Kennedy Update - August 2023
A community of belonging, support, and excellence
Welcome to the 2023-24 School Year!
It is with great pride that I welcome you to Kennedy High School. My name is Molly Hollenbeck and I am proud and humbled to serve as the principal of this amazing school. As I begin my second year, I am focused on the strength of our community and the role that each of us has to positively impact it.
Community is an important word in our school vision, which is: in the service of all kids, we are a community of belonging, support, and excellence. This vision is the foundation for the work that we do. You should see evidence of this vision coming to life in your interactions with our entire school community. I am asking for your partnership in making this vision a reality. Your words and interactions have tremendous influence on the reputation of our school community that extends beyond the walls of our school.
Assisting me in the leadership of our community are three amazing Assistant Principals. They each bring a student and equity-centered lens to all they do. Check out their pictures below.
The picture of me is from this summer in front of my elementary school..it is funny how things seem to come full circle. I want you to know that my door is always open so do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to partnering with you and celebrating our beautifully diverse Kennedy High School community together. A community of belonging, support, and excellence.
In partnership,
Molly Hollenbeck
Principal
952.681.5050
Kris Krenz
A-Gue
Paul Collier
Guf-N + Beacon
Katrina Mezera
O-Z
Important Reminders for the Start of School
First Week of School. The first day of school is Monday, August 28, and we are running a special schedule. We will have shortened class periods on Monday and Tuesday to allow for Advisory on Monday and pep fest on Tuesday. There is no school on Friday. School will resume on Tuesday, September 5. The first week and daily schedules are shown below. .
Schedule. Students should check Infinite Campus before Monday as their class schedule may change as we seek to balance class sizes.
Lunch Money. School lunches and breakfast are free this year. Students will only need money in their school accounts for 2nd lunches and Snack Shack purchases (scheduled to open late September). For more information on how to do this, go to THIS LINK.
Canvas. Canvas is the online tool for all classes. While students will use this daily with their classes, parents and guardians are encouraged to create an account and link it to their students. This will allow you to view grades, missing work, and upcoming assessments. More information and directions can be found at THIS LINK.
Infinite Campus. Parents and guardians can see student attendance using the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Download the Campus app and turn on notifications. Contact kenn_geniusbar@isd271.org for support with Canvas or Campus.
Parking Lot. Our parking lot is a busy place! Students can only park in the front lot. Side and back lots (near Activity Center) are for staff only. Students must have a permit to park on campus. Permits can be purchased in the Main Office. Cars without a parking pass or parking in the wrong lot may be issued a parking ticket & fine.
When students feel a sense of belonging in school and classrooms, it can increase attendance, motivation and success. Our staff are intentionally working to create learning communities where each student feels this sense of belonging. To support this, it is expected that students are at school and in class, on time everyday. We’ve noticed this is particularly challenging at the start of the school day and ask for your support to help your student arrive at school on time.
First hour starts at 7:50. It is important that students are at school by 7:45. Free breakfast is available in the cafeteria from 7:15-7:45.
Students who are not in class at the final bell will not be allowed to enter without a pass. Prior to getting a pass, staff will support students to make a phone call home to notify a parent or guardian. This ensures that we establish and maintain strong partnerships between home and school.
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. We have new members to our team this year, check them out below so you know who they are.
During Advisory in September, all students will have the opportunity to review and agree to the Kennedy Student Handbook. To review the student handbook in full, click on “Resources” on the Kennedy High School Website.
All Families: Please help our students receive additional funding and reduced fees for programs by completing this Educational Benefits & Free and Reduced Lunch application.
For 10th and 11th grade students and families only:
The PSAT /NMSQT is an optional standardized test that 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take in October. It measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing and math students learn in the classroom - the same knowledge and skills your child needs to succeed in college and career. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. By taking the PSAT as a sophomore, students will not be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. However, these sophomores will be able to identify their academic strengths and weaknesses early in high school by taking this test. If you would like to take the test, please sign up here and pay the $18 test fee by clicking here. If you run into any problems with this payment option, please reach out to our College and Career Counselor, Timmy Nguyen (tnguyen2@isd271.org) Registration deadline is September 24.
Important Dates to Remember
TRIMESTER 1
- August 28 - 1st day of school
- September 1 & 4 - No school
- October 17 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 3:00 - 7:00 pm, Kennedy Main Gym
- October 18, 19 & 20 - No school, Teacher Development & Education Minnesota Conference
- November 20 & 21 - Finals; Early release 12:15
- November 22, 23 & 24 - No school, Thanksgiving break
About us
Email: mhollenbeck@isd271.org
Website: https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/khs
Phone: 952-681-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/BloomingtonKennedy
Twitter: @JFKEagles