Hello Sparks Families,
I hope everyone had a restful weekend and is ready for another great week of learning!
Our staff has noticed that a number of our students have been caring for or watching younger siblings during the school day. While we know that balancing home and school responsibilities can sometimes be challenging, it is essential that students are fully focused and engaged during instructional hours. When students are distracted by caring for siblings or other family members, it takes away from their ability to learn, participate, and succeed. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring that your child has a quiet, distraction-free space to learn each day.
We have also seen an increase in the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for completing assignments. While these tools can be great resources for brainstorming ideas or checking grammar when allowed, it is very important that students use them responsibly and only when their teacher permits it. Using AI to complete or copy work can be considered academic dishonesty (cheating) and prevents students from developing their own writing, thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our goal is for each student to build confidence and independence in their learning—something that only happens when they do the work themselves.
This week, we will also be progress monitoring using DIBELS, and we can’t wait to see the incredible growth our students have made so far this year!
It’s hard to believe that Quarter 2 is almost over. As we prepare to close out the quarter, we’re excited for our upcoming Student-Led Conferences on October 23rd and 24th. Please review the JotForm for your child’s grade level and select your preferred day and time by Wednesday, October 8th. More details and links can be found in the Parent Corner section below.
Let’s have a focused and fantastic week of learning, Sparks!
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:
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!
September Core Value: Perseverance
Congratulations to our Student of the Month Winners! Each student can email Ms. Casagrande to share their linked Amazon item of $20 to be shipped to their home. Congratulations!
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 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!
Parent Corner
Student Led Conferences
Student-Led Conferences are a special time at the end of each quarter when students take the lead in sharing their grades, data, goals, successes, and areas for growth. During these conferences, students reflect on their learning alongside their teacher and parent. It’s a powerful opportunity for everyone to hear students take ownership of their progress and share how they plan to continue growing.
Each conference will last about 20–30 minutes and requires both the student and parent to attend together. You do not need to be in the same physical location—just make sure both are present on the Zoom link at the scheduled time.
SLCs will take place on October 23rd and 24th.
To help us prioritize your availability, please complete the JotForm for your child’s grade level linked below. Once you’ve submitted your form, teachers will reach out to confirm your assigned date and time. You will also receive reminders about your appointment.
Please note that Student-Led Conferences are required and must be attended by the student and at least one parent or guardian. This time is an important part of your child’s academic journey and helps ensure their continued growth and success.
We look forward to celebrating all that our Sparks have accomplished this quarter!
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.
