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A Year of Transition SUPPORTING SOCIAL + EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

The Journey to

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Race, Equity, Inclusion, and Our Heartbeat

Snapshots from the first day of school!

A MAGAZINE BY AND FOR THE KIPP NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY

In 2014, KIPP opened its first school in Camden, KIPP Lanning Square Primary. Since then, with community support, we’ve opened two middle schools and a high school.

Dear KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Families,

to the fall edition of TEAM and Family Magazine! After an incredibly difficult year for so many, we were thrilled to welcome our students back to our classrooms in-person this August. As always, we are grateful for your partnership with our schools as we continue to prioritize the safety of our community. This year we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of KIPP New Jersey’s first school year. Currently, we have nearly 8,000 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12th grade in 18 schools across Newark and Camden and over 1,700 alumni, dozens of whom work in our organization today! In Camden, we’ve come a long way since opening the doors of KIPP Lanning Square Primary in 2014, yet our core belief in the power of our students and communities remains the same. We hope you enjoy this edition of TEAM and Family Magazine, which attempts to capture this moment in our school communities and elevate the voices of our students, families, and staff. In this issue, you will find:

in this issue LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 03 SCHOOL UPDATES 04 SNAPSHOTS FROM THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 06 6 TIPS TO SUPPORT STUDENT LEARNING THIS YEAR 08 BACK IN THE GAME 10 A YEAR OF TRANSITION 11 THE JOURNEY TO 100% 14 KIPP FORWARD 18 STUDENT WRITING 20 FAMILY RESOURCES + CALENDAR 22

Award-Winning Student Writing.

We’ve featured the work of one student author who won our annual Writing Contest. Check out her powerful work on page 20.

Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing.

In-person learning will be an adjustment for our students and their families. Our social workers offer their tips for supporting your family’s mental health on page 11.

Race, Equity and Inclusion.

Our organization remains committed to our core values of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff. Learn more about this evolving work on page 14.

As we go through this school year together, I look forward to receiving your feedback and working in partnership with our Camden families to ensure every child receives an education that supports their journey to college, career and a choice-filled life.

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.

Take care, Drew Martin Executive Director, KIPP New Jersey FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL!

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KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

KIPP TRUTH ACADEMY

Our PantherTOWN is up and running with a focus on strong academics and extracurricular activities, adding an activity block to the end of our school day which will give students a space to meet for clubs, athletics, and other extracurricular activities.

KIPP NEWARK COMMUNITY PREP

KIPP Truth Academy hit the ground running during our founding year! We enjoyed our family orientations, back-to-school nights, Father Figure Day and celebrating LatinX Heritage Month!

KIPP PURPOSE ACADEMY KIPP Purpose Academy opened its doors for the first time this August! In addition to rich and fulfilling academic courses, we’re excited to offer choice elective activities from three Newark-based non-profits; dance with Alvin Ailey, glassblowing with GlassWorks, and spoken word with Urban Word.

KIPP Newark Community Prep is looking forward to launching our Student Government and Extracurriculars Programs.

KIPP UPPER ROSEVILLE ACADEMY KIPP RISE ACADEMY

KIPP Upper Roseville Academy loved welcoming all our students this year, new and returning! We hosted our back-to-school night and implemented our family-focused events every Friday in September. We also celebrated Latinx Heritage Month with a parade!

KIPP Rise Academy is thrilled to be back in the building with students and engaging in extended learning opportunites such as flag football and cross country running. Additionally. we are excited to offer students Physical Education, Performing Arts, Financial Literacy, and Human Development this year!

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KIPP Newark Lab High School loved welcoming students back to in-person learning as we started a new school year! We are ready to support students’ academic and personal growth this year.

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KIPP Life Academy is committed to ensuring that our scholars, family, and staff are empowered partners. Listening to their voices, we have added science as a core subject, created additional opportunities for art instruction, adopted a new social emotional learning curriculum, and begun several new community initiatives including our Community Closet.

As we are learning in our brand new space at Maple Avenue, we will be enjoying our favorite annual events: Dad’s Bring Your Scholars to School Day, Fall Festival and Picture Me Tomorrow Day!

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KIPP SPARK ACADEMY KIPP TEAM ACADEMY KIPP TEAM Academy is so excited to welcome back the members of the Wolfpack for another school year! We will launch a Financial Literacy curriculum with 7th and 8th grade students as part of our regularly offered co-curricular courses of Physical Education, Dance, Drama, and Character Education.

KIPP BOLD ACADEMY KIPP BOLD Academy is back in the building! We are launching after school clubs — students recently attended our first ever After School Club Fair to learn more about all clubs being offered.

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KIPP Justice Academy is thrilled to welcome students for our founding school year. We’re offering a robust education that features a daily advisory period that will allow students to converse with peers, set and celebrate goals, engage in social-emotional lessons, and talk with professionals about their field of interest.

KIPP SPARK Academy’s school focus this year is #WINNING which is an acronym for the phrase “We Intentionally Navigate Necessary Intervention Needs & Gaps.” This school year we are all about focusing on and celebrating student growth (big & small) so that we can ensure that our scholars have an academic experience that is tailored to their specific needs!

KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY KIPP THRIVE Academy loved welcoming back all our students this year! We enjoyed our virtual orientations and back-to-school nights, and celebrating ‘Dads Take Your Child to School Day,’ and LatinX Heritage Month.

L O O H SC S E T A D P U KIPP LANNING SQUARE PRIMARY

KIPP Lanning Square Primary’s school priority this year is, “Our Kids Will Run to School Again.” This year, we’ll be working to rebuild our school community’s sense of belonging and, as always, we’ll be celebrating ourselves, others, and learning.

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KIPP LANNING SQUARE MIDDLE KIPP Lanning Square Middle is springing back into revolutionary action. We are prioritizing H.OT. Classrooms! “What are H.O.T. Classrooms?” Our classrooms: H: Honor our scholars’ cultures, experiences and unique individual qualities. O: Offer opportunities to highlight scholars’ excellence inside and outside of the classroom. T: Trusting relationships built from a culture of care that puts scholars’ needs over adult comfort.

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KIPP Whittier is adding new enrichment classes to our curriculum this year. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Art and Performing Arts, as well as continuing our Physical Education program! We are also excited to be able to offer extended learning programs again this school year.

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KIPP HIGH SCHOOL KIPP Cooper Norcross High School has opened our doors to all kids for the first time ever! We are continuing to build community standing on the foundation of Ubuntu, “I am who I am because of who we are,” laid last year. This fall we doubled in size and continue to build on that community through Ubuntu groupings, Titans sports such as football, volleyball, soccer, and basketball, and an activity block for built in extra-curriculars. We engage. We belong. We thrive, together. S RD

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KIPP Lanning Square Primary student Ali Taalib-Din, Jr. and mom Nicole Davis were ready for the first day of school!

KIPP Lanning Square Primary students discuss a hot topic on day one of school: What to name the class plants.

Reunited! Snapshots From Day One of the School Year

Heading back to school is always special, but this year, with so many students returning to in-person learning for the first time in over a year, it was that much sweeter. We hope you enjoy these moments of joy!

KIPP Whittier Middle third graders Alexander Colon and Nawid Bansie discuss their math work on the first day of school.

KIPP Cooper Norcross High School teacher Kourney Fullard walks students through what it takes to set S.M.A.R.T goals in the school year ahead. 6

Mr. Thornton at KIPP Whittier Middle engages his class in a discussion about the importance of taking ownership of your mistakes.

KIPP Lanning Square Primary Assistant School Leader Alondra Branch and third grader Katie Trieber share a hug before the start of school on August 23rd, 2021.

KIPP Lanning Square students wait to head into the classroom on the first day of school for all students, August 23rd, 2021.

RETURN ING TO T H E C L A SS RO O M:

6 Tips to Support Student Learning This Year This August, we welcomed back all of our students to in-person learning following a school year that presented so many challenges for our families, communities, and schools. Our school staff is committed to making this year one that’s filled with learning and social reconnection for our students. That’s why we asked several of our teammates from Camden and Newark to offer their best tips on how to support your child’s education in math and English Language Learning (ELA) as we transition back to in-person learning.

Communicate with teachers early and often.

Transitioning into a new school year means that scholars and parents will be interacting with new teachers. Your child’s teacher will know your scholar’s strengths and growth areas and is a great resource when it comes to recommending supplemental practice materials. KIPP THRIVE Academy teacher Ashley Salter recommends communicating with teachers early on in the year and continuing to check-in throughout. “I notice parents think teachers are busy, and that’s true, but we still encourage them to check in through email, text, or Class Dojo—the more communication, the better!” said Salter.

KIPP Lanning Square Primary Learning Specialist Amanda Ruffner echoes the importance of family-teacher dialogue.”If a parent has concerns about students at home, they can reach out to ask us what we might be noticing in the classroom. That way, we can work together to develop a plan,” said Ruffner.

Engage in real-world math.

Learning doesn’t have to happen only when your scholar is at school. There are many opportunities for your child to learn from everyday life. Ruffner thinks it’s important to make math familiar to students. “For Kindergarten, we’re big on number

identification, so play games like ‘I Spy’ at the grocery store when you see a number, or solve simple addition problems like ‘how many apples do I have?’” she said.

Make learning a family affair.

Spark curiosity for science.

Ruffner also recommends leveraging the competitive spirit of students’ siblings or other family members to support learning through flashcards or mini quizzes for math learning. When it comes to ELA learning, do adults in the family read the news regularly? If so, KIPP Newark Community Prep Assistant School Leader Tanisha Marchan recommends integrating the 5 W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why) into student learning as family members read news articles. “The website Newsela. org is a great resource for helping students answer those questions as they read, which helps build strong reading comprehension,” said Marchan.

KIPP Whittier Middle science teacher Ryan Weaver recommends students

English Language Arts

E P I C B O O KS (GETEPIC .CO M) A digital reading platform featuring 40,000+ high-quality books that builds reading confidence for students 12 and under.

QUI LL Grades 5-12, available for free through students’ KIPP NJ Clever accounts. Provides free writing and grammar activities for middle and high school students.

CO M M O NL I T.O RG A digital reading platform for middle and high schools students with a wide library of text genres and topics for individual exploration and practice.

i -R EA DY ELA Grades 3-8, available for free through students’ KIPP NJ Clever accounts. Supports student growth with targeted reading comprehension practice and support at individual level.

ACCE L E RAT E D READ ER Grades 3-8, available for free through students’ KIPP NJ Clever accounts. Support student reading and writing skills through reading comprehension quizzes.

ACHI EVE 3000 R EA DI NG Grades 9-10, available for free through students’ KIPP NJ Clever accounts. Supports student growth with targeted reading comprehension practice and support at individual level.

stay engaged in science outside of school through resources like Youtube channel’s CrashCourse, that offers short, digestible and engaging videos on topics ranging from earth science to robotics. Looking for engineering projects to do at home? Weaver recommends families explore PBS Kids Design Squad (pbskids.org/designsquad).

Cultivate persuasive speaking skills.

Families should follow the lead of KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy Assistant Principal Olayinka Okoye who, during the school’s summer enrichment program last year, held “PowerPoint Parties” for students that allowed them to pick any topic on which to deliver a persuasive speech. According to Okoye, the gatherings were a direct response to her concern that students would have fewer opportunities to speak persuasively in the classroom, both formally or with friends, during remote learning. “Students could pick any topic they wanted, like ‘why your favorite rapper or football team is superior,’ and then create a persuasive presentation on that topic. For teenagers, this helps them develop the skills of speaking in the classroom and thinking critically,” said Okoye. She added that families, particularly of older students, can encourage students to do the same at home. “Does your high school student want to take a trip with friends? Have them make a presentation outlining the reasons why,” she said.

Have patience.

After the challenges presented last year, it is important that students and parents keep everything in perspective. Many parents are concerned about their child’s progress in school; however, it is also important for parents to stay patient and empathetic to help ease the transition and help your student to do their best. “My advice is to be patient with scholars at home. The work can seem overwhelming, but we’re all in it together and working towards the same goal,” said Salter.

As always, we are grateful for the partnership of our families in supporting students’ academic journeys. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to best support your child at home; however, by discussing your child’s learning with their teacher, integrating learning outside of school, and staying supportive, your child will grow as a student and have a successful school year. Searching for more resources? Below, our educators and instructional leaders have compiled a list of great online tools to support students’ learning in ELA and math.

Math K H A N ACA DE MY ( KH AN ACAD EMY.O RG) Renowned for simple, engaging math how-to videos, quizzes, and math learning that supports all ages and abilities.

MATH PLAYGROUND (MATHP LAYGROUND.COM) Interactive website offering math games for K-6 learners

JU L IE RO B I NSO N M ATHEMATIC S FESTIVAL (JR M F.O RG ) Perfect for younger math learners, this site offers interactive games that support joyful math learning.

i -R EA DY MATH Grades 3-8, available for free through students’ KIPP NJ Clever accounts. Supports student growth with targeted math practice and support at individual level.

QUIZ L E T (Q U I ZL E T.CO M) Contains a large bank of online quizzes, flashcards, and games that can be used to support learning across all subjects and grade levels from Spanish to Algebra.

ACHI EVE 3000 MATH Grades 9-10, available for free through students’ KIPP NJ Clever accounts. Supports student growth with targeted math practice and support at individual level.

Back in the Game A R E T URN TO ATHL E T ICS IN CAMDEN! This year, the squeaks of sneakers on gym floors, the shriek of a whistle on the field, and shouts of encouragement from the sidelines are back, as our student athletes return to their programs at our schools across Camden.

KIPP High School sophomore Cianni Green is ready for a great year on the basketball court!

KIPP High School Athletic Director Nick Drago and sophomore student-athlete Mekhi Rabb-Peace.

For Charlysse Graham, a sixth grade team lead and track coach at KIPP Lanning Square Middle, last year presented barriers to athletics. “This year, I can’t wait to return to track and cross country. We have a lot of rebuilding to do with new students, but one thing I love about track is how it brings the whole community together,” said Graham, who added that families would often team up to take runners to the Camden waterfront for workouts. “Track is open to anyone, and we encourage all of our students to get involved this year,” she said.

When Nick Drago was hired last year as a founding athletic director at KIPP High School, he quickly got to work laying the groundwork for the new school’s athletic program, as many of the school’s teams were unable to practice consistently. “Last year was a whirlwind,” said Drago. “My role was to implement and plan as many sports as possible and get us into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic It’s a major thing to feel like Association (NJSIAA) so when the whole school is coming we returned, students would back together to root for us. have options,” he said. This year, the school is developing M E KHI RABB-PEACE programs for football, KIPP High School sophomore cheerleading, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track.

KIPP Lanning Square Middle Schoool 8th grader Renate Jackson can’t wait to return to cheerleading this year.

But for Drago, the most important thing sports offer students is a sense of belonging in their community. “When I look back on my own experiences with athletics in high school, I realize how much of an impact sports had on my confidence and academics. Some of my best memories are from playing baseball,” said Drago.

“Coming back to in-person school and seeing kids on the football field laughing and joking with their friends is so exciting. Students are thrilled to be back,” he added. Cianni Green is a sophomore at KIPP High School and a KIPP Lanning Square Middle graduate who’s ready to return to the court as a basketball player. After spending last year at a different high school in Camden, Green looks forward to “coming full circle” at KIPP High School to continue her journey. “Sports like basketball keep me busy and help with my time management because you really have to keep to a schedule when you balance sports with homework,” said Green. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the court this year, putting in the work, and getting noticed. I love that feeling when my teammates and I connect on the court, whether we’re scoring or making a good pass. A well-executed play is everything,” she added. KIPP High School sophomore and athlete Mekhi Rabb-Peace will return to the football field soon, as a cornerback or a quarterback, and couldn’t be happier about it. “I love everything about sports. I love teamwork and getting to know my teammates. It’s a major thing to feel like the whole school is coming back together to root for us,” said Rabb-Peace. For KIPP Lanning Square Middle School eighth-grader Renate Jackson, a return to cheerleading this year means a return to a sisterhood and an opportunity to explore new sports, like volleyball. “I love the teamwork of cheerleading with my friends and how we all support one another. The whole reason to do sports is to bond with people,” said Jackson, who added that she missed the company of her teammates last year and the adrenaline she experiences during competition. “In cheerleading you really need to pay attention to every detail while you’re performing to make sure everything goes according to plan. I’m really looking forward to returning to that,” she said.

A YEAR OF TRANSITION Supporting Social and Emotional Wellness Returning to in-person learning is a transition that sparks a wide range of emotions for students and families, from excitement and happiness to apprehension and anxiety. For families, it can be hard to evaluate and navigate your child’s emotions, especially if they are reluctant to open up and share them with you. Knowing that this school year could present unique challenges for students’ mental health, we asked our KIPP New Jersey team of social workers in Camden and Newark to share some helpful tips and recommendations to help support your child’s social and emotional wellness. 11

Photo taken in 2019

Kids will have a range of feelings— big and small. Listening and validating will communicate that we are listening without judgment. Practice mindfulness with your child. Kelsie Patton, a social worker at KIPP Lanning Square Primary, points out that, like adults, children store trauma and stress within their bodies before they can verbalize those feelings. “In order to connect children’s emotional well-being to their physical bodies, we practice different kidfriendly meditations like yoga, quick-deep breathing exercises, or short meditations,” said Patton. “I have them place their hand on their heart, close their eyes and take deep breaths, noticing how their chest feels during repetitive breathing exercises,” she added. Patton also recommends families with younger children have them place an object like a toy or stuffed animal on their chest or belly and watch it rise and fall as they breathe. 12

S HEYLA RIAZ KIPP New Jersey’s Director of Social Work

Develop and talk through routines. Routines and structure promote predictability and feelings of safety for children. Tim Massaquoi, a social worker at KIPP High School in Camden, emphasized that students can take longer to re-enter routines than adults, so for many, this school year might feel like starting over, even for older students. “Understand that our students are coming back to a new routine. Work with your child to establish a daily routine that works for your family and helps them balance a social life with academics.” KIPP Truth Academy social

worker Stephanie Bailey recommends that families develop morning, evening, and nighttime routines to build safety and reduce anxiety. Discuss and validate your child’s emotions. Your child may be feeling a wide range of emotions as they return to school. It can be hard for many children to understand or name their emotions, so talking through your child’s emotions can help. Sheyla Riaz, KIPP New Jersey’s director of social work says, “Kids will have a range of feelings—

big and small. Listening and validating will communicate that we are listening without judgment.” Riaz also recommends that adults actively listen to their kids, rather than filling silence or judging. Simply listen and validate. Notice your child’s eating, sleep and technology habits. When children experience stress or worry, it often shows up first in your child’s eating or sleeping habits. If your child is eating less than normal or having a hard time falling and staying asleep, it may be due to an underlying emotional issue. Beyond emotional stress, Massaquoi also emphasizes the role that diet and sleep play in maintaining energy throughout the day. “Eating well and getting rest are important,” Massaquoi says, “so when they come to school, they have the energy to sustain a long day.” Patton added that families should keep an eye on their child’s social media usage. “Children have a difficult time monitoring and limiting their social media usage, so creating other avenues for a child to express themselves could promote positive social and emotional learning,” said Patton.

Lead by example. The most impactful way to support your family's social and emotional wellness is by modeling open communication, engaging in self care and leveraging community supports. As part of the school community, social workers are available to help you and your child navigate through the transition into the new school year. Bailey points out that social workers are not just a support for students. “If parents are having a difficult time, I would encourage them to reach out to a social worker. We’re here for our families as well. We have those resources,” she said.

Social Work Directory

For more resources to use at home, Riaz recommends the Child Mind Institute (www.childmind.org), which has excellent online materials related to emotional wellness. Additionally, the KIPP New Jersey Wellness Space Site (knj.news/ KIPPNJWellness) is a hub with mental health tools promoting self-care. If you could use support from the social work team, or if you need more information about how you can support your child, you can find your school’s social worker information in this directory.

KI P P LA NNI NG SQUA R E PR I MA RY Kelsie Patton kpatton2@kippnj.org Emily Ball eball@kippnj.org KI P P LA NNI NG SQUA R E MI DDLE Jessica Salvati jsalvati@kippnj.org Kiera Williams kwilliams2@kippnj.org KI P P WHI TTI ER MID D L E Taylor Wegmann twegmann@kippnj.org Acira Solomon asolomon@kippnj.org KI P P HI GH SCHOO L Tim Massaquoi amassaquoi@kippnj.org Tanisha Pollard tpollard@kippnj.org

THE JOURNEY TO

% Race, Equity, Inclusion, and Our Heartbeat 14

Since we opened the doors of our first middle school, KIPP TEAM Academy, in Newark’s South Ward twenty years ago in 2002, KIPP New Jersey’s mission has been to support every student’s journey to college and a choice-filled life. Our core values—as defined by our Heartbeat Statement—guide that mission. Four overarching premises are foundational to this Heartbeat: Our community shares a deep belief that students should run to school and be prepared to change the world. Promises we make to children are sacred. Together we know that outstanding teammates (staff!) are crucial in delivering on those promises. We literally strive to build the most kid-focused schools on earth, driven by an unrelenting focus on equity. We lead with a commitment to create schools where kids explore their identities, develop an ability to excel in college, and cultivate their desire to become socially conscious change agents. Leadership at every level of our organization is in service of our students’ individual and collective futures as leaders in their chosen fields.

Our goal is that 100% of our Heartbeat needs to live 100% of the time for 100% of our students. We spoke with leaders and teachers (some of them alumni of our schools) throughout our organization to learn more about how they’re engaging in reflection and action as they seek to create more equitable schools that support the success of every child.

Shawadeim Reagans C HIEF EQUITY STRATEG I ST KI PP NEW JERSEY

Every five years, KIPP New Jersey develops a strategic plan that establishes goals that will guide our priorities and support our students in the coming years. As we’ve refined our 2025 Strategic Plan outlining those goals, we’ve done that in recognition of the fact that equity is not one component of the work—it is the work. We’ve renamed it our Equity Strategy to reflect this shift. All strategic initiatives, priorities, and goals will be in service of more equitable outcomes for all TEAMmates, students, families, and the communities with which we partner. When we look across our whole organization to define equity, we believe it looks like offering

a consistent experience for all students and their families, at all grade levels, all schools, and in all cities. In practice, this looks like gathering data across all of our schools so we can evaluate the experiences of students, staff, and families and identify gaps and areas for improvement. We’re developing a school-health dashboard to capture not just student academic data, but also all of the other ways to measure important components of a school’s culture that supports community, personal growth, and achievement across all student demographic groups. It’s important that we revisit this plan frequently, because we recognize that just like our practices in 2005 couldn’t accurately reflect our equity work in 2021, what’s equitable in 2025 might not be equitable in 2035. Since equity is our work, we have to have the awareness and consciousness to be responsive to the experience of our students and TEAMmates. What inspires me as we engage in this work is both the growing number of alumni who have joined our staff as well as our many talented teachers and leaders who continue to raise the bar and improve outcomes for children.

Over the past year and a half, our team at KIPP Whittier Middle has been shifting our classroom and educator development practices to ensure a more equitable experience for our students and staff. Equity has always been central to our work, but we’ve been even more intentional in this work recently. Improving our practices is an ongoing journey. When we started engaging in this work more seriously last year, we realized that our school leadership in Camden was not entirely reflective of the racial demographics of our students and community. When I thought about what I could do within my role to shift this, I realized that as a leader I needed to do a better job of building in time during my conversations with staff to learn exactly what their career aspirations were and engage in deeper discussion about what competencies they would need to develop to become instructional leads, grade team leads, or school leaders. At its heart, equity work is our work. We want our students to be prepared to impact the world around them and have access to the kind of opportunities that will lead to that outcome. Equity is all about access. In order to create access and opportunities for our students, we need to know our students deeply and understand their motivations and aspirations. We’re setting aside space for that future planning in school. In the past, we’ve focused more on college degrees, but we want kids to be equipped to become their best selves, no matter what path they choose. 16

Marc Tan A SS I STA N T P R I N CI PA L K I P P W H I T T I E R MID D LE

Brandi Williams A SS I STA N T P R I N C I PA L K I P P H I G H SC H O O L

Rameerah Anderson ASSISTANT SCHOO L LEA DER KI PP L ANNING SQUA RE P RI M A RY

At KLSP, our equity work began more seriously four years ago when we implemented affinity groups for our staff. These groups created spaces for our staff to reflect on their own biases and assumptions in smaller groups, and be in tune with how aspects of their identity could find their way into our work. These groups became part of our community and today, we meet quarterly to engage in different topics of discussion that arise out of our work. Going into this school year, we’ve also been re-examining some practices, particularly around how we support students who struggle behaviorally. Previously, students who were disruptive missed recess and instead spent time in reflection with a school leader. Now, we recognize that this approach might further isolate the student and not actually help resolve the original conflict. It also doesn’t help the student reflect with the teacher or peers where the conflict began, which is a more productive approach. Our new practice involves more two-way dialogue between the student and their teachers or peers that allow for restorative conversation where teachers take time to value the student’s voice and vice versa. Our goal is that teachers really own these conversations and leaders support them. We’re not perfect yet, it’s an evolving process, but so far, we’ve seen this shift have a large impact on our students.

As a new leader at KIPP High School and former teacher leader at KIPP Whittier Middle, my focus is on creating a space where students and teachers can bring their whole selves to the classroom. In practice, this looks like building a talent pipeline that brings more representation to our classrooms and school leadership teams. I believe that when students have role models that share their experiences and look like them, that can have a tremendous impact on kids’ learning. Part of this work has included thinking about the impact of our leaders’ identity markers on the folks they are supporting. Our unconscious biases impact, positively and negatively, the folks we are coaching. We must be mindful of the repercussions of our coaching. I am always reflecting on the impact of my words and actions on TEAMmates I support. A thinking trap I fell into as a teacher was overthinking interactions with leaders who were supporting me. Schools with diverse leaders and staff allow for folks to spend more time planning and creating equitable classrooms, and this creates space for teachers to feel understood. This has a ripple effect on students because understood teachers take more time to understand their students.

Joe Hejlek D I R EC TO R O F CO MMUN I T Y E N G AG E ME NT K I P P CO O P E R N O RC ROSS ACAD E MY

Since we founded KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy in 2014, so much of our work has centered around increasing equity through removing barriers to student learning and forging longstanding partnerships within the Camden community. We believe that when you provide students with services that support their wellbeing, and combine that with an excellent education, the result is more than the sum of its parts; it’s a multiplier effect for kids. That’s why, over the years, we have opened school-based health and dental services, provided extensive afterschool and summer programming, served dinner to students who stayed after school, and leveraged our Family Support team to support families in need. Looking ahead to the coming year, we are expanding on this long standing commitment. Many families may have deferred medical care for the past year as they quarantined, and we’re ready to support those students in our school-based health clinic. We’re working with a citywide network of partners to create a future in which every Camden family has enough food to eat. We’re also planning to increase the amount of purchasing we do from local businesses in order to ensure our dollars stay in the Camden community, creating ripple effects that benefit everyone in our community. 17

KIPP Cooper Norcross alumnus Robert Bougazelli shows off a sweatshirt with the name of his clothing company.

Supporting All Camden Alumni Journeys With

This August, the KIPP Foundation announced an important shift: Our KIPP Through College teams that collectively support tens of thousands of KIPP alumni nationwide who have crossed the stage at middle or high school graduations would now be called KIPP Forward. The shift was intended to better reflect our longstanding commitment to supporting students on all pathways, both college and career.

n Camden, KIPP Forward Director Kyla Kenny voiced her support for the shift. “For many students, a bachelor’s degree is the surest stepping stone to success, but it’s not the only path. The KIPP Forward shift reflects our commitment to ensuring students have access to incredibly highquality job readiness programs in addition to college readiness programs,” said Kenny, who added that the program is already well on its way to achieving that goal as they develop robust community partnerships. “Students need access to experiences and learning aligned with their desired pathways, and opportunities to unpack experiences with counselors to understand their next steps,” she added. One of those counselors is Kris Smith, who has worked with KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy alumni since 2016. “I’ve heard families and students ask, ‘if I don’t go to college, will your team still support me?’ We don’t want students or their families to think that we won’t be there for them. If they want to be entrepreneurs or pursue a career, we’ll support them. And now this shift is on paper,” he said. Supporting every student’s passion is a critical part of Smith and Kenny’s work. For alumnae Sachari Herrera, that passion is cars. “As a child, I was always interested in cars and always wanted to know exactly how they worked. My dad is my idol and was always showing me how to fix them,” said Herrera. This fall, with Kenny’s recommendation, Herrera started a program with Subaru that will allow her to study automotive technology. Subaru

KIPP Cooper Norcross alumna Sachari Herrera hopes to start an auto repair shop with her father (left) in Camden.

KIPP Cooper Norcross alumnus Jamal Tokley. Tokley recently graduated from Pennco Tech's electrician program.

will provide her with money toward her program, mentorship, and eventually a job interview after she graduates. Her ultimate goal? Opening a car repair shop in Camden with her father. Robert Bougazelli, a KIPP Lanning Square Middle alumnus and 2021 graduate of Moorestown Friends School, will pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration in the fall from Rutgers University Camden. But he’s also pursuing a business he started during the pandemic, his t-shirt company, ‘Hustle is Forever.’ Robert has sold over a hundred t-shirts by promoting his business through word of mouth within Camden. “I’ve been saving my money because I want to apply for a trademark and an LLC in a couple of months,” said Bougazelli. “I’m on a mission to constantly perfect my t-shirts, and I want to start using a heavier and more durable material,” he added. His shirts are now sold in a shop in Camden! Smith has also helped facilitate opportunities for Bougazelli that support his entrepreneurial ambitions, like connecting him to a program called “Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy” at Rowan University. The key to opportunities for career-focused students? Relationships. “We’re always trying to think about how to build community partnerships that support students,” said Smith. “If I have an existing relationship with a contact at a college admissions office, or a local company, or a university program, I’m going to be able

to pair a student’s interest with the right program. We do whatever it takes, even if that’s driving a student to an interview with a technical institute,” he added. KIPP Lanning Square Middle alumnus Jamal Tokley planned to go to college to play football after his 2020 graduation from Camden Catholic High School, but when a shoulder injury sidelined him, his path changed. Smith helped Tokley make sure every option was available to him after graduation. “Mr. Smith and I are really tight. It was hard when I transferred to a private, Catholic school in ninth grade, but he connected me to tutoring opportunities and was always checking on me to make sure I was on-track,” said Tokley. “Even after I was injured and thinking about not going to college, he made sure I at least submitted the forms I would need to keep college an option if I changed my mind,” he said. After Tokley graduated high school, he came across Pennco Tech’s electrician program during an online search for his next step. “My dad worked as a contractor for most of his career, and I decided I wanted to take that path and become an electrician,” said Tokley. This year, Tokley graduated from Pennco Tech’s program with his electrician’s certificate and is currently completing the necessary hours of time in the field to earn his electrician’s license. “Once I have more experience, my goal is to have my own business and employ a team that works for me,” he said. 19

“Love is LOVE” By ANA MARIA VICTORINO

GRADE 9, KI PP CO O PER NO RC ROSS H I G H SC H O O L

“They’re right...” Emily sighed as she stared at her bland white ceiling thinking about what her friends said earlier. “Bi isn’t real. They’re just a bunch of confused people that don’t know what they want,” her friend Lily had said. Emily mumbled, “I’m just confused. I don’t know what I want,” as she looked at her unlocked phone with a background picture of her and Amy, her close friend. Amy was Emily’s first real friend, since just before second grade. She had short curly hair and loved to go to the amusement park. She was a fun person to be around but could also be very stubborn. It was around seventh grade when Emily started to notice that maybe Amy could be more than a friend. Emily rolled out of bed. “Maybe I just want to see what a relationship with a girl feels like when in reality, I like boys. I mean I didn’t date boys my whole life for no reason, did I?” she thought. She questioned how her friends would see her. Scared they would insult her just like they did with every other LGBTQ person, She heard their disgusting comments ring in her ears. A constant confusion. Constant battle with coming clean and telling her friends that they don’t accept the LGBTQ+ community. Their mean comments still rang in her ears. Emily: 11:31 AM: Hey bestie wyd? Want to grab some smoothies and talk Mia: 11:34 AM: Great !! be there in 10 :) Emily smiled and ran to her closet to get ready. She loved talking to Mia. Mia was the most supportive and understanding person in her life. She was the only person who truly knew her. Emily couldn’t wait to talk to her. Mia was Emily’s best friend but really more like her older sister. Mia loved to give Emily advice and always made Emily feel loved and understood. “You shouldn’t question yourself just because you’re scared of what other people think,” Mia said, frowning and shaking her head as she took another sip from her banana and strawberry smoothie. “Well, it’s not easy for me, knowing that half of my family won’t accept me, and our friends will probably laugh at me for being who I am,” said Emily.

Mia sighed. “Sorry to tell you, but if you’re even questioning what your friends are going to say about you, they’re not real friends. If they were your real friends you wouldn’t question, they wouldn’t have to accept this, they would embrace it,” she said. Deep inside, Emily knew that Mia was right. But she wasn’t ready to accept it, she didn’t want to be seen differently than others. The setting sun made the park feel peaceful, calm. Emily fidgeted with her fingers as she patiently sat on an old bench, waiting for Amy. Her stomach churned as she stared at the smooth concrete floor. She looked up when she heard the sound of someone approaching. Emily smiled as Amy walked towards her. “Hey Emily!” Amy yelled as she smiled and ran to hug her. Emily felt safe as she held Amy in her arms. “Hi, Amy,” Emily managed to choke out. She felt like she was about to pass out because of how nervous she was. After all, Amy was part of her friend group and if everything went wrong, she would probably tell their friends about it. “What’s wrong, Emily?” Amy said, lowering her voice “Why do you look so nervous?” Amy looked down and looked around nervously. “Well nothing’s really wrong, I just need something to get off my chest.” Amy nodded as if waiting for Emily to say it. This. “I’m bi.” Everything went silent. Emily stared at Amy trying to read her face, her heartbeat exploding as she prepared. They both made eye contact then looked at the ground. Amy, smirking, finally said, “Well... that’s ok.” “Really...?” Emily asked as she looked up at Amy. “Of course!” Amy said with a warm smile. “Love is love.” Amy was right. Love is love no matter what, everyone has the right to love who they want. Emily hugged Amy and held her for what seemed like an hour. They both stood there, silently hugging each other as Emily’s problems seemed to disappear. The stress that she felt was no longer there. She felt safe and accepted.

“El amor es el amor” Por ANA MARIA VICTORINO

G RA D E 9, K I P P CO O P E R N O RC ROSS H I G H SCH O O L

“Tienen razón...” Emily suspiró mientras miraba fijamente el techo blanco e insulso pensando acerca de lo que sus amigos habían dicho antes. “Los bisexuales no son reales. Solo son un grupo de personas confundidas que no saben lo que quieren”, había dicho su amiga Lily. Emily murmuró: “Solo estoy confundida, no sé lo que quiero”, mientras miraba su teléfono desbloqueado con una fotografía de fondo de ella y Amy, su amiga íntima. Amy fue la primera amiga verdadera de Emily, desde justo antes de segundo curso. Tenía el pelo corto y rizo y le encantaba ir al parque de atracciones. Era una persona divertida con la que estar, pero también podía ser muy terca. Fue alrededor de séptimo curso cuando Emily empezó a darse cuenta de que tal vez Amy podía ser más que una amiga. Emily salió de la cama. “Quizás solo quería ver cómo era una relación con una chica cuando, en realidad, me gustan los chicos. Quiero decir, no he salido con chicos toda mi vida sin ningún motivo, ¿no?”, pensó. Dudó sobre cómo la verían sus amigos. Tenía miedo de que la insultasen tal como hacían con cualquier otra persona LGBTQ. Oyó sus comentarios asquerosos resonar en sus oídos. Una confusión constante. Una batalla constante con sincerarse y decir a sus amigos que no aceptan a la comunidad LGBTQ+. Sus comentarios mezquinos todavía resonaban en sus oídos. Emily, 11:31 a. m.: ¡Hola, amiga! ¿Qué haces? ¿Quieres tomar unos batidos de frutas y hablar? Mia, 11:34 a. m.: ¡¡Genial!! Llegaré ahí en 10 minutos :) Emily sonrió y corrió hasta su armario para prepararse. Le encantaba hablar con Mia. Era la persona más atenta y comprensiva de su vida. Era la única persona que la conocía verdaderamente. Emily estaba impaciente por hablar con ella. Mia era la mejor amiga de Emily, pero realmente era más como su hermana mayor. A Mia le encantaba aconsejar a Emily y siempre hacía que se sintiera querida y comprendida. “No deberías dudar de ti misma solo por tener miedo de lo que piensen los demás”, dijo Mia, frunciendo el ceño y negando con la cabeza mientras tomaba otro sorbito de su zumo de plátano y fresa. “Bueno, no es fácil para mí, sabiendo que la mitad de mi familia no me aceptará y nuestros amigos probablemente se reirán de mí por ser quien soy”, dijo Emily. Mia suspiró. “Siento decírtelo, pero si pones en duda incluso lo que tus amigos van a decir sobre ti, no son verdaderos amigos. Si fueran tus amigos de verdad, no dudarías; no tendrían que aceptar esto, lo recibirían con los brazos abiertos”, dijo.

En el fondo, Emily sabía que Mia tenía razón, pero no estaba lista para aceptarlo, no quería que la vieran de forma diferente a los demás. La puesta de sol hacía que el parque pareciese tranquilo y en calma. Emily jugueteó con los dedos mientras esperaba pacientemente a Amy sentada en un viejo banco. Se le agitó el estómago mientras miraba fijamente el suelo liso de hormigón. Levantó la mirada cuando oyó el sonido de alguien que se acercaba. Emily sonrió mientras Amy se acercaba a ella caminando. “¡Hola, Emily!”, gritó Amy mientras sonreía y corría para abrazarla. Emily se sintió segura mientras abrazaba a Amy. “Hola, Amy”, logró decir Emily ahogadamente. Se sintió como si estuviera a punto de desmayarse por lo nerviosa que estaba. Después de todo, Amy formaba parte de su grupo de amigos y, si todo salía mal, probablemente se lo contaría a ellos. “¿Qué te pasa, Emily?” dijo Amy, bajando la voz. “¿Por qué pareces tan nerviosa?”. Amy bajó la mirada y miró a su alrededor nerviosamente. “Bueno, en realidad no es nada malo, solo necesito sacarme algo de encima”. Amy inclinó la cabeza, como si esperara a que Emily lo dijera. Esto. “Soy bisexual”. Todo se quedó en silencio. Emily miró fijamente a Amy tratando de interpretar su rostro, su corazón latía explosivamente mientras se preparaba. Ambas establecieron contacto visual, luego miraron hacia el suelo. Amy, sonrió con satisfacción y dijo finalmente: “Bueno... está bien”. “¿En serio...?”, preguntó Emily mientras levantaba la mirada hacia Amy. “¡Claro que sí!”, dijo Amy con una sonrisa cariñosa. “El amor es el amor”. Amy tenía razón. El amor es el amor pase lo que pase. Todo el mundo tiene derecho a amar a quien quiera. Emily abrazó a Amy y la agarró durante lo que parecía una hora. Ambas se quedaron allí de pie, en silencio, abrazándose mutuamente mientras los problemas de Emily parecían desaparecer. El estrés que sentía ya no estaba ahí. Se sentía segura y aceptada.

Camden Community Resources

As we navigate the COVID-19 crisis together, if you are in need of services or food, please call or text our hotline at 856-295-1999. To learn more about scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine, call 1-855-568-0545.

Have general COVID-19 questions? Here are some numbers to know.

FA MI LY S UPP ORT Promise Neighborhood Family Support Team @ KIPP Contact: Erin Kucinski 609-315-8363 ekucinski@kippnj.org

FOOD KIPP Food Pantry

Food available for all KIPP families and community members. Grocery boxes delivered to families’ homes on Fridays. Text or call 856-295-1999 for delivery. The KIPP food pantry is temporarily closed, but should restart in fall 2021.

Hope Mobile Food Distributions

Food available for all KIPP families and residents of Cooper Plaza and Lanning Square. In-person food distributions on the third Wednesday of every month in the KIPP Lanning Square gym.

Call (General COVID-19 Questions): 2-1-1 (24/7) Call (Medical COVID-19 Questions): 1-800-962-1253 (24/7) Call (Vaccine Appointment Support): 1-855-568-0545 (8a-8p) Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts

Camden 2021-22 Calendar July SU

August

September

December

January

February

Half Day Dismissal

Summer Hours: 9am-3pm

16 23

May

June

Report Card Conferences (early dismissal)

Beginning/End of Quarter

Start Date for Students

No School for Students

Last Day of School

H E A LT H Cooper Health Center @ KIPP Lanning Square

UTI LI TY A SS I STA NCE Camden County OEO

Center for Family Services

www.centerffs.org/ Access Center contact: 877-922-2377

Full-service health center, available to all KIPP and Head Start families. 856-536-1511 (request an appointment at KIPP when calling) Open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm

HO USING A ND HOME S ERVI CES Camden County Board of Social Services Rental assistance and other resources 856-225-8800 | www.njhelps.org

M E N TA L H E A LT H PerformCare

Camden County OEO

Rental assistance and other resources 856-964-6887

St. Joseph Carpenter Society

JOB TRA I NI NG Hopeworks

Assistance with homeownership or home repairs 856-966-8117 | www.sjcscamden.org

Job training for young adults in technology www.hopeworks.org

856-964-2010 | www.lsnj.org/sjls/

November

October SU

March SU

LIHEAP and other resources 856-365-7393 or 856-541-6985

Free transportation to and from medical appointments for Medicaid participants 866-527-9934

L EGAL A I D South Jersey Legal Services

www.performcarenj.org State-wide system hotline for children’s psychiatric care (24/7): 877-652-7624

Hispanic Family Center

TRA NS P ORTATI ON SE RV ICE S LogistiCare

Gracious Smiles Dentistry

Full-service dentist every week at both KIPP Lanning Square and KIPP Whittier. 609-744-1200 gracioussmiles73@gmail.com While school is closed, Gracious Smiles will still see patients at KIPP Lanning Square every week.

LIHEAP and other resources 856-964-6887

April WE

Delayed Openings & Early Dismissals KIPP may call a delayed opening or an early dismissal because of an emergency or winter inclement weather. For winter inclement weather, KIPP will follow the decision made by the Camden City School District. In most cases, a delayed opening will mean each school starts two hours later than its regular start time and early dismissal will mean each school ends two hours earlier than its regular dismissal time. Make-Up Days The calendar allows for 3 school days to be missed due to emergency or winter inclement weather. Any school cancellations in excess of 3 days will be made up by converting a staff PD day to a full school day and/or adding school days to the end of the school year.

Jul 1-2 Closed Jul 5 Closed - Holiday Jul 6-30 Summer Hours: 9am-3pm Aug 19-20 Half Day Dismissals: New Students Aug 23-27 Half Day Dismissals: ALL Grades Aug 30 Full Days Begin Sep 6 No School - Labor Day Oct 8 No School - Staff PD Day Oct 11 No School - Indigenous Peoples’ Day Nov 1 No School - Staff PD Day Nov 10-11 Half Day Dismissals: Q1 RCCs Nov 12 No School - Veteran’s Day Nov 24-26 No School - Thanksgiving Break Dec 23-31 No School - Winter Break Jan 6 No School - Staff PD Day Jan 17 No School - MLK Day Jan 24 No School - Staff PD Day Feb 2-3 Half Day Dismissals: Q2 RCCs Feb 21-25 No School - Mid-Winter Break Mar 28 No School - Staff PD Day Apr 11 No School - Staff PD Day Apr 15 Half Day Dismissal Apr 18-23 No School - Spring Break Apr 27-28 Half Day Dismissals: Q3 RCCs May 30 No School - Memorial Day Jun 13-16 Half Day Dismissals Jun 15-16 Q4 RCCs Jun 16 Last Day of School

KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy 525 Clinton Street Camden, NJ 08103

Know someone interested in enrolling their child in a KIPP school in Camden? Tell them to visit kippnj.org today! 24