to the spring edition of TEAM and Family Magazine!

Over 2,000 students and their families are enrolled in our schools in Camden and this year, our community expanded to include KIPP Sumner Elementary (KSE). Teachers and leaders at KSE have laid the foundations for a school that exemplifies strong academics, joy and a commitment to family partnerships (see page 9 for more!).

This edition features one central tenet of our guiding Heartbeat values: The belief that our students will change the world. Read on to discover how that heartbeat comes to life every day, both within and beyond the walls of our classrooms.

In this issue, you will find:

Summer Reading Tips. Head to page 7 to learn about favorite summer reading book recommendations from our community that will keep your child reading all summer!

Our High Schools in the Spotlight. From innovative new course offerings, to targeted career support, explore what our high schools have to offer on page 10.

World-changers. Whether they’re sharing their love for reading with their neighbors, or discovering their passion for music, our students learn valuable skills that will support them as they change their communities and the world. Head to page 13 to read ‘heartbeat highlights’ from each of our schools.

As we conclude our school year, it’s a joy to watch end-of-year events unfold that are designed to celebrate the academic and personal growth for our students.

We are grateful as always for your unwavering support and involvement in your child's education and wish you and your family a relaxing and safe summer break.

Sincerely,

Drew Martin

Executive Director, KIPP New Jersey

These individuals are just a few of the inspiring members of our school communities who go above and beyond to exemplify their school values, support other students and teammates, and have a positive impact on everybody they encounter.

ROXANNE ROSA exemplifies excellence as she supports scholars who are English Language Learners. Aside from providing individualized support, she translates texts, and shares resources with families to continue learning at home. As a result, our scholars have made tremendous academic growth.

YVETTE TOBIN is new to Justice this year and her work is having a positive impact on the entire Justice community. She ensures that all students receive intervention and support that they need, and supports every teacher by modeling excellence, even for those she does not coach.

NCA parent WISNIEWSKIE PARFAIT goes above and beyond to support the success of not only her daughter but also her daughter’s classmates. She donates items to community service drives, cooks meals for staff, and chaperones student events. Ms. Parfait offers feedback when she has ideas and attends family engagement activities, embodying NCA values of ‘Humanity, Excellence and Courage.’

Assistant school leader ABDOUL OUEDRAOGO embodies our Rise values, supporting teachers, students, families, and the community. He models what it means to be a leader and follows when necessary. He sees support as an opportunity to serve our students and their families.

KIPP

PHILIP OYENIYI is a third-grade student-leader in the Life community. He lives out our values by helping his teachers and supporting his teammates. He has earned EVERY ‘Seeds of Excellence Breakfast’ recognizing exceptional attendance this year, has been a student of the month, and has also won an integrity award.

Having completing her Teacher in Residence program last year, English teacher TATIANAH DEMANDE is earning outstanding results this year as a lead teacher. She exemplifies Purpose’s values, uplifts teammates, and is the person whom staff can lean on when they’re having a tough day.

From volunteering her time as a math tutor almost every Saturday morning, to supporting her teammates with implementing engaging and effective math curriculum, math teacher LAUREN COOKE supports every student on their journey to master content. Ms. Cooke is always willing to support her colleagues and families in any way possible.

KIPP Forward senior counselor JACOLBY SUGGS works with students and families to help students prepare for life beyond Lab. His love for our students is tangible. When a parent couldn’t attend FAFSA night, Mr. Suggs worked with them over the phone and in-person to ensure the family completed the critical paperwork.

Dance teacher DEBORAH

OVALLES is a leader on the SPARK enrichment team. In her spare time, she makes costumes and set designs for any and every school production. Deborah also hosts fitness and wellness classes for staff members on Wednesdays. She is a jack of all trades and loved by everyone.

Teacher DAWNE TARVER works incredibly hard on behalf of her students and their families every day. Continuing work she started during the pandemic, Ms. Tarver helps provide Hello Fresh meals to about 50 families on a rotating basis.

Kindergarten lead teacher JEVONNA TOWNES coordinated a gift drive for kindergarten and first-grade students so every student received a gift before the winter holidays. Mrs. Townes supports impactful family partnership projects throughout the year.

Paraprofessional MIA CLARK goes above and beyond to support THRIVE students! This holiday season, she gave wrapped gifts to every kindergarten and first-grade student during the holiday season.

Grade level chair and math teacher JUSTENE MILLER has created a culture of fun and competition across the fifth grade. Ms. Miller plans competitions every Friday morning like dance contests, silly games, and cheer-offs to get kids excited to come to school. She also invites families to join these events to help them feel connected to her grade-level community.

ELA teacher, grade leader, and basketball coach JOEZER ANTOINE wears many hats well at TEAM. His students have some of the highest ELA results in the school, and he brings together TEAM players with KIPP Lab HS athletes to foster connections with our high schools.