--- title: "More Than Ever: Highlights from the 2017 National KIPP School Summit" description: Enjoy KIPP LA highlights from the 2017 KIPP School Summit in Las Vegas featuring powerful live performances and moving speeches from KIPPsters of all ages. image: https://blog.kippsocal.org/hubfs/20543796_10155601338112920_312374221112658547_o.jpg --- - [About](http://www.kippla.org/about-kipp-la/kipp-la-schools.cfm) - [Approach](http://www.kippla.org/approach/index.cfm) - [Schools](http://www.kippla.org/schools/index.cfm) - [KIPP Through College](http://www.kippla.org/ktc/index.cfm) - [Results](http://www.kippla.org/results/index.cfm) - [Enroll](http://www.kippla.org/enroll/index.cfm) - [Careers](http://www.kippla.org/careers/index.cfm) - [Support](http://www.kippla.org/support/index.cfm) [![KLA.new.logo_vBlue (4).png](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20(1)%20copy.png?width=572&height=226&name=KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20(1)%20copy.png "KLA.new.logo_vBlue (4).png")](http://www.kippsocal.org)   Main Menu - [About](https://www.kippsocal.org/about) - [About KIPP SoCal](https://www.kippsocal.org/about/index) - [Community Support](https://www.kippsocal.org/community-support/index) - [Our Team](https://www.kippsocal.org/about/our-team) - [Reports](https://www.kippsocal.org/reports/index) - [Board of Directors](https://www.kippsocal.org/board-of-directors/index) - [Schools](https://www.kippsocal.org/schools) - [Grades TK - 8](https://www.kippsocal.org/schools) - [KIPP Through College](https://www.kippsocal.org/ktc) - [About KTC](https://www.kippsocal.org/ktc/index) - [Donate](https://www.kippsocal.org/donate) - [Why Support KIPP SoCal](https://www.kippsocal.org/donate/index) - [Impact Reports](https://www.kippsocal.org/reports/index) - [Careers](https://www.kippsocal.org/careers) - [Career Areas](https://www.kippsocal.org/careers/index) - [Apply Now](https://jobs.lever.co/kippsocal) - [Enroll](https://www.kippsocal.org/enroll) - [Grades TK - 8](https://www.kippsocal.org/enroll/index) # See. Develop. Inspire. # More Than Ever: Highlights from the 2017 National KIPP School Summit Posted by [KIPP LA](https://blog.kippsocal.org/author/kipp-la) on Aug 9, 2017 12:32:32 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) *The* [*KIPP School Summit*](http://www.kipp.org/kipp-school-summit/) *is an annual gathering of the entire KIPP Team and Family from 31 regions to connect, learn, share, and celebrate with colleagues and friends across the country. Read on for more details of the summit and KIPP LA highlights of the event.* **About the Summit** **This year’s summit, held in Las Vegas, focused on the theme of “more than ever” and included nearly 200 professional development sessions focusing on one of four key topics: Teaching & Learning, College & Career Support, Leadership & Management, and Social Justice & Equity. Additionally, more than 100 thought leaders from colleges, organizations, and [KIPP Through College](http://www.kippla.org/ktc) programs across the US came together to discuss the unique challenges facing first-generation college goers and identify practices and policies aimed at addressing these challenges. And several keynote speakers shared personal, inspirational experiences of educators becoming advocates and partners for justice and equity, motivating the audience to actively engage in their own communities.** **KIPP LA Highlights** ****The event kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring live  performances and speeches by KIPPsters of all ages and regions. KIPP LA was represented by its own Jaeden Rabb, an alumnus of [KIPP ](http://www.kippla.org/philosophers/index)[Philosopher’s Academy](http://www.kippla.org/philosophers/index) (KPA), who spoke of his experience at KPA after the 2016 presidential election and reminded us that now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together.**** Phina Ihesiaba, a KIPP LA sixth grade teacher at [KIPP Academy of Opportunity](http://www.kippla.org/kao/index), shared her personal reflection on why KIPP’s mission matters more than ever during the KIPP Storytelling session.   --- [KIPP LA Prep](http://www.kippla.org/laprep/index) alumnus Christopher Morales and KIPP LA Parent Ambassadors Mirna Cardenas & Yolanda Quintero delivered powerful messages about the impact of KIPP LA on their lives.  Christopher, an incoming sophomore at Cornell University, expressed his gratitude for the people and organizations in his life that have supported him - including KIPP LA - and shared how he plans to support the next generation. “I know that I will reach great success, and I will not settle for any less so that I can pave the way for future KIPPsters across the country.” ![IMG_7206.jpg](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7206.jpg?width=640&height=384&name=IMG_7206.jpg) Christopher Morales, KIPP LA Prep alumnus Yolanda acknowledged that through her involvement with the KIPP LA Family Ambassador and Civic Engagement programs, “I have found my passion and discovered how powerful my voice can be in advocating for the high-quality education that is rightfully deserved for my children, and my entire community. This is what drives me to not only be an *involved* parent, but an *active* parent.” ![20507782_10155598197562920_6626771648232933123_o.jpg](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20507782_10155598197562920_6626771648232933123_o.jpg?width=640&height=427&name=20507782_10155598197562920_6626771648232933123_o.jpg) Yolanda Quintero, KIPP LA Family Ambassador (Photo Credit: Kat Goduco Photography) Mirna, a mother to students at [KIPP Raíces Academy](http://www.kippla.org/raices/index) and [KIPP Academy of Innovation](http://www.kippla.org/kai/index), believes that “KIPP schools are great schools because they are communities built by hundreds of individuals that have found their purpose and are sharing it with our children, our families, and our communities.” ![20507506_10155598197467920_7646837547364063624_o.jpg](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20507506_10155598197467920_7646837547364063624_o.jpg?width=640&height=427&name=20507506_10155598197467920_7646837547364063624_o.jpg) Mirna Cardenas, KIPP LA Family Ambassador (Photo Credit: Kat Goduco Photography) --- The final event of the summit is a special ceremony recognizing the best KIPP teachers of the year. The event was co-hosted by Andres Rodriguez, a third grade student from KIPP LA’s [KIPP Iluminar Academy](http://www.kippla.org/iluminar/index). ![20543796_10155601338112920_312374221112658547_o.jpg](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20543796_10155601338112920_312374221112658547_o.jpg?width=640&name=20543796_10155601338112920_312374221112658547_o.jpg) Andres Rodriguez, KIPP Iluminar Academy student (Photo Credit: Kat Goduco Photography) Sophia Meuch, a fourth grade teacher at KIPP LA’s [KIPP Iluminar Academy](http://www.kippla.org/iluminar/index), was one of eleven teachers selected from more than 5,000 eligible teachers for the prestigious Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award. Harriett Ball mentored and inspired KIPP founders Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin. Richard Barth, CEO of the KIPP Foundation, noted that Sophia and her fellow recipients “are leading the way in fulfilling KIPP’s mission of preparing students to live choice-filled lives.” ![FullSizeRender.jpg](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender.jpg?width=320&name=FullSizeRender.jpg) KIPP Iluminar teacher Sophia Meuch and school leader Mara Bond The momentum from the 2017 KIPP School Summit will push the KIPP LA Team and Family forward in the 2017-18 school year and - more than ever - ensure that we are building a better tomorrow, together. Topics: [KIPP LA](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la), [Harriett Ball Award](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/harriett-ball-award), [KIPP School Summit](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-school-summit) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Positive School Culture (30)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/positive-school-culture) - [elementary school (21)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/elementary-school) - [Focus on Excellence (19)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/focus-on-excellence) - [kippsocal (19)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippsocal) - [middle school (16)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/middle-school) - [KIPP Is Community (15)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-is-community) - [charter schools (15)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-schools) - [charterswork (11)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charterswork) - [KIPP Through College (9)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-through-college) - [community (9)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/community) - [compassion (9)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/compassion) - [College and Careers (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/college-and-careers) - [KIPP Iluminar Academy (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-iluminar-academy) - [charter school (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-school) - [educational equity (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/educational-equity) - [KIPP Scholar Academy (7)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-scholar-academy) - [educational access (7)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/educational-access) - [charter management organizations (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-management-organizations) - [extra curricular (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extra-curricular) - [kippthroughcollege (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippthroughcollege) - [scholar spotlight (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/scholar-spotlight) - [College Acceptance (5)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/college-acceptance) - [#toandthrough (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/toandthrough) - [KIPP Comienza (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-comienza) - [KIPP Empower Academy (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-empower-academy) - [KIPP LA Prep (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la-prep) - [KTC (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/ktc) - [Music Education (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music-education) - [National Blue Ribbon (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/national-blue-ribbon) - [Professional Development (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/professional-development) - [kipp socal (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-socal) - [social emotional (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/social-emotional) - [#focusonexcellence (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/focusonexcellence) - [KIPP Academy of Innovation (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-academy-of-innovation) - [KIPP Corazón Academy (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-corazón-academy) - [KIPP Foundation (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-foundation) - [KIPP LA (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la) - [KIPP LA Alumni (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la-alumni) - [School Opening (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/school-opening) - [charter renewal (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-renewal) - [cherry-picking (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/cherry-picking) - [district schools (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/district-schools) - [enrollment (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/enrollment) - [extracurricular (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extracurricular) - [extracurricular activities (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extracurricular-activities) - [mental health (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/mental-health) - [middle schools (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/middle-schools) - [open enrollment (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/open-enrollment) - [public school (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/public-school) - [social emotional learning (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/social-emotional-learning) - [special education teacher (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/special-education-teacher) - [sped (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/sped) - [California PBIS (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/california-pbis) - [Family Ambassadors (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/family-ambassadors) - [Financial Planning (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/financial-planning) - [Governor Newsome (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/governor-newsome) - [Graduation (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/graduation) - [High School Placement (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/high-school-placement) - [High School Scholarships (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/high-school-scholarships) - [Huntington Park (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/huntington-park) - [IEP (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/iep) - [Innovation Day (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/innovation-day) - [KIPP Academy of Opportunity (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-academy-of-opportunity) - [KIPP Compton Community School (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-compton-community-school) - [KIPP Philosophers Academy (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-philosophers-academy) - [KIPP Pueblo Unido (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-pueblo-unido) - [adapted physical education teacher (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/adapted-physical-education-teacher) - [advocacy (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/advocacy) - [award winning schools (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/award-winning-schools) - [cohort model (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/cohort-model) - [kipp sol academy (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-sol-academy) - [music (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music) - [music teacher (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music-teacher) - [nonprofit (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/nonprofit) - [occupational therapist (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/occupational-therapist) - [positive behavior intervention (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/positive-behavior-intervention) - [positive behavior intervention & supports (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/positive-behavior-intervention-supports) - [school counselor (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/school-counselor) - [special education (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/special-education) - [speech pathologist (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/speech-pathologist) - [teacher residency (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/teacher-residency) - [teaching (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/teaching) - [#Voter Registration (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/voter-registration) - [#kippiscommunity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippiscommunity) - [15 Years Proving the Possible (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/15-years-proving-the-possible) - [AB 1505 (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/ab-1505) - [Alliance College-Ready Public Schools (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/alliance-college-ready-public-schools) - [CCSA (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/ccsa) - [Carolyn Sloan (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/carolyn-sloan) - [College Scholarships (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/college-scholarships) - [Compton (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/compton) - [Culmination Ceremonies (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/culmination-ceremonies) - [DACA (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/daca) - [Fordham Institute (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/fordham-institute) - [Greendot Schools (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/greendot-schools) - [Harriett Ball Award (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/harriett-ball-award) - [Harvard University (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/harvard-university) - [High School Applications (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/high-school-applications) - [Hispanic Heritage Month (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/hispanic-heritage-month) - [KIPP Alumni (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-alumni) - [KIPP Campers (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-campers) - [KIPP Family Ambassadors (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-family-ambassadors) - [KIPP Promesa Prep (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-promesa-prep) - [KIPP Raíces (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-raíces) - [KIPP Raíces Academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-raíces-academy) - [KIPP School Summit (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-school-summit) - [MOKA (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/moka) - [NFL (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/nfl) - [PBIS (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/pbis) - [Physical Education (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/physical-education) - [STEM (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/stem) - [Simone Edwards (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/simone-edwards) - [South Gate (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/south-gate) - [Stanford University (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/stanford-university) - [Thomas B. Fordham Institute (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/thomas-b-fordham-institute) - [accelerator progam (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/accelerator-progam) - [alder graduation school of education (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/alder-graduation-school-of-education) - [amazonsmile (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/amazonsmile) - [andover (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/andover) - [assessments (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/assessments) - [astronomy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/astronomy) - [autism (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/autism) - [autistic behavior (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/autistic-behavior) - [behavior therapist (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/behavior-therapist) - [body diversity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/body-diversity) - [charitable organization (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charitable-organization) - [clarinet (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/clarinet) - [classical music (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/classical-music) - [curiosity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/curiosity) - [dancers giving back (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/dancers-giving-back) - [dia de los muertos (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/dia-de-los-muertos) - [double bass (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/double-bass) - [enrichment (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/enrichment) - [environmental issues (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/environmental-issues) - [excellence (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/excellence) - [first lego league (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/first-lego-league) - [first year teaching (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/first-year-teaching) - [folklorico (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/folklorico) - [general education teacher (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/general-education-teacher) - [grammar (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/grammar) - [holiday (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/holiday) - [holiday break reading tips (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/holiday-break-reading-tips) - [honor (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/honor) - [hug (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/hug) - [inclusion (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/inclusion) - [integrity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/integrity) - [interactive books (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/interactive-books) - [interactive children's books (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/interactive-childrens-books) - [jazz (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/jazz) - [kipp ignite academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-ignite-academy) - [kipp vida prep (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-vida-prep) - [kipp vida preparatory academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-vida-preparatory-academy) - [kipppueblounido (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipppueblounido) - [love (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/love) - [love activists (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/love-activists) - [non-verbal (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/non-verbal) - [optimism (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/optimism) - [phillips academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/phillips-academy) - [phonics (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/phonics) - [reading (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/reading) - [reading resources (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/reading-resources) - [reading tips (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/reading-tips) - [robotics (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/robotics) - [science fair (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/science-fair) - [simonemariposa (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/simonemariposa) - [special needs (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/special-needs) - [spelling bee (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/spelling-bee) - [stimming (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/stimming) - [struggling readers (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/struggling-readers) - [student diversity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/student-diversity) - [student government (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/student-government) - [teacher spotlight (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/teacher-spotlight) - [the Big Lucky Band (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/the-big-lucky-band) - [tips (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/tips) - [to and through (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/to-and-through) - [to and through college (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/to-and-through-college) - [trombone (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/trombone) - [tuba (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/tuba) see all Work hard. Be nice. Stay connected. [***newsletter***](https://www.kippsocal.org/newsletter-sign-up) [***facebook***](https://www.facebook.com/kippsocal) [***twitter***](https://twitter.com/kippsocal) [***contact***](https://www.kippsocal.org/questions) ### [![KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue copy](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20copy.png?width=251&name=KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20copy.png)](https://www.kippsocal.org) Notice of Intention to Amend a Conflict of Interest Code for KIPP SoCal Public Schools ### Contact Us - [Questions?](https://www.kippsocal.org/questions) -   - 3601 East First Street - Los Angeles, CA  90063 - Phone: 213.489.4461 ### Quick Links [Board Meetings](https://www.kippsocal.org/board-of-directors/board-meetings) [Recent Board Meeting Agenda](https://www.kippsocal.org/board-of-directors/board-meetings) [Blog](https://www.http://blog.kippla.org/) [Procurement](http://new-staged-website.kippla.campussuite.site/procurement%20www.kippsocal.org/procurement) KIPP LA Schools © 2013 All Rights Reserved | [Terms and Conditions](http://www.kippla.org/about-kipp-la/Terms-of-Use.cfm) | Privacy Policy| [Powered by Campus Suite®](http://www.campussuite.com/)