Kennedy Family Update

February 10, 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Families,

In the fall, Kennedy Middle School introduced, as a pilot, three shifts to incorporate a more equitable grading practice. These practices included, bottoming out F grades at 50%, allowing students multiple opportunities for retakes or revision, and not grading homework. The survey included is to help measure the effectiveness of these shifts. The ultimate goal is to help our students become more confident learners.

Click here to access the survey.

We throughly enjoyed watching our 7th grade students participate in Model UN this week. For the past month, students were busy researching information on an assigned country. They were asked to propose solutions to the complex global issue of clean water. At the simulation students presented opening speeches, engaged in discussions, wrote resolutions, and followed parliamentary procedure in a structured form of debate. We are all very proud of the high level of work completed by the students under the guidance of teachers Sean Lobberecht and Cynthia Jackson. Please enjoy some pictures!

We would like to thank our PTO for their hard work with the Wizards game last week. What a great community event!

Have a great weekend!

#bekind

Mr. Gildea

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Grade 8 Transition to High School

The following letter was sent out via Aspen on February 1 and via US mail at the beginning of this week.

Dear Parents and Guardians of 8th Grade Students,

As we move into the second half of the school year we are beginning to prepare students for their transition to high school. A smooth transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is one of our top priorities and includes input from Kennedy teachers and staff, students and parents/guardians. We would like you to be aware of some events and presentations for students and families that will be happening:

● Student Field Trip to WHS (Wednesday 2/8): Students will walk to WHS for the CTE Presentation, Dance Theater Performance and Lunch.

● PTO Presentation (TBD): PTO Presentation presented by MaryJo Rendón, 9th Grade Interim Associate Principal

● Student Assembly (TBD): Student Information Assembly presented by Darrell Braggs, Interim Principal of WHS and 9th Grade Interim Associate Principal MaryJo Rendón

● Parent Information Night at Waltham High School (March 7, 2023 @ 7pm) Parent Information Night for Grade 8 families presented by Interim Principal Darrell Braggs, 9th Grade Interim Associate Principal MaryJo Rendón and WHS Staff

● Course Selection Process (On-going): All students will be recommended for a 9th grade MESH class by their current MESH teacher. This recommendation is based on what they have seen from students in terms of their academic abilities, executive functioning skills and academic potential during the first half of the year. Students are either recommended for College Prep (CP) or Honors (H). Teacher recommendations will be sent home for parents/guardians to review and provide feedback.

In addition to MESH classes, students will have the opportunity to continue with the World Language class they are currently taking or choose a new language course, as well as choosing from a variety of elective courses to round out their schedule. All 9th graders will take a health & PE class as one of their electives.

Students and parents/guardians will receive instructions on the course selection process, video tutorials, and forms required for the selection of electives in the coming weeks.

The goal of the course selection process is to set all students up for success with a challenging, yet balanced schedule for their freshman year. This means that student schedules will vary based on the needs of each individual.

● Step Up Day (Final day of school) Students will walk to Waltham High School to tour the building and visit with teachers. They will be dismissed from Waltham High School.

We understand that this can be a very exciting yet stressful time for you and your child. Our teachers and staff members are here to help with this process and we are confident that our students will be well prepared as they begin this next chapter of their lives.

Please do not hesitate to contact Kate Sullivan, Assistant Principal, at 781-314-5565 or Gelen Zepeda, Grade 8 School Counselor, at 781-314- 5569.

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National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The National Junior Honor Society will hold its Induction Ceremony on February 28, 2023. NJHS students need to report to the Kennedy auditorium by 5:45. The ceremony will be from 6:00 - 7:00 and family and friends are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Bernadette Scichilone at bernadettescichilone@walthampublicschools.org .