Kennedy News

Kennedy Families,

The season of giving thanks is here and I have much to be thankful for as the principal of Kennedy.

First, I am thankful for our great students. Our Cubs are smart, friendly, kind and creative. Every day is a new and exciting adventure with our students. Even when our Cubs make mistakes, they work hard to learn from them.

Second, I am thankful for the amazing staff we have at Kennedy. Our teachers are incredible. They invest so much into each one of our Cubs, ensuring that each of them gets what they need everyday when they come to school. Additionally, our paraeducators, custodians, office staff, and kitchen staff work hard to know and support each student every day. They are truly the best staff around!

Finally, I am so thankful for the Kennedy community - the families and guardians that get their kids ready for their Kennedy BEST each day. The highlight of my day is standing out front and greeting students. Watching our Cubs give final hugs to their parents before running up to give me a fist bump reminds me each day of the amazing opportunity you give us to partner with you in educating your kids. The support that our parents show our school is incredible. Thank you for partnering with us every day!

I hope that all Kennedy families enjoy their time together this week! We will see you all again on Monday, November 28th!

Together We Are Kennedy!

Steve Rustad

srusta1@isd77.org

BE SAFE

ENGAGE

SHOW EMPATHY

TOGETHER WE ARE KENNEDY!

Students of the Month are recognized for showing their Kennedy B.E.S.T. at school. Way to go, Cubs!

All the Kennedy Cubs were in the gym on November 9th for our first all school assembly of the year. We celebrated that our Cubs had earned enough Paw Slips to earn Pajama Day as an all school celebration. This will happen on Monday, November 21st. Additionally, music teacher Mrs. Carpenter and physical education teacher Mrs. Smith recognized some students of the month from their classes. Kenny the Cub helped us celebrate as we did the school cheer and sang our school song. It was a great celebration!

We are looking for gently used winter clothing donations for our Kennedy Cubs. Every year we have Cubs who are missing some important winter clothing items to keep them safe and warm. Additionally, we have Cubs who forget winter gear every day and need a back up at school. If you have any jackets, snow pants, boots, gloves, hats, or mittens that are no longer being used, please consider donating them to Kennedy. We have a drop off box in the front entrance. You can either bring it in and drop it off or send it in with your student. Thank you!

Mrs. Carpenter and the Kennedy Cubs have been rehearsing for the Winter Concert this month and they are getting excited to share their songs with you! They will be performing twice on Wednesday, December 21st. The first concert is at 9:30 AM and the second concert is at 1 PM. We hope to see all of our Kennedy Cubs families at one of the concerts!

Kennedy is currently looking for amazing people to join our Kennedy Cub family! Here are the current openings:

• EL Paraeducator: We are looking for a great candidate to fill our EL paraprofessional position. This position works directly with our multilingual learners. Check out this link for more details.
• Lunchroom/Playground Supervisor: Looking for a great way to get to know all of the Kennedy Cubs? Interested in a job that is only a couple of hours each day? Join us in the lunchroom or on the playground! Check out this link for more details
• ACES: The Mankato Area Public Schools before and after school care program is looking for great people to fill the positions of site lead, childcare assistants, and student support assistants. These positions may be at Kennedy or other school sites. Click on this link for more information.
• Substitute Teachers: If you have a 4 year degree and want some flexibility in the days you work, subbing is the job for you! The district recently raised the rate of pay to $200 a day for substitutes. To learn more, click on this link or scan the QR code on the picture below.
  

It's a great day to be a Kennedy Cub! Join the Cub family!

Email Mr. Rustad if you have any questions about these opportunities at Kennedy

Kennedy families are encouraged to participate in the PTO. To learn more about it and to get the most current information, you are encouraged to follow the Kennedy Elementary PTO Facebook page. Click here to visit the official PTO website.

Kennedy is a schoolwide Title 1 School. In the past, Title 1 funds were available to

provide additional support to students who qualified based on their test scores. As a schoolwide Title 1 school we are now able to utilize those resources more flexibly to support any students that would benefit. This fits wonderfully with our small group instruction blocks when students receive acceleration or enrichment based on their specific needs. For further information, contact Steve Rustad, principal at Kennedy Elementary.

• Tuesday, November 22-Friday, November 25 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
• Tuesday, November 29 - PTO Family Night - BINGO from 6-7
• Monday, December 5 - Scooter's PTO Fundraiser
• Wednesday, December 14 - Early release - school is out at 12:30
• Friday, December 16 - PTO Family Night - Movie night 6-7:30
• Wednesday, December 21 - Winter Concerts - 9:30 AM and 1 PM
• Friday, December 23 - Monday, January 2 - No school - Winter Break

Principal:

Steve Rustad

Email:

srusta1@isd77.org

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) is committed to working together equitably, with families and communities, so that each learner has the knowledge and skills to be a successful and contributing citizen in a diverse global society.

Email: ke@isd77.org
Website: https://ke.isd77.org/
Location: 2600 East Main Street, Mankato, MN, USA
Phone: (507) 387-2122
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISD77MAPS/
Twitter: @ISD77MAPS