TEAM & Family Magazine—Newark—Spring 2021

TEAM

FAMILY SPRING 2021

Connection, Creativity, and Service EXTRACU R R I C U LA R S DU R I N G COV I D -1 9

CELEBRATING ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN OUR TEAM + FAMILY

A MAGAZINE BY AND FOR THE KIPP NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY

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Dear KIPP Newark Families,

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elcome to the Spring edition of TEAM & Family Magazine. We hope your family is safe and well. As we navigated the majority of our school year in virtual classrooms, we are more grateful than ever for your support of your child’s educational journey.

We are hopeful that declining COVID-19 cases and the widespread availability of vaccines will ensure that students spend 100% of next school year in our classrooms five days a week, a process we are beginning now with our learning centers.

This past year, our country continued to confront a long overdue racial reckoning exposing longstanding systemic racism. While we are heartened by the step towards accountability found in the conviction of Derek Chauvin for George Floyd’s murder, we know that accountability and justice are not the same. Throughout this year, our leaders and teachers have engaged in professional development in race, equity, and inclusivity so that we can create schools and classrooms that support every child.

KIPP Newark unequivocally believes that Black Lives Matter, and is committed to working with our broader community to pursue justice.

In August of 2021, we are excited to welcome three new schools to the KIPP Newark community (check out page 6 for more!).

In this issue of TEAM & Family Magazine, you will find:

in this issue LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 02 SCHOOL UPDATES 04 KIPP NEWARK NEW SCHOOLS 06 SECRETS TO NAILING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS 08 CONNECTION, CREATIVITY, AND SERVICE: EXTRACURRICULARS DURING COVID-19 11 CELEBRATING ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN OUR TEAM + FAMILY 15 CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY: KIPP NEWARK ALUMNI NETWORK 18

Extracurricular Engagement

Hear the voices of our students and staff who kept virtual clubs and extracurricular activities going during COVID-19 on page 11.

Celebrating Essential Workers

During a pandemic, many members of our team and family worked behind the scenes to ensure the Newark community stayed safe. Read their stories (and find out who gave the first COVID-19 vaccine in NJ!) on page 15.

Student Writing

Our students’ voices always shine through. Check out the work of our student writers, and their recommendations for summer reading on page 20.

We hope you take this summer to relax and reconnect (when it’s safe!) with family and friends.

If you need additional support during this time, please call our hotline at 973-6797199—and head to page 23 for academic resources to keep your child engaged in learning this summer.

Take care, Joanna Belcher Executive Director, KIPP Newark

CELEBRATING OUR STUDENT AUTHORS 20 FAMILY RESOURCES 23

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.

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KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

KIPP UPPER ROSEVILLE ACADEMY

At KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy, our scholars have been engaged in our classrooms learning about the significant contributions made by and for African Americans and women during Black History Month and Women's History Month. As we roll into the final months of the year, we look forward to spotlighting the hard work of all our scholars, and especially celebrating our amazing Class of 2021 Seniors!!!!!

KIPP NEWARK LAB HIGH SCHOOL

At KIPP Upper Roseville Academy, our students continue to shine and show that they are truly living testaments of greatness, even in the virtual world. We are continuing to bring joy to learning through events like virtual field trips, science experiments and art projects.

The KIPP Newark Lab Academy Sharks have been working hard in this virtual setting because we know nothing can get in the way of designing our lives! We are proud of our staff for creating engaging lessons and our students for demonstrating grit, both of which has led to over 95% attendance every day.

KIPP RISE ACADEMY KIPP NEWARK COMMUNITY PREP

Extended Learning Programs were just one of the ways KIPP Rise ensured our school community remained connected. Our Male Mentorship club was offered by Antwann Brown and Jeff Austin who met with young men virtually to discuss everything from identity to social justice. The group even collected 20 bags of clothing items and shoes to donate to the Salvation Army in Newark, in support of the homelessness and challenges families have faced due to the pandemic.

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At KIPP Life Academy, we are on a roll! Over the course of the 3rd quarter we have averaged our highest attendance so far this year! Each month we have hosted multiple family events, and for scholars we have really ramped up our fun Friday incentive parties including activities like dance parties and game nights!

Check our regular updates on Dojo, Facebook, and our school website!

KIPP SEEK ACADEMY At KIPP Seek Academy, we celebrated Read Across America Month in March with guest readers, a reading competition, and so much more.

We take reading seriously...but with a lot of fun sprinkled in!

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At KIPP Newark Community Prep, our kids run to virtual school each day thanks to the hard work of our families and staff as they cultivate meaningful relationships with students. This year, we have launched student clubs and hosted a Black Excellence career fair and a reading challenge.

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KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY

KIPP TEAM ACADEMY At KIPP TEAM Academy, we're grateful to our Wolfpack for coming together to work hard during virtual learning. As we reflect on a great school year in preparation for next year, we wish the Class of 2025 the best of luck in high school and can't wait to welcome the 5th grade Class of 2029!

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We loved hosting Read Across America read-alouds this March in our virtual classrooms and our inaugural Black History Month program.

KIPP SPARK Academy has been working hard to ensure that academic pride, our focus this school year, rings through even during virtual learning.

KIPP BOLD ACADEMY In April, students completed in the Spring Fling-o challenge! Each week students had a chance to win BIG prizes by showing KIPP BOLD Academy values in class and being high-achievers.

Every month at BOLD we try to keep the kids excited, engaged, and having fun while learning.

This spring KIPP THRIVE Academy surveyed families to gain feedback on their experience this school year and what they look forward to next year. The vast majority of families responding agreed that THRIVE promotes a safe online learning experience— and we can't wait to implement our family's ideas in the upcoming school year! Shared from a THRIVE Family, "I love that my child's teacher goes above and beyond to make sure the kids understand the work and have what they need to succeed in her class."

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

Even during virtual learning, KIPP Lanning Square Primary has remained dedicated to offering art, music, and physical education to students this year. We look forward to engaging with our community even more next year!

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The KIPP Lanning Square Middle familia brought joy and connection to our virtual learning classrooms.

We celebrated Black History Month with poetry shareouts, Blacks in Wax presentation, and more. As we enter the final months of school, we could not be more proud of our student and families—our familia is nothing without their continual support. Onward!

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KIPP Whittier Middle teammates came together to develop a Friday Elective program for students across our school. Since October, students have engaged in interactive lessons based on current events, Black and brown history, the fight for social justice and women in history. These elective lessons encouraged students to find their voice and think of ways they can impact their own future.

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KIPP HIGH SCHOOL KIPP High School is proud to have launched a Student Government Association in its founding year that has elevated student voice throughout the community through the selection of a school mascot and mentoring activities.

They look forward to building on this work next school year!

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What’s New in Newark?

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KIPP ACADEMY G RADE LEV EL: M IDDLE SCHOOL SCHOOL LEADER: SHA RA E L EWI S -GR I FFI TH

KIPP Schools!

In August of 2021, KIPP Newark will welcome three new schools to our TEAM and Family. All three have ambitious and creative plans to support student learning.

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Growth + Achievement

Purpose

Self-Expression

When Sharae Lewis-Griffith had the chance to found a middle school, she was thrilled about the possibility of creating a school environment where students would be offered both an “excellent and an affirming” education, a mission close to Lewis-Griffith’s heart. “My mother, who immigrated from Jamaica, believed that an education filled with tests, interviews, and auditions was our only choice to access an excellent education. No family should feel that their choice to an excellent, affirming, free education has been taken from them.”

Next year, that vision will become a reality as KIPP Justice Academy opens its doors to fifth grade students in Newark. “Across every subject there will be a skill and identity objective. Students will be encouraged to ask, “How does this subject help me learn more about myself or others?’” said Lewis-Griffith, who helped found KIPP BOLD Academy.

A daily advisory period facilitated by staff who are committed to realizing every child’s limitless potential will further support this mission. The advisory is designed to offer a safe space for students to converse with peers, set and celebrate goals, engage in social-emotional lessons, and talk with professionals about their field of interest.

Leveraging community partnerships for learning outside the classroom will be another cornerstone of the school.

“Already, we’re exploring partnerships with a principal dancer who has worked with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, NJPAC, Newark Yoga Movement, and Mighty Writers—to name just a few opportunities,” said Lewis-Griffith.

KIPP ACADEMY School leader Princess Fils-Aime is proud to be opening a school that offers the next generation of Newark children an education that will help them become world-changers. “I enter our schools with great purpose, to reach all scholars, especially those who may think they’re incapable of learning,” said Fils-Aime.

World-changing may be a tall order, but KIPP Truth Academy will fulfill that vision through “providing a strong academic foundation that encourages students to become problem-solvers and collaborate with one another,” said Fils-Aime. “My goal is that students will explain, critique, experiment with, and revise ideas in order to develop a deep understanding of the world,” she added.

Fils-Aime believes that exceptional teachers and family engagement are key to achieving those goals. “I want every teacher at our school to understand their students deeply, to know their passions and skills and areas of growth,” she said.

The bedrock of Truth’s approach to family engagement is that families are not guests in our building but rather essential members of the Truth family. “We want to not only leverage the strengths of our families but also provide a space for their personal development and growth,” said Fils-Aime.

GRADE LEVEL: MIDDL E SCH O O L SC HO O L L E A D E R : SE A N H E A LY

Power

Possibility

Partnership

GRADE LEV EL: ELEMENTA RY SCH O O L SCHOOL LEA D ER : P R I NCESS FI L S-A IME

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Belonging

Curiosity

Compassion

Collaboration

Making a Difference

KIPP ACADEMY When KIPP Newark school leader Sean Healy was in eighth grade, his woodshop teacher—tired of his constant questions—placed his desk outside the classroom for the semester. “I spent the majority of my early education feeling like an outsider in my own school community,” said Healy. That’s why after a decade of experience as an educator and leader, he views the founding of KIPP Purpose Academy as a way to establish a school environment that runs directly opposite his experience—one where students can be a part of a community that feels like a second family.

“Academically, my goal is to offer students discussion-based classrooms where students can work collaboratively.

I think that’s the best way for students to be empowered to find their voices and their passions,” said Healy.

Another way Healy is creating community is through an emphasis on social-emotional learning where students will take part in an advisory each morning and afternoon that allows them to develop essential non-academic skills and mindsets that they can apply outside of school. Rich extracurricular activities such as spoken word poetry, hip-hop dancing, and a rigorous basketball elective (to name just a few!) will complement classroom learning.

Parent involvement will also be critical to the school’s culture. KIPP Purpose will share space with KIPP Upper Roseville Academy (KURA), an elementary school. Healy reported that KURA parents have already contributed their vision and ideas to help make the school great—including deciding on the name, KIPP Purpose Academy.

“We don’t see ourselves as adding something new to the community. Rather, we’re contributors to the strengths, greatness, and beauty of the Newark community,” said Healy.

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Psst...Rising Seniors KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy senior Tyranique Freeman never expected to be applying to college during a pandemic when she entered high school in 2017. But armed with a passion for forensic science, a proactive mindset, and support from her KIPP Through College Placement counselor Aixa Carmona, Tyranique found herself with a variety of college options by the time she graduated.

What did it take to make her process so successful? Step inside this quarter-by-quarter look at Tyranique’s journey with Ms. Carmona to find out and follow along with this checklist as you conduct your own college hunt!

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“Quarter 1 lays the foundation for the college application process,” said Ms. Carmona. The top priority of this quarter? Finalizing your college list and ensuring you know each school’s deadlines for application. “A balanced list of colleges is critical to ensuring students have the best shot at admission and financial aid,” she said, adding that attending virtual (and when it’s safe, in-person) campus visits can be useful to this process. The second priority for students this quarter is finalizing a strong personal statement.

Tyranique entered the quarter with her personal essay already written—but she had it proofread by more than one person and tailored a few different versions to the colleges on her list, which ranged from Rutgers University to Syracuse University. According to Tyranique, having her essay complete as she entered the quarter was “a huge relief” and allowed her to carefully consider her college list and her academic interests more seriously. This year, Tyranique decided to pursue forensic science as her major, so she applied to schools that offered this focus.

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YO UR Q UARTER 1 C HEC KLIST 0 Complete ACT Prep 0 Finalize Personal Statement with Counselor 0 Secure Letters of Recommendations 0 Submit Early Decision/Action Applications after checking with your counselor 0 Submit FAFSA 0 Take October ACT 0 Take October SAT (as per counselor recommendation) 0 Apply for scholarships 0 Attend college fair 0 Schedule and attend 2 or more meetings with your counselor 0 NJFAMS, state-specific FA form 0 CSS profile, if applicable 0 Send test scores to schools

Here Are the Secrets to Nailing the College Application Process!

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forms as soon as In Quarter 2, Ms. Carmona and Tyranique agreed that following-through on financial aid and submitting college applications was a top priority. “Students should submit their FAFSA forms as soon as possible to maximize their chances of receiving competitive financial aid packages,” said Ms. Carmona.

Ms. Carmona and her team set a deadline of November 1st for students to submit their college applications; this approach allows more time for students to consider financial aid options and follow-up on their application.

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Tyranique recognized early that while Ms. Carmona was an excellent resource, she had to be self-motivated to meet these deadlines. In many cases, she exceeded them as she applied to the nine schools on her list. “I worked with my mom and submitted my FAFSA form YOUR Q UARTER 2 C HEC KLIST in November and submitted my college applications shortly afterwards. I knew 0 Submit College Applications and I wouldn’t want the stress of submitting EOF Applications them on my shoulders for too long,”

financial aid packages.

she said. Tyranique also reached out to apply for scholarships that would help her reach her goal: to graduate college with as little student debt as possible.

0 Submit FAFSA 0 Add and remove schools to FAFSA as needed 0 Apply for scholarships

their chances of receiving competitive

0 Attend college visits 0 Send scores to schools that have not received them 0 Follow up on submitted applications 0 Schedule and attend 2 or more meetings with your counselor

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Tyranique Freeman and Aixa Carmona discuss college options on FaceTime.

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With nine acceptances by March 15th, Tyranique had a lot to consider! “I was looking at financial aid first and foremost so I don’t graduate with too much debt, but I also considered the colleges that are best for my chosen career,” said Tyranique. While one college in particular with a strong forensic science program started to win her over during Quarter 3, she “wasn’t going to let them know that just yet!”

“This is where all the work students performed in the beginning of the year really starts to bear fruit. Students should have financial aid award letters to review and have to start making informed decisions about how their options line up with their goals,” said Ms. Carmona. Some action steps to keep in mind? Sending schools mid-year grades, scheduling virtual campus visits, and reviewing financial aid letters carefully with your college counselor.

YO U R Q UART E R 3 CH ECKL I ST 0 Review financial aid award letters 0 Bring ALL financial aid letters to your counselor 0 Follow up on submitted applications

0 Review and submit all acceptance, denial and waitlist letters to your counselor 0 Apply for scholarships 0 Schedule and attend 2 or more meetings with your counselor

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Drumroll, please...IT’S DECISION TIME! “At this point, students are almost KIPP NJ alumni,” said Ms. Carmona. “This means they’ll need to connect with their College Success counselor who organizes the programming that will support their transition from high school to college and will continue to work with them throughout college,” she added.

This programming includes support with anything from creating a college budget and designing your career path, to navigating roommate relationships and college meal plans.

Tyranique was ready to make her decision in early April—and she can’t wait to announce where she will land during her high school graduation this June! Stay tuned on our blog at blog.kippnj.org—we’ll update you there with her decision following graduation!

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YO UR Q UARTER 4 C HEC KL I ST 0 Make a Decision! (May 1st) 0 Complete college matriculation checklist with your counselor 0 Accept or deny financial aid awards 0 Apply for scholarships 0 Schedule and attend 2 or more meetings with your counselor 0 Meet your alumni counselor 0 Attend KTC Senior Programming

Extracurriculars During COVID-19 11

I think the clothing drive was important because most of my friends have clothing and shelter, but not everyone does, especially in the cold weather. We came together as a club and donated lots of clothing to the Salvation Army.

BASHIR MOSS 7th Grader and member of the Male Mentoring group at KIPP Rise Academy

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hen COVID-19 forced schools to go remote in March of 2020, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy senior Makylia McGee didn’t know what the move meant for her favorite school club, Student Leaders for Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity (SLIDE). The club, which seeks to foster a school culture of inclusion for all students, had previously undertaken live events, planning Latinx Heritage Month potlucks and community service projects.

“We knew we wanted to keep SLIDE going virtually,” said McGee. “I remember being a freshman and how hard it was to connect with people in a new school. Starting high school virtually this year is even harder,” she said. That’s why this year, McGee and SLIDE members are leading a mentorship initiative that pairs seniors with freshmen, offering them a chance to learn from one another. For McGee, the mentorship program is a way to give back to a club that helped her find her voice as a sophomore.

“When I was a freshman, I was the student who knew the answer but didn’t always

KIPP Rise Academy’s Male Mentoring club collected dozens of bags of clothes to donate to The Salvation Army during a drive in March 2021.

raise my hand. SLIDE helped me find my voice,” she said.

The Male Mentoring group at KIPP Rise Academy has also kept meeting during virtual learning. Antwann Brown and Jeffrey Austin lead the club, which focuses on empowering young men. Each session covers a different topic, from leadership skills to conversations about racial equity.

“Recently, we were talking about the importance of showing up for every opportunity,” said Brown. “We want them to understand that you never know what opportunities you might miss if you’re not on time and committed,” he added.

The club completed a service project in March, donating clothes to the Newark community. “I think the clothing drive was important because most of my friends have clothing and shelter, but not everyone does, especially in the cold weather,” said seventh grader Bashir Moss. “We came together as a club and donated lots of clothing to the Salvation Army,” he added.

Moss looks forward to next year, when the club will likely be able to gather in person again.

Students also kept connected through arts-based programs. KIPP Rise Academy Performing Arts teacher Asha Lindsey realized students had fewer outlets to express themselves during the pandemic —and she saw an opportunity to keep students engaged through music, dance, and acting. That realization resulted in a virtual production of The WIZ, with the script revised by Lindsey and the songs written by her students to reflect themes of the pandemic. In this version of The WIZ, Dorrien (played by a male student) is trying to get back to his (virtual) homeroom—he’s moved from Zoom classrooms, Youtube channels, and even Minecraft because of the coding genius of a fellow classmate, Evie, the musical’s villain.

As her thirty students rehearsed for the

KIPP Rise Academy performing arts teacher Asha Lindsey walks students through scales (with some help from her daughter!) during a Zoom rehearsal in February 2021.

musical, they used apps like Flipgrid to record themselves singing and practiced scales together over Zoom at rehearsals that took place two to three days a week.

“The unexpected benefit of rehearsing virtually is that students are becoming screen actors, not just stage actors,” said Lindsey. But mostly, she said she wants her young performers to have something they can take ownership of during the pandemic.

Their musical will be unveiled at the end of the school year and likely feature a virtual red carpet walk!

KIPP BOLD Academy’s principal, Lisa Bonnifield, also supports students’ acting dreams through her ‘Actrify’ club which helps students ‘electrify’ their acting.

“In our Zoom meetings, we warm up physically and vocally, play theater games, and then dive right in to scene work.

Actirfy is the place to practice acting skills from the comfort of your own home!” said Bonnifield.

At KIPP Lanning Square Primary, art teacher Michelle Jones has helped students stay connected to the visual arts through remote and asynchronous art classes. This year, as students quarantined, Jones took them on a virtual trip around the world. “We’ve studied art from Kazakhstan to Egypt,” said Jones.

Eric Richardson’s two sons, Brennan and

Noah, take Jones’ art class. “The boys love art. When we can’t gather together in-person, art brings everyone together,” said Richardson. Noah applied his art skills recently when he created a Black History Month project poster for class about Ruby Bridges and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Brennan, an animal lover, enjoyed sketching an alligator for an art project. The inspiration for his drawing?

Ms. Jones taught class from her mother’s house in Florida, where baby alligators were frequent guests in the backyard! “We did a unit on the difference between Florida and New Jersey wildlife—so we toured the backyard,” said Ms. Jones, who said the project was a hit with her students.

Even during the pandemic, KIPP Seek Academy families continue to tune into Seek Speaks TV when they want to know what’s new at their school and in the world. The brainchild of teacher Sabine Vilsaint, this twice a week video series offers families updates on everything from the weather to current events like the 2020 election. Vilsaint

A student at KIPP BOLD Academy practices her acting skills during ‘Actrify’ Club.

Elijah Miller anchors Seek Speaks, informing the school community about the upcoming ‘Winter Wonderland’ celebrations!

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reports that the best shows are the ones where students take ownership of the show and make script edits.

Chas Miller said that Seek Speaks has helped her son, Elijah, gain confidence.

“He’s much more vocal. At first he was shy, but now he’s always eager to participate,” said Miller. Elijah finds a supportive presence from Ms. Vilsaint in practice sessions before the final recordings. “Ms. Vilsaint helps me with how to say certain words. I really liked reporting on Winter Wonderland [a virtual winter concert] last year,” said Elijah.

Arts-based electives have also shone at KIPP High School, as the school navigates its first year remotely while keeping its commitment to offering community-based electives. This year, students enrolled in the school’s photography program have worked closely with local Camden artist and activist Erik James Montgomery, who is teaching students the basics of photography after school on Zoom and plans to include their work in an upcoming exhibit.

I’m inspired by the beauty of the world around me, and I wanted to capture those images, so I started taking photos!”

DANAIJAH WILSON KIPP High School

According to the high school's ELA teacher and extracurricular coordinator Ken O’Kane, it’s particularly valuable for students to engage with their community when they explore new interests and pursue their passions.

“Community connections help students retell the narrative of Camden and visualize possibilities for their futures,” said O’Kane.

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KIPP High School 9th grader Danaijah Wilson loves capturing images of Camden during photography club.

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hen COVID-19 arrived in March of 2020, essential workers across the world had their personal and professional lives turned upside down as they navigated a new normal.

The same was true within our team and family in Newark. Here are some of the stories of our community’s essential workers who have worked tirelessly during a pandemic to keep their families and communities safe and connected. We thank them—and the many more essential workers in our community—from the bottom of our hearts.

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TAHIYYAH GREENE Since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020, KIPP Life Academy parent Tahiyyah Greene has been working at a breakneck pace. Greene and her colleagues provide telecommunications support to a large hospital in Bergen County, ensuring the doctors and hospital staff on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic have the information they need to treat patients quickly and efficiently. “We haven’t been able to take time off due to understaffing,” said Greene. “While I don’t directly care for patients, I make sure messages get to doctors so they can start providing care, and we also make sure emergency codes are transmitted throughout the hospital,” she added.

At home, Greene faced challenges as she juggled work and caring for her son, Dorian, a first grader. “He was really impacted when schools closed. He was heartbroken. He’s young so he didn’t understand why he couldn’t be there,” said Greene. While childcare was a challenge for her, over time, Greene found it helpful to introduce some structured fun into her family’s day. “We’ve taken up painting, writing sessions, and doing movie nights, just to make the most of these times,” said Greene.

MALIK KEARNEY + SADY FERGUSON Malik Kearney and Sady Ferguson have had a busy year. As healthcare workers and KIPP Newark Community Prep and KIPP Life Academy parents, their jobs changed dramatically after March 2020.

An operating room procurement coordinator, Kearney makes sure the operating room at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey stays stocked with the appropriate tools. “In my job, I have to rapidly prioritize to make sure our doctors and nurses have everything they need for a successful surgery. My role may be more behindthe-scenes, but it’s rewarding,” he said.

An ambulatory technician at University Hospital in Newark, Ferguson’s work shifted in March 2020 as the podiatry clinic she supported directed patients to telehealth visits and rescheduled non-essential appointments. But the level of care she provided her patients didn’t change. “I tell my doctors all the time that these patients are mine, too. I want them to have the best care possible,” said Ferguson.

Last year, on a Friday in mid-December, her boss reached out to her and two of her coworkers with a history-making request: The COVID-19 vaccine was coming in, and the team hired to distribute it wouldn’t make it on time. Could they distribute it?

The following Tuesday, Ferguson administered the first COVID-19 vaccine shot in the entire state of New Jersey!

Another behind-the-scenes hero in the KearneyFerguson household? Ferguson’s mom, Peggy.

“Grandma has made sure our children are able to take part in virtual learning every day. Plus, she’s a chef—so our kids have been enjoying very fancy lunches!” said Ferguson.

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I started fire fighting because it was my calling. I really enjoy helping people and connecting with the community.

CHRISTOPHER WINBUSH KIPP Newark Lab parent

SAMONE LUCAS Samone Lucas spent seven years as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service, delivering mail to residents of West New York. But in April 2020, she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and developed symptoms that lasted for months. “I started to slowly feel better, but to this day, I still have trouble with smell. It makes cooking difficult!” said Lucas.

Today, Lucas continues to work for USPS in another critical position: processing and prioritizing mail delivery to West New York and Guttenburg in the distribution center. “We have to make sure people continue to receive essential supplies like water, toilet paper and medicine. I make sure that mail flagged as containing medicine gets to people as fast as possible,” said Lucas, who has a son, Kaiden, a third grader at KIPP SPARK Academy and a daughter, Zaniya, a seventh grader at KIPP TEAM Academy. The family has struggled at times with virtual learning, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic. “This has been a challenging time for our children,” said Ms. Lucas. “But we’re committed to working with our schools to help them and communicate their needs to their teachers.”

CHRISTOPHER WINBUSH For KIPP Newark Lab parent Christopher Winbush, public safety runs in the family. His brother and wife both work for the Newark Fire Department, his sister is a Newark police officer, and his father is retired from firefighting after a 25-year tenure. “I started fire fighting because it was my calling. I really enjoy helping people and connecting with the community,” said Winbush. But COVID-19 safety restrictions limited his department’s ability to interact with the public, shutting down their usual firehouse tours and firehouse-sponsored surprise neighborhood cookouts.

A member of Rescue 1, Winbush and his colleagues respond to emergencies ranging from collapsed structures to electrical fires, but during the first wave of cases, he also supported EMS as they treated COVID-19 patients during calls.

ANTOINETTE HOLLAND In her twentieth year with the Newark Police Department, KIPP THRIVE Academy parent Antoinette Holland works overnight shifts to investigate crimes like shootings and occasionally patrols the streets of Newark to ensure residents’ safety. “To do this work, you have to want to help people,” said Holland.

During COVID-19, Christopher’s wife Yedda Mason-Winbush, a fire official, was busy ensuring buildings in Newark met revised, lower capacity restrictions, in addition to her usual critical responsibilities of inspecting buildings for fire safety compliance.

The pair worked hard this school year to support their 10th grade son Jymirr’s academic success during virtual learning. “I told my son ‘we’re going to have roads that are hard in life, but we’re never going to quit.’ When he goes to the next level in college, it will be up to him to be proactive and successful,” said Winbush.

During COVID-19, Holland has juggled a busy schedule, working overnight shifts and returning home in time to help her son log in to virtual learning. “For virtual learning, I had to rely on some friends and family to make sure he was successful. It was overwhelming at times,” said Holland. Despite this, she finds her work in the community rewarding, especially this year. “It gives me a platform to speak to the young people I know about the importance of making good decisions,” she said.

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Spotlighting the KIPP Newark Alumni Network

KIPP Newark alumni gather in 2019 for the KIPP School Summit in Houston, Texas.

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n February 7th, 2020, a group of nearly sixty KIPP Newark alumni gathered for a networking happy hour at the TRYP Hotel in downtown Newark. The gathering was the culmination of the efforts of a group of alumni from KIPP TEAM Academy, KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy, and KIPP Rise Academy supported by KIPP New Jersey's Chief Equity Strategist Shawadeim Reagans, who serves as an advisor to the alumni network.

Together, alumni envisioned that would facilitate mutually connections among alumni. course of several meetings, defined their vision and goals.

a network supportive Over the the group

“With alumni numbers growing, we wanted to create opportunities that would both benefit our alums and allow them to 18

leverage their learned lessons from various careers to improve the student experience of our current students,” said Reagans.

“The group was founded on three core values: community, growth, and impact,” he added.

While COVID-19 prevented in-person meetings after the TRYP gathering, the group maintained its momentum. “In October, I noticed that the KIPP Foundation was offering alumni groups the chance to apply for funding and support so we could formalize our group and ultimately put together great events and programming,” said Nailah Brown, a KIPP Newark alumna who today works for KIPP New Jersey as a development operations manager. In partnership with six alumni network chairs, the team put together an application that outlined their mission and vision.

In December, the group learned the KIPP Newark Alumni Network was one of nine alumni associations nationwide to be greenlit for funding and support by the KIPP Foundation! That same month, the network came together to run a toy and toiletry drive, donating items to Newark nonprofits like the YMCA and the Covenant House.

The group also supported Black History Month events in our schools as panelists and keynote speakers, This spring, the group created a 6-month plan that includes events such as a virtual Cinco de Mayo, a socially-distanced cookout in June and a professional development event in July. The Alumni Network looks forward to planning additional programming for alumni, with opportunities for them to access everything from targeted support groups to professional development opportunities.

Meet the 6 Leaders of the KIPP Newark Alumni Network

K I NY E T T E H EN D ERSO N Co-chair KIPP TEAM Academy, Class of 2010

NA I LA H BROW N Co-chair KIPP TEAM Academy, Class of 2011

GENER RA RODR IGU E Z Social Events and Program Coordinator KIPP TEAM Academy, Class of 2012

After graduating from TEAM in 2010, Kinyette attended a private boarding school in Newport, Rhode Island. A graduate of George Washington University, Kinyette is the 7th grade level chair at TEAM, her alma mater, and an ELA lead planner for the KIPP New Jersey network. Kinyette will serve as co-chair for the KIPP Alumni Network.

Nailah holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Georgia Gwinnett College and today works as the development operations manager for KIPP New Jersey and KIPP Miami. Nailah will serve as the co-chair of the Alumni Network and looks forward to connecting with and supporting her fellow alumni.

Generra Rodriguez is a current KIPP parent and 2020 KIPP Alumni Accelerator Fellow. Generra will leverage her organizational skills and ability to connect with others as the Social Events and Programs Chair for the KIPP Newark Alumni Network.

B R I A NNA BOYER Regional Liaison and Innovation Chair KIPP Rise Academy, Class of 2015

ROBERT R EDDI CK Communications and Outreach Chair KIPP TEAM Academy, Class of 2010

SA S HA I ROBE RTS Finance & Budget Chair KIPP TEAM Academy, Class of 2010

Brianna Boyer is a graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree before returning to KIPP Rise Academy to teach sixth grade. In her role as Regional Liaison and Innovation Chair, Brianna will solicit alumni feedback and ideas to support the creation of creative programs that support the needs of KIPP Newark alumni.

Robert Reddick is a founding member of the Class of 2010 at KIPP TEAM Academy. After volunteering his time at KIPP TEAM Academy, Robert was hired as an Assistant Dean of Culture at his alma mater.

Robert is leveraging his ability to connect and inspire with his Communication and Outreach role for the Alumni Network.

Sashai is a kindergarten teacher at KIPP THRIVE Academy. In her role on the Alumni Network, she is responsible for creating budget parameters, reporting expenses, and leading fundraising initiatives as the Finance & Budget Chair. She hopes to create a safe space for other alumni to reach out to their KIPP peers for support.

KN OW AN ALUM WH O ’S I NTER ESTED I N GETTI NG I NVOLVED? To connect with the alumni group (and join the newsletter list!), you can email NewJerseyAlumni@kipp.org— and don’t forget to follow the Alumni Network on Instagram at @KIPPNewarkAlumNetwork!

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Celebrating Our Student Authors (and their favorite books!)

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ach year KIPP Newark invites students from across our schools to submit entries to our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Contest. We’re always blown away by their work, and this year’s entries were no exception.

And because we know your household might be seeking great summer reads, we’ve asked each student author to share their favorite books with you. Dive into their work below!

Kids Who Look Like Me Speech

BY CARTER A NDER SON 4th Grade, KIPP SPARK Academy

The fight for racial equity and social injustice is the responsibility of kids who look like me. It is kids who look like me who will bring change to the world.

I have a dream that kids who look like me will one day be able to dream, dream big!

I have a dream that kids who look like me will one day be able to walk the streets with a hoodie and a pack of skittles—and not be gunned This speech was down like Trayvon Martin. inspired by Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ and the Black Lives Matter movement.

I have a dream that kids who look like me will be able to play outside of the recreation center with a toy gun and not be shot like Tamir Rice.

I have a dream that one day kids who look

like me won’t have their homes raided like Breonna Taylor.

I have a dream that one day kids who look like me won’t be wrestled to the ground with a knee on their neck begging to live like George Floyd. I have a dream that kids who look like me will one day protest, march, organize and demand that justice be served.

One day, one day soon, kids who look like me will become Teachers, Military Personnel, Doctors, Scientist, Judges, Police Officers, Lawyers, Entrepreneurs, Chefs, Athletes, Actors, Humanitarians, Engineers, and President without the fear of being judged or mistreated because of the color of their skin. Thank you.

Carter’s Book Recommendations: I recommend the Captain Underpants series and the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey. I like his books, because he makes his characters funny and authentic— especially the character AJ in Captain Underpants. I love how AJ sounds like a real person you might meet! I also like any book by author Dan Gutman.

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Soon

BY CAMERYN JACKSON 6th Grade, KIPP Rise Academy Soon, one memorable day shall come It may bring relief and happiness to our people, but it can also bring hatred and anger to some We put our fists up and scream BLACK LIVES MATTER But they only hear the first five letters Soon, we will live and cherish one another this war will finally end for the greater good, taking a stand for our freedom and happiness We’ve done so much for all our hearts to connect and touch The feeling of Justice for our people

Will soon finally come Soon, we will be free, making our wonderful Wishing dreams come true Hoping it all ends soon, standing straight And 2020 has broke us all but 2021 has come to save us once and for all It’s a new year for us to fix our mistakes from the last We’ll leave the past behind In the back, tired of prayer at night Hoping someone saves from this dark time Soon, we will have JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Cameryn’s Book Recommendation: A book I highly recommend is Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Olugbala Shakur. Shakur, a social activist and former member of the BLA (Black Liberation Army) was sentenced to first-degree murder of a State Trooper in 1973, serving two years in prison where she delivered her daughter, Kakuya Shakur. After reading this book, as a Black woman, I felt a sense of determination and strength. I could only imagine how hard it must've been for Shakur trying to survive during a racist and sexist time in history.

A Reflection

BY CO U RT NE Y M A RC H AN 3rd Grade, KIPP Seek Academy My opinion about racial equity is not taken from a single speech or one book. When I think about racial equity and social justice, my opinion comes from many places. It is from what I watch on the news. It is from what my mom tells me or what my dad, my Glama and Papa tell me.

I am 8 years old and Black and brown people have been treated unfairly all of my life. They’ve been treated unfairly my parents’ whole lives and my grandparents, too. Unfair is a word I know, but it is not big enough to describe how Black and brown people have been treated. It is not big enough to describe what happened to Breonna Taylor or Martin Luther King Jr., or Rosa Parks.

After reading and watching the videos I have learned that I cannot stop talking about the importance of treating people equally. I have to keep using my voice and speaking up about what is fair and unfair.

Things have gotten better since Glama and Papa were little, but we have a lot of work to do in this country. I’m hoping that our new President and Vice President will make a difference, because we need more people to be strong and speak out about Black lives and racism and equality in our country.

For me, I’m going to keep speaking up, keep being strong, and keep encouraging my friends, family, and community to do the same. We have to keep fighting for justice and fair treatment until we get our way and until we make things right.

Courtney’s Book Recommendation: I recommend The Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russell to anyone looking for a good book to read this summer. The series is about the high school life of Nikki J. Maxwell. Nikki writes a diary telling all of the things that are happening in her high school. She calls herself a dork, even though I don’t think she’s a dork! There are really funny pictures to describe her experiences throughout the books.

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Newark Family Resources

As we navigate the COVID-19 crisis together, if you are in need of services or food, or have been in close contact with someone affected by COVID-19, please call our hotline at 973-679-7199. To learn more about scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine, call 1-855-568-0545.

E M P LOYM E NT State of NJ COVID 19 Jobs & Hiring Portal www.knj.news/NJHiringPortal

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

FOOD PA NT R I E S & RESO URC ES NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/ SNAP Outreach Team is available to help families apply or recertify for SNAP benefits SNAP Hotline: 908-838-4831

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

ACAD E M I C RE SO U RC ES TO SUP P O RT S U M M E R L EARN IN G FOR A L L G RA DE S

HO USING Eviction Protection & Assistance www.knj.news/NJRentalRelief

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

LGBTQ + R ESOURCES LGBTQ National Youth Talkline 1-800-246-7743

Family Equality Resource Center www.familyequality.org/neighborhood/

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

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc 45 Academy St, Suite 303 Newark, NJ 07102 973-624-1520

Center for Family Services www.centerffs.org/ Various Locations 877-922-2377

M ATERNI TY S ERVI CES Family Service Bureau’s New Start Program

NJ Hope and Healing

AD D IC TI ONS & SUBSTA NCE US E S ERVI CES ReachNJ

UTI LI TY A SS I STA NCE Utility Rights

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

www.njcommunityresources.info/utility_shutoff.html

BrainPop

Cosmic Kids Yoga

274 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103 973-412-2056

www.brainpop.com Videos and activities aligned to a range of subject areas for K - 8 students

Khan Academy

Sign in through Clever and click on Khan icon or go to www.khanacademy.org and sign in with your KIPP apps account. Each grade level has all of the lessons necessary to complete in order to pass the grade. Try to complete as many objectives in each mission!

NewsEla

www.newsela.com/about/resources Level texts available for all levels. Free account creation available.

Have general COVID-19 questions?

MENTA L HEA LTH S ERV ICE S PerformCare

Here are some numbers to know.

Free emotional support from trained staff Call 866-202-HELP (4357) Text NJHOPE to 51684 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world.

Libby, By Overdrive

www.overdrive.com The app partners with public library networks, so there is a vast selection of great titles!

Vooks

www.vooks.com Vooks offers a month free trial for their collection of animated story books

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 23

TEAM Charter Schools 60 Park Place, Suite 802 Newark, NJ 07012

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