Cougar Connect
Week of April 15, 2019
The Middle Years
Attached below is the April edition of the Middle Years.
Chromebook Charging
Save the Dates
Thursday, May 2, 7 to 8 pm: Vape/JUUL workshop to learn more about what these are, the dangers, and how to help your student. These are becoming a huge epidemic nationwide for middle school and high school students. More information to come.
Saturday, May 4, 9 am to 12 pm: Math SBAC preparation. Like last year we will do a “cram session” right before math SBAC testing. Last year we had around 150 students participate. Students will get some last minute tips and do a bunch of practice problems similar to the test. State math testing starts that Monday, May 6. Next week I will send out a link to sign up. The reason we do this on a Saturday versus after school is the students are much fresher and can focus. We will have snacks.
Student Council Fundraiser
Student Council is doing a mini-fundraiser the next couple of weeks to support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Students can make a $1 donation to support cancer and fill out a paper footprint that we will display around campus.
Color Run
Please save the date for the 1st Annual Kennedy Color Run, Friday, May 10, during 7th period. For more information on this exciting fundraising event: https://kennedycougarspto.org/kennedy-color-run
Accelerated Math Testing
WEB - Save the Dates
On Friday, April 26, we will hold an informational meeting and pass out applications at lunch for 7th graders who want to be WEB Leaders next year. WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) is a year-long program to help sixth graders feel more comfortable, as well as help them to be successful and social during their first year of middle school.
Since many of you are already planning your summer, here are the dates WEB Leaders must be available for training and for orientations. Most of the other events will occur during the school day next year, with the exception of one or two events that will take place for after school.
Thursday, August 8, 2019: 9 am to 12 pm (Training)
Friday, August 9, 2019: 8 am to 12 pm (Training)
Tuesday, August 13, 2019: 8 am to 12:30 pm (6th Grade WEB Orientation & Lunch)
Friday, August 16, 2019: 9:30-12 pm (New 7th/8th Grade Orientation & Lunch)
Redwood City STEAM Fest
8th Grade Spanish Immersion Placement Testing
Students in our 8th grade Spanish Immersion program will now be able to take the high school Spanish placement test at Kennedy rather than having to wait until August at Woodside/Sequoia, which could potentially mess up their schedule. Now that we have this partnership in place, next year 8th graders will complete the test prior to when they have to sign up for classes so that when they come to turn in their high school registration forms in March they will know which Spanish class to sign up for. For this year, since 8th graders have already turned in their course selection materials, they will take the test in April and the high school will make any changes needed. We will let parents know the placement outcomes.
Incoming Kennedy Student Informational Night
Support Kennedy!
Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping the Kennedy PTO raise up to $30K in support of our students and community! This will help fund next school year’s programs, including: The Kennedy Family Center, The Art Program, The Maker Space, and a new project based learning program called Project Lead The Way. Donate Now or put a check in the PTO box in the school office. No contribution is too small!
After School Extra Math Sessions
Here are the dates of the remaining April sessions:
6th Grade: Monday, April 22, 3:15-4:15 pm, Library
7th Grade: Wednesday, April 17, 3:15-4:15 pm, Library
8th graders are welcome to attend the 7th grade sessions to brush up on skills.
Teaching Tolerance and Proper Behavior
Social Studies teachers will spend some time over the next five to six weeks working with students on tolerance, name calling, bullying, and more. Here are some of the resources being used to inspire and guide discussions and activities.
How can you help support us? By having conversations with your students and correcting inappropriate behavior. If you hear your student using foul language, call them out on it, give them consequences if they continue. It is amazing how many of them think it is cool and okay to swear/cuss.
If you hear your student using inappropriate slang, have a conversation with your student. Help to educate your student about why it isn’t appropriate. You can even research together online how/why that term originated historically. It is amazing how many students for example use the “N” word to each other. And they think if it ends in an “a” versus an “er” that it is okay. This will be addressed in lessons with the teachers, including other inappropriate names students are calling one another.
8th Grade Graduation Festivities
8th grade graduation events are almost here. Your kids will participate in a day trip to Great America, the graduation dance, field day events and the graduation ceremony, including gowns for all kids. These wonderful events take money to produce and we are asking for donations of $75 per child to cover the costs. Without your donation we won’t be able to make all of these events happen. Please make a contribution today so we can make your child’s graduation from Kennedy a memorable one!
Make a $75 contribution by credit card or PayPal account using this link: https://bit.ly/2DeBrJf. Please include you child’s name in the comments.
Write a check or leave cash in the PTO lock box at the Kennedy Office, please note your child’s name on check or envelope.
Academic Support
All Academic Subjects:
Tuesday-Friday, 7:45-8:15 am, Library
Monday-Wednesday, 3:10-4:10 pm, YELL Room, (Old REACH Office)
Thursday, 1:35-2:35 pm, YELL Room (Old REACH Office)
Math:
Monday-Wednesday, 3:10-4:10 pm, Room 637
Clubs and Groups
Art Club: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30-8:20 am, Room 526
Book Club: Thursdays, Lunch, Room 534
Dungeons & Dragons: Fridays, Room 528
Jazz Band (Audition Only): Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm, Room 312
Maker Space: Mondays, Lunch, Room 531
Photography & Writing Club: Tuesdays & Thursdays, Lunch, Room 314
Robotics Club: Tuesdays, 3:10-4:10 pm, Room 530
Total Drama Club: Tuesdays, 3:10-4:10 pm, Room 417
Shakespeare & Improv Club: Mondays & Fridays, 3:10-4:10 pm, Room 417
Walker Library Club: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Lunch, Room 417
Pictures From This Week
Pictures From Open House
April Events
Tuesday, April 16: Second Harvest Food Bank, 9:30 am, Gym; 7th Grade VIP Lounge, Lunch, Library; PTO Meeting, 7 pm, Library
Wednesday, April 17: March Student of the Month Picture, 11:22 am, Gym
Thursday, April 18: Math Pathways & Kennedy Informational Night for Incoming Students, 6-7 pm, Gym
Friday, April 19: No School
Monday, April 22: April Birthday Celebration, Lunch, Room 535
Tuesday, April 23: 8th Grade VIP Lounge, Lunch, Library
Wednesday, April 24: 6th Grade VIP Lounge, Lunch, Library
Thursday, April 25: Spring Concert, 7 pm, Gym
Friday, April 26: 7th Grade WEB Informational Meeting, Lunch, Library
Monday, April 27: CAASPP Testing – Language Arts, Special Schedule
Tuesday, April 28: CAASPP Testing – Language Arts, Special Schedule; WEB Ice Cream Sundaes & Bingo, Lunch, Library
Kennedy Middle School
Email: sadler@rcsdk8.net
Website: www.rcsdk8.net/kennedy
Location: 2521 Goodwin Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: (650) 482-2409
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennedymiddleschool/