KIPP Central Ohio Board

Volume 1, Issue 5
8 September 2008

School Newsletter
New Day! New Way! New Results!

Finance
The August 2008 financial reports are attached.

Human Resources/Personnel
At the August board meeting, a policy binder containing the professional staff policies was distributed to the board.
These policies were approved at the July board meeting. New policies will be presented for your review and approval as
they are designed.

Facilities
We are actively seeking a facility for the second KIPP Central Ohio school. At the August board meeting, a
packet entitled “Market Analysis: Location of Second KIPP Central Ohio School” was distributed to the board. The
packet contained data on zip codes 43201 (north of downtown. Near Short North, OSU, and Weinland Park.), 43203
(central, east side of the city), 43205 (central, south side of the city, King-Lincoln District), 43206 (south side of the city)
and 43223 (west side of the city, known as Hilltop).

Pupil Services
From September 8-11, students will be taking the Stanford 10. This exam test students in reading, word study, math com-
putation, math problem solving, social sciences, language, and science. The exam will provide baseline data on what
the students know and will be used to inform instruction. Students will take the same test in May in order
to measure growth.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Legal Counsel
Sept. 25: KIPP Journey Academy Open house, 6PM
No updates at this time.
Sept. 26: Board Meeting, 11:30AM
Community Relations
The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation gave KIPP Central Ohio a $25,000 grant for start up costs associated with
KIPP Journey Academy. We are truly thankful for this generous gift.

We have submitted a grant request to Fifth Third Bank and a letter of intent to The Columbus Foundation’s
traditional grant program. We will soon begin the application process for two large funding opportunities: E-Rate and
Federal Grants.

The E-Rate program helps ensure that eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunica-
tions and information services. This federal program provides discounts of 20 to 90 percent on telecommunications and
Internet access service costs to eligible elementary and secondary schools. The application process is complex and requires
a school specific technology plan. Leslie will be attending an information session regarding this funding opportunity on Oc-
tober 14 and has asked other KIPP development directors for sample copies of their applications.

Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Planning (CCIP) is the process through which schools apply for Federal Grant
Funds, which can provide a substantial amount of school revenues required to start-up, maintain, and school growth.
Charter School Specialists has been contracted to work with us regarding this process.

1406 Myrtle Avenue – Columbus OH 43211 – P: 614-263-6137 – F: 614-263-6207

 School Newsletter Page 2

Leslie is building a contact list of donors and potential donors. Please contact her at 614-893-2351, 614 -263-6137, or
kippcentralohio@gmail.com with people to add.

We have had several visitors to KIPP Journey Academy and we would love to see more. Please contact us if
you have any colleagues or friends who may be interested in learning more about KIPP.

Building Principal Report

Included here are pictures of our first annual t-shirt ceremony! The students
were very excited to receive their KIPP Journey Academy polo shirts
and several parents and family members came out to the t-shirt ceremony. Six
students received special KIPP chalkboard t-shirts for having averages of $50 in
their paychecks. A variety of t-shirts will be used as incentives for academic ex-
cellence and character building.

Our first Saturday school session took place on September 6, 2008. The
day was a great success and many students commented that Saturday
school was fun. The students received instruction in math, reading, and writing.
Students also participated in summer games, such as Ultimate Frisbee, the Great
Egg Race, and kick ball with an emphasis on team building. A proud KIPPster with his first Journey polo

As of September 8, 2008, our current enrollment is 70 students. We recently

experienced eight withdrawals and two no-shows. Reasons for withdrawal in-
clude transportation and parents wanting their children to attend the same
school.

Our recruitment efforts include targeting Columbus City School students who
are attending low-performing charter schools. We have recently received a list of
these students. We are continuing to look to current parents to refer other par-
ents and students to KIPP.

KIPP Journey Academy is hosting an open house on Thursday, September Students modeling the Journey polo and the KIPP
Chalkboard Shirt. (And yes! They ‘re twins!)
25 at 6PM.

Fisher Fellow Update

Hannah Powell, our second school leader, started her first residency at KIPP: Infinity in New York City.
Below is a brief note about her observations:
“The principal is a phenomenal leader, and it is a true privilege to be at KIPP: Infinity. Joe Negron’s charisma and willing-
ness to support his teachers manifests itself at every layer of the organization. His success stems from his ability to mobi-
lize, motivate, and support his staff—the work they achieve is far more than he could have achieved by himself, and there is
no timidity in his communication around that fact. I have only been here for 4 days, but the energy at the school is palpa-
ble, and the energy is collective. The interactions occurring at all levels of the school (student/teacher; teacher/teacher;
administrator/teacher, etc) are focused and purposeful. There is an unwavering sense of urgency and a spirit of collabora-
tion that serves as a framework for the amazing successes that are occurring.”

Fordham Foundation Update

The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation made a generous grant of $25,000 to KIPP Central Ohio for the open-
ing of KIPP Journey Academy. This gift is greatly appreciated and will be put to thoughtful use.

1406 Myrtle Avenue – Columbus OH 43211 – P: 614-263-6137 – F: 614-263-6207