John F. Kennedy High School
Principal Update - October 21, 2024
From The Principal ...
Dear Cavalier Teachers, Students, Parents and Families,
Building strong students who are equipped to go into the world with competitive skills and abilities takes a partnership between families and the school. Through this partnership, we can make sure that students get what they need for college or future careers. I am writing to remind all of us about this important partnership. It is the meaning of community.
It is important to remember that the school has many resources for students, and we want our students to take advantage of everything we have to offer.
Like many of our students, when I was in high school, my family did not have a lot of resources to support me. I relied on the resources provided by my school to advance my efforts. I shared a room with my three sisters, and there were often times when it was not quiet at home, and i could not focus. So, I would stay at school longer and take advantage of the workspace and quiet school afforded me. I could get my homework done and I had what I needed each time to be successful.
We also see that about 300 students arrive late to school every day. Is your student one of them? Students who come late to school miss out. We ask that you have your child here by 7:30 each day so that they can be seated and ready to learn when class starts at 7:45. Please make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep each night so that they rise early and get to school. We serve free breakfast (and lunch) to all students. Every day, students who get to school on time can have something to eat, and be ready to learn.
One very important resource we offer is the Lunch & Learn sessions available from every teacher. If your child is behind on work, or needs help on an assignment, they should take advantage of the Lunch & Learn time and visit their teacher.
From the resources of The Wellness Center, to the team represented by Community Schools, we have tremendous resources for every student. We want you to know of all of the things students have available to help them. And for your part, do not hesitate to reach out regarding what you might need.
Together, we can help every student to reach their future goals and realize their dreams.
From the Weekly Message:
Good evening Cavalier Families. This is Ms. Adamson–Proud Principal of Kennedy High School–with your October 21st weekly update!
This Tuesday, we are hosting an Activities Fair for students. Is your student still wondering how they can get involved? Are they looking for an extracurricular activity, a club or group to be a part of? On Tuesday during lunch, students will participate in an activity fair and see all that we have to offer. We want every student to be involved, so come out at lunch and sign up to be a part of something.
On Wednesday in Advisory, we are giving the Equal Opportunity School–EOS–survey to all students. It is very important for students to complete this survey, and all students will earn 1 SSL hour for completing the survey. This survey provides helpful information in shaping the actions and direction of the school.
Is your student headed to college? On Thursday, October 24, from 3-6 PM, we are hosting an on-the-spot admissions event at Kennedy. Students must register by tomorrow, Monday, October 21st. Students can apply for up to 5 schools. This is a great opportunity and can let students know that they have a secure option for college for next year.
Please encourage your child to take advantage of Lunch & Learn Sessions. Continue to check Parentvue to see the classes where your student could use a boost. Lunch & Learn session information is posted in the Smore newsletter.
Lastly, remind your student to wear their ID everyday (to avoid being charged for a new one). Remember that we are a closed campus, and the IDs help us to ensure that only our students are in the building especially during lunch.
Thank you all for your support; and remember, we are stronger together.
Athletic Updates
Please see the attached Weekly CAV Athletic Schedule for October 21 to 25, 2024. Also note that the registration for Winter Sports is now open. Tryouts begin November 15th. If you want to be on a team for the winter season, don't miss your chance.
Kennedy Students Exercise Their Civic Duty
On October 17th, Kennedy students joined other students in Montgomery County to protest racism in Montgomery County. Students said they staged a protest to take a stand against a racist act that occurred at another MCPS school. According to Rosemarie Sol, "School printers at Wootton High School were used to print the 'N-word' over 1000 times." Sol and other student members of the protest stated that they wanted to call attention to MCPS and ask county leaders to "not sweep this under the rug" and do more to protect students and teachers of color at all schools.
When The Band Comes Marching In!
John F. Kennedy High School's Marching Cavaliers delivered a standout performance at the Montgomery County Public Schools Marching Band Showcase. Marching proudly in Green and Gold, the Cavaliers—under the direction of Band Director Amanda Herold and Majorettes Instructor Kendra Smith—presented their show Pop, Rock, and Groove. The set featured beloved classics, including Chicago’s 25 or 6 to 4, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin', and Paula Abdul’s Cold-Hearted. This marked Kennedy's first appearance at the showcase since 2019.
Leading the band on the field were Drum Major James Wilson and Assistant Drum Major Daniel Quintana, guiding the Cavaliers through an exciting and well-executed performance.
The Kennedy Majorettes danced with the utmost pride and professionalism displaying choreography by Senior Captains Lisa Afolabi and Patricia Brobbey, preserving the long-standing tradition of Majorette dance in Marching Band events.
The afternoon concluded with a grand finale, as the Cavaliers joined other high school bands in a massed performance of Shut Up and Dance with Me, filling the stadium with music and camaraderie. It was a memorable evening, showcasing not only the individual talent of each high school program but also the collaborative spirit of the county’s music programs. We're looking forward to increasing our presence in the county's marching band scene!
Senior Fund Raiser
Seniors are doing a Double Good Fundraiser and one Super Senior, Ms. Starita, has opened a link that allows our whole community (you all) to buy some of that delicious popcorn and support the senior class while doing it! The link is below, and please remember SHARE IT WITH FOLKS THAT YOU KNOW! TONS OF FOLKS WANT TO SUPPORT THE KIDS! Thanks!
Hall of Fame Dinner! Save the Date! - February 8th 2025
Back after the hiatus, the Kennedy Hall of Fame dinner will take place at the Argyle Country Club in February. Please mark your calendars for February 8, 2025 to join us to celebrate our legacy!
More information to follow from Assistant Principal, Ms. Jenny O’Neil.
Staff News
Each month, teachers and staff can be nominated by their peers in recognition of their exemplary work. Receiving awards and pictured here as October Staff Members of the Month are: Ms. Cocker, Mr. Hensley, Mr. McKneely, Dr. Fandey, Ms. Prati, Mr. Rudd, Ms. Davis, and Ms. Garay. These staff members have been recognized for going above and beyond their regular duties with their work to support students. Congratulations!
Department News
From the A-Tech Department
The Dynamic Knowledge Rendering consulting firm team collaborated with teachers in the A-Tech department on the robotic arm project. Students were inspired as they effectively worked together, pooling their skills and creativity to achieve remarkable goals. Ms. Pontoo was elated to see her students' progress and share with the entire team. See the videos posted here to see students hard at work, making progress as designers and engineers.
MYP Update
9th grade students in the Regional IB and Leadership Training Institute (LTI) participated in a team building workshop this week. We explored the components of what it means to be an IB World Student including the Learner Profile Traits, Approaches to Learning Skills, and Global Context.
College & Career Center
On Thursday, October 24th , we will host an On-the-Spot Admissions event from 3:00-6:00 pm. Students must register for the event as this is open to other MCPS High Schools. Students must register by Monday, October 21st. Please see Ms. Robinson-Casey in the career center for more information.
Parents and Families, please know that this event is a wonderful opportunty. Since it happens so early in the year, your student could already have a clear plan for next year. Do not miss out on this event.
Community Schools - NEW Parent Survey Link
Parent Survey:
Dear Cavalier Families,
We kindly ask all caregivers and parents to complete a survey aimed at understanding the primary needs of our school. Your input is essential in helping us develop a plan for improvement and securing funding from the state of Maryland over the next three years.
You can access the survey by visiting the following link: https://forms.gle/rFZGvYdLzEW6bLoVA.
Thank you for your participation and support!
New Community Schools Team Smore Page:
The Community Schools Team has created a Smore page with resources you can access. https://secure.smore.com/n/fu0zs
**If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to April Wright at April_R_Wright@mcpsmd.org or by phone/text at (240) 447-3014.
Hispanic Heritage Month
On Friday, we sponsored 19 tables representing 15 different Spanish-speaking countries, along with a slideshow displaying some of the cultural and natural attractions from each country. Exceptional music was organized by our IB Spanish students; and our students in Spanish for Spanish Speakers created an art display about the dual-identity of the immigrant student. About 300 students, teachers, and parents joined us to celebrate on the Black Top during lunch for this tremendous event.
Tuesday October 15th marks the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month. To close out our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, we have one last event taking place on Tues. 10/15 at the Gym Commons. Come see the Latin Dance Team perform during lunch and join in on dance lessons!
Social Studies News - Rho Kappa Honor Society
The Social Studies Department is now accepting applications for the Kennedy Chapter of Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society! All juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for membership. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and 3.0 or higher GPA in social studies classes (no Cs), must have completed or are on track to complete at least three social studies courses with one being either AP or IB, and commit to completing at least 10 service hours per semester. There will be an informational meeting on Friday, October 25 in Room 2006 which all applicants are encouraged to attend. You can pick up an application in Room 2006 and see Mr. Hopson with any questions. All applications are due by Friday, November 8, 2024.
DEI and RJ
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from October 21st through October 25th. This week we will host daily wellness activities during lunch and after school as well as sponsor themed dress up days. Take care of yourself and join in on the fun!
We take mental health very seriously, so do the same with yours. Participate in the activities designed for your well-being. And sometimes, getting a little silly or stepping away from the normal is just what the spirit needs. Take risks and be well.
PTSA News
A few weeks ago, a group of Kennedy Alumni gathered at a cookout and kicked around the idea of growing an alumni group that would give back and help with volunteer events, speaking opportunities for the school and to boost school spirit. This currently small group is working with the PTSA and putting out a call for others to join, especially in light of the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy High School.
If you are an alum, please complete the interest form seeking to call alumni to "Come Back" to Kennedy. Please push this button below for the link to the form.
Please reach out to Ricky Ribeiro, PTSA President at rickyr.83@gmail.com to join the PTSA and Cavalier Alumni Association.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/kennedyhs/ptsa/
Our next General PTSA Meeting is Tuesday, November 15, 2024 at 6:30 pm.
Lunch & Learn Sessions with Teachers!
Students! Get the help you need!
Use the list below to find out the days and the locations that teachers are available to work with students at lunch time. Get help on course work or just get your homework done. Make sure you are passing your classes. See different teachers throughout the week.
Teacher Last Name First Name: Email Address: Department: Days Available Room:
Alvarez Edwin edwin.a.alvarez@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday 1121
Andino Maria maria.e.andino@mcpsmd.net ELD Tuesday, Thursday 2312
Arroyo Edwin edwin.x.arroyo@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday 2142
Atwood Emma emma.a.atwood@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday - Friday 2004
Beck Maria maria.f.beck@mcpsmd.net ELD Mon, Tues, Wed, Friday 2003
Beckett Katie katherine.l.beckett@mcpsmd.net Academy Tues, Wed, Thurs 1019
Binta-Calhoun Fatima fatima.b.calhoun@mcpsmd.net English Tuesday, Wednesday 2122
Blanchard Bryn bryn.blanchard@mcpsmd.net Academy Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday 2319
Blazina Savannah savannah.m.blazina@mcpsmd.net World Languages Tuesday, Thursday 3809
Boulay KJ kathryn.j.gottshall@mcpsmd.net English Monday - Friday 1114
Burwell Cheryl cheryl.g.burwell@mcpsmd.net Math Tuesday, Thursday 2405
Campo-Abdoun Christina christina.k.campo-abdoun@mcpsmd.net A-Tech Monday, Tuesday 1004
Caputo Carrie carrie.m.caputo@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2005
Car'Mon Abdu'l abdu'l.car'mon@mcpsmd.net PE/Health Monday - Thursday 3808
Carey Carrie carrie.e.carey@mcpsmd.net English Monday - Friday 2134
Carroll Lisa lisa.carroll@mcpsmd.net A-Tech Monday, Tuesday, Wed 1106
Cheung Virginia virginia.p.cheung@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday 2125
Chief Gray Sharon sharon.d.gray@mcpsmd.net Academy Monday, Friday 1117
Cockrell Bryan bryan.cockrell@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday - Friday 2305
Cohen Larysa larysa.y.cohen@mcpsmd.net Math Tuesday, Thursday 2309
Crawford Rashad rashad.e.crawford@mcpsmd.net PE/Health Monday - Friday 2314
DeAngelis Astrid astrid.j.deangelis@mcpsmd.net Special Education Tues, Wed, Thurs, Friday 1342
Dematatis M'Liss m'liss.h.dematatis@mcpsmd.net Special Education Tuesday, Thursday 1108
Dorrien Michael michael.s.dorrien@mcpsmd.net PE/Health Tuesday, Thursday Boys PE Office
Eitan Reuven reuven.z.eitan@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday 2112
Emokpaire Dorcas dorcas.o.emokpaire@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday 2805
Feinberg Nathan nathan.a.feinberg@mcpsmd.net English Monday - Friday 2105
Gabriel Josephine josephine.s.gabriel@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1125
Garay Carla carla.e.garay@mcpsmd.net Special Education Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 1305
Gebler David david.b.gebler@mcpsmd.net English Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 2126
Geddes Moira moira.a.geddes@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday, Tuesday, Wed 1315
Goldstein Tami tami.m.goldstein@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday - Friday 2108
Gould John john.l.gould@mcpsmd.net Special Education Monday - Friday 1134
Guerrieri Olivia olivia.j.guerrieri@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday - Friday 2302
Gutierrez Alejandro alejandro.a.gutierrez@mcpsmd.net English Tuesday, Thursday 2100
Hamilton Joy joy.e.hamilton@mcpsmd.net Math Tuesday, Thursday 243/2311
Hanlon Meg margaret.a.hanlon@mcpsmd.net English Monday - Friday 2122
Heckman Samuel samuel.a.heckman@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Wednesday, Friday 2130
Henderson Je'Nelle je'nelle.j.henderson@mcpsmd.net Science Monday, Wednesday 1125
Hendrix Juan juan.l.hendrix@mcpsmd.net Science Monday - Friday 2129
Hensley Luke luke.hensley@mcpsmd.net English Wednesday, Friday 1116
Hoffman James james.l.hoffman@mcpsmd.net Academy Tues, Wed, Thurs, Friday 2807
Hopson Matthew matthew.b.hopson@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday - Friday 2006
Hurley Lauren lauren.a.hurley@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday, Tuesday 2001
Ifekaonwu Kenneth kenneth.c.ifekaonwu@mcpsmd.net Math Mon, Wed, Thurs 2401
Jefferson Lane lane.p.jefferson@mcpsmd.net World Languages Monday - Friday, Daily 2007
Johnson Susan susan.harvey@mcpsmd.net World Languages Monday, Friday 2502
Joshua Michael michael.joshua@mcpsmd.net PE/Health Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday 1411
Karmazyn Melania melania.karmazyn@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday - Friday 2300
King Elizabeth elizabeth.h.king@mcpsmd.net World Languages Tuesday, Thursday 2018
Knowles Slater slater.m.knowles@mcpsmd.net Academy Monday - Friday 2809
Koga Harriett harriett.t.koga@mcpsmd.net World Languages Monday, Thursday 2016
Kohler Lara lara.j.kohler@mcpsmd.net Science Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1119
Kouakam John john.kouakam@mcpsmd.net Math Wednesday, Thursday 3811
Lamb Jennifer jennifer.g.lamb@mcpsmd.net English Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3813
Lanigan Casie casie.b.lanigan@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Tuesday, Thursday 2106
Lee Bona bona.s.lee@mcpsmd.net ELD Tuesday, Thursday 2404 or 2508
Lee Monica monica.lee@mcpsmd.net ELD Mon, Tues, Wed, Friday 2208
Ley David C david.c.ley@mcpsmd.net Math Monday - Thursday 2324
MacDonald David david.a.macdonald@mcpsmd.net A-Tech Tuesday, Thursday 1017
Maroto Mike mike.maroto@mcpsmd.net World Languages Tuesday, Thursday 2009
McKneely Casey casey.m.mckneely@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2321
Méléance Elmide elmide.meleance@mcpsmd.net World Languages Tuesday, Thursday 2500
Mendez Kevin kevin.mendez@mcpsmd.net Academy Monday - Friday 2336
Mitchell Donna donna.m.mitchell@mcpsmd.net Special Education Monday - Friday 2128
Moon Jeanie jeanie.moon@mcpsmd.net Math Tues, Wed, Thurs 2307
Nickel Erin erin.nickel@mcpsmd.net PE/Health Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 3805
O'Connell Ryan ryan.o'connell@mcpsmd.net PE/Health Monday, Tuesday Boys PE Office
Ogans Meron meron.ogans1@mcpsmd.net Math Tuesday, Thursday 2330
Padgett Matthew matthew.j.padgett@mcpsmd.net English Monday - Friday, Daily 1118
Pasternak Stephanie stephanie.j.pasternak@mcpsmd.net Special Education Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3813
Ploeger Travis travis.c.ploeger@mcpsmd.net A-Tech Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday 1212
Popowych-ebert christina christina.popowych-ebert@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2140
Ramirez Colon Yancy yancy.r.ramirezcolon@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2303
Reid Terel terel.reid@mcpsmd.net Academy Monday - Thursday 1602
Rogers Steven steven.t.rogers@mcpsmd.net Special Education Monday - Friday, Daily for SCB 1338
Rudd Nicolas nicolas.k.rudd@mcpsmd.net Science Monday, Thursday 2606
Samons Brooklyn brooklyn.d.samons@mcpsmd.net Science Tuesday, Thursday 2803
Scheller Jennifer jennifer.l.scheller@mcpsmd.net Science Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1132
Schwartz Lauri lauri.d.schwartz@mcpsmd.net English Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday 1319
Somers Olga olga.s.somers@mcpsmd.net ELD Tuesday, Thursday 2508
Sommerville Cindy cynthia.l.sommerville@mcpsmd.net Academy Monday - Friday 1321
Starita Gabriella gabriella.starita@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday - Friday 208
Stevenson Dana dana.m.stevenson@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday, Wednesday, Thurs 2002
Summerlin Casey casey.t.summerlin@mcpsmd.net English Monday - Friday 2132
Tamburello Andrea andrea.c.tamburello@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday, Wednesday 2006
uzzaman shaheena shaheena.uzzaman@mcpsmd.net Science Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1134
Vactor Aaron aaron.k.vactor@mcpsmd.net Special Education Monday, Wednesday 2123
Vizcarrondo Christopher christopher.vizcarrondo@mcpsmd.net ELD Monday, Tuesday, Friday 2404
Wahrman Stacey stacey.j.wahrman@mcpsmd.net English Monday, Tuesday, Friday 1317
Walker Jeff jeff.t.walker@mcpsmd.net Social Studies Monday - Friday 255
Walz Erica erica.walz@mcpsmd.net World Languages Monday - Friday 2500
Webster Dylan dylan.t.webster@mcpsmd.net Math Tuesday, Thursday 3314
wheeler Edward edward.l.wheeler@mcpsmd.net A-Tech Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 1006
Williams Shamecca shamecca.s.williams@mcpsmd.net English Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday 1120
Wischmann Deborah deborah.e.wischmann@mcpsmd.net Academy Monday - Friday 1104
Yao Tong tong.yao@mcpsmd.net Math Monday - Friday, Times vary 2328
Yarbrough David david.w.yarbrough@mcpsmd.net Special Education Monday - Friday 1319
Contact Info
John F. Kennedy High School
Home of the Cavaliers
Principal: Vickie AdamsonPrincipal Intern: DeyJah Chappell
Asst. Principals: Dr. Vaughn Bradley, Jenny O'Neil, Lizzie Rodgers
School Business Administrator: Audrey Patton
Administrative Assistant: Patrice Walsh
Website: Kennedy High School
Location: 1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20902
Phone: 240-740-0100