Hello Innovate Families,
February marks Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the legacy, leadership, and impact of Black Americans who have shaped our country. This month, I want to lift up Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazing leader who dedicated her life to equity, representation, and service.
Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. Throughout her career, she was known for her courage, determination, and commitment to advocating for children, families, and marginalized communities. Her famous motto, “Unbought and Unbossed,” reminds us of the power of standing firm in our values and using our voices to create meaningful change. Her leadership continues to inspire us to lead with integrity, persistence, and purpose.
We are also excited to share several important updates and upcoming events in our community:
Grade 5–6 Field Trip: We are thrilled to take our Grade 5–6 students to the LEGO Discovery Center tomorrow, February 3rd! Even if KIPP DC calls a 2-hour delay, we will still move forward with the trip as planned.
DC History Center (Grades 7–12): We are actively working to identify alternative dates for the rescheduled DC History Center trip for our Grades 7–12 students. Please be on the lookout for a follow-up email with more information.
Level Up, Lace Up Incentive: Our Level Up, Lace Up incentive officially kicked off today and will continue throughout Quarter 3! We’re excited to celebrate student effort, growth, and consistency.
Quarterly Progress Updates: Beginning Wednesday, February 6th, teachers will be reaching out to share updates on students’ quarterly progress. If you would like to schedule a conference with one of your Spark’s teachers, please email them directly to set up a date and time.
Funland Community Field Trip: Don’t forget to sign up for our Funland Community Field Trip by February 20th to lock in your spot! Additional details and the permission slip are included below.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful to be on this journey together as we celebrate history, learning, and our incredible Sparks.
Sparks Shine, All the Time! ✨
Ms. Casagrande
Director, KIPP DC Innovate Virtual Academy
Upcoming Events & Important Announcements
Here's a look at what's happening at our school in the coming weeks:
Feb 2, 2026- Level up, Lace Up! School Incentive starts!
Feb 3, 2026- Grades 5-6 Field Trip to Lego Discovery Center
Feb 5, 2026 - Feb 11, 2026- Midway Progress Check-In
Feb 10, 2026- Feb 11, 2026- DIBELS YELLOW and RED PM
Feb 13, 2026- PD: Schools Closed for Students
Feb 16, 2026- Presidents Day: Schools Closed
Feb 20, 2026- Fun Land Permission Slip Due
Feb 25, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026- DIBELS Red PM
Mar 4, 2026- Quarter 3 Ends
Mar 6, 2026- Funland Quarter 3 Community Trip
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Spark Shoutouts!!
Shout out to 6th Grade for a day of perfect attendance! Keep showing up everyday!
Shout out to Courtez C (Grade 6) for maintaining focus, engagement, and motivation throughout ANET!
Shout out to Lila A (Grade 6) for showing her work throughout her Math ANET assessment! We loved seeing your thinking!
Shout out to Taylor R. (Grade 6) for using a variety of division strategies to problem solve decimal division problems
Shout out to Cailyn S. (Grade 5) for leading our group discussion and having strong writing\
Shout out to Kylie B. (Grade 8) for great participation in Health
JANUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH: SERVICE
Congratulations to the following students for being named student of the month for the month of January:
Make it stand out
Remember to email your $25.00 Walmart order to Mrs. Casagrande!
JANUARY PERFECT AND EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE WINNERS!
We are so proud of our Sparks who demonstrated excellent and perfect attendance! All Sparks will be announced on Wednesday morning during Advisory. Certificates will be sent home this week! Congratulations Sparks!
FEBRUARY VALUE OF THE MONTH: SELF ADVOCACY
At Innovate, we believe Self-Advocacy means knowing your needs, using your voice, and taking ownership of your learning and experiences. Self-Advocacy is about speaking up respectfully, asking questions, and seeking solutions so that you can succeed. When we advocate for ourselves, we show independence, confidence, and responsibility in both our communication and our actions.
What Self-Advocacy Looks Like:
Asking questions when something is unclear or you need more support.
Communicating with teachers about assignments, deadlines, or challenges.
Taking initiative to find resources or tools to help you learn.
Requesting feedback to improve your work or understanding.
Setting personal goals and tracking your progress toward them.
What Self-Advocacy Sounds Like:
“I don’t understand this yet—can you explain it another way?”
“Can we meet to go over my work together?”
“I need more time or support to complete this assignment.”
“I found this strategy works well for me—can I use it?”
When we embrace self-advocacy, we become active participants in our own learning. We learn that our voices matter and that we have the power to ask for what we need. By practicing self-advocacy every day, we build confidence, strengthen our independence, and create a learning environment where all Innovate scholars can reach their fullest potential.
Community Events and Activities
GRADES 5-6 FIELD TRIP TO LEGOLAND!
Our 5th–6th grade students are attending Legoland on Tuesday, February 3rd. Our 5th/6th Graders will ride a school bus to and from the museum due to distance. All participating students and family members will be receiving an email Friday, January 30th outlining all important information and logistics regarding the trip.
STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT ATTENDING THE FIELD TRIP MUST SIGN ON AT THEIR NORMAL TIME AND COMPLETE COURSEWORK AS USUAL.
GREAT ATTENDANCE EACH MONTH = GROCERIES FOR PARENTS!
Parents whose children have an attendance rate of 90% or higher will be entered MONTHLY to win $50 of groceries! Monthly drawings will start at the end of February and carry through Quarter 3
Level Up, Lace Up: Win Custom Nike Shoes
Throughout Quarter 3, students in Grades ⅚ and ⅞ who hit their weekly goals, completing 3 i-Ready lessons, logging 45 Amira minutes, and maintaining 90% attendance, will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of custom Nikes!
For High School students, eligibility is earned by being on track or ahead in all coursework and maintaining an attendance rate of 90% or higher throughout Quarter 3.
One winner will be selected from each grade band: Grades 5–6, Grades 7–8, and High School.
Show up. Put in the work. Earn your shot at custom kicks!
This incentive will kick off on February 2nd!
COMMUNITY FIELD TRIP TO FUNLAND!
We are excited to invite Innovate families to our Funland Community Field Trip on Friday, March 6, 2026, for students in grades 5–12! This special day is all about connection, community, and fun.
Families may choose to meet us at the Shaw Campus and ride the bus together or meet us directly at Funland in Centreville, VA. One parent or guardian is welcome to attend with each student. Lunch will be provided for students at no cost, and students may bring additional money for snacks if they choose.
Please be sure to complete the permission form by February 20, 2026. Important reminders and arrival/dismissal details are included in the form.
We look forward to spending this fun-filled day together and continuing to build strong partnerships with our Innovate families!n make all the difference.
Parent Corner
Snow Days Moving Forward:
As a reminder:
If KIPP DC calls for in-person school buildings to be closed with an asynchronous learning day, Innovate will follow a modified schedule which will be shared on Google Classroom
If KIPP DC calls for a 2-hour delay, Innovate will follow our 2-hour delay schedule, which begins at 10:30.
These procedures will allow us to maintain clarity and consistency for our students and families.
Clubs
As a reminder, Clubs and Homework Help are required parts of the day at Innovate Virtual Academy. Attendance is taken for both. These components ensure students receive the academic support they may need while also engaging in extracurricular activities for a well-rounded educational experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
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.
