Happy Monday, Innovate Families!
This week is an exciting one as we prepare for Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) on October 23rd and 24th. These conferences are such an important time for our Sparks to take ownership of their learning—sharing their progress, goals, and next steps for Quarter 2. On Wednesday, October 23rd, students will log on at their regular time to receive their asynchronous work. To be counted as present, students must log on, be seen, and complete their assignments for the day.
In addition, this week our students are being progress monitored in DIBELS, and we are eager to see how much they’ve grown! With a combination of targeted small group instruction and engaging, standards-based whole group lessons, our Sparks continue to make strong strides in their learning.
We also want to give a big thank you to all the families and Sparks who joined us for our community field trip to Bowlero! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, families connecting, and students celebrating their hard work. We hope everyone had a great time! Our next community trip will be in January, and we’re heading to the movies—we can’t wait to see everyone there!
Have a wonderful week, Innovate Family!
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 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
Oct 31, 2025 Quarter 1 Awards and Student of the Month Assembly during Advisory
Nov 3, 2025 Quarter 2 Clubs start
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Spark Points Leaderboard
Sparks Shout Outs!
Shout out to Keith C (Grade 7) for completing all of his work and doing all things he needed to in ELA! Way to go Keith
Shout out to Jayden W,
Shout out to Kendra L and Diamond
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
ANET SCHOOLWIDE TESTING
Families, next week our students will take their ANet assessments for Math and ELA. These important tests help us track student growth and identify the best ways to support their learning.
Math Testing: October 28–29 during whole and small group Math time
ELA Testing: October 30 in the morning (note: schedules will shift slightly—updates will be posted in Google Classroom and Clever)
To help your student do their best, please make sure they:
✅ Get a good night’s rest each night
✅ Eat breakfast before logging on
✅ Have their camera on during testing (students cannot complete the test with cameras off)
✅ Do their own work and avoid any outside help, including AI tools or unapproved calculators
We know our Innovate students are ready to show what they know! Encourage your child to take their time, do their best, and show off all they’ve learned this quarter. We’re so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to celebrate their progress!
Clubs
We’re excited to kick off Quarter 2 Clubs starting November 3rd! During the week of October 27th, students will be introduced to all of our new club offerings and have the opportunity to complete their Club Interest Form to select their top choices.
Clubs and Homework Help are a required part of our enrichment and support program, ensuring every student has a chance to explore their interests, build community, and get the help they need. Attendance will be taken to make sure students are fully benefiting from these opportunities.
If your child participated in the LEGO/i-Brick Club last quarter, please coordinate with administration to return your LEGO kits so they can be redistributed for Quarter 2. You can email Mrs. Maxwell at caitlin.maxwell@kippdc.org to schedule your drop-off date and time at the Shaw campus.
We can’t wait to see our students diving into new clubs, learning, creating, and having fun this quarter!
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. Teachers will be reaching out to confirm your date and time for your child’s SLC appointment.
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.
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.
