Cougar Connect
Week of December 18, 2023
A Message from Mrs. Leonardo
Dear Kennedy Community,
We have a short week this week due to Winter Break beginning on Thursday, December 21st. Students will be dismissed at 1:50 pm on Wednesday, December 20th. Wednesday will be a regular day schedule with students attending periods 1-7. samTrans will arrive at its regular time on Wednesday, so please make arrangements if you want your student to leave school at 1:50 on Wednesday. The Kennedy office will close at 2:30 pm on Wednesday.
Even though this is a short week, there is always something happening at Kennedy! Please read on for important information for the week ahead.
Giving Tree
Thank you to our Kennedy community for supporting Kennedy families! Every gift tag was taken from the Giving Tree. Our Kennedy Family Center will work to distribute gifts to families later this week. We appreciate your support.
KARA Grief Group for Students January 2024
Kara, a local non-profit grief support agency, and Kennedy Middle School will be partnering to provide a peer support grief group for students who have experienced the death of a family member or close friend. The group will provide a safe and supportive environment for students to connect with peers in similar situations, understand their grief process, and develop skills and tools for coping. The group will meet for nine to 10 sessions, once a week, during school hours. For more information and to refer your student, please contact the Kennedy Family Center: kennedyfc@rcsdk8.net.
Spelling Bee Info Session During 6th-Period on Tuesday, December 19
We will hold a Spelling Bee informational session in the Kennedy gym for Kennedy students during 6th period on Tuesday. Reminders will be sent to students on Monday during 7th-period.
Monthly Fire Drill
We will have our monthly fire drill on Wednesday during 7th-period. This will be an evacuation drill.
Teen Talk for 7th-Grade Students
Mrs. Figueroa and Ms. Paz’s 7th-grade science students will begin Teen Talk lessons beginning Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, January 26. Notification letters were sent home with students last week.
If you have any questions about the topics to be covered in this course or wish to review the curriculum materials, please visit the Kennedy office or contact Health Connected at parents@health-connected.org. We have the curriculum in our office for families to review.
Families may also visit www.health-connected.org or www.lets-talk.how for more information and resources for families to start or continue these important conversations.
California state law allows families to remove their students from this instruction. If you do NOT
want your student to participate in Teen Talk, please send a written note or email to your
Mrs. Figueroa or Ms. Paz.
Mrs. Figueroa: ifigueroa@rcsdk8.net
Ms. Paz: ppaz@rcsdk8.net
Teen Talk Parent/Guardian Notification Letter (English/Spanish)
A Reminder for 8th-Grade Families
Please remember to register your student for Sequoia Union High School District. We are working with SUHSD to have a night in January where families can get support. Your future ninth-graders will be unable to get their schedules until the online registration is finished. The deadline is February 1. Please make this a priority. bit.ly/SUHSD-OLR
School Site Council
Attendance Letters
Michelle Fryer Phan has been communicating with families regarding school attendance. Letters are automatically sent from RCSD to families of students who have multiple absences--whether excused or unexcused.
Please understand that, due to RCSD mandates, we were told that we are unable to suppress or withhold these attendance letters. They are standard practice across all schools within our district and are intended to support, not alarm, our families. The goal is to encourage consistent attendance, which is crucial for continuous learning and development.
If you receive an attendance letter and have any concerns or believe there has been an error, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle (mfryerphan@rcsdk8.net). We are here to support you and ensure accurate records of your child’s attendance.
Please note that we can only update attendance during the week of the absence due to California requirements. Please check PowerSchool weekly, and if you find any errors in attendance, please email Tatyana Tafoya (ttafoya@rcsdk8.net).
I am also reminding teachers to take accurate attendance and reminding students to be on time for class.
Dine-Out Fundraiser
Eat at Sushi Plus or Corner Table this Thursday, December 21 from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. Mention Kennedy when you dine in or out.
Pajama Spirit Day
Wednesday, December 20th is a Pajama Spirit Day. Come to school wearing your favorite cozy pajamas on the last day before winter break. Reminder: No blankets, slippers, or stuffed animals.
Reminders About Fast Food Deliveries
Please refrain from sending fast food deliveries via DoorDash, UberEats, etc. to students. If food is delivered, students can pick it up in the office after school. We have too many students coming to the office to eat with friends and this is against our lunch policy. Thank you for your support with this.
Sports Assemblies
We will recognize our fall athletes on Wednesday in the Kennedy gym.
Student Clubs Meeting This Week
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 Tuesday 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
Chess Club Wednesday during 6th grade lunch in the library.
As we eagerly anticipate the joys of winter break—a time filled with fun, relaxation, and cherished moments with family and friends—let's also remember to extend our thoughts and compassion toward those in need. The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spread kindness and generosity in our community. Whether it's donating to a local food bank, volunteering at a shelter, or simply being a kind and supportive friend, every small act of kindness has the power to make a big difference. Let's embrace the spirit of giving and caring, making this winter break not only a time of personal enjoyment but also a season of community and warmth for everyone. Happy holidays, and here's to a break filled with joy, peace, and the spirit of sharing!
See you soon!
Mrs. Leonardo
Cell Phone Reminders
Cell phones are to be turned off and placed in backpacks from the time students get on campus until they exit the campus. If you need to get a hold of your student, please avoid texting or calling during the school day. Please call the office and let us know you would like to speak to your student and we can have them come to the office and call you directly.
We have too many students using and accessing their cell phones during the school day in order to use social media. This is a waste of instructional time.
If your student is caught using their cell phone during the school day, they will be required to check their phone in and out of the office before and after school each day.
We need your continued support with this rule, so we thank you in advance for your help.
Winter Music Concert 2023
Thank you, Mr. Balogh, for a successful winter concert! We have over 80 students are picked up an instrument for the first time in August, and over 127 students who have played an instrument for one year or more.
Thank you to our PTO for supporting Mr. Balogh and our students. We your assistance, the music program was able to raise over $6,600. Wonderful!
Grand Canyon Updates for 7th-Graders
- Nearly 90 Student applications have been collected, and we will continue to accept more applications until December 14th. If you missed the date to submit an application and are interested in being considered for this year's trip, please make sure to submit your application before the 14th of December. Students can turn the application in to their science teacher. (Link to application)
- The "Go List" will be posted and shared with families before we go on winter break. Students will be selected for the trip based on academic performance, physical fitness, attendance, and behavior.
- Havasu Falls reservations for this year's trip have not been confirmed. Reservations open the first week of February. We hope to be able to secure reservations before they open up to the public. We will provide updates when available.
- If we are able to secure reservations before February, we will have our mandatory meeting in January instead of February like it stated on the application form. Please look out for updates. Possible meeting dates Jan 18, Jan 23, Feb 13 or Feb 15
- Check out the video from 2023 to learn more about the trip. (Link to video)
- Reach out to Maestro Alfredo (aoropeza@rcsdk8.net) if you have any questions or concerns.
Science Presentations in Mrs. Virnich's Classroom
PTO Calendar
PTO Corner
Hello, Kennedy Community!
I’d like to challenge you to flex your empathy muscles …
Did you know that some of our Kennedy teachers work two jobs to make ends meet and pay their rent?
Did you know that some of our Kennedy staff have recently moved to the US, leaving their families and children in their home countries, unsure when they will see them again?
Did you know that there are approximately 30 of our students and their families who are unhoused? And over 30 families new to our country?
During this season of giving, there are many ways you can directly support ALL of our Kennedy Cougars - students, teachers, and staff!
Donate directly to our PTO using this link: https://kennedycougarspto.org/donate.
Double your donation impact by using a matching program through your workplace.
If you can’t stop by the office, click this link to help the Family Center with donations:
Purchase an item on Kennedy’s Amazon wishlist to support our Music, Drama, Art and STEAM electives: KMS Wishlist
Volunteer Opportunities: Please support our students and teachers!
The PTO will have a table at the Red Morton Light Show on Monday, Dec. 18, from 6:00-8:00 pm. We’d like to do some fundraising. Contact info@kennedycougarspto.org with your ideas or to help staff our table.
Before winter break begins, the PTO will host a cookie buffet for our staff and teachers on Weds, Dec. 18. Here is the link to sign-up: Cookie Buffet
Finally, please mark your calendars for December 19 at 7:00 pm in the library for our in-person meeting. The theme is UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS! Everyone is invited to join us for hot cocoa, a little PTO business, and lots of friendly fun.
Kind regards,
Jess Bryski
PTO President
2023-2024
Donate to Kennedy
Join WhatsApp
GrowFit MultiSports Camps
Russ Nuffer of GrowFit MultiSports Camps in Redwood City has agreed to donate 5% of registration fees for camps back to our KMS PTO. This is an on-going offer throughout the school year using the code.
GrowFit is located at Sports House in Redwood City. Check out the winter camps available for students by clicking here. This is a great offer, so don't miss out!
Cougar Leaders Event
High School Event Updates
Please check the High School Shadow Programs & Informational Event Links document.
- TIDE and Woodside posted their shadowing request links.
- Carlmont posted links for campus tours and the Chat with a Carlmont Student event.
- Sequoia will open the shadowing request link on 9/13/23.
- Menlo-Atherton will open the shadowing request link within the next ten days.
Woodside High School Open House January 20
Woodside High School will hold their annual Open House on Saturday, January 20 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.
Join us for student-led one-hour tours that will showcase our fabulous campus. You will get the chance to meet our teachers and get answers to many prospective students’ questions about attending Woodside High School. Tours begin every 15 minutes.
Come join the Wildcat Family!
Click on the link below to reserve a time:
WHS Walk on the Wildside registration Saturday, January 20.
Kindly,
Woodside High School Administration
Science from Scientists
9th Grade Online Registration
Spin Bikes in Ms. Meek's PE Class
Kennedy Family Center Updates
Congratulations to Naima A.! She is the winner of November's Family Challenge. Naima baked an apple pie from scratch. Naima and her family can pick a restaurant they want to visit, and we will pay for dinner for the whole family.
Our December Family Challenge: This month we want to challenge families to have a game night. Families can pick a board game or make one up, but we want to see them playing a game together.
December Podcast (14:07 Spanish / 15:11 English): Click here to listen.
Thank You
Thank you, Christina Codemo, for your generous gift card donation. We will be able to support several Kennedy families before winter break.
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
Sign Up to Play Soccer with Redwood City Parks and Rec
We now look forward to soccer in the spring! Registration will open on Monday, November 20 and run through Wednesday, February 14. We highly encourage players to register early and online! Here is the link to online registration - Online Registration - Redwood City After School Sports Soccer
Parents can also go to our website to find additional information and download forms - Redwood City After School Sports (teamsideline.com)
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.
Student & Family Handbook
In order to make our handbook for students and families more accessible, we have digitized it. Please know that the information in the handbook will be continually updated to ensure families are informed. Students received planners during the fourth week of school, and included in the planner is the student handbook.
Click to view and save the Kennedy Student & Family Handbook.
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.
We have received several items from anonymous donors: batteries, pencils, Kleenex, and more headphones. Thank you!
Upcoming Events
December
- Minimum Day Dec 20 8:30 am-1:50 pm
- Winter Break ~ No School Dec 21-Jan 8
Click here to view the most up-to-date version of the Kennedy Calendar of Events.
Kennedy Middle School
Email: cleonardo@rcsdk8.net
Website: https://kennedy.rcsdk8.net
Location: 2521 Goodwin Avenue, Redwood City, CA, USA
Phone: 650.482.2409
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennedymiddleschool