Hello Innovate Families,
I hope you are enjoying your long weekend and taking this time to rest and recharge with family and friends.
As we continue celebrating excellence, perseverance, and leadership, I would like to highlight the remarkable legacy of Septima Clark. Often called the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Clark was an educator who understood that literacy was power. Through her Citizenship Schools, she taught thousands of African Americans how to read, write, and exercise their right to vote. Her work laid the foundation for meaningful civic participation and helped transform communities across the South. While her name may not always appear in history books as prominently as others, her impact shaped the course of American democracy. She reminds us that education is not just about knowledge—it is about empowerment, voice, and opportunity.
In that same spirit of preparation and empowerment, we have important updates regarding upcoming testing requirements. All students will be required to report in person for one day of testing in March, and again for all CAPE testing sessions in April and May. Attendance on these days is mandatory, as these assessments are an important part of our academic program.
To ensure families are fully informed and prepared, we will host Parent Information Sessions on March 3rd. During these sessions, we will review testing locations, timeframes, expectations, and answer any questions you may have. Your partnership is essential to student success, and we encourage all parents and guardians to attend.
Additionally, please remember that the Funland permission slip is due this Friday, February 20th. Kindly ensure all forms are submitted on time so students can participate.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence. Together, we will continue to educate, empower, and elevate our students.
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 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
Feb 26, 2026- Grades ⅚ Rescheduled Trip to Lego Discovery Center
Feb 27, 2026- Grades 7-12 Rescheduled Trip to DC History Center
Mar 4, 2026- Quarter 3 Ends
Mar 5, 2026- Quarter 3 Clubs End
Mar 6, 2026- Funland Quarter 3 Community Trip
Mar 11, 2026- SAT
Mar 11, 2026- 8th Grade Signs of Suicide
Mar 12, 2026- Student-Led Conferences
Mar 13, 2026- Schools Closed
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Spark Shoutouts!!
Shout out to Rita B. for mastering an IXL math skill the same day she started working on it!
Shout out to Heaven T. for her commitment to wanting others to feel valued and for starting a friendship alliance for her peers.
Shout out to Shagion W. for the confidence he showed in classes this week and for demonstrating increased engagement.
Shout out to Demarko C. for his amazing engagement and work completion!
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
GREAT ATTENDANCE EACH MONTH = GROCERIES FOR PARENTS!
A new month means a new winner! Parents whose children have an attendance rate of 90% or higher will be entered to win $50 of groceries! Our next drawing will be on Monday, March 2, 2026.
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.
Check the pace, stay on track—earn those laces!
Show up. Put in the work. Earn your shot at custom kicks! Here are the students who are on track to being entered on the big wheel!
DC History Center Field Trip: RESCHEDULED!
Our 7th–12th grade students are attending the DC History Center on Friday, February 27, 2026 (10:00-2:30). Due to the lower attendance, we will be traveling on the metro to and from the DC History Center. All participating students and family members will be receiving an email Wednesday, February 25, 2026 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.
Lego Discovery Center Field Trip: RESCHEDULED!
Our Grades 5–6 students will be visiting the LEGO Discovery Center on Thursday, February 26th, from 9:15 AM–12:30 PM. All participating students and family members will be receiving an email Monday, February 23rd 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.
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
In-Person Testing!!
Students in grades 5–8 will complete their required in-person testing at KIPP DC Headquarters on March 18th and 19th, and during the weeks of April 27th, May 4th, and May 11th. This marks a change from last year, when testing was held at the KIPP DC Shaw Campus.
We are hopeful that this new location will be more centrally located for families and provide easier access to transportation, as it is conveniently located right off the Metro.
More detailed information will be sent tomorrow outlining specific grade levels, assigned dates, times, and logistical information. Additionally, we will be hosting multiple parent information sessions to review details and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
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.
