It has been so good to be in schools over the past few weeks. One of the great pleasures of my life is getting to watch young people experiencing the joy and beauty this world has to offer. The smiles, the determined faces, and the infectious laughter are the fuel that so many of us had been missing over the past 18 months. I am happy to say that my heart is full with that fuel as I watch all of the remarkable people that make up KIPP NYC, across all 18 of our schools with 7,000 KIPP NYC students. We are winning the day - the cumulative balance is landing on the side of joy and achievement - just consider these examples: 

College Prep High School Prep Rally 

Before our homecoming game on October 16th, I sat in a socially distanced gymnasium with 200 seniors, the school band, the dance, and cheer squads as I took part in a pep rally for the ages. The event kicked off with our fall sports teams running into the gym in a smoke-machine-filled haze and that moment was soon followed by energizing performances from our dance and cheer teams who were finally back in front of enthusiastic crowds. Then it was time for the homecoming court which was won, through a student vote, by two kings who embraced at center court to the delight of an incredibly supportive student body. It was a moment that reminded me how much our young people have to teach us about love and acceptance. 

Continuing to Honor Students’ Cultural Diversity

While the calendar says that Latinx Heritage Month runs until October 15th, we know that our students' heritages should be acknowledged and celebrated all year round. Last Thursday night KIPP Infinity Middle showcased the diversity of their students’ heritages with an online stream of their Latinx Cultural Show. The show served as yet another example of our commitment to provide all of our students the opportunity to bring their families’ values and traditions into our classrooms, hallways, and performance spaces. Here’s a look at KIPP Inquire Elementary and KIPP Infinity Elementary getting into the spirit and celebration!

Fostering New Skills and Interests

More than ever in our 26-year history, we are giving students the chance to engage in enrichment activities, from dance and visual arts to media production and athletics. On Wednesday at KIPP Freedom Middle, students spent the morning painting, dancing, strength training, making music, and producing podcasts. This kind of deep learning happens when our teachers share their personal passions with our students and provide them a space to test out their own understanding. We continue to encourage curiosity and enable skill-building where students become active participants rather than passive recipients of knowledge.
 

Thank you for your energy and partnership as we foster joy and health across our entire region. Have a great week!

Clear eyes, full hearts, win the day,

Jim