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Kennedy Sunday Newsletter
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Message from the Principal
Dear Kennedy High School Community
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who attended our Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 4th. Despite the extreme weather, we had a fantastic turnout and enjoyed seeing our Kennedy Community come together. Thank you to our clubs and student organizations for providing delicious food and drinks, and to our Community Resource section for offering valuable information.
On Thursday, September 5th, our seniors had the opportunity to enjoy their first Senior-Only event: the Senior Luau. The students arrived in their finest aloha attire and were treated to a delicious Hawaiian feast and an amazing performance showcasing the music and dances of the islands. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the fire dancer and the many audience volunteers who took the stage, including your own principal.
We have an exciting week of athletics coming up this week. On Tuesday, September 10th, our Varsity Girls' Tennis team will be competing at Norwalk High School, while our Varsity Boys Water Polo and Varsity Girls' Volleyball teams will be playing at home against Paramount High School and Tustin High School, respectively.
On Wednesday, September 11th, our Girls' Varsity Flag Football team will be playing an away game against the Katella Knights.
On Thursday, September 12th, our Varsity Girls' Tennis team will be playing at home against Oxford Academy, while our Varsity Boys' Water Polo and Varsity Girls' Volleyball teams will be playing at home against La Mirada and Laguna Hills, respectively. Our Varsity Football team will also be playing Pioneer High School at Handel Stadium at 7:00 PM.
Finally, as we approach September 11th, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the significance of this day. Even though our students were not alive to experience the events of that tragic day, it is important to remember the lives lost and the lessons learned. The world changed dramatically on September 11th, 2001, as we witnessed acts of terrorism that shook our nation and the world. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had a profound impact on our sense of security and unity.
Let us honor the memory of those who were affected by this event and strive to create a more peaceful and understanding world. The remembrance of this day personally reminds me of the importance of instilling in our students the values of empathy, tolerance, and respect for all people. Let us work together to create a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to make a positive difference in the world.
Sincerely,
Poppy Hill-Bonales
Proud Principal, Kennedy High School
Home of the Fighting Irish
School Site Council
Nominations are now closed. Please vote for a parent representative to represent you for the school year using the google form below.
Student Parking Permit
Parking permits are to be displayed at all times when parked in the Kennedy Student parking lot. For reference, here is last year's permit. Please see Mrs. Alvarez in the Student window if you are in need of a parking pass. You can find the application and fees HERE.
Once you complete the form, please bring a photo copy of Drivers License, Auto Insurance, and the current Vehicle Registration with $20 cash or check to complete the process
Attendance Policy
Please call or email the Attendance Office if you need to report an absence. Please refer to the numbers below with the first letter of your last name.
714-220-4131 (A-L) | 714-220-4132 (M-Z) | kenattendance@auhsd.us
If planning on signing out a student, please send an email to kenattendance@auhsd.us with sufficient time in advance to prepare. This will not only facilitate the process for parents and students much quicker, but also minimize classroom disruptions. Thank you.
Anaheim Collaborative Family Summit
Thank you for taking interest in attending the Anaheim Collaborative Family Summit. This is a great way to learn more about preparing for your student's future. This includes more information about colleges, universities and career paths. We only have a certain amount of spots, so spots will be served on a first come, first serve basis. Thank you for your understanding.
Parent Empowerment Program
We are excited to offer our new Parent Empowerment Program for the 2024-2025 School Year! This series will show parents how to set up their students for success. We are planning to honor those parents who attend all the workshops!
Our next module is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We will be focusing on technology (Aeries, Parentsquare, eKadence). Please bring your preferred device to access these platforms.
Coffee with the Principal
Fighting Irish Parents!
Please join us for the next Coffee with the Principal at Walker JHS! This will be the first of many where we collaborate with Walker to build a strong connection with our neighbors and potential future Fighting Irish! Hope to see you there!
Message from Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE)
This school year, vaping and tobacco use among youth and young adults are still of major concern, especially given growing mental health challenges. Behind the bright colors and sweet flavors of e-cigarettes are harmful chemicals and nicotine addiction. Join us to learn the essentials for helping kids avoid or quit vaping and tobacco use. PAVE will host a virtual presentation Dangers of Vaping: What Parents Need to Know in 2024 on Tuesday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. Register here!
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Understand and recognize tobacco industry tactics targeting youth
- Explain the dangers of nicotine e-cigarettes/vapes, non-nicotine vapes, and other new tobacco products
- Know the steps to protect youth and how to advise others to get involved
- Know how to take action in your own communities
Message from the Counselors
Girls Inc. Grad Lab
Girls Inc. of Orange County is offering their College Bound Grad Lab Program for seniors! This is an intensive and comprehensive college-readiness program for 12th grade girl-identifying students and/or gender expansive individuals who feel their pro-girl environment is the best fit for them. Through this program, you will develop skills to present yourself as a competitive college applicant and become part of a supportive, uplifting community to navigate college applications and beyond!
Please check the flyer and document below for more information on how to apply!
Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
Selected Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance to earn a bachelor’s degree, that is not already covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. Costs covered include tuition, fees, books, and food and housing, and may include additional personal costs.
TGS also provides Scholars with various online support services designed to help them excel in their degree programs, graduate, and make a successful transition to their chosen careers. These include career services, mentoring, leadership development, wellness, and knowledge building.
Eligibility requirements:
- A high school senior
- From at least one of the following ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian/Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- In a good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
*For American Indian/Alaska Native, proof of tribal enrollment will be required.
An ideal candidate will also have:
- An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
- Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
- Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
Application deadline: Phase I of the application opened July 15, with a submission deadline of Sunday, September 15, 2024, 2:00 PM PT.
PTSA Announcements
Fighting Irish! Please consider joining the PTSA this year to help foster the connection between the school and the community. Even if you are busy, you can still participate! Take a look at our spirit wear and birthday announcements available to purchase. Our first meeting will be September 4th in MP1. Hope to see you there!
Accepting Imperfection…” is the 2024-25 Reflections Art Program theme. Since 1969, this amazing program has brought the arts to life for more than 10 million students and increased community awareness of the importance of the arts in education.
All students are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas. Please click on the corresponding link for the requirements:
- Dance Choreography Eng | Span
- Literature Eng | Span
- Photography Eng | Span
- Film Production Eng | Span
- Music Composition Eng | Span
- Visual Arts Eng | Span
Participation is easy, exciting, empowering, and three simple steps:
1. Download & fill out the form.
2. Read the Category Rules
3. Drop off the completed form by Friday, September 27th, at the FACES office
Chromebook Updates
Please make sure to bring Chromebooks charged and ready to use every day! Again, purchasing Chromebook Insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Please use the link to purchase it.
https://auhsd.graystep.com/Index.aspx#/1131278/product/78723
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE --- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th
Volunteer Process
The district is rolling out with a new volunteer process this school year. You must register through Raptor and choose between Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Tier 2 clearance allows volunteers to participate in overnight trips with students, but requires a tuberculosis test and fingerprint. If you are interested in volunteering for any program on campus, you must sign up and attend an orientation held by the district. Please see the flyers below for more information (you can click on the flyer).
Contact Us
Main Office:
714-220-4101
Attendance Office:
714-220-4131 (A-L)
714-220-4132 (M-Z)
Counseling Office:
714-220-3006
FACES:
714-220-4104
Health Office:
714-220-4115
Records Office:
714-220-4121
Registration Office:
714-220-4126
Please subscribe to Kennedy’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/khighyoutube