Team and Family—Newark—Spring 2020

TEAM

Student-Artists

Shine!

FAMILY SPRING 2020

A New Generation of STEM Learners Prepare to Solve 21st Century Problems

KIPP NEW JERSEY STANDS WITH OUR

Communities A MAGAZINE BY AND FOR THE KIPP NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY

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welcome TO THE SPRING EDITION OF

TEAM

FAMILY

Dear Families, We release this issue in a truly unprecedented time for our world, and hope that it finds you and your family safe and well.

While we work to help keep members of our team and family safe from a pandemic, we stand in awe of the multitude of ways in which our community has come together to learn, grow, and find joy in the small things. Even as we practice social distancing, we feel more united than ever in spirit, and more grateful to our families for all you do to support your children’s learning.

We hope this edition of TEAM and Family Magazine—a collaboration that represents the perspectives of our students, families, and staff— serves as an informative (and enjoyable!) distraction during this challenging time.

In this issue, you will find:

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

STUDENT ARTWORK

COMMUNITY SERVICE

In these difficult times, we remain committed to our students’ mental health. Step inside our efforts to support not only the physical but mental health of our students on page 6.

From Newark to Camden, you’ll see how our student artists are honing their photographic and artistic skills on page 11.

Helping our students understand the importance of giving back to their communities is so important.

Discover how our community comes together to support each other— before and after the COVID-19 outbreak—on page 14.

As always, thank you for your partnership on your child’s educational journey. Please reach out to us with any questions you might have about how to support your child’s continued learning, and know that we are here to help and support.

Take care, Joanna Belcher Executive Director, KIPP Newark

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in this issue LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 02

THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD 12

SCHOOL UPDATES 04

KIPP NEW JERSEY STANDS WITH OUR COMMUNITIES 14

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS 06

READ, BABY, READ 18

STEM LEARNERS ARE PREPARING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF THE 21ST CENTURY 08

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 20 FAMILY RESOURCES 22

KIPP NEW JERSEY'S STUDENT-ARTISTS SHINE 11

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL!

@KIPPNewark

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 aim 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.

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KIPP UPPER ROSEVILLE ACADEMY KURA is focused on engaging families as they work to lay a strong foundation as our newest elementary school. Families participated in numerous events such as family workshops at Saturday School, "Camping @KURA", the Black History Month Hair Show, and our quarterly award ceremonies.

KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY KIPP NCA had our biggest celebration of the school year in February during our student-led African Diaspora Assembly— some of you may have seen it featured on Good Morning America! Our Panther Pride continues to exude as families and school staff support one another during this time.

KIPP NEWARK LAB HIGH SCHOOL The first-ever boys and girls basketball seasons wrapped up in March at KIPP Newark Lab High School. We are extremely proud of our student athletes for their hard work and successes!

KIPP NEWARK COMMUNITY PREP The 1st Annual Living Wax Museum was a family favorite this past February at Newark Community Prep. Dressed as musicians, philanthropists, inventors, and civil rights activists, students brought a varied representation of influential African-American trailblazers to life.

KIPP RISE ACADEMY KIPP Rise students celebrated Black History Month with community partners like NJIT Office of Diversity, Ekkquinox Steel Band, and student-led clubs like Rise's Artist & Performers. Students engaged in assemblies, Diaspora Day, and even a live wax museum where students dressed like icons from the black community and explained their impact to friends of the school.

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KIPP LIFE ACADEMY At KIPP Life Academy, we celebrate scholars who bring their best effort every day! In February, scholars with perfect attendance had a glitter art party in the library and weekly recognition celebrations in their classrooms.

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We at KIPP SPARK are grateful for how our staff has stepped up to support remote learning efforts— especially via our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're so excited to be celebrating 10 years of work in the downtown Newark area and we're hopeful to continue with many more!

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KIPP SEEK ACADEMY In February, KIPP Seek Academy scholars celebrated Black History Month with our annual Living Wax Museum!

It was an incredible celebration that allowed visitors to learn from our students as they role-played icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Michelle Obama, and Maya Angelou to a captive audience.

KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY

KIPP TEAM ACADEMY In February, KIPP TEAM Academy students celebrated Black History Month with an evening showcase highlighting the 2010-2019 "Decade of Black Excellence” with a performance that was entirely student-led! It was a great opportunity to see students highlighting key figures of the last decade in their own words.

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KIPP BOLD ACADEMY Students at KIPP BOLD Academy participate in learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Students have learned from leading scientists at NJIT, had fellowship with alumni at Howard University, skated, visited Baltimore, explored museums, and much, much more!

The value of the month for our school in March was “Engage with the World.” At KIPP THRIVE, engaging with the world involves inspiring others, seeking knowledge, learning about impact, and valuing differences.

Even as we face unprecedented challenges, we remain committed to teaching KIPPsters to mentor their peers and build community.

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Our building might be closed, but KIPP Whittier Middle School is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our founding class of 8th graders this coming June! We can’t wait to watch the bright futures of our founding students unfold!

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We missed our Camden KIPPsters so much—our teachers organized a “social distancing parade” in April to say hello and drive by their homes! When times get hard—our commitment to our students only grows.

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KIPP Lanning Square Primary has continued to add additional enrichment offerings to our after school program. This year, students participating in the program had the opportunity to take enrichment classes such as Ball with Purpose, Ford Corps, Musical Motion, drumming, soccer, cultural appreciation, yoga, mindfulness, step, and more.

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ocial worker Keneisha Newland knew the student—a fourth grader at KIPP SPARK Academy—was struggling.

Teachers had reported three back-to-back conflicts involving disagreements with other girls in her grade that left her upset and frustrated.

Mental Health Matters How KIPP New Jersey is Breaking the Stigma, Providing Support, and Lifting Up Students and Families

Newland, a consistent observer in the school’s classrooms, sensed the student could use additional support and reached out to her family to kickstart the process of having her join counseling sessions.

“Sometimes, families are hesitant to have their child receive services,” said Newland.

“They fear their child being labeled a certain way and they don’t want them to be removed from the classroom frequently.

But I tell them that counseling services aren’t what they used to be when we were in school. Our goal is to provide targeted support that allows the child to develop and practice skills they can use independently in the future,” she explained.

With the parents engaged in the process, Newland began working with the student on concrete strategies she could apply inside and outside of school. Over the course of six weeks, she helped her arrive at the root of some of the problems she was experiencing and taught her ways she could stand up for herself, recognize the signs of a healthy versus unhealthy friendship, and understand right from wrong. “I still touch base with her informally if she wants to talk. She doesn’t need to come see me as regularly—but we have a relationship,” said Newland.

Newland’s story highlights KIPP New Jersey’s whole-team, strategic approach to supporting social emotional health in our schools. Newland trains teachers to identify students who may need additional counseling support—and reach out to her and the schools’ social work team when appropriate. Counseling is provided based

Counseling services aren’t what they used to be when we were in school. Our goal is to provide targeted support that allows the child to develop and practice skills they can use independently in the future.

KENEISHA NEWLAND Social Worker

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on clinical assessments of students and can be provided to students with or without an Individualized Education Plan.

KIPP Newark’s Director of Social Work Sheyla Riaz states that while programming varies by school, all students have access to individual or group counseling, which can be prompted through a teacher or parent referral. “We work with families,” said Riaz. “We always reach out to families to get a history and that informs the goals of the services,” she added. At the middle school and high school level, Riaz explained, services are often initiated by the students themselves.

In Newark, there are also programs designed to support students and families.

For example, the Good Grief program— which launched last spring—helps families who have experienced a loss. The program brings together parents and children (from KIPP Newark and also other schools in the community) who are grieving. It offers them a chance to learn skills that can help them cope with loss while also providing time to socialize over dinner and engage in activities together.

Director of Clinical Services Liz Callahan spearheaded the program, housed at KIPP Rise Academy and KIPP Upper Roseville Academy. “We saw huge progress for our participants at the end of last session. Families developed relationships, implemented coping strategies, and were sad to leave each other—they concluded the program planning neighborhood barbecues together to stay in touch!” said Callahan.

Many schools also offer drop in office hours with social workers, in addition to wellness clubs or gender-specific groups where students can come together and talk about what’s going on in their lives.

KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy social worker Courtney Mick runs lunch workshops for about 20 high schoolers who gather weekly to discuss a wide range of topics in a safe space. “It’s a different space that’s not the same as counseling. They’re thirsty for information. We started in September with Suicide Prevention Week, and we’ve gone on to explore topics like self-awareness and sexual health and education,” said Mick, who added that students often lead the sessions and bring their own topics of discussion.

Mick knows not every student is comfortable opening up, but she’s seen incredible growth in the students who attend her lunch workshops. “As a black mental health professional, I’m aware that there’s a stigma in our community against seeking help—part of my job is to help normalize the awareness of mental health in our communities to increase access and usage of supports,” said Mick.

At KIPP TEAM Academy, school social worker Christina Broderick leads a Wellness Group that meets two days a week and helps students with physical, emotional (and even environmental) wellness. The group organizes events and school wide initiatives like celebrating self-love on Valentine’s Day and facilitating morning mindfulness sessions.

Wellness Club students reported that the group helps them develop a more positive self-image, while giving back to the school community. “We have to make sure everyone feels needed in life because they are. Everyone is special in a way no one understands,” said seventh grader Najae Baxter.

Broderick says the skills students gain in the club are not just to help them in middle school. “We welcome and embrace the challenges of developing and maintaining student’s physical, mental, and social needs in life. This is a space for them to grow, learn and develop their wellness practices that will last them into their adult lives,” said Broderick.

Never has the support our social workers provide for students been more crucial than during the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). While students are not in the classroom, social work teams provide socialemotional coaching to staff on how to navigate check-in calls and texts, scheduling and facilitating individual counseling sessions via phone and video calls, as well as connecting families to necessary community resources.

Social workers are assisting teachers in providing some guidelines for the check-ins that will elicit responses relative to students’ social-emotional status. According to Mick, “Our schools are working really hard to ensure that our team and family is covered during this unprecedented time.”

DID YOU KNOW? of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition

Information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit NAMI.org for more info.

of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24

of youth have an anxiety disorder

The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is

If you recognize any of these behaviors in your child, you may want to have a conversation with your school's social worker: • • •

Excessive worrying or fear Feeling excessively sad or low Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria

• • •

Avoiding friends and social activities Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite

TYPE OF SUPPORT WE OFFER Group/Individual Counseling: Students who join group or individual counseling do so with parent consent or as part of their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) which can include a behavioral intervention plan. These counseling sessions offer students opportunities for reflection and the chance to acquire skills and strategies that will help them develop socially and academically.

Crisis Intervention Support: When families or students report experiencing a crisis, our social workers partner with families to find solutions that support student well-being and kickstart the services they need to succeed through school-based services and community linkages.

Referrals to Community Services: To ensure all needs are being met, KIPP Newark includes wrap-around services and will connect families to community supports when needed.

Programs that promote positive school culture: Many schools offer programming that includes wellness days, social emotional learning curriculum, and clubs or groups that provide students with a safe space to speak with their peers about their challenges and celebrate successes.

Parent Engagement and Staff Development: KIPP Newark teachers receive training from school social workers on incorporating social and emotional learning, identifying worrisome behaviors and implementing strategies to support student learning in the classroom.

COVID-19 Support: We are currently offering grief counseling training to teachers, tele-counseling services, and access to a Google Wellness Classroom which includes guided meditation, breathing exercises and other resources.

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A New Generation of STEM Learners Prepare to Solve 21st Century Problems

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ashion websites and Fortnite apps.

Load-pushing robots and model solar homes. A technology-equipped running vest and a toy designed especially for children with cerebral palsy.

Are these the latest innovations from an engineering design firm? Or perhaps a Ph.D. project undertaken by a research fellow?

Nope. These are the creations of KIPP New Jersey students from Camden to Newark, who are taking advantage like never before of opportunities to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning, inside and outside the classroom.

In Camden, KIPP Lanning Square Middle science teacher Bryan Pawling has collaborated with principal Bridgit Cusato-Rosa to introduce new STEM initiatives and equipment each year.

I always stress that math and ELA are huge, but I want our kids to realize that STEM is really at the forefront now—and our kids should be competitive in those fields, too.

BRYA N PAW L I N G KIPP Lanning Square Middle Science Teacher

KIPP Lanning Square Middle partnered with Project Lead the Way to introduce the App Creators curriculum which allows students to create their own apps. “The app I designed was fun to create—but also a little bit stressful. I learned to have patience,

even if something doesn’t work the first time. It taught me to make mistakes and learn from them,” said Cheryska Scanes, an eighth-grader who designed an app that generated random fashion outfits for users for different types of events. KIPP Lanning Square Middle students have the opportunity to take one additional STEM elective per day, in addition to their standard science class.

Nearby at KIPP Whittier Middle, science teacher Ryan Weaver proves that KIPP New Jersey students have a natural curiosity for STEM. Weaver keeps a running list of science questions from students on his classroom board on topics that range from dry ice to outer space. “At the end of class, if we have time, I help students answer the questions, or encourage them to research it themselves and share their answer. I want them to do the heavy lifting of the research,” said Weaver.

Weaver and his science teammates at KIPP Whittier Middle foster this natural curiosity through the Amplify curriculum that KIPP New Jersey has adopted across all our schools in Newark and Camden.

Amplify encourages students to look at solving a single problem through different lenses. “During our unit on water scarcity, we used a fictional island that had difficulty accessing water,” said Weaver. Students then had to problem-solve through role play as food scientists, engineers, and archaeologists to understand the problem and design solutions in their assigned role,” said Weaver.

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Meanwhile, in Newark, students at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy are diving into the study of robotics, thanks in part to a grant from Amazon to start a FIRST Robotics team. The team started this fall with a team of 9 students, many of whom were also enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles. They use Code.org curriculum to acquire coding skills and spent their afternoons designing and programming their robots to perform the actions required for the FIRST Robotics competitions they entered this year.

We caught up with the NCA Panther Robotics team at South Orange Middle School as they competed in their final— and most competitive—FIRST Robotics competition in February. Fatima Aliamer recalled the team’s early days of assembling their robot. “You start off with the basic supplies—so day one, we counted out the raw materials and labeled them. And then we asked, “Ok, what do we do now?”

“This is what we do now!” said Aliamer, gesturing to the gymnasium where the Panther Robotics team was about to kick off their second match of the day. For Aliamer, the challenges make the end result all the more rewarding. “It’s really satisfying to work with your hands and tackle a problem—to fix something. There was one day I was having trouble getting one of the robot components to work. And I was really frustrated about it. But then the next day, I came in and realized I plugged it in backwards! But I feel like the frustration makes the actual solution so much more satisfying,” she said.

Participation in FIRST Robotics isn’t just about battling other bots—it’s about cooperation.

The goal is to build a robot capable of performing a series of actions in the bot arena that includes dragging, pushing, and pulling blocks to specific areas and parking your robot in a specific spot. More advanced robots also have the ability to stack the blocks. Throughout a tournament, students compete in pairs with other teams and are expected to find robots that have compatible skills and forge mutually beneficial alliances.

“Students get a truly hands on problemsolving experience,” said KIPP NCA 10

computer science department lead Harold Brown, who coached the team along with Katie Ibeh this year. “You have to act like a true engineer, keeping a notebook of your process that you present to the judges,” added Brown.

Start to finish, students own the whole process— if they fail, they need to try something different.

It’s a full problem-solving experience for students.

Like Figueroa and Scanes, many KIPP New Jersey students discover their love for STEM in middle school. KIPP BOLD Academy also received funds from the Amazon/ FIRST grant to implement new STEM initiatives. Sarah Elbery leads the science department at KIPP BOLD Academy, and in partnership with BOLD’s STEM Assistant Principal, Lauren Alcena, is making STEM a priority this year, investing in both teachers and students. Elbery and Alcena have introduced Hour of Code and brought teachers in the building together to have students participate in coding activities in one hour during the school day.

At KIPP New Jersey’s newest high school, KIPP Newark Lab High School, STEM activities are taking center stage as the high school carries out its vision of instilling “design thinking” in students as a framework for solving problems. Beginning in 9th grade, students enroll in a Design Elective, where they learn some of the basic tenets of design thinking and engage in several design projects and challenges.

Stevensky, Anthony, and Luis practice driving their robot at a FIRST robotics competition in February.

Panther Robotics team member Luis Figueroa’s love of engineering started in middle school at KIPP TEAM Academy. “My fifth grade teacher Ms. Sigler introduced us to coding through Hour of Code—and I realized I was pretty good at it. When I heard there was going to be robotics at NCA, I joined immediately,” said Figueroa, who says that to this day he still receives advice from Ms. Sigler on coding and other projects.

Teacher-in-Residence Amna Rahman teaches engineering and design at the school—switching careers from an engineering design firm to enter the classroom. Her students have designed a doll for children with cerebral palsy, and designed and tested houses with different levels of insulation and exteriors to test how well they retained warmth under a lightbulb that acted as the sun. “My students design everything they make considering their budget, whether or not their materials are eco-friendly, and using drafting paper to design their ideas at scale,” said Rahman.

That real-world thinking is what KIPP New Jersey’s STEM curriculum is helping foster in students, with the goal of preparing them to tackle jobs—even the ones that don’t exist yet. “If we can offer kids something that sets them apart, then they have a better chance at being at the forefront of what’s to come, even if it doesn’t exist yet,” said Brown. “We can instill in them a passion that will lead them to creating these amazing careers. I want them to be in the room, making decisions. I want them to have every opportunity,” he said.

KIPP New Jersey’s Student-Artists Shine!

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hese students at KIPP BOLD Academy have been enrolled in a Film and Photography elective for the past school year—and already, they’re showing great promise as artists, according to their elective teacher, John Paxton Jr.

“Since the fall, students have worked on lighting, framing, proper angles, exposure and so much more. They shoot on DSLR’s, but they do it in manual mode so they learn how to control the settings,” said Paxton. “It’s incredible to watch my students progress—one student even worked in film—shooting and directing her own zombie movie.

Right now, the photography elective is where to be,” he added.

KIPP BOLD Academy eighth grader Hassana Jackson agrees. “For These lions were based on students' study of Middle Eastern art and mosaics.

All KIPP Lanning Square Primary students in grades 2 through 4 created a paper mosaic to make a school wide wall—just like they would have done in the ancient Middle East!

me, film and photography is the best way to show others the beauty I see. I take photos of things that capture my eye because they’re significant and beautiful—a little different from the mainstream. I film concepts that I believe people would enjoy and connect with.

Film and photography is important to me because I get to express myself without saying much,” said Jackson.

In Camden, students in KIPP Lanning Square Primary’s art class dove head first into oil pastels, learning how paint moves and creating wall murals. “We like to connect our art projects to broader learning topics like the natural world, so students can explore their creativity while learning something new,” said KIPP Lanning Square Primary art teacher Michelle Jones.

Student photographers Albert Lopez & Jordyn Conaway from KIPP BOLD Academy

By Wynter Stokely, KIPP BOLD Academy 8th grader One of our KIPP Lanning Square Primary second grade students painted this piece, a copy of the famous painting, Funeral Procession by renowned African American painter Ellis Wilson.

A portrait of KIPP BOLD Academy 5th grader Taylor Lovelace, by 5th grader Noelani Bunion

Our second through fourth grade scholars painted turtles as part of their focus on the environment and sea creatures. The students learned how to use oil pastels!

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Senior track and field shot putter R’Kaiya Bobien plans to attend Shenandoah College next year on an academic scholarship to study athletic training and Spanish.

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hen KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy assistant dean Jackie Finch started at the high school nine years ago, he knew the athletics program — which consisted of mostly loosely organized clubs — needed to change. The only teams the school had were boys and girls basketball. A track and field club ran one event per year. Students who wanted to play football did so in partnership with another Newark charter school — and the KIPP NCA Panthers lacked a field.

“The Little Engine That Could” KI PP NE WA RK SC H O L A R-ATH L ETES M AKE TH EI R M A RK O N ESSEX CO U N TY

But over the last nine years, that’s changed.

“Today, we have over 250 students involved in our athletics program. We went from one team to 13,” said Finch. The Panther’s athletics program started a formal varsity football team, replaced a soccer club with a team, and did the same for girl’s volleyball.

Over the years, they added wrestling and cheerleading teams.

Even after these changes, the hard work was just beginning. “I always said we were 12

the little engine that could,” said Jackie. “We always were a little behind the other schools.

It took us years to build up to where we are now,” he added.

Their hard work has paid off. This year, Panther Athletics took its accomplishments to new heights. Varsity football has more student participation than at any time in KIPP NCA history, with around 80 athletes.

Girls volleyball completed their most successful season, even winning 17 games

and qualifying for the Essex County and State Tournaments. The varsity cheerleaders won their second consecutive Essex County Tournament Championship. Boys Varsity Basketball won KIPP NCA’s first ever division championship and qualified for the NJSIAA State Tournament. Athletes from KIPP Newark Lab Academy, KIPP Newark’s newest high school, currently compete as Panther athletes for select sports. The list goes on.

But Finch says the score boards— win or lose—don’t always show the real triumphs, including the positive reputation the program has earned in the Essex County athletics community—and the power of athletics to propel students towards academic success and career goals.

The Panthers host an annual Holiday Basketball Tournament, which has grown from four schools to twenty over the past 8 years. Finch says his goal for the tournament has always been to ensure participants are safe and feel welcome at the event. “The

the first wrestler from KIPP NCA to ever represent the school at the New Jersey State Wrestling Championship—where she finished in fourth place. “I like wrestling because it’s a bunch of unique people coming together for the sport. There’s a huge sense of family. To be successful you need practice and determination. You can’t just go out with no sense of push for yourself. You might not win a match, but you have to keep on going to the next one,” said Okoro, a junior. What does her future as a wrestler look like? “Possibly the Olympics,” she says. “I’ll see how that plays out.”

best compliment is when other programs ask ‘how do you get all these teams to come’?” he said. This year at the Panthers’ annual Senior Athletic Night, the Panthers recognized seniors at Cedar Grove High School. “They were really moved by that— that we would recognize their seniors at an event celebrating our own,” said Finch.

But in order to win on the field, the wrestling mat, or the volleyball court, students have to give it their all in the classroom. After a shaky academic performance one year, a student who wanted to play basketball the following year was told by Finch that his GPA wasn’t as high as it needed to be. The student begged Finch to play but was told it wasn’t possible.

This year, athlete Goodness Okoro made history as the first wrestler from KIPP NCA to ever represent the school at the New Jersey State Wrestling Championship—where she finished in fourth place.

This year, he came in and said he would do whatever he needed to do. He finished the first marking period with a 3.9 GPA and told me that if I hadn’t laid down the law with basketball, he may never have realized what he was capable of academically,” said Finch.

Her hard work and consistent routine paid off: On March 9th, Bobien became the first female student at KIPP NCA to have an official Athletic Signing Day. She plans to attend Shenandoah College on an academic scholarship in the fall and study athletic training and Spanish.

Female wrestler Goodness Okoro is another athlete who made history this year, as

This year, junior Tahjir Wapples was a member of the Varsity basketball team that won the Super Essex Conference Freedom Division Title—the first division title in school history. Like Bobien, basketball has laid the foundations of a future career for Wapples, who wants to study physical therapy in college. “As a basketball player, I can relate to the kind of pain athletes can feel—and I’d like to help relieve that pain for other people,” said Wapples.

Regardless of their future plans Wapples, Okoro, and Bobien all spoke about feeling transported when they play. “I love basketball because it clears my mind,” said Wapples. “Whether I’m angry, sad, or happy—when I touch that ball, my head is clear,” he added.

“Those are the moments where we know athletics can work hand-in-hand with academics to support student success,” he added.

Senior track and field shot putter R’Kaiya Bobien also struggled to find her balance as an athlete and scholar, particularly during her sophomore year. “I was slacking off a bit because I was so focused on track—and then I realized I was in jeopardy of losing my eligibility to play. I knew I couldn’t mess around if I wanted to go to college—and there was a lot of interest from college coaches. I turned it around and brought my GPA up to a 3.4. Today, I come home after practice, I shower, I eat, I do my homework, go straight to bed—and do it all again the next day,” said Bobien.

KIPP NCA junior Tahjir Wapples was a member of the Varsity basketball team that won the Super Essex Conference Freedom Division Title and hopes to study physical therapy in college.

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KIPP New Jersey Stands With Our Communities WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN CO M M I TT ED TO SU P P O RTI N G OUR T EA M A ND FAMILY—AND I T ’S N EV ER B EEN SO I M P O RTA N T.

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hen Coronavirus (COVID-19) arrived in the U.S late this January, our community came together immediately to help each other stay healthy—and continue learning.

But even before COVID-19, our schools have shared a commitment to giving back to communities in Camden and Newark. Learn more below about how our students and teachers joined together this school year to impact change in their neighborhoods—and how we continued to work together to support student learning and health in the wake of COVID-19.

From checking in on academic mastery through FaceTime calls with their teachers, to hosting canned food drives—our scholars are learning first-hand the importance of working together when times get hard.

KIPP Whittier Middle’s Girl Scout Troop worked hard to support several great organizations with the guidance of math teacher Mercedes Telly!

• In the fall of 2019, the girls attended the Greater Philly Breast Cancer Walk that took place right in Camden at the Cooper River Park. (Photo at right) • On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they visited St. John’s Baptist Church and helped other community members pack lunches for senior citizens and the homeless. (Photo below) • They created baby blankets for a February baby shower hosted at ‘The Neighborhood Center,’ a local women’s shelter. (Photo at left)

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KIPP Lanning Square Middle School also supported our community in Camden…

• ‘The Cadre,’ KIPP Lanning Square Middle’s student leadership committee, gathered toiletries and donated care packages to Joseph House, a local shelter. Each homeroom was assigned a product to bring and scholars collected them from each classroom daily—with a reward for the class that brought in the most supplies. Cadre members then created care packages which were driven directly to the shelter and distributed!

• At a Saturday School in March, students completed a neighborhood cleanup. Each team was given a specific route and map of where to work—some scholars went to local parks and cleaned up litter and yard waste. Sixth graders worked with the Lanning Square West Residents Association to plant flowers at a local park!

• Fifth grade scholars made homemade dog treats out of pumpkin and oats for the dogs at the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center.

KIPP Seek Academy hosted a holiday coat drive last December

A M I RA A N D REWS Whittier Sixth-Grader

Seek Students receive haircuts at a local barbershop—while being read to by their teachers!

KIPP Seek Academy and KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy put Newark in the spotlight for community service this year.

AT K IP P S E E K ACA D EMY. . .

• First-grade teacher Christine Romanos wanted to bring together students and families to serve the community—and get to know each other at the same time. They organized a Thanksgiving food drive where teachers and students made sandwiches and collected canned goods. First-grade teacher Ms. Eason reached out to Newark-based chef Samad Phelps, who made soup and dessert. The canned goods, sandwiches, soup, and dessert were then distributed to anyone in need in the community. At Christmas, the school came together again to organize a coat drive to keep families warm through the winter.

• The school established a ‘Snack Shack’ which sold snacks and drinks during dismissal on Wednesdays—with all proceeds used to pay off outstanding lunch balances from the Seek Academy community families!

• Students received free haircuts at a local barbershop—while their teachers read them a book! The result was a love of reading—and lots of attention for a local business.

AT K IP P NE WA RK CO L L EGIATE ACAD EMY… • Community service became a graduation requirement for students this year—a reflection of the fact that service is a part of our DNA as at KIPP NJ! Latoya Gadsden headed up a Saturday School service day event where students partnered with the American Jump Rope for Heart Foundation. Students jumped rope in their advisory for 10 minutes each day while learning about heart health—and at one Saturday school, students came together for a jump rope competition led by KIPP NCA’s student athlete leaders, a teacher vs. student volleyball game, and an award ceremony. “The event made me realize that students need to see that community service is not always a daunting experience—it can be fun and rewarding,” said Gadsden.

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What I like about community service is helping the community and making a change in the world so we can make it a better place!

KIPP NCA students jump rope to raise awareness for heart health through the American Jump Rope for Heart Foundation!

A Thanksgiving feast for the community at KIPP Seek Academy!

KIPP Lanning Square Primary' teacher Ms. Nelms FaceTimes with a student after the school building closures.

KIPP SPARK Academy encouraged families to participate in a dance party via Instagram Live with DJ G Wiz (aka SPARK Assistant Principal Glenn Wright!).

Who said you can't learn math via Instagram? KIPP Upper Roseville Academy posted word problems for students and parents—and shared their responses via Stories.

Our students joined with KIPPsters across the country to keep their curiosity for science alive with challenges like this one!

When it became clear the COVID-19 was a serious threat to public health—KIPP NJ partnered with families to make sure our community was doing its part to flatten the curve—and keep students learning!

In the first two weeks of remote learning, we deployed 5,000 laptops, more than 10,400 meals—and teachers spent over 8,000 hours on the phone coaching students. Our alumni were also impacted and many required alternative housing, laptops to continue online learning, transportation back home, books, and even food. Our KIPP Through College Team stepped up to provide our alumni what they needed to continue their journey to and through college.

KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy's Spanish Department connected with one another— and stood by our Spanish language-learners!

Here are some practical and creative social media highlights from our early adventures in remote learning.

#readbabyread: Grateful to teachers like Ms. Blommestein at KIPP SPARK Academy who performed Read-Alouds on Instagram to help our scholars stay avid readers while they learned remotely!

Clearly, our KIPP THRIVE Academy teachers missed these faces!

We distributed learning packets to hundreds of families—and needed some help from our staff!

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Middle School

Read, Baby, Read

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ST U DE NT RECO MM EN DATIO N

A DULT R ECOMMENDATI ON

The Harry Potter Series

by J.K. Rowling

Silver Sparrow

by Tayari Jones

Reviewer: Ejemon Omonzane, 8th grader School: KIPP TEAM Academy

Reviewer: Tanisha Marchan, History Teacher School: KIPP Newark Community Prep

Review: The Harry Potter series is great for all ages because it involves fantasy, action and suspense.

Harry Potter, the hero, is reluctantly famous —and his story may resonate with other teens and adults because over time he learned to accept who he was and find his true friends.

Review: Silver Sparrow is a colorfully written story exploring the connection between two siblings with different mothers—but one father leading a double life.

They live vastly different lives, but in the same town.

This story is both heartbreaking and captivating as you are walked through a first-hand account of rivalry and secrecy—as well as feelings of inadequacy and longing. It is for sure a page turner and nearly impossible to put down.

Elementary School

STUDENT R ECOMMENDATI ON

B O OKS TO K E EP YOU R FA MI LY R E ADING A L L SU MMER!

I

f you know KIPP New Jersey, you know we’re big on reading. We even track the number of words our students read—and many achieve ‘millionaire’ reader status by the end of the school year.

High School

That love of reading doesn’t stop when summer break starts. Below, we’ve compiled reading recommendations from members of our team and family —including recommendations from our students! These picks for adults and children are sure to entertain and inspire. Enjoy!

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel

by Nikki Grimes Reviewer: Charlene Dixon, Assistant School Leader School: KIPP Life Academy Review: This book is the first in a series about a dynamic young lady named Dyamonde. In this story, she clashed with a young man named Free who doesn't make the best first impression. This story takes you on a relatable journey of friendship and perseverance.

The best part is that this book is part of a series—so you can continue your journey with another book!

ADULT R ECOMMENDATI ON

If Beale Street Could Talk

by James Baldwin Reviewer: Bry’le Watson, 4th grade teacher School: KIPP Seek Academy Review: If Beale Street Could Talk follows a young couple, Tish Rogers and Fonny Hunt, who share a blossoming love, despite adversity, prejudices, and discrimination within Harlem. Although there is evidence that may prove his innocence, Fonny is awaiting trail after being accused of rape, but he’s not hopeful he’ll be found innocent. Pregnant Tish helps fight for love the best way she can, gathering her family and resources to hustle and prove Fonny is innocent. This book addresses the political climate of the 1970s, young love, and even the injustices of the criminal system. James Baldwin makes this book interesting with this dynamic plot, rhythmic dialogue, and diverse characters. This is a worthy read— and then you should dive into this book on the big screen—it’s also a movie!

ST U DE NT O R AD ULT RECO M MEN DATI ON

A DULT R ECOMMENDATI ON

Ready, Player One

by Ernest Cline

How to be an Antiracist

by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Reviewer: Alleah Butler, Class of 2021 School: KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

Reviewer: Dennis Knight, English Teacher School: KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

Review: What would you do if you could live a better life at the touch of your fingers? What would you do if there was a contest about a topic you're extremely knowledgeable about — with a prize that could make you the richest person in the world? All these questions can be answered in Ready Player One, which follows the main character, Wade Watts, a poor orphan who is incredibly knowledgeable about the extremely popularized virtual reality world of the ‘Oasis.’ With references to real-life 80’s pop culture from books, games, and movies that readers can learn and interact with, this book reveals how much society is willing to ignore its problems and how much of an impact the digital era has on humans and the environment.

Review: In this New York Times Bestseller, Dr. Kendi addresses the racism that exists in every aspect of our lives—and attempts to dismantle the defensiveness people feel when accused of being racist. He confronts and challenges patterns of thinking and presents readers with strategies to ensure we operate as antiracists throughout our daily lives.

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MONASIA GOODS KIPP Schools Attended: KIPP TEAM Academy KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

College and Graduation Year: Virginia State University, Class of 2020

Major/Area of Study: Criminal Justice, Social Work minor

What academic or extracurricular passions do you have today that began during your time at KIPP NJ? KIPP NJ helped me become a leader —I carried the lessons from my involvement with student life activities at KIPP NCA to Virginia State University, where I was a Resident Assistant and the Secretary of The T.R.U.E. Foundation Inc.—a mentoring organization on VSU campus.

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TYRA E. ASBERRY

DAGE GIRAULT ALBERT

KIPP Schools Attended: KIPP TEAM Academy and KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

KIPP Schools Attended:

College and Graduation Year: Ramapo College of New Jersey, Class of 2021

KIPP Rise Academy KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

Major/Area of Study:

College and Graduation Year:

Psychology w/ Minor in Crime and Justice Studies

Lycoming College, Class of 2017

What did you learn at KIPP NJ that you still use today?

Major/Area of Study:

I learned that if we want to see change in our cities within our communities, we must be the change we want to see. This means that we need to do whatever is necessary to become the leaders who will make that same change in the community in the near future. This idea of "be the change" is what keeps me motivated in college and persevering through any obstacles that I face daily, because not only am I doing this for myself, but also to be an inspiration for the youth in Newark who are coming from the same community I came from.

Corporate Communications

KIPP NJ also models what it means to be in a community. My KTC counselor Ms. Arlea-Francois has been a great help during the Coronavirus outbreak. She has consistently checked in with me by texting me and emailing me offering remote support and resources to assist me.

JAMIAH DUNSON

What advice would you give to current KIPPSters in our schools?

The advice I would give to KIPPsters is to make the most of the opportunities KIPP gives you because it could end up helping you in the long run. For example, with the support of the KTC Career Team, I interned for the KIPP Foundation in San Francisco, where I was a part of the Research and Evaluation team.

KIPP Schools Attended: KIPP TEAM Academy and KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

College and Graduation Year: Seton Hall University, Class of 2021

Major/Area of Study: Nursing

What have you enjoyed the most about your college experience?

My favorite part of college is independence. College gives everyone a lot of room to grow as a person without hand-holding. College teaches you which strategies help you to learn best and which strategies help you to effectively study. College also leaves room for recreational activities, which also gives you time and space to make friends and meet new people.

KIPP School Attended:

T’SHAWNA S. N. TECHEIRA

KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

KIPP School Attended:

College:

KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy

Lincoln Technical Institute, Class of 2020

College:

Major/Area of Study:

Hudson County Community College

Automotive

Major/Area of Study:

Employer:

Culinary Arts

Finkle Trucking

Employer:

How has KIPP Through College and/or Career Persistence Team supported your success after graduation?

Legends Catering Company

How has KIPP Through College and/or Career Persistence Team supported your success after graduation?

Consistently meeting with me when I needed support with anything. When I was still at school I never needed to ask them for help—because they were always on top of it! KTC connected me with Finkle Trucking—and the program I attend at Lincoln Technical Institute.

After graduation, my go-to school was Culinary Institute of America, but I encountered a hard situation that made applying difficult. Then I remembered that I could rely on my counselor Ms. Extavour—she took her time and had so much patience with my situation and helped ensure that I could attend school in fall of 2018 at Hudson County Community College, which is where my journey to study culinary arts began!

TASHIR DAVION BYERS

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Newark Family Resources 22

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, we remind KIPP families that if they are in need of services or food, or have been in close contact with someone affected by COVID-19 they should call 973-679-7199.

NJ Mental Health Cares has established a hotline for people dealing with anxiety related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. Calls will be answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week by live trained specialists.

E M P LOYM E NT North Ward Family Success Center

286 Mt Prospect Avenue, Newark | 973-481-0415 Resources Available: Family success plans, employment-related, life skills, housing assistance, advocacy, and related supports.

FOOD PA NT R I E S Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry - St. Mary's Church 528 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark | 973-792-5790

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

H OUS I NG South Ward Children’s Alliance

Brick Avon Academy: 219 Avon Avenue, Newark, NJ 07108 | 862-236-1333 Resources Available: Family case management, tax prep classes, tax prep services.

LG BT H OT L I NE LGBT National Youth Talkline 1-800-246-7743

M AT ER NI T Y S E RV IC ES Family Service Bureau’s New Start Program

247 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103 | 973-412-2056 Resources Available: Assistance with securing infant supplies; parenting classes; access to mental health and addiction services; life skills training; assistance with pediatric care; assistance in applying for Assistance to Needy Families, WIC, and other social services.

M E N TA L H E A LT H SERVIC ES Mt. Carmel Guild Behavioral Health

Have general COVID-19 questions?

The NJ Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the State to provide information to the Public on COVID-19: Call: 2-1-1 Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253 Text: NJCOVID to 898-211 Text: Your zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance

PA R ENTI NG Family Service Bureau of Newark

274 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103 | 973-412-2056 Resources Available: parenting groups, anger management classes, substance abuse education and counseling, therapeutic youth groups, psychiatric services, and medication monitoring.

S UBSTA NCE US E Bethel Family & Youth Resource Center

63-65 Pierce Street, Newark, NJ 07103 | 973-643-6565 Resources Available: Outpatient, IOP and partial care programs for substance use; marijuana recovery prevention; biopsychosocial assessments; drug education and prevention; positive youth development; relapse prevention; parenting skills; self-esteem building workshops.

S UMMER PROGRA MS Summer Enrichment Camp

504 Central (at the corner of S. 7th Street), Newark, NJ 07107 973-624-9535, x100 Program Components: Mathematics, board games, reading comprehension, cooking, science experiments, sports, arts & crafts, swimming, social-emotional development, and weekly trips.

Newark Kids Code

504 Central (at the corner of S. 7th Street), Newark, NJ 07107 For more information, please contact Mr. Sharif at Dsharif@ulec.org or call 973-624-9535, x100 Program Components: Career exploration, goal setting frameworks, education guidance.

UTI LI TY A SS I STA NCE Utility Rights

www.njcommunityresources.info/utility_shutoff.html

W I FI ACCESS Spectrum

Free wifi to students who are without it

Comcast

58 Freeman Street, Newark, NJ 07105 | Screener: 973-596-3980 Resources Available: Individual and family therapy; psychiatric evaluations; medication management; child, adolescent and adult services.

Two month free internet package

Cooperative Counseling Services

FOR MOR E I NFOR MATI ON, PLEA S E CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL SOCI A L WOR KER TO DET E R MIN E W HAT S ERVI CE OR S ERVI CES YOU QUAL IF Y FO R .

YOUR SCHOOL’S SOCI A L WOR KER MAY H AV E A DDI TI ONA L R ESOURCES NOT LI STED H E R E .

407 Chestnut Street, Union, NJ 07083 | 908-731-5719 intakecoordinator@cooperativecs.com Resources Available: Individual, family, and group therapy; psychiatric evaluations; medication management; trauma-focused services; services for ages 3-21.

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Know a family searching for an excellent school?

We can't wait to meet them. Tell them to head to KIPPNJ.org today—we still have some seats available for next year!

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