Kennedy Elementary
Back to School 2021-22 Newsletter
About Us
Main Office: 651-480-7221
Nurse: 651-480-7224
Kids' Campus: 651-480-7257
Hastings Bus Company: 651-437-1888
Website: http://kennedy.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1175 Tyler Street, Hastings, MN, United States
Phone: 651-480-7220
Dear Kennedy Elementary School Parent/Guardian:
At Kennedy Elementary School, students are at the heart of what we do. We are so excited to have them returning to our school for a year full of learning, exploration, building friendships, and developing problem solving skills. Here’s to a great school year!
The first day of school for Grades 1-4 is Wednesday, September 8. Kindergarten student’s first full day is Thursday, September 9 as they have orientation on Wednesday, September 8.
- Please note: Kindergarten Orientation Information for September 8th will be emailed home next week.
SCHOOL DAY
School begins at 8:50 am and students should arrive at school from 8:30 am to 8:45 am to be ready for the start of the learning day at 8:50 am. 3:25 pm is the dismissal time for all students.
ELEMENTARY MEET THE TEACHER & READING ASSESSMENTS
Monday, August 30
Students will meet for about 20 minutes for the literacy assessments.
You’re welcome to bring school supplies to the BAS reading appointment.
Appointment sign-ups will be accepted online through August 29. Unlike conference sign-up, families with more than one child attending Kennedy may wish to schedule assessment appointments on the same date at the same time. Our office staff will resume regular work hours beginning August 23; please call 651-480-7220 or email mhavard@isd200.org if you need assistance with scheduling a time.
We do understand some families may not be available on August 30. Students who cannot attend will complete their assessments during the first month of school.
As you come in for the assessment, please feel free to stop in to visit with the Kennedy nurse to bring in any medications or paperwork needed for the new school year.
- BAS Sign-up Scheduling System: http://kennedy.hastings.k12.mn.us/news___events/what_s_new/reading_assessments
HOMEROOM TEACHER ASSIGNMENT
Log-in to Infinite Campus Portal for teacher placement (go to Documents, then select homeroom assignment). Call 651-480-7220 or email 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 a new and easy way to sign annual forms and review and update household contact information for the 2021-22 school year through their Campus Parent Portal Account. The process will take approximately 5-20 minutes depending on the number of children. All families must complete this update between August 17, 2021 and September 17, 2021.
Families will be asked to review and update parent/guardian contact information and non-household emergency contacts. Families will also be asked to review and agree to their school's student handbook, the Student Device User Agreement & Responsible Use of Technology Agreement, and a COVID Daily Symptoms Check Agreement.
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.
BACK TO SCHOOL ANNUAL UPDATES: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
OPEN HOUSE
The Open House for all grades will be held on Wednesday, September 1st from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Kindergarten through 4th grade classrooms will be open during the Open House. Please feel free to find the classroom, put supplies away, and informally meet the teacher.
To help limit the amount of parking congestion, please follow the suggested schedule below. If you need to come at the other time, please feel free to do so.
- 4:30-5:15 Families with last names beginning with A-L can drop off materials and meet with the teacher.
- 5:30-6:20 Families with last names beginning with M-Z can drop off materials and meet with the teacher.
OTHER ITEMS DURING THE OPEN HOUSE
Parents will be able to get car pick up numbers from the office and visit with the nurse.
FALL PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE SCHEDULING
We will be using an online scheduling system to schedule Parent/Teacher Conferences. This information will be sent out in September. Parents will be able to sign-up for one 20 minute conference per child.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
The Kennedy Supply List is available at Target, Walmart, etc. and is available on the school website.
- 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 24-26 and August 30-September 1.
BUSSING
Bus information will be available within Infinite Campus Portal to K-12th Grade families the week of August 23rd (It’s always a good idea to re-check bus information a few days before the first day of school). Students who live within the walking areas will receive notice they are ineligible for bus transportation.
If you have any questions, please reach out.
Kyle Latch, Principal
John F. Kennedy Elementary
651-480-7221
DATES TO REMEMBER
AUGUST
Week of 23 - Bussing information released in Parent Portal
30 - BAS Assessments for Grades 1-4
SEPTEMBER
1 - Open House, 4:30-6:30
6 - Labor Day
7 - Teacher Workshop
8 - First Day Grades 1-6, & 9
8 - Kindergarten Orientation - more info to come week of 8/23
9 - First Day Grades Kindergarten, 7-8, & 10-12
22 - Picture Day
27 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Development
HHS ATHLETICS UPDATE
An update from Athletic Director, Trent Hanson:
HHS fall sports are here! As we approach the first set of games and events, this message contains important information about how to follow and support the Raiders.
No Cash Notice : Effective this fall of 2021, NO CASH will be accepted for admission to any home Raiders athletics events. Spectators and fans will have three options to purchase tickets: (a) pay with a credit/debit card at the door (b) purchase tickets online in advance (c) purchase an all-sports season pass online in advance. Full details about how and where to purchase tickets can be found at this link. ** ISD 200 employees who show their ID badge at the door are admitted free + 1 guest.
McNamara Stadium Paver Bricks: The next round of paver brick orders for McNamara Stadium at Todd Field will take place this fall. Orders will be accepted from September 1 through November 1. Detailed information can be accessed at this link .
Sports Parent Video : The 2021-22 sports parent video is ten-minutes, includes athletes and coaches, and shares details about Raiders sports culture. You are invited to view the view at your convenience at this link.
Raiders Report Newsletter : The Raiders Report is published 3x per year and includes season highlights and features. The August, 2021 edition can be found at this link. Previous editions of the newsletter can be accessed at this link.
Live Stream & Radio : Hastings Community Television (Channel 14) will be live streaming 15 different Raiders sporting events this fall. The livestream schedule can be found at this link . KDWA radio will carry 13 different Raiders events live on 1460AM/97.7FM. Find the radio schedule at this link .