Family Update

January 31, 2025

Greetings KIPP New Orleans Families,

We hope you enjoyed the magical #SneauxLA! For many of us, seeing snow in New Orleans for the first time was a special moment to share with our families. As we return to school, we’re excited to close out this milestone 20th year stronger than ever and prepare for what’s ahead.

With January coming to a close, we’re excited to welcome Black History Month and all the celebrations that highlight the incredible contributions of Black leaders. February also brings Carnival season, important assessments, and opportunities for our students to shine. Please take a moment to read through the updates below and note key dates.

Exciting Carnival Season

Mardi Gras is just around the corner! Our talented school bands have been working hard to perfect their performances and will be showcasing their skills in parades throughout the season as part of our Krewe of KIPP celebration.

Check out the parade schedule below to see when and where you can cheer on our students:

 

We’d like to thank all the parents chaperoning these events. Your support is critical to ensuring our students have a safe and exciting Carnival experience.

Please note that students will have early dismissal on February 26, 27, and 28 due to parade season.

Upcoming Assessments

February also marks an important time for academic preparation. Assessments help us measure student growth and ensure they’re on track for success.

• Beginning Feb. 10: Exceptional and ELL students will participate in state testing, including the LEAP Connect and ELPT assessment.
• February 24-26: Students in grades 3–12 will take the Mock LEAP assessment to prepare for spring testing.

We encourage all students to give their best effort during these assessments. At KIPP New Orleans, we celebrate every step forward—big or small—because small moments, like giving their all on a test, lead to brighter futures.

Here are three tips to help your student perform their best:

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep – Aim for 8–10 hours of rest before test days.
2. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast – A balanced meal helps fuel focus and energy.
3. Stay Positive and Relaxed – Encourage confidence through positive self-talk and a calm mindset.

Instructional Calendar Updates for Families

Due to Hurricane Francine and the recent winter storm, our schools missed a total of seven instructional days, putting us below Louisiana’s required annual instructional minutes. To make up this time, we have prioritized using early release and PD days rather than reducing days from Mardi Gras or Spring Break. As a result, we are making the following adjustments:

• January 31st – Now a full instructional day for students (previously a PD day).
• February 26th – Early release extended by one hour to maximize instructional time while allowing for a smooth parade schedule. High schools will release at 1:00 PM, and PK-8 schools at 2:00 PM.
• March 28th – Now a full instructional day for students (previously a report card conference day).
• March 10th – End of Year – An additional 10 minutes per day will be added to the instructional schedule.

Assessment & Grading Updates:
To further prioritize instructional time, we have adjusted our assessment schedule:

• The Mock LEAP assessment window is reduced from 5 days to 3 days.
• PK-8 interims will now take place on February 24-26, and high school interims will take place on March 11-13. Make-ups will happen during regular school hours.
• February 27th and 28th will remain early release days for students. 
• In place of report card conferences, we will host an evening LEAP/AP Test Parent Meeting on March 27th.

More details on these adjustments will come from your school leader in the coming weeks. We appreciate your flexibility and partnership as we work to ensure students receive the instructional time they need.

Thank you for being a valued part of the KIPP New Orleans family. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and celebrating all that our students will accomplish this season.

Sincerely,
KIPP New Orleans Schools

Dear KNOS Families,

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible community that makes KNOS so special. Thus far, our 20th year has been one of growth, progress, and joy, and your unwavering support drives the heart of our schools.

We kicked off this month with High School Hype Day, an exciting opportunity for eighth graders to tour Booker T. Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Frederick A. Douglass high schools. Over two days, students explored dynamic programs, clubs, and pathways, including Bard College’s associate degree program. We’re thrilled to see our 8th graders shaping their futures at a KNOS high school!

This week, the state released its annual school performance scores, and we are proud to share some remarkable achievements:

• All of our schools maintained their current letter grades, with most improving their scores.
• Frederick A. Douglass High School grew an impressive 6 points, solidifying its academic excellence.

Our student athletes continue to excel on and off the field:

• Frederick A. Douglass: Both football and volleyball teams advanced to the playoffs.
• John F. Kennedy: Clinched its third consecutive district football title.
• Booker T. Washington: Advanced to the football quarterfinals for the first time in years.

Lastly, don’t miss the chance to catch John F. Kennedy High School represent KNOS in the Bayou Classic Parade on Thanksgiving Day. Cheer on JFK’s band and auxiliary units in this cherished tradition!

As we celebrate 20 years of KNOS this Thanksgiving, let’s take pride in our shared legacy and the bright future ahead. Thank you for your partnership and dedication to our students.

With gratitude,
Rhonda

Enrollment for New Students – Help Us Welcome New Families!

Main round applications for student enrollment opened on November 4! We’re excited to keep growing our community and invite more families to be part of KNOS. If you know families who would benefit from our supportive, challenging, and inspiring schools, please encourage them to apply HERE.

Join Our Team – Your Referrals Make a Difference

We’re always looking for amazing teachers and staff who share our passion for making a difference. If you know anyone who might be interested, consider referring them to join KNOS. Referrals from families mean a lot to us, and every successful hire through your referral will earn YOU a $500 bonus. Refer a friend HERE.

Thanksgiving Break Reminder

As a reminder, Thanksgiving break will be from November 25 to 29. We hope this time brings your family rest, warmth, and joy. When we come back, we’ll be ready to continue making strides together toward a bright future for all our students.

Thank you for everything you bring to our schools. We wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warmly,
KIPP New Orleans Schools

• Letter to BTW Families (1)
• School Closure Update 2025
• School Closure Update 2025 (SPANISH )

Dear KNOS Families,

With Halloween excitement in the air and our schools alive with the joy of today’s festivities, we want to thank you for sharing in the fun and creativity that make days like this so special.

As we close out October, we’re reminded not just of the costumes and celebrations, but of the collective journey we’ve shared over the past two decades. Together, we haven’t just built schools—we’ve built a community of possibility. This 20th year marks a celebration of shared stories, milestones, and futures that we’re creating together for every child who walks through our doors.

The New Website Is Live!

In celebration of our 20th year, we’ve launched a new website that captures the heart and promise of KIPP New Orleans Schools. This platform offers easy access to resources, important updates, and a glimpse into the opportunities we provide our students. Whether you’re exploring career pathways, seeking enrollment information, or staying up-to-date with school events, our new site is your hub for everything KNOS. We invite you to explore the website and discover all the ways we’re working to support our community.

Main Round Enrollment Begins November 4th

KIPP New Orleans Schools is more than a place of learning—it’s where dreams grow and futures are shaped. Beginning November 4th, we invite new families to join our community as Main Round Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year begins. Our new website is ready to help you explore everything KNOS has to offer, from our exceptional academic programs to our diverse extracurricular activities. Encourage families to check it out and see how they can become part of something special.

Safety Matters—Online and Offline

Throughout our 20 years of growth, the safety and well-being of our students have remained our highest priority. As the digital world evolves, so do the challenges, particularly on social media. Recent events have underscored the importance of staying vigilant about online interactions. We take any threats seriously and have strong protocols in place to ensure the safety of our school community.

To help keep our students safe, here are some important tips:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your children to talk openly about their online experiences. Let them know they can come to you if they encounter anything unsettling.
2. Monitor Online Activity: Stay informed about the social media platforms and apps your children are using. Set boundaries and guidelines for their online engagement.
3. Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on devices and platforms to protect personal information.
4. Report Concerns: If you or your child become aware of any threats or concerning behavior online, please report it immediately to school officials or local authorities.
5. Educate About Responsible Use: Discuss the importance of respectful and responsible online behavior, including the potential consequences of sharing harmful content.

By working together, we can ensure a safe environment for all our students, both online and offline.

A Future We Shape Together – Vote on November 5th!

Our commitment to shaping a brighter future for New Orleans extends beyond our classrooms—it’s a responsibility we share as a community. With Election Day on November 5th, we encourage everyone to take action by casting your vote.

We are especially proud of our students who have recently registered and cast their first votes. Their enthusiasm and engagement exemplify the values we strive to instill—civic responsibility and active participation in our democracy. Let’s join them in making our voices heard at the polls and continue to build a community where every vote counts.

Be Heard: Join the Parent Advisory Board

As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, we know that parent voices have been central to our success. The Parent Advisory Board is an exclusive group offering a direct platform for selected parents to partner with us in shaping the next era of KIPP New Orleans Schools. Through this board, members share valuable insights and ideas to make a meaningful difference in our community..If you are interested in participating in the Parent Advisory Board, please complete the brief application linked HERE.

A Celebration of Growth: Report Card Conferences

This month’s report card conferences were a clear reminder of your dedication as parents. From PreK to high school, these one-on-one conversations are critical in supporting each child’s academic journey. It’s moments like these that build a strong foundation for their future success and showcase the strength of our KIPP community. Thank you for attending. If you did not get to attend but wish to speak to your child’s teachers about their academic progress, please reach out directly to the school to schedule a conversation.

Homecoming: A Tradition of Pride and Unity

Homecoming this year was more than just a celebration—it was a reflection of the pride, perseverance, and spirit that have defined us over the years. Our high schools and middle schools hosted events filled with energy and tradition. From spirited parades to the crowning of our Homecoming courts, each moment was a powerful reminder that we are more than schools—we are a family rooted in tradition and celebrating our achievements.

We’re especially grateful to the Frederick A. Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and John F. Kennedy alumni associations for their presence and support, helping make these events unforgettable.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate how far we’ve come, we remain focused on what lies ahead. This 20-year anniversary is not just about looking back, it’s about recognizing that the journey continues. Thank you for your partnership and unwavering belief in what our schools can accomplish. Together, we’re building a future filled with promise.

Warmly,
KIPP New Orleans Schools