The Whole Child Review Issue No. 14, October 2024

Increasing Family and Community Partnerships

KIPP Chicago’s 20th Anniversary Dinner 

We gathered over the summer for KIPP Next to celebrate our 20th anniversary, marking two decades of exceptional growth and innovation.

Reflecting on our journey, Board President Ben Chereskin shared:

“The attribute that has contributed the most to our distinguished performance has been our immense creativity. Innovation is in the DNA of KIPP Chicago. Throughout our brief history, we have developed, scaled, and mastered novel and effective solutions that have not only impacted our performance but have also set new standards in education.”

Ben’s words capture the essence of our evolution from humble beginnings to a leading educational network. Over the past 20 years, our commitment to excellence has fueled the creation of a network renowned for rigorous academics and innovative programs, including the Whole Child Initiative. This forward-thinking approach remains at the core of our mission as we look to the future.

One of the evening’s highlights was a remarkable student performance featuring scenes from our theatrical adaptation of Darryl “DMC” McDaniels’ Darryl’s Dream. The performance showcased the incredible talent of our students and underscored our dedication to the arts, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

We also honored our Heart of Gold recipients—dedicated members of the KIPP family who have been with us for 10 years or more. Their steadfast commitment and relentless efforts have been vital to our success over the past two decades. The Heart of Gold award was our way of expressing deep gratitude for their contributions and celebrating the milestones we’ve reached together.

Heart of Gold Award 

The Heart of Gold Award is a special recognition given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to KIPP Chicago through their unwavering dedication and exceptional service. This award honors those who have played a crucial role in our success story, showing resilience and commitment over the years, often spanning a decade or more.

Recipients of the Heart of Gold Award have demonstrated a profound impact on our students and communities, especially during challenging times. Their contributions are evident in their compassionate responses during crises, such as the darkest days of the pandemic and community tragedies. They have shown remarkable support by attending funerals, leading fundraising efforts, and offering heartfelt care to grieving families.

The award celebrates those who prioritize the needs of our students above their own, setting a powerful example of selflessness and dedication. Their efforts have created an environment where students can exceed expectations and achieve their full potential. Through their commitment, they have significantly contributed to KIPP Chicago’s mission of transforming lives and driving forward our educational goals.

We asked our Heart of Gold recipients what has inspired them to remain with KIPP for over a decade, what aspects of their journey they have found most rewarding, and what they’re excited about as they continue to grow and make contributions to our community.

Antanvis Spells, 18 years

 

What drives me to stay committed to the work at KIPP, beyond the unwavering dedication of our leaders to provide our students with the education they deserve, is the opportunity to be a role model for OUR kids. I strive to be the educator who remains steadfast, even when challenges arise, demonstrating the resilience I hope to inspire in students, teachers, and leaders alike. To create meaningful impact, I believe consistency is key—consistency in our schools, in our mission, and in the communities we serve. After 17 years, my motivation and impact continue to grow, fueled by this consistency.

I’m eager to continue my own learning journey while helping others develop into the individuals they aspire to be for our students.

Pete Gooden, 15 years

    

Karena graduated from KIPP Ascend Middle School in 2011 and then graduated from Foreman High School in 2015. She enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University in Fall 2015 and graduated with a BA in Psychology in May 2019.  Karena then went on to graduate school and obtained her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Illinois-Chicago in May 2021. She has 3 brothers and 1 sister who also attended KAMS and graduated from KAMS.

What I love most about being an educator is the relationships I’ve made in nearly two decades of doing this work.  I have been able to collaborate with so many educators here in Chicago and across the country, which has allowed me to accumulate skills, knowledge, and resources that have helped me as an educator and a parent.  I now call many of them friends & family. We have seen many joys, heartbreak, and love through all these years

My relationships with young people have always motivated me to continue this work. These relationships generally start off as teacher/student or advisor/advisee, and have now evolved into friends and peers.  I’ve had the unique experience of working with older teenagers and watching their transition to adulthood.  I now get to learn about their diverse journeys. They are running businesses, advancing in their careers, earning degrees, growing families, traveling, and making investments, while continuing to unapologetically represent the West & South Sides of Chicago. I have such gratitude for these relationships because they inspire me and give me hope for a future filled with joy and love. 

Celebrating the Success of Our Continuing Education Graduates in Partnership with Penn Foster

We’re thrilled to share the continued success of our adult education program in partnership with Penn Foster. Prior to closing out the school year , we joyfully celebrated our third cohort of KIPP parents who earned their high school diplomas at the University of Illinois Chicago campus. The day was filled with vibrant energy, live entertainment by KIPP Alum Windy Indie, delicious food, and heartfelt support from friends and family. Our celebration, coinciding with UIC’s graduation, truly honored our grads, giving them a sense of pride and inspiration for their future. Members from the University of Illinois also provided valuable insights into future opportunities.

This program, featuring Penn Foster’s High School Diploma and English Language Training, supports up to five adult learners per cohort across our K-8 campuses. It’s designed to uplift parents and close relatives of KIPP students, as well as KIPP K-8 alumni, helping them achieve their educational dreams.

One inspiring example is Marlene Roldan, who achieved her diploma before her daughter’s middle school graduation. Marlene’s advice to others is to stay focused and take planned breaks to avoid burnout. She credits her success to the unwavering support from her children and her Penn Foster Facilitator, highlighting the power of a strong support system.

We are so proud of Crystal Allen, Ana Brito, Kaylie Bartlett, Erika Wright, Marguarita Knox, and Dena Morgan. Learn more about our graduates and their inspiring journeys below: 

One Sight Vision Clinic Brings Clear Vision and Community Support to KIPP Academy Chicago

One Sight provided free vision screenings and glasses to 159 students, staff, families, and community members from KIPP Academy Chicago and KIPP Academy Chicago Primary, exceeding our goal of 120. This event was held in conjunction with KAC and KACP’s Back to School Bash, where families had the opportunity to prepare for the new school year, receive a free box of produce from the Austin Food Pantry, and engage with our newest literacy partner, Burst Into Books, among various other vendors, food options, and fun games. 

The clinic was a great success, with 100 pairs of glasses made on-site and a need rate of approximately 92.99%. This achievement was made possible thanks to the hard work of KAC and KACP’s School Leaders—Jasmine Chase, Carl Schneider, and Ana Gonzalez—who played crucial roles in organizing logistics, recruitment, and appointments, and in coordinating with One Sight, parents, and other stakeholders. Jasmine Chase was recognized with the Community Partner Award from One Sight for her outstanding contributions.

This clinic marks KIPP Chicago’s fourth year partnering with One Sight and our fifth clinic overall. We are immensely grateful for One Sight’s ongoing investment in our community and the vital vision care they provide. It was a joy to see three generations of families receive the vision care they needed, which not only removed barriers to access but also underscored our commitment to being a true community partner. 

Greater Chatham Initiative: Empowering KIPP Bloom Students Through SEL and Community Support

The Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI) has been a vital partner to KIPP Bloom, particularly throughout the 2022-23 school year. Serving Chicago’s South Side communities, including Chatham, Avalon Park, Auburn-Gresham, Greater Grand Crossing, and Englewood, GCI is dedicated to fostering economic growth, neighborhood vitality, and providing transformative opportunities for youth of color. Through their various programs, they work with schools across the city to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) and community health.

At KIPP Bloom, students have greatly benefited from GCI’s offerings. In 2022, ten 5th-grade students participated in an SEL group led by Ms. Brenda Boyd, where they explored grief management and community-building. Last year, ten 7th-grade boys joined a boxing class with Mr. Anthony, which integrated stress management and relationship-building into physical activity. The program’s success has led GCI to extend its offerings for the 2024-25 school year. This year, select students will engage in a small group learning the eight tenets of SEL—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—alongside grief management support. Additionally, students identified through DESSA data as benefiting from tier 3 SEL interventions will receive one-on-one counseling from a GCI professional.

GCI’s contributions have extended beyond the classroom, enriching KIPP Bloom students’ experiences through more than ten free field trips. One of the most memorable was a visit to the Black Ensemble Theater, where many students experienced live theater for the first time.

As GCI continues to foster joy, growth, and opportunity at KIPP Bloom, we look forward to expanding our partnership and deepening the impact on our students’ lives.

Championing Charter School Students in Washington, D.C.

The KIPP Foundation recently hosted Spring Hill Day in Washington, DC, bringing together representatives from KIPP regions nationwide and charter networks such as the Noble Network of Charter Schools. The event focused on advocating for vital issues impacting charter students and families, including Charter School Program (CSP) funding, Title funding, mental health supports, and violence prevention. KIPP Chicago was proudly represented by Board Member Maria Anderson and VP of Finance & Operations Michael Salmonowicz. Alongside other Chicago and Illinois leaders, they met with U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis and staff members from the offices of U.S. Representative Bill Foster, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, and U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin. Additionally, they engaged with violence prevention advocates, including the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. We are proud to have had the opportunity to represent our students, families, and communities at this important event!