A Message from Mrs. Leonardo
And just like that--trimester one is finished! Trimester two begins Monday, November 13. Students' grades will be finalized Tuesday morning by 8 am. We plan to print report cards this week and mail them home by next week.
After grades are finalized and locked on PowerSchool, we will be able to pull reports for honor roll. We will also be reaching to 8th-grade families of students whose GPA is below 2.0. In order for 8th-graders to participate in the 8th-grade promotion ceremony and 8th-grade activities, they must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all three trimesters. I will send more information to families via email and letter by November 30. Our admin team will also meet with students and their families to come up with a plan for success if a student's GPA is below 2.0.
Save the date! Wednesday, November 29 will be our Honor Breakfast. We will recognize students who achieved Principal's Honor Roll (4.0+), Honor Roll (3.75-3.99), students with Excellent Attendance (Two or Fewer Absences), and students with i-Ready Lesson Excellence (30 or More Passed Lessons). Breakfast will be provided by IHOP, and students can bring two guests. We will begin at 7:30 am in the Kennedy gym. Invitations will be sent home by November 21st.
🎯Rules Review Assemblies
Our admin team will meet with each grade level on Monday to review school-wide expectations, policies, and procedures. We also plan to talk about kindness, empathy, and respect for ourselves and others. These reminders are important and starting our new trimester with these reminders is always helpful. I will share the presentation slides with families in next week's newsletter.
📱Social Media Discussion & Group Talk
Redwood City Police Department Juvenile and Family Services Specialist, Jennifer Martinez, will be speaking to our 8th-grade students during PE about how to stay safe while using social media. Ms. Martinez will also speak to students about cyberbullying and how they should conduct themselves online. This will be on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
💚New Beginnings Community Church Beautifies Kennedy
Thank you to New Beginnings Community Church for donating their time and resources in order to beautify Kennedy's campus today (Sunday)! We appreciate your hard work and dedication. I've included some photos in the bottom portion of the newsletter. Be Rich
🫱🏻🫲🏽RCPD Partnering with Kennedy
Parents want to know how they can protect their students from the dangers of social media. We are working with our local law enforcement agencies to bring parent info nights to Kennedy. As mentioned above, we plan to connect with our 8th-grade students this week.
On November 30, Ms. Martinez will return to Kennedy for an informational session for parents. Parents will learn how to navigate Instagram and TikTok so that they can be aware and informed about how students use these applications.
We encourage you to attend. Space is limited to 25 people, so sign up today. Sign up here.
✅Attendance Letters
Attendance letters will be sent home for any student who has attendance concerns. These letters are automatically sent to families from the Redwood City School District. Our attendance staff will be reaching out to families to set up meetings to come up with a plan to ensure that your students are attending school every day.
🌎Anti-Bullying Week, World Kindness Day, & Ruby Bridges Day
We have several things happening at Kennedy this week. We plan to speak to our students at our assemblies about how to treat each other with respect. Monday is World Kindness Day, so students will be encouraged to spread kindness on Monday and throughout the week (and forever!). Tuesday is Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. We will highlight Ruby Bridges's efforts as a civil rights activist by wearing purple on Tuesday and challenging students to find facts about Ruby Bridges around the school. Our Environmental Club created posters that encourage students to be kind to the environment and climate.
❤️SEL Lessons in Social Studies
Last week Ms. Kathryn and Ms. Ruby started SEL lessons in social studies classes. We are excited about this new endeavor because it will allow all grade levels to receive social-emotional lessons.
☺️Field Trips
Our 6th-grade science students will walk to Stulsaft Park this week to collect water samples. The schedule is listed in the newsletter.
Ms. Hernandez's 6th-period STEAM class will go to Hidden Villa, The Pulgas Water Temple, and the San Mateo County water treatment plant on Wednesday.
Prospective Family Tours: Sign Up Here
Shadowing for 5th-Grade Students: Sign Up Here
Our first Kennedy Info night for prospective families will be this Thursday via Zoom.
https://rcsdk8-net.zoom.us/j/83582315297?pwd=STZFQUViRytiQ1hPdWRQSy90Y25KQT09 Meeting ID: 835 8231 5297 Passcode: kennedy
Please note the passcode. Last week's flyer has an outdated passcode.
Historic Union Cemetary Walking Tour
Join RCSD board member Janet Lawson as she and her husband give a walking tour, on Saturday, November 18th at 10 am. Come learn about the pioneers of San Mateo County and Redwood City.
👩🏽🔬Kennedy Career Day
We plan to hold a Career Day at Kennedy in the spring. We are looking for folks who are interested in sharing information about their career with 6th through 8th grade students. Please spread the word! Interested individuals can sign up here. We will have more information about the event and the support we will need in January and February 2024.
🫶🏽November Family Challenge
We challenge students and their families to cook a meal together this month. Take a picture of yourself completing the challenge and email it to kennedyfc@rcsdk8.net.
📚Kennedy Book Fair
The Kennedy Scholastic Book Fair is coming November 13-17th! Click here to explore Kennedy's Book Fair website. Click here to learn more about e-wallet.
Please sign up to volunteer at the Book Fair. We need parent support! Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948AFAE2EAA8-45098932-scholastic#/
Student Clubs Meeting This Week
- Intramural Flag Football on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at lunch
- 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
- 7th-Grade Executive Council Thursday at lunch in room 314
- Rock Band Club after school on Wednesday 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 both lunches 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
That's all for now!
See you soon!
Mrs. Leonardo
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Eibhear W. 7th-grade | Isaac D.V. 6th-grade | Kate G. 8th-grade |
Eibhear W.
Isaac D.V.
Kate G.
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Juniper K. 7th-grade | Luke G. 6th-grade | Luna C. 7th-grade |
Juniper K.
Luke G.
Luna C.
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Lyla Z. 8th-grade |
Lyla Z.
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6th-Grade Field Trips to Stulsaft Park
Monday, November 13:
Morning Group: Maestra Adriana's 4th Period & Mrs. Virnich's 4th Period
Leave 1st period and return by the end of 4th period.
Afternoon Group: Maestra Adriana's 5th & 6th Periods
Eat lunch during 5th Period and return by the end of 7th period.
Tuesday, November 14
Morning Group: Ms. Strangman's 1st & 2nd Periods
Leave 1st period and return by the end of 4th period
Afternoon Group: Mrs. Virnich's 3rd & 5th Periods
Eat lunch during 5th Period and return by the end of 7th period.
Friday, November 17th
Morning Group: Mrs. Virnich's 1st & 2nd Periods, Mr. Howard's 3rd Period
Leave 1st period and return by the end of 4th period
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PTO Corner
Hello, Kennedy Community!
November gets us closer to the Thanksgiving holiday, and I’m thinking about gratitude. I’m very grateful to be part of this community of caring, generous, and supportive parents and families.
As you may know, a parent of one of our 7th-grade students recently passed away. This loss impacts all of us - even if we don’t know the family personally. Can you imagine what this family is going through? My heart aches for them and hopes that we can come together to care for one of our own. Though a small gesture, there will be an envelope in the Family Center where anyone can drop off gift cards (Target, Costco, Safeway etc.) to help support this family. Together we can provide some relief and wrap them in our love.
Our Scholastic Book Fair is this week. We need volunteers who have been registered and approved through the RCSD process to help in the library. The library is open to ELA classes, as well as during brunch and lunch to give the kids lots of time to browse and shop! The book fair is an excellent way to celebrate our love of reading and spread this joy to all the students.
Please sign up at the link below to help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090948AFAE2EAA8-45098932-scholastic#/
Our STEAM teachers are also in need of some field trip chaperones for two upcoming field trips. The trips will be on November 15 to the Pulgas Water Temple and on December 6th to a water quality processing plant. Chaperones must be cleared through the district. Bus transportation is provided and the trips will last all day, 8:30-3:15. If you are available to help out please contact info@kennedycougarspto.org to express your interest.
Finally, don’t forget that another way to be involved is by contributing financially to our school. The PTO’s Direct Drive fundraising efforts support academics, student activities, staff appreciation events, and our elective programs. Whether it's $25, $50, $100, or $1,000, every dollar helps us reach our fundraising goal and our students are worth our investment.
To support KMS, DONATE at the link below:
https://kennedycougarspto.org/donate
Represent Kennedy With Style
KMS Spirit Wear is on sale now. Order online at the link below.
https://kennedyrwc.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Follow the KMS PTO on Instagram and Facebook, @KennedyCougarsPTO.
Check out www.kennedycougarspto.org for more info.
Kind regards,
Jess Bryski
PTO President
2023-2024
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Donate to Kennedy We need your support! | Join WhatsApp Spanish-speaking families can join WhatsApp for Kennedy updates! | PTO Social Media |
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
Kennedy Family Center Updates
Our November Family Challenge is HERE! Find out the details in this month's podcast.
Family Challenge Details Begins: 23:51
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
Redwood City Parks & Rec Sports This Week
Flag Football
Monday, 11/13
5:00 PM
Kennedy Green vs. Charles Armstrong at Hawes Field
Monday, 11/13
6:00 PM
Kennedy Cougars Gold vs. North Star at Hawes Field
Volleyball
8th Grade
Semi-Final
Monday, 11/13 - 4:45 pm Kennedy White vs. Kennedy Green at Red Morton
The winner goes to the Championship Game on Thursday, 11/16 at Red Morton at 6 pm.
7th Grade
Semi-Final
Monday, 11/13 - 4:45 Kennedy Green vs. Roy Cloud
Monday, 11/13 - 5:30 Kennedy White vs. Clifford at Kennedy
The winners go to the Championship Game on Thursday, 11/16 at Red Morton at 5 pm.
6th-Grade
Semi-Final
Monday, 11/13 - 4:00 pm Kennedy White vs. Clifford at Kennedy
The winner goes to the Championship Game on Thursday, 11/16 at Red Morton at 4 pm vs. Kennedy Green.
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.
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 to Lisa Eli for donating school supplies to Kennedy!
Kennedy Middle School