Dear Kennedy Elementary School Parent/Guardian:

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We are thrilled to start the new year alongside students and families with our first annual Raiders, Set, Go! conferences. Family engagement is a key piece to our success working with students. Over the past several years, we have found many students need more support as they transition to the new school year. In response to this need, we have created the opportunity for students and teachers to have time to connect and learn more about each other. This will also provide time for families to meet with their child’s teacher before the start of the school year.

RAIDER, SET, GO - SEPTEMBER 5 & 6

What should we expect at our Raider, Set, Go! conference? Students and teachers will begin with a short “get to know you” activity, allowing students to share their interests and learning preferences. Students will then complete a reading activity with their teacher, followed by time for families to connect with the teacher.

When are Raider, Set, Go! Conferences? Sept. 5 & 6 from 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM

How do we sign up for a Raider, Set, Go! Conference? Similar to parent-teacher conferences, families will use this link to PTCfast to sign up for their 25 minute conference. LINK HERE

http://tinyurl.com/jfkconference

What should we bring? Students are often excited about school supplies and are welcomed to bring them to their classroom at this time. Computers will be available for parents to update portal information, if needed.

The first day of school for all elementary students is Thursday, September 7.

SCHOOL DAY

School begins at 8:50 AM and students should arrive at school from 8:30 AM to 8:50 AM to be ready for the start of the learning day. All students in grades K-4 will need to enter the building through the main doors (Door 1). Students are dismissed at 3:25 PM.

HOMEROOM TEACHER ASSIGNMENT

Assignments will be available at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, August 16 by logging in to Infinite Campus Portal. (go to Documents, then select homeroom assignment). Call 651-480-7220 or email Miranda Havard at mhavard@isd200.org if you need to set up a portal account.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANNUAL UPDATES

Hastings Public Schools is pleased to provide families with an easy way to sign annual forms and review and update household contact information for the 2023-24 school year through their Campus Parent Portal Account. Beginning mid-August, families will be asked to review and update their household contact information and review and agree to school handbooks, student device agreements, and other annual forms. Once you complete the Annual Update process, be sure to go to the district ePay system if you wish to purchase the protection plan. Although the Online Update process will provide some information on the plan, you must go to the ePay system to complete the purchase. (Link: https://hastings.epaytrak.com/). Be sure to watch your email and our website for more information on how to complete our electronic Annual Updates process.

One parent or guardian from the primary household will be required to provide information for your children. Parents/Guardians from a secondary household will be able to update their own contact information.

After logging into your Parent Portal Account, click More and Back-To-School Annual Updates to begin.

TO PURCHASE THE OPTIONAL STUDENT DEVICE PROTECTION PLAN CLICK HERE (AND THEN SELECT MISCELLANOUS AND STUDENT DEVICE PROTECTION PLAN).

BACK TO SCHOOL ANNUAL UPDATES: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

The Kennedy Supply List is available at Target, Walmart, etc. and is available on the school website. You may purchase a school supply kit from the Kennedy Cougar PTA.

• Hastings Family Service is accepting donations of school supplies for distribution. Donations of school supplies, new socks, underwear and backpacks may be brought to the HFS or placed in the labeled bins at various businesses. If you are in need of school supplies, please make an appointment by calling 651-437-7134. Distribution dates are August 22-24 and 29-30.

As we partner together, students will remain at the heart of all we do! If you have any questions, please reach out.

Kyle Latch

Principal

John F. Kennedy Elementary

klatch@isd200.org

651-480-7221