Dear Innovate Families,
What a bright start to the year! Our first week of school was filled with energy, curiosity, and plenty of “light bulb moments” as our Sparks engaged in meaningful learning. We are so proud of their enthusiasm and commitment—and we’re thrilled to share that our school-wide attendance rate was an incredible 97%! This speaks volumes about the partnership we have with you and the dedication of our students.
Looking ahead, this week our Sparks will begin their ELA Diagnostic Assessment in i-Ready. Students will complete the assessment during their small group time from Tuesday to Thursday. This important check-in helps us understand each Spark’s strengths and areas for growth so we can tailor instruction to meet their needs.
A quick reminder—on Fridays, Sparks finish at 1:40 PM if they have completed all their work and have no missing assignments. Let’s keep up the momentum and finish each week strong!
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
With gratitude and excitement,
Kelly Casagrande
Director, KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy and Virtual Learning
Upcoming Events
Here's a look at what's happening at our school in the coming weeks:
Google Classroom Parent Access: We’ve created a short step-by-step video to show you exactly how to connect to your child’s Google Classroom as a parent. The video walks you through accepting the invite, setting up your email summaries, and seeing your child’s assignments and class activity. If you have any trouble at all accessing your child’s Google Classroom account, just send Ms. Maxwell a quick text (708-408-0399) and she will help you get set up right away.
BOY I-Ready ELA Testing: Students will engage in their Beginning of Year Reading Diagnostic testing, I-Ready, on August 19-21, 2025
In-Person Try-Out Form Due: If your Spark would like to participate in in-person sports, please complete the Sign-Up Form by Aug 22, 2025
In-Person Try-Outs: Try-outs for Cheer, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball will take place at Will Academy at the Shaw Campus August 25-27th from 3:45-5:00
BOY I-Ready Math Testing: Students will engage in their Beginning of Year Math Diagnostic testing, I-Ready, on August 26-27th
Attendance Incentive: Students who have an attendance rate of 90% or higher from August 12-August 26th will be invited to join our Attendance Incentive, Let's Go to the Movies Virtually, on Aug 28, 2025. Students will be notified of their eligibility on Tuesday, August 26th.
PD Day, Schools Closed: Aug 29, 2025
Back to School Night: Please mark your calendars for September 3, 2025 (5:30-7:00) our Back to School Night! All families who attend will be entered to win one of two amazing prizes!
Sparks Shine, All the Time: Student Shout Outs!
This month, we are shining a light on our Sparks that show Self Advocacy and demonstrate our 4 Core School Rules:
Be Here, Be Ready
Jump In, Stay In
Speak Up, Lift Up
Keep Going, Keep Growing
We are proud to shout out the following Sparks:
Shout Out to Jordan A (8th Grade) for showing great self advocacy in sharing his need for additional support and time on his Student Led Conference Artifact
Shout out to Jayden W (7th Grade) for supporting our school community with Google Classroom
Shout out to Love G (Grade 5) for demonstrating “Be Here, Be Ready” for independently taking notes on day 1 of Science…she really sh
Shout out to Miley B. (Grade 5) for demonstrating “Speak Up, Lift Up, for celebrating another student’s character and presence
Shout out to Cassidy M, (Grade 6) for demonstrating “Be Here, Be Ready,” for engaging in all materials and questions in Math.
Congratulations, Sparks! Keep up the amazing work!
Clubs and Activities
Get involved and make the most of your school experience! Here are some of the exciting clubs and activities available this year:
Art Club:
Love to draw, paint, or get crafty? Come join the Art Club! Whether you're a beginner or already creating masterpieces, this is a fun and relaxed space to explore your creativity, learn new skills, and make cool art with friends. We’ll try out different materials, do group projects, and even prep for school art shows. All middle and high school students are welcome—no experience needed, just bring your imagination!
Dog Training 101:
If you are an animal love and play with a dog regularly, this club is for you! Each week, we will learn about dog breeds, responsible pet ownership, and we will work with our dogs to teach them one trick per week. Your animal can be present for the club period as we learn tricks like sit, paw, roll-over, etc. You will need to provide treats for your dog!!
Film Club:
In Film Club, students will make connections to the work they are doing in English Language Arts by analyzing relatable themes (coming of age, interpersonal conflict, individuality and belonging) and studying the art of filmmaking. Students will watch a short film from an age appropriate pre-selected list ( about 10-15 minutes long) and then discuss it in pairs and/or with the group. Discussions will focus on the themes of the film, the filmmakers craft moves, and how those themes are developed. Students will end the semester by embarking on their own short film project, using the tools they have learned over the course of the semester to tell their own stories.
Trivia and Game Club:
The Trivia/Game Club is an engaging after-school program for middle school students focused on enhancing knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork skills through trivia contests and board games. Students will participate in themed trivia challenges, strategic games, and creative workshops to design their own trivia, fostering collaboration and community. Weekly meetings facilitate social interaction, build friendships, and encourage resilience while making learning enjoyable. Overall, the club aims to create a fun environment that nurtures curiosity and academic growth.
iBrick Lego Club:
Students will have the opportunity to expand their STEAM skills in robotic building using an iBrick kit. Similarly to LEGOs, iBrick is a hands-on tool that helps concrete STEAM skills in a creative brick building way!
Journalism Club
In this club, students will work with Mrs. Scott to create and record Virtual Vibes scripts, incorporating current events, relevant school news, and engaging content to share with the school community.
Students have already received a preview of each club and will select their preferred club on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. After selections are made, students will receive an invitation to the club they’ve been placed in.
We will do our best to place each student in their first-choice club; however, some clubs have a limited number of seats. In addition, if your Spark needs extra support in ELA or Math, we will prioritize placement in those academic support clubs to ensure they receive the help they need.
Parent Corner
Google Classroom: Parent Connect
We know that some of our parents are having difficulties connecting with Google Classroom. To support you with this, we have created a video tutorial, walking you through all the steps needed to connect with your child’s classes and grades. Please view the video linked below to support your access. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Ms. Maxwell.
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.
