KHS Update
Hello, Kennedy families!
Spring is here, and with it comes a season full of academic milestones, extracurricular achievements, and preparation for the end of the school year. We are incredibly proud of our students' growth and look forward to celebrating their successes in the coming months.
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I encourage families to stay engaged by checking in on student progress, attendance, and upcoming events.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering belonging, support, and excellence!
In partnership,
Molly Hollenbeck
Principal
952.681.5050
Josh Wenzel
Katrina Mezera
Assistant Principal, Lf-Z
kmezera@isd271.org
952-681-5075
Paul Collier
Beacon Alternative Program
pcollier@isd271.org
952-681-5046
Spring activities and athletics are in full swing! Encourage your student to explore the many opportunities available at Kennedy. From track and field to theater productions, there’s something for everyone.
Help us celebrate some amazing winter season accomplishments!
State Swimmer: Junior, Henry Firnhaber, represented Kennedy in the 100 yard breaststroke.
State Wrestlers: Five Kennedy wrestlers made it to the state meet.
A basketball milestone: Senior, Lamarrius Starr, scored his 1,000 point this season.
Kennedy Show Choir: Rhythm in Gold had a fantastic season—thank you to all who supported them at their annual showcase.
DECA Success: Congratulations to our students who competed at the state level, including multiple top finishers.
Speech Excellence: Juniors Gabriel Knutson, Angelica Mey and Samia Mohamud had so much success this season and will represent Kennedy at National conferences later this year.
Spring Sports Update: Follow our teams’ progress on the Tri-Metro Conference website.
Follow us on Instagram @bloomingtonkennedy for the latest updates and highlights!
Career and College Readiness
Testing Support: Important testing dates are approaching and more information will come from Assistant Principal, Josh Wenzel. He can be reached at jwenzel@isd271.org or 952-681-5040.
ACT (all Juniors): The ACT will be administered in person for all Juniors on April 16th. 9th, 10th and 12th grade students will have an e-learning day. Free test prep resources are available here.
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery): Students in grades 10th-12th have the opportunity to take this test on April 22. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students. You do not need to join the military if you take the ASVAB. This is a great tool for learning about your natural aptitudes for other careers as well. There is no cost. Registration closes Thursday, April 17. Complete this form to reserve your spot.
MAP/MCA: Testing for all 9th, 10th and 11th grade students will take place on April 30. We will run a special schedule on this day. 12th graders will have elearning until 10:15.
We encourage students to get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time, relaxed and prepared. Our teachers and staff are here to provide any additional support you may need – don't hesitate to reach out.
College & Career Readiness
Career Spotlight Series: Students continue to explore exciting career opportunities every Thursday during Academic Seminar. Encourage your student to sign up via Naviance!
Summer Job Fair: Over 30 employers will be present in the Kennedy gym to help students secure summer employment on April 9 from 12:45-2:15. Students must be registered to attend and can do that here.
FAFSA & College Application Support
Filling out financial aid forms can be stressful—take advantage of free assistance through College Possible and Normandale Community College. Contact our Career and College Counselor, Mrs. Jennings (fjennings@isd271.org), for personalized guidance.
Beginning the College Application Process
This virtual meeting is geared for the Class of 2026 families preparing for college applications this fall, but anyone is welcome to join! Creating a college list and applying to college can be daunting. Where should you begin? What are the factors to consider? What resources are available to help in this journey? Register here for this virtual meeting on Monday, April 14 @ 6:30 pm with Farrah Jennings, Career and College Counselor from Kennedy, and Becky Wellerick, Career and College Counselor from Jefferson. You will be sent a Google Meet link after registering. If you are unable to attend we will send you the slides. The meeting will not be recorded.
Attendance & Academic Success
Students should miss no more than 9 days of school to stay engaged, successful and on track for graduation. Read more about the importance of regular attendance here. If your student is struggling with attendance, please reach out for support. Report absences at 952.681.5002.
ACT for Juniors - Wednesday, April 16 at Kennedy
The ACT will be given at school on Wednesday, April 16th. All juniors are automatically registered for this and will be the only students at school that day in order to provide the best possible testing environment. Start preparing today! This document has numerous free resources for you to be ready for test day.
One fee-based highlight: Flying Colors Prep (formerly Breakaway Test Prep) is excited to offer a boot camp for Bloomington Public School students, designed to help your student prepare for the in-school ACT on April 16th. The boot camp will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 9:00 am-11:00 am at Jefferson High School. During the boot camp, expert instructors will focus on key concepts frequently tested on the ACT. They will also teach valuable test-taking techniques and time-management tips to help students approach the ACT with confidence. English, Reading, Math and Science will be covered in the two-hour session. Register here.
