1 Archives - KIPP Chicago Public Schools https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/ Together, A Future Without Limits Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:54:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 What is the Whole Child? https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/whole-child-whole-people/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:11:20 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10938 KIPP Chicago’s mission has always been to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence...

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KIPP Chicago’s mission has always been to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose, from college to career, and beyond, so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world. The reality of a 21st century environment requires us to create an educational environment that nurtures various aspects of student learning and wellbeing, addressing the whole child.

 

The Whole Child Initiative (WCI) is KIPP Chicago’s next iteration of growth. It embraces a whole child ethos, which ensures each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

It will also focus on supporting staff, family, and community health and wellbeing.

For the last three years, KIPP Chicago has been the highest performing network of schools in Chicago, with one of our schools being named the highest performing school in the district. KIPP Chicago has achieved these academic outcomes while simultaneously increasing the number of students served by 200%. This year, KIPP Chicago opened our 8th school, KIPP Academy Chicago Primary. In four years we will reach full scale, when we will serve nearly 4,000 students in four communities on the South and West Sides.

As we continue the practices that ensure academic success, we are launching our Whole Child Initiative with seven priorities to address student, family, and staff wellbeing.

Whole Child Initiative Seven Priorities

Increasing family and community partnerships. We are excited to launch programs to deepen our partnerships with KIPP Chicago families and the communities where we teach. A cohort of parents will pursue their High School diplomas, our Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice (CMASJ) will host a series of parent specific workshops, and we will continue to expand our community partnerships.

Embracing an inclusive and challenging curriculum. We are embracing an inclusive and challenging curriculum with the expansion of a regional Social Justice Fair, the development of a Critical Race History course, and the adoption of a new LGBTQ Inclusion Curriculum. We are also prioritizing meaningful writing curricula that equips our students to harness the art of storytelling.

Sharing resources from our Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice (CMASJ). Our Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice will continue to collaborate with all art classrooms and after school art programs across KIPP Chicago to create four social justice themed art shows per school year. The CMASJ also manages each school’s Passion Project, which provides opportunities for students to engage in the visual arts, music, dance, theater, and sports.

Integrating social and emotional learning. Social and Emotional Learning will be integrated through mindfulness pilots, the hiring of a Director of Wellbeing and Family Engagement at each campus, and the inclusion of a framework and toolkit from the Yale Institute’s Ruler program.

Cultivating identity development practices. Two key initiatives to promote identity development are The McNair Leadership Fellowship, designed to support a cohort of Leaders of Color to thrive in management roles, and the increase of positive identity affirming imagery at each school.

Addressing food insecurities. Our approach to achieving food security for our students and families is to offer food pantries at each KIPP campus and to continue exploring partnerships with healthy food providers.

Enhancing teacher wellbeing. We are enhancing staff holistic wellbeing by providing free wellness workshops at the CMASJ, free financial advising, identifying a variety of discounted health and wellness partners and conducting mindfulness trainings to benefit overall classroom experience.

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]]> Subtracting the anxiety and adding some fun to testing! https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/subtracting-the-anxiety-and-adding-some-fun-to-testing/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:15:10 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10939 Spring testing can create a lot of stress and anxiety for both students and teachers. We know how important these...

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Spring testing can create a lot of stress and anxiety for both students and teachers. We know how important these tests are in measuring our effectiveness as educators, but we are also committed to creating an environment that fosters joy. Students and teachers are on the same team, fighting for the same goal and it shows at all of our schools!

Jayson Franklin, an 8th grade Social Studies teacher at KIPP Ascend Middle School who has been with us for 11 years, worked with several students and teachers from the 8th grade team to create a music video to take some of the nerves out of standardized testing. They changed the words from the Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus song, “Old Country Road,” to pump up the school and add some fun to a challenging time!

Tryptych of KIPPsters Crushing the MAP
At KIPP One Academy, students are energized by the theme of ‘Crushing the Map’ and have their photo taken crushing a can of Orange Crush. Teachers also have their photos taken and images of everyone crushing their goals can be found around the school.
Tryptich of ZAP! the MAP posters from KBP
The team at KIPP Bloom Primary made sure students knew their superhero teachers were on their side and couldn’t wait to see them Zap the Map (test)! Every teacher-turned-superhero had a large poster displayed in the common area of the school.

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]]> Social and Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/social-and-emotional-learning-mindfulness-and-yale-center-for-emotional-intelligence/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:16:11 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10940 Four years ago we committed to hiring more social workers to ensure students with additional needs have the support they...

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]]> Student practising mindfulnessFour years ago we committed to hiring more social workers to ensure students with additional needs have the support they deserve. We have also invested in mindfulness training for all of our teachers so they can begin to lead these practices in their classrooms. For example, at KIPP Bloom Primary, teachers lead students in breathing techniques and yoga poses to start their classes. And if you visit us, you might also see a Kindergarten student leading the class in mindfulnessexercises!

I was reaffirmed in my belief that transformation starts with oneself and that by focusing on the health and wellness of ourselves and our staff we are ultimately impacting the health and wellness of our students and families—healthy, emotionally aware adults teach kids how to be whole, feeling, healthy kids.
Superintendent Amy Pouba

Superintendent Amy Pouba at the Yale Center for Emotional IntelligenceThis past summer Superintendent Amy Pouba had the opportunity to visit the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence in New Haven to learn more about the RULER program. RULER is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools. RULER applies “hard science” to the teaching of what have historically been called “soft skills.” RULER stands for: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotion. Decades of research show that these skills are essential to effective teaching and learning, sound decision making, physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.

Leaving New Haven, Amy reflected on the impact a program like RULER could have: “I was reaffirmed in my belief that transformation starts with oneself and that by focusing on the health and wellness of ourselves and our staff we are ultimately impacting the health and wellness of our students and families—healthy, emotionally aware adults teach kids how to be whole, feeling, healthy kids.”

You can learn more about the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the RULER framework here.

Watch their overview video of the mood meter and get the app.

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]]> Amplifying inquiry and evidence through Science https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/amplifying-inquiry-and-evidence-through-science/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:18:10 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10941 While Science, Technology, and Engineering programming has always been an important part of the KIPP Chicago experience, our efforts in...

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]]> Students using the Amplify Science curriculumWhile Science, Technology, and Engineering programming has always been an important part of the KIPP Chicago experience, our efforts in fostering a love of inquiry and scientific thinking have grown over the last 3 years. Perhaps the biggest shift has been the adoption and implementation of the Amplify Science curriculum. At the core of Amplify Science is a focus on evidence-based, inquiry-focused thinking that brings Next Generation Science Standards to K-8 students. Amplify’s pedagogy invites students to explore phenomena with the purpose of solving authentic problems.

The Amplify approach is also complementary to math and ELA instruction. Every unit includes multiple texts, close reading and argumentative and explanatory writing assignments. Simulation and modeling augment critical problem solving skills developed in mathematics classes.

Besides detailed lesson plans, the Amplify platform includes embedded formative assessments, hands-on activities, digital simulations, and a variety of effective teacher supports. It is cutting edge, using a phenomena-based approach coupled with computational simulations and digital modeling, that helps students develop skepticism and critical thinking necessary to tackle the challenges our society faces.

Our initial utilization of Amplify in grades 5 through 8 over the last few years have yielded strong results. Last year, KIPP Chicago was the highest performing region in the KIPP network on grades 6-8 Amplify tests! And KIPP Chicago has two teachers recognized as master science teachers by the KIPP Foundation: Monika Patel (KIPP Academy Chicago) and Julie Brunner (KIPP One Academy). This school year we have expanded the Amplify Science curriculum to all grades, as we know the path to rigorous thinking starts with a strong foundation.

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]]> Passion Projects https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/social-justice-fair/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:19:05 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10942 A ‘Passion Project’is anything that allows for student curiosity, creativity, and collaborative experiences. According to research for the book, Coming...

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]]> students learning ViolinA ‘Passion Project’is anything that allows for student curiosity, creativity, and collaborative experiences. According to research for the book, Coming of Age in the Other America, Stefanie DeLuca, Susan Clampet-Lundquist, and Kathryn Edin found that children living in under-resourced areas of the country are more likely to thrive in high school and college when they find a project suited to their interests and curiosity. The book suggests “more opportunities for ‘Passion Projects’ in schools and after-school by investing more in libraries, clubs, and other institutions, and by expanding funding for the arts.”

Drummer and studentsEach of our schools’ Passion Projects provide opportunities for students to engage in the visual arts, music, dance, theater, or sports. Here are some examples of projects at our schools: At KIPP Bloom College Prep, Assistant Principal (and former 8th grade Language Arts teacher) Miguel Rodriguez leads a select group of 5th-8th graders in the creation of two musicals per school year. They have performed in The Lion King, High School Musical, and Annie Jr., exhibiting tremendous talent and dedication as well as beautiful costumes and set design. KIPP Ascend Primary and KIPP One Academy work with the companies M.U.S.I.C. Inc and the Chicago School of Musical Arts to bring orchestral education to groups of students. KIPP Bloom Primary used the Passion Project to create a recording studio within their school so that students can record original songs in their daily music class. Passion Projects allow school leadership to design and implement a plan to bring more creativity and joy to the school day.

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]]> Social Justice Fair https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/social-justice-fair/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:20:32 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10943 The Social Justice Fair is an open-ended, exploratory based learning project. At the beginning of the year, students choose any...

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]]> Student with Social justice Fair exhibit on LGBTQ movementsThe Social Justice Fair is an open-ended, exploratory based learning project. At the beginning of the year, students choose any Social Justice topic to investigate and analyze, such as: Black Lives Matter, Second-Wave Feminism, or the #MeToo movement. They research the history of the movement, the problems it seeks to solve, and the means of achieving its goals, and finally, they analyze whether or not the movement is/was successful. Students present their research at the end of the year in a manner similar to a traditional “science fair.” The Social Justice Fair requires writing and analyzing, allows for creativity, promotes students’ public speaking skills, and helps students identify as agents of social change.

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]]> Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/childrens-museum-of-art-and-social-justice/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:21:13 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10945 Three years ago we turned the front half of our regional office into our Children’s Museum of Art and Social...

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]]> Three years ago we turned the front half of our regional office into our Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice. The mission of the museum is to offer a space for the voices of KIPP Chicago students to be heard and to infuse a social justice curriculum into the arts at our eight schools. Our museum offers a space to showcase and celebrate their artistic explorations of social justice themes, inspiring action toward social change.

We are committed to pursuing more resources for arts programming and arts education in order to address the trauma that many in our city and country face. We are dedicated to the healing process that art inherently provides to support our community’s overall health and well-being.

We know that when students participate in the arts, they learn critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. When students have access to art education, they are engaging in thoughtful examinations of artwork and methods of art making in order to participate in critical, meaningful, and joyful learning. They are able to tell their story through art and appreciate the stories of others- encouraging empathy, peace, love, compassion, and unity. The CMASJ seeks to be a place to exhibit and celebrate this learning.

Join us every second Friday of the month from 6-10pm as we open our doors alongside many of Pilsen’s art galleries. Our current show, Find Purpose. Create Progress., showcases the work from our 5 summer art workshops hosted at the museum.

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]]> 10 Years of Arts Programming at KIPP Ascend Primary https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/10-years-of-arts-programming-at-kipp-ascend-primary/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:22:09 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10944 KIPP Ascend Primary began an arts program during its founding year in 2010 with musical theater. With the addition of...

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]]> KIPP Ascend Primary began an arts program during its founding year in 2010 with musical theater. With the addition of visual arts and dance in the following years, a collaborative program evolved. Every year, the kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classes each create a Project Growth performance in the spring, showcasing their learning in musical theater, dance, and visual arts.

Students from the founding class performing in Annie Jr.When students are in 3rd and 4th grades, they choose one arts elective class to take every day for one semester. With all three 3rd and 4th grade arts elective classes working together, the final performance features students from musical theater and dance, with the students in art class creating all of the costumes and set design. A number of beautiful performances have come from the program, such as: Annie Jr., Once on this Island, The Wiz, Shrek the Musical, Seussical the Musical, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.

When students are in 3rd and 4th grades, they choose one arts elective class to take every day for one semester. With all three 3rd and 4th grade arts elective classes working together, the final performance features students from musical theater and dance, with the students in art class creating all of the costumes and set design. A number of beautiful performances have come from the program, such as: Annie Jr., Once on this Island, The Wiz, Shrek the Musical, Seussical the Musical, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.

The first group of second graders to perform Annie Jr. are now freshmen in high school. The arts program continues today and has even incorporated the creation of music videos into the elective classes.

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]]> Featured In Chicago Magazine https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/featured-in-chicago-magazine/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:23:12 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10946 KIPP One and KIPP Academy Chicago were both named in the most recent issue of Chicago magazine as two of...

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]]> KIPP One and KIPP Academy Chicago were both named in the most recent issue of Chicago magazine as two of the top public schools in the city because of their high academic achievement and attendance. They both also offer electives during the school day and a wealth of programs after school that allow students to explore what interests them.

KIPP One Academy Robotics Club at WorkThe KIPP One robotics team, ‘Bot the Builders’, participated in its first ever competition last fall. Sixth- and seventh-grade students on the team spent 6 hours building and coding a robot before competing against 7 other teams. Out of the 8 teams, including those from top high schools like Francis Parker and Lakeview High, KIPP One (the only middle school in the competition) came in 3rd place!

My voice does carry power, I learned that people will actually sit down and listen to me if I convey my points with evidence…it built my confidence a lot. – Kamara G., KAC Model UN Team

KIPP Academy also offers students an array of after school programs. One of those programs is a Model United Nations, or Model UN, team. Model UN is an extra-curricular activity in which students roleplay delegates to the United Nations. It involves substantial researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, as well as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership

Last spring, KIPP Academy’s team traveled to New York City to compete in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference. At NMUN, students had the opportunity to hone their public speaking and debate skills as well as visit the United Nations Headquarters. They also met over 1,500 students from around the world who share their desire to resolve real-world problems.

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]]> Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching https://kippchicago.org/whole-child-initiative/issue/1/harriett-ball-excellence-in-teaching/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:23:56 +0000 https://kippchicago.org/?post_type=whole-child-review&p=10947 We know that we couldn’t drive the Whole Child Initiative without excellent teachers. The Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award...

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]]> We know that we couldn’t drive the Whole Child Initiative without excellent teachers. The Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes outstanding teachers from across the 200+ schools in the national KIPP network. Only 11 teachers received the Harriett Ball Award in 2019, and two of them were Monika Patel from KIPP Academy Chicago and Briana Byrd from KIPP One Academy! The winning teachers, nominated by their school leaders, were recognized for their leadership in and dedication to improving outcomes for students in educationally underserved communities. Congratulations Ms. Patel and Ms. Byrd!

Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award winner Brianna Byrd
Briana Byrd, 5th Grade Literacy, KOA
Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award winner Monika Patel
Monika Patel, 7th Grade Science, KAC

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