TEAM & Family Magazine—Newark—Spring 2024

EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY

EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY

HEALTHCARE PATHWAYS AT KIPP NJ

HEALTHCARE PATHWAYS AT KIPP NJ

HIGH SCHOOLS

HIGH SCHOOLS

I’m excited to share with you our annual TEAM & Family Magazine!

Over 6,300 students and their families are enrolled in our schools in Newark this year and the growth they’ve made to date, both inside and outside the classroom, is extraordinary.

Dear Families, in this issue

In May and June, students and families will have many opportunities to celebrate the academic and personal growth that’s taken place this year, and I hope to join those celebrations with you and your family.

In this edition, we’ve shared how our Heartbeat tenet, “Our kids will run to school” is coming to life across our campuses. In this issue, you will find:

Recipes By Families, For Families

Can your fridge magnets hold one more item? Check out a classic recipe on page 7 that you can prepare with your family!

Technology and Healthcare Career Exposure

Don’t miss how our students are gaining career skills today that will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, on page 10.

Engagement Excellence

Our teammates strive to support and engage every student in their classroom, whether they’re in Sculpture Club at KIPP SPARK Academy, or running laps around KIPP Purpose Academy’s campus to prepare for a cross-country tournament. Head to page 12 to catch ‘Heartbeat highlights’ from your school.

As always, we remain grateful for the many ways you support your child’s learning at home and school. We hope you’ll continue to partner with us in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Drew Martin Executive Director, KIPP New Jersey

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

ABOUT KIPP NJ

The mission of KIPP New Jersey 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

Science teacher ELLIOT TEICHMAN embodies dedication to his craft. His collaborative planning, data analysis, and leadership in engineering have created a positive learning environment for students as well as fellow teachers.

KIPP PURPOSE ACADEMY

Teacher LAUREN COOKE goes the extra mile to support student success, from conducting a ‘furniture audit’ that ensured classrooms were set up for success on day one, to spending countless hours creating engaging lessons that cater to students’ needs to conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions.

KIPP RISE ACADEMY

Operations coordinator AMIRAH OUTLAW is new to Rise this year but already has been an instrumental force in registering parents and ensuring enrollment documentation is correctly submitted. She’s also done an excellent job in supporting the school’s successful attendance campaign this year.

These individuals are just a few standout members of our school communities. They consistently embody school values, help fellow students and teammates, and make a positive impact on everyone they meet. They put in work that sometimes goes unnoticed behind the scenes, whether through mentoring students or supporting their colleagues. Collectively, these teammates play a crucial role in making sure our students run to school.

KIPP UPPER ROSEVILLE ACADEMY

Physical education teacher DORRYN SIMMONS’ commitment to student development goes beyond the basics of the P.E. curriculum. Coach Simmons combines physical and mental exercise in his classroom, integrating chess lessons into the P.E. curriculum. This approach enriches students' experience, fostering both physical fitness and strategic thinking.

KIPP JUSTICE ACADEMY

MARAD BANKS a dedicated learning specialist on the fifth and sixth-grade teams, exemplifies an unwavering commitment to student success. Known for going above and beyond, Mr. Banks ensures every scholar feels valued and supported as they navigate challenges and strive to reach their potential.

KIPP SPARK ACADEMY

English Language Learner teacher MEGAN ENGLANDER spearheads initiatives that celebrate diversity and engage families. Ms. Englander launched a pen pal exchange with an orphanage in Uganda so students could practice English through letter writing and started offering English classes to Spanish-speaking families. Soon, she’ll organize a fundraiser for Central American artists through the ‘Pulsera Project.’ Thank you, Ms. Englander, for connecting students and families to engaging learning opportunities.

KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY

There’s always something fun happening for students on the first floor of THRIVE, thanks to the efforts of Kindergarten teacher ANGELICA JOHNSON From innovative center-based learning to ‘Fun Friyay’ activities, she goes above and beyond to make each day special for students, fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere at her school.

KIPP NEWARK LAB HIGH SCHOOL

JUAN MORALES brings Spanish 3 to life at Lab. Mr. Morales successfully advocated for the introduction of Spanish 2 and 3 Honors options, enriching the academic curriculum. He also launched English classes for Spanish-speaking Lab families. As the eleventh-grade chair, his leadership has yielded remarkable student achievements, including the highest GPAs and best attendance records throughout the school.

KIPP LIFE ACADEMY

At Life, the PARAEDUCATOR TEAM honors the school’s unwavering commitment to support all learners. The team goes above and beyond by creating tailored exemplars for lessons they share with colleagues, monitoring progress on i-Ready (an instructional assessment platform), and contributing significantly to students’ holistic development, showing them love and kindness every step of the way.

KIPP SEEK ACADEMY

At Seek, paraprofessional CARL SNEAD’s commitment to children and families is unwavering. Whether it’s welcoming students with cheerful music, checking in with them throughout the day, or orchestrating holiday meal pickups and gift exchanges, Mr. Snead creates memorable experiences for every student at Seek.

KIPP BOLD ACADEMY

JAHNIYA CULVER a proud KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy and KIPP Rise Academy alumna, is a multifaceted leader — serving as a learning specialist and operations fellow. Throughout this year, she has been instrumental in actively shaping the school's culture. Jahniya's thoughtful planning and deep relationships inspire students to run to school each day!

KIPP TEAM ACADEMY

DESSIREE PEREZ a science teacher and Student Government advisor at TEAM, has been the driving force behind impactful student and community events throughout the year. Ms. Perez’s planning and efforts to organize school-wide events are shaping an environment that empowers student voices and creates a welcoming community.

NEWARK

Paraeducator Team KIPP Life Academy

Dessiree Perez KIPP TEAM Academy

Juan Morales KIPP Newark Lab High School

Elliot Teichman KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

KIPP HIGH SCHOOL

MIKAL HAMILTON is a dedicated behavior specialist and head coach for the girls' basketball team. Mr. Hamilton works tirelessly to support students with the highest needs and builds community and camaraderie among his players.

KIPP LANNING SQUARE MIDDLE

Math teacher RAHIM SHIVER leads the charge to support high attendance, coaches soccer and boys basketball, and excels as a seventh-grade math teacher. Mr. Shiver’s belief that every student can succeed in math helps students believe in themselves. His reflective nature, positive attitude, and teamwork reverberate throughout the school community.

KIPP LANNING SQUARE PRIMARY

Security officer VINCE PERRY is often the first face students see each morning when they arrive at LSP. From greeting everyone in the front office and highfiving kids at the door to making sure each student is safely dismissed in the afternoon, Vince's warm presence and sense of humor make him an invaluable member of the Lanning Square community.

for the fridge…

Bryce’s Mac and Cheese

For Antwann Brown and his son Bryce, cooking — and KIPP — is a family affair.

Antwann Brown is a history teacher at KIPP BOLD Academy and Bryce is just down the stairs as a third-grader at KIPP THRIVE Academy. Their favorite family recipe to cook together is mac and cheese, which graces the table at family gatherings and sometimes on a weeknight.

Mikal Hamilton KIPP High School

KIPP SUMNER ELEMENTARY Kindergarten teacher AYTIERRA TENDER’s kid focus is evident in her beautifully designed classroom and her dedication to leading school events at Sumner. She’s stepped up to make kindergarten engaging and joyful for students this year.

KIPP HATCH MIDDLE

Learning specialist YASMINE ABED is the driving force behind the Sunshine Committee, a group that brings joy to school staff during events hosted throughout the year. Her active participation and dedication contribute to a positive atmosphere at Hatch — students love that she attends practically every school event!

We hope you enjoy ‘Bryce’s Mac and Cheese’ with your own family! Dig in.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound of elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of colby jack (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon of Onion Powder

Aytierra Tender

KIPP Sumner Elementary

CAMDEN

2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's light golden brown.

4. Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, Cook the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

8. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and colby jack evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese for a crispy topping.

9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

5. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and colby jack until it's melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Vince Perry KIPP Lanning Square Primary

Civics Learning Comes to Life in Newark

In November of 2023, as New Jersey residents cast their ballots for State Senate and General Assembly elections, third-grader Fatoumata Bah and fourth-grader Brianna Bruce were preparing for an election of their own as they sought the offices of Vice President and President of KIPP Seek Academy’s firstever Student Government Association.

Associate Director of School Operations Lia Closs and teacher Danielle Williams worked hard to bring the idea for a Student Government Association to Seek. “I approached Danielle over the summer with the idea and she jumped on board,” said Closs. “We hear lots of things about middle and high schools with student governments, but we thought it was important to start young. It's about answering the question, ‘How do I get kids to think about the future?’ They’re learning how to lead and humble themselves and learn from others,” said Williams.

Once the idea was rolled out Assistant Principal Christina Jones and teacher Sarah Jean Phillippe joined the team as well.

For Bruce and Bah, the election was an exercise in political campaign strategy and resource allocation—as well as the importance of being role models for their peers. “We wrote speeches we delivered to the whole school, and I gave out candy with my name on it to all the other grades. Except my grade, because they said they’d vote for me even without that,” said Bah, who was elected Vice President of her class.

Today, the SGA meets bi-weekly during lunch and the group has helped work with the school’s Culture team to organize fundraisers like candigrams on Valentine's Day, a snack cart that raises money for their activities, and hosting a family and scholar talent show!

Bah’s goal is to be a role model in her school. “When my family first came to Newark from Guinea, I didn’t know almost any English. I want to be a leader in my school and help my peers get good grades and feel at home here,” she said. Both students hope their leadership will lead to the changes they want to see in their community and the world.

“If I could fix one thing in my community, it would be the amount of litter on the streets. On Earth Day, my family and I help pick it up. We also help my grandmother and her older neighbors shovel snow in the winter so they don’t have to,” said Bruce. One of Bah’s goals as a future leader is to help address climate change. “I’m worried about the earth getting hotter because we use so many resources. I would start a day where nobody could consume energy,” she said.

Less than a mile away, students at KIPP Life Academy are also learning about civic engagement, thanks to the school's adoption of a brand-new Core Knowledge curriculum.

“Initially, we were thinking about piloting the program in just first and fourth grade, but we decided to roll it out in each grade so that students were exposed to this learning from day one,” said Life’s principal Charlene Dixon.

Life’s lower school grades are learning about civics from the perspective of community rules and governance, while the second grade is tackling economic systems

and concepts like supply and demand. Third and fourth grades will focus on the voting systems, how policies are created, and the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic system.

In early March, students at Life joined their peers at Seek and launched a student government of their own, as a capstone project designed to connect their classroom learning with real-life lessons. Fourth-grader Nakyya Hooker is one of the students who will run for president at Life. “I think learning about democracy is very important because people should be able to vote on the leaders they want to have to represent them. I like having the opportunity to run for school president,” she said.

“At the elementary level, we’re setting that foundation in our system of government. We might spark a student’s interest where they go, ‘oh I had no idea there was a state legislature,’” said Life teacher Danielle Lisbon. “I want them to have that grounding in the branches of government and also the vocabulary of civics so that they’re more prepared when they get to middle school and beyond,” Lisbon added.

Life teacher Danielle Lisbon ideas echo those agreements. our classrooms and these community agreements in or a monarchy? We also have rather live in a democracy government – would they different forms of to compare and contrast subjects. We ask students conversational than other Civics can be a lot more

Danielle Lisbon helped launch the civics unit at KIPP Life Academy in January.

Brianna Bruce and Fatoumata Bah were elected to leadership positions during KIPP Seek Academy’s first-ever Student Government Association election.

Students in Danielle Lisbon’s class launch into their unit on civics in January.

FROM CLASSROOMS TO CAREERS:

Newark High School Students Explore Technology

Pathways Healthcare

From our first meetings with students,

KIPP Forward counselor Stephanie Rivera-Beltre that align with their passions. and trying to line up opportunities we are asking them about their interests

After

In

Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy (NCA) senior Stephen Mertyl commutes from the school’s Littleton Avenue campus to his internship at Audible on Washington Street in downtown Newark.

While many high school interns spend their time on coffee runs or organizing files, Mertyl is frying bigger fish. He’s hard at work creating a de-bug panel that will help the audiobook company’s iOS developers make changes to the codebase without publishing those changes directly to the app. As part of Audible’s Future Leaders program, he’s been assigned a manager, substantive projects, and receives coaching and feedback.

“This internship is paid and offers me the opportunity to come back during college to gain experience and earn money over the summer,” said Mertyl, who added that his manager has helped him strategize the best internships to seek out during his college summers to broaden his skillset and help him stand out in a competitive technology workforce.

Mertyl is one of about 57 students enrolled in Tech Academy, a program at NCA that offers 10th- 12th-grade students career exposure designed to support their success

in STEM fields post-graduation. Tech Academy’s program includes coursework in cybersecurity, and introductory and AP computer science classes that give participants the chance to graduate high school with valuable college credits, along with a First Robotics team and internship opportunities.

“Tech Academy is preparing students for jobs that might not even exist yet,” said Tech Academy department chair Harold Brown.

Whoever can think outside the box will come up with the best solution and I want our students to be in the room where those conversations are happening.

Tech Academy Department Chair Harold Brown

Software development and cybersecurity are fast-growing fields that offer lifechanging salaries even at an entry-level position,” he added.

While Mertyl heads to an Audible internship, NCA senior Zanaya Meachem spends her afternoon at Newark’s University Hospital, shadowing a physician's assistant — setting up patient rooms and supporting the department with paperwork. Meachem is one of 22 students at NCA’s Healthcare

Academy who volunteer at the hospital and gain exposure to healthcare careers. Her counselor, Stephanie Rivera-Beltre has supported her college search and steered her toward dual-degree college programs that will allow her to graduate in five years with a health sciences degree and become a physician's assistant.

“I always wanted to help people have a voice and feel supported, and it’s important to me that people who have been underserved in our community have access to healthcare,” said Meachem, who added that her career as a physician assistant would allow her to choose from a variety of medical specialties. As of this writing, she has applied to Seton Hall University, Drexel University, and Monmouth College, to name just a few.

At KIPP Newark Lab High, senior Azalea Brown is also looking ahead to a career in healthcare and will pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree next fall.

Brown is enrolled in Lab’s ‘Introduction to Healthcare,’ class where she is studying anatomy and physiology.

Like Meachem, Brown shadows physicians at University Hospital Newark each Wednesday. “When I found out Lab had a class that allowed me to volunteer at a hospital and study anatomy, I wanted to gain that experience. I’ve learned so much

about the structures of working in a medical facility and I get to see different types of careers available to me,” said Brown, who’s currently shadowing an OB-GYN who has inspired her to pursue the field as her nursing specialty. Brown has already gained acceptance to several universities that offer strong nursing programs.

The KIPP Forward team also facilitates opportunities for students to gain career exposure that will lead them directly to the workforce following graduation through programs with Lincoln Technical Institute and Union College. Senior Semaj Shaw is enrolled in a partnership between NCA and Lincoln Technical Institute and visits Lincoln Tech’s campus monthly to learn the skills he’ll need to become an electrician.

“I like to learn in a hands-on way. I’ve always been like that, even when I was younger. I even built my computer from scratch,” said Shaw, who’s learning how to fix everything from fire alarms to CCTV systems. “I like the idea that once I complete the program, I’ll be making an income right off the bat,” he added.

If you know of anyone in your network who can support the work of Tech Academy and introduce students to opportunities in the STEM field, please email Harold Brown at hbrown@kippnj.org.

(from left to right) Zanaya Meachem, Stephen Mertyl, and Semaj Shaw with KIPP Forward counselor Stephanie Rivera-Beltre

graduation, KIPP Newark Lab High School senior Azalea Brown will pursue her bachelor of science in nursing degree. She has already been accepted to several colleges and looks forward to announcing her decision on Senior Signing Day in May.

October, KIPP NCA students participated in ‘Newark Tech Week’ in partnership with HAX, a Newark-based company that invests in start-ups and technology development that supports climate change and human health. Students networked with entrepreneurs from HAX and then took part in a Hax-A-Thon, mentored by STEM employees from organizations like PSEG and the American Association of Black Engineers.

Our Kids Will Run T School

Whether they’re finding the beat during performing arts class, racing CO2-powered dragsters, or competing in their first cross-country race, KIPP students are engaged in learning inside and outside the classroom every day.

Through athletics, programs, traditions, and classroom projects, the student experience in our schools is guided by a central tenet of our ‘Heartbeat’ values: the deep belief that students should run to school every morning.

Learn how that mission is coming to life in Newark and Camden!

Red Carpet Recognition: Celebrating i-Ready Success

At KIPP Seek Academy, students dressed to the nines on February 1st as they walked a red carpet in the school’s gymnasium to receive their i-Ready Grammy awards. Students learn and master skills in ELA and math through the assessment tool, i-Ready, and the i-Ready Grammys celebrate the progress students have made through that platform. "Our priority is the experiences we give kids. We want them to recognize that their hard work will result in something tangible, and we are celebrating the success they achieve each day," said school Principal Alexis Conde.

The event was met with enthusiasm from students like Kennedy Montford. "I'm excited about my award because I love learning on i-Ready, and I never give up," she said. Montford credits her teacher Mariah Pagan for instilling in her the importance of perseverance, noting how one of the school values, grit, has been instrumental in her academic journey.

We are celebrating the success they achieve each day.

STEM Learning at KIPP Lanning Square Middle

Under the leadership of science teacher Bryan Pawling, KIPP Lanning Square Middle School launched a STEM elective this year where students have tackled everything from piloting drones to building Lego robots. In late January, the gym erupted with the sounds of students cheering as they put their latest creation, CO2 dragsters, to the test. For Pawling, the project was a familiar one. "I put together CO2 dragsters as a middle school student. It was great to watch students take ownership of this process and engage with hand saws and sanding tools,” he said.

Beyond the excitement of racing, the STEM elective lays the foundation for students interested in science and technology careers. Seventh-grader, Kayden Satchell, added, "It was really fun to work with hand saws and shape our dragsters, even though it was hard at first. Mr. Pawling is a great teacher and made it fun for us."

Purposeful Strides: Cross-Country Team Comes to Life at Purpose

KIPP Purpose Academy launched its first-ever cross-country team this fall. With the support of Coach Kaylarose Scott, Coach Hope Whalen, and Coach Kim, students trained in the school’s weight room and ran laps around their campus as they prepared for competitions.

Their hard work paid off at their first event in Jersey City’s Lincoln Park (with seventh-grader Jeremiah Morales taking home first place!) and in the classroom. "Many of our students gained a strong sense of purpose during the season that translated into progress in their behavior and their academics. I created a study hall for athletes to make sure they’re meeting academic requirements to compete on the team,” said Scott. For Morales, the season marked the beginning of a bright future in running. "Cross-country was new for me this year and challenging. I went into the first competition feeling like I might not do well, but I did great. I was proud of myself. It can get exhausting sometimes, but now I enjoy running," he said.

Many of our students gained a strong

sense of purpose during the season

that translated into progress in their behavior

and their academics. Coach Kaylarose Scott, KIPP Purpose Academy

Dip, Dodge, Dive, Duck! A New Tradition Comes to KIPP High School

Founding KHS senior A’Shon Robinson helped execute an event this past fall that connected the school community—even if it did breed intense competition. The inaugural Titan Tournament brought together faculty and students alike for a dodgeball game.

“I wanted to execute something that would bring the whole community together so people could have fun,” said Robinson. In doing so, he sparked a new tradition for the school. The junior and senior classes competed against freshmen and sophomores, with the upperclassmen and women taking the win. The competition then pitted the junior and senior classes against each other, with the juniors moving on to compete against the staff. The KHS staff emerged victorious. “I was proud of A’Shon and our Student Council for really investing the student body in this event and demonstrating strong leadership,” said Associate Director of Student Life Ken O’Kane, who noted an uptick in attendance the day of the tournament. He believes the competition will become a school staple.

SPARKing After-School Engagement

At KIPP SPARK Academy, student enthusiasm for after-school learning is sky-high: More than 100 students at SPARK take part in the program, where students can choose from 18 staff-led clubs like Girl Scouts, cheerleading, basketball, chess, knitting, art, cooking, and performing arts, to name just a few. Teacher-inResidence Tasha Brevard leads the school’s Double Dutch Club, where students are learning about the sport. “I grew up in the 80’s and loved double dutch. It helps my students blow off energy after school, and it boosts their confidence as they learn to be one with their teammates," said Brevard.

Meanwhile, at Sculpture Club, students are exploring clay, creating figures, and exploring their creativity as they uncover their artistic abilities with special teacher Nambya Tanks. “They run right into my classroom every day because they're excited about the arts; I can't keep them out of my class," said Tanks. Douglas Vanceah III is one such enthusiastic student. “I am an artist because it makes me feel happy, creative, and successful. I love to see what I have created when my illustrations and sculptures are done. I especially love my character creations,” said Vanceah.

Bringing Dreams to Life

For the past three years, KIPP Life Academy students have spent the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday reflecting on their futures. During this “Future Dreams Week,” students learn about how Dr. King worked towards his vision for the future and then explore ways they can manifest their dreams, learning more about college life and HBCUs and how they can impact their community. On the final day, students dressed as their future selves—doctors, nurses, judges, and police officers were all represented— and presented their dreams to their classmates.

“Our goal is for students to draw connections between who they are right now and who they could be in the future,” said school leader Charlene Dixon. “We want them to realize that the efforts they put in today are seeds for the future,” she added. At the end of the year, Dixon will ask students to write more about how they hope to change the world, and she shared that this event sets the foundation for that critical reflection.

The Journey to 10,000 Books: Justice Students Drop Everything and Read

Enter KIPP Justice Academy on ‘Drop Everything and Read’ (DEAR) Day, and you'll likely spot students scattered throughout the hallways, curled up in bean bag chairs in classrooms, or intently occupied at their desks in classrooms. That’s because their school community has embraced a goal and an ethos that centers on a love of reading. With the installation in October of a brand-new library sponsored by Snipes, the school aims to collectively read 10,000 books this school year. Events like DEAR are helping them get there.

For avid reader seventh-grader Yanieli Byrd-Ortiz, DEAR days are special. "It's a peaceful time where we can lose ourselves in any book of our choosing. I love exploring different genres, and I believe it inspires myself and others to read more," said ByrdOrtiz. English teacher Margarita Cuevas-Cruz spearheaded DEAR. days, recognizing the importance of building the culture and habits of reading at Justice. "Many students viewed reading as an activity confined to the classroom. Events like these help change that attitude and engage students," Cuevas-Cruz explained.

For the Love of Math: Parents Multiply the Engagement at THRIVE

Just when KIPP THRIVE Academy families thought they were done running to school themselves, THRIVE brought them back into the math action. On the heels of Valentine’s Day, more than 50 families and students gathered to learn more about Illustrative Math, the school’s new math curriculum. “We knew some families were struggling with the new math strategies, so parents got to see those strategies up close on Math Night to better understand the new curriculum,” said Principal Ashley Salter.

HEARTBEAT HIGHLIGHTS

Cheers and Challenges: Step Inside the Hatch Games!

Each month, KIPP Hatch Middle School’s auditorium comes alive with the sounds of students singing, shouting, and dancing as they take part in the Hatch Games. A longstanding Hatch tradition, the Hatch Games bring together each grade’s advisory team to celebrate academic wins and recognize the advisories that have exemplified school values throughout the month.

From sing-offs to ‘minute-to-win-it’ competitions, the revelry is fun and also a testament to academic investment at Hatch. Assistant school leader Crystal Peralta helps bring Hatch Games to life. "The number of students we’ve seen moving up two to three grade levels in i-Ready is much higher than in previous years, and it’s a reflection of our commitment to building strong student culture," she said. Seventh-grader Autumn Smalls has helped her advisory team win three of the events. “I love getting to meet new people, and my advisory has always participated. My favorite part is the sing-off because I know my class depends on me to do well. It’s a great way to celebrate what school is all about,” said Smalls.

Christopher Lighty, the father of a fourthgrade student, enjoyed the event. “As a father, I like to be involved and have a better understanding of the work that’s being sent home. I’m at THRIVE on a weekly basis, but it’s important to see how everything fits together, both in policy and in practice,” he said. For Salter, bringing families into the learning process is key. “We always look for opportunities to build community, relationships, and partnerships. It takes a village and when we work together, we’re all successful and students run to school,“ she said.

“Mad Science Magic” Heads to KIPP Upper Roseville Academy

This past winter, KURA’s Director of School Operations Shenise Wilkins sought to introduce an event to her school community that would engage students of all ages in science as part of the school’s commitment to experiential learning. That’s when she discovered “Mad Science,” an organization that brings engaging, science-based events to schools across New Jersey. The show was a huge hit with students, who got to interact (safely!) with dry ice, create bubbles, and watch chemical reactions.

"The kids were blown away—the presentation was engaging and informative," Wilkins shared. “Their commitment to inclusivity was so important. They adapted performances for students with sensitivities to sound and went the extra mile to include many students in their presentation,” she added. A testament to their learning? The next day in teacher Nicole Jackson’s science class, students were able to draw connections between what they had learned and their science curriculum.

BOLDly Building Financial Futures

At KIPP BOLD Academy, Winston Roberts, a former math teacher and creator of the ‘Luxury is Teachable’ financial literacy program, envisions a future where every student achieves financial freedom. To realize that vision, Roberts created the school’s financial literacy class where he empowers students to become agents of change within their communities, teaching them the fundamentals behind building savings, investing, and approaches to retirement. So far, the program has reached more than 600 students at BOLD and KIPP TEAM Academy.

For students like Ayden Anan, the class has been a game-changer. Anan acknowledged that he sees people struggling financially in his home city but also sees the potential for their success with the right tools. "Learning these principles is crucial because many in our community don’t know about financial literacy. By mastering these principles now, I can have financial success in the future, and I have started to save my money to eventually start investing," said Anan.

Panthers Strive for Success, On and Off the Basketball Court

In February, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy’s varsity boys' basketball team found themselves on a winning streak of 20-6 as they attempted to reach an ambitious goal: a state championship. Guided by Coach Jyron Brooks, the team embodied discipline, resilience, and unity both on and off the court. Coach Brooks's philosophy emphasizes character development alongside athletic ability. "My goal is to equip these young men with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of the real world," he said.

Senior Becki Camara is a center on the team. "Staying committed to the gym and steering clear of distractions has been crucial for my growth, both on and off the court," said Camara. As the team united in pursuit of a state championship, their resilience and tenacity served as a testament to the power of mentorship, teamwork, and determination.

“Do We Have a Deal?”

Rise Students Learn the Power of Persuasion

Sumner Students Honor Black Change-Makers

One day each February, KIPP Sumner Elementary transforms into a ‘wax museum’ as students honor Black icons by sharing their stories with an audience of families and staff (in costume of course!). As families circulate in the schools’ hallways, they press buttons to launch into each child’s account of their represented Black icon.

At the suggestion of her mother, Megan Walker, first grader Saniyah Walker represented actress and singer Dorothy Dandridge, who broke barriers in the film industry. She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and featured on the cover of Life. “When I grow up, I want to be a singer. I had fun learning about her life and making this poster with my mom,” said Saniyah. Two stations down, first-grader Logan Coles represented Mae Jemison, an astronaut and engineer who was the first Black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. In addition to being a scientist, Mae Jemison was also an avid dancer as a child. Coles hopes to fuse sciences and the arts, too. “Someday, I’d like to be a labor and delivery doctor and an artist,” she said.

“Yes, Chef:” Alumna Leads Culinary Class at Lab

HEARTBEAT HIGHLIGHTS

This year, the fourth-floor kitchen at KIPP Newark Lab High School bustled each Wednesday as students in the school’s new Cooking Club prepared meals. Attracting more than 20 students, the school’s Cooking Club is led by KIPP New Collegiate Academy alumna Quadasia White, who today owns a successful catering business and whose sister is a current student at Lab. "I wanted to bring my passion for cooking to students and learn alongside them,” she said.

Club members like tenth-grader Daviyonah Kennedy enjoyed cooking foods from different cultures. “I was interested in joining and cooking Jamaican cuisine because my dad is Jamaican,” said Kennedy. Her favorite dish? “I made a Jamaican jerk chicken for my mom, grandma, and my dad, and all of them liked it — even if my grandmother thought it was a little spicy,” said Kennedy.

Seeking a way to support her students’ persuasive writing skills, KIPP Rise Academy ELA teacher Christina McGuffie found inspiration from Shark Tank, a popular television show where contestants pitch their business ideas to a panel of potential investors. “I wanted to help my students understand what good persuasive writing looked like as we explored frameworks like ethos, logos, and pathos,” said McGuffie. Students generated ideas, wrote a business plan, came up with slogans, and ultimately pitched their business to classmates.

With ideas ranging from a phone app that would help young people locate pickup sports activities happening in their neighborhood to electric bicycles that support greener commutes, students brought their problem-solving, writing, and presentation skills to the table as they pitched their projects. Seventh-grader Jaiden Barnes pitched his idea for an electric bike that generated its own power.

“I liked the project because I got to express my creativity,” said Barnes, who added that the project had helped him with his narrative and creative writing skills. “My goal is to instill a love of writing in students, and I’ve seen the lessons from this project translate to their persuasive writing,” said McGuffie.

I've learned a lot about teamwork

because I didn't know my teammates before,

but now we work together really well.

I've made some amazing new friends.

Student Voice in the Spotlight at KIPP Lanning Square Primary

If you’re seeking Beatrice Hemmings’ performing arts classroom at KIPP Lanning Square Primary, you’re unlikely to need directions. Instead, you’ll hear her clear voice over the clip-on microphone she uses to engage her students as they sing, dance, and act. "I feel strongly that students should practice communication and storytelling skills in my classroom while discovering who they are as people," said Hemmings.

In a classroom complete with a small stage, soft lighting, and a musical theater marqueeinspired wall, Hemmings instructs students as they order plot points in a story, practice dance steps, and develop their theater vocabulary. Each week, students explore a different performing art and learn about how characters develop and the main themes of each story. For students like fourth-grader Alanii Broadwater, the classroom is inspiring.

“I love theater class because I like learning the dances Ms. Hemmings teaches us and also because I want to be an actress when I grow up. I like watching shows like 13: The Musical and doing funny voices,” she said.

Students and Alumni Step into the Spotlight at TEAM

In its first year, KIPP TEAM Academy's Step Club, led by KIPP New Jersey alumni Briona Hawkins and Asha Alston, has quickly become a beloved addition to the school's extracurricular roster. With a mission to nurture creativity through rhythmic expression, the club has attracted students like sixth-grader Aubrey Lawson, who joined after being inspired by step videos online and her grandmother's encouragement. "I've learned a lot about teamwork because I didn't know my teammates before, but now we work together really well. I've made some amazing new friends," said Lawson.

"We wanted to create a space where students could express their creativity through stepping, and it's been incredible to see the enthusiasm and teamwork among the members," said Hawkins. As the Step Team continues refining its choreography and skills, students hope to bring their skills to a wider audience this spring.

KIPP TEAM Academy sixth-grader Aubrey Lawson

BY JAVIER PHILLIPS KIPP Newark Lab High School

AND EgretBerry

At KIPP Lab High School, students can take dual enrollment classes that offer valuable college credits for free. As part of the dualenrollment College Literature class offered by Arizona State University, students wrote poems, like Javier’s below, inspired by their favorite authors.

This poem is deeply inspired by Countee Cullen's "To Certain Critics." The poem itself serves as a response and rebuttal. As for myself, I wanted to explore a short conversation between two different people with two different worldviews.

— Javier

I vent our plight to all my kin, A retrospective ramble. And he, made up of porcelain skin Steps up beside the bramble.

“I preach to all that all are cowed.”

His tongue clicks in response.

He scoffs and knits his golden ‘brows And thinks how he'll denounce.

His words take on a silken tone. His tongue is sharp and straight. His eyes sear holes into my own. His breath burns cold with hate.

"How can you, ashen-ed, coddled lamb, Speak ill of your blessed life?

When all is better now than then.

Your flocks beget your strife.

Your shackles have been broken off. Your shepherds have been culled.

The codes that curbed you have been tossed.

And yet you dare to brood!

All your problems are your own, And those amongst your ilk.

Begone this baseless rage you've drawn, And weave into my silk.

For every cut, there is a gash

On someone else's skin.

So do not speak to me of wrath

When others wilt within."

Some of my brethren grip their cuffs. They mutter he is right.

They number few but they're enough

To edge along his bite.

I cut myself open to them,

In hopes that they could see

That my blood bleeds the same as him.

With every artery.

"See me now with withered veins.

See how it flows within.

Then look into my eyes and claim

My flesh is alien.

Our blood bleeds crimson as does his.

My pain is just as real.

So tell me who this Egret is

To tell me how to feel.”

EMPLOYMENT

State of NJ Career Services

www.nj.gov/labor/career-services

North Ward Family Success Center 286 Mt Prospect Avenue, Newark, NJ 973-481-0415

LEGAL SUPPORT

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice 973-645-1955

www.vljnj.org/get-help

FOOD PANTRIES & RESOURCES

NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap

SNAP Hotline: 908-838-4831

SNAP Outreach Team is available to help families apply or recertify for SNAP benefits

Community Food Bank

Several locations in Newark

www.cfbnj.org/food/find-food/ 908-355-3663

Mend Hunger Relief Network

Several locations in Newark

www.mendnj.org 862-250-5216

HOUSING

Eviction Protection & Assistance

www.knj.news/NJRentalRelief

South Ward Children’s Alliance Brick Avon Academy 219 Avon Avenue, Newark, NJ 07108 862-236-1333

Newark Emergency Services

For Families, Inc 982 Broad Street, Newark 07102 973-639-2100

City of Newark

Affordable Housing

www.newarknj.gov/departments/ affordable-housing

LGBTQ+ RESOURCES

LGBTQ National Youth Talkline 1-800-246-7743

Family Equality Resource Center

www.familyequality.org/neighborhood

HiTOPS

www.hitops.org

Family Connections Pride+: A safe space for youth anywhere on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum

www.familyconnectionsnj.org/prideplus

The Gender Family Project www.ackerman.org/gfp

Gender Spectrum

www.genderspectrum.org/youth

MATERNITY SERVICES

Family Service Bureau’s New Start Program 274 South Orange Ave Newark, NJ 07103 973-412-2056

ADDICTIONS & SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

Prevention Links

NU-Day Program 732-768-8516

ReachNJ 24/7 Hotline: 1-844-732-2465 (ReachNJ)

HEALTH

CityLife Health

www.citylifehealth.com/locations/newark 44 Jones Street, Newark, NJ 07103 973-878-9020

Community Health Center 491 Clinton Avenue Newark, NJ 973-789-8111

Vaccine Appointment Support

Call 1-855-568-0545 (8a-8p)

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

9-8-8

www.988lifeline.org

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.

PerformCare

www.performcarenj.org

(24/7): 877-652-7624

State-wide system hotline for children’s psychiatric care. Can provide resources for in home counseling, mobile response, outpatient counseling and behavioral support.

Rutgers UBHC

www.ubhc.rutgers.edu

Access Center: 1-800-969-5300

Outpatient services for children ages 4-17. Individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, medication evaluation and monitoring offered.

Family Connections

www.familyconnectionsnj.org

fyfc@familyconnectionsnj.org

Intensive in-home counseling for children dealing with high-risk behaviors and/or family conflict.

Thriveworks Counseling

www.thriveworks.com/newark-counseling/ child-therapy

290 Chestnut Street, Suite 217, Newark, NJ 862-243-3264

NJ Hope and Healing

Free emotional support from trained staff

Call 866-202-HELP (4357)

Text NJHOPE to 51684

7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Housing Resource One Pager

https://bit.ly/HousingResourcesNewark

Utility Rights

www.panjcommunityresources.info/njutility-shutoffs

What do these colleges and universities have in common?

Albertus Magnus College

• Albright College

• Alvernia University

• American International College

• American University

• Arcadia University

• Atlanta Metropolitan State College

• Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Hasbrouck Heights

• Bard College

• Berdan Institute

• Bethune-Cookman University

• Bloomfield College

• Bowie State University

• Brenau University

• Buffalo State SUNY

• Caldwell University

• Camden County College

• Cedar Crest College

• Centenary University

• Charleston Southern University

• Chattahoochee Technical College

• Clark Atlanta University

• Clemson University

• Columbus State University

• Concordia University-Saint Paul

• Coppin State University

• Cornell College

• Culinary Institute of America

• Davidson College

• Delaware State University

• Delaware Valley College

• DeSales University

• Dickinson College

• Dominican College of Blauvelt

• Drew University

• Drexel University

• East Carolina University

• East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

• Eastern University

• Elizabeth City State University

• Emory University

• Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield

• Essex County College

• Fairleigh Dickinson University-College at Florham

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

- Metropolitan Campus

• Fayetteville State University

• Felician University

• Fisk University

• Florida A&M University

• Florida Memorial University

• Franklin and Marshall College

• Georgia Gwinnett College

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College

• Georgia State University

• Georgian Court University

• Greensboro College

• Gwinnett Technical College

• Hampton University

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

• Hudson County Community College

Husson University

• Hartwick College

• High Point University

• Hofstra University

• Holy Family University

• Howard University

• Hudson Valley Community College

•

• Illinois Institute of Technology

• Indiana University

- Bloomington

• Immaculata University

• Iowa State University

• Ithaca College

• Johnson & Wales University - Providence

• Johnson C. Smith University

• Kean University

• Keuka College

• La Salle University

• Lebanon Valley College

• Lincoln Technical Institute

- Union

• Lincoln University of Pennsylvania

• Long Island University - C W Post Campus

• Louisiana State University - Main Campus

• Loyola Marymount University

• Manhattan College

• Misericordia University

• Monmouth University

• Loyola University Maryland

• Lycoming College

• Marquette University

• Michigan State University

• Mississippi State University

• Montclair State University

• Monmouth College

• Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary

• New Jersey City University

• Norfolk State University

• Morehouse College

• New Jersey Institute of Technology

• Morgan State University

• North Carolina A & T State University

• North Carolina Central University

• Oklahoma State University - Main Campus

• Pace University - New York

• Penn State

- Main Campus

• Point Park University

• Quinnipiac University

• Ramapo College of New Jersey

• Raritan Valley Community College

• Rhode Island College

• Rider University

• Rochester Institute of Technology

• Roger Williams University

Rowan University

• Rutgers University

• Rowan College at Burlington County

- Camden

• Rutgers University - New Brunswick

• Rutgers University - Newark

• Saint Elizabeth University

• Saint Joseph's University

• Saint Peter's University

• Seton Hall University

• Shaw University

• Shenandoah University

• South Carolina State University

• Southern Connecticut State University

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Southern New Hampshire University

• Spelman College

• St. John's University - New York

• St. Thomas Aquinas College

• Stevens Institute of Technology

• Stony Brook University

• SUNY at Albany

• SUNY at Binghamton

• SUNY at Purchase College • SUNY College at Brockport • Susquehanna University

• Sussex County Community College • Swarthmore College • Syracuse University • Temple University

• The College of New Jersey

• The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey • Thiel College • Towson University • Tulane University of Louisiana • Tuskegee University • Union County College

• United States Navy

• University of Arizona

• University of Bridgeport

• University of Chicago

• University of Delaware

• University of Hartford

• University of Kentucky

• University of Louisville

• University of Maine

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore

• University of Massachusetts Amherst

• University of New Haven

• University of Oregon

• University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

• University of Scranton

• Ursinus College

• Villanova University

• Virginia Commonwealth University

•

• Virginia State University

• West Virginia State University

• Western Connecticut State University

• Widener University - Main Campus

• Wilberforce University

• Wilkes University

• William Paterson University of New Jersey

• Winston-Salem State University

• Xavier University of Louisiana

• York College Pennsylvania

They have all accepted students and alumni from the KIPP New Jersey Senior Class of 2024.

CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS! We'll continue to support you every step of the way.