Hello Innovate Families,
As we begin Women’s History Month, we take time to celebrate the strength, courage, and contributions of women who have shaped our world. This month, I want to highlight Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazer who transformed history through her commitment to justice and equality.
Before becoming a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Justice Ginsburg co-founded the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project and successfully argued landmark cases that challenged gender discrimination. At a time when laws limited opportunities for women, she worked strategically to dismantle policies that treated women unfairly — opening doors in education, the workplace, and beyond. Her persistence and belief in equal rights changed the legal landscape of our country and continue to inspire future generations to advocate for fairness and opportunity.
As we celebrate powerful women this month, we are also approaching important academic milestones.
Quarter 3 ends this Wednesday, and our final quarter of the school year begins on Thursday. Now is the time for students to ensure that all assignments are submitted, grades are up to date, and there are no missing pieces. Finishing strong matters.
Our Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) and grade-level presentations will take place on March 12th. These conferences are an important opportunity for students to reflect on their growth, celebrate accomplishments, and set goals for the final quarter. Parents, please be on the lookout for scheduling calls and emails from your child’s advisor to select your conference time.
Additionally, we will host a special Parent Testing Information Session tomorrow to ensure families know what to expect for upcoming assessments. We strongly encourage all families to attend one of the two available sessions:
1:00–2:00 PM
5:30–6:30 PM
Your partnership is critical in helping our Sparks feel prepared and confident. Please make every effort to attend one of these sessions.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our school community. Let’s finish this quarter strong and step into the final quarter with focus and determination.
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:
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!!
Thank you to all the families and students who joined us on our Field Trip Experiences. We are so grateful for your participation and enjoyed learning and having fun together.
FEBRUARY VALUE OF THE MONTH: SELF ADVOCACY
Congratulations to our self-advocating students of the month:
Each of our students of the month received $25 towards a gift of their choice from Walmart.
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!
Congratulations to our Grocery Winner for the month of February:
Ms. Lashell Brown
A staff member will reach out to you tomorrow to order your groceries with you!
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 Friday, April 3, 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!
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
The zoom link has been linked below, attached to the reminder email, and linked on clever. We look forward to seeing you there!
Testing Information Session Zoom Link
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.
