Happy Monday Innovate Families!
Happy Monday Innovate Families!
As we head into Spring Break, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a restful, joyful, and well-deserved pause. This time is an important opportunity for our students and for you as families to recharge, reset, and enjoy meaningful moments together. Whether you are traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply slowing down your daily routine, I hope this break brings you peace and renewed energy.
We are now entering the final stretch of the school year, and I am so proud of the perseverance, growth, and commitment our Sparks have shown. When we return from break, we will have one final week of preparation before we launch into CAPE testing, with our 5th and 8th graders leading the way. We are confident that they are ready to rise to the challenge, show what they know, and truly level up.
This is such an exciting time of year as we begin to celebrate the many accomplishments of our students from academic milestones to personal growth. In the weeks ahead, we look forward to recognizing their hard work through testing celebrations, special events, and end-of-year milestones that honor all they have achieved.
Please continue to review upcoming important dates and events in our weekly bulletin so you can stay connected and engaged in all that’s ahead.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your trust, and the many ways you support your children and our school community. We are grateful to walk alongside you and can’t wait to finish this school year strong, together.
Let’s have a wonderful Spring Break!
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:
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026 SPRING BREAK
Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026- DIBELS Progress Monitoring for WB and Below
Apr 27, 2026- Power Up for CAPE ends
Apr 29, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026- May
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
May 26, 2026 - May 29, 2026 I-READY EOY MATH AND DIBELS TESTING
Jun 5, 2026- Kings Dominion Trip
Jun 8, 2026- 8th Grade Graduation Dress Rehearsal
Jun 10, 2026- SLC Conferences
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!
At the conclusion of each day of testing, students will receive a special treat. On the final day of testing, an ice cream truck will be here, and students will get to choose their favorite ice cream as a reward for their hard work and for powering through CAPE! Students must complete all portions of CAPE to the best of their ability in order to receive their treat.
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Shout out to Rita for doing Xtra Math daily.
Shout out to Sahara for completing 6 iReady lessons this week!
Shout out to Lila A. for showing all her work on the Standards quiz!
Shout out to Savannah and Courtez for level 4 error analysis on their Constructed Response Question!
Shout out to Demarko C. for being a coding wizard this week!
Shout out to Dane for being a rockstar in small group! We love hearing you read out loud, answering questions and showing self advocacy!
Shout out to Cailyn for working so hard in Coding this week…keep up the good work!
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 enter our fourth week of POWER UP for CAPE, we’re excited to recognize the following Sparks who have leveled up through earning coins—check out their levels and their earnings!
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! ✨
Level 99 Field Trip!
Get ready, Sparks! 🎉 We’re celebrating your hard work with an exciting Level 99 Field Trip on May 22!
This trip is for students who reached Piranha level during Power Up for CAPE by earning 45 coins OR MORE in March and April and completing all parts of the CAPE assessment. If you qualified, keep an eye out, your official invitation will be emailed to you and your family on May 15!
You’ll travel by bus from the Shaw Campus to Level 99, an amazing experience filled with real-life games, cool technology, and interactive challenges unlike anything else around.
Keep pushing, stay focused, and let’s finish strong. Level 99 is waiting for you!
KINGS DOMINION FIELD TRIP!
We are excited to offer our Grades 5–12 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 in Grades 5-8 to receive an invitation, they must complete all portions of the CAPE Assessment and demonstrate our Power Up strategies during testing. In order for a Spark in High school they must complete all portions of the CAPE Assessment (if they are in grades 9 and 10 ) and must have all courses complete.
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.”
All tickets will be passed out on May 1st at the conclusion of CAPE Testing.
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, May 9, 2026 during advisory!
Parent Corner
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.
