A Remarkable Year in Review
Annual Report 2020-21
Preparing a diverse student population to impact communities as the next generation of equity-driven, innovative leaders.
Table of Contents 4–5 6–7 8–9 10–11 12–15 16–17 18 19–20
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A Letter from Our CEO Student & Family Spotlight Year At-a-Glance School Map Annual Performance Reports Media Coverage On a Path to Sustainability Call to Action
Dear Impact Community, How do you sum up a school year like 2020-21? It has been a remarkable year, with twists and turns none of us could have predicted. But one thing went exactly as I expected: the Impact team and community rose brilliantly to the challenge. The past year has brought unprecedented challenges for the Impact community and the world at large. Moments of what felt like insurmountable adversity were countered with incredible resilience, fortitude, and partnership. I’m thrilled to say that, even with these challenges, Impact took meaningful steps forward in 2020-21. In March 2020, Impact was in a groove. Scholars were growing academically; we were exceeding enrollment, attendance, and family satisfaction goals. Then, almost overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic forced our schools to reimagine day-to-day operations in a way that would best serve scholars and families as we collectively navigated this global crisis. We rapidly innovated on our approach to teaching and learning outside the school building. By acting swiftly and building on what works, we were able to stay on track. On the academic side, Impact scholars averaged 5 to 6 levels of reading growth this year, and 80 percent of scholars met or exceeded expectations in math. Meanwhile, we made sure that their learning experiences - first virtual, then hybrid - were fun and joyful. And we connected that learning to immediate real-world experiences through projects like My Voice Matters, which explored voting, elections, and how to take civic action for positive change (well before you turn 18!).
We also reached beyond our school walls (and computer screens) to share what we’re learning. In partnership with the Rural Alliance - a nonprofit organization that works with nearly 80 small rural school districts across Washington state - we created professional development opportunities for teachers and leaders, to strengthen distance learning practices and scale up what works. We also launched a new partnership to begin sharing our Social Emotional Learning program with Highline Public Schools, a school district south of Seattle with 33 schools enrolling more than 17,500 students. None of this would have been possible without the tremendous faculty and staff at Impact. We’ve built an incredible team of skilled educators from right here in Washington, as well as across the country. We’re thrilled that over 80 percent of the 2020-21 Impact team will be returning next year, and look forward to welcoming an additional 65 teachers to the Impact community to support our growth across the South Puget Sound region. While you’re reading through this report, the Impact team is busy gearing up for SY2021-22. In the pages that follow, we share a peek into the IPS scholar, family, and faculty experience from this past year and where we’re headed in the future. With three fully-enrolled schools, more than 1,000 scholars, and over 120 faculty and staff members, we’re looking forward to our biggest and best year yet! In partnership,
CEO, Impact Public Schools
STUDENT
Amanda Sanchez always felt that Impact was the obvious choice for her daughter, Olivia. As the Director of the the Pacific Northwest Region of Raza Development Fund, she has 10 years of experience providing accessible financing in the charter sector. This school year was Olivia’s first formal education experience as a student in the early entry Kindergarten program at Impact | SSE. Amanda shared that they “looked for an early learning program that fit her needs and when I heard that IPS was growing down to provide early entry Kindergarten as a full-day program, we were so excited. We were impressed at how thorough and engaged the virtual program was.” As for Olivia, she couldn’t have been more excited when the time came to return to brick-and-mortar instruction. “She said ‘bye!’ and walked in. Impact did a wonderful job [with the transition]. We couldn’t be happier with the program and the additional support that they offer. I had the opportunity to see the program with other kids as a partner, but now my child gets to attend the school and be part of this program - it is awesome.”
Despite being mostly limited to a computer screen, Yadira noted that teachers went the extra mile to connect with their students. “The mentor teacher relationship is so great; they feel comfortable going to their mentors - when I was growing up I didn't have that.” Like Amanda’s daughter, Ithiel and Debbie excitedly re-entered in-person instruction this spring and are eagerly awaiting their return this fall.
SPOTLIGHT
Yadira Lemus became a two-time IPS parent this year with her son, Ithiel, starting early entry Kindergarten at Impact | SSE and daughter, Debbie, returning as a 1st grader at Impact | PSE. While overseeing virtual learning, Yadira would overhear her children participating in mentor time each morning. “They would share if something was bothering them and I would hear the kids supporting each other - it was clear they were able to build connections with other students.”
SY 2020-2021
AT-A-GLANCE
Fully Authorized for Responsible Growth We have built our growth model with intention and in partnership with our communities. In September 2020, we secured authorization for both Phase II replication schools, Impact | Commencement Bay Elementary in Tacoma and Impact | Renton. We are humbled to partner with these amazing communities as we co-build our next schools to open in 2021 and 2022. By 2026, we will be serving over 2,400 students and families in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade across our four schools in the South Puget Sound region.
1
Impact | Puget Sound Elementary Tukwila, WA – 2018
2
Impact | Salish Sea Elementary Seattle, WA – 2020
3
Impact | Commencement Bay Elementary Tacoma, WA – 2021
Impact | Renton* Renton, WA – 2022
4
* To be named in partnership with the community
414
approached, met, or exceeded literacy expectations
met or exceeded grade level math expectations
students served in K-3 5.28
89%
identify as BIPOC*
67%
receive free or reduced lunch
39%
multilingual learners
1.42
FALL
SPRING
average levels of reading growth from fall to spring.
of surveyed PSE families would recommend IPS to another family.
*Black, Indigenous or Person of Color
Students’ current grade level doesn’t limit their Students’ current grade instructional level or level doesn’t limit their their learning ability. instructional level or their Impact ability. lays the learning Impact lays curriculum out in in the curriculum out advanceatatthe thebeginning advance theand, school ofbeginning the schoolof year as year and, parents, parents, weas are able to we are to voice voice ourable opinion and our opinion and provide feedback. provide feedback. - Yadira Lemus 1st- Grade EEK Parent Yadira& Lemus Impact | PSE & Impact | SSE 1st Grade & EEK Parent Impact | PSE & Impact | SSE
131
approached, met, or exceeded literacy expectations
met or exceeded grade level math expectations
students served in EEK-1 5.53
92%
identify as BIPOC*
51%
receive free or reduced lunch
40%
multilingual learners
1.49 FALL
SPRING
average levels of reading growth from fall to spring.
of surveyed SSE families would recommend IPS to another family.
*Black, Indigenous or Person of Color
I noticed her upward learning curve without even stepping into a physical classroom. Even hearing the way she spoke with other students and teachers online showed that she developed a real connection, even through the computer. - Amanda Sanchez EEK Parent Impact | SSE
Check Out Impact in the News!
“During a dual pandemic of COVID-19 and systemic racism, demand for responsive, inclusive, anti-racist models is clear. Parents in our communities are choosing charter public schools (charter public school enrollment is up 35% this year) because they know that one size does not fit all.” March 15, 2021 https://bit.ly/3zt74dQ
“At Impact Public Schools (IPS), our north star is a fully inclusive curriculum that affirms all identities. Our community is made up of people with a rich and diverse set of identities and experiences—including race, sexuality, gender, religion, immigration status, and more. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all identities are celebrated in what/how we teach and embraced throughout our schools.” Feb. 8, 2021 https://bit.ly/3xZ1oHP
“At Impact Public Schools, the spring schedule allowed for flexible small group instruction in both literacy and math. Impact ensures that there is a sacred time set in the regular schedule for teachers to call in small groups of students to respond to data.” July 30, 2020 https://bit.ly/2W3gw95
“During the public health emergency, many Washington charters forged new cooperation with neighboring school districts, facilitating the exchange of ideas at the core of charters’ intent. Impact Public Schools is sharing learning with members of small rural districts through The Rural Alliance.” Jan. 22, 2021 https://bit.ly/36T56qy
On a Path to Sustainability Impact Public Schools operates with intentional financial management and fiscal controls. All Impact schools will be fully sustainable by Year 4 of operation (SY26-27). We are deeply grateful to our individual, corporate, and foundation-based philanthropic supporters for their continued support to ensure we can provide the highest-quality education to our scholars as we pursue Bold Ambitions through our robust growth model.
2020-2021 Expenses FACILITIES - 11%
SUPPLIES & OPS - 16%
SERVICES - 20%
PEOPLE - 53%
Operating Expenses for PSE & SSE and planning year expenses for CBE
Our 2021-22 Initiatives We invite you to learn more about our initiatives for this coming year! Join us for a virtual tour on the second Wednesday of each month or reach out to our CEO, Jen Wickens, at jwickens@impactps.org for a personal information session on how we can partner to best serve our scholars across the South Puget Sound region!
Some of our key initiatives include: Implementing Ready-Set-K! Transitional Kindergarten across three school sites. Launching Impact | Commencement Bay Elementary in Tacoma, WA. Expanding Impact | Salish Sea Elementary in its permanent Othello Square home. Preparing Impact | Renton to open in 2022 in partnership with the community. Engaging in org-wide anti-racist professional development and action planning.
Make a contribution for SY21-22!
bit.ly/3xwBk64
THANK YOU
to our students, families, communities and supporters for being a part of TEAM WA with us!