Our goal at KIPP Leadership is for all of our scholars, whether they are gifted or must overcome the challenges of learning disabilities, to have access to a world-class education. For our Academic & Functional Skills (AFS) students, who possess the most severe developmental disabilities, the teaching of basic life skills, social skills, and community-based learning activities are crucial to their learning and growth as individuals. Acquiring these skills during primary school years is of the utmost importance since it will provide the framework for not only a strong academic foundation, but also on developing well-rounded character strengths such as curiosity, gratitude, social intelligence, self-control, zest, grit, and optimism which are all critical for leading an engaged, happy, and successful life.

Many of our AFS students have limited opportunities to participate in learning activities outside of school, as many of their families cannot afford to eat at local restaurants or take annual family vacations, which is why KIPP Leadership is planning a Disney World trip for our 5 AFS students in February 2019! This trip will give these students the chance to participate in many activities that most children take for granted, such as traveling to a different state, having a sleepover with their friends, and flying on an airplane for the very first time. The cost of the trip is a total of $15,000 which will include airfare, hotel accommodations, and food for 11 people (5 AFS students, 2 nurses and 4 caregivers) for a 5-night stay at Disney World in Orlando, FL. So far we have raised $1,500. We are pursuing other options from community partners and are asking for $10,000 using gofundme by December 2018. 

Regardless of emotional, cognitive, or physical limitations, KIPP New Orleans Schools believes all of our scholars deserve to lead and live a choice-filled life. As a leader of the community and a valued supporter of our AFS scholars, we please ask that you donate ANY AMOUNT to our Disney Trip Campaign at KIPP Leadership Primary.  It would mean the world to our AFS students to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with YOUR help, TOGETHER we can make this dream a reality!

Thank you for your consideration and partnership over the years! Your critical support will make a direct difference in our students’ lives and give them a Disney experience they will never forget. We are honored to be considered for critical support on this extremely meaningful endeavor for our Academic & Functional Skills students.