Kennedy Families,
I am beyond excited about the wonderful news that Kennedy Elementary School has been named a Distinguished School! This incredible recognition is a direct result of the dedication, passion, and hard work of our amazing students, staff, and families. Together, weāve built a school community where every childās potential is celebrated and supported.
I am so proud of the progress weāve made and the commitment everyone has shown to excellence. Itās an honor to be part of such a caring and driven school, and this achievement is truly a reflection of our collective efforts.
This is not an award that we applied for, the Minnesota Department of Education found us! Our data got their attention in our state and it was nominated for national recognition. We were 1 of the 2 schools that were nominated from Minnesota. We are 1 of only 69 schools nationally to be nominated for this award. We do GREAT things here at Kennedy and it shows!
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and dedication make Kennedy such a special place. I canāt wait to see what weāll accomplish next, as we continue to grow and learn together.
Itās truly great to be a Cub!
With gratitude,
Steve Rustad
Kennedy Principal
Since 2021, Kennedy has had dramatic increases in both math and reading proficiency on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). While schools throughout the state and nation have struggled to rebound from the pandemic years, Kennedy has seen increases in nearly every student demographic group in reading and math. Kennedy teachers have worked diligently to see each student achieve their fullest academic potential and their work is paying off. Students at Kennedy are out performing local and state percentages in MCA proficiency.
According to 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) data, Kennedy significantly outperformed state averages in both math and reading. For example, 76.7% of its students achieved proficiency in math, compared to the Minnesota average of 45%. Similarly, reading proficiency rates have also outpaced the state average with 60.6% of students at Kennedy having achieved proficiency compared to the Minnesota average of 50%. Proficiency in both math and reading have shown consistent growth over recent yearsā. Kennedy students have shown 20% improvement in math and 15% improvement in reading since 2021.
This award particularly highlights the significant academic gains of our Black and African American students. Since 2021, we have seen the academic achievement in math and reading increase by over 10%. In 2024, Black and African American students at Kennedy outperformed their peers statewide in math by 33% and in reading by 11%.
The data for students in poverty at Kennedy has also seen significant improvement over the past 4 years. This demographic group is known as Free/Reduced Priced (FRP) Meals in Minnesota. In the area of math, FRP students at Kennedy have seen their statewide percentile ranking rise from 42.3%% in 2021 to 66.3% in 2024ā. Statewide, proficiency for FRP students in math was 27% in 2024. In the area of reading, FRP students at Kennedy have seen their statewide percentile ranking rise from 29.2% in 2021 to 47.1% in 2024ā. Statewide, proficiency for FRP students in reading was 33.4% in 2024. Students in poverty at Kennedy are significantly outperforming their peers throughout the state of Minnesota.
Kennedy is currently looking for a playground supervisor. We have one supervisor and she is amazing. Her name is Stacey Schulz Pope (or Mrs. Stacey to the Cubs). Stacey has been working at Kennedy for the past 5 years and loves supporting our Cubs. We are looking for someone to partner with her from 10:45 AM - 1 PM each day. It should be someone who loves working with kids and enjoys being outside. The job is perfect for someone looking for a just a few hours a day. It could be a parent, a college student, or a retired member of our community.
If you or anyone you know is looking to work at a great school with amazing kids, send them our way! Click here to email Principal Steve Rustad for more details. Click the link below for the official posting on the district website.
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!