At John F. Kennedy, we lead with safety, kindness, and community. We set high expectations, challenge every scholar, and prepare them for a future of excellence—while caring for the whole child every step of the way!

📊 Our Kennedy Schoolwide Goals 📊

At Kennedy, we believe in setting high expectations for learning and working together to help every scholar succeed. This year, our goals are:

• 📚 Reading & Math: Strive for at-least 45% proficiency in both Reading and Math by the end of the school year.

• English Language Learners
  At least 15% of Kennedy’s English Language Learners will be reclassified as fully proficient in English as measured by the AZELLA assessment,

With your partnership at home and our dedication at school, we know our scholars can rise to the challenge! Together, we can make it happen. 💙

 📊 Progress Monitoring Update

This data shows how our students are progressing in reading, early literacy, and math throughout the school year. Progress monitoring helps teachers track growth and adjust instruction to better support students.

Our schoolwide goal is 45% proficiency, and we are continuing to work toward that target. Our next assessment window begins February 23. Thank you for supporting strong attendance and daily learning at Kennedy! 💚📚

🎉📚 Parent–Teacher Conferences Are Coming!

We’re excited to connect with you during Parent–Teacher Conferences on March 4–6! This is a great opportunity to talk about your child’s progress and celebrate their growth.

More information will be coming soon from your child’s teacher. Conference times are first come, first served, so be sure to sign up early once scheduling opens.

🇺🇸 Presidents’ Day Reminder 🇺🇸

Kennedy families, please remember that there will be no school on Monday, February 16th  in observance of Presidents’ Day.

We hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family! School will resume on Tuesday, and we look forward to seeing our students back on campus.

📣 Join Us for Our Family Showcase!
📅 February 4 | ⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM

Enjoy student projects, explore our new playground, tour classrooms, and see the exciting learning happening across our campus. Come discover what it means to be a Kennedy Colt!

⭐ Highlights Include:
📚 After-school tutoring & academic support
🏫 New classrooms & learning spaces
🎯 Student clubs & enrichment
🧠 Targeted intervention & RTI
🛡️ A safe, supportive campus

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Resources Available:
👕 Uniform support
📝 Enrollment & registration assistance
📱 Classroom access through the RSD App

✨ Re-enrollment for the 2026–27 school year will be available — visit our Enrollment Booth in the courtyard to secure your child’s spot.

🎟️ Know a family looking for a school? Refer them to Kennedy and be entered into a raffle!

We look forward to celebrating our Kennedy community with you!
#KennedyColts

Our school will be administering the AZELLA (Arizona English Language Learner Assessment) to eligible students in the coming weeks. AZELLA is a statewide assessment used to measure a student’s English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

What families should know:

Students identified as speaking a language other than English on the Home Language Survey (HLS) take AZELLA to help determine the right instructional supports for them.

Students who receive English language services take the Spring AZELLA Reassessment once each year until they reach English proficiency.

Once students are proficient, they are monitored for two years to ensure continued success in the classroom.

This assessment is required by the state of Arizona and helps teachers tailor instruction to meet student needs.

🗓 Testing takes place during the school day
🍎 Please help your child be ready by arriving on time, getting plenty of rest, and eating breakfast

👉 Click here to view sample AZELLA test questions:  

AZELLA Sample Test link 

If you have any questions about AZELLA testing, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.

In February, we proudly celebrate Black History Month as a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and leadership of Black Americans—past and present.

Throughout the month, our students will engage in learning activities that highlight history, culture, and the importance of respect, equity, and community.

We are proud to celebrate the rich diversity that makes Kennedy such a special place.

Throughout February, our school is focused on practicing our School Expectations—known as the 3 Be’s:
✅ Be Safe
✅ Be Respectful
✅ Be Responsible

Alongside the 3 Be’s, our scholars will also be learning and practicing these important Social Skills of the Month to help them succeed in school and beyond. Staying on Task  is the skill of the month along with: 

• Following Instructions

• Using Appropriate Voice Level

• Ignoring Distractions

• Working with Others

✨ Families can support by modeling these skills at home—together, we can help our scholars grow in confidence, respect, and teamwork!

Friendly Reminder: Classroom Celebrations 🎉

We love celebrating our scholars! As a friendly reminder, classroom celebrations and birthday parties take place on Fridays after 2:00 PM — or on the last school day of the week if there is a break.

This helps us keep instructional time strong while still giving students the chance to enjoy special moments with their classmates.

📝📊 Testing Season & Attendance Reminder

This month, our students will begin district and state testing. Attendance during testing is very important, as these assessments help us understand student progress and better support learning in the classroom. We encourage all students to come to school well-rested and ready to do their best!

Please make every effort to have your child at school on testing days. When students miss a day of school, they miss important learning.

Testing Dates:

2nd Grade AZELLA: February 2–6

1st Grade AZELLA: February 9–13

Kindergarten AZELLA: February 19–25

District Assessments (Grades 1–3): February 19 & 24

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed!

🌸☀️ Spring Break Reminder🌸☀️

Spring Break will be March 9–13, and school will resume on Monday, March 16. We hope our students and families enjoy a safe, restful break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to learn!

Enjoy your break! 💚📚

As part of our commitment to campus safety, ALL students will be required to wear their school ID badges at all times during the school day. They help ensure that we are accountable for who is accessing our schools at all times

🚌 Student ID badges will be used to:

• Access RSD bus transportation and school meals during lunch

💳 Lost or damaged ID cards?
There will be a $5.00 replacement fee for any lost or damaged badges .

Please help us by reminding your scholar to wear their badge daily and to treat it with care. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school safe, organized, and running smoothly! 💙🙌