»Parents    »Staff    »Board of Directors    »Americorps Project Y.E.S.

At KIPP Ascend Charter School, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and volunteers all work together to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed in academics and in life. Each member of the KIPP Ascend family abides by the following:

KIPP Credo

If there is a problem, we look for a solution.
If there is a better way, we find it.
If a teammate needs help, we give.
If we need help, we ask.

The KIPPsters
KIPPsters are among the hardest working students in Chicago. They start their school day at 7:25 AM and end at 5:00 PM. They do 1-2 hours of homework each night. The come to school every other Saturday.  And they attend four weeks of summer classes to get a head start on the school year. Their hard work and commitment is all for one reason: so they can climb the mountain to college!

All KIPPsters sign the Commitment to Excellence when they enroll at KIPP Ascend. Click here to view the commitment (in PDF format).

In addition to all their hard work, the KIPPsters have a lot of FUN! As a reward for good behavior and solid academic effort, KIPPsters have the opportunity to participate in fun activities, such as:

Saturday School. Every other Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, KIPPsters come to school to take fun classes like architecture, dance, finance, journalism, knitting, basketball, and art. Volunteer teachers from throughout the Chicago community lead these Saturday enrichment sessions.

School Summit. Each month, students gather together on Friday to showcase what they have been learning in class. Students emcee their own presentations, skits, and songs for each other and their parents, and often welcome guest speakers from the community.

Field Lessons. In addition to Saturday enrichment classes, students also go on local field lessons.  Past field lessons have included trips to DePaul University, Lincoln Park Zoo, Northwestern University, the Chicago River (boat tour), and Francis W. Parker School.

KIPP Dollars. KIPPsters earn “paychecks” for their good behavior and effort. KIPP Dollars can be spent on items from the School Store (books, pens, uniform shirts, etc).  KIPPsters can also participate in quarterly auctions, bidding on items such as basketball tickets, books, special luncheons and more.

End-of-Year Field Lessons. Each year culminates in a free, week-long field lesson for students who have high averages on their KIPP paychecks throughout the year.  Trips include visits to college preparatory high schools and university campuses throughout the Midwest. 

PARENTS

How to Enroll Your Child
If you or a friend or family member are interested in enrolling a child with KIPP Ascend (grades 5-8), please download an application form here, and fax it to our office at 773.533.1784.  You can also visit our school office at 715 S. Kildare Avenue to pick up an application form and learn more.

Commitment to Excellence
Like the students and teachers, all parents sign a Commitment to Excellence form when their child enrolls at KIPP Ascend. The Commitment to Excellence details the responsibilities expected of all members of the KIPP Ascend team + family. Click here to view the commitment.

PowerSchool
All KIPP Ascend parents are able to check their child’s current grades online. Parents with a username and password may click here to login to PowerSchool.

School Calendar

To see KIPP Ascend's online school calendar, click here.

Compass Points

Each week, the "Compass Points" parent newsletter is sent home with the students, describing the latest events and information for the school.  To see the latest issue, click here.

Family Handbook

Each family receives a handbook at the beginning of the school year that includes the student code of conduct, school calendar, and other helpful information for parents and families.  For the latest handbook, click here.

Community Resources
Click here for a list of helpful community and school websites.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors
The KIPP Ascend Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis, and is responsible for oversight of the school’s operational and fiscal health.

Sean Monahan, Chair Lincoln Park Financial Group	Kevin Holme BP Chemicals
C. Clarkson Hine, Vice Chair Fortune Brands	Svena Julian, MD Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Philip M. Kayman, Treasurer Hyatt Hotels Corporation (retired)	Jim O’Connor, Founding Principal KIPP Ascend Charter School
Craig Chesney Independent Trader/Merck Group	Natalie Spears Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
Darryl Cobb KIPP Foundation	Thaddeus Wilson Brookins & Wilson
Maureen M. Culhane Columbia Acorn and Wanger Mutual Funds	Maria Yu SAP America

AMERICORPS - PROJECT Y.E.S.

Project Y.E.S. (Youth, Education & Service) Team Members
KIPP Ascend has developed a unique partnership with Northwestern University Settlement Association, which places AmeriCorps volunteers in the school to serve as Learning Support Assistants throughout the year.  Following is a testimonial from Martin Torres, a 2004-05 Corps member:

                                                     

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science, I decided to pursue a career path that would work towards making society better. This commitment led me to the decision to spend a year of service in the AmeriCorps Project Y.E.S. Program.

  AmeriCorps Project Y.E.S. (Youth, Education & Service) divides its members among four different schools on Chicago 's West Side, including KIPP Ascend Charter School. I have been placed, along with five other Corps members, as a Learning Support Assistant at KIPP Ascend, and can testify that it has been the best way I could have possibly spent my first year after college.   I really believe in KIPP's model of education and in the teachers and administrators that make everything possible at our school. Through working with them and the students I have learned a lot about urban education, charter schools, school governance, and teaching. I have also learned a lot about myself in the process.   I work as the teaching assistant for Math and assist in managing the Franklin Street Program (an after-school tutoring program) for both 5th and 6th graders. The best part of my job is sensing when a child understands something that I have helped teach them. It makes my day to see their face light up when they grasp a new concept and prove their ability. They take pride in their work, and I take pride in mine. I get this feeling throughout my day and it is extremely satisfying.   I look at our students and I know they are going to be great at whatever they do. As cliché as it sounds, I believe our students have so much potential. We do our best to help them realize it, and to instill an ethic of achieving excellence both in the classroom and in life. During the after school tutoring program, I try as often as I can to give advice and share life lessons while working with the students. I try to be a role model for them and to help them believe in their ability to be exceptional.   My experiences here have given me a roller coaster ride of emotions. I have seen and been a part of things that make me smile to myself and sometimes laugh out loud. I have also seen and been a part of things that make me shake my head and go to sleep frustrated with life. However, when I am in need of a little inspiration, I think about how important the work is and of the students I work with, and I regain my balance.   I have always had respect for teachers and administrators, but until you are involved in the day-to-day business of education you really have no idea what it's like. KIPP teachers wear 'many hats' and are more than just teachers. They are motivators, guidance counselors, and role models. I am proud just to be a part of it all.  

When my stint with AmeriCorps Project Y.E.S. and KIPP is over, I will surely leave fighting back some tears. I will miss the students, teachers, and work that I do. But I will walk away a better man with a greater perspective on life. I will walk way with a unique insight into the field of education. I will walk away proud and satisfied knowing that the work I did will make society better.

If you are interested in learning more about Project Y.E.S., please contact the NUSH AmeriCorps office at 773.278.7471 or visit their website.