family handbook - KIPP New Jersey

Transcription

FAMILY HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
KIPP New Jersey
We are the change that we seek.
Dear Families,
We prepared this handbook as a resource for you and your Seek scholar. Please read this handbook to
understand the policies and procedures in place at Seek Academy that help us provide consistency, safety, and
an excellent educational environment for your scholar. Use this handbook to answer any questions and/or
concerns you may have. If you have additional questions, feel free to give us a call. Please sign and return the
last page of this handbook to acknowledge that you and your scholar read and understood its contents.
Thank you for your continued support, and we welcome you to the new school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. O’Sullivan
School Leader
Work Hard. Be Nice. Be the CHANGE.
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I. SEEK ACADEMY CONTACT INFORMATION
School Phone:
School Fax:
Address:
Website:
Name
(973) 481-7583
Ms. Monique Camacho, Office Manager
(973) 481-7584
100 Aldine Street, 3rd floor
Newark, NJ 07112
(at George Washington Carver Elementary – 333 Clinton Place)
http://kippnj.org/schools/seek-academy/
Position
Class and Room Number
Avery, Veronica
Vice Principal,
Instruction
Blair, Christopher
1st Grade Co-Teacher
Bryant, Kelli
Camacho, Monique
Cartey, Alexis
Chambers, Daja
Food Service Worker
Office Manager
K Co-Teacher
K Co-Teacher
Chisholm, Andrew
K Grade Level Chair
Chowdhury, Uzma
2nd Grade Co-Teacher
Clinton, Victoria
1st Grade Lead Teacher
Hampton University, Room 301
Conde, Alexis
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Duke University, Room 322
Cullinan, Jeffery
Technology Teacher
Seton Hall University, Room 313
Epstein, Alexandra
Fletcher, Rebecca
Frasca, Joseph (JJ)
Hay, Wydeyah
Music Specialist
Learning Specialist
Relay Resident
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Henriquez, Katheena
New York University, Room 304
Kean University, Room 319
Syracuse University, Room 325
Clark Atlanta University,
Room 321
[email protected]
Jaume, Francine
Learning Specialist
Coordinator
Dean of Students and
Families
King, Chantaya
Social Worker
King, Doris
Kirby, Tekisha
Campus Aide
Relay Resident
Jacobs, Amanda
Jagoo, Indira
Cornell University,
Room UN-143
Hampton University and New
York University,
Room 301 and 305
Cafeteria
Room 304
Rutgers University, Room 310
Howard University, Room 309
George Washington University,
Room 312
Duke University and Smith
College, Room 324 and 323
Email Address
Monmouth University,
Room UN-149
Swarthmore College, Room 322
Monmouth University,
Room UN-149
Room 304
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Konieczny, Anna
Kress, Monica
Langford, Krystal
Leal, Muriel
Lee, Jessica
Lewin, Jennifer
Lewis, George
Harris-Winfrey, Tia
Opoku, Elizabeth
O’Sullivan, Antonia
Palmer, Joanna
Polanco, Kevin
Price, Ashley
Rodriguez, Gina
K Co-Teacher
Temple University, Room 311
Vice Principal, Operations Room UN-143
Site Director, Boys and
Room 304
Girls Club of Newark
Nurse
Room 306
Montclair State University and
1st Grade Co-Teacher
Boston College,
Room 303 and 302
K Lead Teacher
Rutgers University, Room 310
Custodian
Room UN-143
K Lead Teacher
Temple University, Room 311
Food Service Worker
Cafeteria
School Leader
Cornell University, Room UN-143
George Washington University,
K Co-Teacher
room 312
Drew University and Trinity
Science Teacher and
College (Library),
Librarian
Room 318 and 314
Campus Aide
Room 304
Clark Atlanta University and
2nd Grade Co-Teacher
Swarthmore College,
Room 321 and 322
Shanahan, Megan
K Lead Teacher
Howard University, Room 309
Tambawala, Marya
Ventrell, Lily
Vilsaint, Sabine
Smith College, Room 324
Montclair State University,
Room 303
Boston College, Room 302
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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II. SCHOOL OVERVIEW
MISSION
To create a network of schools in Newark, New Jersey, that instills in their students the desire and the ability to succeed
in college in order to change the world.
VISION
Seek Academy will empower students in the belief: We are the CHANGE we seek. Our students will become lifelong
Seekers of CHANGE through a rigorous, experiential, standards based curriculum that equally values student
achievement and character education. We will build student investment with culturally relevant literature and social
studies/ service learning opportunities. In partnership with our community, we will achieve extraordinary results by
nurturing in Seekers the knowledge, skills, and fortitude to seize personal and professional opportunities successfully,
and live their best lives.
CORE BELIEFS
o We are all lifelong learners who challenge ourselves to continuously improve.
o We value an inclusive and diverse community.
o We can solve problems that arise between us.
o We share responsibility for our children and our mission.
o Data guides decision-making.
o A well-rounded education includes arts, language, athletics, opportunities to develop listening and speaking
skills, and leadership opportunities.
o Active citizens dedicate themselves to understanding the world and making it a better place.
o Believe in yourself: We are the CHANGE we seek.
SCHOOL VALUES
o Care (Virtue: Humanity)
o Hope (Virtue: Transcendence)
o Achieve (Virtue: Wisdom & Knowledge)
o Never Give Up (Virtue: Courage)
o Give (Virtue: Justice)
o Earn (Virtue: Temperance)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
o Extended school day
o Science taught by a science specialist
o Technology classes
o Fitness and nutrition
o Service learning focus across the curricula
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KIPP’s FIVE PILLARS
Seek Academy will be driven by the core operating principles of the Five Pillars that all Knowledge Is Power Program
(KIPP) Schools share:
1. High Expectations. KIPP Schools have clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic
achievement and conduct that make no excuses based on the students' backgrounds. Students, parents,
teachers, and staff create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support through a range of formal and
informal rewards, and consequences for academic performance and behavior.
2. Choice & Commitment. Students, their parents, and the faculty of each KIPP School choose to participate in the
program. No one is assigned or forced to attend these schools. Everyone must make and uphold a commitment
to the school and to each other to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.
3. More Time. KIPP Schools know that there are no shortcuts when it comes to success in academics and life. With
an extended school day, week, and year, students have more time in the classroom to acquire the academic
knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges, as well as more
opportunities to engage in diverse extracurricular experiences.
4. Power to Lead. The principals of KIPP Schools are effective academic and organizational leaders who understand
that great schools require great School Leaders. They have control over their school budgets and personnel.
They are free to swiftly move dollars or make staffing changes, allowing them maximum effectiveness in helping
students learn.
5. Focus on Results. KIPP Schools relentlessly focus on high student performance on standardized tests and other
objective measures. Just as there are no shortcuts, there are no excuses. Students are expected to achieve a
level of academic performance that will enable them to succeed at the nation's best high schools and colleges.
More Information about KIPP, TEAM Charters Schools, and Seek Academy:
 www.kipp.org
 http://kippnj.org/
THE KIPP NJ CHARTER SCHOOLS FAMILY
 TEAM Academy (middle school), founded in 2002, serving grades 5-8
 Rise Academy (middle school), founded in 2006, serving grades 5-8
 Newark Collegiate Academy (high school), founded in 2007, serving grades 9-12
 SPARK Academy (elementary school), founded in 2009, serving K-4
 THRIVE Academy (elementary school), founded in 2012, serving K-3 (growing to K-4)
 Seek Academy (elementary school), founded in 2013, serving K-2 (growing to K-4)
 Life Academy (elementary school), founded in 2014, serving K-4
 BOLD Academy (middle school), founded in 2015, serving grade 5 (growing to 5-8)
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III. SCHOOL SCHEDULES
SCHOOL SCHEDULE
2015-2016 Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Summer School
7:30 am—1:30 pm
Saturday School
9:30 am -12:00 pm
SAMPLE KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE
7:20- 7:55
7:55 - 8:00
8:00 - 9:40
9:45 - 11:20
11:20 - 12:10
12:15 - 1:50
1:55 - 2:20
2:25 - 2:40
2:45 - 3:25
3:25 - 3:35
3:35 - 4:20
4:20 - 4:30
MON, TUE, THU, FRI
Arrive at school, breakfast,
and Seek family meeting!
Transition
Text Study and Writing
Lit Rotations
Lunch and Nap
Math
Reading Workshop and
Independent Reading
Free Choice
Enrichment
Transition
Enrichment
Dismissal
7:20- 7:55
7:55 - 8:00
8:00 - 9:00
9:00 - 10:40
10:45 - 11:20
11:20 - 11:45
11:50 - 1:00
WEDNESDAYS ONLY
Transition
Math
Lit Rotations
Values
Lunch
Text Study and Writing
1:00 - 1:20 Free Choice
1:20 - 1:30 Dismissal
SAMPLE FIRST GRADE SCHEDULE
7:20- 7:55
7:55 - 8:05
8:05 - 9:45
9:45 - 10:35
10:35 - 11:25
11:25 - 12:35
12:35 - 1:00
1:00 - 1:45
1:50 - 2:35
MON, TUE, THU, FRI
Transition
Lit Rotations
Text Study
Writing
Reader’s Workshop and
Independent Reading
Lunch
Enrichment
Enrichment
7:20- 7:55
7:55 - 8:05
8:05 - 8:30
8:30 - 9:20
9:20 - 10:00
WEDNESDAYS ONLY
Transition
Innovation Station
Math
Values
10:00 - 10:50 Text Study
10:50 - 11:40 Writing
11:40 - 12:30 SSSL
12:35 - 1:00 Lunch
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2:35 - 4:15 Math
SAMPLE SECOND GRADE SCHEDULE
7:20- 7:55
7:55 - 8:05
8:10 - 9:45
9:45 - 10:30
10:40 - 11:20
11:25 - 11:45
11:50 - 12:10
12:15 - 1:50
1:55 - 3:30
3:35 - 4:20
4:20 - 4:30
MON, TUE, THU, FRI
Transition
Lit Rotations
Enrichment
Enrichment
Recess
Lunch
Text and Writing
Math
Reader’s Workshop and
Independent Reading
Dismissal
7:20- 7:55
7:55 - 8:05
8:05 - 8:30
8:30 - 9:20
9:20 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:50
10:50 - 11:40
11:40 - 12:30
12:35 - 1:00
WEDNESDAYS ONLY
Transition
Innovation Station
Math
Values
Text Study
Writing
SSSL
Lunch
IV. TRANSPORTATION
KIPP NJ Elementary Schools provides busing for your scholar to and from school within the City of Newark. We provide
this service to assist our families and make KIPP NJ a great choice for scholars no matter where they live. However,
busing is considered a privilege and if policies and behaviors are not adhered to, bus privileges can be revoked. In order
for us to maintain safe and efficient bus service, all families who choose to use our buses must agree to the code of
conduct and policies below.
BUS ROUTES AND STOPS:
We will make our best effort to designate bus stops that are both a reasonable distance from every family’s home
location and convenient for multiple families. However, we must balance this with making sure the bus route does not
become extremely long with too many stops. As a result, we are unable to pick your scholar up directly from your home.
Changes to bus stops are only rarely honored due to various factors including additional time added to the route, impact
on distance for other families, traffic patterns, etc.
In August, you will have the opportunity to select your bus stop from a pre-designated stop on our list. Please begin to
consider dismissal plans for the various scenarios. You may select different stops for the following type dismissal days:
4:30 pm dismissal:
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
1:30 pm dismissal:
(Summer School, Wednesdays and
Shortened Day Schedule)
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Once a scholar is signed up for our afterschool program (Boys and Girls Club of Newark), they will no longer be able to
use the bus in the afternoon. If a scholar is not staying for programming that day, they may be placed on parent pick up.
Families who opt for after-school care on Wednesdays only cannot use the bus on Wednesdays, but will retain their
seats for all other school days. When families are no longer using the services of the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, they
will be able to return to using the bus.
TIMELINESS:
The bus schedule gives each stop a 20 minute window of time in which the bus will arrive. This time frame accounts for
traffic or important conversations that might occur between bus aides and families. Please be on time to your stop.
Buses CANNOT wait for you if you are not at the stop. Out of courtesy and respect to the other families, please do NOT
ask the bus to wait for you as this delays bus arrival times at later stops along the route.
If you miss your child’s bus stop in the afternoons, you must go to the last stop on your child’s route and wait. By going
to the last stop, you allow yourself enough time to get there without missing the bus.
When there is inclement weather, you can also expect for buses to run an additional 10 to 15 minutes behind. While
primary roads might appear clear, remember that our buses travel down side streets that often remain icy. The safety of
our students is of primary importance and we encourage our drivers to take extra precaution when conditions are less
than ideal.
If a bus is late due to weather or any other circumstance, and if you choose not to wait, you are always welcome to bring
your scholar to school. Late buses will always make every stop. Scholars who typically ride that bus will receive an
excused tardy. Absences will not be excused.
DAILY OR SHORT-TERM DISMISSAL CHANGES:
Dismissal changes make it difficult for us to ensure that every student is exactly where they need to be in order to make
it home safely. Therefore, we will limit the ability to make dismissal changes. You may request a dismissal change to
parent pick-up ONLY. Dismissal change requests for a scholar to ride a different bus will not be honored. Requests
must be made to the school by 9:00 am.
To request a DAILY dismissal change, you must:
1) Call the school main office prior to 9:00 a.m. and leave a message on the “dismissal change” extension of the
main office phone. Leaving a voice message is a sufficient way to make a bus change; you do not need to reach
someone in person. The office is a busy place in the morning and office staff will not be able to answer each of
these calls.
2) Your bus change is only confirmed once you have received a reply from the main office.
3) Texts, emails and calls to any teachers or other administrators WILL NOT result in a dismissal change!
4) YOU MAY NEVER PICK UP A SCHOLAR FROM THE SIDEWALK OR THE BUS. If you did not make a dismissal
change in time, then you MUST pick your scholar up from a bus stop on their route. Your scholar’s safety is our
number one concern and priority. When families attempt to pick scholars up from the bus or sidewalk directly,
this can lead to confusion as to the scholars location, an inability for staff to properly check and verify
identifications and lastly can jeopardize the safety of the other scholars who are being dismissed at that time.
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STUDENT RELEASE:
To ensure the safety of our students, all individuals who are picking up your scholar will need to have some form of
identification. Aides and staff will have a list of approved persons who have permission to pick up the scholar. This list
comes directly from the Student Release form families were required to fill out during your school’s Welcome Meeting.
If there is any question about an individual who is there to pick up a scholar, the primary guardian will be contacted to
verbally verify before the scholar is released.
You have already identified up to 5 individuals other than the scholar’s 1-2 primary guardians who will have permissions.
If you wish to add another person to the Student Release list, you must contact the school. These requests will take up
to five days to process.
Please make sure that you are coming to the bus to pick up your scholar. We do not want scholars to be leaving the
bus unaccompanied.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
Bus aides and our staff rely heavily on information that you provide. Please make sure the school has the most up-todate contact information for you.
Reach out to the Main Office to notify us if you need to make permanent changes to a scholar’s dismissal plan or make
updates to the family release information.
COMMUNICATION:
Unfortunately we cannot always communicate bus delays to families. If we know that a bus left the depot (in the AM) or
the school (in the PM) late, we will send a call informing families. If there is a major delay resulting from any trouble on
the bus, we will send a call informing families, however minor delays as a result of traffic and weather conditions cannot
always be communicated. Additionally our call system can take up to 30 minutes to send, so the timeliness of the calls is
not always reliable.
In the afternoon, you can contact the school directly if you have a concern or an issue. Please do not contact the school
or school personnel in the morning, they will be unable to assist you. If you would like to file a complaint about a bus or
have a question about bus location, you may contact the bus company directly at:
862-240-1087 or 862-240-1088
Bus Management and Consequences
SCHOLAR BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Our buses are staffed with a bus driver and a bus aide. Our aides are on the bus to provide support to the 54 student
riders and to the driver. However, the aides are not certified teachers and thus their primary role is as follows:
o
o
o
o
Help in emergency situations
Release students to the correct person
Ensure seat belts are fastened
Report any problems to the school
Since staff members cannot be with our students at all times and we want our aides to focus on emergency situations
and helping students on and off the bus, we are very strict with our behavior policies on the bus. Busing is a privilege,
and even minor behavioral issues will be dealt with seriously because we must ensure that buses are safe and orderly.
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Examples of Unacceptable Behavior
Play-fighting
 Tossing objects
Fighting
 Turning around in seat
Threats
 Leg or knee in aisle
Throwing objects anywhere near
 Not following directions the first
driver
time
Seat belt off
 Standing up on the bus
Eating on the bus
 Leaning over students
Touching another scholar
 Loud voice
Getting out of seat before the stop
 Kicking seat
Using unkind words
 Inappropriate language
Consequences for these behaviors may include: warnings, suspensions from the bus, in-school suspensions, reflections,
apologies, behavior re-sets, or loss of privileges during the school day. This list above is not exhaustive and the school
may decide another consequence is appropriate to the infraction after investigating what occurred.
FAMILY EXPECTATIONS
Because it is our responsibility to ensure that scholars and staff get home every day in a safe manner, we will strictly
adhere to all of the above policies and procedures. Failure for families to adhere to these policies will also result in
consequences including suspension of bus privileges.
Examples of family/ guardian behavior that may result in suspension of bus privileges
Failure to pick up your scholar by the last bus stop time
Attempting to pick up a scholar whose plan is NOT for parent pick up at the school after 4:00
pm. This includes attempting to:
o pick up a scholar from outside the school area (sidewalk, front steps of the school,
etc.)
o pick up a scholar from the bus before it has left the school
 Failure to provide up to date contact and family release information
 Conflict with staff and bus aides regarding providing ID for student release
 Any inappropriate behavior taken against bus staff
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FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are one of the many ways we reward scholars who are doing the right things. Scholars must earn field trips
through excellent attendance, good effort, complete homework, and honorable behavior. Field trips will be taken away
from scholars who do not earn them.
 Walking Trips. All families should have signed walking permission slips prior to the school year which allows your
scholar to leave the building on-foot under the supervision of Seek teachers and/or staff. This permission slip
allows the scholars to walk to the nearby community garden across Aldine St. for the duration of their time at
Seek Academy.
 Local Field Trips. No scholar will be permitted to leave the school for a field trip if they do not have written
permission from a parent/guardian. Please be sure to sign all permission slips in a timely manner. Teachers will
leave your scholars at the school under the supervision of a Seek staff member. If written permission was not
received or if the scholar has not satisfied the requirements made by the school leader of teacher.
 Chaperones. We welcome parent/guardian chaperones on our field trips throughout the year. Please let your
scholar’s homeroom teacher know if you are willing and able to chaperone a school trip. We will honor first
come volunteers. Please note that non-Seek siblings are not allowed to attend school field trips and chaperones
are not allowed to bring non-Seek children with them on these trips.
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V. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
We are very lucky to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark to offer high-quality school-based after school
programming. While we work very closely with the Boys and Girls Club (BGCN), they operate as their own
organization meaning that all decisions policies impacting after-school program is the responsibility of BGCN. Krystal
Langford is our Site Coordinator for the program at Seek. She can be reached my calling the main office and her
office is also located in the main office during after school program hours.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
All registration application for the program will be processed by the Boys and Girls Club. They will notify you once
your application has been approved and will let you know when you scholar can start. Fees are also determined by
BGCN and are set for this school year below:
For those that do not qualify for Programs for Parents, BGCN’s after school program is:
$80 per month for families with a household income of $50,000 or more
$40 per month for families with a household income of $25,000 or more
$10 per month for families with a household income less than $25,000
$40 per month for Wednesday ONLY
All families are encouraged to apply for Program for Parents to help subsidize the out of pocket cost. Card terminal
and phones will be available in the main office.
FEE COLLECTION
Fees must be paid within the first 5 days of month for the following month. If a payment is late, families will receive
a warning letter. If payment is still unpaid, then students will be suspended from the program.
PICK UP
Program ends at 7:00 pm and all scholars are expected to picked up by 7:15 pm in the cafeteria. If you are picking
up a scholar early, you will need to sign in as per normal security procedures at the security desk and then you
will be directed to the 3rd floor or escorted to the assigned activity room to pick up your scholar.
Every 15 minutes a family is late picking up a scholar, they will be charged $10. This payment must be made that
evening by money order or credit card. If payment is not received by the next evening of the scholar’s participating,
the fee will continue to increase until payment is made.
After 5 late pickups over the school year, scholars will be suspended from the program.
BEHAVIOR
The same high behavioral expectations that we have for students during the school day will be upheld during our
after school program. Behavior can result in loss of incentives and potential referrals.
ADDITIONAL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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In addition to our Boys and Girls Club program, often times our staff and other volunteers may want to start a
weekly after school program. In the past this has included ballet, basketball and science club.
These opportunities will be communicated through our family newsletters and/or flyers sent home. These are open
on a first come- first serve basis. A few additional reminders:

Participation in activities and programs is left to the discretion of the teacher or adult in charge. Student
discipline code still applies to all school related program.

Families must arrive on time to pick scholars up from their activities. Most often these activities end promptly
at 5:30 pm. There is no grace period. If families are late picking up their scholars more than 3 times from a
teacher or volunteer-lead program the scholar will no longer be allowed to participate.

All families must report to the main office to pick up their scholar. You may not go to the classroom or hallway
unless escorted by a staff member.

Scholars must wear their school uniform unless the program requests/ requires them to change. Scholars will
change their clothes in the designated location and are responsible for their clothing and belongings.
VI. ATTENDANCE
Attendance is key to learning and, therefore, mandatory. All scholars are expected to be on time and present for the
entire day, in order not to lose valuable instructional time. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 4:30 p.m. on
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, dismissal is at 1:30 p.m. If a scholar is going to be absent,
arrive late, or leave early, the parent must notify the teacher and/or the office manager in advance. For excessive
absences, a meeting with the Dean of Students and Families will occur. A pattern of excessive absences may result in
retention.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
All absences will be reported as unexcused absences unless the school receives one of the following documentations:
 Doctors note specifying the excused day(s)
 Religious holidays
 Parent note indicating there is a family funeral – the child will be excused only for the day of the funeral unless
extenuating circumstances apply
 Parent note indicating there is a family emergency – emergencies include house fires, house floods, or incidents
of violence in the home. Children are expected to be at school as soon as possible after the situation is resolved
 Court documents mandating a court appearance – the child will be excused only for the day(s) indicated on the
court documents.
LONG-TERM ABSENCES
If your scholar is absent for a week or more, please make certain to make arrangements with your scholar's classroom
teacher to pick up long-term assignments. Depending upon the nature of the illness, scholars will be responsible for
keeping up with their class work. If scholars are absent for any reason for ten (10) consecutive days without parent
notification or 20 days with notification, the scholar will be automatically dropped and withdraw from the school roster.
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ILLNESS
If your scholar is going to miss school because of illness, please contact the Office Manager first thing in the morning.
This should be followed up the next day with a note signed by the parent, guardian, and/or doctor.
TARDINESS
In order to fully implement our rigorous educational program at Seek Academy, we must make use of every minute.
Scholars who arrive after 7:30 a.m. are considered tardy. After 7:30 a.m., you must park your car and escort your
scholar through Seek’s main entrance and directly into the cafeteria where the late-duty staff member will check in your
scholar. If your scholar arrives after 8:00 a.m., again, please park and escort your scholar through Seek’s main entrance
and go directly to the 3rd floor to sign your scholar in at the Main Office.
Three (3) tardies equal one (1) absence. More than five (5) tardies per trimester will result in a meeting held with the
parents/guardians and may ultimately result in retention.
VII. ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
SCHOOL SECURITY
We will be using a new security system at Seek called Lobby Guard. If you are entering the building outside of our arrival
and dismissal procedures, you will be required to show ID at the security desk at the Aldine Street main entrance. The
security guard will give you a visitor badge sticker which you are required to wear while you are in the building. You will
be directed to the 3rd floor to check in the main office before proceeding to your scholar’s classroom or final destination.
If your security sticker is not visible, you will not be granted access to the 3rd floor and will be asked to immediately
return to the security desk. If you are not following the security procedures or are being disruptive in any way, our staff
and security personnel reserve the right to ask you to leave or remove you from school grounds.
EARLY DISMISSAL & APPOINTMENTS
If your child has a medical or dental appointment or a family emergency, requiring you to come to school requesting an
early dismissal, please notify the Office Manager in advance. Parents/guardians are required to sign-out scholars from
the Main Office for any early dismissal. Please try to arrange appointments for after school whenever possible. A scholar
will only be dismissed a parent or person listed on the authorized guardian form. Any early dismissal prior to 4pm, or
1pm on Wednesday will be marked as “present-left early”. Three (3) early dismissals equal one (1) absence. More than
five (5) early dismissals per trimester will result in a meeting held with the parents/guardians and may ultimately result
in retention.
SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school attendance is mandatory for all Seek Academy scholars. Summer school hours are from 7:30am –
1:30pm.
SATURDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
At KIPP NJ Charter Schools, we believe that more time in school equals more success in life. Thus, Saturday School is a
large component of our program. At Seek Academy, Saturday School will be a chance for our scholars to share their
learning and their progress with their families. There will be four Saturday School sessions over the course of the year.
During this time, scholars will be exposed to many extracurricular and enrichment activities.
An adult family member is required to attend and to participate in the monthly Saturday session with their scholar. If
there is a family emergency or a work conflict, families must call the Main Office by 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon to let
us know. In that situation, the scholar is allowed to be accompanied by a family member over the age of 16 years old.
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The purpose of the family/scholar Saturday School sessions are to build a strong bridge between school and home so
that our scholars get the support that they need to succeed in school and in life.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSINGS
 If Newark Public Schools (NPS) has a delayed start, Seek will still be open at the regular time.
 If NPS is closed, Seek Academy will be closed.
 If NPS is open, Seek Academy is open.
MAKE-UP DAYS
KIPP NJ Schools’ schedule allows for four school days to be missed due to emergency or inclement weather. Any school
cancellations in excess of four days will be made up in the following order: March 25th, followed by Professional
Development days to-be-determined by each school.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE FOR NON-BUS TAKERS
Scholars must be dropped off at Seek Academy no later than 7:30 a.m. for breakfast. Scholars may be dropped off as
early as 7:15 a.m. Please DO NOT bring your scholar before 7:15 a.m., as there will not be available supervision. Seek
Academy is not responsible for scholars dropped off prior to 7:15 a.m.
Scholars must be picked up from Seek Academy no later than 4:40 p.m. Scholars left at Seek Academy after 4:45 p.m.
will be escorted to the Main Office. You will need to park and walk to the Main Office to pick up your scholar.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Q: WHO will be there when I drop off and pick up my scholar?
A: All teachers, school leader, office manager, and additional support staff will be at Seek when you drop your
scholar off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. Please use the designated drop off and pick up locations to
ensure the safe arrival of your scholar to school.
Q: WHAT is the purpose of following drop-off and pick-up procedures?
A: Due to the number of families dropping off and picking up scholars, we can only ensure safety if all families
follow the procedures. Thank you in advance for helping all staff members and families keep our Seekers safe!
Q: WHERE do I drop off and pick up my scholar?
A: You may enter into the basketball courts and drop your child off at the cafeteria doors until 7:30 am. After that
time, you will need to escort your scholar in through the main lobby and get a tardy pass before proceeding to the
cafeteria or classrooms. In the afternoon you may park in the basketball courts and enter through the cafeteria
door to pick up your scholar from inside the cafeteria.
Q: WHEN do I drop off and pick up my scholar?
A: Scholars should be dropped off between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Scholars arriving after 7:30 a.m. are considered
tardy. Scholars should be picked up between 4:30 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.
Q: HOW do I drop off or pick up my scholar?
A: The Drop-off/Pick-up Zone for Seek scholars is through the cafeteria drive, located inside the basketball courts.
You can enter the Drop-off/Pick-up Zone on Aldine and take a left at the basketball court gates. After your scholar
has been escorted out/into your car, proceed to make a U-turn in the court and exit back on Aldine. Again, if your
scholar arrives after 7:30 a.m., you will need to find street parking and escort your scholar into the building.
Similarly, if your scholar remains at Seek Academy after 4:40 p.m., you will need to find street parking and pick up
your scholar from the Main Office.
15
Q: WHO is allowed to pick up my scholar?
A: Only individuals listed for Student Release may pick up your scholar. If you need to make changes to the Student
Release list, please call the Main Office. Any individual picking up your scholar is expected to show his/her ID. If you
are authorizing someone who is not on your Student Release list, you must send a note with your scholar in the
morning. He/she will also be expected to provide an ID.
VIII. BEHAVIOR POLICIES
Every Seek classroom will use a consistent behavioral color chart. Our behavior system reinforces the concept of
choices and scholar agency over their actions. The behavior management system will appear as follows:
(Good choices) I’m ready to learn.
(Warning) I’m working to make better choices.
(Parent is contacted) I need help making better choices.
DAILY LOG
Each scholar will have a Daily Log documenting the choices made and end of day color once the school day has ended.
The Daily Log will also report missing homework, tardiness, lack of uniform, reading log, and other information for
families. The log is designed as a two-way form of communication between families and schools, and MUST be signed
nightly by families.
Once a child has made several bad choices or commits a serious offense a referral form will be sent to the Dean of
Students. A decision regarding disciplinary action will be made according to the offense. The referral form will be sent
home with the scholar. Please review, sign, and send back the form to school the next day. Your scholar will not be able
to return to class unless this form is signed.
SERIOUS & SUSPENDABLE OFFENSES
Physical violence, threats, cursing, and other forms of extreme behavior will not be tolerated at Seek Academy. Should
these instances occur, the scholar will immediately be removed from the classroom and his/her parent/guardian will
receive a phone call. Suspensions will be determined based on the severity of the offenses.
DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION, & EXPULSION
All disciplinary actions taken by Seek Academy will comply with the Seek Academy policies and procedures and
applicable State and Federal Law. The school will seek to remedy misconduct, in appropriate cases, by allowing for a
variety of disciplinary actions that may include (but not limited to) the following:




Additional assignments to be completed at home and/or at school;
Removal from class;
Loss of privileges and school trips; and
Calling plans in which the scholars must call the teachers to inform them when homework is completed.
16
By creating the following standards and procedures for suspensions and transfers/expulsions, Seek Academy will also
ensure that no scholar presents a danger to people or property, disrupts school activities, or threatens campus peace,
safety, and/or security.
GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF SCHOLARS
A scholar may be suspended or expelled for prohibited conduct if the act is related to school activity occurring at Seek
Academy or at a Seek Academy sponsored event. More specifically, scholars will be subject to discipline for misconduct
occurring a) on school grounds; b) while going to or coming from school; c) during the lunch period, whether on or off
the school campus; d) during, going to, or returning from a school-sponsored activity.
OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS
Seek Academy recognizes that each individual scholar may have unique challenges facing them in and out of the
classroom. Because we strive to find solutions for all of our scholars, a variety of other disciplinary and supportive
programs may be put in place including (but not limited to):
 Behavior Plan. A plan where a student has a daily behavior chart targeting specific behaviors that each teacher
fills out and the parents sign each night.
 Shortened School Day Program. A plan that only permits a student to attend school during the regular school
day only, leaving at the time assigned by the Principal and not participating in extra-curricular activities.
SPECIAL EDUCATION DISCIPLINE
In the case of a special education scholars, Seek Academy will ensure that it makes the necessary adjustments to comply
with the mandates of state and federal laws, including the IDEA regarding the discipline of scholars with disabilities.
Prior to recommending expulsion for a special education scholar, the Principal will convene a review committee to
determine whether: 1) the scholar’s misconduct was a manifestation of his or her disability; 2) the scholar was
appropriately placed and receiving the appropriate services at the time of the misconduct; and/or 3) behavior
intervention strategies were in effect and consistent with the scholar’s IEP. If it is determined that the scholar’s
misconduct was not a manifestation of his or her disability, that the scholar was appropriately placed and received
appropriate services at the time of the misconduct, and that appropriate behavior intervention strategies were in effect
and consistent with the scholar’s IEP, the scholar may be expelled according to the Seek Academy procedures.
IX. UNIFORMS
At Seek Academy our expectations aim is for our scholars to learn how to dress professionally. The following must be
worn at all times:
 Seek Academy Top (Polo Shirt, Monday- Thursday, T-Shirt on Fridays Only)
 Khaki Pants or Shorts
 Black Belt
 Black Sneakers or Shoes
If scholars are not dressed in the proper uniform the consequence will be one unexcused absence counted against an
attendance incentive following THREE documented uniform violations.
17
KINDERGARTEN UNIFORM CODE:
-
Proper Uniform Code (Dos)
Seek Academy Polo Shirt
Solid Colored Thermal can be worn under Seek
Academy Polo or T-Shirt
Khaki Pants or Shorts
Solid Colored Tights or Socks can be worn under
Khaki Shorts
Black/Brown Sneakers or Shoes
Seek Academy Hoodie
Seek Academy T-Shirt FRIDAYS ONLY
Shirts are tucked in at All Times
Belt (Optional)
Pants fit properly on Scholar’s Waist
-
Uniform Violation (Don’ts)
No Skorts or Skirts
No Jeans
No Prints or Patterns on Khaki Pants
No Sweatpants
No Sweatshirt or Zip-Up Sweatshirt/Sweater
(Unless Seek Academy Hoodie)
No Decorative Thermal Shirts
No T-Shirt (Can wear Seek Academy T-Shirt on
Fridays Only)
No Light-Up Sneakers, Shoes with Wheels or any
Distracting Shoes
No Decorative Tights or Socks
No Uggs
FIRST GRADE UNIFORM CODE:
-
Solid Colored Thermal can be worn under
Seek Academy Polo or T-Shirt
Black/Brown Belt
Solid Colored Tights or Socks can be worn
under Khaki Shorts
Seek Academy Hoodie
-
No Skorts or Skirts
No Jeans
No Sweatpants
No Sweatshirt or Zip-Up Sweatshirt/Sweater (Unless
Seek Academy Hoodie)
No T-Shirt (Can wear Seek Academy T-Shirt on Fridays
Only)
Distracting Shoes
No Uggs
SECOND GRADE UNIFORM CODE:
-
Solid Colored Thermal can be worn under
Seek Academy Polo or T-Shirt
Black/Brown Belt
Solid Colored Tights or Socks can be worn
under Khaki Shorts
-
No Skorts or Skirts
No Jeans
No Sweatpants
No Sweatshirt or Zip-Up Sweatshirt/Sweater (Unless
Seek Academy Hoodie)
No T-Shirt (Can wear Seek Academy T-Shirt on Fridays
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-
Seek Academy Hoodie
-
Only)
Distracting Shoes
No Uggs
ADDITIONAL DRESS CODE QUESTIONS
What do scholars wear during the summer?
During the first week of summer school (Kindergarten Only), please send your scholar to school wearing a white t-shirt
and khaki shorts or pants. At the end of the first week of school, Seek Academy will give each scholar their first uniform
polo shirt to wear. After that day, scholars will need to wear their uniform daily.
What do scholars wear on Fridays?
Yes, Fridays are Seek T-Shirt day! Scholars will be given their first Seek Academy T-Shirt which they can wear on Fridays.
Throughout the year, scholars will have the opportunity to earn additional shirts!
X. ACADEMIC PROGRAM & HOMEWORK
Seek Academy operates our academic calendar on a quarterly basis:

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

1st Quarter: September 9th – November 17th
2nd Quarter: November 17th – January 29th
3rd Quarter: February 1st – April 8th
4th Quarter: April 19th – June 17th
FRIDAY SKILLS ASSESSMENTS
Beginning in October, all Seek Academy scholars will begin taking Friday Skills Assessments semi-regularly. These
assessments will measure scholars’ progress on the standards taught for the past two (2) weeks of instruction. Families
will receive assessment reports that must be signed and returned along with the Daily Log.
QUARTERLY ASSESSMENTS
At the end of each quarter, Seek Academy scholars will take an assessment which will measure students’ progress on
standards taught that trimester. Report cards will be directly linked to Seek Academy standards. The grading scale is
based on the students’ mastery of the content standard using the following scale:
4:
Advanced Proficient
3:
Proficient
2:
Approaching Mastery
1:
Not Yet Mastered
REPORT CARDS & FAMILY CONFERENCES
Report cards will be distributed to families during the Family-Teacher conferences that will be held throughout the
school year. Conferences are scheduled for the following days:
 December 3-4th, 2015
 April 29, 2016
 June 23-24th, 2016
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CHILD STUDY TEAM
Scholars are referred to the Student Support Team (SST) if a teacher, team of teachers, or parent feels the need to
develop an intervention plan for specifically identified needs related to a scholar’s academics or behavior. The team will
be comprised of the teacher, elective teachers, an administrator, other necessary support staff, the family of the
scholar, and in some cases, the scholar. The purpose of the team will be to develop and implement an action plan that
compliments and enhances the scholar’s current educational program while targeting the specific academic or
behavioral need of the scholar.
RETENTION
Seek Academy scholars must meet grade level standards in the major content areas (reading, written communication,
and math) to be promoted to the next grade level. Promotion will be based upon standards established for each
subject. Attendance of less than 85% will also serve as a major consideration in the decision to retain a student.
Seek Academy scholars will be promoted or retained on the recommendation of the classroom teacher(s) as well as the
consultation of the grade level team, interventionist, and principal. This recommendation will be based upon the
following criteria:

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



Formative assessment data
Summative assessment data
Attendance
Classwork
Social/developmental characteristics
Other pertinent data
Scholar retention is recommended when considered in the best interest of the scholar. Retention may be considered at
any grade level. The decision to retain should be based on sufficient data gathered over time with the intention of
placing the scholar in the grade level and educational program where s/he will ultimately be the most successful.
Scholars qualifying for special education will also receive consideration on a case-by-case basis in a manner consistent
with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Each quarter report card will indicate whether a scholar is “at risk for retention” beginning in kindergarten. If a scholar
has been listed as at risk for retention, a letter indicating this risk will be sent home with a request for an in-person
parent conference. When considering retention, the teaching team will prepare the “Retention Checklist” to present to
the principal and family at the conference.
The school’s decision regarding promotion and retention will be based on the totality of the circumstances and will be
final and binding.
STUDENT RECORDS
Authorized family members of current Seek Academy scholars may access their scholar’s file by checking in with the
Main Office. The Main Office will then give the families the file to view in the office, but the file may not leave the
office. Student records, including final report cards, will not be transferred at the end of the year until all outstanding
lunch fees and library fines have been paid.
SCHOLAR PRIVACY
Seek Academy will comply with all New Jersey state regulations regarding student privacy. We respect the privacy of all
parents/guardians and students in regards to scholar records.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
Scholars with identified physical, emotional, learning, or developmental disabilities have the right to placement in the
least restrictive environment, and may receive special education services according to a written Individualized Education
Plan (IEP). Scholars who received special education services at their previous school will receive services at Seek
Academy as so designed in an IEP meeting, which will take place within the first 30 days of school. If your scholar has
previously received special education services or has been given a Section 504 plan, please make sure to immediately
notify the Principal. If you believe that your scholar may be eligible for special education services, please notify the
Principal as soon as possible in writing. If you are interested in more information on special education, please contact
the Principal.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a fundamental component of Seek Academy’s academic program. Your scholar’s academic progress
depends on what s/he does at home, not just in school! The guidelines for homework are as follows:
1. Thoroughly complete all homework every night, including weekends, and return on the due date.
2. Read for a minimum of 20 minutes daily (this does not include your scholar’s decodable books). You may read
books to your scholar and ask him/her questions about what s/he has read, or s/he may read a book from school
to you. Record what you have read with your scholar in the Seek Reading Log every night.
3. Practice sight words nightly. If your scholar has already mastered that week’s sight words, then, you can always
practice some more advanced sight words with him/her.
4. Daily Log must be reviewed and signed each night.
Families are required to check all homework assignments and sign that they have done so on the Daily Log every night
once the assignments are complete. If a scholar is having a problem completing the homework assigned, families and
scholars are welcome to call their scholar’s teacher for assistance.
MISSING/INCOMPLETE HOMEWORK
If a scholar does not do an assignment or hands in an incomplete assignment, his/her parent/guardian will be called and
the scholar may lose privileges including recess, free choice time, and possibly field trips. The third consecutive day of
no homework will result in consequences and a referral to the Intervention Team.
XI. MEAL PROGRAM & CAFETERIA POLICY
All families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form. Families who qualify will receive a free/reduced pricing for
breakfast and lunch. Families may choose to have their children eat breakfast at home and/or send a bag
lunch. Students needing to pay for all or part of their meals can order and pay online at
www.schoolpaymentsolutions.com. Please notify the school in writing if your scholar will not be eating breakfast and/or
lunch.
OUTSTANDING BALANCES
Scholars will not be allowed to attend field trips until a payment is in place to pay all outstanding balances. Students’
end of the year report cards and other items may be withheld if an account balance is left unpaid. Please be sure to
check account balances periodically to ensure all fees have been paid.
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SNACKS
In order to promote a healthy learning environment, if you choose to send a snack with your scholar in addition to the
food served at the school, we encourage the consumption of healthy snacks on campus. Students may bring fruit,
vegetables, juices, or single servings of crackers. Scholars are not allowed to bring soda, gum, large bags of chips, and
any type of candy unless directed by his or her teacher. If a scholar brings any of these items, it will be confiscated and
returned only to parents/guardians.
LUNCHES
If you decide to bring lunch for your scholar, please make sure it is packed in a lunch bag. We request that all outside
food be packed in a lunch bag. All lunches should be brought with your scholar in the morning. If lunch is forgotten, you
must drop it off in the main office by 10:00 am.
CAFETERIA POLICY
All scholars are expected to behave in a calm and appropriate manner. Students are to walk in the cafeteria and line up
quietly. If your child misbehaves in the cafeteria, he/she will lose free time and/or receive a mark on his/her Daily Log.
Scholars should abide by the following cafeteria rules:

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
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
Leave your table and area cleaner than you found it.
Wait until everyone at your table is seated before eating.
Do not put elbows on the table.
Place napkins on your lap.
Talk in a quiet voice.
The final 5 minutes of breakfast and lunch will be silent in order to finish meals.
Do not talk with food in your mouth.
Do not be wasteful or play with food.
Clean up after yourself and others
XII. HEALTH SERVICES
Medication cannot be administered or consumed at school unless both a doctor and a parent/guardian have completed
the appropriate forms. Seek Academy strongly encourages families to dispense both temporary and maintenance
medications outside of school hours. Ask your physician for a medication schedule that will accomplish this.
MEDICATION
The medication needs to be in the original container with the appropriate prescription label (including the name of
the scholar, the name of the medicine, the date, the dosage information, and directions for administering the
medication) and the appropriate Student Health Authorization for Administration of Medication Form. Seek’s Nurse
will store and administer the medicine in a secure location. Please be aware that the medication cannot travel back and
forth to school – once it’s given to the Nurse for your scholar’s use, it must remain with the school until it needs to be
refilled. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to ask for two separate prescriptions when at the doctor’s office with
your scholar. Scholars are not allowed to have medication (prescription or non-prescription) of any kind in their
possession at school and it should not be placed in their bookbags. Parents/guardians should only bring the
medication to the Nurse. For further information on medication or any health related issues, please contact the School
Nurse.
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Always check the child’s medication before giving to the nurse to make sure that it is NOT expired. Provide a brand new,
unopened container.
OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION
The school nurse is not allowed to administer the following medications in school: any seasonal allergy or any cough
medicine. Please make sure you administer the medication at home before your child comes to school. Always consult
with your child’s pediatrician before administering any over the counter medication.
The school nurse can administer over the counter pain medication if needed for long term illness, but a doctor’s order
and a medication administration request form is required. The medication administration request form can be found on
the school’s health form packet. Please contact the school nurse if you need a medication administration form.
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
Scholars should not come to school when they are sick, ill, or under the weather. This includes, but is not limited to: an
oral temperature above 100 degrees( without the use of fever medication), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
persistent headache, persistent or disruptive cough, wheezing breath sounds, earache, thick yellow discharge from nose,
sore throat, any undiagnosed rash or infection of the skin, and red, pink eyes, watery eyes not related to allergies.
Always consult your child’s pediatrician when in doubt for additional information and treatment. Also, you must keep
your child at home until they are free of the mentioned symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of medication
and/or until your child is cleared by the doctor.
Always bring a doctor’s note regarding the child’s reason for absence. If your child requires hospitalization, or has an
extended or contagious illness, a doctor’s note is required before returning to school.
Please be aware that you are required to pick up your child within two hours after you receive a call from the school
nurse. Your child will not be allowed to stay in school sick.
HEALTH FORMS
Please be aware health forms including immunization records and physical examination forms are due by the first day of
summer school. Families will receive a warning if all forms, records and medications are not complete. Scholars will be
medically suspended starting September 15 and will not be able to return to school until documents are received.
Asthma, seizure, sickle cell anemia, and food allergy plans are required YEARLY. The applicable medications will be kept
in school to be used for the incoming school year, unless requested by the parent before or on the last day of school.
The school nurse will discard of any expired medication. These plans and medication are required to be updated and
outdated or missing components of these records will also result in possible medical suspension from the expiration
date.
Please provide an updated health form including the physical evaluation form YEARLY. Contact the school nurse to
obtain the required health form.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Be aware that Seek is a NUT free school. Do not send your child to school with any food that contain any kind of nuts
such as peanuts, cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, pistachios, chestnuts, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pecans, among others.
If your child is lactose intolerant, please provide a doctor’s note to the school nurse so an alternative such as lactose free
milk can be provided.
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BATHROOM ACCIDENTS
All Kindergarten and first grade scholars are required to have a spare change of clothes at school in case of a bathroom
accident or wardrobe malfunction. Place the following in an enclosed Ziploc bag with your child’s name on the bag:
underwear, uniform pants, khaki’s, or sweat pants, a pair of socks and a shirt. Do not forget to write the student’s name
on the bag. The school nurse and teachers will not be responsible for clothes without the child’s name on it. Please be
aware that if your child does not have clothes in school, a diaper and if available the school’s spare clothes will be used.
Your child’s spare change of clothes will be kept in the school for the upcoming school year, unless requested by the
parent.
FAMILY NOTIFICATION
If your child is injured during school hours, you will be notified immediately by the school nurse or another school staff.
Depending on the severity of the incident an incident report may be filed. If your child is seen by the nurse for any
reason, some communication will be sent home either via note or phone call depending on the severity of the situation.
XIII. OTHER POLICIES & PROCEDURES
BATHROOM POLICY
The hand signal for scholar who needs to use the bathroom will be to raise his or her hand in a fist. Scholars can go to
the bathroom at the teacher’s discretion whenever necessary throughout the day. We ask families to notify the school if
their scholar has unique needs regarding use of the restroom. We also ask that each scholar bring a change of clothes
(including pants, shirt, underwear, and socks) to store at school in case of a bathroom emergency. When emergencies
arise, we will send home the uniform to be cleaned. Please return with a change of clothes.
BIRTHDAY POLICY
At Seek, one of our goals to create an inclusive environment that celebrates all of our scholars in a way that is
comfortable for them and manageable for teachers and staff. Here is how we will celebrate our scholars’ birthdays:
 Teachers recognize a scholar’s “special day” (birthday) by providing the scholar with some special recognition.
This could be a crown, birthday sticker and/or pencil.
Families may choose to celebrate their scholar’s birthday at school by following these guidelines:
 Birthday celebrations will ONLY take place on Fridays from 1:50 – 2:10 pm.
 Families are only allowed to bring in store bought snacks. Please see below for what is acceptable:


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



Acceptable Items
Cookies
Cupcakes
Individually wrapped snacks
100% juice boxes

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

Not Acceptable Items
Cake, cupcake cakes or food item that
needs to cut or sliced
Ice cream or anything that needs to be
served
Pizza
Soda or any other drink that needs to be
poured
Families must bring napkins or paper towels.
No goodie bags or balloons allowed.
Families must notify and coordinate directly with teachers. Teachers require 1 week advance notice if you will
be celebrating your scholar’s birthday at school. Sometimes special events occur at school that may modify our
Friday schedule so planning and coordinating is imperative.
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We also know that some families would prefer that their scholars NOT celebrate birthdays, and we respect that belief as
well!
VISITING CAMPUS
To ensure the safety of our students and staff, all visitors to the campus, including families, should enter through the
Seek main entrance designated for visitors and must check in at the Seek Main Office, Room 304, on the 3rd floor.
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS & TOYS
Students are not permitted to carry cell phones, CD players, iPods, toys, games, or gadgets to school. All of these items
will be confiscated and only returned to the parents/guardians.
LIBRARY POLICY
Seek Academy has a school library available for student use. Checking out books is a privilege. If a book is not returned,
the following may occur:
 If a book is lost or damaged, it will have to be replaced by paying Seek Academy the cost of a new book.
 Notices of overdue books will be sent to parents each marking period.
 Check out privileges may be stopped if the student has long overdue books.
 If the student has not returned his or her books by the end of the school year, he or she will not be allowed to
check out books the following year until the book is returned or paid for.
 The scholar will not be allowed on field trips until book(s) have been returned or paid for.
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XIV. ACADEMIC CALENDAR
18 Back to School Night: K (HU & GW)
20 Back to School Night: K (TU & RU)
24 Summer School Begins for K
26 Back to School Night: 1st & 2nd Grade
(all classes)
31 Summer School Begins for 1st & 2nd
Grade
31 STEP Assessment Round for 1st & 2nd
Only
7 Labor Day: No School
8 PD Day: No School for Scholars
9 First Full Day/ Quarter 1 Begins
9 -11 STEP Assessment Round for 1st &
2nd Only, continued
12 Columbus Day: No School
20 Picture Day
24 Saturday School #1
19-24 Tentative: Fall Book Fair
26- 30 STEP Assessment Round #1
2- 6 STEP Assessment Round #1,
continued
9 Veterans Day (Observed): No School
11 Quarter 1 Report Card Data Due
13 Quarter 1Ends
17 Quarter 2 Begins
19 Dental Screenings
25-28 Thanksgiving: No School
1 Picture Re-take Day/ Class Picture Day
3 Report Card Conferences: 1:30
dismissal
4 Report Card Conferences: No
School for Scholars
8 Vision Screenings
Scholars
17 Family Event: Winter
Wonderland
23 Pajama Day!
24-31 Winter Break: No School
AUGUST 2015
FEBRUARY 2016
S
M
T
W Th
F
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
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24 Report Card Conferences
26
XV. STAFF PROFILES
ALEXANDRA EPSTEIN
Alexandra Epstein is from Livingston, NJ and received a Bachelors degree in History and
Political Science from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. After graduating, Ali joined
the founding corps of Teach for America in the Louisiana Delta as a first grade teacher in
Tallulah Charter School. In addition to teaching, Ali also lead a girl scout troop and taught
outdoor education and water safety in rural Alaska. Ali is thrilled to be joining our first
grade team this year after a successful year at Seek Academy as a K lead teacher.
ALEXIS CARTERY
After graduating North Star Academy High School as the valedictorian, Alexis Cartey
entered Oberlin College in August 2007. At Oberlin, Alexis worked multiple jobs, including
tutoring, mentoring, and becoming a Resident Assistant. Alongside studying and working,
Alexis led several student organizations. Deciding her major would be Sociology and
Africana Studies in her sophomore year, Alexis worked hard to keep her grades and curiosity
for knowledge high. Graduating from Oberlin College in 2011, Alexis then headed back
home to Newark, New Jersey and worked as a Youth Advisor at Covenant House of NJ.
From there, she was promoted to Outreach Liaison, and assisted with spreading information
to homeless youth in Newark and Asbury Park. Looking for more, Alexis was hired as a Case
Manager at Community Hope, Inc., where she worked in three homeless Veterans shelters:
VETS program in Newark, Hope for Veterans in Lyons, and lastly, Alfred J. Thomas Home for
Veterans in Garfield. Alexis will be continuing the amazing impact she had last year as a K
co-teacher.
ALEXIS CONDE
Before applying to Seek Academy, Alexis taught for four years at New Beginnings Family
Academy, a charter school in Bridgeport, CT. Alexis started her teaching career soon after
receiving her Masters of Art in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She was eager and
excited to work in an urban environment where she knew she could positively impact the
lives of her students. Although there were challenges along the way, Alexis quickly made a
name for herself at New Beginnings Family Academy. Her enthusiastic, engaging yet firm
demeanor did not go unnoticed. Alexis served on the interview committee, recruiting top
educators for three years. Alexis often assisted and presented to fellow staff members on
ways to build their overall classroom management. With the ever-changing needs of the
students that come through our doors, Alexis felt she needed to do more as an educator.
Alexis enrolled in an Advance Alternate Route to Certification to receive her cross
endorsement in Special Education. Alexis loves teaching and is eager to extend her passion
for education in the city of Newark, NJ. Despite the challenges that educators face, Alexis
lives by the quote that states “Never a failure, Always a lesson.”
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AMANDA JACOBS
Before working at Seek Academy as a Learning Specialist Coordinator, Amanda Jacobs spent
three years as a 6-8th grade special education teacher and 4th grade teacher at Landmark
Elementary in Glendale, Arizona. As a special education Teach for America corps member,
Amanda received her M.A. in Special Education in 2009 from Arizona State University and
acquired two teaching awards: Rookie of the Year in 2008, and Teacher of the Year in 2010.
In 2010, Amanda’s school was converted from a middle school into a K-8 school. Seizing this
opportunity, Amanda decided to teach 4th grade general education, and applied skills and
strategies used with special education students to close the educational gap for all students
in her class. While teaching 4th grade, Amanda served as grade level chair and also earned
her M.A. in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2012. Formerly
from Thompson, ND, Amanda received a B.A. in Sociology from Rutgers University in 2007.
Growing up in a rural public education system, Amanda is committed to providing excellent
educational opportunities for all students, regardless of location.
ANDREW CHISHOLM
Having taught in several boroughs of New York City, Andrew Chisholm has seen firsthand
the challenges facing students. Teach For America brought Andrew to New York City where
he taught at PS 375 in Manhattan and PS 63 in the Bronx. During this time, he served as
Grade Leader, working with teachers across the school to implement a student data tracking
system. In the ‘09-‘10 school year, Andrew was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award for
providing endless time and effort to his classroom and school, and for delivering
outstanding results to his students. Andrew brings dedication, talent, and passion that will
push scholars to succeed. Andrew works to develop a rigorous and joyful culture that
permeates the classroom and school. Andrew has a background in both education and
policy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brown University and a
Master’s in Education from Hunter College. Andrew worked internationally with the United
State Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, as Staff Assistant to the Ambassador, gaining
instrumental skills in leadership and international relations. Looking to make a difference in
the lives of urban students, Andrew Chisholm will be our K grade level chair and will
continue to work as a K lead teacher.
ANNA KONIECZNY
Anna Konieczny is from Atlanta, GA and graduated from the University of Georgia in May
with a Bachelors in Math and a Masters in Public Administration. While at UGA, she served
as co-founder and co-director of Whatever it Takes at UGA, an organization dedicated to
improving the lives of children living in Athens, GA, by starting afterschool programs, family
focus groups, and health programs in local neighborhoods. She was also actively involved
with many other organizations on campus, including her sorority Alpha Chi Omega, where
she served as a president, the University Judiciary, the Student Government Association,
Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key, and Thomas Lay Mentoring Network. She also served as a
Campus Campaign Director for Teach for America. Anna developed a great appreciation for
Seek’s dedication to excellence and efficiency 2 summers ago when she was the Leadership
Development/Seek Operations intern. After a strong year re-joining the team, Anna is
excited to continue in her role as K co-teacher.
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ANTONIA (TONI) O’SULLIVAN
Before founding Seek Academy, Antonia (Toni) O’Sullivan was the grade level chair of the
founding second grade team at SPARK Academy, one of KIPP’s highest performing
elementary schools. She was also a lead teacher on the founding first grade team the
previous year. In 2009, Antonia O’Sullivan taught third grade as a founding teacher at
Newark Educators’ Community Charter School, Newark’s first charter school founded by
faculty of Bank Street College of Education. Previously (while living and working in London)
she researched the nature of the achievement gap in the United Kingdom, as well as best
practices in education, at Teach First, a nonprofit organization committed to addressing
educational disadvantage in challenging schools (and a founding partner of Teach for All).
Prior to moving to London, Toni earned her MA in Education Leadership and Management
at Seton Hall University and taught second grade at Fifteenth Avenue School in Newark, NJ
as a Teach for America corps member. Originally from Jamaica, NY, Toni earned a BA in
History and a BS in Human Development and graduated cum laude from SUNY Binghamton
in 2004. As a product of the New York City public school system, Toni is motivated by a
heartfelt personal commitment to promoting equality in education and opportunity for all
children.
CHANTAYA KING
Chantaya King is a proud native of Newark, NJ. After completing high school, Chantaya King
attended Kean University where she was involved in several student organizations and held
positions as a student leader. In 2010, Chantaya completed her undergraduate degree in
Social Work. The following year she completed her Masters degree in Social Work in an
advanced standing program at Kean University. Following her studies in 2011, Chantaya
returned to Newark to be a school social worker at her alma mater North Star Academy.
Chantaya supported students at both the elementary and high school campuses. Chantaya
is excited about joining the BOLD team and KIPP NJ family. She is passionate and committed
to serving students and families of Newark.
CHRISTOPHER BLAIR
Blair was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He has four brothers and one sister, and is
been in education programs growing up, and arriving in college became the time to give
back. There, Blair worked with Americorps, various mentoring programs, and Upward
Bound. Blair attended Morehouse College until the spring semester of his junior year and
then decided to move to NYC while still young and able to experience college life there. It
really was an impulse decision—but Blair did it. Blair transferred to The City College of New
York, and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in English and Journalism. Blair kind of always
knew he’d become a teacher because all of the extracurricular activities he was involved in
were academic. After graduating a friend encouraged him to apply to be a teacher, which
led Blair to North Star Academy, which in turn, lead Blair to KIPP as a 1st grade co-teacher.
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DAJA CHAMBERS
Daja Chambers is excited to begin her first year at Seek Academy as a Kindergarten Teacher.
After working with underprivileged youth in an urban community of Virginia, she realized
her passion for using education to inspire and equip urban youth with the tools necessary to
help them become the masters of their destiny. This past year, she began her training
through the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Relay Graduate School of Education. Daja
is dedicated to closing the achievement gap, proving that all children can reach and exceed
their academic potential when provided with a quality education. Her goal is to challenge,
motivate and impart her scholars with a joyous classroom atmosphere that will promote
learning, support scholars, and foster their confidence. Daja enjoys using a variety of
learning techniques that make learning engaging for her scholars. In addition to Seek’s
mission, her personal mission is to have 100% of her scholars achieve one year’s reading
growth in half an academic year. She is looking forward to meeting and setting high
expectations for her scholars and is thrilled to help them prepare for a successful future as a
K co-teacher on our team.
FRANCINE JAUME
Francine Jaume graduated from the University of Maryland in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of
Science (BS) in Community and Behavioral Health. Inspired to help people lead healthier
lives through education, she joined Teach For America and became a member of the 2011
Mississippi Delta Corps. Francine has lived in Greenwood, MS since and has taught both 5th
grade Science and self-contained 2nd grade. Although she loves her Greenwood community
and has been promoted to 2nd grade team leader, she is ready to move on to her next
adventure. Francine will continue her passion for teaching and educational equity in
Newark, NJ as part of our founding 2nd grade team!
GINA RODRIGUEZ
While growing up in a rural area of South Carolina where access to Advanced Placement
courses, the performing arts, and other educational amenities were few, Gina developed a
passion to see equity in education. After earning her undergraduate degree at Williams
College in Massachusetts in 2011, she began tutoring with LEAP, an educational services
group that provides help to predominantly Haitian-American students in ESL homes while
simultaneously working as an Accounts Receivable Administrator for real estate firm,
Paramount Assets, LLC. When her burgeoning love for teaching began to surpass her love
for business she knew that it was time to pursue a career in education full-time. Gina then
began seeking her alternate route teaching certification through Relay Graduate School of
Education. She will be beginning her in-classroom teaching career at Seek Academy during
the 2015-2016 school year. It is her hope to act as an agent to provide quality education to
the students of Newark! We are excited to have Gina as part of our founding 2nd grade
team.
30
INDIRA JAGOO
Before joining the Seek Academy team as the founding school social worker, Indira Jagoo
spent three years as a school social worker for North Star Academy and two years at an
alternative school, counseling children in grades K-12. Indira taught as an adjunct professor
at William Patterson University of New Jersey during the fall 2012 semester, teaching
upcoming social workers about working within urban communities and building positive
relationships with children and families. For five years Indira worked with the Youth Success
Network; an agency that provides in-home and in-community counseling services to
children of all ages that live within urban communities. Indira received her Bachelors of
Social Work (BSW) and Master’s in Social Work (MSW, Concentration: Clinical Practice with
Families and Children) from Monmouth University. As a product of Asbury Park Public
School system, Indira understands diversity and is motivated to help make a difference with
nurturing positive social and emotional strengths in the children of Newark and will use this
passion in her role as Dean of Students and Families.
MURIEL LEAL
Muriel Leal was born in Brazil and moved to the United States with her family when she was
a child. She attended Union County College and Trinitas School of Nursing in Elizabeth, NJ
where she received her Associates degree in Science and Diploma in Nursing. Currently, she
is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Science of Nursing from College of Saint Elizabeth in
Morristown, NJ. After becoming a registered nurse in the fall of 2010, Muriel worked as a
registered nurse in home care and long term care facilities. She joined Seek Academy last
year. Muriel hopes to continue supporting students’ success by caring for their health care
needs and promoting health and safety in the school environment.
JENNIFER LEWIN
Jennifer graduated Cum Laude from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2011. She then
moved to New Jersey where she was a nanny while waiting for NJ certification. Jennifer
began working as an instructional aide in River Edge School District. She assisted in a special
education classroom, with children who had moderate to extreme behaviors. Though she
loved the challenge of working in this classroom, Jennifer’s heart was set on being a
classroom teacher. She applied at North Star Academy in Newark, where she was hired as a
kindergarten teacher. Jennifer taught at North Star Academy for two years before applying
to be a part of the KIPP Newark team. Now her journey as a teacher continues at Seek
Academy!
31
JOANNA PALMER
Joanna grew up in Needham, MA, and moved to Atlanta, GA when she was 15. She
attended Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA for two years, and decided to transfer to
Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN after her sophomore year. While at Wellesley, she
worked for the Mission Hill After School Program in Boston, MA, which inspired her to
continue working towards improving urban education. After transferring to Vanderbilt
University, she pursued a major in Latin American Studies with a focus in Spanish and
Portuguese. During the summer between her junior and senior year, she interned with KIPP
New Jersey, and is beyond thrilled to join Seek Academy for the 2015-2016 school year!
JOSEPH (JJ) FRASCA
Looking forward to joining Seek Academy, JJ Frasca is currently teaching as a 6th grade
inclusion teacher in Newark, NJ. While living in upstate NY from 2012-14 he worked on an
organic farm, was a nanny, worked in construction, and led multi-day backwoods hiking and
canoeing trips at a summer camp. He also spent some time as a volunteer coordinator with
a non-profit in New Orleans rebuilding homes and restoring wetlands. While living in
Thailand from 2011-12, JJ taught English in a rural farming village alongside his girlfriend. In
2011-12 he was a K-2 Special Education teacher in Oakland California under the Oakland
Teaching Fellows program. Prior to moving to California JJ earned his BA in Psychology and
minor in Music from SUNY Binghamton [Go Bearcats!], graduating in 2011.
JEFFREY CULLINAN
Jeffrey Cullinan grew up in Bridgewater, NJ. He was born in to a very large family and is the
youngest of four. For as far back as he can remember he has had a passion for developing
others and an overwhelming desire to work with children. He is known by his friends and
family as the Pied Piper or Child Whisperer. Jeffrey attended Immaculata High School in
Somerville, NJ and played varsity basketball all four years. He was the co-captain of the
2008 State Championship team and was the Courier News Somerset County Player of the
Year. After High School Jeffrey attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. He pursued
his degree in Business Management and was a four year varsity basketball player. He was
awarded the Anthony J. Rothrock Leadership award for his role as co-captain his senior year.
After graduating from Moravian, Jeffrey accepted a sales job in the state’s only medicallybased fitness and wellness center, where he was recognized as the leading salesman in the
company on many different accounts. Jeffrey is beyond excited to continue making an
impact at Seek Academy as a member of our enrichment team and technology teacher!
32
JESSICA LEE
A 2015 Teach for America corps member, Jessica is a recent graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania, where she earned her BA in Sociology and completed additional minors in
Urban Education Policy and Asian American Studies. She wrote her Senior Honors Thesis on
the effect of prior life experiences on the formation of multiracial friendships in college.
During her years at college, she served as the president of Penn for Liberty in North Korea,
and mentored and tutored students in a West Philadelphia high school and elementary
school. In winter 2013, she pioneered a three week intensive English, SAT, and TOEFL crash
course where she taught and mentored forty elementary to high school aged students of
Korean Kazakh backgrounds. As a second generation Korean American, born and raised in
Northern Jersey, Jessica is dedicated to obtaining social justice in the world through
incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy and multicultural education in the classroom.
KATHEENA HENRIQUEZ
Katheena Henriquez will be serving the Newark community as a founding paraprofessional
at Seek Academy. Born in Brooklyn, NY but raised in New Jersey, Katheena earned her
Bachelor’s Degree in 2011 at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Here she studied
psychology and education and found her passion to work with children when she
volunteered as a co-teacher for a Head Start Day Care Facility, mentored high school
students through Rutgers Future Scholars Program, and facilitated counseling group
sessions at a local middle school, along with other volunteer services. Katheena truly
believes that our children are the determining factor of our society’s success. As a youth
advocate, she feels it is her mission to aid in shaping a successful path for youth, particularly
in low-income neighborhoods. After graduating, she continued this mission by becoming a
teaching fellow with AmeriCorps Citizen Schools National Teaching Fellowship, coaching and
teaching middle school 6th and 7th grade students. During her free time, Katheena also loves
spending time with loved ones, cooking, and trying new things. Katheena is continuing her
impact at Seek this year as a founding 2nd grade lead teacher.
KEVIN POLANCO
Before joining the Seek Academy team, Kevin was a 2013 Teach for America corps member
placed in the Memphis Region. For the past two years he has had the pleasure of teaching
fourth grade math as a founding member of Belle Forest Community School. Born and
raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology in the
spring of 2013 while attending Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. A by product of a
struggling public school system, in one of the highest achieving states in America, Kevin has
seen firsthand how proper guidance and leadership can change the fortunes of any child. He
has long believed that “Sometimes it’s the people no one imagines anything of that end up
doing the things no one can imagine.”
33
LILY VENTRELL
Lily Ventrell is originally from Denver, CO. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT with
a Bachelors in Public Policy and Law. While at Trinity, Lily directed an after school
mentoring program at Hartford Magnet Middle School. After graduating, she began her
teaching career at Mastery Charter Harrity Elementary School in southwest Philadelphia.
This year Lily will be moving into a role as a lead 1st grade teacher.
MARYA TAMBAWALA
Before joining Seek Academy, Marya Tambawala taught Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK)
for her two years as a Teach for America corps member in the South Bronx, New York. Her
classroom became a model for other UPK teachers in her school’s network and she led
professional development workshops on classroom set-up and routines. Marya holds a MST
in Early Childhood Education from Fordham University and a BA in Media Studies from
Queens College. While studying abroad in Thailand, Marya volunteered at a shelter for
orphaned children with special needs and researched special education policies in different
countries. During her free time, Marya enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, Zumba, and
spending time with loved ones. As someone raised in a low-income neighborhood in
Queens, NY, Marya knows her life trajectory was changed because she was able to attend a
magnet school that equipped her with a quality education, and she hopes to provide the
same opportunities for her students.
MEGAN SHANAHAN
In 2011, Megan Shanahan graduated from the University of Hartford with her degree in
Elementary and Special Education. During her last semester, she was invited to teach at
Hartford’s Transitional Academy for young adults on the autism spectrum. This opportunity
motivated her to continue to work with children who have emotional and behavioral
disturbances. Prior to joining the Seek Academy team as a founding kindergarten coteacher, she worked as a teacher’s aide in a classroom for children with special needs.
Megan is also a volunteer with Autism Speaks of North Jersey; she and her team raise
money to fund autism research and advocacy. While in high school, Megan watched her
older sister join Teach for America and saw firsthand the need for dedicated teachers in the
city of Newark. Megan will be continuing her work as a lead K teacher to make sure that
KIPP NJ is closing the achievement gap in Newark!
34
MONICA KRESS
Before working at Seek Academy, Monica Kress spent four and half years working at Teach
For America– New York as the Director of Professional Development. While in this role
Monica dramatically shifted the approach that Teach For America- New York took in
developing their corps members. This included creating programs such as the Good to
Transformational Teaching Fellowship, All Corps Events for New York City, and re-orienting
corps member induction to be grounded in diversity and community conversations and
experiences. Prior to joining the staff at Teach For America, Monica was a 2005 New York
City corps member where she taught high school biology and chemistry at the Bronx
Academy of Health Careers, one of the first newly developed high schools within the Small
Schools Movement in NYC. She served as National Honors Society sponsor and Senior Class
advisor, while also working with students to achieve an over 90% Regents passing rate.
During her time teaching, she earned her Master’s in Teaching from Pace University and
served as an adjunct professor to first year science teachers at Pace. Monica has experience
in curriculum writing for Teach For America, as well as the Princeton Review. Born in Miami
and raised in Virginia, Monica graduated from the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington with degrees in both Biology and Chemistry. Now after finding her home in
New Jersey, Monica is thrilled to continue to bring her dedication to providing excellent
education to Newark as the Vice Principal of School Operations at Seek Academy.
MONIQUE CAMACHO
Monique Camacho was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. She attended Seton Hall
University for Elementary Education/Special Education, but chose a career path in sales and
customer service. Monique married her best friend, Rich Camacho, in February 2007.
Monique currently has four children that attend schools in the TEAM Schools network, with
the fifth child joining the Class of 2026 at SPARK Academy in August 2013. Monique is an
active parent that believes that EVERY child should receive a world-class education.
Monique is eager to be a part of the founding family at Seek Academy as a part-time office
manager.
REBECCA FLETCHER
Before joining the Seek Academy team as a founding lead music teacher and enrichment
team chair, Rebecca Fletcher was a member of the founding team at Mastery Charter
Schools’ Harrity Campus, a turn-around school in West Philadelphia. Rebecca spent the
previous five years teaching in Peoria, Illinois, in an Edison Learning Elementary School. She
moved to Illinois to pursue her Master’s Degree in Music Education. In Illinois, she also
earned her National Board Teaching Certification in Music Education and took Level 1 and
Level 2 Orff Schulwerk trainings (an approach to teaching music). Rebecca is originally from
Gainesville, Florida and received her BA in Music Education from the University of South
Florida. Rebecca has always wanted to be a teacher and is passionate about providing
meaningful and purposeful music curriculum to children.
35
SABINE VILSAINT
Sabine Vilsaint is originally from Connecticut, where she also attended Wesleyan University.
After graduating with a B.A. in African-American Studies in 2010, Sabine moved to
Washington, D.C. to pursue her master’s degree in education at The George Washington
University. Her academic and extracurricular experience at Wesleyan increased her
awareness of social inequality and reinforced her commitment to social justice. Sabine
believed that by being an effective educator she could begin to combat social inequality. In
2011, Sabine began her teaching career at Riverside Elementary School in Fairfax County,
Virginia. During her three years at Riverside, Sabine taught first grade, becoming the grade
level team leader during her second year. Sabine is looking forward to moving back to the
Northeast region to be closer to her family, and is looking forward to returning to Seek
Academy as a first grade teacher.
TEKISHA KIRBY
From 5th to 12th grade, Tekisha attended North Star Academy charter school in Newark, NJ.
Tekisha went on to study History and Government Law at Lafayette College. She is just
about to complete her last week of undergrad! At an internship with the Office of Equal
Employment Commission in Newark, she worked to put an end to dozens of discrimination
cases in the workforce cases. Since Tekisha grew up in Newark, she was able to witness
firsthand the disadvantages of the NPS and the Newark School system. She vowed to come
back to her community to ensure that students who were in her same situation are able to
go to college just like she did. She will now be a Relay Resident at Seek Academy where she
will devote her time and commitment their success. She is being the change she seeks.
Tia Harris-Winfrey
Tia Harris-Winfrey is from Hackensack, NJ. She is an only child with two wonderful parents
who have raised her to love and respect everyone. Tia attended Virginia State University
and studied Special Education. She has taken some courses at NJCU toward her standard
certification. Tia has been married to her college sweetheart for eight years, although
together for 18 wonderful years. They have an energetic, smart and handsome seven year
old son named Xavier. Before coming to Seek, Tia was a first grade teacher in the Newark
Public School where she taught for two years. Tia has taught in many different capacities:
Resource teacher for grades 1-4 and first grade inclusion teacher (working with students
that have learning difficulties). Tia’s passion is to provide a learning environment for
students to grow and develop important skills to succeed in life. She considers teaching an
honorable and important profession and feels as if all students deserve a highly qualified
education from a dedicated teacher!
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VERONICA AVERY
After several years working for Newark Public Schools, Veronica Avery joined KIPP NJ. She
first began her career at Fifteenth Avenue School and later Ivy Hill Elementary School. She
attended Rutgers University and earned a BA in English. In the midst of getting married to
another wonderful teacher, and having two beautiful babies, she earned an MA in Urban
Education from New Jersey City University. During her free time she enjoys running,
cooking, and playing with her two active toddlers. She is super excited to continuing to be
part of the team as the Vice Principal of Instruction. She considers Newark her home and
can be often found attending local community events.
UZMA CHOWDHURY
Uzma Chowdhury graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in
English and Political Science, and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Organizations and Policy
with an emphasis in organic community and school gardens in food insecure urban areas.
Uzma has a passion for working with children because of their sense of wonder for the
world. She is thrilled to join Seek and to have the opportunity to engage with brilliant,
passionate community members in and around Seek and greater Newark to create an
institution of world-class education.
VICTORIA (TORY) CLINTON
Tory Clinton grew up in Brooklyn, NY and graduated with a BA in Sociology from Hampton
University in Hampton, Virginia. After graduating, Tory served her first AmeriCorps year as a
City Year corps member where she truly understood the challenges students, parents, and
educators face in education. That service year encouraged Tory to pursue a MA in
Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After graduating from MU, Tory (not quite ready to jump into the teaching world) began her
second service year as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) as a Youth
Literacy Coordinator in Arlington, Texas. In her spare time Tory enjoys trying to cook,
karaoke, crocheting, painting on canvas, traveling, and being with friends and family
(especially mom). Tory continues her work on the team as a lead 1st grade teacher.
WYDEYAH HAY
Wydeyah Hay is a founding KIPP Alum. She started out at TEAM Academy Charter School in
2002, and after graduating, attended Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ.
She recently received her Bachelors of Science degree from Virginia State University where
she graduated Cum Laude. At VSU, she was a part of the Betterment of Brothers and Sisters
Inc. Her job was to host tours, help freshmen get adjusted to the university environment, as
well as provide service to the community that surrounded the Petersburg, VA area. Before
applying to KIPP, she was an Advocacy Intern as well as a Teacher’s Aide and Cheerleading
Coach for Newark Public Schools. She has recently started a non-profit organization called,
“Candy Elite All-Stars Cheerleading, Inc.” named after her cheer coach who was murdered in
the year 2008. She also serves as the Co-Owner of the company which includes 110 girls and
boys from the Essex and Bergen County area. Her purpose of working with children is to
make a difference in her community and most of all help save lives.
37

family handbook - KIPP New Jersey

Transcription

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