FAMILY HANDBOOK

730 Concourse Village West Tower D Bronx, NY 10451

Tel (718) or (917)292-5450
www.kippnyc.org

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the KIPP Academy Elementary team and family! As a second year founding team of
families, students, and staff, we are beginning to build this foundation of early education and
character together. We are committing to helping our children develop the necessary
character and academic skills and habits necessary to succeed in middle school, high school,
college, and the world beyond. We believe in working together to provide opportunities so
that our children grow up to have happy, healthy, and successful lives.

Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms sequencing the events of A Chair for My Mother,
at the Bronx Zoo applying their knowledge of the needs of animals to live and survive,
performing at our winter show, identifying their reading levels, or practicing their SPROUT
values, they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice being nice and working hard.
We practice SLANTing, tracking the speaker, echoing the question, public speaking, and smiling.
Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication, and support, we know our KIPPsters
will certainly do amazing things. We are always excited about the infinite possibilities, and
beginning the first KIPP elementary school in New York City is one step towards achieving those
possibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are so glad that you are part of it!!!

We recognize that these efforts take tremendous discipline and dedication, which can only be
done with the joint efforts of families, staff, and our students themselves. In our attempts at
continued open communication and access to information, we have prepared a handbook
regarding the school’s structure, attendance, schedule, culture, and academics, along with
other pieces of information we think you will find helpful. Hopefully, this handbook will serve
as a useful resource to answer any questions that you may have. Please keep it handy so that
you may refer to it when necessary.

We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again, welcome to our second founding
year, which is filled with the promise of greatness, enthusiasm, love, and dedication. Please feel
free to contact us if you have any questions, compliments, comments, or concerns. We look
forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your faith and support,

Steve Ajani Carolyn Petruzziello

Co-Principal Co-Principal

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...............................................................................................................................................................3
WHO WE ARE… ...........................................................................................................................................................................4
KIPP MISSION ............................................................................................................................................................4
OUR BEGINNING .......................................................................................................................................................4
KIPP ACADEMY CREDO: ............................................................................................................................................4
KIPP CREDO: ..............................................................................................................................................................4
KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE........................................................................................................................5
SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE… ..........................................................................6
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................................7
ENROLLMENT ............................................................................................................................................................7
WHO SHOULD I ASK? ................................................................................................................................................7
ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................................................................................8
FOOD SERVICES .........................................................................................................................................................8
TRANSPORTATION ....................................................................................................................................................8
FIELD TRIPS ...............................................................................................................................................................8
COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS ......................................................................................................9
CELL PHONE POLICY ..................................................................................................................................................9
PERSONAL BELONGINGS ...........................................................................................................................................9
HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
IMMUNIZATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................11
REPORTING A CHILD’S SICKNESS .............................................................................................................................11
ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS ...........................................................................................................................11
COUNSELING SERVICES ...........................................................................................................................................11
CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................................ 12
START/END DATES ..................................................................................................................................................12
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS ...........................................................................................................................................12
SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) ......................................................................................................................12
SUMMER SCHOOL ...................................................................................................................................................12
SATURDAY SCHOOL.................................................................................................................................................12
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ..............................................................................................................................12
SCHOOL SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................12
ACADEMICS - “WORK HARD” .............................................................................................................................................. 17
HOMEWORK ...........................................................................................................................................................17
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM ..........................................................................................................................................18
PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE .........................................................................................................................18
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? .................................................................................... 19

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 WHO WE ARE…
KIPP MISSION
KIPP Academy Elementary’s mission is to teach our students to develop the academic and character
skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, successful, and happy in the
competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

OUR BEGINNING
We founded KIPP Academy Elementary in 2009-2010. We had a stellar first year with 91% of our
students meeting and exceeding our end of Kindergarten benchmarks in reading, math, science, social
studies, music and physical education. We are off to a great start, but we are not the only KIPP school in
NYC.
In 1995, KIPP Academy (Our middle school) opened in the South Bronx serving 45 fifth graders. This
year, KIPP Academy will serve approximately 250 students in fifth through eighth grade.
KIPP Academy Middle School and Elementary are part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 1,640
students and alumni at four middle schools (Harlem, Crown Heights, and the South Bronx), one high
school and one elementary.
From the beginning, KIPP has focused on developing academic and character skills. Since day one, the
key to this has been the amazing teamwork of parents, students, and teachers all working together.

KIPP ACADEMY CREDO:

If there is a problem, we look for a solution.
If there is a better way, we try to find it.
If we need help, we ask.
If a teammate needs help, we give.

KIPP CREDO:
At KIPP, we believe.
We believe in the creation of inspired lives
produced by desire, discipline, and dedication.
We are not frightened
by the challenges of reality
but believe that we can change our world
and our place within in it.
We work, plan, create, and dream.
Our talent, character, and integrity
will be the tools we need
to build a better tomorrow.
We believe that we can take
this place, this time, and the people here
and build a better place, a better time,
and a better people.
As a team and a family,
we will either find a way or make one.
- Inspired by Providence St. Mel School Motto

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
School Commitment
1. Timeliness – We will arrive every day by 7:15 A.M. and remain at school until 5:10 P.M.
2. High Quality Education – We will do whatever it takes to nurture and strengthen our students’ creativity, knowledge,
and character as we prepare them to excel academically, physically, and socially in secondary schools, colleges, and
life.
3. Support and Respect – We promise to respect, appreciate, and support every student. We will work together with you
for the benefit of your child and all the children attending KIPP Academy Elementary School.
4. Communication – We promise to communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and make ourselves
available in person and by phone. We will return parent phone calls within 24 hours.
5. Civility Code – We promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with you and your child. We
believe that we are on the same team and we will conduct ourselves respectfully and professionally.
6. Homework – We will assign productive, worthwhile homework each night to reinforce and support skills and concepts
learned in class.
7. Fairness – We will address the values of KIPP Academy Elementary School consistently and fairly. We promise to
keep you informed of how your child is demonstrating the SPROUT values. When students are disciplined or
suspended, or when students deserve recognition for their accomplishments, we will inform their parents promptly.
8. Safety – We will always protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals.

Failure to adhere to these commitments can lead to our removal from KIPP.

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Commitment
1. Attendance – We will make sure our child comes to school every day. We will schedule doctor’s appointments,
vacations, etc. for days when school is not in session.
2. Timeliness – We will make sure our child arrives at school every day on time (by 7:45A.M.). We will make sure to
promptly pick up our child at the end of the school day (4:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 5:00 P.M
on Wednesday)
3. Support & Homework –We will provide a quiet space for our child to study. We will check our child’s homework
every night and ensure that our child reads and/or is read to every night. We will make sure our child gets enough sleep
each night (at least 8 hours). We will do whatever it takes for our child to learn and perform to his/her optimal ability.
We will reinforce the SPROUT values at home.
4. Communication – We will make ourselves available to our child, the school, and any concerns they might have. We
will return phone calls from the school within 24 hours. If we are asked to attend a meeting regarding our child’s
education or behavior, we will attend. If we have any concerns we will raise them with someone at the school. We will
promptly inform the school if my address and/or phone number changes.
5. Civility Code – We promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with the school. We know that
we are on the same team and we will conduct ourselves in a respectful and professional manner.
6. Dress Code – We will make sure our child follows the KIPP Academy Elementary School dress code every day.
7. Summer School – We will make sure our child attends every day of Summer School, which we understand will take
place August 19- September 3. We will schedule our family vacations outside of this time.
8. Saturday School – We will attend Saturday School with our child once a month starting in September from 9:00 until
11:00. If we are unable to attend Saturday School, we will make sure a family member older than 18 years of age
attends with our child.
Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause my child to lose various KIPP privileges and
can lead to my child's expulsion from KIPP.

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Student Commitment
1. I will Be Nice everyday
2. I will Work Hard everyday
3. I will do my homework every night and call my teacher if I need help.
4. I will follow the directions of my parents and all the adults at school
5. I will live by our SPROUT values (Serenity, Pride, Respect, Optimism, Understand,
Take a risk)
Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause me to lose various KIPP privileges and can lead to my expulsion
from KIPP.
Child’s name: ______________________________________________ Grade: _________

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK
ONE…
We are committed to reinforcing common standards of character and academic performance to create a sense
of team and family. We believe that these ideas serve as a great foundation to be carried beyond the five years
at KIPP Academy Elementary. During the first week of summer school every KIPPster learns various songs,
sayings and acronyms to reinforce our mission. We constantly refer to these throughout their time at KIPP.
Please review with your child and help reinforce these standards in and out of school.

I - Be Nice, Work Hard!!!

II- We are a TEAM AND A FAMILY!!!

III – SPROUT (Serenity, Pride, Respect, Optimism, Understand and Take a Risk)

IV - SLANT (Sit Up, Listen, Ask and Answer Questions, Nod your head, Track the Speaker)

V - PETSY’s (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME, THANK YOU, SORRY, YOU’RE WELCOME)

NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP ACADEMY STUDENTS

All KIPPsters receive general non-negotiable expectations. Please reinforce these with your child.

1) Adherence to the KIPP Commitment to Excellence

2) Adherence to the KIPP Credo:

 If there is a problem, we look for a solution.

 If there is a better way, we try to find it.
 If we need help, we ask.
 If a teammate needs help, we give.

3) KIPP Shirts remain tucked in at all times.

4) Be on-task and present at all times during class. While anyone is speaking, students must
track the speaker. This means that students will always have their eyes and
brains on that person. Students should be sitting properly during class time.

5) Be organized and prepared for class. Work should always be completed

and presented neatly. Children should write their names on every
paper. All papers should be kept neatly in folders.

6) KIPPsters must complete HW daily to the best of their abilities.

Each family and child has the teachers’ phone numbers. Please reach out with
any questions.

7) Students and families should be reading together every night.

8) Respond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions and non-verbal actions matter.

9) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building.

10) We must maintain integrity by doing the right thing without being told. KIPPsters are
KIPPsters in and out of school. Our actions once we leave the building matter just as much
as they do inside of the school building.

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 GENERAL INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT
Every year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Academy Elementary will begin accepting
applications for our kindergarten, first, and second graders for the following year (although very few
students are admitted after Kindergarten). In accordance with our state law, admissions preference will
be granted to siblings as first priority and students living in District 7 as a 2nd priority. The lottery will be
held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOL

Upon enrolling at KIPP Academy Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for each
student to Ms. Price, Operations Manager:

 Registration Form
 Emergency Form (given two times a year – update if you move)
 Lunch Forms
 Copy of Birth Certificate
 Proof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease, Gas Bill, etc)
 Immunization Records/Health Records
 IEP (individualized Educational Plan)/504 Accommodations (if applicable)
 Home Language Survey (if applicable)
WHO SHOULD I ASK?
At times, you may have questions about KIPP Academy. Below is a quick list of common concerns and to
whom you can ask for more information.
CONCERN STAFF MEMBER

Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Immunization Records, etc Ms. Santiago (Office Manager)

Lost bus pass Ms. Santiago (Office Manager)

Ordering KIPP shirt Ms. Santiago (Office Manager)

I have concerns about my child’s social adjustment Mr. Nunez (School counselor and family support)

My child has an IEP/504 Accommodations Ms. Notoane

My child will be absent or late Ms. Santiago (Office Manager)

I have questions about my child’s academic progress Your child’s teachers

I have questions about school activities (permissions slips etc) Your child’s teachers

I have overall concerns Mr. Ajani and Ms. Petruzziello (Co-Principals)

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is extremely important at KIPP Academy Elementary. We encourage students and families
to arrive to school on time. As the old saying goes, “If you’re five minutes early you’re late.”  KIPP
Academy Elementary students arrive at 7:45 a.m. Monday – Friday, and remain at school until 4:00 p.m.
(5:00 optional on Wednesdays starting in October). On appropriate Saturdays, school will begin at 9:00
a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m.

If your child is going to miss school because of an illness, please call Ms. Price as soon as possible. All
absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPP
staff will call to verify all absences.

If your child is running late or will miss a portion of the day due to a doctor’s appointment please call
Ms. Price. (Please try to arrange doctor’s appointment outside of the school schedule. Please speak to
Ms. Petruzziello or Mr. Ajani if there are any concerns). Students who arrive late will be given a late
pass. If your child is absent, Ms. Price will follow up with a phone call.

All absences and latenesses are noted on report cards. Students are responsible for all missed
assignments and parents must arrange a way to complete all missed assignments and homework.
Since missing class affects academic achievement, repeated absences may be reflected in the student’s
grades. If a student is repeatedly absent, Ms. Petruzziello and Mr. Ajani, teacher(s), student and
parent/guardian will meet to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more unexcused
absences (3 lates equal one absence) run the risk of missing field trips and celebrations.

FOOD SERVICES
All families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form in September. Families that qualify will
receive a free/reduced pricing for lunch. The full price for lunch is $1.50 and is subject to change as New
York City Department of Education policies change.

Breakfast will take place from 7:15 – 8:00 a.m., Monday – Friday. Families may also choose to send a
bag lunch. However, the school is unable to assume responsibility for refrigerating or warming lunch
brought from home. Please inform the school if your child has any food allergies.

TRANSPORTATION
Students living more than ½ mile in distance from the school, but less than 1 mile, will receive a
Reduced-fare Metro Card for public transportation. Students living greater than 1 mile from the school
will receive a Full-fare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each families’ responsibility to hold
onto the Metro Card. Students will receive a transportation pass the Friday prior to Saturday school.
Parents are expected to pick up or make special arrangements for students remaining after school for
detention, tutoring, or special activities.

Parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their child. If the person
picking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written
permission to pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older. Please speak to Mr. Ajani or Mrs.
Petruzziello if there are any concerns.

FIELD TRIPS
Our students and families look forward to various opportunities, especially our field trips. Each year,
KIPP teachers plan several field trips that complement the curriculum, including travels to the local
museums and parks, walks over the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Colombia University
basketball games, ice skating, the Bronx Zoo amongst other New York City sites. Students earn these
Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
trips based on their behavior, attendance, and academics. In addition, the school reserves the right to
remove a student from a trip or prohibit them from going for any reason that jeopardizes the physical or
emotional wellbeing of themselves or others.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS

Part of the success of KIPP Academy Elementary is the open communication between parents, students,
and teachers. In an effort to help with this, we give all telephone numbers of KIPP Academy Elementary
staff. Students and parents should feel free to call staff members for any reason. This is also a good
chance to get help, if necessary, with homework. If you or your child is trying to call a teacher but they
don’t answer, please leave a message explaining the reason for the call, your full name and telephone
number and allow time to return your call. All teachers will return your call within twenty-four hours. In
addition, in the event of an emergency, please feel free to call Mrs. Petruzziello, Mr. Ajani, or Mr. Nunez
(our school counselor and family support worker).

CELL PHONE POLICY

Please be advised that cell phones are not permitted at school for any reason. If a child brings a cell
phone to school, it will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. If you need a message
relayed to your child please call the school directly or a KIPP Academy Elementary staff member.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Students should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are appropriate for
school and do not pose any type of physical or emotional risk to themselves or others. In addition,
students are not permitted to bring soda, gum, candy, toys of any kind to school without prior
permission. All toys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by the Principals, Mr. Ajani
or Mrs. Petruzziello, will be confiscated and returned only to parents and guardians. Finally, please
note that the school is not responsible for any personal belongings brought to school.

ORDERING T-SHIRTS
Part of the KIPP Academy uniform is that all students must wear a KIPP shirt. Please use the Shirt Order
Form to purchase any KIPP shirts that you would like. Once shirts have been ordered and money has
been submitted, your child will receive the order within 24 hours. Please see Ms. Santiago for order
forms. Please see the student dress code policy, below, for additional information.

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 Student Dress Code Information
1. Students are to wear a KIPP shirt every day. Their KIPP shirts must be fully visible at all times within the
building. Long sleeve shirts may be worn underneath KIPP shirts. There will be KIPP long-sleeve shirts and
sweatshirts available for colder weather.
2. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.

3. All pants must fit around the waist. Boys must wear a belt every day. (Belts should be of appropriate size and
nature ie: no large-faced images or symbols which may pose as a distraction).
4. Jeans may not be excessively baggy and may not cover the shoes.
5. Students may not wear jogging pants, sweat pants, or shorts.
6. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut-off shirts, blouses, or dresses.

7. Students may not wear inappropriately tight clothing.

8. Girls may not wear skirts that are inappropriately short (more than 3 inches above the center of their knee) or
that have inappropriately long slits (above their knees). Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under their skirts
as we sit on the carpet a lot.
9. Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags, or other head coverings in the school (except in the case of
religious observance).
10. For safety reasons the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP Academy: necklaces outside of shirt,
chains, chokers, multiple finger rings, and dangle earrings. Earrings should not hang from the earlobe (studs
are permitted). Students are permitted one bracelet and one ring to be worn in school. One necklace may be
worn but must remain tucked in at all times.
11. Students may not wear makeup, contacts and hair with color or multiple colors. (Students may use lip balm,
such as Vaseline, Chapstick, etc. to moisturize lips. As with any items, these may be taken away for
inappropriate and excessive use).
12. Students cannot wear shoes that show their toes or heels.

************************************************
In addition to the above uniform regulations, the following rules apply:
a) Expensive jewelry or large sums of money should not be brought to school. If it is necessary for
students to carry more than $20, the money should be given to a teacher for safekeeping.
b) The following items may not be brought to school: beepers, cellular phones, iPods, Discmans, or
radios of any kind, and electronic toys (PSP’s, Gameboys, etc).
c) Candy and soda are not allowed at school

10
Every KIPP Academy student will develop the academic and character skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 HEALTH AND SAFETY
IMMUNIZATIONS
New York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized against
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, 2 Hepatitis A, 3 Hepatitis B, and
Varicella.
Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 14-day initial waiver
requirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has received all
required doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the required
vaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals. KIPP
Academy must receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 15, 2009. These
requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed with the
school.

REPORTING A CHILD’S SICKNESS

If your child is going to miss school because of illness, please call the school as soon as possible. All
student absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor.
KIPP staff will call to verify all student absences. Please let Mr. Ajani or Mrs. Petruzziello know if there
are any medical concerns or special circumstances of which we should be aware.

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, the
parent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergency contact
numbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the person picking up
child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written permission to
pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older.
If a child needs to take medicine at school, he/she must give Ms. Price a written note from a doctor or
parent with exact dosage and times for student to take medicine him/herself in the presence of school
staff. Medicine needs to be in its original packaging/case. Staff at the school is NOT authorized to
administer medication. If there are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overall health please let
Ms. Petruzziello or Mr. Ajani know.
Students with asthma should bring an inhaler prescribed by their doctor to school each day. Asthmatic
students should notify a KIPP staff member as soon as breathing becomes difficult.

COUNSELING SERVICES
The Social Worker at KIPP Academy is available to help any student or parent address any social,
emotional, or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, our social worker helps students work
through and cope with personal and school related stress. At KIPP every student is entitled to
counseling support and referral services. Counseling support is also extended to KIPP families in need.
There are several ways in which students may be referred for counseling services:
 If a parent is interested in having their child seen by our Social Worker please contact the
(social worker on staff and/or the principal)
 Students are able to ask directly to speak with the social worker on staff
 A student may also be referred at the recommendation of a teacher, social worker or principal
Please understand that we are required to respect the rights and privacy of our students and families and
as a result all information and counseling services are confidential and cannot be shared (except in
instances required by law).

11
Every KIPP Academy student will develop the academic and character skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient,
successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.
 CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE
START/END DATES
Summer School will be replaced this year with home visits due to our building situation. All students
must have a home visit before returning to school in the fall between August 17th and September 2nd.
This year, school will resume for students on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. The last day for students will
be Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS
With a few exceptions, KIPP Academy Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the New York
City Department of Education (see calendar for full details).

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER)

If the NYC public schools close due to bad weather, KIPP Academy Elementary is closed. Listen to the
radio (e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the announcement closings/delays of NYC Public Schools.
Or, check the Department of Education website (http://schools.nyc.gov).
Once the school day has started, school will not be cancelled early due to weather conditions. Parents
should feel free to pick their children up early in the case of serious weather conditions.

SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school is a critical time to get a head start on the coming school year and as a result all students
at KIPP Academy Elementary must attend school during the summer. Summer school is usually two
weeks long. Please note that unexcused absences in the summer may result in a child being unable to
attend one of the school’s annual fall field trips. Summer school 2010 will be replaced with home visits
during the last two weeks in August and first 2 days in September due to our building preparation.

SATURDAY SCHOOL
On appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP Academy Elementary students are expected to attend Saturday
school from 9:00-11:00AM with a parent/guardian or a sibling over the age of 18. Unless otherwise
specified, students must continue to follow the standard KIPP Academy dress code on Saturdays. During
this time, families and students will participate in a workshop and then classes of their choosing.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All KIPP Academy Elementary students participate in various extra-curricular activities. Students will
have music and gym on alternating days throughout the school year. Beginning in October, there will be
several classes offered from 4-5pm on Wednesday for students to partake in, such as drama, sports, or
art.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Starting September 8th, all students will start school at 7:45am and will remain until classes are
dismissed at 4pm, Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9am to 11am.

On the next page is a sample of your child’s daily schedule.

 SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTER’S DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30-8:00 Breakfast

8:00-8:15 Journals/Shared Reading

8:20-8:50 Calendar/Morning Message/SR

8:50-10:20 Guided Reading (Group 1)

Phonics (Group 2)
Literacy Center (Group 3)
10:20-10:40 Snack/bathroom B 10:20-10:27
10:40-11:45 Math (Centers/DI)
11:45-12:45 Lunch/Recess
12:45-1:15 Nap
1:15-2:10 Gym/Music
2:10-3:05 Science/SS
3:05-4:00 Centers
4:00 Dismissal
 KIPP ACADEMY Elementary CALENDAR 2010 – 2011
AUGUST
th
August 18 -Sept. 2nd Home visits to prepare for the coming school year

SEPTEMBER
rd th
September 3 -6 Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th
September 7 First Day of School for Students
th
September 9 &10th Rosh Hashannah (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th
September 16 Back to School Night 4pm-6pm
th
September 24 Staff development day (NO SCHOOL)

OCTOBER
nd
October 2 Saturday School
th
October 8 Progress Reports Distributed
th
October 11 Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th
October 15 Coffee and Conversations with the Principals (745am)
th
October 20 Half Day for Students
NOVEMBER
nd
November 2 Election Day (THERE IS SCHOOL TODAY!!!)
th st
November 4 1 Quarter Ends
th
November 11 Veteran’s Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)
th
November 11 Report Card Night 415pm-730pm
th
November 12 Staff development day (NO SCHOOL)
th
November 13 Saturday School
th
November 15 Awards Ceremony
th
November 17 Half Day for Students
th
November 19 Coffee and Conversations 745am
th
November 19 KIPP AES Family Feast 1pm-4pm
nd th
November 22 -26 THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
DECEMBER
th
December 11 Saturday School
th
December 15 Half Day for Students
th
December 16 Coffee and Conversations
th
December 17 Progress Reports Distributed
st
December 17 Winter Concert
th st
December 24 -Dec 31 WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
JANUARY
th
January 4 Lottery registration starts
th
January 8 Saturday School
th
January 12 Half Day for Students
th
January 14 Coffee and Conversations
th
January 17 MLK Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th nd
January 28 2 Quarter Ends
FEBRUARY
rd
February 3 Report Card Night
rd
February 3 Awards Ceremony
th
February 5 Saturday School
th
February 8 Half Day for Students
th
February 9 Coffee and Conversations
st th
February 21 -25 MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th
February 28 Students return to school
MARCH
th
March 11 Progress Reports Distributed
th
March 12 Saturday School
th
March 16 Half Day for Students
th
March 18 KIPP NYC Professional Development Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th
March 25 Coffee and Conversations
APRIL
nd
April 2 Saturday School
th rd
April 8 End of 3 Quarter
th
April 12 Half Day for Students
th
April 14 Report Card Night
th
April 15 Coffee and Conversations (830am)
April 15th Awards Assembly
th th
April 18 -26 SPRING BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)
th
April 27 Students return to school
MAY
th
May 14 Saturday School
th
May 20 Progress Reports Distributed
th
May 20 Coffee and Conversations
th
May 30 Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
JUNE
th
June 11 Saturday School
th
June 15 End of the Year Show
th
June 16 Half Day for Students
th
June 17 Coffee and Conversations
nd
June 22 Last Day of School
nd
June 22 End of the Year Awards Ceremony 2pm
NOTE: Summer School 2011 WILL take place in mid to late August, please plan your family vacations for July and
beginning of August. It is mandatory that ALL students are at summer school each year.
If there are any changes in the calendar, the school will send an updated notice prior to the change.
****************************************************************
A) Student and Staff Holidays
Labor Day September 6
Rosh Hashannah September 9&10
Columbus Day October 11
Thanksgiving Recess November 22-26
Winter Recess December 24 – December 31
MLK Day January 17
Mid-Winter Break February 21-25
Spring Recess April 18-26
Memorial Day May 30
B) Half Days for Students
th
October 20
th
November 17
th
December 15
th
January 12
th
February 8
th
March 16
th
April 12
th
June 16
C) Professional Development Days (NO Students)
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September 24
th
November 12
th
March 18
 ACADEMICS - “WORK HARD”
HOMEWORK
A key part of the academic program of KIPP Academy is the homework that every KIPPster will receive
every night. Homework must be completed at night before it is due. Students will not be allowed to
complete homework during breakfast unless given explicit permission by their teacher. No student is
excused from any assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. If a
student discovers that s/he will be unable to complete an assignment, s/he must contact the teacher by
phone no later than the night before it is due. If the student is unable to contact their teacher for some
reason, they must bring a written note from their parents/guardians.

KEY HW POINTS
There are many points we review with students. Below are constant messages we send to our KIPPsters
as we reinforce the importance of homework. Please review with your child and continue to reinforce
accurate, thorough and timely completion of homework. As always students and parents can call
teachers with homework questions.
 Because we are committed to our mission of preparing our students for middle school, high
school, college and the world beyond, we strongly emphasize the accurate and thorough
completion of homework. HW helps students develop grit, self-control, desire, discipline and
dedication – all of which are important tools for success.
 Each night, students will come home with their homework folder. There is a section that says
“Stays at Home”. This is graded work for you to see or important notices that the school is
sending home. You will see another section of the folder, which says “return to school”. This is
the homework that needs to be completed that night and sent back to the school in this folder.
 Our children are still developing their homework and work skills; they will need your support at
home. At times, many of the assignments will require you to complete them with your child.
Please reach out to the teacher if you need more clarification.
 HW completion and effort is logged into Powerschool, which is used to determine grades in
each class as well.

A. MAKE-UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENT

Students who are absent are expected to make up the class work and homework when they return
to school. All missed, incomplete or incorrect work must be completed. It is the student’s
responsibility to check with each of his/her teachers to make sure s/he is aware of all assignments.
The time generally allowed to complete this work will be the number of days the student was
absent. For example, if a student was absent for one day, then s/he will have one day to make up
any missed work.
Late, incomplete, or missing assignments (for unexcused reasons other than absences) must be
made up by the next day.
B. PARENT SIGNATURE ON TESTS
Parents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes daily reflections. Daily
reflections come home with the student every day and should be signed and sent back to the
school. This will help us to communicate how your child is doing in working hard and being nice.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM
Cheating is a serious offense. If a student copies another student’s work or if a student gives
another student his/her work, it is considered cheating (Academic Dishonesty), and the student will
receive a serious consequence for this behavior.
Plagiarism involves the stealing of someone else’s ideas or words as one’s own or the imitation of
the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author (or person) and then passing them off as their
own original work. If a student plagiarized and forges a signature, this is also considered Academic
Dishonesty. Students will receive a serious consequence.

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE

Students may be retained in their grade at the end of the year for any one of, or combination of, the
following factors:

 Failure to meet academic standards of readiness for the next grade: Students who fail (earn
below a 3 or a 70%) a core subject (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science) may be
retained. Students who fail either the reading or math standardized test at the end of the year
may be retained as well (when applicable).

 Failure to meet adequate standards of attendance and lateness: Students who miss more than
10 days of school times may be retained. Please note that every 3 days late counts as one day
absent)

 Failure to meet behavioral standards of readiness for the next grade level: Students whose
behavior has not shown adequate growth or improvement, or is not at a sufficient level, may be
retained.
 FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
As already mentioned, one of the keys to the success of KIPP Academy Elementary is the strong working
relationship between parents, teachers, and children. The key to this is constant communication. It is for
this reason that all KIPP Academy teachers give out their phone numbers and it is also the reason that
we have a completely open door policy. All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school at any time. In
addition to phone conversations, school visits, home visits by staff, KIPP Academy Elementary also has
quarterly conferences between parents, teachers and children.

Below are some additional ways that parents have gotten involved in the past. Please feel free to
suggest any other ideas you might have.

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?

Our families are always asking for ways to get involved. Below are a few ways in which you can do so.

 Chaperone and participate in our community service activities

 Get involved in parent-literacy activities with your child
 Join our pot-luck dinners, concerts and other events
 Attend student in-class performances (poetry café, in class speeches and presentations, cultural
celebrations, and other’s depending on specific classes)
 Attend quarterly awards ceremony
 Chaperone school trips
 Patrol after-school to ensure safety of all of our children
 Attend parent-meetings
 Stop by the school to sit in on classes (no amount of time is too short)
 Invite us to your homes for home visits
 Sit in on panels
 Inform us of community events or activities we should be participating in
 Help with Picture Day
 Carpool with other families
 Attend parent-teacher conferences
 Volunteer with enrichment classes and Saturday school classes
 And of course we are always available to sample delicious home-cooked meals that your
child rants and raves about 
 Take a leaf from The Giving Tree and fulfill the wish

And if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms.
Petruzziello or Mr. Ajani directly.