Kennedy High School Update
A community of belonging, support, and excellence
Welcome to Kennedy High School
It is with great pride that I welcome you to Kennedy High School. My name is Molly Hollenbeck and I am proud and humbled at the opportunity to serve as the principal of this amazing school. I wanted to take this opportunity to share a bit about myself and our incredible school community.
First, my partner and I have a seven year old son who is in second grade. We have lived in Carver for the past four years. As a family, we enjoy playing games, going on adventures, spending time outside, and taking walks with our puppy, Nipsey. I have a passion for reading, running, music and I love cheering on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in all sports, with a special love of college football.
As an educator, I have had the opportunity to serve as a special education paraprofessional, teacher, behavior specialist, assistant director of student support services, and assistant principal. My purpose as a leader is to empower and inspire students and staff to believe in themselves and each other in order to be prepared for and thrive in all areas of life.
My purpose guides me to a vision that at Kennedy High School, we are a community of belonging, support, and excellence. This vision is the foundation for the work that we do and you should see evidence of this vision coming to life in your interactions with our entire school community. I am asking for your partnership in the creation of this vision. Your words and interactions have tremendous influence on the reputation of our school community that extends beyond the walls of our school.
I want you to know that my door is always open and I look forward to partnering with you and celebrating our beautifully diverse Kennedy High School community together. A community of belonging, support, and excellence.
We have an exciting month ahead filled with many school and extra curricular activities. Check out the Kennedy calendar on our school's website.
In partnership,
Molly Hollenbeck
Principal
When students feel a sense of belonging in school and classrooms, it can increase attendance, motivation and success. Our staff are intentionally working to create spaces where each student feels this sense of belonging. To support this, it is expected that students are at school and in class, on time everyday. We’ve noticed this is particularly challenging at the start of the school day and ask for your support to help your student arrive at school on time.
First hour starts at 7:50 and it is important that students are at school by 7:45. Free breakfast is available in the cafeteria from 7:30-7:45.
Students who are not in class at the final bell will not be allowed to enter without a pass. Prior to getting a pass, students will be expected to call home to notify a parent or guardian. This ensures that we establish and maintain strong partnerships between home and school.
In partnership with our teachers, our student support team members are here to provide support. Please contact a teacher or student support team member with questions or to discuss your student.
During Advisory in September, all students will have the opportunity to review and agree to the Kennedy Student Handbook. To review the student handbook in full, click on “Resources” on the Kennedy High School Website.
Because of changes to federal programming school lunches are no longer free to all students this year. Students will need one of the two options below:
- Money in their school accounts. For more information on how to manage school lunch accounts, click THIS LINK.
- Qualify for Free and Reduced Meals. Complete this application only if you have not already done so.
We each have a role to play in supporting the academic excellence of our students and there are two key ways you can partner with us by monitoring attendance and grades.
Campus. Parents and guardians can track student attendance using the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Download the Campus app and turn on notifications.
Contact kenn_geniusbar@isd271.org for support with either of these apps.
For 10th and 11th grade students and families only:
The PSAT /NMSQT is an optional standardized test that 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take in October. It measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing and math students learn in the classroom - the same knowledge and skills your child needs to succeed in college and career. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. By taking the PSAT as a sophomore, students will not be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. However, these sophomores will be able to identify their academic strengths and weaknesses early in high school by taking this test. If you would like to take the test, please sign up here and pay the $18 test fee by clicking here. If you run into any problems with this payment option, please reach out to our College and Career Counselor, Timmy Nguyen (tnguyen2@isd271.org) Registration deadline is September 24.
About us
Email: mhollenbeck@isd271.org
Website: https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/khs
Phone: 952-681-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/BloomingtonKennedy
Twitter: @JFKEagles