Kennedy Families,
As November ushers in Thankfulness Month, it provides a special opportunity to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. When I think about what I am truly thankful for, certain things quickly come to mind: my family, good health, cherished friends—and right at the top of that list is our incredible Kennedy community.
A thriving school community is built on the foundation of collaboration among students, families, and staff, all working together to support and uplift one another. I feel so fortunate that this spirit of unity and purpose is the reality at Kennedy. With that in mind, I’d like to take a moment to share my heartfelt thanks to each part of our amazing community:
To Our Kennedy Families: Thank you for trusting us with your Cubs each day. Your children bring so much energy, curiosity, and potential to our school. It is an honor to be part of their journey as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to nurturing their full potential, and we deeply value the partnership we have with each of you in this important work.
To Our Kennedy Students: Thank you for coming to school every day ready to be your Kennedy B.E.S.T. (Be safe, Engage, Show empathy, Together WE are Kennedy). Each of you plays an irreplaceable role in making Kennedy such a vibrant and welcoming place. Always remember—you belong here, you are valued here, and you are loved here.
To Our Kennedy Staff: I am incredibly grateful for each member of our team. You show up every day with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our Cubs receive the best possible education and support. Your hard work, creativity, and care are what make Kennedy so special, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplish together.
As both the principal of Kennedy and a parent within this extraordinary school, I feel profoundly blessed. I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication, love, and joy that make Kennedy a place where ALL of our Cubs can thrive.
It’s truly great to be a Cub!
With gratitude,
Steve Rustad
Kennedy Principal
Kennedy Conferences are November 14th, 19th and 21st from 3:20 PM to 8 PM
Kennedy Families,
Conferences start next week on Thursday. Conferences are 20 minutes long. You can sign up for a conference slot with the teachers by clicking on the link below.
Mankato Area Public Schools has made a change to the reporting period for elementary students. Progress reports will now be completed in January at the end of first semester and in June at the end of the school year. Students will not receive a progress report at the November or March conferences. This time will be a mid-semester check in with the teachers around the academic and social emotional progress of your student. Parents will be notified in January and June when progress reports are ready for viewing through Parent Portal.
A new addition to conferences this year is that you can sign up for conference slot with a specials (Art, Music, PE, and STEM). It is not required but is an option if you would like to meet specifically with one of them.
We look forward to seeing you all at conferences! Please click the link below to sign up.
Its thankfulness month, so let's show our Kennedy teachers how thankful we are for them! Please fill out the google form that is below for the teacher(s) that you are thankful for. Your words will be turned into a poster that will be hung outside of their classroom door.
Here is the google form: https://forms.gle/XwBujRa88FtMhnWE8
Let's see how many posters we can create for conferences! Go CUBS!!
Kennedy is currently looking for a playground supervisor. We have one supervisor and she is amazing. Her name is Stacey Schulz Pope (or Mrs. Stacey to the Cubs). Stacey has been working at Kennedy for the past 5 years and loves supporting our Cubs. We are looking for someone to partner with her from 10:45 AM - 1 PM each day. It should be someone who loves working with kids and enjoys being outside. The job is perfect for someone looking for a just a few hours a day. It could be a parent, a college student, or a retired member of our community.
If you or anyone you know is looking to work at a great school with amazing kids, send them our way! Click here to email Principal Steve Rustad for more details. Click the link below for the official posting on the district website.
Are You on Facebook? Follow the Kennedy Facebook Page!
The Kennedy PTO is a great committee that supports our school by hosting events that celebrate the school community and connect families to each other. Learn all about the PTO through the Kennedy PTO Facebook page. Click the button, give the group a like, and follow the group to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Kennedy!