PATRIOT POST

Dear Kennedy Families,

I can hardly believe it is time to write our final newsletter of the year! It's been an incredible journey of growth and learning, and I couldn't be prouder of the progress our students have made. As we enter May and June, let's rally together to help our children finish the year on a strong note. Your continued support and encouragement at home make all the difference in their success.

These final months also present opportunities for making cherished memories together. Whether it's attending end-of-year events such as Celebration of Learning or Kennedy's Got Talent, or simply spending quality time together, let's embrace these moments and create lasting memories as a school community.

Speaking of end-of-year festivities, we have an exciting lineup planned- please be sure to take special notes of all of the events listed in the events section of this newsletter. These celebrations are not only a chance to recognize our students' achievements but also a time for our school community to come together and celebrate as one.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support throughout the year. Your partnership has been invaluable, and it's been an honor to work alongside you to ensure the success of our students. Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education and for being such an integral part of our Kennedy family.

Here's to a fantastic end to the school year filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories!

Warmly,

Tiffany Hyden

Next Monday, April 29, we will begin out state assessment testing. We will test each morning with third and fourth grades testing around 8:15am and fifth grade testing at 9am. Your student will be testing for both English/Language Arts and Math over the next two weeks. The test usually takes around three test sessions to finish, so your student most likely will not be testing everyday each week.

It is important for students to have a good night's sleep and a good breakfast. It is also really important for students to be on time since we are having testing sessions in the morning. It can always be a little bit of a stressful time for students so give them a word of encouragement. We have been working all week on creating some encouraging words for both themselves and their classmates. Also if you would like to write a little note for your student, they can read it before the test and then put it away when the test session starts.

The 9th annual performance of Kennedy's Got Talent hits the stage Thursday, May 30th at the Kennedy Elementary Gym! We look forward to showcasing all of the amazing talents of our Patriots!

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 7th (K-2) and Thursday, May 9th (3-5) at 2:40 in the gym. Audition forms are available in the office and must be filled out ahead of time. If your child will be performing in Kennedy's Got Talent, please keep your eye out for rehearsal information coming home with your performer.

Please join us in celebrating all of the amazing learning that has occurred this year! We will be hosting a BBQ dinner, resource fair and opening our classrooms for students to showcase artifacts of learning that they are proud of. It is always a fun night for all! Classrooms open at 5:00 and we will begin serving dinner at 5:30. Come join us Tuesday, June 4th at 5 pm.

To follow up our Kinder Launch event, we will be hosting a Kinder Connections Workshop for families of incoming students entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024. Join us for this event Wednesday, May 15th to learn about how to prepare your student for a successful start to their K-12 education career. We will have snacks and fun activities planned for students, so that families can listen and learn from our Kindergarten teachers.

The week of May 6th through May 10th is Teacher Appreciation Week! This is a special time for us to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of our amazing educators. Our teachers go above and beyond every day to create engaging lessons, provide individualized support, and foster a nurturing learning environment for our students.

This week, we have planned a variety of special surprises to show our gratitude for their tireless efforts. From a kind word expressing appreciation to heartfelt notes and cards, there are many ways for our school community to express our thanks to these remarkable individuals.

Please join me in honoring our teachers during this special week. Your words of appreciation and support mean the world to them and serve as a reminder of the incredible impact they have on our children's lives each and every day.

We were thrilled to receive your response on the Youth Truth Survey! As we are diving into the feedback provided by our students and families to determine actions steps to enhance the Kennedy experience for everyone and propel Kennedy forward, we are looking to gauge your interest on a community discussion/share out event. Please show your interest by responding here if you would like to be included in such an event. Your input and participation are crucial as we work together to shape the future of our school community.

4/29-5/3: ELA State Testing (3rd-5th grades)

5/2: PTO Meeting 3:30 library

5/7-5/10: Math State Testing (3rd-5th grades)

5/6: No School- Mid Quarter Grading Day

5/8: Bike to School Day

5/13-5/24: Spring iReady Testing (8:00 am)

5/27: No School- Memorial Day

5/30: Kennedy's Got Talent

5/30: Senior Grad Walks (approx. 10:35am)

6/3: Field Day (all day)

6/4: Celebration of Learning 5:00-6:30

6/6: 5th Grade Walk 8:30

6/6: Students Last Day of School- 10:50 release time (light brunch served from cafeteria)

Early Heads Up: Just a reminder as we head into summer that the district will continue to provide school year supplies for the 2024-25 school year! All required classroom supplies will be purchased and distributed to classroom teacher in the fall!

• School starts at 7:50 am
• Tardies begin at 7:55 am
• This year, upon arrival, gates will open at 7:30 and students will either go into the cafeteria to eat breakfast or to our track to walk the track. Classroom doors will open at 7:50.

• Students who bring a beverage to school in the AM must go to the cafeteria to finish it. All beverages must be finished before going into the classroom.

• Parents Dropping off students- 7:45- in our circle drive. Please use both lanes. We will have staff to assist with students crossing over to the sidewalk. Please do not let students out in the “left” lane where they have to cross the “right” lane until staff are present. The circle drive is continually moving, if you need to come into the office please be sure to park in our parking lot. Please be aware dropping students off too early results in students standing around and waiting.

• Student cell phones must remain in their backpacks in the “silent mode”. Students are NOT to use their cell phone during the school day.

• Student dress- hats and hoods are not permitted indoors

• School ends at 2:35, Kindergarten students 2:30. Wednesday dismissal 1 pm

Email: tiffany.hyden@medford.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.medford.k12.or.us/Domain/15
Location: 2860 North Keeneway Drive, Medford, OR, USA
Phone: (541) 842-3810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennedyElementaryMSD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennedy_elementarymsd/