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Cougar Connect
Week of December 11, 2023
A Message from Mrs. Leonardo
Dear Kennedy Community,
November and December are very busy months! Last week, we had our RCSD Board Report, Principal's Coffee, a Super-Minimum Day, i-Ready testing, and Inclusive Schools Week. This week we have School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee, and our Winter Concert. I want to thank you for showing up and showing your support for our students.
Giving Tree
We are starting a new tradition at Kennedy this year. Ms. Williams, assistant principal, and Cynthia Cardona, our community school coordinator, have worked diligently to determine our community members who may need warm clothing, shoes, and other items this holiday season. Our giving tree is located in the Kennedy office, and gift tags with specific items are decorating the tree. If you are able, please select a gift tag, purchase and wrap the item listed on the tag, and bring it to the Kennedy Family Center or office by December 18. Gifts will be distributed to families in need by December 20.
Videos
I've included three videos in this week's newsletters, so be sure to scroll down and watch them. One video was created and edited by our awesome Student Council members!
A Reminder for 8th-Grade Families
Please remember to register your student for Sequoia Union High School District. As of last week, only 51 of our eighth-grade families had completed the Online Registration for SUHSD. We are working with SUHSD to have a night in January where families can get support. Your future ninth-graders will be unable to get their schedules until the online registration is finished. The deadline is February 1. Please make this a priority. bit.ly/SUHSD-OLR
School Site Council & English Learner Advisory Committee
School Site Council (SSC) will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 3:30 pm. The Google Meet link for SSC is listed below. This month's agenda will be ready by Monday afternoon. Here is the draft agenda: click here.
SSC Google Meet: December School Site Council
https://meet.google.com/vpi-wcxa-sdj
Or dial: (US) +1 417-730-9451 PIN: 354 634 066#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/vpi-wcxa-sdj?pin=4751378158117
The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) will meet at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 13. The Google Meet link is listed below.
https://meet.google.com/vsz-orap-kxs
Or dial: (US) +1 716-422-0125 PIN: 485 875 512#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/vsz-orap-kxs?pin=1506727157685
Winter Concert
Join us for our winter concert! Under the direction of our music teacher, Mr. Endre Balogh, Kennedy band and orchestra students will showcase their musical talent from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Kennedy gym. If your student is enrolled in the Kennedy music program, please be sure to check your email from Mr. Balogh for specifics about the concert (time to show up, etc.).
Seating is first come, first served. A $5 donation for adults is suggested in order to raise money for the Kennedy music program.
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday evening.
Principal's Coffee Thursday, December 7
Here are the Google Slides from Thursday's Principal's Coffee meeting: click here.
Dine-Out Fundraiser
Eat at Sushi Plus or Corner Table on Thursday, December 21 from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. Mention Kennedy when you dine in or out.
CORRECTION: November Family Challenge Winner:
Congratulations to Imani A. (8th grade)! She is the winner of November's Family Challenge. Imani baked an apple pie from scratch. Last week the newsletter incorrectly listed Imani's sister as the winner. We can't let this happen! Sorry, Imani!
Student Council Updates
Gingerbread House Contest
Student Council is sponsoring a Gingerbread House Contest. We want to see your best virtual and real-world gingerbread creations! Virtual Gingerbread Houses can be submitted to your STEM teacher. For your real-world creations snap a picture of you with your creation and email it to jvirnich@rcsdk8.net. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each category. All submissions are due Friday, December 15th. Winners will be announced Monday, December 18th.
Pajama Spirit Day
Wednesday, December 20th is a Pajama Spirit Day. Come to school wearing your favorite cozy pajamas on the last day before winter break. Reminder: No blankets, slippers, or stuffed animals.
Reminders About Fast Food Deliveries
Please refrain from sending fast food deliveries via DoorDash, UberEats, etc. to students. If food is delivered, students can pick it up in the office after school. We have too many students coming to the office to eat with friends and this is against our lunch policy. Thank you for your support with this.
Student Clubs Meeting This Week
Cursive Writing Club Monday at 7th/8th-grade lunch in room 316
Math Homework Support after school on Mondays and Wednesdays in room 534
Book Club after school on Tuesday in the library
6th-Grade Student Council Reps Tuesday at lunch in room 103
Italian Club Tuesday after school in room 318
Makerspace and Robotics Club during 6th-grade lunch in room 104
Wellness Club Tuesday during 7th/8th grade lunch in room 636
K-Pop Club Wednesday during 7th/8th grade lunch in room 208
Rock Band Club after school on Wednesday in room 314
Chess Club during 6th grade lunch in the library.
7th-Grade Executive Council Thursday at lunch in room 314
Art Club Thursday during 7th/8th grade lunch in room 527
Jazz Club Thursday morning before school in room 312
Photography Club Thursday during 6th-grade lunch in room 425
GSA Kennedy Skittles Thursday during 7th/8th grade lunch in room 315
GSA Kennedy Skittles Thursday during 6th-grade lunch in room 102
Chess Club Thursday during 7th/8th grade lunch in the library
K-Pop Club Thursday at 6th-grade lunch in room B-9
6th-Grade Lunch Bunch Friday during 6th-grade lunch in room B-6
Environmental Club Friday during 7th/8th grade lunch in room 535
Anime Club Friday during 6th-grade lunch in room B-7
That's all for now.
See you soon!
Mrs. Leonardo
Kennedy Jazz Band Performed at Stanford Jazz Festival
Cell Phone Reminders
Cell phones are to be turned off and placed in backpacks from the time students get on campus until they exit the campus. If you need to get a hold of your student, please avoid texting or calling during the school day. Please call the office and let us know you would like to speak to your student and we can have them come to the office and call you directly.
We have too many students using and accessing their cell phones during the school day in order to use social media. This is a waste of instructional time.
If your student is caught using their cell phone during the school day, they will be required to check their phone in and out of the office before and after school each day.
We need your continued support with this rule, so we thank you in advance for your help.
Inclusive Schools Week
Shout-out to our awesome Student Council Members who recorded video footage of students and staff completing two statements:
1. I feel included at Kennedy because...
2. I would feel more included at Kennedy if...
Our Eibhear W., Corinthian M., and Ria E. edited an awesome video with the footage. Thank you, Brody, Sofia, Eibhear, Corinthian, Ria, Troy, Lyla, Yealenne, Michelle, and Joanna for your help!
Students Drew Self-Portraits for Our Inclusive Banner
The Kennedy Wellness Club Watched "Loop"
Kennedy Students Sign Our Inclusive Pledge
Kennedy Rock Band Practice (Wednesdays After School in Room 314)
The Italian Club Made Pizza! (Tuesdays After School in Room 318)
Grand Canyon Updates for 7th-Graders
- Nearly 90 Student applications have been collected, and we will continue to accept more applications until December 14th. If you missed the date to submit an application and are interested in being considered for this year's trip, please make sure to submit your application before the 14th of December. Students can turn the application in to their science teacher. (Link to application)
- The "Go List" will be posted and shared with families before we go on winter break. Students will be selected for the trip based on academic performance, physical fitness, attendance, and behavior.
- Havasu Falls reservations for this year's trip have not been confirmed. Reservations open the first week of February. We hope to be able to secure reservations before they open up to the public. We will provide updates when available.
- If we are able to secure reservations before February, we will have our mandatory meeting in January instead of February like it stated on the application form. Please look out for updates. Possible meeting dates Jan 18, Jan 23, Feb 13 or Feb 15
- Check out the video from 2023 to learn more about the trip. (Link to video)
- Reach out to Maestro Alfredo (aoropeza@rcsdk8.net) if you have any questions or concerns.
PTO Calendar
PTO Corner
Hello, Kennedy Community!
I’d like to challenge you to flex your empathy muscles …
Did you know that some of our Kennedy teachers work two jobs to make ends meet and pay their rent?
Did you know that some of our Kennedy staff have recently moved to the US, leaving their families and children in their home countries, unsure when they will see them again?
Did you know that there are approximately 30 of our students and their families who are unhoused? And over 30 families new to our country?
During this season of giving, there are many ways you can directly support ALL of our Kennedy Cougars - students, teachers, and staff!
Donate directly to our PTO using this link: https://kennedycougarspto.org/donate.
Double your donation impact by using a matching program through your workplace.
Stop by the KMS front office to choose a tag from the Christmas tree with items for families in need. Purchase, wrap, label the item and return it to the office by Dec. 18!
If you can’t stop by the office, click this link to help the Family Center with donations:
Purchase an item on Kennedy’s Amazon wishlist to support our Music, Drama, Art and STEAM electives: KMS Wishlist
Volunteer Opportunities: Please support our students and teachers!
The PTO will have a table at the Red Morton Light Show on Monday, Dec. 18, from 6:00-8:00 pm. We’d like to do some fundraising. Contact info@kennedycougarspto.org with your ideas or to help staff our table.
Before winter break begins, the PTO will host a cookie buffet for our staff and teachers on Weds, Dec. 18. Here is the link to sign-up: Cookie Buffet
Finally, please mark your calendars for December 19 at 7:00 pm in the library for our in-person meeting. The theme is UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS! Everyone is invited to join us for hot cocoa, a little PTO business, and lots of friendly fun.
Kind regards,
Jess Bryski
PTO President
2023-2024
Donate to Kennedy
Join WhatsApp
GrowFit MultiSports Camps
Russ Nuffer of GrowFit MultiSports Camps in Redwood City has agreed to donate 5% of registration fees for camps back to our KMS PTO. This is an on-going offer throughout the school year using the code.
GrowFit is located at Sports House in Redwood City. Check out the winter camps available for students by clicking here. This is a great offer, so don't miss out!
High School Event Updates
Please check the High School Shadow Programs & Informational Event Links document.
- TIDE and Woodside posted their shadowing request links.
- Carlmont posted links for campus tours and the Chat with a Carlmont Student event.
- Sequoia will open the shadowing request link on 9/13/23.
- Menlo-Atherton will open the shadowing request link within the next ten days.
9th Grade Online Registration
Updates from Boys and Girls Club
Hello BGCP Families,
Welcome to Quarter 2 at BGCP! Here are some updates and changes that are occurring in the program.
This new quarter will feature changes in our program schedule, as well as new enrichments and clubs that are meant to enhance the student experience at the program. We’ve included our NEW program schedule for you to reference.
Daylight Savings:
Along with a new schedule, we’re also changing the release time for our student walkers. As daylight savings is starting, we want to ensure the safety of our students. For this reason, student walkers will be released from the program at 4:45 PM each day (to prevent students from walking home in the dark). If you wish to have students stay until the end of the program and get picked up, please reach out to our BGCP office. The new release time begins MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH. Our contact information is listed below:
BGCP Office Number: (650)804-9045
BGCP Email: kennedy@bgcp.org
Quarter 2 will run from Monday, October 23rd until Friday, December 15th. The new walker release time will continue until the end of daylight savings in March 2024. We look forward to staying in communication to better serve our students.
BGCP Office Number: (650) 804-9045
BGCP Email: kennedy@bgcp.org
We are excited about all the fun and engaging activities we have in store this year! We look forward to staying in communication and serving our students. Thank you, BGCP families.
Arnulfo Prado
Kennedy BGCP Site Director
New BGCP Schedule
Kennedy Family Center Updates
Congratulations to Naima A.! She is the winner of November's Family Challenge. Naima baked an apple pie from scratch. Naima and her family can pick a restaurant they want to visit, and we will pay for dinner for the whole family.
Our December Family Challenge: This month we want to challenge families to have a game night. Families can pick a board game or make one up, but we want to see them playing a game together.
December Podcast (14:07 Spanish / 15:11 English): Click here to listen.
Padres de Kennedy 2023 WhatsApp Group
Cynthia Cardona, Community School Coordinator ccardona@rcsdk8.net
Maria Segundo, Admin Assistant msegundo@rcsdk8.net
Kathryn Lige, Lead Mental Health Counselor klige@rcsdk8.net
Contact the Kennedy Family Center by phone: (650) 482-2110
Sign Up to Play Soccer with Redwood City Parks and Rec
We now look forward to soccer in the spring! Registration will open on Monday, November 20 and run through Wednesday, February 14. We highly encourage players to register early and online! Here is the link to online registration - Online Registration - Redwood City After School Sports Soccer
Parents can also go to our website to find additional information and download forms - Redwood City After School Sports (teamsideline.com)
What's Happening in the Kennedy Library?
Book Club has started! We meet on Tuesdays after school. If you are interested in joining, come by the library to sign up or sign up here.
Get more details from Ms. Cooper and the awesome Kennedy Library by visiting the Kennedy Library Website.
Student & Family Handbook
In order to make our handbook for students and families more accessible, we have digitized it. Please know that the information in the handbook will be continually updated to ensure families are informed. Students received planners during the fourth week of school, and included in the planner is the student handbook.
Click to view and save the Kennedy Student & Family Handbook.
Kennedy's Amazon Wishlist
We are incredibly grateful for your support! Thank you!
Our wishlist contains items requested by teachers at Kennedy. It now contains items we need for our STEAM and art electives.
Thank you, Jonas Barbour, for purchasing a classroom set of headphones. One of our 7th-grade teachers and their students will benefit from these headphones.
Upcoming Events
December
- Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal Dec. 12 Gym 8:30 am-3:00 pm
- School Site Council Dec. 12 3:30 pm Google Meet
- ELAC Dec. 13 4:00 pm Google Meet
- Winter Concert Dec. 13 Gym 7:00-8:00 pm
- Minimum Day Dec 20 8:30 am-1:50 pm
- Winter Break ~ No School Dec 21-Jan 8
Click here to view the most up-to-date version of the Kennedy Calendar of Events.
Kennedy Middle School
Email: cleonardo@rcsdk8.net
Website: https://kennedy.rcsdk8.net
Location: 2521 Goodwin Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650.482.2409
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennedymiddleschool