON HIS 2ND PLACE WIN AT the CHARLES CAROL CARTER CLASSIC CHESS TOURNAMENT. HE TOOK SECOND PLACE AND WON A $1250 SCHOLARSHIP AFTER 5 HOURS OF INTENSIVE CHESS GAMES! WE ARE SO SO VERY PROUD OF YOU, JHAYLEN!
APRIL VALUE OF THE MONTH: ACCOUNTABILITY
At Innovate, we believe Accountability means taking ownership of our actions, choices, and learning. It’s about being responsible for what we do, following through on commitments, and understanding that our decisions impact both ourselves and our community. Accountability helps us grow into dependable, reflective individuals who take pride in doing what is right—even when no one is watching.
When we practice accountability, we build trust with others, strengthen our sense of responsibility, and develop the habits needed for success in school and beyond.
What Accountability Looks Like:
Taking responsibility for your work, actions, and behavior.
Completing assignments and tasks on time and to the best of your ability.
Admitting mistakes and working to make things right.
Being prepared and ready to learn each day.
Following through on commitments to yourself and others.
What Accountability Sounds Like:
“I take responsibility for that and will fix it.”
“I will make sure this gets done.”
“I made a mistake, and I’m going to learn from it.”
“How can I improve next time?”
When we embrace accountability, we create a community built on trust, respect, and responsibility. By owning our actions and supporting one another
Community Events and Activities
POWER UP CAPE TESTING! ⭐
As we prepare for the upcoming CAPE assessment, we are launching our Power Up for CAPE initiative, which will run from March 16 through April 27. During this time, students will have the opportunity to earn “Power Up Coins” for demonstrating excellence in their learning and preparation for the CAPE assessment.
Sparks can earn coins in several ways, including daily attendance, completing their learning platforms and assignments, demonstrating mastery of grade-level standards, and effectively applying testing strategies during class and practice activities. Our goal is to encourage students to stay engaged, build strong academic habits, and approach testing with confidence.
Students will also earn coins for showing strong testing readiness behaviors, such as staying focused, using problem-solving strategies, checking their work, reading questions carefully, and demonstrating perseverance when working through challenging problems. These strategies help ensure that students are not only prepared for the CAPE assessment but are also continuing to grow as thoughtful and independent learners.
Throughout the Power Up period, students will be recognized and celebrated for their effort, growth, and commitment to doing their best. We look forward to seeing our Sparks power up their learning and shine during testing season!
SNEAKERBALL
We are delighted to host our Grades 5–8 Sneakerball on May 15 from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Shaw Campus! This will be a fun celebration for our Sparks and a way to recognize their effort during the testing season.
Students who complete all portions of the CAPE Assessment will earn a ticket to Sneakerball. At the conclusion of testing, eligible students will receive their ticket along with an RSVP form, which families will need to complete so we can plan for the event.
We look forward to celebrating our Sparks and their hard work together! ✨
KINGS DOMINION FIELD TRIP!
We are excited to offer our Grades 5–8 Sparks an end-of-year trip to Kings Dominion on June 5 from 7:30 AM–6:00 PM! Students will meet at the Shaw Campus, where we will travel together by bus to the park for a full day of fun and celebration.
In order for a Spark to receive an invitation to attend, students must complete all portions of the CAPE Assessment and demonstrate our Power Up strategies during testing.
Once your Spark has completed all portions of the CAPE assessment, an RSVP form will be shared so families can confirm participation and help us finalize planning for the trip.
We are excited to celebrate our students’ hard work and dedication with this special experience! 🎢✨
8th GRADE GRADUATION!
We are looking forward to celebrating our 8th grade Sparks as they reach this important milestone! Our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony will take place on June 11 from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Shaw Campus. This year’s student-selected theme is “Dream Big, Shine Bright.”
8th Grade Families must complete the Graduation RSVP, additional ticket request, and promotion t-shirt size form by March 30th . Each Spark will receive up to four guest tickets, and additional tickets may be available based on space.
Students will also participate in a mandatory graduation rehearsal on June 8 from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Shaw Campus. Attendance at rehearsal is required in order for students to participate in the ceremony.
We are incredibly proud of our 8th grade Sparks and look forward to recognizing their hard work, growth, and accomplishments as they continue to dream big and shine bright. ✨🎓
GREAT ATTENDANCE EACH MONTH = GROCERIES FOR PARENTS!
A new month means a new winner!
Parents whose children have an attendance rate of 90% or higher will be entered to win $50 of groceries! Our next drawing will be on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Parent Corner
CAPE
We hosted a parent information session on March 3rd. If you were unable to attend, we have linked a recording for you to review and listen to at your convenience!
Clubs
This week for Clubs, our Sparks are completing their SLC projects and slides. Quarter 4 Clubs will resume March 23, 2026 due to in person testing.
Kids Ride Free Cards
Kids Ride Free Cards can now be requested for our new school year. Please use this form to complete your request.
KIDS RIDE FREE CARD REQUEST FORM
Once you have completed the form, please wait to receive confirmation regarding pickup. All cards will be available for pick up at the Shaw Campus.
Additional Supports:
Scheduling for IEP and 504 meetings is currently underway. If you have an upcoming meeting, please watch for an email invitation. If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to the following individuals for further support:
SPED (SWIEPS): Manager of Student Success, Candice Davis, (540) 202-1035
504’s: Mental Health Practitioner, Mary Lohoury, (301) 750-3767
SST (attendance): Director of Systems, Caitlin Maxwell, (708)-408-0399
SST (academic): Manager of Student Success, Candice Davis, (540) 202-1035
School Policies Reminders:
Attendance:
If your Spark is going to be absent, please complete the absence form located on our website (www.kippdcinnovate.com).
Website:
We are so excited to have our website to support you with all current information.
Remember some pages are password protected to protect internal information. It enter these pages please type the password:
Innovate2025!
Communication:
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher first.
Important Documents:
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.
