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John F. Kennedy High School

Principal Update - January 6, 2025

John F. Kennedy High School Principal Update - January 6, 2025

From The Principal...

January 20th, 2025

Dear Cavalier Teachers, Students, Parents, and Families,


I want to highlight two separate topics, each important for distinct reasons. The first one is of immediate concern and has inspired worry in the households of many families in our community.


On Tuesday, a new administration will begin in the White House. And because numerous statements have been made about new policy and what will happen to some immigrants, we understand the concerns growing in our community. For this reason, I wanted to include MCPS’s position–as found on the MCPS website–regarding immigrant families and their status in this country.


“Our schools are and will always remain safe places where every child—regardless of immigration status—is welcomed, valued, affirmed, validated, respected, and loved.”


MCPS has an entire page (linked below) to talk about Immigrant Rights and what you can do if you find yourself in any situation that challenges your status and right to be in this country. I also want to highlight this quote from our Superintendent, Dr. Thomas Taylor: “Schools Are Safe Spaces: Schools are places where students should feel secure, supported, and free to focus on their learning. Federal guidance recognizes schools as sensitive areas, meaning that enforcement actions by immigration authorities are generally not permitted in schools or on school grounds.” I have linked Dr. Taylor’s full message below.


Please refer to the MCPS guidelines, as they include a “Know Your Rights” document. As a school, we will follow and uphold the law, and in instances where laws and policies seem threatening, we will do our utmost to maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students in keeping with MCPS expectations and because it is the right thing to do. Remember, in the face of upcoming uncertainty, school remains one of the safest places for your students, and through school they can achieve their promise and potential.


Shifting gears, I want to highlight our Hall of Fame and 60th Anniversary Celebration dinner, scheduled for February 8th at Argyle Country Club. This dinner to recognize members of the Kennedy Community who have made significant contributions to the school is an important annual celebration. We invite you to join us, as we also celebrate the school’s 60th Anniversary.


Having events like the Hall of Fame remind us that it is important to pause, reflect, and recognize the legacy of John F. Kennedy High School. In my role as principal, I meet many individuals who are Kennedy alums, and they all speak fondly of their time here. Kennedy has a proud history and we–its current stewards–have the responsibility of maintaining the important traditions of Kennedy and recognizing people who continue to elevate Kennedy’s identity and legacy.


Each day, we serve students who will one day contribute to that legacy, like one of our past inductees, Thea LaFond, Olympic Gold medalist. Like Thea, our inductees are extraordinary and deserve recognition. We ask that you make plans to join us in this celebration. In addition to the dinner, we are working with the PTSA to hold a separate community event in the stadium sometime in April to do more to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy High School. We look forward to spending time with you, building community, and celebrating Kennedy.


Vickie Adamson

Proud Principal

John F. Kennedy High School

Athletics

For full event details, visit our athletics website at gokennedycavs.com.


Come out and support your Cavaliers!

Attention Students Interested in Spring Sports!

Are you planning to try out for a spring sport? Now is the perfect time to get your sports physical form completed! If you’ve had a physical exam within the past year, your healthcare provider may be able to sign off on the required forms.


If you haven’t had a physical in the last year, or don’t have a healthcare provider, don’t worry! You can schedule a sports physical appointment with the nurse practitioner at our school-based wellness center.


Visit the health room today to pick up the forms that you and your parent or guardian need to complete before scheduling your appointment. Keep in mind, appointments fill up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute!


Get ready to play – take care of your sports physical today!


Carolyn Brown, MSN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Phone: 240.740.0115

Fax: 301.929.2796

WIDA Access Testing - Staying in the Know

WIDA ACCESS testing:

Last week we successfully held the first two parts of the WIDA ACCESS test. All English Language Learners at Kennedy High School are completing the English Language Proficiency assessment called WIDA ACCESS.


The next testing dates are February 4, 5.


Students are being tested in four areas: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.


Students who are testing will be informed by their teachers if they are scheduled to take the test. Students can also see if they are required to take the test by going to this link: https://bit.ly/WIDA24STUDENTS


Students who are not testing: On testing days, students who are not required to take the WIDA test will still come to school. Instead of a traditional schedule, students will have the opportunity to get individual help and time for assignment recuperation during the time we are testing.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Counseling & Career Center

ATTENTION 10th and 11th grade students! Time to Apply to Summer Rise

Want to learn about a career during the summer? Student registration for the 2025 Summer RISE program opened at 8AM on Monday, January 13, 2025 and will close at 5PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 and can be accessed at http://bit.ly/SummerRISE2025. This FREE program gives you a chance to learn about a career during the summer. To learn more about the Summer RISE program, sign up for a Parent/Guardian and Student Information Session, visit the Summer RISE website at www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org, and be sure to visit with program staff here at school to learn more about the program.


JOHN F. KENNEDY HS WILL HOST AN INFORMATION SESSION ON JANUARY 31 AT 10:00AM. STUDENTS CAN REGISTER HERE!

¡ATENCIÓN estudiantes de los grados 10 y 11!


¿Quieren aprender sobre una carrera profesional durante el verano? Las inscripciones estudiantiles para el programa de Summer RISE 2025 abren a las 8AM el lunes, 13 de enero de 2025 y cerrarán a las 5PM el martes, 18 de febrero de 2025. Pueden acceder al formulario de inscripción en http://bit.ly/SummerRISE2025. Este programa GRATUITO les da la oportunidad de aprender sobre una carrera profesional durante el verano. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de Summer RISE, inscríbanse para una sesión de información para padres/tutores y estudiantes, visiten el sitio web de Summer RISE en www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org y asegúrense de visitar al personal del programa aquí en la escuela para obtener más información sobre el programa.


JOHN F. KENNEDY HS PRESENTARÁ UNA SESIÓN INFORMATIVA EL 31 DE ENERO A LA 10:00AM. ¡LOS ESTUDIANTES PUEDEN INSCRIBIRSE AQUÍ!

Change of School Assignment (COSA) Information for 25-26 School Year
Families wishing to apply for a change of school assignment, should read this announcement. Booklets on the COSA process will be available in the counseling office, beginning in early February.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS UPDATES

Latino Parent Interest Meeting

When: Thursday, January 30th

Time: 6:30-8:00 pm

Location: John F. Kennedy's Cafeteria

*More information to come soon!

Parent Survey:

Please take a moment to complete a survey designed to help us understand our school's primary needs. Your feedback is crucial in guiding our improvement efforts and securing funding from the state of Maryland over the next three years. As a thank you for your participation, your child will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a prize! Use the button below to access the survey. Thank you for your participation and support!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hall of Fame

The Kennedy Hall of Fame dinner will take place at the Argyle Country Club on February 8th. Please mark your calendars to join us to celebrate our legacy! Be a part of our history and join us in this important tradition.

DEPARTMENTAL & ACADEMY NEWS

MYP/DP

The 11th grade students in IB Theory of Knowledge(TOK) presented their Exhibitions on the evening of January 9, 2025. This was the culmination of a semester long inquiry Independent Assessment (IA). The students selected 1 of 35 knowledge questions such as Who owns knowledge?, Why do we seek knowledge?, What role does imagination play in the production or acquisition of knowledge?


Students selected three objects to explore their selected question from three unique perspectives. The TOK Exhibition requires students to reflect on the nature of knowledge. Our students did a marvelous job presenting, and it was interesting to hear a wide variety of ideas and examples.


A special thank you to Ms. Carroll, Mr. Hopson, Mr. Jefferson, Ms. Scheller, Ms. Starita, and Ms. Wahrman for facilitating the presentations. We appreciate the families who came out to support our students and the IB Program. It was a wonderful audience, and we know our students grow and thrive from your support and appreciation.

Art

Our Own Visionary

Kennedy student, Amari Taylor, has an exhibit currently running at the Carroll Square Art Gallery. See the details below to check out the exhibit in person. We are so proud of you, Amari, and thrilled with how well you represent the Cavaliers!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDxQRQxPSCD/?igsh=b2FwbDkxMDl5azBo

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDxSRmkPYw5/?igsh=MXVzbnZzOHFlMDk1Yg==

🖼️"VISIONARIES OF THE FUTURE" Art Exhibition at the Carroll Square Art Gallery.

📍975 F St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004

📅Monday - Friday

World Languages

The Seal of Biliteracy exam allows students to become certified in multiple languages. For many of our students, this is an accessible exam and a great way to be acknowledged for their skill as a multi-lingual person. Use the QR codes on the flyers below to register for the test.

English

Did you know that Kennedy High School has a Literary and Arts Magazine? Voices has been around since the 70s, and accepts all types of student writing, art, digital art, photography, and any other type of creative output. Last year’s edition was digital and the print edition just arrived! If you would like a print copy they are available from Ms. Wahrman in room 1317 for $10. Want to submit work for this year? We’d love to publish your writing, art, or anything creative, please see the QR code. We also meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month in Ms. Wahrman’s room. Or sign up for the Creative Writing elective for next year!

FAMILY FOOD MARKET

The next family food market is scheduled to take place this Friday, February 21st.

Community and Family Services

REC ZONE UPDATES

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY 💗

Athletics

Music Department

Student-Led Community Projects

Many local kids can’t participate in sports because of the cost of equipment. To help, we are collecting new or gently used sports gear for those in need. All donations will go to the Leveling the Playing Field Foundation, which provides equipment to youth in our area. Your support can make a difference!


The collection box at Kennedy High School will be located in Mr. Mendez’s classroom, Room 2336.

PTSA NEWS

Please reach out to Ricky Ribeiro, PTSA President at rickyr.83@gmail.com to join the PTSA and Cavalier Alumni Association.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/kennedyhs/ptsa/

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Please remember that school starts at 7:45 AM, and students are expected to be in their first class promptly at that time.

LUNCH & LEARN SESSIONS WITH TEACHERS

Students! Get the help you need!

Use the list below to find out the days and the locations that teachers are available to work with students at lunch time. Get help on course work or just get your homework done. Make sure you are passing your classes. See different teachers throughout the week.

John F. Kennedy High School

Home of the Cavaliers

Principal: Vickie Adamson

Principal Intern: DeyJah Chappell

Asst. Principals: Dr. Vaughn Bradley, Jenny O'Neil, Lizzie Rodgers

School Business Administrator: Audrey Patton

Administrative Assistant: Patrice Walsh

Website: Kennedy High School
Location: 1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20902
Phone: 240-740-0100

Vickie Adamson
Vickie is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters