This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
School will resume on Monday, December 1.
We wish all of our families a safe, restful, and joyful break! 🦃💛
John F. Kennedy Academy has started their 1st Book Club! This is an after school program that will run from November- April, once a month 3-4pm. I am pleased to announce that Loving Library Ambassadors will be running the program in the Family Center. They will be reading a book, having a discussion and then doing an activity based on what they learned.
#academy #afterschoolclubs #jfkacademycolts #communityoutreach #studentleadership #lovinglibrary #elementary #studentinvolvement
Thank you,
Melissa Downs
Family Engagement and Education Coordinator
GO COLTS!
#jfkacademycolts #cheer #elementary #afterschoolprograms #southmountain
In honor of Veterans Day, we had a special guest, Louis Ridley. He is retired from the Army, and he came in to talk to our Kennedy Students.
#jfkacademycolts #veteransday #southmountain #communityoutreach #americanlegionpost65
South Mountain Community College celebrates American Indian Heritage Month!
In celebration of American Indian Heritage Month join us for screenings of American Indian and Indigenous Films.
10:15am: On a Knife Edge
12pm: Once Were Warriors
2pm: Smoke Signals
3:45pm: Wind River
5:45pm: Star Wars (Navajo Language Version)
10am-7:30pm
Families, if you drop off your child on the Vineyard side, please remember that all visitors must sign in at the front office or schedule an appointment to meet with teachers.
For everyone’s safety, we ask that you follow the directions of our teachers and staff at the gate who are there to help students out of cars and ensure a smooth, safe arrival for all.
Thank you for helping us keep our Kennedy Colts safe and our mornings running smoothly! 💙🐴
No school tomorrow, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.
To all who served, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
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.
#community #familyinvolvement #elementary #jfkacademycolts #bestteachers #southmountain
🎃 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
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
Kennedy families,
In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, students and staff are encouraged to wear orange this Wednesday, October 22nd to celebrate Unity Day! 🧡
Unity Day is a nationwide event that promotes kindness, acceptance, and inclusion while taking a stand against bullying. By wearing orange, we show our collective support for creating a school community where every child feels safe, valued, and respected.
Thank you
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
Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us
