FAMILY

HANDBOOK
2010-2011
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625 West 133rd Street, 3rd Floor · New York, NY 10027

Tel (212) 991-2622
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www.kippnyc.org
Dear Families,

Welcome to the KIPP Infinity Elementary team and family! This is our
founding year, and as a team of families, students, and staff, we are
beginning to build the foundation for early education and character together.
We commit to helping our children develop the necessary character,
academic skills, and habits necessary to succeed in middle school, high
school, college, and the world beyond. We believe that by working together,
we can provide opportunities to enable our children to grow up to have
happy, healthy, and successful lives.

Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms reading A Chair for My Mother,
at the zoo discovering the needs of animals to live and survive, performing
at our winter show, or practicing their UNITE values, they truly embody what
it is to be a KIPPster. We practice the KIPP Philosophy: Be nice and work
hard. Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication, and support
of their teachers and families, we know that our KIPPsters will do amazing
things. We are excited about their infinite possibilities, and beginning the
first KIPP elementary school in Harlem is one step towards achieving those
possibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are happy 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. Because we value 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
that 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 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, comments, or concerns.

Thank you for your faith and support,

Stephanie Adams Lindsay Fry

Co-Principal Co-Principal
(917)-547-8725 (917)-547-8674
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................ 3
WHO WE ARE…........................................................................................................................................ 4
KIPP MISSION..........................................................................................................4
OUR BEGINNING.....................................................................................................4
KIPP CREDO:...........................................................................................................4
KIPP INFINITY VALUES:............................................................................................4
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......................................................................................................................... 10
IMMUNIZATIONS...................................................................................................10
REPORTING A CHILD’S SICKNESS..........................................................................10
ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS........................................................................11
COUNSELING SERVICES........................................................................................11
CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE.............................................................................................................. 11
START/END DATES................................................................................................11
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS..........................................................................................11
SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER)....................................................................11
SUMMER SCHOOL.................................................................................................12
SATURDAY SCHOOL..............................................................................................12
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES...........................................................................12
ACADEMICS - “WORK HARD”....................................................................................................... …15
HOMEWORK..........................................................................................................15
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM.........................................................................................16
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PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE........................................................................16

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT..................................................................................................................... 16
WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?...................................................16
WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?

WHO WE ARE…
KIPP MISSION
KIPP Infinity 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 for us all.

OUR BEGINNING
We are founding KIPP Infinity Elementary this year. This is the first KIPP elementary
school in Harlem, but we are not the only KIPP School.
In 2005, KIPP Infinity Middle School opened in West Harlem serving 45 fifth
graders. This year, KIPP Infinity Middle School will serve approximately 250
students in fifth through eighth grade.
KIPP Infinity Elementary and Middle Schools are part of KIPP NYC which currently
serves over 1,640 students and alumni at four middle schools, one high school, and
two elementary schools.
From the beginning, KIPP has focused on developing academic and character skills.
Since day one, the key to our success has been the amazing teamwork of parents,
students, and teachers all working together.

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.

KIPP INFINITY VALUES:

Understand
Never Give Up
Imagine
Take a Risk
Explore
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KIPP Infinity Elementary Commitment to Excellence

Teachers’ Commitment:
Without taking shortcuts, we commit fully to Infinity Elementary School in the following ways:
∞ We will do whatever it takes to develop our student’s character and knowledge preparing them
to be successful in life.
∞ We will always strive to improve our teaching abilities so your child has the best education.
∞ We will be available to students and parents by phone or in person.
∞ We will arrive at school every day by 7:15am Monday-Friday and remain at school until 5:15pm
Monday through Thursday and 4:15pm on Friday.
∞ We will teach one Saturday school each month
∞ We will live and teach the UNITE values every day.

We understand that if these commitments are not met, we will receive

consequences, including possibly termination.

Parents’/Guardians’ Commitment:
Without taking shortcuts, we commit fully to KIPP Infinity Elementary in the following ways:
∞ We will always help our child in the best way we know how and we will do whatever it takes to
make sure that he/she is reaching Infinity’s academic and character goals as part of the Infinity
mission.
∞ We will be responsible for the actions of our child, and we will make ourselves available to our
children and the school as needed.
∞ We will participate in one Saturday school per month, for 10 months, starting in September from
9:00-11:00am. If we are unable to attend Saturday School we will make sure a family member
older than 18 years old attends with our child.
∞ We will read and check carefully all papers our child brings home, including homework, every
night.
∞ We will always call the teacher when there are problems with homework
∞ We will ensure that our child arrives at Infinity by 7:30 a.m. (Monday – Friday) and will remain at
school until 4:00 Monday-Friday.
∞ We will ensure our child attends all Saturday Schools and Summer School (August 23-September
2).
∞ We will attend one performance every quarter.
∞ We will notify the school no later than the beginning of the school day if our child will miss
school.
∞ We will allow our child to go on field trips.
∞ We will make sure our child follows the KIPP Infinity dress code.
∞ We will live and teach the UNITE values every day.

I understand that if these commitments are not met, we will receive

consequences including my child’s loss of privilege and possibly removal of my
child from the school.

Student Commitment:
Without taking shortcuts, I commit fully to UNITE in the following ways:
∞ I will understand my classmates, teachers, family, community and the world around me.
Understand
∞ I will never give up. Never Give Up
∞ I will use my imagination. Imagine
∞ I will take risks every day. Take a Risk
∞ I will explore new ideas and the world around me. Explore
∞ I will be nice and work hard every day.
∞ I will complete all my homework every night and call my teachers if I have a problem.
∞ I will tell the truth and accept responsibility for my actions if I make a mistake.
∞ I will always follow the directions of my teachers and other adults at KIPP.
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∞ I will arrive at KIPP every day by 7:30am (Monday-Friday) and remain at school until 4:00
(Monday-Friday)

I understand that if these commitments are not met, I will receive consequences,
including loss of Infinity privileges and possibly even removal from the school.

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 Infinity
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 – UNITE (Understand, Never Give Up, Imagine, Take a Risk, and Explore)

IV - Track the Speaker- This means that students will always have their eyes and
focus on that person.

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

NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP INFINITY

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:

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 (see above).

a.

5) KIPPsters must complete homework daily to the best of

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

6) Students and families should be reading together every night for 20

minutes.
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7) Respond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions, and non-verbal

actions matter.

8) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building.

9) 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.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT
Every year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Infinity Elementary will begin
accepting applications for our kindergarten and first 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 5 as a 2nd priority. The lottery will be held the first week of
April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOL

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

 Registration Form
 Commitment to Excellence
 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

WHO SHOULD I ASK?

At times, you may have questions about KIES. Below is a quick list of common
concerns and to whom you should direct your call.
CONCERN STAFF MEMBER

Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Immunization Ms. Chung (Operations Manager)

Records, etc

Lost Metro Card Ms. Chung (Operations Manager)

Ordering KIPP shirt Ms. Chung (Operations Manager)

I have concerns about my child’s social adjustment Ms. Stevenson (Social Worker)

My child has an IEP/504 Accommodations Ms. Adams and Ms. Fry (Co-Principals)

My child will be absent or late Ms. Chung (Operations Manager)

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

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

slips etc)

I have overall concerns Ms. Adams and Ms. Fry (Co-Principals)

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ATTENDANCE
Attendance is extremely important at KIPP Infinity Elementary. Students and
families should arrive to school on time. As the old saying goes, “If you’re five
minutes early you’re late.”  KIPP Infinity Elementary students arrive by 7:30 a.m.
Monday – Friday, and remain at school until 4:00 p.m. On applicable 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. Chung 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. Chung. (Please try to arrange doctor’s appointment
outside of the school schedule. Please speak to Ms. Fry or Ms. Adams if there are
any concerns). Students who arrive late will be given a late pass. If your child is
absent, Ms. Chung 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, he or she will
meet with his or her teachers, Ms. Adams and Ms. Fry, and a parent/guardian to
address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more unexcused absences
(3 latenesses = 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 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 – 7:45 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 family’s 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 the child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child,
they must (a) be given explicit written permission to pick up the child and (b) be 18
years or older. Please speak to Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry if there are any concerns.
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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, the Statue of Liberty,
Columbia University basketball games, ice skating, the Bronx Zoo amongst other
New York City sites. Students earn these trips based on their behavior, attendance,
and academic performance. 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 well being of themselves or others.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS

Part of the success of KIPP Infinity Elementary is the open communication between
parents, students, and teachers. In an effort to facilitate this, we give parents
telephone numbers of KIPP Infinity 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 Ms. Fry or Ms. Adams.

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 Infinity Elementary staff member.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Students should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school
are appropriate 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, or toys of any kind to school without prior permission. All toys, cards, games,
and electronics not specifically authorized by the Principals—Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry—
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 Infinity 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. Chung for order forms. Please see the
student dress code policy, below, for additional information.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

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/or sweatshirts available for colder weather.

2. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.

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3. All pants must fit around the waist, or students 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. Khakis are required—students cannot wear jeans or sweat pants. Shorts may be worn
during the summer months.

5. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut-off shirts, blouses, or dresses.

6. Students may not wear inappropriately tight clothing.
7. 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.
8. Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags, or other head coverings in the school (except
in the case of religious observance).

9. For safety reasons, the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP Infinity Elementary:
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.

10. 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).
11. 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.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

IMMUNIZATIONS
New York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be
immunized. In accordance with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
students entering kindergarten must have the following vaccinations:
– 4 DTaP or DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - 3
Hepatitis B
– 3 OPV or IPV (Polio) - 1
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
– 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella)
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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 Infinity must receive a
certificate of immunization no later than September 15, 2010. 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 Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry know if there are any medical concerns
or special circumstances about 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. Chung 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. Adams or Ms. Fry 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 counseling services at KIPP Infinity are 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 Ms. Fry or Ms. Adams
• 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).
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CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE

START/END DATES
Summer School will begin for all students on August 23rd at 8:00 a.m. and end on
September 2nd at 12 noon. This year, school will resume for students on Tuesday,
September 7th, 2010, at 7:30 a.m. The last day for students will be Wednesday,
June 22nd, 2011, at 4:00 p.m.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS
With a few exceptions, KIPP Infinity 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 Infinity Elementary is
closed. Listen to the radio (e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the
announcement of closings/delays for 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 Infinity 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 held August 23-
September 2, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

SATURDAY SCHOOL
On appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP Infinity Elementary students are expected to
attend Saturday school from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with a parent/guardian or a sibling
over the age of 18. Unless otherwise specified, students must continue to follow
the standard KIPP Infinity 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 Infinity Elementary students participate in various extra-curricular activities.
Students will have dance/theater and gym on alternating days throughout the
school year.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Starting September 7th, all students will start school at 7:30 a.m. and will remain
until classes are dismissed at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 9
a.m. to 11 a.m.
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SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTER’S DAILY SCHEDULE

Breakfast and transition to Classrooms

7:15-8:00 am

8:00-8:30am Morning Meeting

8:30-10:15am Literacy Instruction

10:15-
Theater and Movement
11:00am

11:00-
Math
12:00pm

12:00-
Lunch
12:30pm
12:30-1:00pm Recess

1:00-2:00pm Nap

2:00-3:30pm Science, Social Studies, and Centers

3:30-4:00pm Community Meeting and Dismissal

KIPP INFINITY ELEMENTARY CALENDAR 2010-2011

AUGUST
August 18-20 Family Survey Days
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August 23 Summer School (8am-12pm)

September 2 Last Day of Summer School
SEPTEMBER
September 3-6 Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
September 7 First Day of School for Students
September 9-10 Rosh Hashanah (SCHOOL CLOSED)
September 22 Open House
September 24 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
OCTOBER
October 8 Progress Reports Distributed
October 2 Saturday School
October 11 Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
October 20 HALF DAY for Students
October 21 Student Performance 3:00
NOVEMBER
November 2 Election Day (School Open)
November 4 1st Quarter Ends
November 6 Saturday School and KIPP High School Homecoming
November 9 Report Card Night
November 11 Veteran’s Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)
November 12 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
November 16 KIPP IES Family Feast 4pm-5:30pm
November 17 HALF DAY for Students
November 22-26 THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
DECEMBER
December 4 Saturday School
December 15 HALF DAY for Students
December 17 Progress Reports Distributed
December 20 KIPP Infinity Holiday Show
December 24-Jan 2 WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
JANUARY
January 3 All Students Return to School
January 8 Saturday School
January 12 HALF DAY for Students
January 17 MLK Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
January 28 2nd Quarter Ends
FEBRUARY
February 1 Report Card Night
February 12 Saturday School
February 8 HALF DAY for Students
February 18 Students Dismissed Early at 1:30PM
February 21 – 25 MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

MARCH
March 11 Progress Reports Distributed
March 12 Saturday School
March 16 HALF DAY for Students
March 18 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
March 24 KIPP IES Performance (3:00PM-4:00PM)
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APRIL
April 5 Admissions Lottery
April 9 Saturday School
April 12 HALF DAY for Students
April 12 Report Card Night
April 15 End of 3rd Quarter
April 18-26 SPRING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
MAY
May 7 Saturday School
May 20 Progress Reports Distributed
May 30 Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
JUNE
June 4 Saturday School
June 9 End of Year Show
June 17 End of 4th Quarter
June 22 Last Day of School
NOTE: Summer School 2011 will take place in mid to late August; please plan your family
vacations for July and the beginning of August.

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 3-6

Rosh Hashanah September 9-10

Columbus Day October 11
Thanksgiving Recess November 22-26
Winter Recess December 24 – January 2
MLK Day January 17
Mid-Winter Break February 21-25

Spring Recess April 18-26

Memorial Day May 30
C) Professional
A) Half Days for Students, Dismissal at 1PM Development Days
October 20
(School closed)
November 17
September 24
December 15
November 12
January 12
March 18
February 8
April 12
March 16

ACADEMICS - “WORK HARD”

HOMEWORK
A key part of the academic program of KIPP Infinity Elementary is the homework
that every KIPPster will receive every night. Homework must be completed the
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
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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 HOMEWORK 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. Homework
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.
 Homework completion and effort is logged into Powerschool, which is used to
determine grades in each class.

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 and parent’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.
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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 the student’s 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 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 ten days of school 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 Infinity Elementary is
the strong working relationship between parents, teachers, and children. The key
to this relationship is constant communication. It is for this reason that all KIPP
Infinity teachers give out their phone numbers and it is also the reason that we
have an open door policy. All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school at
anytime. In addition to phone conversations, school visits, and home visits by staff,
KIPP Infinity Elementary also has quarterly conferences between parents, teachers,
and children.

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 others depending on specific
classes)
 Attend quarterly awards ceremony
 Chaperone school trips
 Attend parent-meetings
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 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
 Help teachers make copies and laminate class materials
 Help translate documents

And if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to

contact Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry directly.
UNIT
E
Understand. Never Give
Up.
Imagine. Take a Risk.
Explore