Cougar Connect
Week of January 24, 2022
Principal Message Week of January 24th
Dear Kennedy Families,
We had a really good week this week at Kennedy. We are excited to have 95% of our teaching staff back supporting our students. Thank you, teachers, for rushing back safely to support our students. We also had an increase in attendance this week with over 100 less absences this week per day as compared to the last two weeks. Awesome! Those of you still home, we miss you, but we understand, so please continue to login and complete assigned work in Google Classroom.
Pandemic update: (RCSD update Jan 19, 2022, Pandemic Recovery framework update January 21st
On Friday, January 21st, the CDC issued new guidance (As I was writing this Cougar Connect) around the pandemic which changed some school procedures and might continue to change next week. The big change last week was around the identification of close contacts. The new language focuses around "airspace" with the district interpreting airspace being classrooms where students mix.
Going forward each time we are informed of a positive case, families will be receiving one letter that includes the grade levels and number of persons that tested positive. Families can then request testing at school via the district link following Kennedy's weekly testing schedule.
*Stay tuned for any updates this week and thanks again for working with us through the constant changes
COVID-19 Testing Next Week @ Kennedy
Regular testing schedule Tuesday between 10:15-12:15 and Thursday from 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Please sign up when you receive the district notification (District link goes out every Friday)
Progress Reports:
Progress reports for the 2nd trimester were mailed Friday 1/21, so families should receive progress reports sometime next week. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please reach out to our teachers.
Reclassification Ceremony Monday 1/24 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
We are excited to reclassify 38 Kennedy students. Reclassification is the process whereby a student is reclassified from English learner (EL) status to Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) status. Their virtual ceremony is Monday night 1/24 from 6pm - 8:00 pm. Families of those students received an individual notification.
Earthquake Drill
We will be having an earthquake drill on Monday 1/24 to practice safety preparedness.
RCSD Websites
RCSD school websites are being updated with new platforms next week. Our new website goes live early next week. Kennedy’s new website domain is https://kennedy.rcsdk8.net
Students at Home Choosing to Work Independently
We have students that are symptomatic and asymptomatic working independently from home. Families need to inform Kennedy office staff if this is your student's situation in order for your student's absences to be marked as excused.
Students choosing to work from home can do so asynchronously accessing work on their teachers’ Google classrooms
Families wishing to enroll in the Independent Study option through our district can reach out to Mr. Rosell for information arosell@rcsdk8.net. Families should be aware that the district option is a long-term choice that means your student would no longer be connected to their Kennedy teacher.
Let's keep working together, everyone.
Nick Fanourgiakis
Principal
Kennedy Middle School
650482-2409- EX 3111
Absent Students
Thank you to the many families that completed this form last week. Reminder, families have the choice of calling in their student absences as normal or complete a short form link below.
This will allow parents to report an absence without having to call the office each morning.
Kindness Week for 7th and 8th grade is next Week
7th and 8th grade students will begin their Kindness Week next week. Students will be receiving instruction and directions in their classes on Monday. Parents at home can help students complete their checklist.
(Kindness Checklist). Their checklist will be turned in on Friday 1/28 where students will be entered in a raffle to win prizes.
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Below are some examples of the kindness assignments our 6th graders completed.
Flipgrid video Examples:
Comic Examples:
PTO NEWS week of 1/24 - 1/28
Join us via Zoom for our next PTO Meeting on Tuesday, 1/25/22 from 7-8pm. Here is the link…Same as SSC… (Link)
PTO will bring cupcakes for students with January birthdays on Thursday, January 27 at lunch!
Last Call!!! Parents of 8th graders - please fill out this survey to give us your 8th graders NAME & SWEATSHIRT SIZE. YOU MUST PUT YOUR STUDENT’S NAME IN THE SURVEY. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XHP5T5Y
If you have already filled out the survey but DID NOT put your student’s name, please email pto.vp@kennedycougarspto.org with your student’s name and sweatshirt size.
Save the date! 2/9/2022 from 9-10am - Parent Education Zoom Meeting with renown middle school parenting expert, author & speaker, Michelle Icard. Michelle will answer your parenting questions in a Zoom call just for our Kennedy school community. Whether you’re worried about grades, motivation, friendship issues, self-esteem or social media, Michelle can address your concerns and offer both advice and relief. Check out Michelle Icard’s website https://michelleicard.com/
Check us out on social media for the latest info! Instagram @KennedyCougarsPTO and Facebook at John F Kennedy Middle School Parent Teacher Organization.
Kennedy PTO Needs your donations! Check with your employers about donation matching options. Click this link to donate. https://kennedycougarspto.org/donate-now
Redwood City Parks and Recreation
Bus Passes
This year the Redwood City School District is part of a special SamTrans pilot program. SamTrans has donated free youth bus passes to be used by students enrolled in the Redwood City School District this is good through June 30th, 2022. Students can receive a free bus pass if they are eligible in one of these categories: Free/Reduced Meals, housing insecurity (homeslessness), foster-youths and migrant students, or students whose parents did not recieve a High School Diploma. If you are interested in receiving a pass for your child, please contact Maria Segundo from the family center at 650-482-2409 or send me an email to msegundo@rcsdk8.net. If your child does receive a pass, you will be contacted to complete a short survey.
8th Grade Information
8th Grade Math High school placement assessment window
- January 27th to Feb 5th.
- Students should check in with their math teacher to see when they will be administering the MIRA assessment as the assessment can take 2 to 3 class periods to complete
- Results impact high school course placement
Address Verification continues. Please complete this as soon as possible. See link below.
Open Enrollment Transfers are available to incoming 9th-grade students who wish to attend a school other than their assigned home school. Deadline: Feb 1, 2022,
Tide Academy will be resuming outdoor tours on Mondays and Wednesdays in January from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
For all things related to enrollment at SUHSD, click here
Woodside & Sequoia classroom presentations at Kennedy will be happening in late Feb or early March
Cougar Counseling Corner
Hello Kennedy Families! This is a friendly reminder that we have an amazing team of counselors at the Family Center who are here to support you and the students! We invite you to recognize your inner wisdom and let it guide you through each and every day.
Mindfulness tip of the week: Each day engage in a secret act of virtue or kindness. Do something nice or needed for others, but do so anonymously. These acts can be very simple, such as picking up trash in the hallway, leaving a treat or note on a coworker’s desk.
Check out Kennedy's virtual calming room
Referral link: Online Mental Health
Feel free to email us at mlopez3@rcsdk8.net with feedback about this technique and if you would like to see more!
Grand Canyon Meeting Update
Book Fair Feb 14-18th
Help get your kids the lunch you always dreamed of! (Community Survey)
Are you interested in better school breakfast and lunch options for Redwood City School District students? The Healthy School Meals Coalition is working with parents and teachers to make district-wide school meal improvements.
We’d love to hear from you! Follow the QR code to fill out a survey about your experience with school food and sign up for updates about this initiative.
Email Jessica with questions: jesshade@gmail.com
Pictures
January Calendar
- January 25th Site Council / PTO Meeting 6:00pm-8:30 pm
- January 27th High information night for 8th grade families, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kennedy Middle School Redwood City
Email: nfanourgiakis@rcsdk8.net
Website: https://www.rcsdk8.net/kennedy
Location: Kennedy Middle School, Goodwin Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650-482-2409
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennedymiddleschool/