Dressing For Success at KIPP Central Ohio

By Alex Thanos, Math Teacher and 7th Grade Level Chair, KIPP Central Ohio 

It is with great pleasure that I write to share some of the amazing work that is occurring within the KIPP Central Ohio region in Columbus, Ohio. These blog posts will showcase the happenings of KIPP Journey Academy (KJA), which was founded in 2008 and now has 300 students in grades 5-8. In the 2010-2011 school year, 97% of KJA fifth graders met or exceeded their growth goal in reading. Now we’re prepared to open a new elementary school in the 2013-14 academic year. The strength of our incredible team manifests itself in many tangible and intangible ways and it is with the lens of “TEAM ALWAYS BEATS INDIVIDUAL” that I will share of our stories.

Since KIPP Central Ohio currently is a single site, part of our developmental focus has been to build relationships and create opportunities that will ensure that our KIPPsters move on to academically effective high schools. Taking the lead on our KIPP Through College (KTC) efforts has been none other than our very own, Nancy Willis, who functions as our High School Placement Coordinator. She is an incredible member of our team and family who, through due diligence, and the support of the KIPP-wide KTC community, has made it her mission to not only reach out to potential high schools, but to form partnerships that will yield scholarships and placements at these dynamic learning communities.

Through Mrs. Willis’ community outreach came the idea of hosting a high school fair at KIPP Journey. At the fair, KIPPsters were afforded the opportunity to meet admissions officers from high performing high schools. KIPPsters were thrilled for the opportunity to come to KJA in professional dress and they did not disappoint. Whether it was full-blown suits to business formal dresses, the level of professionalism articulated by the KIPPsters exhibited their hopes and future ambitions.

However, it was not only their attire that was professional. Watching KIPPsters navigate the High School Fair to seek information to make an informed decision about their high school future was inspirational. The event provided a moment to reflect on the work that we do and how every action we take as educators should further the mission of “to and through college.” Although the next step for these KIPPsters is High School, I know that COLLEGE is going to be part of their future!

To learn more about KIPP Through College, click here.