TEAM and Family Magazine 2017 - Newark Edition (Reissue)

TEAM

FAMILY 2017

A MAGAZINE BY AND FOR THE KIPP NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY

welcome DEAR KIPP TEAM AND FAMILY,

to the first issue of TEAM & Family, a magazine written for and in partnership with KIPP New Jersey students, families, and staff. And welcome back to school! This issue will provide news and resources that will help your child navigate the new school year. You’ll also hear from some KIPP NJ alum who are crushing it.

But first things first. We were chosen to write this introductory letter because we have a lot of school pride.

And not just for NCA (Go Panthers!). In fact, when we started writing this letter, we spent the first ten minutes debating which of our respective middle schools (Rise and TEAM) is better. It ended in a draw—barely.

The truth is, every student who walks through the doors of a KIPP school helps to shape that school in his or her own way. We’ve learned a lot during our time with KIPP and wanted to share a few tips with students who are coming behind us: Take advantage of opportunities. Utilize every chance you get to get ahead: read extra books to hit a million words, join clubs in middle school, take AP classes and ACT prep classes in high school.

You might not know it now, but you’ll appreciate it in the long run.

Value what you have in your school. Not every school or community is like this. We each have had teachers and staff members who have made a lasting impact. There are people around you who want you to succeed and can help show you the way. Don’t be afraid to go to them for advice or as a resource.

Do things not for the moment, but for an everlasting effect. There are times when we both felt like we could slack off and it only ended up hurting us in the end. Now is the time to learn and grow.

The most important lesson we’ve learned is that time flies. Our first days at TEAM and Rise are still fresh in our minds, like it was yesterday. We both know we are pretty lucky to have had this experience and feel confident about navigating the challenges that lie ahead. We also know that life with KIPP doesn’t end once students leave the halls of the school. As you’ll read later in this issue, we have some incredible alumni doing amazing things and, wherever they go in the world, they always have a home at KIPP. We hope you find the information in this issue useful and enjoy learning about the people who are a part of our schools. If you have feedback or would like to participate in a future issue, please email marketing@kippnj.org.

Thank you.

Sibyn King (Villanova University, Class of 2021, KIPP Rise Academy, NCA alum)

Alonzo Eley (KIPP TEAM Academy, NCA Senior)

in this issue LETTER FROM OUR STUDENTS 02 SCHOOL UPDATES 04 6 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED THIS SCHOOL YEAR 06 PARENT POWER 08

NOTE FROM KIPP NJ FOUNDER AND CEO Whether you are a new or returning family, thank you for enrolling your child at KIPP and for entrusting us with his/her education. And thank you to Alonzo and Sibyn for kicking off our inaugural issue of TEAM & Family.

This year marks our sixteenth school year in Newark. We opened the doors of KIPP TEAM Academy in 2002 to a class of 80 fifth graders, and this year we will welcome more than 5,200 students into our eight schools in Newark and three schools in Camden. In order to fulfill our mission of preparing students for college and choice-filled lives, we know that along with providing a world-class learning environment, our teachers and staff must ensure that your child feels safe, known, and loved whenever he or she is in our classrooms. In partnership with you, we work to unlock the potential of each of our students, and we thank you for all you do to support our schools and your children.

So thank you, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any thoughts or questions you have about how we can best serve your child or children. Our entire KIPP team and family is looking forward to another successful and exciting school year. Thank you for your continued support.

Ryan Hill Founder and CEO

NEW LIFE + POSSIBILITIES FOR A HISTORIC SCHOOL 10 GROWING HEALTHY MINDS AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 11 BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 12 STRESS FREE GRADE TRANSITIONS 14 DID YOU KNOW... 17 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 18

TEAM & FAMILY CONTRIBUTORS A special thank you to the KIPP parents, families, teachers, and staff for partnering with us and contributing to this issue.

RESOURCES Visit kippnj.org/school-resources for student handbooks and more information about your child’s school.

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? marketing@kippnj.org KIPP NJ MISSION The mission of KIPP New Jersey schools is to create a network of schools in Camden and Newark, New Jersey, that instill in their students the desire and ability to succeed in college, in order to change the world.

KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

KIPP BOLD ACADEMY

This fall, NCA started its first ever Freshman Academy! Freshman Academy is designed to ensure a strong transition from middle to high school.

We welcomed almost 200 freshman, our largest class yet! NCA has the highest enrollment in its history and stands even more ready to ensure every scholar receives an outstanding education.

The founding 5th grade students at BOLD Academy are now in BOLD’s first seventh grade classrooms! Our students excel academically and in extracurriculars, performing in musicals, participating in BOLD’s swim and basketball teams, and exploring clubs like cooking and chess!

KIPP RISE ACADEMY

This summer we had over 120 students participate in our Summer Jump programming, getting a head start on this school year. We’ll also have the opportunity to host our own flag football games, compete across Greater Newark in cross country, and continue to share our athletic field with West Side High School.

KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY

Last year THRIVE became our second fully grown KIPP NJ elementary school, educating students K-4, and continued its academic excellence with 79% of third graders passing the math PARCC.

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KIPP SPARK ACADEMY

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SPARK equipped our third and fourth grade classrooms with one-to-one technology, allowing our students and teachers to use technology in instruction, independent learning, and assessments.

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KIPP LIFE ACADEMY

This summer we hosted a back to school night community fair to connect local community organizations to our families.

We are excited to host more events like this in the future and connect our families with some great resources in our community.

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KIPP SEEK ACADEMY

Last year our school’s community garden produced 200 pounds of food and secured thousands of dollars in grants. This year we are establishing a beehive.

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KIPP TEAM ACADEMY

We opened the full service TEAM kitchen which allowed us to move from disposable products to all reusable goods. Our students now get meals made fresh on-site each day and an amazing eating environment! Our waste has decreased significantly as well and we’re able to have teaching moments about environmental impact and food waste.

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This year Whittier Middle has more than twelve different after school activities for students to participate in including choir, drumline, coding, basketball, robotics, soccer, Harry Potter, yoga, and more!

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Last year, the KLSM boys’ basketball team won the Camden City championship for the second year in a row! We’re looking for a three-peat this year!

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KLSP students have the opportunity to participate in one specials class every day. This year, students participate in Spanish, performing arts, and visual arts!

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WAYS TO H E L P YO U R C H IL D SUCCEED T H IS SC H O O L Y E A R

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arents are their child’s first­—and often most important—teacher. Support from parents is key to helping children get and stay on track to academic success. Here are a few ideas of how you can support your child this school year.

1ATTEND FAMILY-TEACHER

CONFERENCES AND SCHOOL EVENTS Kids do better when parents are involved in their school and attending conferences is a great way to get to know the teacher more, find out how your child is doing, request special services if you think your child may need it, and stay involved. It’s also a good way to stay up-to-date on school policies or changes. In addition, each of our schools have a number of events throughout the school year— everything from roller skating to community beautification projects— and these events are a great way to connect with the school community and get to know your child’s friends.

Keep in mind, we encourage families to visit our school at any time to see what’s happening in the classroom.

Please reach out to your child’s teacher any time during the school year to ask questions or request a meeting!

This approach has worked for KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy parent, Julissa Castillo. “Jazzy’s teachers are definitely ‘Team Jazzy,’” she says.

“They will do whatever it takes to find solutions, making sure she’s learning and feels loved for who she is. As a single mom, having this team of support takes away that feeling of being overwhelmed and has given us room to celebrate the good stuff— big and small.”

2 JOIN THE SCHOOL’S PARENT PARTNERSHIP TEAM (PPT)

Becoming a member of the school’s PPT is beneficial to your child and his/her school. When you join the PPT, you get connected to the school community, discover great resources, tap into a network of other concerned parents and become a role model to your child by demonstrating the importance you place on education. Check out the “Parent Power” article in this issue for more information on these vital teams.

3 SUPPORT HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

Homework is an extension of classroom lessons and helps children develop their skills beyond the classroom. If you’re reluctant to help your child with their homework because you don’t understand the assignment or English is your second language, we’re here to help!

Teachers are available via text to answer questions about assignments and manage expectations. The important thing is to let your child know that homework is a priority, monitor their progress, and be available to help but don’t do it for them. Learning from mistakes is part of the educational process.

4 ATTENDANCE MATTERS Sick kids should definitely stay home from school. However, as long as your child is feeling well, they should be in school on time every day.

Students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently and any absence, excused or not, denies students the opportunity to learn. If your child is missing a lot of school, catching up with classwork and homework can be stressful.

5 TALK ABOUT THE SCHOOL DAY Check in with your child about their school day every day so they know that what happens at school is important to you. Try to ask questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” to encourage your child to share more. KIPP NJ parent Tafshier Cosby suggests, “Ask questions like “Tell me something good or bad that happened at school today,” “What did you learn today that you didn’t know yesterday?“, “Did you make a new friend today?”.

Encourage conversation when picking up children after school, during dinner or take a few minutes before they go to bed.

6 READ, BABY, READ We talk to kids all school year about the importance of reading every single day. Carving 15 minutes out of each day to read with your child creates a good bonding experience and helps build their vocabulary, literacy and language skills that lead to later success. Check with your child’s teacher for book list recommendations and sight words your child can practice.

Parent Power

H O W K I P P FA M I L I E S A R E I M PA C T I N G O U R C O M M U N I T I E S Thanks to KIPP New Jersey’s Parent Partnership Teams, parents like Walden are discovering that when united, the parent voice can be a powerful tool to get things done.

Every KIPP school in Newark has a Parent Partnership Team that fosters community and works to ensure that students For Walden, whose daughter succeed. Parents have rallied to I MADE A PROMISE THAT AS LONG AS petition the city to provide more attends the school, a whole new level of parenting begins when MY CHILD IS IN THIS BUILDING, ALL crossing guards at intersections students set foot on the school to keep all kids safe. They also OF THE CHILDREN ARE MY CHILDREN help fundraise for programs, grounds; the campus becomes a community—a village—that looks TOO. WHY NOT HAVE A VILLAGE work collaboratively with school officials to purchase needed after the children and each other.

LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR CHILD?” school supplies, provide student “I know that not every parent can enrichment opportunities such as special performances and field be as involved as I am, but it’s trips, and offer support to teachers. important for parents to get involved so that we can all support each other and create change. I made a promise Their reach extends beyond the classroom, too. Hundreds that as long as my child is in this building, all of the children are my children too. Why not have a village looking out for turn out for community events like the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Newark and other initiatives. your child?”

“I’ll be your mom until your mom comes,” are the words Tameeka Walden, a member of the KIPP Life Academy Parent Partner Association (LAPPA) at KIPP New Jersey, uses to describe her commitment to the children and families at her school.

“We’re about impacting the community, not just the kids in the classroom,” says Walden. “We’re constantly asking the questions: What is the need?

Or, how can we do a better job?”

Shennell McCloud, Director of Advocacy for KIPP New Jersey, agrees. “We want parents to be a powerful voice for their children, their schools and their communities,” she says. “We know that when schools engage parents, children adapt well to school, attend school regularly, earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills and improved behavior, and graduate and go on to college.”

But college isn’t the only positive outcome of parent engagement. Last year, parent leaders led Get-Out-The-Vote efforts to register new voters and encourage parents to exercise their right to vote. As a result, the group registered hundreds of parents and raised the number of KIPP voters in Newark from 40% to 61%. With important state and local elections around the corner, KIPP parents are mobilizing and making their voices heard.

“When my six-year-old daughter tells me her choices for college, it inspires me,” says Walden. “I want to go back to school for my Master’s degree, so that my daughter can see that the sky’s the limit.”

Interested in joining the Parent Partnership Team at your child’s school? Contacts for each school are listed below.

KIPP BOLD ACADEMY Jamilah Muhammad knjnetworkimpactfellow@gmail.com KIPP COOPER NORCROSS ACADEMY SCHOOLS Stephanie Appling sappling@kippnj.org KIPP LIFE ACADEMY Tameeka Walden Corrine14@optonline.net Rasheedah Barrington kippl.a.p.p.a@gmail.com KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY Shayvonne Anderson knjncaimpactfellow@gmail.com Tafshier Kim-Cosby newarkcappt@gmail.com KIPP RISE ACADEMY Veronica Castro + Qadryyah Hill rapp4rise@gmail.com KIPP SEEK ACADEMY Sadiqah McGaney-Gallman samgallman@gmail.com KIPP SPARK ACADEMY Karen Johnson knjsparkimpactfellow@gmail.com KIPP TEAM ACADEMY Sydney Scott-Williams + Denisah Williamson tapp4team@gmail.com KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY Lunedar Girault Lunedar.Girault@gmail.com

New Life + Possibilities for a Historic School

BEFORE

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his year, KIPP Whittier Middle moved into its newly renovated home in Camden, the formerly vacant and historic John G. Whittier Family School. Built in 1910 as one of the city's two schools for African American children in a then-segregated district, the school had a complete facility and security upgrades, and a new 12,000 sf addition that includes a cafeteria and gym with basketball courts. We will open a new athletic field later this year!

Renovation costs were $16 Million and, like all KIPP NJ schools, it costs $0 to attend.

ABOUT KIPP WHITTIER KIPP Whittier Middle opened in 2016 as our third school in Camden as part of the KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy. The school currently educates 220 students in grades 5th and 6th and will grow to 8th grade ultimately educating 440 students in Camden.

Growing

HEALTHY MINDS + HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Throughout the KIPP school network, teachers and students are improving their neighborhoods by planting sustainable gardens that beautify their communities, and building strong relationships with community partners and neighbors.

These gardens show students that they can start being the change in their communities now.

For teachers like Uzma Chowdhury of KIPP BOLD Academy, community or “urban” gardens not only provide students with fresh organic fruits and vegetables and keep them active and invested in the beautification of their communities, but they also create opportunities for character building.

“This garden is a way to show students that even when you’re seven or six or five, Newark, NJ is a place you are already making better. The feeling that ‘I built that’ or ‘I made that’ is really important to them. I want kids to know what it means when we say ‘We are Newark, New Jersey’ every morning,” said Chowdhury.

Currently KIPP has gardens at four campuses in Newark and Camden including KIPP Seek Academy, the 18th Avenue campus of THRIVE and BOLD Academies, KIPP Rise Academy, and KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy. Whether it’s working through an adopt-a-lot program or using available space on campus, all of the teachers, staff, and students beam with pride and enthusiasm over what they’ve

built. As active participants in the garden’s maintenance and care, students plant new vegetables; understand the importance of water, sun and shade in their growth, and develop skills that will support the garden’s sustainability over time. By growing and harvesting their own fruits and vegetables, students also gain knowledge about healthy eating, that can lead to lifelong good eating habits. These gardens are giving our students and teachers opportunities to literally learn and grow.

beyond the classroom EXTRACURRICULARS, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND TEACHING THE WHOLE CHILD AT KIPP NEW JERSEY’S SCHOOLS.

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t KIPP Whittier Middle School, KIPP New Jersey’s newest school in Camden, 100 fifth graders last year had their choice of multiple extracurriculars.

For math teacher Tyler Middleton, he hoped they would choose his coding club. He had stiff competition. Students were offered options like basketball, game club, and his coding club—just to name a few.

In their first year, the coding club met for an hour after school once a week and spent their time on code.org and other learn-to-code sites. By the end of the year, they were using code to manipulate small Finch robots. “Our kids are naturally curious, and they want to explore with whatever they have at their fingertips,” Middleton says.

His club isn’t an anomaly. Across KIPP New Jersey’s 11 campuses, there are dozens of extracurricular clubs, sports, and activities.

Several schools also partner with community organizations to offer extended options for students. These extracurricular experiences help our kids learn more about themselves and the world around them, plus help them build character traits that are important to living healthy, productive lives.

At our campuses, students have a variety of in-school and after-school extracurricular activities, sports, after-school programs, and other options to help them explore their interests.

PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY Beyond the programming available at KIPP New Jersey schools, select campuses partner with community organizations to provide additional after-school and enrichment opportunities for students. KIPP Seek Academy, Life Academy, and BOLD Academy partner with chapters of the Boys and Girls Club in Newark to offer after-school activities and KIPP THRIVE students have the opportunity to attend the Center of Hope’s after-school program. Other community partners like New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the JFK Recreation Center Pool, and FHAK 2.0 Academy, offer students enrichment like swim lessons, coding classes, spoken word and hip hop classes.

While these clubs keep kids busy after school, their benefits go far beyond that. Candice, an eighth grader participating in the Peer Alumni Connection Team mentoring program at KIPP TEAM Academy, used the support of the team to help her get a handle on her grades, make better choices, apply to high schools and make the honor roll.

”Having an alum to connect with is like having an older brother or sister you can talk to about stuff that comes up in life,” Candice says.

Other students select clubs like Girls Running Club in Camden because they want to challenge themselves. “Before [Girls Running Club], I would have said I can’t run a 5K, I’m not strong enough.

But now that I’ve been here with such amazing teammates and students and teachers, I feel more comfortable to do it,” said Cassandra, a rising 6th grader at KIPP Whittier Middle School, days before she completed her first 5K in Philadelphia.

Extracurriculars like the running club are a valuable tool to help our students achieve success outside the classroom, strengthen their minds, explore diverse interests, and develop time management skills. They also strengthen teamwork and social skills. Tyler Middleton has seen this first hand in his coding club. “Kids get really excited about what they figure out. They love to uncover something and then share with everyone what they discovered.”

Have questions about the clubs and extracurriculars offered at your child’s school? Contact the school’s front office for more information.

Moving On Moving to a higher grade level

or a new school is an exciting time for your child and you, but it can also cause some anxiety.

However, with the right tools and information the transition can be a smooth one.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: LEARNING BEYOND ACADEMICS Students going from elementary to middle school are introduced to learning experiences designed to help them succeed in high school, college and beyond. And in our schools students receive support beyond academics; they are taught to take on more responsibility and independence. They learn that making the right choices will bring them higher grades, stronger friendships, and greater readiness for high school and careers. They also learn that making the wrong choices will result in consequences that may require additional support from caring KIPP staff.

KIPP Rise Academy student Jamel shares, “Don’t follow the wrong path, it’s the good path that will lead you towards more success. Remember that you are always a part of a team. It doesn’t matter if you are from SPARK, Life, THRIVE, BOLD, Rise, Lanning Square, NCA or TEAM—we are all a family and always will be!”

Academically, middle school students at KIPP study the English Language Arts KIPP Wheatley and Eureka Math Never forget to show grit and always, curricula from grades 5 through 8, while also receiving always be kind to the people around you. instruction in science and social studies. Students can expect anywhere from one to two hours of homework — ILENIS, KIPP RISE ACADEMY STUDENT every night, including independent reading and reading from a class-assigned novel. It is critical for students to complete the homework and independent reading on a nightly basis in order to be prepared and successful in school. Students who reach or surpass their goals, or show improvements in a specific subject area, are celebrated and cheered by teachers and school staff.

In addition to academics, it is important for your child to have a variety of extracurricular activities that facilitate growth outside the classroom, help them identify new interests, and forge their identities.

Extracurricular activities such as cross-country, flag football, basketball and soccer help students continuously challenge themselves, try new sports, and learn important life lessons alongside their peers and teachers.

HIGH SCHOOL: A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SUPPORTED COLLEGE LAUNCH The beginning of high school can be overwhelming—it’s a whole new environment, the building might be physically bigger than your child is used to, and your son or daughter has to get used to new teachers and academic demands. The transition into high school can also be filled with questions about how the school prepares students for college and careers. Many of the questions we receive from parents are about the availability of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses, the school’s climate, tutoring support, safety, the student graduation and college acceptance rate, and the existence of a college-going culture. These questions are all important things to know when choosing a high school for your child.

It’s a new experience that requires students, families, and school staff to work together as a team.

“You are your child’s first teacher and you are their voice until they find their own,” says KIPP NJ parent Shayvonne Anderson. “I truly believe that the more you are engaged in your child’s education, the more they will be engaged. As a mom of seven, with two having ADHD, I definitely have had many challenges as my kids were moving up in school. All champions need a cheerleader and I am that for my children.”

To truly enjoy the complete high school experience, students will often seek opportunities that appeal to their individual interests. This is why KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy (NCA), our first and currently only high school, offers a well-rounded program with athletics such as football, cheerleading, basketball, track and field, as well as a variety

of clubs, such as student government, drumline, choir, school newspaper, theater, and more. Students are encouraged to test their interests, take on leadership roles, learn the power of teamwork, and stretch themselves, as they work with their peers and teacher advisors.

Speaking of the future, high school is also a time when students are expected to more seriously consider their college options and continue working towards their goals. KIPP supports students to and through college. Advisors start working with students early to arrange college visits. The school’s college-going culture ensures that its students are equipped with the coursework and skills needed to succeed in college. Once in college, alumni have the support of KIPP Through College, including counselors who regularly meet students on campus and events for alumni.

“When it comes time to choose a college, match matters.

Choosing the right school can make or break a student’s chance of graduating,” says Ilyan Nunez, KIPP Through College Director of College Placement. “Our counselors work closely with each family and look at a number of factors such as location, financial aid, academics, and campus size to identify the schools that will help your child fulfill his/her dreams.”

OUR COMMITMENT We are committed to meeting the needs of all students, and providing them with the quality instruction, activities, resources and support they need, so that they are successful throughout their academic journey—whether they’re in elementary school, or transitioning to higher-grade levels.

Whether its fifth grade or ninth grade, starting a new school level means more choices and more freedom. With hard work, the right attitude, and support, every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Did you know...

Learning at KIPP NJ extends beyond the walls of the classroom.

College trips, which begin as early as 1st grade at KIPP NJ, are just one of the ways we endeavor to create an environment that teaches students they can attend college and help them get a sense for what a college campus looks and feels like. By the time KIPP NJ seniors graduate NCA, they will have visited on average more than 35 colleges and universities across the country.

Our KIPP Through College counselors support students as they prepare for and select the right college and career based on their interests and passions. After high school, KIPP advisors help alumni navigate the academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while in college or pursuing a career.

SPOTLIGHT KHAFEEON LOVE KNJ Schools: KIPP TEAM Academy KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy College: The New School, Class of 2020 Major: Psychology / Journalism + Design

“Do not let anyone tell you your dreams are too big. Do not let anyone enforce the idea of having a “Plan B, C, D, etc.”

That just means they’re implying that Plan A won’t work. Make your Plan A work.”

DION SMOOT KNJ Schools: KIPP TEAM Academy KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy College: William Paterson University, Class of 2019

“Everything you do now is to prepare you for your future.”

TAQIUDDIN ABDUL-KAREEM KNJ Schools: KIPP Rise Academy, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy Employment: CVS Pharmacy Technician

“Never quit and make wise decisions in life. Don’t just live for the moment; think for the future.”

ALEXIS DOWNING KNJ Schools: KIPP TEAM Academy KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy College: Trinity Washington University, Class of 2016 Major: Human Relations, Education minor Employment: 3rd grade co-teacher at KIPP SPARK Academy

Stay true to what you want to do in the future, but listen and take heed to the guidance and support you receive from mentors and family”

ON KIPP NJ ALUMNI DESTINY JOHNSON KNJ Schools: KIPP Rise Academy, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy College: Montclair State University, Class of 2019 Major: Family/Child Studies

“Show grit no matter what the circumstances are. Even if you are in a difficult situation and everything seems impossible, anything is possible as long as you apply yourself and never give up!”

CHRISTIANA AMPOFO KNJ Schools: KIPP TEAM Academy, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy College: American University, Class of 2020 Major: Double major in Justice Law & Sociology Employment: American University Library, Marshall’s

LASHAE EADDY KNJ Schools: KIPP Rise Academy, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy College: Albright College, Class of 2020 Major: Management and Journalism

“Pay attention to your mental health. Being on your own right after being taken care of is a huge adjustment, and it can be rather difficult. If you don’t take care of yourself mentally and emotionally, you can convince yourself that the world is against you and eventually quit. But the world isn’t against you. You have more people on your side than you may think. Find them.

Talk to them. Take care of yourself. Succeed.”

“I would advise my fellow KIPPsters to find out what makes them happy and what gets them passionate and research fields within their passion! If it doesn’t make you passionate, you won’t pass the classes and won’t be happy at the end of your four years in college.”

KIPP VOTES!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

ELECTION DAY FOR THE

NJ GOVERNOR’S RACE Locate your polling place at: www.knj.news/polling-location

Your vote and your voice matter.