Dear Innovate Families,
We are in full swing here at Innovate! This week, our Sparks are engaging in important beginning-of-year diagnostic assessments that will help us better understand their learning needs. In their Student Learning Community (SLC) work groups, students will soon be setting individual goals—an exciting opportunity for them to take ownership of their growth and learning this year.
I also want to highlight the importance of staying on top of assignments. Students who have missing work are expected to attend our Friday Make-Up Session to catch up and get back on track. If your child has missing assignments, you will receive a phone call on Friday so that you are aware and can ensure they attend. Consistent attendance at these sessions is critical to your child’s success. As a reminder, students have this Friday off so they will not have these sessions but they will be able to attend next week, September 5, 2025.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership in helping our Sparks shine. Together, we are setting a strong foundation for a year full of growth and achievement.
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
With gratitude and excitement,
Kelly Casagrande
Director, KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy and Virtual Learning 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
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 26-27
BOY DIBELS Assessment: This week, August 25-28, students will complete their DIBELS fluency assessment one on one with a teacher during their small group time. This will provide valuable information regarding your child’s ability to decode words and read fluently.
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 selected the three movies, How to Train Your Dragon, Lilo and Stitch, and Smurfs. 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 Madison B (8th Grade) and Jayden W (7th Grade) for demonstrating our school rule, Keeping Going, Keep Growing, by completing and passing 5 Xtra Math Fact Fluency Levels in just 2 weeks of school!!
Shout out to Tristan F (5th Grade) for demonstrating Speak Up, Lift Up by showing support to another spark during small group math lessons!
Shout out to Heaven B (6th Grade), Gracie T (6th Grade), Kassidi M (6th Grade) and Courtez C (6th Grade) for demonstrating “Jump In, Stay In” and “Keep Going, Keep Growing” through their exemplary writing in ELA this week!
Congratulations, Sparks! Keep up the amazing work!
Clubs and Activities
CLUBS:
Today, August 25th, kicks off our clubs! Students had the opportunity to sign up for one to two clubs. All students and parents have been notified of their club selections, the days they will meet, and the teacher running the club. Clubs will be run quarterly and students will have the opportunity to select new clubs for Quarter 2. As we have previously shared, 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.
AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS @WILL ACADEMY
If you signed your Spark up to try out for in person sports, they will go to the Shaw Campus, August 25-27th, for try-outs. If your Spark makes the team, they will not need to attend afterschool clubs with Innovate as the in-person sport will count as their club. As a reminder, students must attend their closing circle until 3:10 before leaving for their sport.
Parent Corner
As we shared in our Sparks University, parents can now access their child’s grades through PowerSchool. Please utilize the instructions linked below to set up your account.
KIPP DC Parent Portal Login Instructions
After you set up your account and have logged in, you will currently only see your child’s classes and attendance rate. Currently the IT Department is working to have all of our students grades properly synced, regularly, between Google Classroom and Power School shortly. Please be patient with us as we work with them to get this accomplished.
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.
