KIPP PEACE

KIPP PEACE Elementary School opened its doors for the first time in the summer of 2011. As an open enrollment public charter school, KIPP PEACE will serve students in PK3, Kindergarten, first, and second grade during the 2013-14 school year in the Third Ward community.

ACADEMICS

At KIPP PEACE, we focus on cultivating each student’s oral language development and foundational literacy and math skills so that our students leave fourth grade as ‘ready readers’ and ‘mathematicians.’ We also prepare our students to become a part of our global society through the study of Spanish and Latin American culture. Students on each grade level are exposed to various aspects of global knowledge (science and social studies) through interdisciplinary units of study. Our students also learn how to self-regulate through exploring their interests and work habits in our enrichment classes.

Literacy

All students begin their day with Morning Meeting, a 20-minute opportunity for students to develop oral language skills, strengthen classroom culture, reset value expectations, and celebrate each other. Students gather together on the carpet to view a daily teacher-created morning message and learn daily news from the student-of-the-day. 

In many ways, the achievement gap can be equated to a gap in vocabulary and literacy development. Students receive 90 minutes of literacy instruction every day, connected to a thematic unit of study. This sacred time ensures that students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in all aspects of literacy and that educators have enough time to create various engagement opportunities. The literacy schedule includes a focus on skill development (phonics and phonemic awareness), shared reading with a focus on vocabulary development and comprehension, read-alouds of culturally relevant text, and work in teacher-led small groups and independent work stations.

Math

Starting in elementary school, students need to build strong foundational skills in mathematical concepts, in order to excel academically in higher level courses (High School and College AP). Students receive 60 minutes of math instruction every day. The math schedule includes a focus on the calendar, problem of the day, daily lesson focus, and small group work stations.

Global Knowledge Through Writing

In our Global Knowledge through Writing class, students develop their writing skills through real world engagement in thematic units that represent a science or social studies focal point. Students receive 60 minutes of instruction a day, with a schedule that includes a science/social studies lesson, shared writing, independent writing, and independent work stations.

Latin American Studies Program

KIPP PEACE offers Spanish as a Second Language through our Latin American Studies program. Our goal is for students to become bilingual Spanish speakers, increasing their oral, reading and writing proficiency through exposure to the language, culture, and customs.  During this daily 60-minute block, students focus on simple phrases, shared reading with an emphasis on culture and vocabulary building, and small group centers.  

Enrichment

Physical Education

Childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past 30 years and have a negative long-term impact on children once they become adults. Physical education is important for the proper growth and development of students. It also teaches ethical behavior in games and provides knowledge of our bodies, the value of fitness, and how to become physically fit. Students participate in 45 minutes of physical education three times a week, focusing on individual movement and teamwork through games.

Healthy Me

The early childhood years are the most critical in regards to a child developing a strong sense of self and feeling valued by the adults and peers around them. Students begin to grow and develop their self-confidence, self-worth, and self-awareness through our Healthy Me class. For 45 minutes three times a week, students explore their ability to express their thoughts and opinions by focusing on oral language and vocabulary development. Students increase their self-esteem through a focus on daily affirmations, knowledge of self study, and positive affirmations for others.

Art & Artist

We believe that every child is an artist, and benefits from creating an object of beauty, or expressing feelings and emotions through art. Art also has the ability to boost the self confidence of students who are not performing on level in reading and math. Students receive 45 minutes of instruction, focusing on creating objects and studying the work of artist.

Technology

KIPP PEACE is committed to closing the technology gap that exists for minority students. Our technology class is designed to increase student development in manipulating computer and computer software, as well as develop student interest in technology-based careers. This 45 minute session focuses on careers in technology and teaching a specific skill. 

CULTURE

Mission and Vision

KIPP PEACE Elementary School builds lifelong learners by nurturing our students' creativity, knowledge, and character as we cultivate their academic, physical, emotional, and social skills that prepare them to excel to and through college, becoming the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow.

At KIPP PEACE Elementary School, our students acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to overcome obstacles and excel academically to and through college. We create a learning environment where all students receive a quality education in every classroom. Students appreciate the impact each person has on the world and celebrate who they are through exploring the life journeys of others. Our students are the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow, becoming the positive pillars of the Third Ward community.  

Values

PEACE stands for:

Protect your team, family and environment

Endure life challenges

Act like a leader

Commit and keep promises

Explore new places, new people, and new ideas

PEACE Fest

Every Friday, each grade level participates in PEACE Fest, an end of the week celebration that include role-plays (teacher, student or class led) focusing on the value focus of the month, student award and recognition for individuals who lived out the value in their class, according to their classmates. At the end of each rally, one class receives the PEACE Banner, in recognition of a class where the group of students were seen living out the value of the week by school administration.

PEACE to College Program

Parents and students will participate in workshops four times a year, highlighting the skills students have amassed in the classroom, as well as topics around helping children with homework and academics at home, financial literacy, and developing healthy habits for children.  

Family Fellowship Night

Four times a year, our families are invited to our campus for a Friday evening activity where the school offers a movie viewing, game night, or event hosted with a community partner. The purpose of this program is to provide an outlet for families to focus on spending time together.