
December 2, 2023
Looking Ahead
Calendar
December 1-2: Choir Show
December 8: Winter assembly
December 21-22: Final exams MINIMUM DAY (end of semester 1)
December 25-January 5: Winter Break
Civic and Service Learning requirement
Dear 12th Grade Students and Families,
We would like to update you regarding the Civic and Service Learning requirement toward
graduation. Effective immediately, the District has lifted the specific hours required to complete the
service hours graduation criteria. Students are NO longer required to log 30 hours of community
service to meet the graduation requirement. Rather, the district would like to honor the meaningful
civic and service learning experiences that students are doing in the classroom. The requirement
moving forward expects students to reflect on their civic and service learning experiences through the
Capstone Program and/or other approved written, oral, or visual methods.
For students, who have chosen to accumulate service learning hours outside of the school day, they
will be recognized at graduation with a medallion. The district will recognize students at the
graduation ceremony based on the following criteria:
Bronze Medallion: 30 hours for the Class of 2024 (Starting with the Class of 2025 and after will be 40
hours)
Silver Medallion: 75+ hours
Gold Medallion: 100+ hours
For students who are pursuing this OPTIONAL graduation recognition, service learning hours will still
need to be logged into Thrively. Students can earn service learning hours by participating in activities
such as:
● Volunteering at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or senior center
● Tutoring others
● Cleaning up a local park or beach
● Advocating for a social cause
For students who are NOT pursuing the optional graduation recognition, you do NOT need to submit
anything via Thrively. Participating and reflecting upon your civic and service learning experience
through the Capstone Program will satisfy your graduation requirement.
If you have any questions regarding the updated graduation requirement, please contact the
counseling department at your site.
Anaheim Collaborative-Family Engagement Summit
if you are interested in attending the Anaheim Collaborative , please email Neufarth_m@auhsd.us to reserve your spot now!! There are limited spaces for the event so sign up quickly.
*Summit will begin at 9:00 am and end at 2:00 pm
*Due to parking challenges, participants MUST ride the school buses to CSUF (pick up locations TBD)
*Light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided
ASB
Cell Phone Policy
Hello Irish! We are in the 2nd Quarter of the school year! (Oct. 10-Dec. 22)
As a reminder, please review the following cell phone policy as cell phones should not be a distraction during instructional time:
If a student has a cell phone or electronic device out or turned on during the restricted instructional time, the following rules apply:
The cell phone/electronic device will be confiscated from the student including usage in an office, hallways, restroom, etc. during instructional time.
The cell phone/electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian of the student.
Repeat offenders will face disciplinary consequences.
Let’s have a great 1st Semester!!!
Dress Code Policy
Students are expected to follow our dress code every day. This includes not wearing pajama pants. Students wearing pajama pants will be asked to change into PE loaner shorts, or have a parent bring them a change of clothes. Thank you.
Please refer to the Policies and Procedure
AIME - College Preparedness Opportunity
AIME Office in partnership with the Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce is offering a great opportunity for both parents and students to learn about college readiness. Learn firsthand from college students and professionals on what it takes to succeed.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023
Time: 5 - 7 pm
Location: AUHSD District Office - La Palma Room
Dinner will be provided
Please register below:
High School student event registration - https://forms.gle/EB6qb3SfaKS6HDdU9
Parents/Guardian event registration - https://forms.gle/uZD2arh664YPc8kn7.
🌟 Embrace the Journey of Parenthood with Wisdom and Empowerment! 🌟
Dear Parents,
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the first session with Mr. Stedman Graham – it was an incredible presentation, and your participation made it even more special! Now, let's keep the momentum going.
We invite you to join us for our upcoming session on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00 pm via Zoom. The link to the session is: CLICK HERE TO JOIN, and the password is "Parent".
This time, we're thrilled to have Karen DeVoogd, a highly regarded K-12 educator, professor, and Conflict Education Training expert, share her expertise on communication strategies. In this workshop, you'll gain valuable insights into better ways to communicate with your child, all while avoiding power struggles and fostering open, meaningful conversations.
Details:
- Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023
- Time: 6:00 pm
- Zoom Link: https://auhsd-us.zoom.us/j/82685965795
- Password: Parent
Karen's session will equip you with practical tools to create an environment where communication thrives, helping you connect more deeply with your child. Learn effective strategies to encourage them to open up, strengthening your parent-child bond.
We understand the demands of daily life, but investing in enhancing your communication skills is an investment in your family's well-being. We hope to see you there, ready to learn and engage in this enriching experience.
Thank you for your continued commitment to your child's growth and development.
Counseling Corner
Avanzar a Ganar: La Importancia de Oportunidades Educativas más allá de Graduación
Tuesday, Dec 5, 2023, 06:00 PM
Kennedy High School, Walker Street, La Palma, CA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Estan Bienvenidos
A Presentation for parents completely in Spanish by counselors at AUHSD. Covering the importance of educational opportunities beyond graduation.
Class of 2024 Financial Aid
As a reminder to the Class of 2024, all seniors must apply for financial aid, this is a graduation requirement per the state of California. The 2024-2025 financial aid application that seniors need to complete will not be available until December, the date is still to be determined.
**The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online federal form found here https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Duel Enrollment
Cypress College is offering Dual Enrollment courses this Spring again. This is a great opportunity for you to receive elective credits that will count toward your AUHSD graduation credits and allow you to get a head start on college credits. Below are some helpful links to the course offerings and course descriptions for both Cypress College and Fullerton College. Freshman have the opportunity to take the Counseling 140 class.
Reasons to take a Dual Enrollment course:
• Earn BOTH high school and college credits
• Earn college credit for FREE
• Get ahead and start college now!
• Save time and money on books and tuition!
• Be better prepared for college
• Complete some of your Pledge Requirements
Please click on the link below. Cypress College has made virtual office hours available to assist you in registering for the spring classes.
PTSA Connections
"Shop, Submit, and Support! Turn Your Receipts into Dollars for Kennedy High School. Join School Cents - Now until April 2024!"
Thank you for your support!
Kennedy PTSA is excited to announce that Kennedy is participating in the School Cents program this year starting September 1st thru April. Anytime anyone in the community shops at Cerritos Mall, Lakewood Mall and Stonewood Mall and either SCANS their receipts, EMAILS it to us at PTSA (jfkirishptsa@gmail.com) or drops the physical receipt at the attendance office, we will get credit and may be eligible to get money towards our school at the end of the school year. First Place gets $10K
PTSA Membership
PTSA membership is open all year long and is only $10. Memberships help ensure our parents, teachers, and students have a voice on campus. Membership does not commit you to volunteering your time. Seniors must be a member to be able to qualify for the PTSA scholarship. Sign up here today!
Seniors
Kennedy Seniors,
Friday, December 22nd is the last day for them to purchase membership for PTSA to qualify for the PTSA senior scholarship.
PTSA Membership
Kennedy PTSA Birthday Celebrations
Holiday cookie decorating
Community Resources
City of Buena Park Community Services
offers a STUDY SESSIONS
every other Tuesday 5-8 pm
vaccine clinic
Get your children caught up on their immunizations with Families Together and Anaheim Union High School District. We’ll be providing routine immunizations and Covid vaccines for children and students up to 18 years old.
Food Distribution
HOPE School, Dale JHS, and Orangeview JHS are collaborating to host free, monthly food distributions. Please see schedule and note locations and times, as they vary.
Sycamore Junior High Free groceries. Please bring your own bags and a cart.
Friendly Reminders
Parents/Guardians and families, please make sure your child brings their Chromebooks or personal computing devices to school everyday, fully charged and ready to be used. It is very important to do this as you may be using these devices for various courses at our school. Please remind your child every night to charge their devices and pack it in their backpacks for the morning. We very much appreciate your help in this and to help them build these positive habits as they go about this new school year.
Parking Lot Updates
Kennedy High School began a two phase Solar Panel Project in the South (Student) Parking Lot.
This means that a portion of the South Parking Lot will be closed for between 6-8 months.
Therefore, student parking will be limited. It is recommended that students be dropped off at school or carpool with other students. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience.
Chrome Books
Students, please make sure you bring your Chromebooks or personal computing devices to school everyday, fully charged and ready to be used. It is very important to do this as you may be using these devices for various courses at our school. In addition, please start building the habit of charging your Chromebooks or personal devices every night to ensure it is ready the day after. It is always greatly appreciated that a student comes prepared.
23/24 Bus Pass
Youth Ride Free passes for the 2023-24 school year are available in the attendance office.
*Click on the link here to access a permission slip and print the form and fill it out to submit. A bus pass can then be issued to your student. If printing is not accessible at home, please request a printed copy from the Family and Community Engagement Specialist
INTRODUCING THE NEW STUDENT ADVENTURE PASS
You have a lot to juggle, and getting to school shouldn't be one of your worries. That's why Metrolink is here to make your life easier with FREE rides for students. The Student Adventure Pass makes it easier to connect to opportunities and experiences throughout SoCal, by train. Oh yeah, and it's free.
STAY MOBILE WITH YOUR STUDENT ADVENTURE PASS
Getting your mobile Student Adventure Pass is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Download the Metrolink mobile app.
- Register an account using your school email.
- Verify your account via the confirmation email (check your spam folder) and you'll receive your Student Adventure Pass directly to your mobile to your mobile app wallet.
Grab your phone and valid student ID and you're good to go!
Where are you headed? Take the train to school, work, or adventures. With the Student Adventure Pass your ride is on us. Get on board.
If your student is in need of a hotspot to access the internet at home, please reach out to Ms.Neufarth Neufarth_m@auhsd.us
Contact Us
Main Office:
714-220-4101
Attendance Office:
714-220-4131
714-220-4132
Counseling Office:
714-220-3006
FACES:
714-220-4104
Health Office:
714-220-4115
Records Office:
714-220-4121
Registration Office:
714-220-4126
Please subscribe to Kennedy’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/khighyoutube