Dear Innovate Families,
We are already midway through Quarter 1, and I am so proud of the perseverance our Sparks have shown this month. September’s Core Value—Perseverance—reminds us that learning takes commitment, determination, and resilience. Every time our students log in despite a tech hiccup, ask for help when something feels challenging, or push through a tough assignment, they are building skills that will serve them for life.
This week, we also celebrate the many ways our Sparks are shining—whether it’s stepping up to lead in Art Club, showing confidence in reading, or encouraging peers in class discussions. These moments of leadership and persistence remind us that our school community is filled with bright, determined learners.
Please keep an eye on upcoming deadlines, including permission slips for our Bowlero Community Trip (due September 18) and our African American Museum Trip (due September 23). These experiences are not only fun but also opportunities to learn and grow together beyond the screen.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we build a school community where perseverance shines through every Spark.
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
With gratitude and excitement,
Kelly Casagrande
Director, KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy and Virtual Learning
WAAG (Week at a Glance)
Stay up to date on what’s being taught in class, upcoming assignments, and weekly events happening in your child’s classroom by reviewing each of your child’s teachers’ WAAGS.
Go to www.kippdcinnovate.com
Click Teacher Connect
Select your child’s teacher(s)
Upcoming Events
Here's a look at what's happening at our school in the coming weeks:
Sep 15, 2025 Midway through Quarter 1
Sep 16, 2025 Student Survey completed in Advisory
Sep 18, 2025 Bowlero Permission Slip Due
Sep 19, 2025 Staff PD- Schools Closed
Sep 23, 2025 African American Museum Permission Slip Due
Sep 30, 2025 African American Museum Field Trip (9:30-1:30)
Oct 17, 2025 Bowlero Community Trip (10:30-1:00)
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Spark Points Leaderboard
Spark School store is LIVE!
Students were invited to pick their weekly prizes based on their work last week. Your student will be able to use their school store points to shop the store and get REAL prizes mailed home starting this week. Ask your student how they can shop the school store!
Sparks Shout Outs!
We are proud to shout out the following Sparks:
Shout Out to Zachariah (Grade 5) for persevering in Science class and getting First place on his Science Blooket Review!
Shout out Kendra L (Grade 7). She was the first student in art club to volunteer to teach an art lesson and did an amazing job.
Shout out to Gracie T (Grade 6) and HB (Grade 6) for volunteering to lead and teach her Art Club. We love seeing your leadership!
Shout out to Jasari S (Grade 7) for high engagement in ELA-coming off of mute to read and share his ideas. He is a wonderful classmate who encourages others and promotes positivity in the online classroom environment.
Shout out to Micah C (Grade 7) for preserving through his reading class. He showed great confidence and perseverance.
Congratulations, Sparks! Keep up the amazing work!
September Core Value: Perseverance
For the month of September, we are highlighting our Core Value, Perseverance. Perseverance means continuing to give your best effort, even when things feel difficult or when challenges come your way. It’s about not giving up, problem-solving, and showing determination to reach your goals.
In our virtual school community, perseverance looks like:
Logging into class every day and staying engaged, even when technology doesn’t cooperate.
Asking questions or reaching out for help instead of giving up when something feels confusing.
Completing assignments on time, even when they take extra focus and effort.
Showing resilience by trying again after mistakes and celebrating growth along the way.
For our virtual students, perseverance means sticking with the learning process, finding creative ways to overcome challenges, and staying motivated by remembering that every effort brings them closer to success.
At Innovate, we celebrate perseverance because it helps our Sparks shine—both in school and in life.
Community Events and Activities
Upcoming Content-Based Field Trip
On September 30th all Sparks are invited to join us for a trip to the African American Museum. Students will be transported to and from the museum using public transportation. Please complete the permission slip, linked below, by September 23rd.
Upcoming Community Events
We are so excited for our first quarter community field trip! Our school community will be traveling to Bowlero (9021 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740) on October 17th (10:30-1:00). As a Community Field Trip, parents are invited to join their Spark for bowling. We will be providing transportation from the Shaw Campus OR you can meet us at the Bowlero. You will inform us of your form of transportation on the permission slip linked below. If you are driving separately, parents will be required to stay at the bowling alley. All permission slips must be completed by September 18th in order to attend. We look forward to enjoying some bowling with you and your Spark!
Homework Help:
We offer homework help, daily, from 3:15-3:45. If your Spark is in need of any additional support or help with assignments or homework, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Parent Corner
Parent Feedback Survey
Your voice matters to us. Our Enrollment Feedback Survey is now open, and your input helps us strengthen the KIPP DC experience for all families. This short survey is an opportunity to share what brought you to KIPP DC and how we can better support families as they join and return to our schools. As a thank you, every completed survey will be entered into a drawing for a special prize.
Complete the Enrollment Feedback Survey: http://bit.ly/47l4PNU
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.
Student Grades
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.
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.
