John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry

Hello Kennedy Families

Read our November Family Newsletter, which includes important dates, upcoming events, and school information.

Spaces of Opportunity surprised the Garden Club with pumpkins to decorate and fresh pumpkin muffins with pumpkin seeds inside, so delicious! The week after each student received a bag of fresh vegetables. Ellie, taught them the difference between root vegetables and stem vegetables.
#jfkacademycolts #gardening #handsonlearning #southphoenix #elementary #spacesofopportunity #community

Melissa Downs-Family Education and Engagement Coordinator

November is Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate and explore the rich cultures, traditions, histories, achievements and challenges of the original inhabitants of the lands that now make up the United States.

Liberty Wildlife will be celebrating on November 16th, 9am-4pm. Located on 2600 E. Elwood (24th St. + Salt River).

https://libertywildlife.org/event/native-american-culture-and-wildlife-celebration/

Student Meal Updates

We understand that recent cuts to SNAP funding and the temporary lapse in benefits may cause concern for many of our Roosevelt families. Please rest assured that all Roosevelt students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day, regardless of any changes to SNAP.

Learn more

🎃 Upcoming Events at Kennedy!

🚗 Trunk or Treat – Wednesday, October 29th | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun evening of trunks, treats, and community spirit!
Please note: No costumes at school on the 29th, but students are encouraged to wear their costumes to Trunk or Treat that evening.

🎭 Costume Parade – Friday, October 31st | 8:30–9:00 a.m.
We’re celebrating the season with our annual Costume Parade in the Kennedy Courtyard!
Students may come in costume or free dress, and parents are welcome to join the fun!
We’re also asking for candy donations to make this event extra sweet—thank you for your support! 🍬

Thank you to Karla from Raising A Reader for teaching our parents how to support their children in learning! #jfkacademycolts #raisingareader

Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us

Family Education and Engagement Coordinator

Four Food, Clothing, Diaper and Housing Resources:
https://azresourcecenters.com/resources/ Rio Vista Center is a Community Resource located on 14th St. and Southern. 1431 E. Southern Ave. Food Boxes are first come first serve and opens 9am-12pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They also have help with clothing and diapers. Families have received meats, fruits and vegetables.

https://211arizona.org/ search for food, enter zip code
https://justaskmia.org/about/ housing, food, clothing, heat relief

https://azfoodbanks.org/get-food/

Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us Family Education and Education Coordinator

🌟 Join us Thursday! 🌟

Supporting Your Child for AZELLA Success Workshop
📅 Oct. 23 ⏰ 9–10:30 a.m. 📍 RSD Board Room

What to Expect:

• Parents and caregivers will learn simple ways to support their children for the AZELLA test

• Enjoy a Día de los Muertos altar and pan de muerto

• Take home free bilingual books and homework dictionaries

• Raffle 🎉

Don’t miss out — we can’t wait to see you there!

If your child receives this workshop flyer, they will be taking the assessment early in 2026. They will continue to take this every year until they achieve 1000 points and reach proficiency. Proficiency is required to graduate High School. An example of the score report is on page 5.
This workshop on October 23rd will be in English and Spanish to explain how you can help your child.

AZELLA
The Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA) is a standards-based assessment that meets both state and federal requirements to measure students’ English language proficiency. AZELLA is used for both placement and reassessment purposes. Students who have been identified as second language learners on the Home Language Survey (HLS) take the AZELLA Placement Test, and the students’ proficiency scores determine appropriate placement for instruction. Students who have been placed into an English language learner program will also take the Spring AZELLA Reassessment once per year until they achieve proficiency. Students who have scored proficient on the AZELLA are then monitored for two years to help ensure success after their move into a mainstream classroom.

Thank you,
Melissa Downs- Family Coordinator

💼 Job Fair
Work for RSD and be the genesis of change in South Phoenix!

📅 Saturday, Oct. 25 ⏰ 10 a.m. – Noon
We're holding a job fair on Saturday, Oct. 25, to fill vacant classified positions including: bus drivers, maintenance techs, custodians, parapros and more!

📍Roosevelt School District Board Room
Bring your resume to the District Office between 10 a.m. and Noon and interview for the job that's right for you!

Walk-ins welcome, registration preferred