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Important Dates

March 24-28:Spring Break; No school for students
March 31: No school in observance of Cesar Chavez Day
April 8 at 10 a.m.: SchoolChoice Round 2 opens
April 10 from 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Coffee with the Principal
April 18: No School for Students
April 18 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: HOSA Blood Drive

DPS & DSF Explore Auraria Day

All DPS students and their families are invited to explore Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver! We will have all tours and info sessions in English and Spanish. Free breakfast, lunch, and transportation (Lyft codes available upon request) available to all DPS students and their families!

Important Testing Information for April

Spring testing season is nearly here! Freshmen and sophomores (by credit) will be taking the PSAT 9 and 10, respectively, and juniors (by credit) will be taking both CMAS Science and SAT. Because of these tests, key dates in April will have adjusted schedules. Please mark your calendars with these testing dates:

11th graders will take CMAS Science on Thursday, 4/10
9th graders will take the PSAT on Wednesday, 4/16
11th graders will take the SAT on Wednesday, 4/16
10th graders will take the PSAT on Thursday, 4/17

Attendance is mandatory for students on their respective days of testing, but parents/ guardians are permitted to opt their students out of testing. This means that students would not be obligated to take the PSAT or SAT. The “opt out” process applies to state and national assessments and, once completed, is in effect for the entirety of the school year, though it must be resubmitted each year. If students opted out of assessments in the fall, students do not have to opt out again in the spring.

Opt Outs must be submitted prior to students’ designated testing day. To opt your student out, either:

Complete this OptOut form and submit it via email to Kennedy’s Dean of Instruction, Justin Jeannot, at justin_jeannot@dpsk12.net. The form must be sent from a registered guardian's email address.
Get a copy of the paper OptOut form from the JFK Main Office. Have your parent/guardian complete and sign the form and then turn it into room 321. If the door is locked, slide it under the door.

We must reach 95% participation this year in order to maintain our school rating for the upcoming school year.

More information will be coming after Spring Break. If you have questions about P/SAT, SAT or CMAS in the meantime, contact Kennedy’s Dean of Instruction, Justin Jeannot, at justin_jeannot@dpsk12.net for more information.

CEC Application Deadline – April 1st!

Interested in hands-on learning and career training? CEC offers Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs that take up half the school day and provide valuable skills for your future!

Who Can Apply?: Rising juniors and seniors
Transportation: Provided to and from JFK
Deadline to Apply: April 1st

Questions? See a counselor in Room 203

Upcoming Event: Coffee with the Principal

Join Principal Wyatt on Thursday, April 10 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. for a cup of coffee and conversation. We hope to see you there!

HOSA Blood Drive is One Month Away

Kennedy HOSA students are hosting a blood drive on April 18 from 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.! Register to donate through this link. Donation time slots are available every 15 minutes. Donors must be over the age of 18 (or 16 with parental consent) and must weigh more than 100 lbs.

This event is a great opportunity for HOSA students to shadow industry professionals and make a positive impact in the community. Please register and support HOSA! This is HOSA’s first time hosting a blood drive, and we want to thank you in advance for helping us ensure this event is a success.

Students and families, please note that April 18 is a Teal Day, and students do not have school.

Save the Date: HOSA Blood Drive — Design by Kennedy student Huyen Le.

Kennedy Prom Information

Prom will be on Saturday, April 12, at Baldoria on the Water. Tickets are $70 each. Students are required to have 85% attendance or higher from Tuesday, January 21 through Friday April 4. Attendance rates will be posted weekly outside of the main office. During Saturday School hours, students have the opportunity to come in and make up ONE percentage point.

No Cost Vaccinations at Denver Health School Based Clinic

Measles cases are rising nationwide, including in nearby states. Protect yourself and your family before spring break travel. Get vaccinated if you aren’t already protected! All DPS Students are able to go to their Denver Health School Based Clinic for no cost vaccinations or you may Find a vaccine provider near you at cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/get-vaccinated.

Alumni Spotlight: Mandy Williams

Meet Mandy Williams, Denver Business Journal's 2025 40 Under 40 Class
President/CEO Spectrum and Kennedy Class of 2006

From walking the halls of John F. Kennedy High School as a student, to leading one of the state’s top human services organizations, Mandy Williams’ journey is one of perseverance, passion and purpose. Now recognized in Denver Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 Class, Mandy proves that the foundation of a fulfilling career often begins in unexpected places—like the very school she once called home. Mandy says, "Although I have many memorable experiences, the journey from being a student to working at Kennedy after graduation stands out as the most rewarding and fulfilling one I could have imagined."

Like many young graduates, Mandy faced uncertainty about what to do after graduation. But in looking back at the moments that brought her the most joy, she found unexpected clarity and a calling.

"I took a moment to reflect on what truly brought me joy, and it became clear: the years I spent at Kennedy, supporting students in their unified programming. With that realization, I took a bold leap of faith, applied to be a paraprofessional, and was hired to work in Kennedy's Special Education program," she said.

While working at Kennedy, she was able to identify and cultivate her passion. She says, "[At Kennedy,] I was surrounded by incredible mentors and a supportive team, all of whom inspired me, and helped me see that I was meant to make a lasting impact on a larger scale. It was their encouragement that led me to pursue a degree in Special Education, solidifying my passion and commitment to this field."

Despite facing early career challenges, Mandy refused to let obstacles stop her from reaching her goals. She credits her faith and an unwavering work ethic for the motivation to persevere.

"There were times when I juggled multiple jobs, both full-time and part-time, all while putting myself through school. It meant countless late nights, long weekends and sacrificing sleep. But through it all, this relentless dedication propelled me toward the career I’m building today, completing my studies at the University of Northern Colorado and then continuing my education at the University of California, Berkeley."

As a leader, mentor and proud member of the Commander Community, Mandy Williams is proof that success is not necessarily about where you start but how boldly you chase your dreams. To today’s Kennedy students, she offers this advice. "Believe in your own abilities and trust the path that resonates most deeply with you," she says. "Your journey doesn’t have to mirror anyone else’s, as long as it brings you fulfillment. Embrace the support of others when you need it, and don’t shy away from pursuing paths that once seemed out of reach. You have the power to create your own possibilities."

Athletics

Upcoming Games:

Tuesday, April 1
- Tennis Girls Varsity Match vs. Thomas Jefferson at Bear Valley Park at 4:15 p.m
Wednesday, April 2
- Baseball Varsity Game vs. Lincoln at Kennedy at 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 3
- Tennis Girls Varsity Match vs. Northfield at Northfield High School at 4:15 p.m
- Soccer Girls Varsity Game vs. Lincoln at Lincoln at 4:30 p.m.
- Volleyball Boys Varsity Match vs. Manuel at Kennedy at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 4
- Track and Field Meet vs. D'Evelyn at Jeffco Stadium, time TBD
- Baseball Varsity Game vs. Hinkley at Kennedy at 4:15 p.m.

Reminder: JFK Athletics hosted the Spring Sports Community Night on Thursday, March 6. Here are the informational slides for anyone who was not able to attend. Please connect with Athletic Director Jen Montoya at any time for questions or inquiries.

Are you looking to play a Spring Sport? Register here.