Kennedy Families,
It was truly another great year at Kennedy! Over the past few years, our school has become known for producing some of the strongest academic and student belonging data in the districtâand this year was no different. Thatâs no surprise, as our teachers continue to challenge students to reach their academic potential while surrounding them with the support, care, and love they need to be their best each day.
There is so much to be grateful for this year, but here are just a few highlights from the 2024â2025 school year:
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National Recognition: Kennedy was one of just 67 schools in the country recognized as an ESEA Nationally Distinguished School, honored in Category 2 for closing the achievement gap between student groups.
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Math Excellence: Our Cubs dominated the South Central Regional Math Masters competition, taking first place in both the 4th and 5th grade team categories along with multiple individual student awards.
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Top Ratings: Kennedy was recognized by GreatSchools.org as the highest-rated elementary school in Mankato Area Public Schools and the highest-rated elementary school in the greater Mankato region with a ranking of 9 out of 10.
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Families Choose Kennedy: 94% of age-eligible students in our attendance area attend Kennedyâthe highest rate in the district.
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Strong Attendance: Nearly 90% of Kennedy Cubs maintained consistent attendance, with only 10% missing more than 17 days. Attendance is one of the strongest indicators of academic success, and our rates have improved steadily over the past two years.
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Incredible Family Engagement: From Open House and conferences to Tailgate Party, Career Night, Leprechaun Bingo, and Kennedy Night at the MoonDogs, your support helps create a strong and vibrant school community.
These achievements are only possible because of our amazing students, our supportive families, and our dedicated staff. Kennedy truly is a special place where students, families, and staff work together every day to help each child thrive.
As we look ahead to 2025â2026, weâre grateful to have a strong and consistent staff in place. Hereâs a look at next yearâs team:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Lout and Mrs. McConkey
1st Grade: Mrs. Brennan, Mrs. Dahline, Mrs. Olmanson
2nd Grade: Mrs. Imhoff and Mrs. Wiste
3rd Grade: Mr. Meyers and Mr. Wischnack
4th Grade: Mrs. Peterson (new to us from Monroe Elementary), Mrs. Schulz, Mr. Winning
5th Grade: Ms. Kelly and Mrs. Uhrich
Specialists: Mrs. Smith (PE), Ms. Benson (STEM), Mrs. Carpenter (Music), Mrs. Bealey (Art â new to us from Hoover)
Intervention: Mrs. Veroeven and Mrs. Wittenberg
Counselor: Ms. Helget
Social Worker: Mrs. Northenscold
The 2025â2026 school year promises to be another fantastic chapter in Kennedyâs story. I hope all of our Cubsâand their families and staffâenjoy a relaxing and restful summer so we can hit the ground running in August!
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and continued support.
Itâs great to be a Cub!
Steve Rustad
Principal, Kennedy Elementary
srusta1@isd77.org
Are you going on a road trip? Flying somewhere fun? Visiting the pool, lake, a state park, or even a national park? Heading to a Minnesota Twins game or summer camp? Wherever your adventures take you, take Kennedy with you!
Weâd love to see all the amazing places our Kennedy Cubs visit this summer. Parents and guardiansâdonât forget to pack your studentâs Kennedy shirt! Snap a photo of your Cub wearing it during your trip and email it to Mr. Rustad at srusta1@isd77.org.
Weâll be creating a summer photo gallery to showcase all the great places Kennedy Cubs explored!
On the last day of school, we celebrated our 5th grade graduation together as a whole school at the East High School auditorium. Our new tradition begins with the entire Kennedy community walking to East, led proudly by our graduating Cubs and their families.
It was a wonderful celebration honoring our 5th graders as they move on to their next adventure!
Nearly 300 Kennedy students and family members joined us for our all-school trip to the MoonDogs game! It was amazing to see the berm at ISG Field filled with Cubs, cheering and enjoying the night together.
A big thank you to the Taylor Foundation for making this special experience possible for our students and their families. And a huge shout-out to our amazing Kennedy PTO for organizing such a fun and memorable event!
Are You on Facebook? Follow the Kennedy Facebook Page!
The Kennedy PTO is a great committee that supports our school by hosting events that celebrate the school community and connect families to each other. Learn all about the PTO through the Kennedy PTO Facebook page. Click the button, give the group a like, and follow the group to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Kennedy!