Dear Cavalier Teachers, Students, Parents and Families,
Students received their report cards last week. For many students, the report cards brought good news, reflecting their hard work and learning from the first marking period. For others, the reports were not so good. I talked to many students who were disappointed in their grades, and that is driving what I am about to share.
I want to encourage all students to focus more on learning, and not on grades. This may sound counterintuitive, but research shows that when students focus on the learning, they actually earn better grades. Students who focus on learning, attend class willingly, complete their assignments to demonstrate what they know, and they enjoy learning. And all of this results in better grades, even though grades were not the focus.
We want students to be more than just their grades. It is important that students understand and want this, as well. We want students to learn and to think. A formal definition of the word “think” reminds us that it means to actively connect and form ideas. When students think and learn, there is no end to what they can do. So somehow, we need to shift students from thinking about a grade–a letter that does not tell us much about them–and to focusing on thinking.
Currently, the grading system is what we use, and I can’t say that it will change any time soon. But knowing that it is not a perfect system does not mean we should not make it work for us. Grades matter. But the way we earn good grades is to want to be educated and to learn.
And after this philosophical discussion of grades, I will close on a technical point about the marking period and the grades that students have on their report cards. The grades from marking period one are connected to and influenced by marking period two, and will factor together to determine the grade that a student gets for the semester. Even if a student failed a class with a grade of E in the first marking period, they can still earn credit for the semester if they earn a passing grade in the second marking period. And the marking period grades do not show on a student’s transcript, only the semester grade.
So make sure to focus on the learning, and let that guide the grade you will earn. It’s for the better.
Thank you all for your support; and remember, we are stronger together.
Vickie Adamson
Proud Principal
John F. Kennedy High School
From the Weekly Message …
Students received hard copies of their report cards last week. All students should have this copy to show their families. Please review your child’s performance and continue to encourage their learning.
Freshmen Parent Check-In
Join us for the Freshmen Parent Check-In, which will take place this Tuesday during the November, general PTSA meeting on November 19 at 6:30 PM in the Media Center and on Zoom. With the first marking period behind us, we want to check in with our new Cavalier families and see how the transition to high school is going, share advice, insights and words of wisdom for those who've gracefully, or ungracefully, made it through the first year of high school. We'll have 9th grade administrator Ms. O'Neil and a student representative to offer their take so parents get real, tangible perspectives.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on November 25th and 26th. Please plan now and make sure you are free to come in for these important conversations with your child’s teachers.
Please see the flyer listed on the Kennedy website and posted in the weekly Smore Newsletter.
We ask that you 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.
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