Hello Innovate Families,
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I want to take a moment to honor another extraordinary leader, John Lewis, whose life reminds us of the power of courage, service, and perseverance. Congressman Lewis was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, helping to lead the Selma to Montgomery marches and dedicating his life to advancing voting rights and justice. His call to make “good trouble” encourages all of us and especially our students to stand up for what is right and to use our voices to create positive change.
While February gives us a special opportunity to reflect, we are deeply grateful for the many Black leaders and history makers who have shaped our world. Their impact is not limited to one month, it is something we honor and learn from all year long.
A few important reminders for the week ahead:
Field Trips This Week: We are excited for our two upcoming field trips! Please remember the importance of arriving on time to the Shaw Campus, as we will travel together for both trips.
Lego Discovery Center & DC History Center Logistics: Please review the previously shared logistics (BELOW) carefully to ensure your Spark is prepared, arrives on time, and is ready for a great learning experience.
End of Quarter Focus: The quarter ends on March 4th, and now is the time to ensure your Spark is not missing any work. Staying on top of assignments and finishing strong is critical. Students should also be preparing for their Student-Led Conference (SLC) presentations. Families will be contacted this week to schedule conferences for March 12th — please be on the lookout for communication from your Spark’s advisor to select a time.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting strong attendance, preparation, and academic focus. Let’s have a wonderful week together!
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 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 2, 2026- Student of the Month Announced and February Grocery Winner Announced!
Mar 3, 2026- Parent Testing Information Sessions (Choose 1) 1:00-2:00 OR 5:30-6:30
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 for 11th Grade
Mar 11, 2026- 8th Grade Signs of Suicide
Mar 12, 2026- Student-Led Conferences
Mar 13, 2026- Schools Closed
Mar 18, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026 ANET TESTING
Mar 18, 2026- Grades ⅝ ANET Testing In-Person
Mar 19, 2026- Grades 6/7 ANET Testing In-Person
Sparks Shine, All the Time!
Spark Shoutouts!!
Shout out to both Layla D and Shaggy W (Grade 7) for their work completion
Shout out to Isa S. (Grade 7) who has been crushing it in ELA small group!
Shout out to Milan B. (Grade 6) for showing great self advocacy to improve her learning
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.
MARCH VALUE OF THE MONTH: PERSEVERANCE
At Innovate, we believe Perseverance means continuing to try even when things feel challenging, staying committed to your goals, and learning from mistakes along the way. Perseverance is about showing determination, resilience, and a growth mindset — understanding that success often comes from effort, patience, and not giving up.
When we practice perseverance, we build confidence in our ability to overcome obstacles and develop the skills needed to tackle challenges both in school and beyond.
What Perseverance Looks Like:
Sticking with a task even when it feels difficult.
Trying new strategies when the first attempt doesn’t work.
Completing assignments and responsibilities with effort and care.
Learning from mistakes and using feedback to improve.
Staying focused on goals despite setbacks or frustrations.
What Perseverance Sounds Like:
“This is hard, but I’m going to keep trying.”
“I didn’t get it yet — I’ll try a different way.”
“Can you help me understand so I can improve?”
“I’m proud of the progress I’m making.”
When we embrace perseverance, we learn that challenges are opportunities to grow. By continuing to push forward, supporting one another, and believing in our ability to improve, we create a community where all Innovate scholars can achieve their goals and 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. For those that completed our Permission Slip, you will receive more information on Friday, February 27th. We can’t wait!
Parent Corner
ANET 3 Testing Schedule
Grades 5 & 8
March 18 — Section 1 (ELA & Math): IN PERSON at Signal House
March 19 — Section 2 (ELA & Math): VIRTUAL
Grades 6 & 7
March 18 — Section 1 (ELA & Math): VIRTUAL
March 19 — Section 2 (ELA & Math): IN PERSON at Signal House
Important Note for Grades 6 & 7
We understand this is a change from our original plan. Because all testing must be completed by the end of the week, this schedule allows students to complete their assessments in a timely way and be fully prepared.
Our team will be supporting students with reminders and outreach to ensure they are online and ready for their virtual testing so that their in-person session runs smoothly.
Parent Testing Information Sessions — March 3rd
We will host two virtual sessions to review testing details and answer any questions:
1:00–2:00 PM
5:30–6:30 PM
This information has already been emailed and will also be included in our family newsletter, along with reminder messages.
Quarter 3 Ends March 4th!
Students only have one week left before gradebooks close. We want to ensure every one of our Sparks finishes the quarter strong. If you have any questions about your Spark’s grades or assignments, please reach out directly to their teacher for support.
As we did in Quarters 1 and 2, students will present their Student-Led Conference and Artifact Project on March 12th. All students are required to complete and present their projects. They will have plenty of time to work on their artifacts during club time the week of March 9th.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to ending Quarter 2 with success!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.
