John F. Kennedy High School

John F. Kennedy High School

 

Commander Communicator

April 20th, 2026

 

Due to a technical issue on Friday, we’re sending our latest newsletter today. Thank you for your understanding!

Upcoming Important Dates

April 22nd: School Clean Up for Earth Day, 3:05 to 3:50 in room 111

April 23rd: Choir Fundraiser, 7 - 9 p.m.

April 27, 28 and 29th:  Eye Love Care

April 30th: DPS Safety Summit, 4 - 7 PM

Teacher Appreciation Week

We are seeking donations for Teacher Appreciation Week May 4 – 8, 2026. Please consider donating the following items: Coffee creamer, canned soda, trail mix items, candy, k-cups or cold brew coffee. You may drop your donations off in the main office. Thank you for supporting our wonderful teachers!

A Proud Legacy: JFK Tennis Returns

Crystal Sarlo has been an employee at Denver Public Schools for nearly 20 years, and her connection to John F. Kennedy High School (JFK) runs deep. A proud alumna of JFK’s tennis program, Crystal strives to restore a legacy that once defined the school.

Read the full article here: https://www.dpsk12.org/article/2828101

Commanders: Choice of Studies begins on the 20th! 

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will be selecting their classes (Choice of Studies) for the 26-27 school year between April 20th and April 30th. Students will meet with their counselor during their Freshman Seminar class (9th grade) or their Individuals & Societies class (10th & 11th grade) to make their requests. If students are absent during their Choice of Studies session, they may lose their opportunity to select the classes they want for next year. 

Families, please review next year's course offerings with your students this week so that they feel prepared to make their selections!

 

Resources for Selecting Classes:

The Anchor (Course Catalog)

Class of 2027 Course Request Sheet

Class of 2028 Course Request Sheet

Class of 2029 Course Request Sheet

Class of 2030 Course Request Sheet

School Clean Up for Earth Day

TSA is hosting a school clean up for Earth Day on April 22nd from 3:05 to 3:50 in room 111. We hope to see you there!

Winter Sports Awards

Click here to see our Winter Sports Commanders Awards!

Legacy Stole

Did you graduate from Kennedy? Did your students' grandparents graduate from Kennedy?  Your student is eligible for the legacy stole!

Please email the following information to Mrs. Wyatt by Friday, May 1st, at victoria_wyatt@dpsk12.net
- Students name
- Name of the JFK alums and their relationship to the student
- Year of graduation from Kennedy

Note: This is only for graduating Seniors.

Eye Exams and Glasses Coming to JFK!

Eye Love Care is bringing a full-service optometry clinic to our school on April 27, 28 and 29 offering comprehensive eye exams and eyewear (if needed) to all students.

Their mission is simple: to ensure every child receives the vision care they need to succeed. If your child has insurance, co-pays may apply. 

Why participate?

Even if your child has already seen an eye doctor this year, they can still enroll. 

If glasses are lost or broken, Eye Love Care will replace them up to two times through the school regardless of insurance.

Students can choose from over 150 stylish frames, with help from experienced staff to find the perfect fit.

Glasses are delivered directly to the school with an optician for proper fitting—no extra appointments needed.

Each student receives a folder with the optometrist’s report and, if applicable, a copy of their prescription.

Cost & Insurance information:

We accept Medicaid, which covers eye exams and glasses for patients 20 years and younger with no out of pocket costs.

If your child has commercial insurance, co-pays may apply if assessed by the insurance company.

Please reach out if you have specific coverage questions. No student will be denied care due to inability to pay.

 

Eye Love Care supports your child from PK through 12th grade at participating schools. If glasses are lost or damaged during the school year or summer, simply contact the school nurse or email dylan@eyelovecare.com for a replacement. Glasses can be delivered to school or mailed home during breaks.

📋 Sign up today!  (Click “Use Current Browser” when prompted.)

Spanish Intake Form https://pdf.ac/2re6Jf

English Intake Form https://pdf.ac/3uAJqP

Let’s make sure every student sees clearly and thrives in school!

 

DPS Safety Summit on April 30th is being held at JFK!

DPS Safety Summits are community-focused events that bring together schools, families, and local partners to share important safety information and resources. Topics will include school safety, emergency management, bullying prevention, substance use awareness, and available community services. These events are a great opportunity for families to ask questions, connect with resources, and build relationships with schools and safety teams.

What the Summits Offer:

Resource Fair: A chance to connect directly with departments and local organizations dedicated to student well-being 

Breakout Sessions: Two rounds of workshops where families can choose topics most relevant to their needs and interests, including but not limited to bullying prevention, youth violence prevention, and emergency management. 

Find Additional Information Here:

District 4 Flyer - Tailored for your specific community.

All 6 Summit Dates Flyer - A comprehensive look at the DPS-wide schedule.

Family Registration Form - Families can sign up directly here or use the QR code on the flier below.

Strategic Roadmap Student Promises Survey

This is a quick reminder that the Strategic Roadmap Student Promises Survey is open until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Take the survey by clicking the anonymous, single-use link you received from Sogolytics in a separate email. Your ideas will directly inform the new DPS Strategic Roadmap, which is our big plan for the years 2026 through 2030. This plan tells the world exactly what we stand for. If you have any questions, please contact surveys@dpsk12.net.

 

Neighbors Supporting Neighbors

Are you a member of the Bear Valley Community that might need a little extra help? Your neighbors are here to support you! The Bear Valley Village is available for grocery shopping, child pick up, or other errands that you may need support with. Please reach out to thebearvalleyvillage@gmail.com directly if you would like to connect. 

 

DPS Health and Screening Information

Denver Public Schools provides free vision, hearing, and dental screening for students as required by the Colorado Department of Education. Screening can help us find early problems that may make learning harder for your child.

All 9th grade students will be screened on March 16th & 17th. If you choose to opt out your student from screening, please fill out the attached forms linked here and return it to the school nurse.

Click here for translated "How Sick is Too Sick" fliers: https://aptg.co/qVQ87L

 

Exciting CareerWise Apprenticeship Opportunities!

Earn while you learn with a 2–3 year paid apprenticeship in a respected trade, leading to valuable certification. CareerWise Colorado is accepting applications February 9th – March 27th positions starting in August.

Open to students from 14 DPS high schools. Spots are limited and first come, first served—check the career links below and apply soon!

CoorsTek - CNC Machinist (4 spots) SENIORS ONLY 

Sky Blue Builders - Field Engineer (1 spot) JUNIORS & SENIORS

Pinnacol Assurance - Public Affairs Apprentice   (1 spot) JUNIORS & SENIORS 

Pinnacol Assurance - Operations Apprentice at Attune  (1 spot) Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Pinnacol Assurance - Employee Services Apprentice   (1 spot) Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Pinnacol Assurance - Customer Experience Apprentice  (1 spot) SENIORS

Denver Public Schools - Teaching Assistant Apprentice (5 spots)  Sophomore, Junior, Senior

upcoming opportunities include: Vectra Bank – Banking Apprentice (2 spots) Denver Public Schools – Marketing Coordinator

For details and help applying, contact Mrs. Aragon in Room 230 for career coaching. Don’t miss out! Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities!

schedule

College and Career Success

College and Career Success is asking for your help in identifying and encouraging students to apply for the  #MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award. This award is an opportunity to recognize students who have shown perseverance, growth, and determination, especially those whose hard work may not always be visible but has made a powerful impact.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share positive stories and recognize students who have achieved success despite challenges. By celebrating them, we not only honor their accomplishments but also uplift others by showing what is possible. These students become role models and sources of encouragement for peers who may need inspiration.

Thank you for helping us shine a light on our students’ successes and the amazing schools who are providing the environment for our students to thrive.

#MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Application

DPS Public Comments

If you would like to share your voice and opinions at the upcoming DPS Board Meetings, here is the schedule for Open Public Comments:

March 5th: Work Session & Public Comment - 4:30pm

April 15th: Work Session & Public Comment – 4:30pm 

May 7th: Work Session & Public Comment – 4:30pm

June 4th: Work Session & Public Comment – 4:30pm

https://www.dpsk12.org/page/board-meetings 

DPS is Cooking Up a Surprise 

Calling all Commander chefs! If you have a favorite recipe that uses iconic Colorado foods or locally grown ingredients, share it with the DPS Communications team here. In addition to the recipe, please add your contact information, so a member of their team can contact you if your recipe is selected for their upcoming surprise!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu2__sYpUEQgopvuZw86huzIyLT4hvlt3IizyKBXxHJoV-Bw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117338815525497351116 

Submit Artwork for the Chance to be Featured in the Superintendent's Notecards

Commander students are encouraged to submit original artwork for a special opportunity! Selected art pieces may be turned into greeting cards used by DPS Superintendent, Dr. Alex Marrero, throughout the year! This is a chance for our JFK students to share their creativity, celebrate their voice and have their art seen and shared across DPS and beyond. Submissions are now open through Feb. 27. More details are linked in this submission form. We can’t wait to see what our students create!

Student Information

Student Drop-Off

We understand that there are times when students need to get to school a few minutes before 8:00 am. As the weather gets colder, we invite students who arrive before 8:00 am to sit in the atrium on the East side of our building. Students can wait in the heated atrium until the building opens at 8:00 am. 

 

Access or Donate to Local Food Resources

Dear JFK Community,

JFK offers K-Mart, a place where all JFK students can find a range of essentials. Open daily, please contact your counselor and Dre Calloway at dre_calloway@dpsk12.net. If you have any donations, please drop off in the main office or contact Dre. 

If you need support securing food…

  • City and County of Denver: Visit their website to find food assistance across the city.

  • Tasty Food Program: Afterschool meals for children will be offered at Denver recreation centers. Visit the Tasty Food website for locations and hours of operation.

  • Food Bank of the Rockies: Find a food pantry near you using their Pantry Locator tool.

  • Colorado 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across Colorado. Call 2-1-1, 866-760-6489 or visit 211colorado.org. Note: The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, expect long wait times. To avoid waiting, use the call-back feature.

  • Feeding Colorado: The collaborative effort of the 5 Feeding America food banks that serve Colorado and Wyoming to coordinate and enhance food resources, ensuring food insecure Coloradans have access to healthy, fresh foods. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org.

  • Hunger Free Colorado: Connects Colorado families and individuals to SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, free meal sites, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other nutrition programs geared toward families, children and older adults. Call 855-855-4626 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

  • School breakfast and lunches will continue as normal and remain free to families. 

The City and County of Denver’s Department of Human Services (DHS) will continue processing SNAP applications and renewals to make sure benefits are processed in a timely fashion as soon as the government shutdown ends. SNAP beneficiaries will receive SNAP benefits retroactively once the government reopens. DHS strongly encourages families to continue submitting SNAP paperwork in the meantime.

If you would like to support local efforts…

  • Denver Public Schools Foundation: Support the DPS community by donating to the DPS Foundation Food Security Fund.

  • City and County of Denver: Visit their website to learn more about donating food, money and/or time.

  • Denver Recreation Center Drop-off Locations: Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Denver rec center. Visit the City and County of Denver website to learn more.

  • Denver Animal Shelter: Donate pet food to the Denver Animal Shelter located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. or through their Amazon wishlist.

  • 10 Ways to Support Your Community Now:This slide deck from the City and County of Denver provides resources, suggestions and ideas on how to take immediate action in your community.

Update on Student Drop-Off

We understand that there are times when students need to get to school a few minutes before 8:00 am. As the weather gets colder, we invite students who arrive before 8:00 am to sit in the atrium on the East side of our building. Students can wait in the heated atrium until the building opens at 8:00 am. 

CSC

Click here to view the most recent CSC notes. 

CSC Meeting Dates: 

March 4th, 2026 

May 6th, 2026

Weekly Bell Schedule

  • Doors open at 8:00 AM every day.

  • Class begins at 8:20 AM every day.

  • On Commander Days (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays), class ends at 3:50 PM.

  • On Green Days (Wednesdays), class ends at 3:00 PM. Students may stay until 3:50 to engage with clubs, participate in study hall, or meet with teachers.

  • On Blue Days (Thursdays), class ends at 1:30 PM. Open office hours for teachers are held weekly on Blue Days from 1:30-2:30. 

bell schedule

Please see our updated bell schedule: 2025-26 Bell Schedule

 

School Breakfast and Lunch

This is a reminder that every student has the opportunity to receive free breakfast and lunch here at Kennedy. Families can access the menus through the SchoolCafé website. Useful features include:

  • Nutritional Information

  • Allergen Information

  • Print a PDF of the menu

  • Ability to make a sample tray with your student

 

Student IDs

All students are required to have their student ID out and visible at all times.

 

Student Handbook

Please review the 2025-26 Student Handbook.

 

General Information

Attendance Line: 

Call the Attendance Line at 720-423-4354 or email jfkattendance@dpsk12.net to excuse your student’s absences.

Office Support: 

Phone Number: 720-423-4300

Follow Kennedy on Social Media!

  • Instagram

  • Facebook


Quick Links:

  • Student Handbook

  • 2025-26 School Calendar

  • Bell Schedule

  • 2025-26 DPS School Calendar

  • Parent and Student Portal