Dear Innovate Families,
This week, we are proud to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic and Latino culture has brought so much richness to our world—from language and traditions to music, art, food, and history. Did you know that the United States is home to more than 62 million people of Hispanic and Latino descent, making it the largest ethnic minority group in our country? Their influence and contributions are woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
At Innovate, we’ve been especially inspired by the artistic impact of Hispanic and Latino culture. Over the last few weeks, our students have created beautiful works of art inspired by influential figures such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. It has been wonderful to see our students not only replicate these masterpieces but also grow in their appreciation for the power of cultural expression through art.
A few important reminders and updates for this week:
African American Museum Permission Slip – Please remember that permission slips are due tomorrow, September 23rd. We are excited for this powerful learning opportunity and want to ensure every student is able to join.
Suicide Prevention Program – This program will be rescheduled to a later date. I will update you soon with the new date along with additional information and context. Thank you for your understanding as we make sure the program is delivered thoughtfully and effectively.
Let’s have a wonderful week together—full of learning, creativity, and community.
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Warmly,
Kelly Casagrande
Director, KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy
Upcoming Events
Here's a look at what's happening at our school in the coming weeks:
Sep 23, 2025 African American Museum Permission Slip Due
Sep 30, 2025 African American Museum Field Trip (9:30-1:30)
Oct 2, 2025 Attendance Movie Incentive (1:30-3:30) Virtual
Oct 6, 2025 DIBELS Progress Monitoring
Oct 9, 2025 9th and 12th Graders PSAT and SAT
Oct 10, 2025 School Closed: Staff PD
Oct 13, 2025 School Closed: Indigenous Peoples Day
Oct 15, 2025 Quarter 2 Ends
Oct 17, 2025 Bowlero Community Trip (10:30-1:00)
Oct 20, 2025 DIBELS Progress Monitoring
Oct 23, 2025 and Oct 24, 2025 SLC Conferences!
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Spark Points Leaderboard
The 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. Click here to see how to shop and get going!
Sparks Shout Outs!
Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with Diego Rivera inspired water colors.
We are proud to shout out the artistic talents of the following Sparks:
We love seeing our Sparks artistic talents shine! Keep up the beautiful 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 Bowlero Community Trip
On October 17th our school community is going Bowling! If you completed the permission slip, you will be receiving an email the week of October 6th and October 13th outlining all the details. We are so excited to have some fun with our Sparks!
September Movie Attendance Incentive!
On Thursday, October 2nd, students who have a 90% attendance rate or higher will receive an invitation to our Movie Incentive. The movie incentive will be from 1:30-3:30. There will be no clubs that afternoon.
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.
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.
