Kennedy Communicator
August 13, 2020
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Welcome Back
We, at Kennedy Elementary, would like to extend a heartfelt welcome back to all of our wonderful parents and students. We are beginning this school year virtually with our students; however we are dedicated to getting to know our students and maximizing all learning opportunities. Through the difficult times we are facing, we will work together as a Kennedy Strong Community to provide a safe and rigorous learning environment for students. We want to say "Thank You" for being flexible, patient, and having your child log into their classes each day for lessons and assignments.
Attendance and Absences
The start of the school year looks differently, however Attendance still Matters! We encourage students to log in to the Alief HUB and attend their classes each day. Attendance is taken by the teachers just as they would during the regular school year. If your child is absent, we require parents to write a note with the child's first and last name, date of absence, and a detailed reason for the absence. Although students are attending classes virtually, accumulating too many absences can result in truancy being filed. So it is important your child is actively engaged each day.
Zoom Expectations
Students:
- Complete the assigned task.
- Make sure your microphone is muted/off until asked to answer a question.
- Be in a quiet room/area with minimal distractions.
- Parents, if you have questions for the teacher, please wait until their designated planning time to conference with them.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast and are dressed appropriately for a productive day.
- Provide a suitable bedtime to ensure that students have plenty of rest and are engaged during the school day.
Block Zoom Information
Please be sure to log into the block classes during your child's scheduled grade level time.
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Tse
Welcome to an exciting start of the school year. I hope you and your family had some time to relax and enjoy each other. I look forward to seeing your child learn and grow.
The following are some ways to help motivate your child to have a successful school year. Success is the greatest motivator. Recognize and celebrate their successes and progress, whether it be big or small. Always comment on the positives when reviewing their grades.
If there are times when you find that your child is stressed or anxious. You can help your child manage their responses. The most important ways to help are to make sure children feel connected, cared about, and loved. Give them attention and listen.
Children, just like adults, greatly benefit from consistent and deliberate self-care activities. Encourage your child to focus on the moment. Establish a self-care routine. Set aside time for low-stress activities. Share your own feelings to encourage self-awareness. Teaching children to regularly take care of themselves will help them build the skills to manage future stressors in healthy and effective ways.
I am so excited to have you as part of our Kennedy family. Please feel free to check out the counselor resources on our school website and reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Take care,
Ms. Tse, M.S., LPC-S
School Counselor
“When given the opportunity, be kind and be mindful.”
Follow me on Twitter @TseCougs
Daily Curbside Meals on the Go!
CURBSIDE MEAL SERVICE DETAILS
DATE: Monday through Friday (Exception – no service when school is not in session).
TIME: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHO: Students enrolled at Kennedy Elementary (must provide a proof of enrollment)
WHAT: Breakfast and lunch will be provided in one bag.
WHERE: Front Driveway of School
Apply for Free or Reduced Lunch!
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED PRICED MEALS:
Meal Applications -
- Apply online at www.schoolcafe.com
- Complete a paper application – Available at curbside feeding sites & the Federal Meals Office located at 12400 High Star, Building T-248, Houston, TX 77072.
- Once the application has been processed, notifications letters will be sent via email or physical address on file.
- If students are directly certified (DC) for free or reduced meals, a letter will be sent to homes to inform parent/guardian of child’s meal status and state no meal application is needed.
Note: The fastest way to get the application processed is to complete online.
Alief Calendar
Dear Parents,
Each school has established a Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDC) to help ensure compliance with state and local requirements. The SDC meets once a month via zoom from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm to make sure the campus is on track to have a successful school year. At this time, we have 4 vacancies and need parent volunteers to fill those positions. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete the form above.