My day with the KiPPsters of KIPP Strive Primary

KIPP Strive Primary was my first stop during school visits this past Friday.  I visited the adjacent middle school, KIPP Strive Academy recently to give out AFAEE awards, but this was my first time on the primary side of the building.

From the moment you walk into their beautiful  Beltline adjacent facility, you are greeted with tons of natural light and an amazing mural
painted by a local artist.  I could hear the 2nd grade choir singing on the second floor and man, did they sound great.  Their choral director had them singing a variety of songs and they seemed to really enjoy themselves.  Founding principal Ms.Shaheed showed me her K-2nd grade classes.  The school will add on a grade each year until they reach fourth grade.

In Ms. McCuane’s kinder class, students were learning about the parts of a book and reading Ezra Jack Keats’ “Snowy Day.”  Down the hall in Ms. Dec and Ms. Williams’ classes, they were learning about story sequence.

First graders, or the class of 2030 as they are known around the school, were studying subject verb agreement in Mr. Fairbanks’ class.

I love that the staff visits every new scholar at his/her home prior to the start of the school year.  Principal Shaheed, says it gives her a great opportunity to access the student’s personality and academic abilities.  Approximately 80 to 85 percent of students who attend KIPP Strive attend a local pre-k.

Thanks for the warm welcome KIPPsters!