KHS Update
September 2024 Newsletter
From Principal Hollenbeck
Hello, Kennedy families!
We’ve had a great start to the year! Our hallways and classrooms are full of smiles, laughter, and learning. I'm so proud of how well the students have adjusted from summer to school.
I’ve had the chance to watch our fall sports teams and get a glimpse of fall musical practice. It’s wonderful to see everyone involved in activities. If you see me at an event, feel free to say hello!
Next week (September 30 - October 4) is Homecoming Week! Our student government, led by Seniors Shaban Laban and Ammar Elmustafa, chose the theme "A Starry Night" and planned the spirit days. More details are below.
All families: Please help our students receive additional funding and reduced fees for programs by completing this Educational Benefits & Free and Reduced Lunch application.
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
Belonging
Reminder - New Personal Technology Device Policy
As we move through September, we continue to support both our teachers and students with the new personal technology plan. It's important to help our students manage their technology use effectively, as this skill will prepare them for life beyond high school.
Please take a moment to check in with your student and discuss how the plan is going, helping them understand the connection between staying focused in class and their academic success.
Support
Student Support Teams
Meet Kennedy’s new Career and College Counselor, Mrs. Farrah Jennings
I'm Ms. Jennings, your new Career and College Counselor at Kennedy High School. I'm thrilled to be supporting our students on their career and college journey!
A Little About Me
I've spent the last 18 years helping students navigate their future paths. It's truly a passion of mine!
Before Kennedy, I was at Minnetonka Schools for 15 years and at Eastview High School for 3 years.
When I'm not at school, you'll find me in St. Louis Park with my husband and our two sons, Gavin (16) and Grayson (13). We also have a petite goldendoodle named Griffey and a rabbit named Avril.
I love being outdoors - whether it's reading a good book in the backyard, going for a run, or cheering on my boys at their sporting events.
Click here to see all the great things that are happening in the Career and College Center! Mrs. Jennings can be reached at fjennings@isd271.org or 952.681.5037.
Lunch menus - new this year!
Have a question? If it is class related, start with your student’s teacher. If you need a place to start, our student support team members are here to provide support.
Excellence 🎓
Our Building Goals
Each year, our leadership team reviews last year’s data and sets two goals for our Site Improvement Plan. These goals guide our staff's professional development to improve student learning outcomes.
This year, our goals are to increase the number of students attending school 90% or more and raise the percentage of students earning As, Bs, and Cs each trimester.
Chronic absenteeism is a major issue nationwide, including at Kennedy. Regular attendance has a huge impact on academic success. Families play a key role in helping students attend school and understand why attendance is important for success in school and work.
Did you know?
Students should miss no more than 9 days per year to stay on track.
Students fall behind when they miss school, whether they are for excused or unexcused reasons.
Frequent absences can signal a student is disengaged or facing difficulties like schoolwork struggles.
By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three indicators of a future dropout.
- By 9th grade, attendance predicts graduation rates better than 8th grade test scores.
- Missing just 2 days a month (10% of the school year) can affect a student’s academic success.
What you can do
- Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.
- Check on your child’s attendance to be sure absences are not adding up.
- Monitor your student’s academic progress and seek help from teachers. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
- Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
What we are doing
- Building a sense of belonging by using students’ names and getting to know their interests
- Co-creating classroom agreements with students to ensure they have voice in their classes.
- Using culturally responsive and restorative approaches with students and families.
- Strengthening communication and collaboration between students in classes.
Homecoming 2024: September 30 - October 5
Theme: A Starry Night
Dress Up Days:
Monday, 9/30: Blue and Gold Day
Pepfest and Convocation at 9:50 a.m.
Tuesday, 10/1: Anything but a Backpack Day
Wednesday, 10/2: Inside Out
Thursday, 10/3: No School - Rosh Hashana
Friday, 10/4: Tacky tourist
Saturday, 10/5 - Football Game and Dance
Football Game - 12pm at Bloomington Stadium v. Highland Park
Tickets are sold online only at Kennedy’s GoFan Page, Adults $8 and students $6
Kennedy students with a 3.0 GPA or higher and all 9th grade students can get into the game for free. They must show Infinite Campus on their phones at the gate.
Middle School and Elementary Students must be accompanied by an adult 21 and over.
Game will be livestreamed on bectv.org and the BEC-TV Facebook Page
Dance - 8pm-10pm in the Kennedy Cafeteria
Tickets can be purchased during lunch Tuesday (10/1), Wednesday (10/2), and Friday (10/4)
Tickets Cost $10 - CASH ONLY
Tickets CANNOT be purchased at the Door
Doors close at 8:45pm
No Re-entry
Only open to Kennedy Students
No large bags or backpacks allowed
Students must be picked up immediately at 10 pm. No students can be on school property following the dance. Please make a plan with your student and reinforce this expectation.
Trimester 1 Important Dates
Week of September 30: Homecoming Week
Thursday, October 3: No School, Rosh Hashanah
October 15: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3:00 - 7:00 pm, Kennedy Main Gym
October 16, 17 & 18: No school, Teacher Development & Education Minnesota Conference
November 21 & 22: Trimester 1 Finals; Early release at 12:15