Commander Communicator: 5/16/25

Important Dates

May 26: No school in observance of Memorial Day
May 27: No school for freshmen, sophomores or juniors (due to Class of 2025 Graduation!)
May 28-30: Finals for freshmen, sophomores and juniors

Senior Class Dates

Edgenuity Deadline: May 20 at 4 p.m.
Senior Awards: Tuesday, May 20 at 5 p.m., JFK Auditorium (by invitation only)
Senior Checkout: Thursday, May 22 8:20 a.m.-11 a.m., JFK Gym
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal: Friday, May 23 from 8:20 a.m.-11:30 a.m., JFK Auditorium

Graduation Information

Graduation will be Tuesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. @ DU Magness Arena. Please review Graduation Expectations here.

Be advised: All DU events now enforce a clear bag policy. Only clear bags no larger than 12"x16"x4"are allowed. Small clutches or purses no larger than 4"x6"x2" are allowed. Medical supplies or baby supplies are subject to search.

Graduation will take place at Magness Arena within The Ritchie Center on the University of Denver's campus. Please see below for important information about your ceremony.

Address: The Ritchie Center is located at 2240 Buchtel Blvd S, Denver, CO 80210.

Entrances: There are three main entrances for the building, the North, West, and South entrances. These are indicated on the map by a yellow star.

ADA Entrances: The Ritchie Center recommends using the lower North and South entrances for ADA related entry. The lower North entrance is off of Buchtel Blvd, directly in front of the main circle. This circle is to be used for ADA drop-off only, with ADA parking in Lot 311 and Lot 401. The South entrance is off of E Asbury Avenue, with closest parking available in Lot L.

Special Notes: Please plan to arrive EARLY for your scheduled graduation ceremony. Traffic and parking become very congested as there are very few entry points to our parking lots.

Finals Schedule

Are you ready for finals? Here is the testing schedule for freshmen, sophomores and juniors.

Ninth Grade Academy

Do you have a student entering 9th grade at Kennedy next year? We want them to feel prepared for high school AND get a jump start on credits!

To assist in the transition from middle school to a successful high school experience JFK will be hosting a Ninth Grade Academy for incoming students. This exciting, fun, and informative program will last four days and all of John F. Kennedy High School’s incoming ninth grade students are invited and encouraged to attend.

During the Ninth Grade Academy, students will:

Learn ways to succeed in high school, such as understanding graduation requirements and the importance of a GPA and reading transcripts.
Meet school staff and other JFK students.
Earn 2.5 elective credits for completing the NGA and receive a small backpack with school materials.

Participate in engaging activities designed specifically for JFK students.

Details for the John F. Kennedy High School Ninth Grade Academy are as follows:

Dates: August 4 – August 7, 2025
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: John F. Kennedy High School

More information on Ninth Grade Academy can be found here.

Last Call for Saturday School

Join us for the last session of Saturday School of the 2024-25 school year this Saturday, May 17! We hope to see you there!

Enroll Your Commander in Summer School

Does your student need an opportunity to earn additional credits? Did they fail a class this school year, but want to get back on track before August? Please consider enrolling them in Summer School! Families will have the option of requesting a seat at JFK's Summer Program or in DPS's Regional Summer School.

Please click here for more information and to register your student. Seats are reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis and by those with the greatest credit deficit.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's counselor!

Last Names A-Go: Haley Gordy (haley_gordy@dpsk12.net)
Last Names Gr-N: Joe Naughton (joe_naughton@dpsk12.net)
Last Names O-Z: Michelle Wellman (michelle_wellman@dpsk12.net)

Summer Opportunities from STEMblazers

Join us for a week of hands-on activities, where you will solve puzzles related to projectile motion, water filtration, engineering design, and much more! Learn from Industry Professionals & the STEMblazers Team!

Glasses Arriving Soon from EyeLoveCare

If your student ordered glasses via EyeLoveCare, the glasses should arrive by May 22 for Senior Check Out. Questions? Contact Nurse Melissa for more information!

Celebrating Students at the Pathway to the Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony

Students pose for a photo at the Pathway to Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony

Congratulations to our Kennedy students who are on their way to earning the Seal of Biliteracy! These students have been working hard and are dedicated to their world language classes. Next stop? The Seal of Biliteracy!

Recruiting for 2026 and 2027 Students for Link Crew

Link Crew Recruitment Information Meeting

Are you interested in joining Link Crew next year? Apply here.

Denver Health Will Stay Open Over the Summer

Construction at Kennedy During the Summer

Kennedy will be undergoing numerous construction projects over the summer. A main project includes installing solar panel in the student parking lot. Students and families that need to park for summer athletic events should park in the staff parking lot while this construction is taking place.

We've heard feedback from our Kennedy students and families alike about the state of the student parking lot. Kennedy is anticipating a new parking lot in Summer 2026. In the meantime, we are hopeful that DPS will assist with filling the existing potholes over the summer.

Because of the construction projects taking place, there will be limited access to the building during the month of July.

Join PTSA

We're looking to grow the Parent Teacher Student Association, or PTSA, at Kennedy. If you're interested in getting involved, contact Dre Calloway at dre_calloway@dpsk12.net.

Athletics

Kennedy Senior Spotlight with Keana

Keana is a senior at John F. Kennedy High School who brought heart, hustle and humility to everything she did throughout her high school experience. A top student and star athlete, she earned the DPS Female Athlete of the Year for her school and holds records in basketball. Off the courts, Keana is known for lifting up her peers and creating space for others to succeed.

After graduation she’s heading to Colorado State University to study business and encourages young students to get involved, show up and take command of their future. We’re so proud of you, Keana!

Celebrating Our Coaches

Pictured: **Nate Schneider - Flag Football

Congratulations to our incredible coaches! Your dedication, energy and commitment to our student athletes make a lasting impact. Thank you for stepping up, showing out and helping our Commanders grow both on and off the field. We’re lucky to have you on our team!

First time Coaches: