Dear Kennedy Families,

I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the final days of summer. On behalf of our entire staff, I am excited to welcome you to the 2026–27 school year! Whether your child is returning or joining Kennedy for the first time, we are thrilled to have your family as part of our school community.

Please save these important dates:

Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday, July 30, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Principal’s Welcome Address: 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria
First Day of School: Monday, August 3, 2026
Breakfast Begins: 7:30 a.m.
School Begins: 8:00 a.m.

During my welcome address, I will share important information about transportation, arrival and dismissal, AZELLA, tutoring, clubs, the Student Code of Conduct, and third-grade expectations. Families will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn how we can work together to support a successful school year.

Students should wear a light blue, navy, white, or red polo shirt with navy pants, shorts, a skirt, or a jumper. Closed-toe shoes are required; Crocs are not permitted.

Please stay connected through the Roosevelt School District app, our school website, and social media. We are honored to partner with you and look forward to a joyful year of learning, growth, and achievement.

Warmly,

Britne Hart
Principal
John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry

Principal Welcome Kinder Letter

Welcome Back: School Bus Safety Information



Dear Kennedy Families,

Welcome back to school! We are excited to begin another productive and successful school year.

The safety of our students is always our highest priority. Our Transportation Department is committed to providing safe, dependable, and cost-effective transportation that supports each student’s educational experience. School buses remain one of the safest forms of student transportation, and we need every family’s partnership to ensure a safe and positive ride.

Please review the following transportation expectations with your child:
-Students must follow all bus rules and the directions of the bus driver. The bus driver is the authority on the bus at all times.
-Students should arrive at their assigned bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
-While waiting, students must remain at least 10 feet away from the roadway.
-Bullying, fighting, abusive language, profanity, and vandalism are prohibited.
-Cellphone use is prohibited unless there is an emergency and the bus driver gives permission. Cellphones, tablets, video games, and other electronic devices must remain secured inside students’ backpacks or pockets.
-Students will receive a transportation scan card to use when entering and exiting the bus. These cards will also allow families to access available features in the BusRight app.
-Families may use the BusRight app to track their child’s assigned bus route.
-Students in kindergarten through second grade may not be released at an afternoon bus stop unless an authorized adult is present to receive them.
-Students may not exit at a different stop or ride a different route without prior written authorization from a school official.General education students must have an approved Alternate Stop Request Form. Special education students may only be transported to their designated location.
-Safe-riding practices and bus-evacuation drills will be conducted during the fall and spring as required by Arizona law and the Department of Public Safety.
-School staff will be visible in the bus-loading area to help students locate the correct bus and route.

The Transportation Department and school administrators will work together to address any violations of bus expectations. Consequences may be assigned when student behavior jeopardizes the safety of the driver or other passengers.

For routing information or bus-related concerns, please contact the Transportation Department directly. Staff members are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additional transportation information is also available on the district’s website.

Thank you for helping us reinforce safe, kind, respectful, and responsible behavior. Working together, we can provide every Kennedy student with a safe and successful transportation experience.

**Principal’s Meet and Greet: 6:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria**
**Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.**


Dear Kennedy Families,

Please join us for Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, July 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

During the evening, I invite you to attend an optional Principal’s Address at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. This will be an opportunity to meet me, Ms. Hart, Principal of John F. Kennedy Academy, and receive important information to help your family prepare for a successful school year.

Topics will include:

* Third-grade state testing requirements and expectations
* Student Code of Conduct
* AZELLA: Arizona English Language Learner Assessment
* Kindergarten arrival and dismissal procedures
... and much more!

If you are available, please stop by the cafeteria. I look forward to meeting our Kennedy families, answering your questions, and beginning another successful school year together.

See you Thursday!

Hello Kennedy Families,
Click the link below to view our Summer Family Newsletter, which includes important dates, upcoming events, and school information.

https://roosevelt-school-district-66.edurooms.com/newsletters/kennedy-school/newsletters/june-family-newsletter

📢 Kennedy Families,

If you have not already completed your child's re-enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year, please do so as soon as possible to secure their seat for next year.

➡️ Click the link below to re-enroll today!
Click here to Re-Enroll today !

Thank you for being part of the Kennedy family!

Reinventing Roosevelt Community Listening Session
🗓️ Thursday, May 14 ⏰ 5-7 p.m.
📍Verna McClain Wellness Center

Join us for a listening session on the future of several RSD school sites and nearby parcels. Share your ideas, ask questions and help shape our community's future.

For more information, visit the Reinventing Roosevelt page.

Join us for our free mobile food distribution, in collaboration with St. Mary's Food Bank, on Friday, May 1 at 8 a.m. Food items will be distributed in the parking lot of Bernard Black Entrepreneurial Academy.

🚗 For everyone's safety, please enter the distribution site via Southern and 27th Ave.

✉️ Bring your ID and a piece of mail to confirm your address.

Keep Your Child's Smile Healthy with Cavity Free AZ!

Thursday, April 16th at Kennedy. Grades: K and 2nd

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic childhood disease? Left untreated, it can lead to serious medical health issues. That’s why the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s Cavity Free AZ team will be on campus to help Kinder and 2nd grade students!
We provide safe and effective preventative dental services to protect your child’s smile by preventing tooth decay and stopping cavities from growing. Our services include:
Basic Dental Screening (Kinder and 2nd grades): A visual check of teeth and gums to look for concerns.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (Kinder and 2nd grades): A liquid quickly applied on cavities to stop the spread.
Fluoride Varnish (Kinder's only): Strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities.
Dental Sealants (2nd graders only): A protective coating that shields molar teeth from decay.
The Best Part? It’s at NO COST to you!
This school-based program is provided at NO COST to eligible Kinder and 2nd grade students.
How to Enroll:
Visit us online to fill out the required consent form by using the link below:
For English copy and paste into browser:
www.MCCavityFreeAZEnglish.org
Spanish:
www.MCCavityFreeAZEs.org
Please contact our health tech liliana.lopez@rsd.k12.az.us

Our Garden Club was on TV! I am so proud of this Garden Club. They all work so hard and are always learning. They also did a fantastic job for this interview!

https://www.univision.com/local/arizona-ktvw/jugando-estos-ninos-aprenden-a-cultivar-sus-propios-alimentos-en-este-club-de-jardineria-video

#SpacesOfOpportunity #Elementary #HandsOnLearning #SouthMountain #JFKAcademyColts #AfterSchoolClubs

melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us

Family Education and Engagement Coordinator