Welcome back KIPPsters! Start the 2024-25 school year off strong—click here for important back-to-school information.
Welcome back KIPPsters! Start the 2024-25 school year off strong—click here for important back-to-school information.
Advancing Multilingual Excellence: KIPP Chicago’s Achievement with the CPS Seal of Biliteracy Pathway Award
We are excited to share a significant milestone for our language programs at KIPP Chicago. Building on the success of the District’s State Seal of Biliteracy program, the Chicago Public Schools Office of Language and Cultural Education (OLCE) has introduced the CPS Seal of Biliteracy Pathway Award. This new accolade recognizes 5th and 8th-grade students who are making notable progress towards earning the State Seal of Biliteracy through their enrollment in Bilingual, Dual, and/or World Language programs.
Last year, KIPP One participated in the program, and with the growth of our multilingual learner (ML) program, we are thrilled to announce that all KIPP Middle Schools were able to join the initiative this year. The program includes a rigorous assessment of students’ language skills in their native language across four domains: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
We are proud to report that several of our students have earned their 5th and 8th-grade medals. These students will have the opportunity to retake the test in high school to further showcase their language proficiency. We celebrated these achievements as a unified KIPP Chicago community in May.
A special thank you to our ML team for their exceptional work as coordinators of this program. Their dedication has been crucial in expanding this opportunity for our students and supporting their continued success.
Resources
Maya Clark on Celebrating her KIPP Journey: A Commitment to Growth, Community, and Empowerment
Reflecting on my journey with KIPP, what excites me most is the unwavering sense of community and the profound impact that my time here has had on both my personal and professional growth. My experience as a KIPPster since 2008 has shaped who I am today. The core values of Grit, Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Joy that were instilled in me during my formative years have become integral to my life and career. The teachers who guided me—Rebecca Cowell, Jayson Franklin, and others—were more than educators; they were role models who exemplified these values in every interaction.
Rebecca Cowell, for example, made every lesson an adventure, infusing her science classes with a sense of joy and wonder that made learning feel magical. Jayson Franklin helped me develop critical thinking skills and taught me the importance of perseverance. Their influence extended beyond academics, shaping my mindset and fueling my passion for education. They were my mentors, and their impact was profound. They were like family, providing support, encouragement, and the occasional tough love. This is why KIPP feels like home to me—it embodies the essence of family and community that I experienced as a student.
My commitment to KIPP as my professional home is deeply rooted in this experience. The values and support I received as a student have inspired me to give back and ensure that every child who crosses my path has a similar opportunity for growth and success. I am driven by the desire to create a space where students can be vocal, confident, and themselves. I want them to experience the same dedication and encouragement that I did, and to know that they have the potential to surpass even my achievements.
Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, I am incredibly excited about the opportunities for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact. I am eager to see my students develop both academically and socially, gaining independence, confidence, and the skills to navigate conflicts. I am committed to helping them become vocal advocates for themselves and others, and to foster a positive and inclusive environment where they feel empowered to thrive.
This past year, participating in the KIPP School Summit was a bright spot. Connecting with educators from across the country was both heartwarming and inspiring. Sharing ideas and strategies with the science teams and learning about different teaching methods enriched my perspective. I was particularly honored to be part of the panel with Dr. Mahalia Hines for her book “Tomorrow’s Children.” Being involved in the Think Tank/Book Village allowed me to contribute to the development of lessons and activities focused on kindness and giving. I created a lesson with activities such as the kindness jar and kindness calendar to help teachers and parents promote acts of kindness. The discussions during the panel emphasized the importance of being intentional in our teaching and modeling the behavior we wish to see in our students.
Additionally, this summer I worked with the North Lawndale College Prep Peace Warriors, hosting restorative justice and nonviolence training. I am also excited about the prospect of bringing Mini Peace Warriors to KIPP Academy Chicago. This initiative will provide students with opportunities to become peer leaders, jurors, and facilitators of peace circles, promoting a culture of kindness, joy, and respect within our school community.
In summary, what excites me most about my time at KIPP is the chance to continue growing, making a positive impact, and being part of a community that truly feels like family. My experiences have deepened my commitment to KIPP, and I am enthusiastic about the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
“Like Me” a KIPP Academy Chicago Primary Production
Principal Lee of KIPP Academy Chicago Primary has a long history of using his creativity to inspire and motivate students and staff alike. His journey began over 20 years ago when he was a gospel rapper in high school. Back then, he would take the most popular rap songs and rewrite them with his own meaningful lyrics. “When I became a teacher, I wanted to be as relevant to my students as possible because I knew what it felt like to be in their shoes. This was my way of making school more fun and engaging,” he recalls. His unique approach not only made learning more enjoyable but also helped him connect with his students on a deeper level.
Now, as the principal of KIPP Academy Chicago Primary, Principal Lee continues to weave his love for music and creativity into the fabric of the school’s culture. Every year, he creates a school anthem that encapsulates the successes and milestones of the year, turning it into a celebration that everyone can take part in. These anthems have become a beloved tradition at KIPP Academy, serving as a source of pride and unity for students, teachers, and the entire school community.
This year is particularly special for Principal Lee as he recently graduated his founding class of fourth graders—a significant milestone in his journey as a school leader. To mark this occasion, he composed a new anthem titled “Like Me,” which features his fantastic leadership team. The song not only highlights the collective achievements of the school year but also embodies the values of perseverance, community, and self-belief that Principal Lee has worked tirelessly to instill in his students.
Through his creativity and dedication, Principal Lee has created an environment where students feel seen, heard, and celebrated. His anthems are more than just songs; they are powerful reminders of the joy, growth, and success that define the KIPP Academy Chicago Primary experience. As the school looks forward to the future, KACP’s innovative spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift the KIPP community.