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KIPP University Prep Principal's Blog
April 27, 2010
Hi Everyone! As we wind our way through TAKS testing and the end of the year, I would like to bring you up to date on what has been happening at KIPP University Prep.
Carmen Maria Drake started at the position of Office Manager on Monday, April 12, 2010. Staff recruitment is going well! We have hired for a few of our open positions and have some great leads on the others.
This past quarter was the most successful for our scholars judging by our overall pass rate and GPAs. We had 41 scholars qualify for the HEB Trip held on April 5 & 6. In the third quarter we had 14 scholars on A/B honor role
At the beginning of this month (April 5-6) our scholars began their capstone research project at the UTSA John Peace Library. UTSA provided a computer lab, librarians and representatives from career services to help our scholars do their research. Our scholars are researching the job responsibilities of their future careers, the educational path to get there and the impact on society. The scope of the project is a 5 page paper and a presentation in front of a panel of teachers and scholars.
On April 9, 2010, scholars participated in the first ever KIPP U-Prep Science Fair. 53 out of 83 scholars dressed to impress and presented their projects to a panel of judges. The event also hosted at least 60 parents – a great turnout! Projects ranged in topics from the eating habits of hamsters while listening to music to which soaps induce acne. Science Fair Projects had three components: a presentation board, a detailed report and an oral presentation. Detailed reports ranged from 10-25 pages, and there were great reviews from parents and visitors alike.
Ninth graders from Keystone came to U-Prep on Wednesday, April 14, to take part in the service learning symposium presentations. Our scholars also demonstrated their projects which have truly been inspiring. One group has volunteered consistently at the Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC). They have started a fundraiser on campus for the CBC that has been very popular. Other groups have led handicapped children on horseback rides, developed drop-out prevention programs and created fundraisers for the humane society. Teachers and scholars alike agreed that they have made so much progress both in their visions for our city and their ability to present their passion in front of their peers that come from a totally different upbringing. This is a strong conclusion to the collaborative work that we’ve done with Keystone to increase understanding between schools, impact our city and share our knowledge.
On Saturday, April 17, scholars accompanied Ms. Prescott to UT Austin. Scholars participated in a leadership conference that was organized and run by UT students. To qualify for the trip scholars wrote essays on what being a student-leader means and why our motto is “Be the change.” Scholars also participated in a statue walk on the UT campus and enjoyed a keynote speech by Jehmu Greene (former president of “Rock the Vote”). Ms. Prescott took 12 scholars on the trip, and brought back great reports about the experience.
Aside from participating in the Science Fair, parental involvement this month has also included the KPO meeting which on Saturday, April 10. Lucien Costley from Region 20 presented to parents about “Teenagers At-Risk.” Parents also collaborated on the Campus Improvement Plan and student recruitment at the meeting. Our “Scholar Recognition Night” on April 12, hosted 40 parents who came to meet with teachers and view scholar presentations. Our Robotics teams presented their functional remote-controlled robots, and parents received information on planning for the 2010-11 school year. Parents will also helped with marching in the Flambeau Parade on April 24.
United Communities San Antonio (UCSA) came to help scholars build bridges and take part in the school improvement process on April 14, 2010. UCSA is a local, non-profit organization that works with schools and students to prevent bullying and improve understanding. Scholar and teacher feedback from the event was exceptional. Our student body came together to suggest constructive ideas to breakdown cliques and improve relationships between peers. Scholars unanimously agreed that the event was very beneficial, and changes are currently underway in the lunchroom to improve our bonds as a team and a family.
Jenny Lacoste-Caputo from the Express News visited campus for two days in April to interview scholars and teachers for a piece she wrote on KIPP U-Prep. The article was fantastic and can be found here.
Our next KPO meeting is on Saturday, May 8, and it will be followed by a presentation by well-known speaker Chandra Murthy. Chandra has been featured in the Express News as one of the best resources in the city for helping families map the road to college.
Onward to and through the end of the year!
Joel Harris
March 12, 2010
Greetings extended Team & Family-
Today is a great day at U-Prep! Our scholars are in classes working hard…and they are reading the latest issue of the Trailblazer Times.
Thanks everyone for coming out to this Wednesday’s KPO meeting. We discussed upcoming events, school plans for 2010-11, student recruitment, and the campus improvement planning process. I’ve copied the bulleted notes from the meeting below for your reference. Our next meeting will be on April 10th at 11 AM during Saturday School.
Also, we are looking for a few GREAT volunteers on Monday, March 22 to make phone calls for recruitment purposes. Let me know if you can come by during the school day to make some calls.
Last, and probably the most significant item on the list, KIPP San Antonio has received a pledge of $1 million for the next four school years from the Goldsbury Foundation! This is a true testament to the work our Team and Family (students, parents, teachers and staff) is doing here in our city. Thank you for helping make KIPP great each and every day…and, of course, thanks to the Goldsbury Foundation for their incredible generosity.
If you would like to come up to the school to help in our thank-you-note writing efforts, please let me know and we can get started the week after Spring Break. You can also check out the incredible work Ms. Perez is doing with her Composition Scholars to put together very meaningful expressions of gratitude when you come.
I wish everyone a safe and fun spring break and we’ll see everyone at 7:30 AM on Monday, March 22!
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NOTES FROM KPO MEETING:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Great job everyone on the Valentine’s Dance!
• Great job on TAKS Reading…gearing up for TAKS Math
• HEB Excellence in Education Award – we’re finalists!
• Goldsbury Foundation - $1 million for the next 4 years – wow!!!
• Visitors today from a private school in Singapore
PLANS FOR 2010-11
• Daily Schedule: 8 AM – 4 PM / 4-5 PM Sports & Electives
• 10th Grade: time + ½ for all core subjects
• 2nd floor & new materials
• College Counselor in place
• New electives: Band/Music, Technology, Art
• New Sports Leagues: UIL, TCAL
• Ms. Wallace & Ms. Prescott – 10th grade Chemistry & World History (AP)
• Ms. Murillo – Vice Principal
• New Hires: Ms. Drake (Office Manager); Senor Maurtua (9th/10th Spanish); Ms. Dauwalter (Biology)
• Searching for teachers: Math, English, Social Studies, Special Education
• 90 Ninth graders signed up J
• Renovations to 2nd floor
UPCOMING EVENTS
• March 31 – TAKS Math Practice Test
• April 5 – All grades in
• April 5-6 – Quarter Trip to HEB camp
• April – Advisory focus: drugs, violence, & gangs
• April 9 – Science Fair – 6-8 PM – Volunteers? Contact Ms. Wallace
• April 10 – Saturday School – Tutoring
• April 12 – Scholar Recognition Night/Open House
• April 14 – Diversity Training
• April 29 – TAKS – SNACKS NEEDED!
END OF YEAR TRIP:
• What: College visits, Adventure experiences with leadership training, and outdoor classrooms
• Dates: 5/26 depart 5 PM – 5/27 visit AF Academy & UC Boulder, 5/27 Hotel stay, 5/28 raft, 5/28 camp, 5/29-31 backpack, 6/1 depart
March 4, 2010
Greetings Extended Team and Family!
I hope that you are enjoying the San Antonio spring weather. I have a few important updates-
First, yesterday’s TAKS testing event went very smoothly. Ms. Murillo coordinated the test brilliantly and our staff saw incredible amounts of determination and drive from each of your children. We are excited about our results! In addition, KIPP San Antonio is in contention for the HEB Excellence in Education Award…we’ll keep you posted.
We have Saturday school this week! Some scholars will have math tutoring from 8-945 and then all scholars will be visiting the zoo. Those scholars not in math tutoring will be cleaning up Brackenridge Park with the San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department. Please make sure that you sign the release form coming home with your son/daughter today.
All scholars received their progress reports today. This is a snapshot of grades at this point in the 9-week grading cycle. The grading cycle will end on 4/1/2010. Please sign your child’s progress report so it can be returned in Advisory tomorrow.
On another note, our next KPO meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 PM at the high school. You will receive a flyer about this in the mail.
Last, if you are available to help with some student recruiting on Saturday from 8-12 PM or on Tuesday of next week from 6-7 PM, please let me know ASAP.
Thanks again and again for your support!
Joel Harris
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Greetings!
Last night’s Pizza with the Principal was an exciting conclusion to a packed week at UPrep. With 65 people in attendance, our UPrep scholars, teachers and CEO Mark Larson shared powerfully about how KIPP University Prep is mapping the road to college each and every day.
In the midst of the action, I took a moment to reflect on where we were at this point in time last year and I was absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude. In the spring of 2009, KIPP University Prep did not have a building, teachers or students, just a vision for a college-prep high school overflowing with dedication, desire, determination and dreams for the future. Today, I can confidently say last year’s dream is today’s reality.
This has been such an exciting week on campus! Our scholars are creating their science fair projects which focus on everything from plant biology to zoological analyses. Scholars are also composing short story pieces in their compositions which will be entered into a local contest. The entire school is reporting record Lifework turn-in rates with most classes above the 85% mark per assignment. Scholars are preparing for the TAKS with a round of practice tests this upcoming week.
This week there was plenty of activity going on outside of the classroom as well. On Tuesday, the KIPP University Prep basketball team had their first scrimmage against Harmony Science Academy. Ms. Wallace’s Biology class was preparing to break ground on a school garden with the help of parents and the San Antonio Rotary Club. And on Wednesday, the KIPP Parent Organization (KPO) met to discuss upcoming changes at UPrep, the Valentine’s Day Dance and preparations for the 2010-11 school year.
The KPO meeting on Wednesday demonstrated one of the unique aspects of U-Prep of which we are very proud – parental involvement. The room was packed and every parent volunteered to play a meaningful role in upcoming events at UPrep. Just in the last month our parents have teamed up to make phone calls, help out at school functions and even replace drywall where needed (thanks Mr. Singer!).
Our big goals for this season are as follows:
1) prepare diligently for the TAKS,
2) enhance critical thinking through ever increasing quality of daily lessons,
3) recruit dedicated, caring and excellent teachers, and
4) enroll 100 new 9th graders at U-Prep for the 2010-2011 school year.
SO, If you are a parent or student going into the 9th or 10th grade, please contact us so we can help you advance faster than ever before down the road to college. OR, if you are a teacher and you are willing to do whatever it takes in order to prepare San Antonio kids for college, please contact me regarding our open positions as we add another grade to our program.
Be the change!
Joel Harris
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