TEAM & Family Magazine—Newark—Spring 2022

TEAM Welcome to Our Student-Led Edition!

FAMILY SPRING 2022

FA MILY PA RT NERS H IP SPOT LIGHT: LIGH T: Meet Ms. Newton Ms. Miller!

A REFLEC TIO TI O N O N

MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19 A MAGAZINE BY AND FOR THE KIPP NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY

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We’re excited to announce that our new WORLD IMPACT CAMPUS will open August 2022 and will be the new home of KIPP Truth Academy and KIPP Justice Academy. The new building will be over 155,000 square feet with 55 classrooms, performing arts space, gym, playground and much more!

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in this issue

Welcome families!

My name is Daniel Lewis, and I attend KIPP Rise Academy. I’m just one of more than 5,600 students who attend 14 KIPP Newark schools!

It has been a difficult few years with the COVID-19 pandemic, but my classmates and I were thrilled to return to in-person schooling, which has made for a better learning experience for us students.

I am excited to welcome you to the TEAM & Family Magazine spring edition, which was led by students like me. I hope you will enjoy these moments of triumph from our students, families, and staff. Our Newark community always shares their voices to help build a better future for students like me! The topics will include: How families like Ms. Newton and Ms. Miller partner with school staff to SUPPORT LEARNING FOR STUDENTS like me (page 8).

Reflections from STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADER Genesis Parfait at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy (page 11).

Why MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION matters, from KIPP BOLD Academy student Samauhjj’ White (page 12).

KIPP New Jersey is creating a network of schools in Camden and Newark where our students are prepared to succeed in college and careers. In the future, we hope to expand to reach more students and support them in building a better future!

Sincerely,

Daniel Lewis KIPP Rise Academy, 7th grade

OPENING LETTER 02 SCHOOL UPDATES 04 A CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR BFF'S: BELONGING, FRIENDSHIP AND FUTURES! 06 FAMILY PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT 08 MY JOURNEY AS A STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADER 11 A REFLECTION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND COVID-19 12 JOIN THEIR JOURNEY: A TALE OF TWO ALUMNI 16 FAMILY RESOURCES 19

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.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL!

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KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY Our KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy Panthers were engaged in various forms of testing with NJGPA, NJSLA, and AP exams this spring, and we couldn’t be more proud of their hard work!

We are also thrilled that spring sports are underway with our latest addition, the NCA boy's volleyball team!

KIPP TRUTH ACADEMY

KIPP NEWARK COMMUNITY PREP

KIPP Truth Academy has been working hard with families to ensure that our Truthkeepers run to school! Students visited our Culture Corner in the hallway where they learned about influential African Americans and women in history.

They also were able to engage in activities like coding and design.

KIPP PURPOSE ACADEMY At KIPP Purpose Academy, we’re working to beautify our building with a new library, murals, and spaces that will enhance our students’ educational experience. In March, we launched our “Tree House,” a space where students can play games, create artwork, catch up with friends, and interact with our new Oculus Virtual Reality Headset!

As we wrap up the school year, KIPP Newark Community Prep continues to keep the ball rolling on learning! We hosted the Scholastic Book Fair which raised over $1,000 for student books and Pi Day where the our students got to pie School Leader, Mr. Griffith.

KIPP UPPER ROSEVILLE ACADEMY At KIPP Upper Roseville Academy, we celebrated Read Across America in March, where students engaged in literature-based acitivities to further their love for reading. We also honored Women’s History Month by highlighting the many amazing women in history and those who touch our lives every day at KURA.

KIPP RISE ACADEMY KIPP Rise Academy is working on two building projects to add more teacher and student learning spaces. We’re also offering extended learning opportunities with spring running clubs and performance groups!

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For Read Across America, KIPP Life Academy families, staff, and students engaged in read alouds, and every child walked away from our giveaway with books of their choice.

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Lab students focused on NJGPA, NJSLA, and AP exams this Spring. Next year, students will have the opportunity to enroll in many new course offerings including African American and LatinX History, dual enrollment courses through Equity Lab, and elective tracks that include STEM, Social Studies, and Computer Science.

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KIPP SEEK ACADEMY KIPP Seek Academy loves reading!

Students wrote stories to share with the Story Pirates, had a “dress like a book character” day, and a day where teachers swapped classrooms to read a story to a different cohort of students.

KIPP TEAM ACADEMY In February, KIPP TEAM Academy celebrated Black History Month by honoring the 5 leaders of our schoolwide house system. We enjoyed closing out the school year with our “Kings Recognize Kings” and “Queens Take Your Crowns” days!

KIPP BOLD ACADEMY At KIPP BOLD Academy, basketball season is in full swing, and the Lady Eagles and BOLD Ballers made their way to the playoffs! In the classroom, the “Lucky BOLD Bonanza” never fails and brought next-level excitement as students tackled the NJSLA.

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KIPP Justice Academy is finishing up our founding year strong! We showed love to our educators during Teacher Appreciation Week, shared our gratitude for our families with our “Muffins with Moms” and “Dad’s Day” events, and demonstrated our value of Growth & Achievement on our first state testing round.

KIPP SPARK ACADEMY KIPP SPARK Academy students put on an amazing virtual Black History show that is still posted on our Facebook page. We are excited about the many events that will bring our families together at the end of the school year!

KIPP THRIVE ACADEMY KIPP THRIVE Academy ramped up their learning engagement this Spring!

We planned exciting events, from honoring Women’s History Month to celebrating Pi Day!

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This Spring at KIPP Lanning Square Primary, teachers competed in “March Madness” where points were gained through relationship-building with kids and teammates. In April, students completed complex projects for Earth Day! As always, we love seeing our community members for Field Day and stepping up ceremonies!

KIPP LANNING SQUARE MIDDLE KIPP Lanning Square Middle continues to cultivate a genuine love of learning! We consistently have homerooms that are filled with pride and on-task behavior, ultimately reflecting students and staff who are fully invested in their work and in their school!

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KIPP Whittier Middle launched our Spring session of extended learning with exciting new additions like African Dance and Self-Care Club. We are keeping FUN at the forefront of our minds to continue to engage our students!

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Recently, KIPP High School launched our School Store where students can purchase everything from snacks to Apple items, using the merit points they earn for exhibiting awesome behaviors consistently. Our Student Council was elected and is planning schoolwide initiatives to infuse student voice throughout our community.

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A Conversation About Our

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FUTURES!

One of our core values at KIPP New Jersey is that our students feel safe, known, loved, and valued as people.

Recently a few of our students dug into that topic by surveying some of their classmates on topics ranging from friendship to future aspirations to values and more. Some of the answers may surprise you!

Raven Glenn Williamson

KIPP NEWARK COM MU NITY PREP, 7 T H G R A D E What do you value in a friend?

In a friend, I value their kindness and how they treat others.

I also appreciate generosity toward everyone—not just how they treat me, but how they treat those around them too.

What is your favorite thing about Newark?

Newark is going through so much renovation right now! I like how it’s getting more modern, and there is so much for everyone to take part in.

Trayanna Caesar

K I PP P U R P OS E ACADE MY, 4T H G RADE What do you value most in a friend?

I have a friend group, and one thing I like about our group is that if I fall down, they can help me out. We also help each other with homework. We’ll do a group call and then stay on the phone to make sure each friend understands the homework.

What’s your favorite class and why?

My favorite teacher is my science teacher, Ms. Stathum.

She’s really kind, she makes learning fun, and we do simulations in her class which I like.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I want to be a teacher to help kids find the best way to learn and make sure they reach their goals.

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Where do you see yourself in the future?

When I grow up, I want to be a meteorologist, computer scientist, or anything that involves technology. I think that could have a big impact in the future. I’m also really into design and drawing.

Neyamiah Jones Williams KIPP JU STIC E ACAD EMY, 5 TH GRAD E

What do you value in a friend?

I value someone who will stick by you and is trustworthy.

I also appreciate someone who shows kindness by telling the truth and being honest with you, even when it’s hard.

What is your favorite thing about Newark?

I like Newark because it’s where I grew up. Plus the people here have style!

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I want to be a lawyer because they help people, and I can also make money at the same time. And I love to dance so I also want to be a dancer on Broadway.

Fatima Kante

KIPP PU RPOS E ACAD EMY, 4TH GRAD E What do you value in a friend?

I value a person who is trustworthy and will pick you up when you fall. I also appreciate someone who shows respect to others. When I have children, I will make sure they are respectful toward everyone.

What is your favorite thing about Newark?

I love how many restaurants there are! I love to eat. I also love that there are beautiful houses in our city, and they’re close to restaurants!

What is your favorite class and why?

I really enjoy history. We learn about what happened in the past, our culture, and the impact it’s had on things today.

Quadir Hawkins

K I P P T HR IV E ACA D E MY, 3RD G RADE What do you value most in a friend?

Friends that like to play and have fun!

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I want to be a singer and a dancer. I love to sing and dance.

Then I would make a lot of money and spend it on my family.

What is your favorite class and why?

My favorite class is PE because we get to work out, the teacher is nice, and we get to play games.

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Family Partnership Spotlight Every day our families in Newark work alongside school staff to help all children reach their potential and aim towards bright futures. We couldn’t be more grateful for their support.

As an organization, we remain committed to ensuring our families have a voice in our schools and a seat at the table where decisions are made.

We spoke to two parents about their experiences at KIPP Newark and how they’re partnering with teachers and leaders to affect change.

Here’s what they had to say.

r e l l i M . s Meet M s. Newton! &M

At KIPP Truth Academy, the "I Am" project allowed students to share their identities and culture with the school community.

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Ms. Miller

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his school year, I enrolled my children Jayce and Nyla at KIPP Truth Academy because I wanted them to join a community that appreciated and celebrated kids for who they are. I wanted my children to feel a sense of pride and belonging when they thought about their school. When that happens, I think the learning follows naturally.

Since we enrolled at Truth, I’ve also felt that same sense of pride and belonging as a parent. Our school leader, Princess Fils-Aime, does a great job of ensuring our voices are heard. At family Town Halls (or “Truth Circles”), she models the power of parent partnership for the children in our community. Our first Town Halls were held during the COVID-19 pandemic and we provided feedback that we wanted more transparency around COVID-19 cases and the school’s plan for addressing challenges. Within a couple of weeks, Ms. Fils-Aime came back to us with a plan for weekly emails with cases reported and other information we needed to keep our children safe.

Schoolwide “Truth Walks” are another great example of how parents are involved in our school community. During these walks, parents have an opportunity to view what’s happening in their child’s classrooms. We saw firsthand how teachers check in on kids’ emotions and watched students speak about how they felt that day. Those feelings were then talked through, instead of the teacher moving on to the next topic.

After the walk, some of us expressed that we’d like to see more representation of our students’ cultures in the hallways.

That’s what started the “I Am” art project where students celebrated their unique cultural heritage through self-portraits in our hallways. It was great to see this come to life—you could see how excited our kids were to share more about their backgrounds. This is also reflected in our classroom learning— I’ve seen firsthand how our teachers educate themselves on their students’ cultures to make sure they feel included in our community.

I’m grateful to have a school leader that brings us her plans and asks for feedback. Since I’ve enrolled my children at Truth, I’ve found a community that shares my belief that educating students is a partnership between families and the school, not a one-way street.

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Ms. Newton PA R ENT, KI PP L I F E ACADE MY & KIPP T E AM ACADE MY

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ike most parents, I was in search of quality education for my children. In fact, I changed my oldest daughters' school six times, because they just weren’t living up to my standards.

I greatly desired my children to be a part of a school community where they would thrive and where parents were considered shareholders within the community.

When we got into KIPP Newark, it was like a breath of fresh air. I have three daughters, a fourth grader at KIPP Life Academy, a seventh grader at KIPP TEAM Academy and a KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy graduate who is now a senior at Centenary College.

As a founding parent at KIPP Life Academy, I’ve watched the school evolve over the years and grow to be even more inclusive of parent voices. I’ve done everything from being a classroom mom to chaperoning most of the field trips. I’m currently the chair of our school’s Family Parent Partnership Squad. I was even included in the selection of our current School Leader, Charlene Dixon, which was a great opportunity to offer my input.

As we navigated the pandemic, the work I’m most proud of has focused on supporting students’, families as well as teachers' social

emotional wellness. When we went virtual, it actually allowed for more opportunities for families to connect with our schools through events such as a bi-weekly “Chat and Chew.” We would convene every other Saturday virtually to share resources and stay abreast of what was happening in the world and virtual classrooms.

It became evident more than ever the need for more social emotional learning. Through KIPP, I had the opportunity to take part in the Abbott Leadership Institute, a social and emotional learning series for parents run by Rutgers University. It was life-changing for which I will be eternally grateful. It made me aware that so few people are taught how to identify and express their emotions healthily, a skill which ultimately leads to making positive life choices. It highlighted how stigmatizing it can be, particularly in Black families, to seek support for mental health issues. Since developing those skills, I’ve worked with Ms. Dixon to identify the need for teachers to receive training to both recognize and respond appropriately to students who need more emotional and mental health support.

Time is definitely a factor in order for us to understand and rebuild after the last couple of years of this pandemic. This is the most opportune time to align with this goal.

Every child deserves a quality and equitable education. It is vital in this current climate that families have a seat and voice at the table regarding their child’s/children's educational experience—which is both edifying and empowering.

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My Journey as a Student-Government Leader

By Genesis Parfait

JUNIOR, KIPP NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY SECRETARY OF INTERIOR, CLASS OF 2023

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first learned about student government in my freshman year at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy. My teacher, Mr. Fleming taught us the history of student government in our country and also what our past leaders at NCA had accomplished. I knew then that I wanted to get more involved as a leader and ran for student government my freshman year, and became a House Representative.

rolling right now with that program, so we requested recommendations for mentors from our NCA House leaders and also circulated sign-up forms with information to upper classes.

It feels good to help students mentor one another. It was eye-opening for me: It shows that you don’t have to be an adult to share your wisdom with younger people. It also allows people with different strengths to thrive, even if you don’t excel academically, you can still bring your strengths and leadership qualities to our school. I was proud that our student government came up with this idea. We’re making our school a better place.

At the same time I was getting involved in student government, the COVID-19 pandemic began and our efforts had to go virtual to help keep students connected. We planned some virtual events that year, but mostly we planned for this year so when we were back in-person, we could have an impact right away.

As a student leader, I want students to feel like their school is a safe place. One of the ways our student government has worked on that is through the Restorative Justice Squad. Student leaders like me came together and identified qualified students who are respected in our community as leaders and if there’s a conflict in the school, they’re willing to help both sides tell their story and also make amends in a way that supports healing.

Angel Singh, a Student Council attorney general and Panther News correspondent, shares his vision statement that will guide his student government work at the school during a recent meeting.

Another idea we’ve brought to life is the Peer Mentorship Program.

This program gives seniors the opportunity to be captains to juniors and sophomores who are paired with first year students who could benefit from the experience and advice of older students. We’re getting the ball

It feels good to help students mentor one another. It was eye-opening for me: It shows that you don’t have to be an adult to share your wisdom with younger people.

I feel confident that my time in student government, and in classrooms at NCA, will help make me a better leader.

My favorite subject that I’ve studied so far has been the Civil War, because it helped me understand how racism was embedded in our country when we rebuilt after the war, which impacted the amount of resources Black people had access to. As a young Black woman, I’ve developed a better understanding of my place in the world through classes with teachers like Mr. Fleming and Mr. O'Garro.

In the future, I want to study biology in college and become a forensic scientist. I aspire to be a leader in my community, whether that’s in a college sorority or during my career.

I know it won’t be easy, but I think my time at NCA has prepared and motivated me to be a leader and think critically about the world around me.

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MENTAL MENTAL MENTAL MENTAL AMENTAL RE F LEC TIO N O N MENTAL MENTAL HEALTH

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by Samauhjj’ White KI PP B OLD ACAD EMY, 8TH GRAD E

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he COVID-19 pandemic has been a tough time for everyone. It was difficult to adjust to a new lifestyle, and society changed a lot. Schools were shut down, people lost their jobs and cities felt like ghost towns.

This also impacted people’s mental health.

Fortunately, the pandemic seems to be slowly ending. I interviewed people about their experiences in the pandemic who offered different opinions and answers about the impact and future of the pandemic. I spoke with KIPP BOLD Academy teacher Justene Miller about how lockdowns during the pandemic made her feel. “I worried about what might happen if myself or my children caught COVID-19,” she said. As a teacher and a mother, she had to be extra careful during that time. Ms. Miller mentioned that KIPP BOLD Academy offered students like us breaks between classes as time to reset mentally and let go of any stress from the previous class.

Sharon Rojas, KIPP BOLD Academy English teacher

My ELA teacher, Sharon Rojas, also told me about her experiences.

“I handled that period of the pandemic by staying home with my family and watching TV to distract myself!” she said. She then told me that having to depend on technology to communicate with her family made her frustrated. “It’s hard to see family and friends through a computer screen when you're used to being able to see them in person,” said Ms. Rojas.

My friend and KIPP BOLD Academy eighth grader, Xyianna Wilder, was also impacted socially by the pandemic. She reported that less face-to-face interaction allowed her to make new friends online and have new experiences she wouldn’t have otherwise had. But getting out less increased her anxiety. “I used to talk a lot and be more outgoing, but now I like to stay in the house and I keep conversation

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to a minimum,” said Xyianna. But virtual learning also helped her focus more on school with fewer distractions.

Catherine Negron teaches students at KIPP Upper Roseville Academy

Many people at my school are supporting students as we return to the classroom.

Nicolette Vielee, another teacher at BOLD who teaches in a self-contained classroom, shared how our school supports students with social-emotional learning. She said, “At the beginning of the school year, all staff were given professional development around incorporating socio-emotional learning into their daily instruction.

BOLD invested in the Second Step socialemotional curriculum so that teachers had access to a research based program for promoting well-being in school.”

According to Ms. Vielee, BOLD also has three social-workers on staff to make sure that all student needs are met.

Ms. Vielee also shared that teachers touch base with students throughout the day to support their mental health.

“First, teachers may do a pulse-check at the beginning of the class period to allow students to check-in with themselves and their teacher to make sure they are in a good head space for learning,” said Ms. Vielee. She added that teachers also provide students with movement breaks.

KIPP BOLD Academy self-contained teacher, Nicolette Vielee KIPP Upper Roseville Academy first grade inclusion teacher, Catherine Negron

It’s important for teachers to give movement breaks to students because we know movement and physical exercise are great ways to metabolize stress and get our bodies and minds ready to learn.

—NICOLETTE V IELEE KIPP Bold Academy Teacher She also says that teachers can use time in homeroom or advisory to teach mini-lessons on a social-emotional skill.

For example, BOLD fifth graders are learning about kindness, and students have the opportunity to shout each other out when they catch an act of kindness.

Catherine Negron, a first grade inclusion teacher at KIPP Upper Roseville Academy, also includes social emotional learning in her classroom. She said, “Students became so used to seeing each other through a screen that they struggled coming back in-person and interacting with each other without the '’'comfort screen.'”

Ms. Negron realized students needed to learn how to turn their energy into productive and positive energy. “I spend my morning meeting time teaching students about community, kindness, respect, honesty, friendship, and so much more. After, we sing our “Morning Meeting Song” that talks about the students being positive with each other throughout the day.” Students at KURA also write in their mindfulness journals about how they feel and listen to music that helps them understand those feelings.

Ms. Negron says, “Many adults assume that children know what kindness and many other life lessons are. But, this is something that needs to be taught, not assumed. This is why it is so important to take the time and teach children how to socialize positively, know their worth, and have them understand that they can make the world a better place- especially coming out of a worldwide pandemic.”

For me, the pandemic has helped me view things differently. Without school every day to see my friends and enjoy learning, I turned to my studies to distract myself.

Now that we are back in person, I’m so grateful to see everyone I care about every day. I never thought I would say this, but not all technology is fun—I prefer learning in-person!

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone’s mental health, and everybody responded in different ways. However, how we responded to the pandemic may help us offer more mental health support to school communities like mine in the future.

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Join Their Journey: A Tale of Two Alumni

Fadloullah Adome KIPP NCA Senior

No matter where their journeys take them, we stand beside our graduates as they go after their goals. We love to shine the spotlight on our alumni—and who better to do just that than our current students who will one day walk in their footsteps?

KIPP Newark Lab High School junior Tassana Dorrah and KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy senior Fadloullah Adome spoke with two alumni pursuing different paths to learn how their time at KIPP influenced them and what it takes to excel after high school. Step inside their conversations!

Jada Lemon KIPP NCA Alumni, current sophomore at Howard University

A CONVERSATION WITH JADA LEMON

by Fadloullah Adome

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veryone’s journey is fraught with challenges­­ —this is a given and a constant. However, it is the way we face those challenges and the people we surround ourselves with that determines how capable we are of overcoming challenges and growing as people. As a senior at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy (NCA), I’ve discovered that it’s the teachers we meet, the friends we surround ourselves with, and a belief in ourselves and our potential that defines our journey.

will go to support students. In the latter stage of her high school journey, Lemon met Mr. McKenzie, the AP Calculus teacher and a 13-year NCA founding veteran teacher. “Whenever he had time, Mr. McKenzie would help tutor us so we better understood the content,” said Lemon. “He helped us all prepare for the AP exams and sometimes even sacrificed a weekend to help us study.”

Lemon added that Mr. McKenzie was easy to speak with, even on casual topics.

Jada Lemon, a KIPP NCA alumna and sophomore at Howard University, agrees with that notion. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Lemon about her experiences at college and with KIPP New Jersey. We discussed the ways great teachers impacted our journeys and the power of learning to advocate for ourselves.

According to Jada, “Learning self-advocacy was imperative to my growth. As a student, I was capable, but sometimes struggled with my confidence, so my teachers, particularly Mark Joseph (AKA MoJo!) at KIPP Rise Academy, went above and beyond to help me regain my confidence in subjects like math. I’ll never forget his kindness.” I agree that self-advocacy is an underrated skill in life. We often don’t have all the skills or resources to complete our tasks, so being able to call upon other people to assist us is imperative.

As a student today in Mr. McKenzie’s AP Calculus BC class, I can personally attest to everything Ms.Lemon mentioned. I believe teachers like Mr. McKenzie can be an anchor for students. They are educators and great mentors—they can also become great friends.

KIPP is full of them. As I concluded my conversation with Lemon, I asked her what advice she has for current high school students.

Her response? “Have faith in your process, it’s completely your own. Don’t compare your timeframe to everyone else’s timeframe.

Everything is unique to you. Everything you do matters. Have faith in yourself.”

As students of NCA, we’ve both experienced how far teachers 16

More than anything, one’s path is solely their own. Our success will always be tied to who we let ourselves be. Fortunately, KIPP employs many great teachers who care for the kids within each building. Having faith and the ability to both rely on others and be of assistance to them is a surefire way to success.

THE PATH TO CAREER, WITH REGGIE HENDERSON

by Tassana Dorrah

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am currently an 11th grade student-athlete at KIPP Newark Lab High School. I enjoy playing basketball and someday, after I wrap up my athletic career, I want to have my own business designing and selling my own clothing and shoe lines. My teachers at Lab, like Ms. Lewis and Ms. McRae, are supportive of my career path and are helping me achieve my goals—even if I don’t choose a college pathway.

Next, we spoke about his training program at Lincoln Tech. Reggie said he liked that it was more hands-on and that he got to complete an internship at T2 Computer. “I’m a visual learner, so I was glad that during COVID-19 we got to mostly continue with in-person learning. Even when we did virtual classes, they still offered me the chance to work one-on-one with their teachers if I needed extra help,” said Reggie.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with a KIPP NCA alumnus, Reginald Henderson (Reggie). I enjoyed talking to Reggie because he’s a role model for the types of steps I should take after high school, like seeking out career programs that will support me reaching my goals.

Reggie also appreciated his time at KIPP NCA and the teachers there. “My acting teacher, Mrs. T (TaNisha Fordham), motivated me to become the person I am today. I used to be shy, but now I’m more social thanks to her influence. The other person is my career counselor, Mr. Mettle. He’s helped me at my lowest points and stood by me to support my career, with everything from coaching me on interview questions to how to go about applying to jobs. He was there every step of the way. Mr. Mettle and Mrs. T were like my school parents!” said Reggie.

I asked Reggie what he learned at KIPP NCA that he applied to life after graduation. He said, “I learned how to make decisions for myself. I believe in the mantra that ‘you are who you are when no one is looking,’ and think you should follow your own path in life that is authentic to you.” He added, “KIPP helped me understand that not everyone wants to follow the same path and that pursuing a career is a valid pathway. Going to KIPP helped mold me into a more independent person that I am today.”

Today, Reggie works for Merck Pharmaceuticals in the eDiscovery department and supports attorneys with data storage needs.

He helps make sure that data is properly stored and records are transferred between computers so he burns data from staff computers onto CD’s for storage.

Tassana Dorrah KIPP Newark Lab High School Junior

KIPP helped me understand that not everyone wants to follow the same path and that pursuing a career is a valid pathway. Going to KIPP helped mold me into a more independent person that I am today.”

— REG G I E H E N DE RSON Reggie Henderson KIPP NCA Alumni

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Newark Family Resources

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Have general COVID-19 questions?

Here are some numbers to know.

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

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

H O USING Eviction Protection & Assistance www.knj.news/NJRentalRelief

South Ward Children’s Alliance

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

Brick Avon Academy 219 Avon Avenue, Newark, NJ 07108 862-236-1333

L EG A L S U P P O RT Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

LGBTQ+ R ESOURCES LGBTQ National Youth Talkline

973-645-1955 www.vljnj.org/get-help

1-800-246-7743

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

www.familyequality.org/neighborhood/

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

Community Food Bank Several locations in Newark www.cfbnj.org 908-355-3663

Mend Hunger Relief Network Several locations in Newark www.mendnj.org 862-250-5216

Family Equality Resource Center MATER NI TY S ERVI CES Family Service Bureau’s New Start Program

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

AD D IC TI ONS & SUBSTA NCE US E S ERVI CES Prevention Links NU-Day Program 732-768-8516

ReachNJ

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

MENTA L HEA LTH S ERV ICE S Family Support Crisis Handbook PerformCare

www.performcarenj.org (24/7): 877-652-7624 State-wide system hotline for children’s psychiatric care. Can provide resources for in home counseling, mobile response, outpatient counseling and behavioral support.

Rutgers UBHC

Dr. Rinku Arora: 973-972-4317 Access Center: 1-800-969-5300 Outpatient services for children ages 4-17 Individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, medication evaluation and monitoring are all offered here.

Family Connections

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

Thriveworks Counseling Newark, NJ 862-243-3264

NJ Hope and Healing

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

UTI LI TY A SS I STA NC E Housing Resource One Pager Utility Rights

www.njcommunityresources.info/ utility_shutoff.html

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Know someone interested in enrolling their child in a KIPP school in Newark?

Tell them to visit kippnj.org today!

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