Weekly Family Newsletter: 2/7/22

Posted February 7, 2022

 

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Dear Commander Community,

Happy Lunar New Year! This year, the Lunar New Year represents the transition from the year of the Ox to the year of the Tiger. Many Asian cultures celebrate this holiday as a time of rebirth and renewal, learn more about the Lunar New Year and how it could be recognized as a National Holiday here

Throughout the month of February, we continue to celebrate Black History Month. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about prominent Black Leaders through Advisory; but, I want to emphasize the importance of recognizing that Black History is American History and it is our responsibility as a school to include the rich histories of all of our students’ cultural backgrounds. Our diversity is part of what makes Kennedy such a unique place to learn and thrive. Check out this resource for parents on “How to Talk About Racism” with your family, and help us to continue to become more inclusive and equitable as a Kennedy Community.

SHOUT OUTS:

Two of our students Jacob Wood and Jaun Alvarado made the top 10 in The DCPA writing competition. Their play was chosen for the top 10 out of 127 plays. The Theater Department will be performing their play "Taking Candy" in April as part of the Sweet Dream performance. 

Three JFK students’ musical talents really shined during the Citywide Orchestra performance on Thursday evening. The students were recognized for their professionalism and talent by the Citywide Event Planner. Congrats to Thu A Nguyen, Santiago Mendez, and Victor Villalpando. A recording of the event is found here.

UPDATES:

DPS is updating how families are informed of active COVID cases in DPS Schools, please read this letter for more information.

March 2nd will be an Asynchronous Remote Learning day to provide students with a focused opportunity to ensure they are on track with their coursework and ICAP by the end of Quarter 3. Student expectations during their time working remotely are to:

  • Complete all coursework prior to the Quarter 3 deadline — 3/10/22

  • Complete any outstanding ICAP lessons

  • Meet with the Future Center (optional)

  • Email teachers with any questions or for support

Have a Commander Kind of Week!

Tiffany Almon
Proud Principal
She, her, hers and why they matter
tiffany_almon@dpsk12.org
 

EMAIL ME MEET WITH YOUR COUNSELOR  DONATE VISIT OUR SITE PARENT PORTAL
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TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR SCHOOL YEAR
  • JFK Food Pantry: We are so excited to launch our JFK Food Pantry! Beginning on Tuesday, February 8th, JFK families will have the opportunity to come by every Tuesday, from 3-5 PM to pick-up FREE items such as fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. Our Food Pantry is located on the south end of the main hall and you may enter through the teacher parking lot doors to get access to this resource.

    This collaboration is made possible through a non-profit organization called STIGMA. They will work diligently to build supply off of demand, however our first round will be on a first come, first serve basis and we anticipate serving 30 families. Any JFK family is welcome to this resource, but please note that you MUST have your student’s ID # in order to access the pantry. We can’t wait to serve you!

    Please reach out to flor_chavez@dpsk12.net and michael_laguardia@dpsk12.net if you have any questions.

  • WISH WEEK: Wish week is one week out of the school year dedicated to a child in need as well as to have fun. We are assigned a child with an illness, and throughout the week we sell items and raise as much money as we possibly can. Here's how you can help:
    • Repost our social media fundraising links during the week of February 14th 

    • Donate to our Fundraising Campaign HERE anytime between now and February 18th
  • Brew's News: Here’s what you need to know about the latest and greatest in activities going on at JFK! See here for more details on Wish Week Spirit days and more.
  • Library Newsletter: Here is a link to the library news for February.
  • Did you know that Kennedy has a blog? Check it out here. This blog is in collaboration with the YESS Institute at John F. Kennedy High School.
  • Kennedy Accelerated Learning Day: JFK is hosting an Accelerated Learning Remote Day on March 2nd.
    • Why: The purpose of this Accelerated Learning Remote Day is three-fold:
      • To give students an opportunity to get on track with credits and ICAP for Quarter 3
      • To give our teachers a chance to dig into and respond to student data and grades
      • To provide our custodial staff with a day to deep clean the building with no students in attendance
    • Who: 
      • All students will be remote, working asynchronously to complete assignments to get on track for quarter 3 with coursework and ICAP. Students will also have the opportunity to meet virtually with Counselors, our mental health team, and the Future Center
    • Schedule:​​

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TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT
  • Athletics:
    • Spring Sports Registration is still open! Click this link for directions and links to register. Here's to an exciting season!
  • Parent Involvement:
    • Want to join our Parent Teacher Student Association, the Commander Connection? Email our Communications Specialist, Laurentz Gilmore at laurentz_gilmore@dpsk12.org.
    • Want to be involved in making decisions in regard to our English Language Acquisition programming? Join our ELA – Parent Advisory Committee by emailing laurentz_gilmore@dpsk12.org. See HERE for more information regarding the ELA – Parent Advisory Committee. 
 
RESOURCES
  • IMPORTANT RESOURCES TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE AFTER SCHOOL HOURS: The JFK Mental Health & Culture Teams wanted to share important resources for families to utilize in need after school hours.

    How Can You Help Your Teen?

    • LEARN the warning signs/risk factors (what you are doing right now!) 
    • TALK to your teen about depression and suicide 
    • LISTEN to your teen’s concerns 
    • TEACH your teen to stand up for others who are being bullied either by telling a trusted adult or by reporting it anonymously to Safe2Tell 
    • SUPPORT JFK STAFF in school suicide prevention programming (If Necessary) 
    • FIND HELP for your teen, either through JFK staff or outside mental health providers
    • IF EMERGENCY: Call 911 OR Take teen to closest emergency hospital 
    • Make a Safe2Tell Report through their hotline 1-877-542-7233, their website (https://safe2tell.org/), or via app @Safe2TellCO. 
    • Contact Colorado Crisis Services – 24/7 Hotline & Clinics 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 24 hour suicide prevention phone hotlines 
    • Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (English and Spanish) 1-800-273-8255 
    • When possible, follow up with JFK’s Mental Health Team. They may complete a Suicide Risk Review (SRR) or Self-Injury Protocol (SII) (Denver Public Schools suicide/self-injury assessments) when school resumes. 
  • Our school nurse created a virtual health office containing links to lots of different information. Click on LINK for helpful resources.
  • Here is a link to a list of various food assistance resources around Denver!
  • Here is a link to information on Free Covid Tests.
  • Here is the link to access DPS Coronavirus Resources
  • Here is the Southwest Denver Free Activities Calendar
 
 
TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR FUTURE
  • This week is National School Counseling Week! Thanks to the JFK community for supporting our nationally recognized program!

  • Counselors are proctoring the Accuplacer test with Gayla Power on February 7-9th for all seniors who have not yet met the Competency graduation requirement

  • Choice of Studies for the 22-23 school year is in progress! During this process, students learn about JFK classes and submit their requests for next year. Students will be meeting with their Counselor during Math class on the following dates, so attendance will be crucial!

 
TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY

Health and Safety Protocols:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

    1. Masks will be required for all students, visitors, and staff while in all DPS schools and buildings, regardless of vaccination status. This mask requirement includes times when staff are meeting without students, regardless of vaccination status. 

    2. Masks will not be required outside, since the risk of COVID transmission is significantly lower outdoors. 

    3. Monitor who you eat lunch with and eat lunch outdoors when possible.

  • Monitor your symptoms, stay home, and get a COVID test if you are feeling sick

  • If a student is in close contact with someone who has contracted the COVID-19 Virus, Nurse Shirley (shirley_sorensen@dpsk12.org) will contact the student and their family.  See COVID-19 Exposure decision tree here for more information.

  • Staff and students are exempt from quarantine if you are: 

    • Fully vaccinated without symptoms. It needs to be 2 weeks since the last recommended vaccine dose. 

    • Previously positive in the past 90 days and are without symptoms.

    • Both parties were wearing a mask properly over the mouth and nose at the time of exposure and without symptoms and maintained 3 foot distance between individuals for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period.

  • Denver Health School-Based Clinic is proud to offer the Pfizer COVID vaccine right here on campus.  This vaccine is available to students, families of students, and DPS staff (including 3rd dose if immunocompromised).  To get a vaccine or for more information, make an appointment at 720-423-4355 or walk-in to the clinic.  Protecting our community is our priority.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
  • 2/21/22 — No School – President's Day

  • 3/2 — Kennedy Accelerated Learning Day

  • 3/2 — Commander Connection PTSA Meeting

  • 3/3 — ELA PAC Meeting

  • For more information on any of these events check jfk.dpsk12.org

   EVENT CALENDAR

 

HELPFUL LINKS

JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL

2855 S. LAMAR ST. DENVER, CO 80227