Dear Newark Families,
Welcome to the 2025 edition of TEAM & Family Magazine! This edition marks an exciting milestone: our first-ever digital publication. As you scroll, you’ll find stories that share the growth, achievements, and leadership of our students, staff, and families.
From the nation’s youngest yoga instructor to high schoolers organizing voter registration drives, our students are diving into hands-on learning that transforms their communities. You’ll also discover practical tips from families on the power of reading aloud at home and how it fuels literacy development.
Our mission has always been to create schools students are excited to run to each day — not just for the academics, but for the joy of learning, leading, and growing together. The stories in this magazine reflect that vision. Thank you for partnering with us to make this mission a reality. Your support of your child’s education ensures our students have the opportunities, tools, and encouragement they need to discover and pursue their purpose.
I invite you to dive in, be inspired, and celebrate the extraordinary people who make our school communities powerful places to learn.
In partnership,
Ryan Hill
CEO, KIPP New Jersey
Community Spotlights
Every school is shaped by the people who pour their time, energy, and heart into its success. This year’s Community Spotlights recognize standout educators and staff members who go above and beyond for their students and colleagues.
From sparking engagement in the classroom to ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes, these individuals make a lasting impact every day. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment help create a school community where students feel inspired, supported, and eager to learn.
KIPP Seek Academy
Precious Daniels, sometimes known to students as her scientist alter ego, Ms. Daisy, makes science come alive! Her energy and hands-on experiments spark curiosity and excitement in every lesson. But beyond the "aha" moments, her deep connections with students set her apart. She fosters a classroom where learning is exciting, and every scholar feels encouraged to explore, grow, and believe in their abilities.
KIPP Upper Roseville Academy
Learning Specialist and Coordinator Imani Taylor is an educator committed to growth—for both herself and her students. She consistently analyzes data to help scholars reach their highest potential. Ms. Taylor upholds high expectations, inspiring her teammates to strive for excellence. Her leadership drives both student achievement and collaboration across the school.
KIPP THRIVE Academy
THRIVE’s Student Leadership team has been data-driven since day one! Implementing intentional systems to support teachers has helped students drive mastery on exit tickets, iReady, and more. Their commitment to growth and data-driven decisions sets the standard at THRIVE.
KIPP Newark Lab High School
Khaliyah Walker, Learning Specialist, and Marshanette Myers, Paraprofessional, bring Lab’s core values—academic excellence, productive citizenship, and integrity—to life through the Megalodon Café. Run by students in Lab’s self-contained program, the café provides hands-on experience making and delivering coffee and refreshments to the school community while managing digital payments. Ms. Walker and Ms. Myers run a real-world learning program that builds student independence, responsibility, and confidence.
KIPP Justice Academy
Mx. Linney Osias, fifth and sixth grade ELA Bridge Teacher, is a ray of sunshine at Justice! They support scholars wholeheartedly, uphold the school’s values, and go the extra mile, making a lasting impact. Mx. Osias creates a learning space where all students feel encouraged to take on challenges and grow into their best selves.
KIPP BOLD Academy
School Psychologist Salihah Salaam is a compassionate and steady force at BOLD. She connects with all students, not just those on her caseload, offering guidance through teachable moments and active listening. Beyond the school walls, Ms. Salaam partners with families, using her expertise to strengthen home-school connections and advocate for student success. She nurtures a responsive school environment through her support.
KIPP Purpose Academy
Amari Perez is a dedicated educator who has transformed student success at Purpose. Her efforts have turned struggling students into successful ones. Ms. Perez goes above and beyond to support those around her, fostering a stronger, more equitable community and embodying what it means to be a true teammate.
KIPP TEAM Academy
Paraprofessional Rashad Whitmire embodies the spirit of ‘Together, Everyone Achieves More.’ He always arrives early to welcome students, stays late to coach basketball, and always supports his teammates. Mr. Whitmire is always student-focused, ensuring every scholar feels motivated and capable. His dedication, leadership, and impact at TEAM are felt every single day.
KIPP Life Academy
Teacher in Residence David Garcia is an unsung hero at Life. He rose to the occasion when faced with the challenge of stepping into a classroom mid-year. Mr. Garcia has ensured his students stay on the path to success through consistency, resilience, and a commitment to high expectations. Next year, he will expand his impact as a lead classroom teacher!
KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy
Alonzo Eley, an alumnus of the Class of 2018, returned to NCA to make an impact. Now serving as a football coach, assistant dean, and mentor, Mr. Eley is a steady presence, guiding students with wisdom and purpose. He doesn’t just correct mistakes—he helps students refocus on their goals and potential. His influence stretches beyond the field, inspiring students to believe in their greatness and strive for success.
KIPP Rise Academy
Alisha Allen, Paraprofessional, is a dedicated and impactful presence inside and outside the classroom. Every student she has worked with this year has shown academic growth, a testament to her commitment, patience, and support. Ms. Allen also excels as the after-school late pickup coordinator, ensuring students are cared for while they wait for their families. She helps students master new skills and fosters a welcoming after-school space, making her impact unmistakable.
KIPP SPARK Academy
Assistant Principal Glenn Wright has been a dedicated leader at SPARK for more than 13 years, serving as a teacher, grade-level chair, and now coach to educators. In addition to his leadership role, he takes on countless responsibilities that meaningfully shape SPARK’s learning environment. Glenn mentors teachers, solves problems behind the scenes, and fosters excellence, shaping every corner of SPARK Academy.
Rising Leaders
How KIPP High Schoolers Are Shaping Their Schools, Communities, and Futures
At KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy (NCA) and KIPP Newark Lab High School, student government leaders are developing skills today that will enable them to lead tomorrow. Whether organizing voter registration drives or launching peer mentorship programs, these students are stepping up, finding their voices, and making a tangible impact. These student government leaders are already shaping their communities and their futures.
Lab’s Student Government Association (SGA) has worked to unite the school and encourage students’ academic and personal growth. Through events like a Breast Cancer Walk in October, a canned food drive during the holidays, and a pump-up rally designed to motivate freshmen and juniors participating in state testing, students are making a difference. Junior Malik Donaldson-Salaam sees student government as a space to foster connection and engagement. “I started at KIPP in elementary school at Seek Academy, where the focus has always been on getting us to run to school —and I think that school spirit should go through high school, too,” he said.
Malik has worked with student government leaders like J’Oni Herbert to implement programs that support that effort — including a peer mentorship program for freshmen that pairs students with seniors who guide them. A junior, J’Oni joined the council to amplify her voice and encourage her peers. “Many of us faced similar challenges when we started high school, whether it was finding our way around the school or developing friendships,” she explains. “This is about creating a positive experience for everyone.”
(L to R) J’Oni Herbert, Malik Donaldson-Salaam, and Denver Lee have partnered on several projects to unite and support the Lab community.
(L to R) J’Oni Herbert, Malik Donaldson-Salaam, and Denver Lee have partnered on several projects to unite and support the Lab community.
For Denver Lee, another junior, the SGA has been an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone. Known as the “goofy guy” in class, Denver has embraced his role as SGA Secretary, using his artistic skills to design flyers and hoodies for events like spirit weeks and fundraisers. “I wanted to challenge myself outside of the classroom,” he says. His creativity has become a driving force in rallying students around shared goals.
At KIPP NCA, the SGA program includes elected student council members, but also a full class period, where students receive instruction in civics while working together to lead programs and changes in their school. Frederick Okeke, a junior, enrolled in the SGA class to make a tangible impact. “I wasn’t as involved as I wanted to be in decisions being made in our school,” he admits. That changed when he participated in a “Get Out the Vote” campaign ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. The collaborative effort saw NCA and Lab joining forces with KIPP High School in Camden and students from KIPP Philadelphia to register Pennsylvanians to vote. “It felt good to not just be a bystander in that election,” Frederick says.
Now, NCA’s SGA class is working to register eligible NCA students for the upcoming Newark School Board Election. With Newark leading the nation by allowing 16-year-olds to vote for the first time, there’s excitement building amongst student leaders. Their goal? To register 100% of eligible students to vote in the School Board election, as well as register every student over the age of eighteen to vote in all elections.
“I’ve always loved helping people find themselves. There’s a lot of work to be done in breaking taboos and healing families."
NCA’s SGA also planned a Multicultural Day in April, spearheaded by sophomores Ayokunmi Lapite, Leslie Gil, and Korotimi Nikiema. Each classroom will represent a different country, and students will use a “passport” system to explore cultures from Nigeria to the Dominican Republic. “We want people to learn about each other’s cultures and feel proud of their own,” Leslie says. The event, scheduled for April, will feature food, art, and clothing that represent various cultures, with families encouraged to participate.
For Korotimi, the SGA has been a platform to explore her passion for helping others. “I’ve always loved helping people find themselves,” she says. She dreams of becoming a psychiatrist and opening a clinic in Burkina Faso, the birthplace of her parents, to address generational trauma. “There’s a lot of work to be done in breaking taboos and healing families,” she explains.
Ayokunmi sees student advocacy as a stepping stone to her future career in law. “I’ve been involved in student government since middle school,” she says. “I love communicating with our NCA school leaders to plan events and advocate for change.” Her goal is to open a law firm and fight for justice, particularly for those who are wrongly incarcerated.
Yanibel Feliz, a math teacher and advisor for NCA’s student government class, believes that she’s laying the groundwork for a lifetime of civic engagement. “Teaching here means planting seeds that won’t necessarily bear fruit immediately,” she says. “But in ten years, they’ll realize how much their voices mattered in shaping the future of their communities.”
The Movers and Makers of Tomorrow
Every day at KIPP New Jersey, students are immersed in a learning environment that challenges them to think deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and pursue purpose with intention.
From a KIPP Justice Academy sixth-grade student government leader helping students stay grounded through yoga to a KIPP Lanning Square Middle student carrying on a family legacy of craftsmanship, KIPP students are tackling real-world challenges, cultivating their creativity and curiosity.
These are the makers, movers, and innovators of tomorrow — and their journey is just beginning.
Brielle Baskerville:
Meet a Young Yoga Leader
Brielle Baskerville, a sixth-grader at KIPP Justice Academy, is not only one of the nation’s youngest yoga instructors but also a passionate advocate for mental health. Brielle started her yoga journey during the pandemic and has since used it to calm her mind and help adults and children do the same. She’s currently a yoga instructor at the Boys and Girls Club in Newark and recently led a chair yoga session for her peers at Justice, offering them a peaceful start to their day.
As Vice President of the Student Government Association, Brielle is determined to spread the calming power of yoga across her school and in the Newark community.
"Yoga helps you process your feelings and calm down if you're sad or frustrated. Starting your day with yoga helps you feel centered."
Crafting Tomorrow Through
STEM Learning
In Bryan Pawling’s STEM classroom at KIPP Lanning Square Middle in Camden, students like Noah Richardson build patience, teamwork, and practical skills through woodworking projects. They’re discovering that the lessons learned at the workbench extend well beyond the classroom.
Noah, a seventh grader and member of the LSM Revs basketball team, has always been interested in working with his hands. He has great role models: His father is an ironworker, and his grandfather was a house builder. Both inspired him to explore his craftsmanship. This year, Noah dove into woodworking, creating everything from CO2-powered ‘dragster’ cars to ‘mountain’ bookshelves that students can take home.
Noah also participated in a Hackathon with students from a South Jersey private school, Kellman Brown Academy, where his team pitched a tech-driven solution to help people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar. "I want to be a professional basketball player, an entrepreneur, or a chef," Noah shares. "No matter what path I take, I want to continue to do hands-on work in the future."
A Force of Nature:
Step Inside Biology with Ms. Rudy
“I grew up with curiosity in me,” says Biology teacher Ris Rudy, reflecting on childhood nights spent peering through a telescope with their father. That same sense of wonder now fuels Rudy’s classroom at KIPP High School, where students are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and see science in action. Hands-on experiments bring complex concepts to life. “We were studying climate change and the causes of wildfires, but instead of just reading about it, we experimented with yeast and sugar to see how carbon dioxide is released,” Rudy explains. “Students adjusted variables, tracked measurements, and even turned it into a friendly competition.”
Rudy sees science not just as a subject, but as a lifelong mindset. “I try to instill in them to ask the question, wonder why—it serves you for the rest of your life.
This approach has already inspired KHS students like junior Xavier White, who enjoys experiments and discussions about biological forces like wildfires. "In the future, I want to be a chef, and that requires a combination of biology, chemistry, and math to understand how ingredients come together," said Xavier.
Hatch Your Creativity: Blending Science and Beauty with Girl Scouts
This year, KIPP Hatch Middle’s Girl Scouts troop is exploring how STEM connects with the beauty industry. In a series of workshops, they learned about the science behind beauty products and developed their product lines — going through the full process from creation to marketing of items like makeup and soaps. Their learning culminated in a ‘Beauty Meets STEM’ Expo event at Hatch, where students presented their products and the scientific processes that they used to create them while meeting with local entrepreneurs creating similar products.
Seventh grader Elasia Wyatt, who aspires to be a neonatal physician, participated in the event.
"We made soaps, body scrubs, and wax candles, and we saw how different ingredients came together to form these products through chemical reactions. I like science even more now."
Their learning isn’t over: The series continues with a STEM field trip to iFLY, where the girls will explore careers in aviation and the science of flight.
Where Movement, Unity, and Creativity Thrive: Meet Lab’s Dance Team
At KIPP Newark Lab High School, dance serves as a powerful form of storytelling, personal expression, and community-building. Guided by dance teacher Mahala Roberson, students actively create, collaborate, and grow in confidence.
“Teaching high school dance isn’t just about mastering steps; it’s about creating a space where students feel comfortable and seen,” Roberson explains. “I empower my students to create their own dances, work together, and share their voices, proving that every perspective matters.”
For junior Elijah Griffin, dance has been a lifelong passion, but the class has taken it to a new level. “Taking dance class has been such a great experience, especially on the days when everything clicks—when we nail the choreography or get to create our own dances. My favorite part is choreographing with my peers, and performing at the pep rally was unforgettable,” said Elijah.
Beyond movement, dance at Lab is about growth—both artistically and personally. “This class has fostered my creativity and given us the freedom to express ourselves,” Elijah shares. “Our teacher fully supports that, not just in dance but in life. She’s helped me through different situations and helped me find my voice.”
Sounding Out Success
How Kindergarten Sets the Stage for a Lifetime of Reading
For students entering kindergarten, learning to read is a foundational building block to future success. Research shows that a strong foundation in phonics—understanding the connection between letters and sounds—is the basis for building lifelong readers.
Learning to read begins with small, intentional steps. For new readers, phonics is the key that opens the door to understanding words, sentences, and stories. By focusing on the relationship between letters and sounds, children develop the tools they need to decode words independently and begin to read.
KIPP New Jersey has adopted the Magnetic Reading literacy program, which emphasizes a systematic, phonics-based approach that builds confidence in young readers. Parents are critical partners in this journey, providing opportunities for their children to practice skills at home while creating a love for reading.
"Reading at home is critical for our kids because it builds much more than literacy skills. When children hear fluid reading, they learn what it should sound like, and they gain valuable background knowledge that helps them make connections to what they read in school,” says Sabine Vilsaint, Director of Literacy Achievement for KIPP New Jersey.
What does that support look like?
We asked KIPP New Jersey families and teachers to
share their top tips for helping children read at home.
Here’s what they had to say...
“Reading is about more than a child knowing their ABCs, it’s about understanding letter sounds. Once kids connect sounds to letters, they can begin to tackle words. In kindergarten, consistency matters: read together daily, log progress, and build those early habits.”
"We believe that reading starts with the whole family. When they see you reading or their siblings enjoying books, they’ll want to join in, too. Make reading a family activity. Consistency is key, so whether they want to switch it up or revisit the same story, don’t give up."
"My advice is to choose books your child enjoys and let them take the lead. I always ask my son to guess what a book might be about based on the title before we read together. I read with lots of expression and make sure he’s comfortable before we dive in. After we finish a book, he tells me what he remembers about it. We make reading part of our daily routine—whether it’s for the school reading log or bedtime story."
“When my daughter comes home from school, she wants to play school. We have an easel set up in our house, and we write sentences on it and then read them back together. My advice is to let them lead the way and choose the books they enjoy the most.”
“Don’t underestimate the power of word play, like playing rhyming games or singing rhyming songs or even asking your child to tell you the beginning or ending sounds in words. Both of those activities are fun and build early literacy skills too!”
Alumni In Action
KIPP New Jersey alumni are forging their own paths in college and their careers while staying connected to the communities and values that shaped them. From mentoring first-year students to making their mark in the technology industry, these alumni are applying what they’ve learned throughout their education journey in meaningful ways.
KIPP High School
JOSEPH GOMEZ-TAVAREZ
The College of New Jersey, Psychology
Enrolled in a 3+2 psychology program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Joseph is on track to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. While he experienced some initial culture shock adjusting to life on campus, he found his place in organizations like Brother to Brother, which supports Black and Latino men in business and academics, and Union Latinas, where he helps freshmen connect and celebrate Latino culture and academics. “My professors are kind and informative, and my courses are engaging.” As a KIPP High School student, he spoke at a citywide press conference for the Camden Education Fund’s FAFSA challenge, and now, Joseph continues to push for representation and access in higher education.
And Joseph’s roommate at TCNJ? KIPP High School Class of 2024 Valedictorian Basir Bond, currently studying graphic design. Living on campus has been a new experience, but having Joseph as a roommate has made it feel familiar. Basir’s advice for the class of 2025? “Create a schedule, balance work and fun, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
LILIANA NEMORIO-CRUZ
Emory University, Sociology & Finance
At Emory University, Liliana, KIPP’s salutatorian, is embracing the rigor of college coursework. “There’s a big shift—more research papers, more reading—it’s a lot to manage,” she says. Liliana had a lot of practice juggling responsibilities: As a Salutatorian, QuestBridge Prep Scholar, and Future Leaders Cohort member, she was recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and dedication—earning National Honor Society induction and the award for Most Volunteer Hours. Her advice for KIPP’s Class of 2025 is to “Hold yourself accountable. School, work, responsibilities — you’re the only one who can manage those. Even when you’re afraid to seek help, do it anyway and advocate for yourself.”
KIPP Newark Lab High School
BAKARY KONE
Georgetown University, Economics
At Georgetown University, Bakary Kone is thriving both academically and as a community leader. He credits KIPP Newark Lab High School as a gold mine for self-expression and connection. “Lab showed me how to build community and embody the values I want to reflect,” he shares.
Writing class with English teacher Toi McRae prepared him for the rigor of college coursework, and the support he received from his Lab teachers continues beyond graduation. “I know that everyone is still there for me today when I need something. Lab isn’t just a school—it’s a family that stays with you,” said Bakary.
Now, he’s paying it forward. At Georgetown’s Center for Multicultural Equity and Access, he founded "Chopping It Up," an initiative that provides free haircuts for Black men while fostering conversations about life and identity. He credits Principal Dr. Burroughs and Associate Director of School Operations Qadriyyah Hill for helping him gain the confidence to start the program. Kone’s track record at Lab helped prove to himself that he could create the spaces he wanted to see in institutions.
KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy
COLLINS ABANDA
Duke University, Computer Science
Now a Software Engineer at Apple, Collins Abanda (KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy Class of 2017) has worked on iCloud Backup, Apple Wallet’s Buy Now Pay Later feature, and Apple Music and Maps search tools. After earning his Computer Science degree from Duke University in 2021, he reflects on how the support and foundation from his KIPP Newark community helped shape his path.
Collins was part of the first AP History class at NCA, often sitting in a near-empty classroom with teacher Jeff Fleming. “That class showed me I could do it,” he said. He passed the exam to earn college credit and gained the confidence to take on future academic challenges. Outside the classroom, balancing soccer and rigorous coursework taught him time management, a skill that helped him juggle classes at Duke and now in his career.
His favorite KIPP memory? College tours. “Seeing those campuses made everything feel real—it gave me the confidence to go for it,” he shared, crediting the KIPP Forward team for their support.
Even now, Collins stays connected with his classmates, calls them family, and plans to visit them soon. His advice for students? "Work hard, study, and dare to dream bigger than you think. It’s possible. Shoot your shot."
Giving Back, Growing Together
At KIPP New Jersey, giving back to your community through service is emphasized from the moment students walk through our doors. Across our schools, students step up to support their peers, mentor younger scholars, and give back to the communities and neighborhoods that shaped them.
From KIPP Newark Lab High School students guiding elementary school scientists to KIPP TEAM Academy cheerleaders rallying for a cause at the Breast Cancer Walk, students are proving that leadership extends beyond the classroom.
Through their service, these students are building meaningful connections, opening doors for others, and leading with intention.
Guiding the Next Generation of Scientists
At this year’s KIPP Seek Academy Science Fair, students from KIPP Newark Lab High School volunteered as judges and mentors, supporting elementary scholars as they presented their experiments. Newark Lab students engaged with participants, asked thoughtful questions, and encouraged them to take pride in their work.
For Lab junior and Seek alumna Bhriana Marcion, the experience was especially meaningful. “I loved seeing the growth of young minds and how they communicated their projects. It’s great to come back to a school I helped found and give back because I remember when that was me,” Bhriana shared.
For Bhriana’s classmate, junior Mia Richardson, the creativity on display left a lasting impression. “The students were so passionate about their projects, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll create in the future,” said Mia.
Lab students returned to Seek shortly after the event, continuing their support as volunteers for the school’s Spirit Day—another opportunity to stay connected and give back to the community that helped shape them.
Reading and Leading: Titans Give Back
Throughout the school year, KIPP High School students traveled to KIPP Sumner Elementary on Thursdays to read to the next generation of KIPP Camden students. The ‘Tiny Titan’ program had KHS students working one-on-one with Sumner kindergarteners, reinforcing phonics skills and building student confidence in reading.
Their impact is clear. Students are making measurable progress in their reading development, with several in the program surpassing expected growth benchmarks.
Senior Joseph Mejia helped his Sumner mentees, Jovanny Quinones and Ariel Munoz, make impressive gains. "At first, my students were really shy, but I started having each of them read a sentence to each other, and they started to open up. It was really rewarding to see them grow,” said Joseph, who added that the experience has inspired him to consider a career in teaching — a lens that is now guiding his college selection process as he weighs his acceptances to eleven colleges and universities.
Cheering for a Cause
The KIPP TEAM Academy cheerleading team joined high school cheerleaders from KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy and KIPP Newark Lab High School to march and perform at the Breast Cancer Walk in Newark in October.
For A’layah Garner, a TEAM student and cheerleader, the experience was deeply meaningful. “Being with the high schools and cheering was such a powerful moment. It was emotional, but we all came together to support it. Walking for a teammate’s parent made it even more special,” she said.
For Cyriah Jones, the event was personal. “Joining this event at TEAM meant everything to me because my mom is a breast cancer survivor. Not everyone is as fortunate, so coming together as a community to support those affected was powerful,” said Cyriah.
The event was organized by TEAM cheerleading coach Nicole Sunwabe, who emphasized the importance of showing up for the Newark community. “This wasn’t about one school or one team; it was about KIPP standing together for a cause that impacts so many,” she explained.
The Power of Peer Tutoring
At KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy, members of the National Honor Society (NHS) are making an impact through peer tutoring. Every Monday and Wednesday after school, inducted students volunteer their time to help classmates in core subjects, providing extra academic support in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
The goal is simple: build a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. NHS President Randon Days, an aspiring mechanical engineer, and Vice President Melanie Oppong-Kyekyeku, who plans to become a trauma surgeon, are working to expand the program. They encourage more students to participate—both as tutors and as those seeking support.
“We want to show students that needing help isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It’s part of growing and learning,” said Melanie.
For Randon, community service is about everyday moments of connection.
“Giving back doesn’t always have to be something huge. It’s about showing up, supporting each other, and making an impact where you can."
Through tutoring, these scholars are not only strengthening their school community but also paving the way for future National Honor Society members, ensuring that mentorship and academic support continue for years to come.
Thank you for being a part of our community.
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Newark Family Resources
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Know-Your-Rights Information
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Immigrant Mental Health Grounding and Reflection Toolkit
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