Family Update

October 2026 Update

Dear KIPP New Orleans Families,

We’ve made it through our first quarter of the school year, and there is so much to celebrate!

Across KIPP New Orleans Schools, our students have been learning, growing, building relationships, competing on the field and court, and showing us what is possible when they come to school ready to learn each day.

As we head into Quarter 2, our focus remains simple: excellent teaching, strong attendance, and making sure every KIPPster has the support they need to thrive.

Before we look ahead, here are a few highlights from September—and some important dates for your family to know.

Proud of Our First Quarter Progress!

Our KIPPsters have been working hard, and we’re proud of what our first-quarter academic data is showing! Across our schools, students are building important skills, growing as learners, and making progress toward our academic goals.

We’ve just completed our first set of quarterly interims, giving us valuable insight into our progress. I’m excited to share a few highlights:

• Improvement on Interim Assessment #1 (IA1): All schools improved their overall IA1 Mastery+ percentages, compared to last year.
• K–2 Literacy: The percent of students reading at Benchmark at our Mid-Fall Benchmark is up 12 points from last year!
• Tracking to +10 Goal: KIPP East Social Studies, KIPP Leadership Math, KIPP Leadership Social Studies, JFK Math, and JFK History improved more than ten points schoolwide on the first

These results give us plenty to celebrate—and important information to help us keep pushing forward in Quarter 2. Thank you to our students for their hard work, our teachers and school teams for their commitment, and our families for continuing to support learning at home.

We’re proud of the start, and we’re excited about where our KIPPsters are headed next!

Showing Up Matters: Celebrating Great Attendance!

September was Attendance Awareness Month, but showing up matters all year long!

Throughout the month, we recognized homerooms achieving 95% ADA or higher. ADA stands for Average Daily Attendance and tells us the percentage of students who are at school each day.

Congratulations to our Regional Attendance Challenge winners:

• Ms. Erinique Little — KIPP Morial
• Ms. Lagarde — KIPP Central City
• Ms. Butler — John F. Kennedy High School
• Ms. Bentley – KIPP Leadership

Each winning homeroom earned a class celebration!

Thank you to our students, families, teachers, and school teams for making attendance a priority. Every day in school is another opportunity to learn and grow.

Our goal: 3 or less absences = success!

Building Strong Readers Starts Early

Our youngest KIPPsters are building reading skills that will serve them for years to come. From learning new sounds and words to talking about characters, ideas, and stories, every day of reading makes a difference.

Families can help at home, too! Try spending 15–20 minutes reading together each evening and asking simple questions like:

“What happened in the story?”
“What was your favorite part?”
“What do you think will happen next?”

A few minutes of reading and conversation each day can help build vocabulary, comprehension, and a lifelong love of reading. Kinder – 2nd grade parents can click here to see what their students are learning!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Across KNOS, students have been celebrating the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Hispanic Heritage Month continues through October 15, and we look forward to sharing more of the learning and celebrations happening across our campuses.

Check out one of JFK’s celebrations in action here!

Fall Sports Are in Full Swing!

Our student-athletes have been busy this fall!

From football under the lights to volleyball on the court, our KIPPsters are representing their schools with pride. We love seeing our families, teammates, and alumni in the stands cheering them on.

Come out and support our student-athletes!

Family Look Ahead

Parent-Teacher Conferences | October 23

Save the date! Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Friday, October 23.

This is an important opportunity to celebrate your KIPPster’s progress, connect with their teachers, and talk about how we can work together for a strong Quarter 2.

Individual conference schedules and details will be shared directly by your child’s school.

8th Grade Families: High School Is Around the Corner!

High school will be here before we know it!

This fall, our 8th-grade students and families will have opportunities to explore our KIPP New Orleans high schools and learn about academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and the experiences waiting for them in high school.
Stay tuned—more information is coming for our 8th-grade families!

Make Your Voting Plan

Early voting for the upcoming election is scheduled for October 20–27, with Election Day on November 3.

Families can find official information about registration, voting locations, sample ballots, and election details through Louisiana’s Geaux Vote resources.

Visit Geaux Vote

Let’s Make Quarter 2 Count!

Quarter 1 gave us so much to build on. Now, let’s keep the momentum going.

Come to school. Read together. Ask about their day. Celebrate their progress. Stay connected with their teachers.

The little things we do consistently can make a big difference for our KIPPsters.

With appreciation,
KIPP New Orleans Schools

September 2026

Dear KIPP Families,

What a great start to the 2026–27 school year!

We have so much to celebrate, and we’re just getting started!

Starting Strong & Building on Our Momentum

Throughout August, our KIPPsters have been building strong classroom routines, setting academic goals, and showing us what they’re ready to accomplish this year.
And we’re building on strong momentum. Last year, our students made incredible academic gains:

• Our Kindergarten and 1st Grade students outperformed city, state, and national rates in reading growth and grade-level performance.
• Across our schools, KIPP students improved more than three times the state average in LEAP Mastery+.
• 4 in 10 graduates earned an associate degree or career credentials to help accelerate their success after high school.

Now, our teachers are using beginning-of-year data to understand each student’s strengths, set goals, and provide the support and challenge they need to keep growing.

We’re excited to see what our KIPPsters accomplish next!

Keep the Learning Going at Home

A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Ask about learning: Try “What did you learn today?” or “What are you proud of?”
• Check assignments: Help students build routines for completing and keeping track of their work.
• Make time for reading: Read together or encourage independent reading each day.
• Keep books accessible: Visit your local library or a neighborhood Little Free Library for free books.
• Celebrate growth: Recognize effort, improvement, and persistence—not just grades.

Small, consistent check-ins at home help reinforce th at learning matters. Stay curious, ask questions, and celebrate your child’s progress along the way.

Know a Family Looking for a Great School?

Open enrollment ends this Friday, September 4! If you know a family still looking for a great school for their child, help us welcome them to KIPP New Orleans!

Complete our Family Referral Form to connect them with our enrollment team. We’ll reach out directly to answer questions, share available school options, and help their family enroll.

Plus, your referral could earn you a new 32-inch TV! Families who refer a student who enrolls at KIPP New Orleans and comes to school will be entered into our referral raffle.

📺 Winners will be drawn Thursday, September 10!

Complete the Family Referral Form

Help another family discover KIPP—and you could win, too!

Attendance Matters: 3 or Less = Success!

We want our KIPPsters present, learning, and growing every day. We ended August with close to 90% attendance across KIPP New Orleans, and we’re working toward our goal of 93% or higher.

A special shout-out to KIPP Morial at 91% and John F. Kennedy High School at 93% for leading the way!

At 93% attendance, students are present for 93% of the instruction, learning, and opportunities happening at school. That time matters—especially as students build critical reading and math skills throughout the year.

Our goal is 3 or Less = Success: no more than 1 absence each month and no more than 3 each quarter. And remember, chronic absenteeism includes both excused and unexcused absences.

Every day present is another day of learning—and another step toward a future of Unlimited Opportunities.

If something is making attendance difficult, please reach out. We’re here to help.

So Much Joy, Pride & Personality

Our KIPPsters have already given us plenty to celebrate! From our youngest learners to athletics, bands, auxiliaries, clubs, and extracurriculars, our schools are full of energy and pride.

And yes—we’ve seen those customized BTW and JFK uniforms! We love seeing our students express their personality and elevate school pride from the moment they walk through the door.

Our very own JFK student Anir Carter was recently featured by NOLA.com showing off her customized uniform and the confidence behind her look. Check out Anir’s feature here!

We want our schools to be places where students learn at high levels, feel like they belong, and experience joy along the way.

Fall Sports Are Here!

Football and volleyball seasons are underway, and our Booker T. Washington Lions and John F. Kennedy Cougars are ready for an exciting fall!

Come out and support our student-athletes, bands, auxiliaries, cheerleaders, and school communities as they represent KIPP with pride on the field and on the court. And be sure to mark your calendars for two of the biggest celebrations of football season:

BTW Homecoming — Friday, October 9
Booker T. Washington vs. Bogalusa | 7:30 PM | Pan American Stadium

JFK Homecoming — Thursday, October 22
John F. Kennedy vs. McMain | 7:00 PM | Tad Gormley Stadium

Click here to save the football and volleyball schedules! Wear your school colors and come cheer on our KIPPsters all season long!

Let’s go, Lions & Cougars!

Mark Your Calendar

• September 7 — Labor Day: No school
• September 8 — Professional Development: No school for students
• September 9 — Students return
• September 15 — Hispanic Heritage Month begins
• September 23 — Early dismissal: High School at 12:30 PM | Pre-K–8 at 1:30 PM
• September 30 — End of Quarter 1

Remember: September 23 is still an important learning day. We want every KIPPster in school!

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

KIPP Families, thank you for an incredible first month.

Keep showing up. Keep staying connected. Keep celebrating the wins—and please reach out when you need us.

We are grateful to have your family as part of ours and can’t wait to see all that our KIPPsters accomplish this year.

With gratitude,
Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise
Chief Executive Officer
KIPP New Orleans Schools

August 2026 Updates

Dear KIPP Families,
Whether your child is returning to KIPP New Orleans or joining us for the first time, we’re so glad you’re here.

At KIPP New Orleans Schools, we believe every interaction matters. From the moment you walk through our doors, call our front office, or attend a school event, we want you to feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Strong schools are built on strong relationships, and we’re grateful to partner with you in helping every child thrive.

That partnership made an incredible difference last year. Together, our students, educators, and families celebrated remarkable achievements:

• For our youngest learners, we are proud to be the best place for your children to learn to read.  Kindergarten and 1st Grade students beat city, state, and national rates for both growth and grade level reading performance.  
• On the LEAP test, KIPP New Orleans students, across all schools, improved more than three times the state average for Mastery+. 
• Our high schools are preparing students for college and career success.  4 in 10 graduates from the class of 2026 graduated with credentials to accelerate success in college and careers, either Associate Degree, Advanced Career Credential, and Basic Bundle of Career Credentials.   

Your children are in schools that help students grow academically, develop habits that support life-long success, and lead the city in performance.  Our work this year to support your children is a team effort.  Thank you for trusting us with your child and for being an essential part of our KIPP community. We look forward to another year of Unlimited Opportunities for every KIPPster.

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Day 1 of School: Key Dates

• Pre-K & Kindergarten Welcome Days: August 3 or August 4 (approximately one hour; required)
• First Full Day for Pre-K & Kindergarten: August 5
• First Day for Grades 1–12

 

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Back-to-School Reminders

Help your child start the year ready for success!

School Supply Lists

Looking for your child’s school supply list?

Visit your school’s official social media pages and monitor your email for the most up-to-date school supply lists, back-to-school reminders, and important announcements. 

Click the name of your child’s school below to access the school’s Instagram page.

• KIPP NEW ORLEANS
• KIPP BELIEVE
• KIPP LEADERSHIP
• KIPP MORIAL
• KIPP EAST
• KIPP CENTRAL CITY
• BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
• JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL

Mesh Backpacks Required

To help maintain safe learning environments across our campuses, all students are required to use a clear backpack.

Transportation

Please review your child’s transportation plan before the first day of school and contact your school if you have questions about bus routes or arrival and dismissal procedures. Click here for school bus routes that can be found at the bottom of the linked page.

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Every Day Matters

Last year, our students accomplished incredible things—from earning Top 10 recognition to making academic gains that outpaced the state. One thing we know is that attendance matters. During the 25-26 school year, students who missed less than 3 days a quarter met their reading growth goals at nearly twice the rate as students who were chronically absent.

Together, KIPP New Orleans families helped improve student attendance across our network. Schools that made some of the greatest strides in reducing chronic absenteeism also celebrated some of our strongest academic gains:

• KIPP Central City reduced chronic absenteeism by 11 percentage points while becoming the highest growth open enrollment K-8 in Central City
• KIPP East reduced chronic absenteeism by 9 percentage points and earned Top 10 recognition for academic growth 
• KIPP Morial reduced chronic absenteeism by 7 percentage points and earned Top 10 recognition for academic growth and achievement

3 or Less = Success

Daily attendance is foundational to student success. Our goal is simple:

• Miss no more than one day each month.

• Miss no more than three days each quarter.

Together, let’s make this our strongest year yet—because at KIPP New Orleans, 3 or Less = Success!

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Refer a Family to Join KIPP

Know a family looking for an excellent public school?

There’s still time to become a KIPPster!

Limited seats remain for:

• Pre-K through 8th Grade at select KIPP New Orleans schools
• 9th Grade at Booker T. Washington High School

If you have friends, neighbors, or family members looking for a school where students are known, loved, challenged, and prepared for success, encourage them to apply today.

Apply today: www.enrollnolaps.com

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Stay Connected

Stay connected throughout the school year!

Follow KIPP New Orleans for important updates, student celebrations, event reminders, and school news. Be sure to check your email and text messages regularly so you never miss an important announcement.

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Thank you for choosing KIPP New Orleans Schools.

We’re honored to partner with your family and can’t wait to welcome our students back for another incredible year.

With gratitude,

Rhonda Kalifey-Aluise

May 2026 Updates

May 22, 2026

Dear KNOS Families,

As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we want to thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and belief in our schools. This year has been filled with growth, achievement, resilience, and moments that reminded us why our work matters so deeply.

Across our campuses, students, families, and staff continued to lean into the bold promise we make every day: to provide every child with access to excellent schools, joyful experiences, and unlimited opportunities.

Academic Excellence and Memorable Experiences

This year, our students continued to rise to the challenge academically while also embracing opportunities to lead, create, and grow beyond the classroom.

From spring concerts and student showcases to athletic championships, capstone presentations, field lessons, and graduation celebrations, our campuses were filled with moments that reflected the brilliance of our students and the strength of our communities.

We also continued creating experiences that expand what students believe is possible for their futures. Through college visits, career exposure opportunities, travel experiences, arts programming, leadership development, and advanced coursework, our students engaged in learning that prepares them not only for the next grade level, but for life beyond KIPP New Orleans Schools.

2026–2027 School Calendar and Registration

As we prepare for another strong school year, we encourage all families to complete registration in order to secure your child’s spot. 

Families should search their email for their PowerSchool Enrollment snapcode to complete registration. If you need assistance, email enrollkipp@kippneworleans.org.

The 2026–2027 school calendar is also available on our website. Click HERE to view important dates! 

Open Enrollment and Family Referrals

Open Enrollment continues across KIPP New Orleans Schools, and we are excited to welcome new families into our community.

Our families remain our strongest ambassadors, and we encourage you to share your experiences with friends, neighbors, and family members who may be looking for an excellent school option.

We especially encourage families of incoming kindergarten and ninth grade students to apply early as seats fill quickly at many campuses.

Families can visit EnrollNOLA.org to apply. 

• KIPP Believe
• KIPP Central City
• KIPP East
• KIPP Leadership
• KIPP Morial
• Booker T. Washington High School
• John F. Kennedy High School

Learn more about our schools at NOLASCHOOLS.ORG.

We remain committed to ensuring every student has access to rigorous academics, strong extracurricular opportunities, college and career pathways, and a school community that believes deeply in their potential.

Congratulations, Class of 2026

We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished during their time at KIPP New Orleans Schools.

This graduating class earned more than $120 million in scholarships and secured acceptance into colleges, universities, trade programs, and career pathways across the country — from local institutions like the University of New Orleans to nationally recognized universities such as Yale, Fisk and Hampton University. In addition, more than 30 seniors graduated from Bard Early College with their Associate’s degree already completed.

We also proudly celebrate our students reaching important milestones across every grade band — from our youngest learners graduating from Pre-K and Kindergarten, to our 4th and 8th grade students preparing for exciting new chapters ahead. These celebrations reflect the growth, perseverance, and brilliance of students across our entire network. 

Thank you for another incredible year. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve your children and look forward to welcoming our students back for another year of learning, growth, and possibility.

With gratitude,
KIPP New Orleans Schools

April 2026 Updates

Dear KIPP New Orleans Community,

As we move into May, we are entering one of the most important and exciting times of the school year—a season filled with celebration, growth, and opportunities for students to show all they’ve learned.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Your support, encouragement, and commitment to your child’s success make a meaningful difference every day. Because of you, our students are growing, achieving, and preparing for what’s next.

State Testing Begins Soon

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, please keep the following key testing dates in mind:

• LEAP Testing (Grades 3–8): May 5–11, 2026
• High School LEAP Testing: May 5–11, 2026

These assessments are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and growth.

Attendance Matters—Especially During Testing

Being at school every day—especially during testing—is critical to your child’s success.

We are aiming for 100% attendance across KIPP New Orleans during LEAP testing week, and we need your partnership to reach this goal.

Here’s how families can support:

• Ensure your child is at school every day, on time
• Avoid scheduling appointments during testing days if possible
• Encourage your child to do their best and stay confident

When students are present, they are more prepared, less anxious, and better able to show what they know.

Register Now for the 2026–27 School Year

We’re excited to continue partnering with your family next year—and we need your help to prepare!

If you plan for your child to return to KIPP New Orleans, please complete your registration by Friday, May 8 to secure your child’s seat for the 2026–27 school year.

Seats are limited, and completing registration early ensures your child remains enrolled at your current school and grade level. It also allows us to plan ahead for staffing, classrooms, transportation, and the programs and supports your child needs to start the year strong.

To complete registration, please use the Snapcode sent to your email.
If you’re unable to locate your Snapcode, please contact your school’s front office—they will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your partnership and for helping us prepare for a strong start to the upcoming school year!

Celebrating Our Educators

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 4–8

Next week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, and we invite our families to join us in recognizing the incredible educators who support our students every day.

Our teachers work tirelessly to create strong learning environments, build meaningful relationships, and help students reach their full potential.

Families, we encourage you to take a moment to show your appreciation—whether it’s a kind note, a message of gratitude, or a simple “thank you.” These small gestures go a long way in recognizing the impact our teachers make each day.

Celebrating Student Excellence

Arts, Music & Culture Showcase

We recently celebrated the incredible talents of our students at the KIPP New Orleans Regional Arts, Music, and Culture Showcase at Booker T. Washington High School.

From visual art to live performances, our students truly shined. Thank you to all the families who came out to support and celebrate our young artists.

 

RouxBots Bring Home First Championship Win

We are excited to share a major achievement from our KIPP New Orleans students!

RouxBots, our high school robotics team based at Booker T. Washington, earned their first championship win at the 2026 Magnolia Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.

Students from across our high schools came together to compete—and their hard work paid off. After overcoming technical challenges and making important repairs during the competition, the team stayed focused, worked together, and pushed through to the final round.

In the championship match, RouxBots and their alliance delivered a record-setting performance to secure the win.

This achievement is a powerful example of what our students can accomplish through teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful for the mentors who support their growth.

A Night to Shine: AFS Prom 2026

We are proud to celebrate another unforgettable AFS Prom, a joyful tradition that highlights the brilliance of our students in our Academic and Functional Skills (AFS) programs.

At KIPP New Orleans, we believe every student deserves opportunities to connect, celebrate, and shine—and AFS Prom brings that belief to life. This year’s Candyland-themed prom was filled with color, joy, and special moments, as our students truly took center stage.

We are especially proud to recognize our 2026 AFS Prom Royalty:

• Queen Kayla Lamar, John F. Kennedy High School
• King Leonard Glasper, Booker T. Washington High School

More than a dance, AFS Prom is a celebration of belonging, community, and the bright futures of our students.

Upcoming Opportunities & Celebrations

GiveNOLA Day

📅 Tuesday, May 5

Join us in supporting KIPP New Orleans Schools on GiveNOLA Day. Every contribution helps us continue to provide strong academic programs and opportunities for our students.

👉Click Here to Give Now!

Celebrating Our Seniors

We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they prepare for graduation!

📅 Monday, May 18
📍 UNO Lakefront Arena

Ceremony Times:

• 9:00 AM – Booker T. Washington
• 12:00 PM – John F. Kennedy
• 3:00 PM – Frederick A. Douglass

We are also proud to celebrate students earning their Associate’s degrees through Bard Early College:

📅 Saturday, May 9
📍 Carver Theater

These are incredible milestones, and we look forward to celebrating with our families.

Thank You KIPP New Orleans Families!

As we approach the end of the school year, we are grateful for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we are ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Let’s finish the year strong!

With gratitude,
KIPP New Orleans Schools

March 2026 Updates

Dear KIPP New Orleans Community,

Over the past several weeks, many of you have engaged deeply in conversations about the future of our schools. Thank you for your partnership, your questions, and your commitment to our students.

I am writing today to share that the Orleans Parish School Board has officially voted to approve our plan to strengthen KIPP New Orleans for the years ahead. This is an important milestone and reflects both careful planning and the voices of students, families, and community members who showed up to share their perspectives.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year:

• Central City Primary and Central City Academy will unite on one campus at Woodson
• Frederick Douglass High School will join with John F. Kennedy High School at JFK and will operate with the John F. Kennedy name

What stood out most in this process was hearing directly from students. As Amare Lewis from JFK shared at the OPSB committee meetings, “In my opinion, I believe coming together will actually strengthen our schools. The opportunities that you will receive from John F. Kennedy and Douglas merging are unimaginable.”

We also heard from leaders who see what this makes possible. As Principal Towana Pierre-Floyd shared, “My personal excitement to work across two groups of phenomenal kids and make sure that we offer the city what we deserve in high schools feels like an incredibly compelling opportunity.”

Looking ahead, this work allows us to deepen investment in excellent teaching, strong school communities, and expanded opportunities for students.  It also provides over 1,000 students with access to higher-quality facilities. 

We know change brings questions, and we will continue to communicate and partner closely with you in the months ahead. Thank you for your trust and for being part of what comes next for KIPP New Orleans.

With appreciation,
Rhonda

January 2026 Updates

Dear KIPP New Orleans Families,

As January comes to a close, we want to thank you for the strong start to the new year and for your continued partnership. Your support, encouragement, and commitment to daily attendance and engagement help set the foundation for your child’s success. As we look ahead, February brings meaningful moments of celebration, learning, and preparation across our schools.

As part of that preparation, registration for the 2026–27 school year will launch at the beginning of February. To ensure we are well prepared for next year, our goal is to have 70% of returning students complete registration by the end of February. You can expect an email from your school team with a Snapcode that will allow you to access and complete your registration easily. School teams will also follow up with families to support timely completion. Completing registration early helps us plan staffing, programming, and supports that best meet your child’s needs.

Honoring Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of Black leaders past and present. Across our campuses, students will engage in learning experiences that celebrate history, culture, and excellence while making connections to their own identities and futures. We look forward to sharing these moments with our families throughout the month.

Carnival Season & Krewe of KIPP

Carnival season is right around the corner, and our talented student bands have been hard at work preparing to perform in parades across the city as part of our Krewe of KIPP celebration. These performances highlight student creativity, discipline, teamwork, and pride—and we invite families to come out and cheer on our KIPPsters.

Check out our parade schedule below!
We are incredibly grateful to the parents and caregivers who serve as chaperones and support these events, helping ensure a safe and joyful experience for all students.

 

Please note: Due to parade participation and teacher professional development, students will have early dismissal on February 12 and no school on February 13.

Attendance Matters—Especially as We Prepare for Testing

As we move into February and prepare for important assessments, consistent attendance is more important than ever. Being at school every day helps students stay connected to instruction, build confidence, and feel prepared when it’s time to test.

 We have 56 days until Spring LEAP testing—that’s 448 hours of sacred instructional minutes that matter deeply for student growth.

We are already seeing the impact of strong attendance and focused instruction across our schools. Students are demonstrating growth on classroom assessments, engaging deeply in grade-level work, and making steady progress toward mastery. These academic wins—big and small—are the result of students being present, supported, and challenged every day.

Students who attend school regularly are better positioned to demonstrate what they know and access the full range of learning opportunities available to them. We appreciate your continued partnership in making attendance a priority—especially in the weeks leading up to testing—as we work together to build on this momentum and finish the year strong.

Upcoming Assessments & Academic Preparation

February is an important month for academic preparation as students begin participating in key assessments that help us measure growth and readiness for spring testing.

Beginning February 23:
Exceptional learners and English Learners will participate in state testing, including LEAP Connect and the ELPT assessment.

March 2–6: Mock LEAP Testing (Grades 3–12)
Mock LEAP is a critical opportunity for students to practice testing routines, build confidence, and demonstrate what they know. Attendance during this week is especially important. We’re aiming to hit a goal of  98% attendance across KIPP New Orleans Schools.

Being present every day during Mock LEAP helps students maintain focus, reduces anxiety, and ensures teachers can use results to best support students ahead of the official LEAP assessment. At KIPP New Orleans, we believe that effort matters—small moments, like showing up each day and doing one’s best, lead to long-term success.

How families can help students prepare:

1. Prioritize attendance during the Mock LEAP testing week
2. Ensure students get 8–10 hours of sleep before test days
3. Provide a nutritious breakfast to fuel focus and energy
4. Encourage a positive mindset and confidence

Calendar Update & Important Dates

We want to share a brief update to our school calendar due to earlier parade schedules this year. These adjustments help ensure student safety and smooth school operations during Carnival season.

Please note the following changes:

• Friday, February 6 will now be an Early Release Day.
• Thursday, April 24 will be a full instructional day to make up for this adjustment.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.

Updated Important Dates to Remember

• February 6: Early Release
• February 12: Early Release
• February 13: No School — Teacher Professional Development
• February 16–20: No School — Mardi Gras Break
• February 23: Students Return; LEAP Connect & ELPT Testing Begins
• March 2–6: Mock LEAP Assessments (Grades 3–12)

Thank you for your continued partnership as we support students through this important season of learning, celebration, and preparation. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements during this exciting season.

With gratitude,
KIPP New Orleans Schools

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