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

The Student of the Month Ceremony for K-1st grade will follow at 8:30am
Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us


Hi Families,
I’m so sorry for the delay with our cheer tryouts! Our final tryout will be this Thursday, October 16th. After that day, on Friday, October 17th, I will post the list of students who made the team.
Those selected will receive a physical packet that will need to be returned by Friday, October 24th.
Thank you for your patience and support! I’m so excited to see our Kennedy Colts spirit shine! ❤️🤍
— Ms. Garcia
Cheer Coach

Today is the first day of fall break! We hope our students and their families have a restful and fun week, and we look forward to seeing you next Monday, Oct. 13!
The district and school offices will be open to the public on Monday and Tuesday only, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All offices will be closed from Wednesday through Friday.

Local library events click link:
https://calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/calendar/burtonbarr?cid=15670&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=15670,15471,15680&inc=0
Get Free Museum passes from Library:
https://act1az.org/culture-pass/?utm_term=phoenix%20public%20library%20culture%20pass&utm_campaign=Culture+Pass+-+8-25-2021&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=6669817144&hsa_cam=14403743990&hsa_grp=126933600632&hsa_ad=541282330743&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-621243679616&hsa_kw=phoenix%20public%20library%20culture%20pass&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14403743990&gbraid=0AAAAAByDtOCemPXxpqgVL2RZKUvP0v8mW&gclid=CjwKCAjwxfjGBhAUEiwAKWPwDj-Y4yxosN9LYYPp9NBFNig2__XNQN7S40FzsBTYzgy5MVyzLwjuURoC0g8QAvD_BwE


School will be closed for Fall Break. October 6-10
Enjoy!
Melissa Downs


Click the link below to view our October Family Newsletter, which includes important dates, upcoming events, and school information.
https://roosevelt-school-district-66.edurooms.com/engage/kennedy-school/newsletters/october-family-newsletter

Camp Kroc at the Salvation Army has camps 8am-4pm with Extended Care for $25 extra.
1375 E. Broadway Rd.
https://krocphoenix.org/kroc-phoenix/camp-kroc
Scholarships available:
https://krocphoenix.org/kroc-phoenix/scholarships
Melissa Downs- Family Coordinator


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




Our families are so creative!
Melissa Downs
Family Coordinator

