Kennedy News

Dear Kennedy Families,

It's been a great start to the year. I am so excited for our students. They are getting back into the swing of school- they are working hard in class, making great friendships, and having fun!

This week we have some fun things happening at school and in the community. Check out the information in the newsletter for all the details!

Thank you all so much for your partnership! Together, we are going to have another incredible year.

It’s GREAT to be a Cub!

Steve Rustad

Kennedy Principal

srusta1@isd77.org

Kennedy B.E.S.T.

Be Safe - Engage - Show Empathy - Together WE are Kennedy!

We have a generous donor willing to match all donations, up to $2,500, this week! This generous match is happening MONDAY - FRIDAY of this week. All Cubs are encouraged to get out and help raise money to reach our goal of $16,000 to get our new Oodle Swing and Swing set for the playground!

Here are the schoolwide prizes along the way:

• $1,000 Raised: Music in the Cafeteria - DONE!
• $5,000 Raised: Extra Recess for all Cubs
• $10,000 Raised: Dress Up Day for all Cubs
• $13,000 Raised: Slime Mr. Rustad
• $16,000 Raised: Oodle Swing and Swing Set!
• $20,000 Raised: Staff Tug-o-War!

Together we can hit our goals! Go Cubs!

Kennedy Families,

Every day at school matters. When students attend school regularly and arrive on time, they have more opportunities to learn, build friendships, connect with their teachers, and feel like an important part of our school community.

We understand that illnesses, appointments, family needs, and other unexpected situations happen. Our goal is not only to track attendance, but also to work with families to help students be at school as much as possible.

This year, we are strengthening the way we support student attendance. Families can expect:

• More communication: We will reach out more often when we notice attendance concerns. Early communication helps us work together before missed days become a larger concern.

• Support when needed: If something is making it difficult for your student to attend school, please let us know. We can help connect families with school and community resources for needs such as transportation, health care, routines, or other challenges.

• Written verification of absences: After a student has reached 5 unexcused absences or 10 excused absences, written medical verification will be required for future absences until further notice.

• Attendance Support Plans: When attendance becomes a concern, school staff will work with families to create a plan. Together, we will identify challenges, set goals, and decide what supports may help improve attendance.

Families are important partners in building strong attendance habits. Regular bedtime and morning routines, preparing for school the night before, scheduling appointments outside of the school day when possible, and making attendance a priority can all make a difference.

If your student is having difficulty attending school regularly or arriving on time, please reach out to us. We want to listen, understand what may be getting in the way, and work with you to find solutions.

Thank you for your partnership in helping every student be here, on time, connected, and ready to learn.

It's GREAT to be a Cub!
Steve Rustad
Kennedy Principal

Today from 4-8 PM at Panera

The morning of Friday, September 25th

We’re excited to announce that our PTO now has a NEW WEBSITE!

We’ll still continue to share updates, reminders, and announcements here on Facebook, but we wanted to create a place where ALL families—including those who aren’t on Facebook—can easily find PTO news and information.

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!

Start the new year with some new Kennedy gear! Now is the time to shop! All orders will be shipped directly to your home and 10% will come back to our Kennedy PTO.

• September 21: Kennedy PTO No Cook Night at Panera
• September 24: Kennedy Open House 5:30-7 and Book Fair 2:30-7
• October 7: Early Release
• October 12: Indigenous Peoples Day - No School
• October 14: Kennedy PTO Tailgate Party
• October 15 and 16: MEA Fall Break - No School