"Hello, I am Ms. Tockstein, the school counselor. October is Bullying Prevention Month. This month I’m visiting every grade level to teach students what bullying is—hurtful, repeated behavior that involves an imbalance of power and can happen in person or online—and how to respond safely and respectfully. We’re practicing the “Stoplight” strategy: Red = Stop, Yellow = Support, and Green = Report. At home, you can practice with your child by reviewing scenarios together and creating new ones that feel real to them, so they feel confident standing up for themselves and others. Together, we can build a school culture of kindness, inclusion, and respect."

Thank you,

Marissa Tockstein
School Counselor
602.232.4220 ext. 11410
Marissa.tockstein@rsd.k12.az.us

This is Spirit Week dress up schedule. This was also in Ms. Hart’s newsletter.

Our families are so creative!

Melissa Downs
Family Coordinator

Fall Picture Day
Friday, September 26, 2025

"Hello, I am Ms. Tockstein, the school counselor. September is Suicide Prevention Month. This month I’m visiting every grade level to talk about mental health—helping students recognize their feelings, practice healthy ways to calm down, and know which trusted adults they can turn to for support. We’re using the “I Know” rule: I Know How I Feel (naming emotions), I Know What to Say (using their voice to ask for help or stop something unsafe), and I Know Where to Go (finding a safe adult). At home, you can keep the conversation going with simple check-ins, a “feel better” box of comforting items, or a family walk using the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding strategy. Together, we can help every child feel seen, supported, and safe.”
Marissa.tockstein@rsd.k12.az.us

If you need help this year for Christmas gifts, see Melissa Downs in the Family Center to register. There are 20 spots available with the Salvation Army. Children that will be age 12 and under by Dec. 25th can qualify. You will need access to your email. The gifts will have to be picked up at a Salvation Army by the person that registers.
Thank you,
Melissa Downs
Family Coordinator
At Kennedy on Monday’s and Thursday’s

Families can get 1 food box a month at Rio Vista Center on 1431 E. Southern,Tuesday-Thursday 9-11:30 or until food runs out.

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

Please see flyer for “Afternoons at Ocotillo Library”Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 they have free weekly afterschool programs where they do crafts, STEAM activities, and more!
Ocotillo Library visited today to let our students know about all of the fun things that can be checked out of the library for free! Such as books, audio books, CD’s, video games, movies, seeds, day passes, etc.
#jfkacademycolts #academy #southmountain #elementary #phoenixpubliclibrary
Please hit the heart button to say thank you for visiting our 2nd and 3rd graders!

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

We have started our Garden and Sustainability Club and we are on our 2nd class! The students are very excited! They are learning how deep and wide to plant, how much water to give and the science behind the plants, soil and insects needed to have a successful garden. Please hit the like button to celebrate their learning and Spaces of Opportunity for bringing plants, mulch and worms.
#Academy #Elementary #spacesofopportunity #southmountain #gardening #handsonlearning

Bus routes 9/23 All routes will be running on regular schedule this morning. No time delays or doubling up.

Sorry for the inconvenience Cheer Tryouts for 2nd and 3rd grade students will be reschedule for next Monday September 29.

We had a great turnout for our Principal, Parent, Family Coordinator meeting.

Good evening Kennedy Families,
Check out our Mid-September Family Newsletter for important updates, upcoming events, and helpful resources for the month. Click the link below: https://roosevelt-school-district-66.edurooms.com/engage/kennedy-school/newsletters/mid-september-newsletter

Fall Picture Day
Friday, September 26, 2025

📢 Memo to Families

Last week, you received a link from our Community Engagement team to complete the Alternate Income Eligibility Form.

✨ Why it matters: The information collected helps our school receive the funding we need for programs, resources, and services that support all students.

✅ If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes to fill out the form—your support makes a big difference for our Kennedy scholars!

👉 Complete the Alternate Income Eligibility Form Here : https://www.rsd66.org/page/income-based-eligibility

Thank you for your partnership!

Hello Kennedy Families! I am excited to share that we will start our Garden Club on Monday's Sept. 15th at 3:15 for 2nd and 3rd graders. The Garden Club will be using reading, math and science to have a successful garden! Please get a permission slip at the front desk. There are 12 spots available.
Please reach out to Melissa Downs in the Family Center for more information.
melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us
If you are a parent and would like to volunteer, please come in and watch a 10 minute video about volunteer rules. The video is in English and Spanish.
Spaces Of Opportunity will be helping us and they have a lot of knowledge in their field
https://www.spacesofopportunity.org/

You’re invited to Family Literacy Night on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 PM in the Kennedy School Cafeteria and our grade level classrooms !

This special evening will give families the chance to connect with teachers and staff, learn fun and practical ways to support reading at home, and explore the literacy resources and curriculum we use in our classrooms every day.

We’ll kick things off together in the cafeteria at 4:00 PM before moving into engaging activities for families and students. ✨ Plus, there will be food trucks, music, and fun for the whole school community—so bring your school spirit and join us for an exciting night of learning and celebration!

Everyone who attends will receive a FREE DRESS DOWN ticket! See you there!

September 12th @ 8am. Join us for a family meeting with parents, guardians, principal and family coordinator to discuss important topics related to your student's education and well-being.
Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us

Collective Heritage: Honoring the past, inspiring the future.
Hispanic Month Project due by September 11.