Equipped For Success

Funded Oct 7, 2015

Thank you once again for your amazing generosity! I am excited to see all the items put to use over the next several years. Athletics are making a huge positive impact on the school culture at KIPP:Indy. Student-athletes are making gains in the classroom with higher grades, fewer discipline issues, and becoming role models and leaders for their peers. Each student-athlete is demonstrating daily the hard work and focus needed to excel in the classroom and in sports.

Recently, the boy's basketball team benefited from the new nets and basketballs with more effective practices. These practices set a foundation that led KIPP to bringing home the Indianapolis Charter School Conference Championship Title and having the first undefeated season in school history! When the boys first saw the new basketballs they were completely surprised and all smiles, with great excitement they began practicing their handles and jump shots. However, when informed they were play were playing with girl's basketballs the smiles faded, play stopped, and a look of confusion set in. One player quickly spoke up and said "But Ms. Gouty, ours are on the way right?" I confirmed they were, the smiles quickly returned.

In 2016 we will be starting girl's basketball and I know the ladies are excited to use the new equipment. Many have heard about the new basketballs and approach me with gratitude and excitement. Knowing they will have the proper equipment is an instant confidence booster. After seeing the success of the boy's team, the girls are setting some high goals for themselves as well.

Several of the student-athletes who participate in Track and Field in the Spring also participate in Volleyball in the Fall. I have been sharing updates about kneepads and batons with these athletes. Volleyball players are relieved to finally have the kneepads because they are going to be able to learn new skills, dive for ball, and not suffer as many bumps as bruises along the way. The Track and Field team is already planning out activities that use the batons. From small groups helping each other with handoffs, to recruiting other classmates to become more involved because we are now able to have more relay teams. It is wonderful to see student athletes advocating for the advancement of their sport, and recruiting classmates to become a part of their team.

At KIPP we pride ourselves on being a Team and Family, and the student athletes continue to be the definition of Team and Family. They will love and support each other through the hard practices by refusing to let anyone give up. They will also share the joy of victory while demonstrating a high level of sportsmanship. I find myself most impressed when those aforementioned behaviors are regularly seen in the classrooms and in the hallways. Thanks to generous donors like yourself we are able to build better tomorrows by giving students the chance to participate in purposeful extra-curricular activities. It is clear our student-athletes feel loved, supported, and successful. Thank you!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Gouty