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
John F. Kennedy High School
Important Dates
Senior Class Dates
Graduation Ceremony: Tuesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. @ DU Magness Arena.
Students MUST arrive by 8 a.m.
New School Transformation Policy
We wanted to take a moment to share an important update and provide reassurance regarding recent news coverage about the district’s new School Transformation Policy.
On May 16, Chalkbeat published an article explaining that, beginning in the 2025–26 school year, schools with four consecutive SPF ratings of orange or red would be considered for district-led action, which could include changes such as closure.
DPS has assured us that John F. Kennedy High School (and all schools in DPS) are exempt from any district-led action under this policy for the 2025–26 school year. This means that JFK will not be considered for closure or other interventions during this timeframe.
More importantly, we’re proud of the progress our students, staff and families have made, and we are optimistic that our school will exit the state’s accountability clock before this policy would affect our school.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication, resilience and support of the Commander community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Bell Schedule for Next Year
We will be updating the bell schedule for the 2025-26 school year. This schedule is designed to serve Commander students' needs (graduation requirements, post-secondary goals, student academic interests, etc.) The regular bell schedule is shown below. More details will be available as we get closer to the 2025-26 school year.
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.
If families wish to order a DVD of the graduation ceremony, they can do so here:
https://denverpioneers.evenue.net/list/GD
Finals Schedule
Are you ready for finals? Here is the testing schedule for freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
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)
Construction Over 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.
Denver Health Will Remain Open Over the Summer
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!
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.
Athletics
JFK Athlete Olympics
On May 30, all athletes and coaches are invited to participate in the JFK Athlete Olympics from 1-4 p.m. on the JFK turf/fields/blacktop. Athletes and coaches will be divided into teams to compete in Minute-to-Win-It competitions. Following the games, will be a cookout and awards ceremony.
Awards will be given to:
Athlete of the Year for 9th, 10th and 11th grade
Coach of the Year
Assistant Coach of the Year
Manager of the Year
Heart of a Commander Award for Sportsmanship
Olympic Game Winners (first, second and third place)
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
Quick Links:
