Cougar Connect

Dear Kennedy Community,

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. State testing begins next Tuesday, April 29, and it’s an important opportunity for students to demonstrate all they’ve learned this year. Please help us by ensuring your child is at school every day, well-rested, and ready to do their best. Every day counts—not just for testing, but for meaningful classroom instruction, special events, and finishing the year strong together!

Listed below are important dates and reminders for this week.

Spring Music Concert

Our spring concert is this Wednesday, April 23rd, at 6:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Gym. We are in need of volunteers to make the evening a success. Sign up here! Come enjoy an evening of music with our Kennedy students under the direction of our music teacher, Mr. Balogh!

Principal's Coffee

Here are the slides from April's Principal's Coffee meeting. Thank you for joining me!

State Testing Begins Tuesday, April 29

We will begin state testing on Tuesday, April 29, and we will finish the reading and math portions of the assessment on Friday, May 9. Our 8th-graders will take the California Science Test the week of May 12th in their science classes. Please add these dates to your calendars. We want to make sure all students are present for this important summative assessment. We are working to make sure all students have working Chromebooks for this assessment, as it will be completed on the computer.

Check Grades

Please log on to PowerSchool this week to check your students' grades. If there are concerns about grades, please email your student's teachers. It is expected that all Kennedy teachers update their grade books every two weeks.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Leonardo

Congratulations to our February and March winners! Ms. Le's class won Attendance Wars for February, and Ms. Xia's class won Attendance Wars for March. Ms. Le's class won 500 Cougar Cash each and every student earned a pass for the Snack Shack. Ms. Le's class won Crumbl cookies!

Here are our top classes for the month of April.

Our Kennedy Mandarin Immersion students participated in the annual Mandarin speech contest, and we have several winners! Congratulations!

2nd Place Award: Ryan S. (7th-grade)

Robert C. (6th-grade)

3rd Place Award: William C. (6th-grade)

Raphael H. (7th-grade)

Honor Award: Kaydan C. (7th-grade)

Congratulations to Ms. Paz and the students in her Environmental Club! They are first-place winners for Redwood City's Climate in Action contest! We will celebrate with them next Monday, April 28th at City Hall.

• Backpack check-in day is Tuesday, May 13, in the front parking lot of the school.
• Other reminders for backpack check-in: hiking boots must be tied to the outside frame of the backpack, everything must fit inside the backpack, and students will receive their day bag at check-in.
• Please ensure that you have a good pair of hiking boots and start breaking them in. We encourage practice hikes with the backpacks to prepare for the trip.
• Students will meet with Maestro Alfredo a week before the trip departs to ask any lingering questions.
• If you have any questions, please feel free to email Maestro Alfredo at aoropeza@rcsdk8.net.

Our April School Site Council meeting was held last Wednesday. Our SSC approved our Measure U application. Here are the minutes from the meeting.

As we continue to build a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, we want to remind everyone of our shared expectations around student behavior. Middle school is a time of growth, and with that comes the need for clear boundaries, consistency, and accountability.

We ask for your partnership in reinforcing the following with your child:

• Respect for others – including peers, staff, and the learning environment.

• Following directions the first time they are given.

• Keeping hands, feet, and objects to themselves at all times.

• Using appropriate language and maintaining a positive attitude.

• Being on time and prepared for class each day.

• Following Kennedy's dress code each day. Click here to review our dress code policy.

• Keep cell phones turned off all day, every day. Click here to review our cell phone policy.

Disruptive behavior, disrespect, or refusal to follow adult directions not only affects a child’s learning but also the learning of others. While we strive to use restorative approaches, there are times when consequences may be necessary to ensure a safe and productive school environment.

We appreciate your continued support and open communication. Together, we can help our students rise to their best selves.

8th-graders attended an assembly on Monday, November 25th. We discussed behavior and academic expectations for the remainder of the school year. Students were given a letter and an agreement form. The letter and agreement form must be reviewed and signed by a parent, guardian, or caregiver. The form should be turned in to homeroom teachers by Thursday, December 5.

Families of students who have a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 after trimesters one and two were sent emails and text messages on Sunday, March 30. Kennedy administrators will meet with families and students to make sure they are aware of the next steps for students.

Families of students who have a cumulative grade point average between 2.0 and 2.5 were also sent emails and text messages explaining that their students must continue to do well trimester three.

8th-grade Letter

All incoming Sequoia freshmen who are interested in joining the Sequoia Cheer team are welcome to join us for the parent informational meeting, clinics, and formal tryouts! Click here for more information regarding the tryouts for the Sequoia HS Sideline Cheer Team 2025-2026.

Visit the Kennedy Outdoor Ed website for more information about the Kennedy Yosemite trip for our rising 8th-grade students: https://www.kennedyoutdoored.org/yosemite/

Email the trip coordinator here: kennedyyosemitetrip@gmail.com

Learn more about the trip and sign up here: click this link.

Click here to read the brochure. A video of the Zoom meeting is below.

Hello Kennedy Parents!

We hope you had a fantastic Spring Break and are feeling ready for the exciting final stretch of the school year — it's going to fly by!

As your PTO, we wanted to share some important updates and opportunities to get involved as we support and celebrate our amazing students, staff, and school community.

Band Concert – April 23

Come enjoy an evening of music in the Kennedy gym at 6:00 PM!
We need a few volunteers to sell concessions.
Sign up HERE to help

PTO Meeting – April 29

Join us for our monthly PTO meeting at 7:00 PM. We'll discuss PTO budget recommendations for next year and share updates about upcoming events.

In-person: Room 101
Zoom: Click here to join
Meeting ID: 931 1904 0816 | Passcode: Kennedy

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Breakfast Buffet – April 30
Let’s show our amazing teachers and staff how much we appreciate them!
We're hosting a breakfast buffet and would love your help.
Sign up HERE to donate or help

Color Run – May 9
Our annual Kennedy FUNdraiser is here! Students raise money, earn raffle entries, and enjoy an afternoon of colorful fun!

Raffle prizes include:

• Meta Quest 3S

• Beats Wireless Headphones

• Amusement park & escape room tickets

• Gift cards: GameStop, Nike, Ulta, Doordash, Target, Visa

• “Admin for the Day” experience

Volunteers needed to help set up, toss color, and hand out snacks.
Sign up HERE to help

Check your email for your child’s personal fundraising link. Didn’t get it? Email: kennedycolorrun@gmail.com with your student’s name, grade, and preferred email.

Important Dates:

• May 4: Last day for raffle-eligible donations. Students earn 1 raffle ticket for every $25 raised.

• May 9: Color Run event

• May 11: Final fundraising deadline. The top two students who collect the most by this date will win Target gift cards.

8th Grade Great America Trip – May 23
A day of fun and memories!
We need 24 district-cleared chaperones (transportation provided).
Sign up HERE (under the 8th Grade Great America Trip tab)

Open House & Mural Celebration Ice Cream Social – May 29
Celebrate our students' creativity and tour classrooms!
5:00–7:15 PM | More details coming in May!

With heartfelt appreciation,
The KMS PTO Leadership Team
Jessica Bryski, PTO President
Aracely Tamayo, PTO Vice-President
Tina Keegan, PTO Co-Treasurer
Steve Osborn, PTO Co-Treasurer
Becky Foutch, PTO Secretary
Carmie Chan, Co-Communications Chair
Krissie Rice, Co-Communications Chair

Kennedy's color Run Fundraiser will launch today April 14th! Please be on the lookout for your fundraising page in your email. If you do not receive a fundraising email please contact kennedycolorrun@gmail.com.

Important Dates

– April 14th Personal fundraising links sent to parents via email

– May 4th: Donations collected now through May 4th will count toward student raffle tickets that students can enter into the raffle for the prizes listed above. This is the only way to earn raffle tickets.

– May 9th: The Color Run

– May 11th: Last day to collect donations. The top two students who collect the most by this date will win Target gift cards.

We are working hard to find sponsors for the May 9th Color Run! The sponsorship would cover the cost of the event so that any money earned would go directly to our students! Thank you to the following sponsors so far:

Primary Sponsors:

Rim Orthodontics

Biohackr Health

Secondary Sponsors:

Allison Fujimoto Real Estate

Mountain Mikes

Homeskillet

Sassy Diva Designs and Events

West Bay Contractors

If your company or a company you know well would like to be a secondary sponsor ($300), this is a tax-deductible donation! Feel free to reach out to Melinda Moye (melindakayemoye@gmail.com) or Krista Cuschieri (kcuschieri54@gmail.com) for more information!

The Kennedy Office is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Liz Avalos, Office Manager: lmavalos@rcsdk8.net

Maritza Gutierrez, Office Assistant (student records, medical notices): mggutierrez@rcsdk8.net

Jessica Perez, Office Assistant (attendance, independent study): jpperez@rcsdk8.net

APRIL

• Spring Concert Apr. 23 Gym 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• PTO Meeting Apr. 29 Library/Zoom 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• CAASPP Testing Begins Apr. 29

Please click here to view our Calendar of Events. Events are subject to change. Please read the Cougar Connect newsletter for changes.

Raise a glass to education at the Redwood City Wine Walk, hosted by the Redwood City Education Foundation and Rotary Club of Redwood City! Join us on Wednesday, May 14, at 5:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of drinks, food, and fun in downtown Redwood City.

Start at the Library and stroll through over 20 local restaurants, bars, and ice cream spots offering exclusive food and drink specials. Stop for a complimentary glass of wine at Sound Union, the event headquarters. Catch up with friends or meet new ones—it’s an evening full of good vibes and local pride, all while supporting local students.

• Check-in opens at 4:30 PM in front of the Redwood City Library
• The first 200 attendees will receive a special Wine Walk glass
• All ages are welcome at select participating restaurants—only adults participating in tastings need a ticket

Tickets + Info: tinyurl.com/RWC-WineWalk-2025

Kennedy uses Treering for our yearbooks. Visit www.treering.com/validate to order your student their yearbook. Yearbooks are $38.29; they will be distributed in June to students.

Kennedy's school passcode is 1015926081674110.

• Intramurals Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays at lunch
• Wellness Club 7/8th Grade Lunch Mondays Room 207
• Anime Club 7/8th Grade Lunch Mondays Room 314
  
• Photojournalism Club Mondays Room 532

• 6th-Grade Lunch Bunch 6th Grade Lunch Tuesdays and Fridays Room 207
• Chess Club 7/8th Grade Lunch Tuesdays Room 535
• Video Game Club 7/8th Grade Lunch Tuesdays Room 314
  
• GSA Skittles 7/8th Grade Lunch Tuesdays Room 315
• Art Club 7th/8th Grade Lunch Tuesdays Room 526
• Badminton Club 7th/8th Grade Lunch Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Gym
• 7/8th-Grade Lunch Bunch Wednesdays Room 207

• Hispanic/Latine Club 7/8th Grade Lunch Wednesdays Room 530

• Book Club in the Kennedy Library Dates/Times TBD
  
• Board Game Club Thursdays in the Kennedy Library
• Origami Club Thursdays 6th Grade lunch in B-8
• Video Game Club 6th Grade Lunch Thursdays Room 102
• Environmental Club 7/8th Grade Lunch Thursdays Room 535

• VinylHeadz (Music Discussion) 7/8th Grade Lunch Fridays Room 528

We encourage every Kennedy student to join and participate in at least one club this school year. Clubs are a great way to make connections, make friends, and create a joyful school environment. Clubs are created by students for students. Students need to find a teacher to advise their club. Clubs generally meet once a week. Students need to listen to the morning announcements for updates.

The last for clubs will be Monday, April 28.

Students can get help with homework and assignments on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays after school in the Kennedy Library from 3:15-4:15 p.m. If students are enrolled in the Boys and Girls Club after school program, they need to sign in first.

Students must be actively working on assignments. Students should not come to Homework Help to hang out or be off task.

We look forward to helping students succeed!

In order to make our handbook for students and families more accessible, we have digitized it. Please know that the information in the handbook will be continually updated to ensure families are informed.

Click to view and save the Kennedy Student & Family Handbook.

We appreciate you thinking of our teachers.

Kennedy's Amazon Wishlist

With a commitment to excellence, Kennedy Middle School engages, encourages, and empowers students in challenging and creative learning opportunities while preparing them for their futures in high school and beyond.

Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/kennedy
Location: 2521 Goodwin Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650.482.2409
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennedymiddleschool