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/

about 2 months ago, Melissa Downs
Native American Heritage Month

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

about 2 months ago, Roosevelt School District No. 66
Our students enjoyed Halloween with a parade! #Jfkacademycolts
about 2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Halloween Parade
Super Heroes
Witchin Hour
Ring Toss
Mickey and princess
Ms. Lambkin Candy
Ring Toss
High Five
Toilet bowl
Our families really enjoyed the Trunk or Treat. Thank you for all of the candy donations. A special shout out to all of our teachers and staff that made this a great event!
#community #familyinvolvement #elementary #jfkacademycolts #bestteachers #southmountain
about 2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Pumpkins
Purple
Princess
Math Practice!
If Skeletons could talk
Halloween!
Ms. Nellas
Sponge Bob
Jason-Halloween
Winnie the Poo

🎃 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! 🍬

about 2 months ago, Britné Hart- Principal
trunk or treat picture

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

2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Reading Time with my new book!
See what I made?
Working Hard
Look Mom!
Perfect! Done with Art project.
So proud of my Art Work!
Raising A Reader Free 8 week Reading Program
Raising A Reader Spanish Flyer

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

2 months ago, Melissa Downs
Food Bank Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm
Food, Clothing, Diapers
on internet enter 211, search food, enter your zip code
🧡 Unity Day – Wear Orange This Wednesday!

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.
2 months ago, Britné Hart- Principal
Unity Day
We are accepting candy donations for our Trunk or Treat! Please bring bagged candy to the front office from now until Wednesday, October 29th.

Thank you
2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Candy Donations

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

2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
AZELLA
AZELLA
English Instruction
English Instruction
Arizona English Language Learner Assesment
Join us for a Trunk or Treat Oct. 29th 4:30-6:00pm. No costumes to school on the 29th but please wear costumes to Trunk or Treat.

Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us
2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Trunk or Treat Oct.29th
Ms. Hart and Melissa Downs invite our families to come into the cafeteria for a cup of coffee! This Friday, October 17th 8am-8:25am

The Student of the Month Ceremony for K-1st grade will follow at 8:30am


Melissa.downs@rsd.k12.az.us
2 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Coffee with our principal!
Cafe con  directora
📣 Cheer Tryout Update

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
2 months ago, Britné Hart- Principal
Cheer update

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.

3 months ago, Roosevelt School District No. 66
A close up of Arizona cactuses during sunrise

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




Melissa Downs

3 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Fall Break Oct. 6-10
receso de Otono
Hello Kennedy Families,
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
3 months ago, Britné Hart- Principal
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

3 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Fall Camp 8-4pm
Camp Kroc
"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
3 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Bullying Prevention
Bullying Prevention 2 English
Prevencion del bullying1
Prevencion del bullying2
This is Spirit Week dress up schedule. This was also in Ms. Hart’s newsletter.

Our families are so creative!

Melissa Downs
Family Coordinator
3 months ago, John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry
Spirit Week