Commander Communicator 9/16/2022

Posted September 16, 2022

Commander Communicator 9-16

A Message From Principal Almon

Dear Commander Community,

“Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negatives. And if things don’t work out, take another shot.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour.

Students and Families, next week is Homecoming week!!! This is a time for you to truly “capture the good times,” get involved in Spirit Week, and attend fun events like the Powder Puff Football game, the Bonfire, the Parent Night at the Dog House Tavern, the Pep Rally, the Homecoming Dance AND the Homecoming Football Game against Littleton at ACF! Check out details regarding Homecoming Week below and on our website, and remember to find a partner to dress up like on Monday for Twin Day!

Students, if you are struggling in one or more of your classes, please attend after-school tutoring in the library every Thursday from 2:40 pm to 4:00 pm. We will expand our after-school tutoring options to Tuesdays and Thursdays towards the end of each quarter. See the schedule HERE.

Shout out to the Collaborative School Committee, who met on Wednesday evening to review and ask questions about our school’s strategic plan for ensuring every Commander Thrives, the School Performance Framework, and our enrollment and budget. This is a public meeting; therefore, all are welcome to attend. See the slide deck of what was discussed during the CSC meeting here.

Last Thursday, 9/15/22, was the launch of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize all of the amazing accomplishments of our Latinx students, families, leaders, and historical figures. Kudos to the Latinos in Action students for planning engaging advisory lessons and events for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2022.

Please read the information below to prepare for the week ahead!

Have a Commander Kind of Day!

Tiffany Almon, Proud Principal

She, her, hers, and why they matter

tiffany_almon@dpsk12.net

If you would like to donate to our COVID Relief Fund, Venmo @JFKCommanders

Take Command of Your Future!

Upcoming Dates!

Homecoming Week!!!
- 9/16-9/24
- Theme: Board Games
Pack The House Volleyball Game
- Tuesday, September 20
- JFK Gym 4:30, 5:30 & 7:00 PM
Native American Education Students Field Trip
- Wednesday, September 21, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Powderpuff Game -(Senior vs Junior Girls Flag Football)
- Wednesday, September 21st
- JFK Football Field @ 5:00 pm
Homecoming Bonfire
- Traylor Elementary
- Wednesday, September 21st @7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Homecoming Parade
- JFK, Traylor, and BVIS
- Friday, September 23rd @ 10:00 am
Homecoming Pep Rally
- JFK Gym
- Friday, September 23rd @ 1:00

Homecoming Football Game
- All City Field vs Littleton HS
- Friday, September 23rd @ 7:00 pm
Homecoming Dance
- JFK Gym
- Saturday, September 24th 7:00-10:00 pm
Picture Retakes
- Tuesday, September 27th
Parent Teacher Conferences
- JFK Cafe & Gym
- October 12 &
- October 13, 4 – 7 pm
Academic Awards Ceremony
- For those who earned Academic Awards in the spring of ’22
- October 13th
- from 6 – 7pm
The last day of Quarter 1
- October 14th

(All quarter 1 assignments are due on October 7th)

No School for Students
- October 14th and
- October 17th

JFK Homecoming Parade Route

*Note the route has changed from previous years due to changes in the Denver Police Department. Since we are no longer permitted to cross Sheridan due to safety concerns, the parade will not go by Sabin Elementary and will include a shorter route than years prior.

*****Reminder!!*****

Breakfast is FREE for ALL students!
If you have not filled out a Free or Reduced Lunch application this year, please go to Myschoolapps.com and fill one out for your student. Regardless of financial status, it helps the school tremendously when these applications are submitted. Contact our main office with any questions or concerns at 720-423-4300.

John F. Kennedy High School recognizes, celebrates, and commemorates the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic cultures that have greatly influenced and contributed to American society. Keep and eye out for upcoming events and activities!

Take Command of Your School Year

The schedule change window has closed for the 22-23 school year. In February, students will have the opportunity to make their course requests for the 23-24 school year.
Counselors will assist Gayla Power in proctoring the Accuplacer test for seniors on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Counselors will also assist the Mental Health Team with Signs of Suicide implementation on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shea Caballero will return from maternity leave on Monday, September 26th. In the meantime, students on her caseload have the following point people:
- Joe Naughton – last names CL-Go
- Meghan Martiniere – last names A-Ci

Take Command of Your Health & Safety

DPS New Bag Policy
DPS has issued a no-bag policy for every venue in DPS regarding athletics events. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”
(Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com. No buckles, grommets/hardware, or décor can be concealing any part of the bag. The bag literally must be all clear) or

One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
Purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Our school based Denver Health Clinic provides Medical, Dental and Mental Health services at NO COST to families.
Scan the QR code or call 720-423- 4344 to schedule an appointment!

Honoring Survivors and Victims of Indian Boarding Schools

The State of Colorado is launching an investigation into the history of Indian boarding schools.

For more than 100 years many Native American children were separated from their families and forced to attend government or church-operated boarding schools.

History Colorado will lead the study, focusing on the federal Indian boarding school in Hesperus, Colorado. It will also identify potential burial sites for students who died while attending school there. The Native American Boarding School Research Program Act, HB22-1327, was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on May 24, 2022. (watch video in link )