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Kennedy Sunday Newsletter

Kennedy Sunday Newsletter

Message from the Principal

Dear Kennedy High School Families,


I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to share some exciting events coming up this week at Kennedy High School, as well as to address a concerning trend we've noticed.


First, I'm thrilled to announce that we'll be receiving the Civic Learning Award of Excellence at a ceremony at Kennedy High School on Monday, September 23rd. The 2024 Civic Learning Awards of Excellence will be presented by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. At the award ceremony, we will hear a student’s AUHSD Soapbox award-winning speech, Kennedy’s Student Ambassador will present on RSVP (Raising Student Voice & Participation), and International Baccalaureate program students will share their IB Community Activity and Service (CAS) Project R.E.A.C.H (Redistributing Essential goods and Advocating for Community Homeless) Presentation.


Other important events this week include our first School Site Council Meeting of the 2024-25 school year. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 25th at 3:30pm. Remind your Kennedy student to come early on Thursday. September 26th for a fascinating Thursday Talk featuring Kennedy alumni, Monica Jensen. As a Behavioral Dog Trainer, Monica will share her insights into the world of canine behavior and training. Students will discover what it's like to work with dogs and learn valuable tips from a seasoned professional. The event will take place in room 707 at 8:15 AM on Thursday.


We cordially invite you to attend the Fall Choir Show, "Puttin' On the Ritz," on September 27th and 28th at 7:00 PM in the Kennedy Performing Arts Center. Our talented choir students have been working tirelessly to prepare an incredible performance that will showcase their vocal abilities and dedication. Please note that tripods, food, and drinks are not permitted in the Kennedy Performing Arts Center.


Get ready to cheer on your Kennedy Fighting Irish this week! We have a packed schedule of exciting home games. On Monday, September 23rd, our Flag Football team will take on Westminster. Tuesday, September 24th, will feature two thrilling matchups: Boys' Water Polo against Gahr and Girls' Volleyball against Valencia. Finally, on Thursday, September 26th, our Girls' Tennis team will compete against Tustin, and the Boys' Water Polo team will face off against Los Amigos. Please come out to support our scholar athletes!


While we have so much to celebrate and be proud of at Kennedy, I must address a troubling issue. We've witnessed a recent rise in student-on-student aggression. Let me be unequivocally clear: this behavior is utterly unacceptable. Violence and aggression not only inflict harm on individuals but also undermine the very fabric of our school community.


I implore all our students to resolve disputes peacefully and to seek assistance from adults whenever necessary. I encourage parents to have open conversations with their children about their own expectations regarding violence and aggression. Let's collectively reinforce the message that such behavior has no place in a civilized society.


However, despite this challenge, we have so much to be proud of at Kennedy High School. Together, we will work to create a school environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning and growth.


Sincerely,

Poppy Hill-Bonales

Proud Principal, Kennedy High School

Home of the Fighting Irish

College and Career Fair

Hello, Fighting Irish!

We are proud to announce the upcoming district-wide College and Career Fair at the Anaheim Convention Center! Come and check out the diverse colleges and universities that will be featured that day. We are also offering transportation to the convention center from Kennedy High School. Please arrive before 4:30 p.m. to take the shuttle to the Convention Center. Hope to see you there!

Attendance Policy

Please call or email the Attendance Office if you need to report an absence or sign out a student. Please refer to the numbers below with the first letter of your last name.


714-220-4131 (A-L)

714-220-4132 (M-Z)

kenattendance@auhsd.us


If planning on signing out a student, please send an email to kenattendance@auhsd.us with sufficient time in advance to prepare. This will not only facilitate the process for parents and students much quicker, but also minimize classroom disruptions. Thank you.

Student Parking Permit

Parking permits are to be displayed at all times when parked in the Kennedy Student parking lot. For reference, here is last year's permit. Please see Mrs. Alvarez in the Student window if you are in need of a parking pass. You can find the application and fees HERE.


Once you complete the form, please bring a photo copy of Drivers License, Auto Insurance, and the current Vehicle Registration with $20 cash or check to complete the process

District Volunteer Process

The district has rolled out with a new volunteer process this school year. You must register through the Raptor system and choose between Tier 1 and Tier 2.


Tier 2 clearance allows volunteers to participate in prolonged student contact such as overnight trips with students, but requires a tuberculosis test and fingerprint. All other general volunteer participation would be Tier 1.


If you are interested in volunteering for any program on campus, you must sign up and attend an orientation held by the district. Please see the flyers below for more information (you can click on the flyer).

Parent Ambassador Program

Fighting Irish Parents! If you'd like to be a parent ambassador or learn more about the program, considr joining us this coming Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in our new Family and Community Engagement Center (Room 901)! Afterwards, if you haven't completed the Volunteer Orientation, we will offer it in-person to save you some time! Please sign up on Raptor prior to the meeting so you can receive clearance after the meeting. Hope to see you there!

Message from the Counselors

2024-2025 AP Testing Information has been sent to all student email accounts. If your student is planning on taking an AP exam this school year, please read the email carefully. The deadline to complete the order form is Friday, October 11th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Zubiate or Ms. Campos in the Counseling Center.

UCI Conference for Students

We're thrilled to invite your students to an event that could expose them to multiple major and career paths- the Choosing a Major Conference! All grade levels are welcome!


Details of the Event:

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Location: UC Irvine (Transportation will be provided)


During this conference, they'll have the chance to explore two distinct schools within our university: the Paul Merage School of Business, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, and Undergraduate/Undeclared.


Here's what they can look forward to at the conference:

Interactive Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities that provide insight into the different fields of study.


Student Panels: Hear directly from current students pursuing majors in these schools. They'll share their experiences, challenges, and successes, giving you an authentic perspective.


Faculty Discussions: Connect with experienced professors who will guide you through the academic programs and answer your questions.


Networking Opportunities: Interact

with fellow high students who share your interests and aspirations.


This is an amazing opportunity to expose them to the college environment and the array of opportunities that UC Irvine has to offer. To secure your spot at the Choosing a Major Conference, please have them fill out our registration form at https://bit.ly/F24CMC

JROTC Fundraiser

Looking for a way to support our JROTC? Love Popcorn? Check out their Double Good Fundraiser to help support their programs for their school year. Fundraiser goes until Friday, September 27th. Click on the link below or the flyer to go directly to the shop!


https://popup.doublegood.com/s/cv9470iz

PTSA Announcements

Fighting Irish! Please consider joining the PTSA this year to help foster the connection between the school and the community. Even if you are busy, you can still participate!


Please take a look at our new Accepting Imperfections prompts where you are able to express yourself through the arts. You may even be recognized nationally! Deadline is Friday, September 27th.

Accepting Imperfection…” is the 2024-25 Reflections Art Program theme. Since 1969, this amazing program has brought the arts to life for more than 10 million students and increased community awareness of the importance of the arts in education.


All students are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas. Please click on the corresponding link for the requirements:




Participation is easy, exciting, empowering, and three simple steps:

1. Download & fill out the form.

2. Read the Category Rules

3. Drop off the completed form by Friday, September 27th, at the FACES office

La Palma Foundation Event

The La Palma Foundation supports Kennedy programs such as Every 15 Minutes and Scholarships for Seniors. They will be having an event Saturday, October 12th where you have the opportunity to bid for items in an auction for quarters. All proceeds go directly to supporting programs at Kennedy. Sign up by clicking on the flyer!!! Hope to see you there!

Chromebook Updates

Please make sure to bring Chromebooks charged and ready to use every day! For any tech related questions, please see Mr. Nguyen in Room 216.

Contact Us

Main Office:

714-220-4101


Attendance Office:

714-220-4131 (A-L)

714-220-4132 (M-Z)

kenattendance@auhsd.us


Counseling Office:

714-220-3006


FACES:

714-220-4104


Health Office:

714-220-4115


Records Office:

714-220-4121


Registration Office:

714-220-4126

Please subscribe to Kennedy’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/khighyoutube

David Hernandez
David is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters