Spark Families,
As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to take a moment to honor the incredible influence of Hispanic and Latino culture on our community and world. From art and music to leadership and traditions, this celebration has been a wonderful reminder of the richness that diversity brings to our lives.
As we step into October, we also recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We celebrate and stand in solidarity with all those who have battled or are currently battling this courageous fight. Our thoughts are with the survivors, the fighters, and the families who have been touched by this journey.
Looking ahead, our 5th–8th grade students who have returned their permission slips will be heading to the African American Museum tomorrow, September 30th, from 9:30–1:30, leaving from the Shaw campus. Students who are not attending will continue with their normal class schedule as usual.
Wishing you all a strong and positive week ahead.
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 30, 2025 African American Museum Field Trip (9:30-1:30)
Oct 2, 2025 Attendance Movie Incentive (1:30-3:30) Virtual
Oct 3, 2025 September Attendance Awards and Student of the Month announced (during Advisory)
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!
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!
Shout out to Kassidi in 6th grade for being the top writer this week! She has done amazing with writing her narrative.
Shout out to Heaven L. and Heaven T. for persevering when coming across challenging writing prompts.
Shout out to all our kiddos who tried TypingClub! 19 students actively participated!
Shout out to Micah C for his participation and engagement in small groups!
Shout out to Jayden and Carly in 7th grade who have completely finished all XtraMath programs which required them to complete every single math fluency fact in 3 seconds or less!!!
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.
October Core Value: Accountability
At Innovate, we believe accountability means taking responsibility for your actions, words, and learning while holding yourself and others to high standards. In a virtual school environment, accountability shows up in big and small ways each day.
What Accountability Looks Like:
Logging in on time and prepared for class.
Submitting assignments by the deadline.
Actively engaging in class discussions and breakout rooms.
Following through on commitments made to teachers, peers, and yourself.
What Accountability Sounds Like:
“I didn’t understand this, but I’ll ask for help so I can improve.”
“I wasn’t on time today, but I’ll make sure I set my alarm earlier tomorrow.”
“I’ll upload my work before the deadline so my teacher can review it.”
“Let’s stay focused so we can finish this project together.”
When each of us practices accountability, we create a community where learning is prioritized, growth is celebrated, and everyone can succeed.
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. Participating students and families will receive a follow up email on Monday.
All students remaining online, will engage in a normal school day and be provided a virtual option for the field trip.
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.
