Kennedy Cougars
Your Weekly Update from Kennedy Middle School
Dear Kennedy Families and Caregivers,
And just like that, we are already into trimester two! Time sure flies around here. In 2 weeks we will be leaving for winter break. Yesterday's brief snow squall really set the tone and I find myself thinking about a perfect snowy vacation right about now. ⛄🎿🏂
Trimester 1 grades are accessible on PowerSchool. Below are the links to directions:
VIEWING ROSP (Grade 5) AND GRADE REPORT (Gr. 6-8) DIRECTIONS
For your convenience, here is a link to the Kennedy Trimester Schedule 2024 - 2025
A note from Grade 5 educators about the ROSPs In Grade 5
The ROSP will be available for you to view in PowerSchool between December 6 through December 20. This report on student progress will show how your student is meeting academic standards with the following scores:
Academic Performance
4 - Exceeding -This student consistently and independently exceeds the grade level standards of rigorous subject matter.
3 - Meeting -This student consistently and independently demonstrated mastery of proficiency in the grade level standard.
2 - Progressing - This student is developing concepts, processes, and skills of the grade level standard with some additional time and support.
1 - Beginning -This student is beginning to progress toward the grade level standard with additional time and support.
It is typical for students to earn a “2-Progressing” academic score in this first term of fifth grade. Our goal is to have students meet grade level standards by June. It makes sense that in December, they have not hit that target yet, especially in L&L and the math practice skills where our skills spiral throughout the year.
Please remember, your children are SO MUCH MORE than what these reports will show. These reports will not tell you that your child is a unique and valuable member of our class. They do not reflect the times when your child was a good friend to someone else. Report cards do not show the number of times your child asked for help or participated in extra activities to be a stronger, more well-rounded student. The assessments don't measure the joy and laughter your children bring to our classrooms every day. The scores do not reflect the kindness and compassion they show for their peers and their teachers. Your child's teachers know your children. They are special people, and they are growing leaps and bounds each and every day. Thank you for sharing them with us.
- Kennedy Grade 5 Team
What I Need (WIN): RTI/Enrichment Cycle 1 Recap:
As we approach the end of this RTI (Response to Intervention) cycle, we want to thank you for your support and partnership in your child’s academic journey. The goal of our RTI/Enrichment block is to ensure every student receives the individualized support or enrichment they need to thrive.
For students receiving intervention, the focus has been on building essential skills through targeted interventions tailored to their specific needs. For those in enrichment, the goal is to provide opportunities for deeper exploration and growth.
At the conclusion of this cycle, we will review student progress and adjust supports or enrichment opportunities as needed to continue helping each child achieve their full potential. We will begin the second cycle of RTI/Enrichment during the WIN (What I Need) block in early January.
If you have questions about your child’s progress or the next steps in this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their team leader or me. Thank you for being a vital part of this system and for supporting your child’s success!
A message from the Kennedy Clinic:
Kennedy Middle School will be beginning screenings for scoliosis December 9th. The state of MA mandates that students in grades 5 - 9 be screened in school for spinal curvatures and/or scoliosis. Most pediatricians perform this same screening at your student's yearly physical exam and thus, parents/caregivers may opt-out their student from this screening.
If you would like to opt-out your student from this year's postural screening, please complete the form below. Additionally, students will be given the opportunity to opt out at the point of screening.
If you WANT your student to be screened, do not complete this form and your student will be screened for scoliosis.
Clubs information:
For the full list of clubs and the days they will be held, please check out the link HERE.
Late bus information:
Please note that late buses are not completely predictable for student arrival home. The buses have been picking up at Kennedy later than usual (3:30 - 3:45 or later) and, depending on the number of students on the bus, can delay your child arriving home significantly (4:30 or later). The late bus route information can be found HERE.
Laps at Lunch information:
Please consider volunteering at Laps at Lunch. We are looking for help during all 4 lunches, grades 5 - 8. Please follow this LINK for information on how to volunteer. Thank you VERY MUCH for your consideration. We could not do this without our parent/caregiver volunteers.
Parent Teacher conference requests:
Please note that teachers are filling parent teacher requests as quickly as they possibly can. Your patience while they schedule a time is much appreciated. As always, if teachers have a concern, they will reach out quickly to schedule a meeting.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. Let's hope the snow holds off a bit longer...
Regards,
Jodie Cohen
Proud Principal of Kennedy
"Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers.”
~ Kahlil Gibran
Twitter - @KennedyMSNatick
Instagram - @KennedyMSNatick
website - kennedy.natickps.org
