Hello Sparks Families,
Today officially marks the start of Quarter 2 at KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy! We are so proud of the growth, effort, and perseverance our Sparks showed during Quarter 1, and we’re ready to keep that momentum going as we begin this next chapter of the school year.
As we move into Quarter 2, please remember the expectations that help ensure your child’s success each day:
Attendance: Students must be logged into Zoom on time, with their camera on and face visible for the entire class.
Engagement: Students should be actively participating, responding to teachers, and completing class artifacts or assignments.
Grades: Students receive three grades per content area each week, and families should review weekly progress reports and check PowerSchool regularly to stay informed.
Communication: If you’re not receiving emails or progress reports, please reach out so we can update your contact information.
We’re also excited to celebrate the end of the quarter with our community field trip to Bowlero! Students who are not attending the field trip are expected to log on as normal for their virtual community activities. Please note that if a student does not sign on, they will be marked absent for the day.
Looking ahead, our Quarter 1 Assembly will take place on Tuesday, October 22nd, and our Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) will be held on Thursday, October 23rd and Friday, October 24th. We can’t wait to celebrate your child’s growth and success and to set goals together for a strong Quarter 2.
Thank you for your continued partnership—our Sparks shine, all the time!
Sparks Shine, All the Time,
Mrs. 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 13, 2025 School Closed: Indigenous Peoples Day
Oct 14, 2025 Quarter 2 Schedule begins
Oct 15, 2025 Quarter 2 Grades finalized
Oct 17, 2025 Bowlero Community Trip (10:30-1:00)
Oct 20, 2025 DIBELS Progress Monitoring
Oct 20, 2025 Quarter 1 Clubs End - Homework and Classwork Required Support from (3:15-3:45) begins
Oct 22, 2025 Quarter 1 Awards Assembly during Advisory
Oct 23, 2025 and Oct 24, 2025 SLC Conferences!
Week of Oct 28, 2025 ANET Testing
Nov 3, 2025 Quarter 2 Clubs start
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!
Our amazing Spark Artists have been busy at work studying Georgia O’Keefe. Check out their beautiful works of art!
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
Quarter 2 Starts!
It is hard to believe that quarter one has already come to an end. This week kicks off the start of Quarter 2! Student schedules have been updated to reflect the following changes as we enter the new quarter:
Science and Social Studies times have been shifted to accommodate our new teacher, Mrs. Rollins, who will be teaching all Grade Levels Science and SS. Please read more about her LINKED HERE. Please see below for the content your child will be engaging in this quarter:
Grade 5: Science
Grade 6: SS
Grade 7: SS
Grade 8: Science
I-Ready and Amira time has been increased to support personalized learning from (2:45-3:05)
Homework Help/Club times have shifted from 3:15-3:45
Quarter 1 Clubs will be ending on October 16th
October 20-23 students will be working on SLC slides/artifacts and Homework during the 3:15-3:45 timeframe
October 27-30 students will be introduced to the new clubs and be provided a survey to select their new clubs.
Nov 3, 2025 Quarter 2 Clubs starts
An email went on Monday to families reminding them of the expectations as we enter Quarter 2. I have linked the letter HERE. Please review the letter to make sure you are up to date with all of our expectations
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. Teachers will be reaching out to confirm your date and time for your child’s SLC appointment.
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.
