January 2012

At the end of each trimester, we celebrate the academic achievements and improvements of KIPPsters in each grade level. So many KIPPsters work hard all year, so we are glad to recognize those whose efforts stand out. The following students were recognized at a lunch ceremony on December 15th:

Principal’s List (Straight A’s)
2019: Vegas W, Khayden H, Kym Renee A, Jordan H, Travis H, Eli-sha B, David J, Myles L, Amyah S, and Peyton W. 
2018: Arshawn B.
2017: Kya B. and Nazirah H.
2016: Victoria B, Yussra M, Eric R, and Rufus S.

Honor Roll (All A’s and B’s)
2019: Nazir B, Chaz D, Jaquana F, Joshua H, Jonathan L, Claudia M, Tatyanna M, Senyalle F, Urico H, Cameron K, Joshua M, Fredrick N, Madison B, Kye H, Jamario H, Na’im S, Mariya W, and Derett B.
2018: Joy W, Isaiah P, Nyaria A, Khalif T, Sandra G, Hezekiah W, Amber L, Matthew H, Jalen H, Jadarius H, Dontasia M, Demyasia S, and Terrance W.
2017: Nyrobi J, Kahlil H, Alejandra G, Owen P, DeSean R, Demarcus S, Justice S, Delores W, Janyce W, and Isaiah Q.
2016: Sophia S, Uri S, Rashad W, Asia P, James P, Khalia M, Jamese H, Rashon G, Aylissa F, Sekou B, Malik B, Nyette A, and Qualazuyia S.

Most Improved
Nyaria A. (2018)

We are incredibly proud of each of these students and how hard they have worked. We look forward to seeing even more students get recognized for their achievements at the end of the second trimester!

Warm regards,
Tiffany Flowers-Washington
Co-Founder and School Leader


OPERATION SANDWICH
Girls Leadership Program Service Session
By Shanyah (Pride of 2016)

Each month, 7th and 8th grade girls meet to participate in Girls Leadership Program sessions run by volunteers from the Junior League of Charlotte and the Sigma Psi Chapter of AKA sorority at Davidson College. The following was written by Shanyah (Pride of 2016) about the most recent workshop, during which we made sandwiches for Operation Sandwich for Urban Ministries.

“My fellow pride mates and I are a part of Girls Leadership Program (GLP). We worked on many projects on Saturday, December 10, such as making sandwiches for homeless people in Charlotte. Together we made almost 400 sandwiches for our homeless neighbors. GLP even had A.K.A’s from Davidson College to volunteer their time to help with the GLP. I thought Operation Sandwich was good for me and the other girls in the school because we showed that we care about others and not just ourselves. We also got to make picture frames from recycled materials to give as gifts. On December 10 I realized that you need to give back to the community. I really enjoyed the 4 hours giving back to people who are in need of things they cannot afford. Thus, thank you Junior league of Charlotte and A.K.A.‘s for everything that you’ve done for the young ladies at KIPP Charlotte to be a part of, and to Ms. Lynch from Crisis Assistance Ministry for speaking to us about poverty and homelessness.”
Thank you to our guest, Raquel Lynch from Crisis Assistance Ministry, and our wonderful partners at the Junior League of Charlotte and the Sigma Psi chapter of AKA sorority!


COLLEGE TRIPS
Wake Forest University
By Sophia (Pride of 2016)

On December 8th, each pride went on a trip to a different University to learn about college life. The pride of 2019 (5th grade) visited Johnson C. Smith University, 2018 (6th grade) went to Davidson College, 2017 (7th grade) experienced Fayetteville State University, and the Pride of 2016 (8th grade) saw Wake Forest University. Sophia (Pride of 2016) writes about her college trip:

“The college trip for the pride of 2016 was to Wake Forest. This trip was very good because we learned about the college. First we took a tour of the campus. Our tour guide talked about when the school was founded and all of the buildings on the campus. She let us go into a classroom even though they were taking a final exam for an education class. [They had discussed KIPP in the class, so the professor was excited to welcome us.] I like the small class sizes at Wake Forest and feel that it helps to learn. The campus was really nice and the people seemed friendly. This was very informative, especially because we are going to choose colleges in a few years.”

The trips gave KIPPsters a taste of what they can expect on their end of year college trips! Thank you to the four Universities that welcomed us.


BASKETBALL
KIPP Charlotte Basketball Teams see Great Success
Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are having a great season! Mr. Gates (Associate Director of KIPP through College and Director of Athletics) coaches the boys’ team, assisted by Mr. Chadwick Scott (community volunteer). The boys have a record of 4-2 and won the 2nd Annual Charlotte Prep Holiday tournament in December! KIPPster Larry M. was named Tournament MVP and Francisco M. and Brian H. were both named to the all-tournament team. The boys have upcoming games against United Faith, Davidson Day, Kennedy Charter, and Victory Christian.

The girls’ team, coached by Ms. Hailey (5th grade Math) and Ms. Battle (Office Manager), has a winning record as well. They are preparing for upcoming games against United Faith, Davidson Day, and Victory Christian. Both teams have been working hard and are very excited to get back on the court following the holiday season.


HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER LUNCHEON
KIPP Students Present Awards
On Friday, December 2, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture held the 31st annual Jazzy Holiday Luncheon. The Gantt Center chose to have KIPP Charlotte students help present the 2011 Gantt Center Awards at the event. The Harvey B. Gantt Center Award celebrates individuals and organizations whose exceptional accomplishments have elevated artistic development and cultural awareness. This year’s recipients were Robert Bush, Arts & Science Council SVP of Cultural & Community Investment;Tommie Robinson, celebrated artist; and Pat Rodgers, President and CEO of Rodgers construction company. KIPP Charlotte students Caleaf J, Lindsay C, Isaiah A, and Immanuel A. helped present the awards.

Thank you to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for including KIPPsters in this wonderful event. Congratulations to the award recipients!


GYM FLOOR
New Floor in the Multipurpose Room
Until last month, the floor of the multipurpose room (cafeteria, auditorium, and gym) was carpeted. As you might imagine, this made it difficult for the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams to practice. Thanks to the generosity of Cannon School, we were able to purchase their gently-used gym floor at a significantly reduced rate. Brian Cockfield of The Sports Flooring Group led a team of volunteers from Bank of America, Hands on Charlotte, and other individuals to remove the carpet and replace it with the new floor. Kudos also go out to members of the KIPP Charlotte team for their coordination efforts: Mr. Gates, Ms. Quilty, Ms. Rogers, and Ms. Prothero. Thank you to everyone who helped with this project!