The Torch. Message from Principal Beaton

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1 October 2013 The Torch Volume 4, Issue 3 Message from Principal Beaton Congratulations Kennedy! The state multiple measures rating that was released to districts this morning shows very strong results for Kennedy. Kennedy made proficiency targets for all subgroups (99th percentile in the state); Kennedy showed growth on combined MCA reading and math far greater than the state average (77th percentile); Kennedy also demonstrated combined achievement gap reduction significantly better than the state average in reading and math (78th percentile). In 2013 our reading scores improved by 6%, our science scores improved by 16% and our math scores improved by 29%! Our building goals at Kennedy continue to focus on academic achievement, school climate and educational equity. Specifically, PLC teams are implementing reading strategies building-wide, continuing to research and improve grading practices and looking at data with an equity lens to insist on success for all of our students. To continue to foster high expectations, students and parents should be aware that this week teachers are reporting any student that currently has a failing grade. I will be calling families by early next week, notifying the parents of students who are struggling academically. Also, any 9th grade students currently failing a class are now required to attend homework help on Tuesdays after school from 2:30 to 3:30pm in the cafeteria until their grades improve. Failure to attend homework help may result in loss of privileges including regular lunch and/or co-curricular activities. As we celebrate homecoming week, we recognize all of the wonderful traditions at JFK and work to forge new ones that Insist on Success. Go Eagles! Contact Info: John F. Kennedy High School REMINDER: NO SCHOOL Wednesday - Friday Oct Teacher Prof. Development Day & Education MN Conference

2 CAREER CENTER NEWS Iowa State University UW- Lacrosse U of M- Duluth U.S. Navy NDSU St. Olaf UM- Morris U of North Dakota U.S. Army St. Bens/St. Johns Winona State U Hamline U Carlton College Concordia Moorhead Tues. Oct. 1st at 9:30 am Tues. Oct. 9:00am Tues. Oct 11:30am Mon. Oct 7 during lunch in cafeteria Mon. Oct. 7th at 12:30 pm Tues. Oct. 8th at 9:00 am Thurs. Oct 12:30pm Mon. Oct. 9:00am Tues. Oct 15 during lunch in cafeteria Wed. Oct. 23rd at 9:00 am Wed. Oct. 12:30pm Wed. Oct. 1:00pm Wed. Oct 23rd at 1:30 pm Fri. Oct 9:00am National College Fairs Minneapolis Convention Center Tuesday, Sept. 24, :00 am- 12:00 pm & 4:30 pm- 8:00 pm ** Wednesday, Sept. 25, :00 am- 12:00 pm Avoid waiting in line!! Information to preregister available in Counseling. ** Students are encouraged to attend the evening session and to register online at ** Attention juniors!! PSAT test date is Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Listen for announcements at school and on website.

3 HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN THE SUCCESS OF YOUR CHILD S EDUCATION? When you join KHS s PTSA, you become a member of the nation s largest and oldest child advocacy organiza- Some of National PTAs accomplishments include: At KHS our PTSA welcomes everyone, including grandparents, mentors, educators, neighbors, and community leaders. Each year National PTA and Minnesota PTA publish separate public policy agendas that outline policy evelt. Please recommit to becoming part of the rich legacy that is PTA and partner with KHS in our mission to im- are $ PTSA MEETING DATES/TIMES: - Setting the agenda for the school year ( ) Family Engagement Plan Bloomington Public Schools has launched a Family Engagement Plan designed to educate and nurture families to become more involved in their children s education. The initiative aims to break down barriers to provide schools and families with tools to become better partners in helping all students succeed. The plan s goals include: tion and parents participation in school decisions; The family engagement plan is aligned with the district s strategic outcomes Pathways to Graduation to prepare each For more information about all the different ways that parents and other family members can support students at JFK, both at home and at school, please contact Ms. Guess at rguess@bloomington.k12.mn.us or

4 available at school, you will need to send a signed doctor s note and the medication in

5 Picture Retake Day is here! Wednesday, October 9th Picture retake day is for students who bring their picture packets back & for students who missed the previous two picture dates. Reminder: Thursday, October 10th Homework Help Mondays & Tuesdays 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Media Center We have teachers available on Mondays and Tuesdays along with other tutors to help. Students may also use this time to do recovery for an unexcused absence. There is an activity bus available.

6 Welcome Back from Normandale TRiO Educational Talent Search! Welcome back for the school year. We are excited to continue working with the TRiO ETS students at Kennedy High School! TRiO Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a college readiness program that works with 6 th -12 th grade students to help them prepare to succeed in post-secondary education. This year Erik Torgerson will be working with students at Kennedy. He will be in the building on Mondays from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and Tuesdays from 7:30 am to 2 pm. Stop by the can get involved. You can also call Erik at (952) if you have any questions.

7 Upcoming Events Mark your calendar Friday 4 Homecoming Dance 8:00 pm Wednesday 16 PSAT Wednesday 16 No School - Teacher Professional Development Day Tuesday 29 Kennedy and Jefferson High School Orchestras comb ined Freshmen Retreat October 1st and October 4th The cost is $25.00 The Freshmen Retreat, ran by Youth Frontier and our Ignite Mentors, enhances Self- Awareness, Social Awareness and Relationship Skills. This is a must for every Freshmen. If the cost is preventing you from signing up speak to your counselor. Don t miss the fun!

8 KENNEDY performing arts

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10 Sports This Month Activity Date Time Versus Location Soccer: Boys Varsity 10/01/2013 4:45pm Bloomington Jefferson Kennedy - KHS Turf Field Soccer: Girls Varsity 10/01/2013 7:00pm Bloomington Jefferson Bloomington Stadium Volleyball: Varsity 10/01/2013 7:00pm Bloomington Jefferson Kennedy High School Soccer: Boys Varsity 10/03/2013 4:45pm Apple Valley Kennedy High School Soccer: Girls Varsity 10/03/2013 7:00pm Apple Valley Bloomington Stadium Volleyball: Varsity 10/03/2013 7:00pm Apple Valley Kennedy High School Football: Varsity 10/04/2013 7:00pm Prior Lake Bloomington Stadium Soccer: Boys Varsity 10/07/2013 4:15pm Chanhassen Kennedy - KHS Turf Field Soccer: Girls Varsity 10/07/2013 4:15pm Chanhassen Kennedy- KHS Turf Field Swimming/Diving: Girls Varsity 10/15/2013 6:00pm Eagan Oak Grove Junior High Volleyball: Varsity 10/15/2013 7:00pm Eastview Kennedy High School Swimming/Diving: Girls Varsity 10/22/2013 6:00pm Apple Valley Oak Grove Junior High Schedule is subject to change - Please Check South Suburban Conference at for the most updated schedule

11 Homecoming Week Homecoming week is Sept 30-Oct 4 volunteer at elementary schools afterwards. (We are working on getting bands, mini donuts etc). Tickets are $5 and will be sold all week. Spirit Days Monday: PJ day Tuesday: Hawaiian Wednesday: Western Thursday: Throwback Friday: Blue and Gold

12 Reminder to the parents: Attendance Regular attendance in all classes is vital to insuring a quality educational experience. Regular class attendance instills self-discipline, and helps prepare the student for the world of work. Absences affect student academic performance. A student can never fully replace the learning experience when absent from class. One way you may help is to please limit absences by scheduling appointments, vacations, college visits, etc. to non-school days and after school hours. If a student must miss school because of an illness or appointment, please call and include the following information: a) Your name and relationship to the student student s grade level c) State the day of the week (Monday-Friday) and the date of the absence. d) Give a daytime phone number where you may be reached which allows us to verify your call, if there is a need. Tardiness: The goal of the Hall Sweeps Program is to protect instructional time from the interruption of students arriving late to class. Kennedy also wants to send a strong message that punctuality is part of showing to receive a pass to class. If a guardian cannot be reached, lunch detention will be assigned before they receive a pass to class. Students who are repeatedly late to class will receive an additional consequence. Dances School dances are held from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm in compliance with the Hennepin County Curfew. Students are not allowed to leave the dance and re-enter. Students must follow the guidelines in the student handbook (on-line) when bringing a guest to Sadie Hawkins and Prom. New this year: Before students can purchase Prom tickets they must have passing grades or demonstrate a commitment to improving failing grades.

13 School Newsletters October 2013 Referendum 2013: Don t Forget to Vote Bloomington parents are encouraged to vote in the coming election this fall. The District s 2007 Capital Projects Levy for technology was won by a mere 145 votes. Only 33% of parents voted in that election. The 2013 Capital Projects Levy will fund $6 million a year for 10 years without a tax increase (for a minimum of 4 years). The funds will be used to support: Safety & Security Measures that will better prepare for, protect against and respond to future school incidents and emergencies; and Education Technology that will prepare students to compete in a global economy. How do I vote? To vote on the referendum questions, you must be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Minnesota for 20 days and a resident of Bloomington School District 271 for 30 days. You can register at the polls on Election Day with state approved identification. Pre-registration is encouraged but must be completed before Oct. 15 by completing a voter registration application and mailing to Hennepin County Elections Division. Where do I vote? To learn where to vote, call or go online to: Click on Government Law, then Voting. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and voting assistance is available. Can I vote in the referendum by absentee ballot? Voting by absentee ballot is allowed if you are unable to vote in person on Election Day for one of the following reasons: Absence from the precinct (includes students attending college) Illness or disability Religious discipline or observance of religious holiday Absentee ballots are now available, and may be obtained by submitting a signed written application to the City Clerk s Office. The Absentee Application is available at the City of Bloomington s City Clerk s Office, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, or by downloading the Absentee ballot application (PDF). Absentee ballots may be submitted by mail, or by voting in person at the City Clerk s Office during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Where can I get more information about the referendum? Visit Bloomington Public Schools referendum website. You may also call the Community Relations Office at