2022-2023 Kennedy High School Parent Handbook
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2022-2023 Kennedy High School
Parent Handbook
Student/Parent-
Guardian Handbook
John Fitzgerald Kennedy High School
(A 1:1 Chromebook IB World School)
6325 West 56th Street • Chicago, Illinois 60638
Phone 773.535.2325 • Fax 773.535.2485
Mr. George Szkapiak Mrs. Rachel Peralta
Principal Mr. Josh Micley
Assistant Principals
August 2022
Dear Parents and Students,,
Welcome to John F. Kennedy High School! We appreciate the decision you have made to join the Kennedy Crusader family. All
faculty and staff members are committed to doing all we can to provide you with the best and safest public educational experience
possible in the great City of Chicago. We believe in you and your potential. Through willful action, disciplined effort and
determination, you will succeed in helping Kennedy realize its mission and vision of preparing you for college and career readiness
and success.
Kennedy HS is a general neighborhood public school offering rigorous and relevant academic programs to all students. Our school
is dedicated to providing students with every opportunity to develop the skills outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
in order to achieve the best possible SAT score and student achievement growth. These are the learning standards that serve as
the foundation for our curricular alignment and instructional focus. With our curriculum focused on skill-based lessons, our students
have made tremendous gains on our ACT/PSAE in the past five years. Our focus on CCSS skill-develop has resulted in Kennedy
High School being named to the Illinois State Board of Education 2014 – Honor Roll for Improvement in Student Achievement.
John F. Kennedy HS is a fully authorized International Baccalaureate Diploma, Middle Years, and Career Program World School.
The IB Program promotes the development of students as global citizens who are reflective and critical thinkers. This is the best
college preparatory program in the world and all freshman and sophomore students have access to our IB Middle Years Program.
Crusader PRIDE is the JFK Crusader Way at Kennedy High School. This Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
approach defines our school-wide culture instilling in each student a sense of being Positive, Respectful, acting with Integrity, being
Determined, and always striving for Excellence. We will challenge ourselves and all students to get “PRIDE On Your Side!”
The Garfield Ridge and Clearing communities provide our school with a student population rich in cultural diversity. We know the
importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. We take PRIDE in this fact! Our school is stronger because of the
diverse perspectives that our students bring with them to school each day. We need you to believe in and support each other as
students, classmates and new friends throughout your high school academic, social and extra-curricular activities.
We invite you to participate in the many extracurricular activities at Kennedy High School. Be sure to ask your counselor and
teachers about all of our various clubs and sports programs. Getting involved in school activities is a great way to stay connected
to your classmates and make you into a well-rounded student. We not only help you with high school, but we are serious about
helping you make a smooth transition toward post-secondary success. Please be sure to visit our College and Career Resource
Center. We care about you and your future! We care about you and your future! Kennedy HS alumni include students who now
attend and/or have graduated from prestigious universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Northwestern
University, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Last year our graduating class earned our highest
total to date with over 29 million dollars in scholarships, and ten students offered one million or more dollars in scholarship each.
On behalf of our entire Kennedy High School staff, I wish you the best for a successful 2020-2021 school year! We expect great
things from each of you and look forward to helping each one of you reach your full potential.
Sincerely,
Mr. George Szkapiak
PrincipalHistory
A growing student population, crowded schools, and community involvement led to plans for a new high school on Chicago’s
southwest side. Ground was broken for the new high school on October 3, 1963. Until the new school was built, the high school
students were housed in every nook and cranny of the Kinzie Elementary School. Thus, Kennedy High School was originally
named John H. Kinzie High School.
Tuesday, November 16, 1965 was a memorable day in the history of our school. On this day, the name of our school was officially
changed from John H. Kinzie to John F. Kennedy High School. The ceremony was highlighted by a phone call from the vice-
president of the United States, Hubert Humphrey and included comments by Mayor Richard J. Daley and the Superintendent of
Schools, Benjamin C. Willis. The program was broadcast over closed-circuit television, thus allowing parents and friends to view
the ceremony in the various classrooms.
In 1965, Kennedy High School and St. Paul Catholic High School initiated a successful dual enrollment plan, the only plan of its
kind in the state. Students attended St. Paul part time taking English, social studies, and religion and came to Kennedy High
School for all other subjects. Because of declining enrollment, St. Paul closed its doors in 1977 by order of the Chicago
Archdiocese, thus ending the dual enrollment plan.
Kennedy’s enrollment grew rapidly, approaching over 3,800 students in 1972, which made it necessary to use classrooms in Kinzie
Elementary School and mobile units which were located where the parking lot now exists. The school day consisted of twelve
periods with students coming in four different shifts.
In the fall of 1973, the overcrowded conditions at Kennedy High School were alleviated when another high school opened its doors.
Kennedy High School now operates with an approximate enrollment of 1,550 within the framework of a nine-period day.
This year marks the beginning of a new chapter in Kennedy’s history as we open under the direction of the “Longer School Day”
This includes more instructional time for students, more structured time to develop student social and emotional habits and needs,
and more time for teachers to collaborate and work together to provide the best possible experiences for all students all the time.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
May 29, 1917- November 22, 1963
John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of our country, the first Catholic and the youngest man ever so elected. He graduated
cum laude from Harvard University in 1940. As a navy Lieutenant, he commanded a PT boat squadron during World War II. For
his heroism and leadership, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. In 1946, he was elected to
the US House of Representatives and reelected in 1948 and 1950. In 1952, John Kennedy was elected to the US Senate from
Massachusetts. He was inaugurated on January 20, 1961. During his two years and ten months in office, he emphasized
America’s youth through physical fitness and educational programs. Among his accomplishments: the space program, the Peace
Corps, the Cuban missile crisis, Civil Rights, the Trade Expansion Act, and the Alliance for Progress.
On November 22, 1963, John Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery where an
eternal flame burns in his honor.
John F. Kennedy High School is part of the Garfield Ridge-Clearing Community. Originally named “John H. Kinzie”, the school was
renamed “John F. Kennedy” in 1964, and officially dedicated on November 16, 1965.
In May, 1974, a bronze plaque, donated by 25 seniors, was placed in the main corridor. The plaque bears the inscription from
John Kennedy’s inaugural address, “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” We like to feel that our young
men and women represent the determined generation he hoped for.
Kennedy High School Mission: College!
John F. Kennedy High School challenges all students to become critical thinkers in an increasingly connected global society. The
school aims to develop students into productive, knowledgeable, active, and reflective lifelong learners who positively impact their
community, country, and world.
Kennedy High School Vision:
John F. Kennedy High School aspires to develop all students’ knowledge and skills in a multicultural environment, which are
transferable to both college and career success. A Kennedy student will continue to be a healthy, productive, motivated, and life-
long learner who demonstrates these skills in all aspects of their lives.
School Song
Crusaders all, now hear our call
And to the world proclaimWe’re Kennedy, and let men see
We’re proud of our great name;
No matter what the odds are or
How great the foe may be
With might and right we’ll arm ourselves
And fight to victory.
We’re Kennedy, we’re tried and true
We hold our heads up high!
So give a cheer for the gold and blue
As we go marching by!
Words were written by Patrick J. Butler, 1965. Music adapted from John F. Kennedy’s favorite march “The Boys from Wexford,”
which was used as the theme in the television production of “Profiles in Courage.”
School Colors
The school colors are royal blue and gold.
School Mascot
The school mascot is the Crusader.
People To Know
Principal................................................................................................................... Mr. Szkapiak
Assistant Principal...................................................................................................... Mrs. Peralta
Assistant Principal......................................................................................................... Mr. Micley
Athletic Director............................................................................................................... Mr. Silva
Dean of Students............................................................................................................ Mr. Scott
Student Advocate........................................................................................................... Mr. Duffy
Student Advocate……………………………………………………………………………….. Mr. Alvarez
Dean of Attendance................................................................................................. Mr. Hermanas
Counselor ...................................................................................................................... Ms. Diaz
Counselor ...................................................................................................................... Mr. Best
Counselor .................................................................................................................... Ms. Meza
Counselor ............................................................................................................... Mr. Reighard
Counselor (Department Chair).................................................................................... Mrs. Fleming
Case Managers.................................................................................. Ms. Korellis and Ms. Golucki
Librarian & Testing Coordinator.................................................................................. Mr. Gutierrez
Programmer.............................................................................................................. Mr. Laughlin
IB DP Coordinator......................................................................................................... Mr. Clarke
IB MYP Coordinator........................................................................................................ Ms. Lizzo
Nurse................................................................................................................... Nurse Coleman
College & Career Coach................................................................................ Ms. Chavez-Campos
Bilingual Coordinator...................................................................................................... Ms. Pytlik
Social Workers............................................................................... Ms. Hassan and Ms. Fitzgerald
School Psychologist................................................................................................. Mr. Misiaszek
Speech Pathologist.................................................................................................. Ms. Megremis
Phone Numbers To Know
Main Office (773) 535-2325
Attendance Office (773) 535-2325
Disciplinarian’s Office (773) 535-2486 & (773) 535-2057
Nurse’s Office (773) 535-8105
Drivers Education Center (773) 535-2083Local School Council
Local School Council
Community Representative....................................................................................... Joseph Salas
Community Representative.................................................................................. James A. Homan
Parent Representative...................................................................... Angie Vasquez (Chairperson)
Parent Representative............................................................................................ Jennifer Gierat
Parent Representative............................................................................................................ TBD
Parent Representative............................................................................................................ TBD
Parent Representative............................................................................................................ TBD
Parent Representative............................................................................................................ TBD
Student Representatives........................................ Natalia Chowaniec and Rossy Plascencia-Perez
Teacher Representative.................................................................................... Rolando Gonzalez
Teacher Representative............................................................................................ John Surwillo
ESP Representative......................................................................... Christine Gename (Secretary)
Principal............................................................................................................ George Szkapiak
*Dates of the SY2022-23 LSC meetings are located on our website under the Parents Tab. LSC Meetimgs take place the
first Monday of each month and the following Monday if it falls on a holiday.
Schedule
Doors open for student entry at 6:45 A.M. Students are dismissed from the auditorium at 7:00 A.M. to go to the cafeteria for
breakfast. No students are permitted to go to their lockers until the 7:20 A.M. school bell without written permission from a teacher
and/or coach for morning practices. We only have one entrance time for all of the students. Classes begin at 7:30 A.M. and they
end at 2:45 P.M. All of the classes as well as lunch periods will be 50 minutes long with 5 minute passing periods.
COUNSELOR
Our counselors, located near the Main Office, provide support services to every student in the school. These services include
assistance with educational planning, post-secondary planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational and career information,
study habits, tutoring, as well as assistance with home, school, or social concerns, or any questions that a student would like to
discuss with a counselor. Your school counselor is available by appointment, email, or visit the School Counselor of the Day in the
library.
Your counselor is here to help you develop your potential to its fullest, to help you use all available services within the school, and
to help you know more about yourself so that you are better able to utilize your talents.
Dean of Attendance
The Attendance Office processes all information relating to attendance including absences, tardiness to school, cutting, truancy,
and early dismissals from school. The Dean of Attendance develops strategies to monitor and encourage student attendance in
order to help students acquire behavioral patterns necessary, not just in the school setting, but throughout life.
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students, located in the Student Support Center, processes all acts of student misconduct as designated by the
Chicago Public Schools Student Code of Conduct. The policies and administrative procedures apply to actions of students during
school hours, before and after school, while on school property, while traveling on vehicles funded by the Board of Education, at
all school sponsored events, and when the actions affect the mission of Kennedy High School and the Chicago Public Schools. It
is the intent of the Student Support Center to encourage each student to modify behavior patterns to comply with those policies
set forth by the Chicago Board of Education. It is the responsibility of the students, parents, and guardians to read through the
SCC (Student Code of Conduct) which is issued each year. All disciplinary actions rendered by the Deans of Students are in
accordance to the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Code of Honor articulated in our school’s Crusader PRIDE Behavior Matrix
are considered final. All appeals to disciplinary actions will be handled by the parents/legal guardians in a conference with the
Dean of Students in the Student Support Center.School Nurse
The school nurse is available for health counseling both individually and in groups. The nurse reviews health records for current
physical exam and immunizations and follows up on students who have major health problems. The school nurse is also involved
in staffing for students who are in special education, and promoting preventive health practices through the gym department. The
nurse’s phone number is (773) 535-8105.
Social Worker
The school social worker provides brief therapy and referrals to community resources when personal problems affect the student’s
adjustment. This may consist of assistance to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, confusion, abuse, drugs, gangs, family
problems, absenteeism, etc. The social worker is a key member of the Crisis Intervention Team. The social worker conducts the
Social Assessment for Special Education Evaluations. The social worker coordinates the Peer Mediation Program. The social
worker’s telephone number is (773) 535-2329.
Psychologist
The psychologist performs a number of functions within the school. The most familiar role is that of a diagnostician evaluating
students for special education. In addition, the psychologist provides counseling for students and their families to help them deal
with those stresses or problems which are significantly affecting their lives. Interventions in the school setting tend to be short-
term so the psychologist also acts as a referral source for services available in the community. The psychologist’s schedule at
Kennedy will be posted at the beginning of the school year. The psychologist’s office is Room 225. The psychologist can be
reached at (773) 535-2325 ext. 25823.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
There is a high correlation between student attendance and academic success. Parents must be aware that the number of
absences a student incurs could directly affect the student’s academic progress. Students will be rewarded throughout the school
year for excellent attendance. The School Code of Illinois, Section 26-1 states: Whoever has custody of any child between the
ages of seven and seventeen years shall cause such child to attend some public school in the district wherein the child resides the
entire time it is in session during the regular school term. Responsibility for regular school attendance lies with the student and
parent/ guardian. The State Compulsory Attendance Law states that the parent is obligated to see that the student is in school.
For the protection of students and sincere concern for the family, the following attendance procedures will be strictly enforced.
ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL
All students are to enter through the auditorium doors and use their ID to swipe in. Every student and employee must have their
ID clearly visible on their upper torso during the entire time they are in the building. The school doors officially open at 6:45 A.M.
and students should arrive early enough to eat breakfast, go to their locker, and/or attend to any personal business in order to be
in class and ready for work just before 7:30 A.M when 1st period starts. Although students will be allowed to enter the building
beginning at 6:45am, they must remain in the auditorium until 7:00 A.M. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 A.M. to 7:25 A.M.
Students will be allowed onto the 2nd and 3rd floors at 7:20 A.M. Students arriving late for their first class will receive a tardy from
their classroom teacher. Students who enter the building after 7:30 A.M. will receive a tardy to be given to their classroom teacher.
Disciplinary action will be taken if tardiness is habitual. Further disciplinary action will be imposed if detentions are not served.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all classes on their schedule. Non-attendance will result in consequences ranging from automated
phone calls in the morning and afternoon to Parent Conference to In-School Suspension and Out-of-School Suspension. If a
student is not present for a full day, an automated phone call will be generated to the home for the day. Parents can sign-up in
ASPEN parent portal to receive alerts and view latest student information about attendance and grades. Missed work due to
unexcused absences may be made up at the teacher’s discretion and it is the student’s responsibility to request work for excused
absences.
DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
All students are required to leave school after 8th period by exiting through the main entrance on 56th street and designated side
doors that exit to 56th street. Students have 5 minutes to exit the building OR travel to tutoring, an extracurricular activity, or other
school-related meetings in the building. Students are PROHIBITED from loitering, “hanging out”, or “waiting” for friends or siblings
in the building after 8th period. Upon exiting the building, students must move away from the Main Exit doors and proceed
immediately off school property. After the school day, students are not permitted to exit the building and re-enter. If students have
a commitment in the building after school, they MUST stay in the building.****ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL***
Per CPS Attendance Policy absences may be excused by phone call or Cause of Absences Notes/Forms. To have the absence
excused the following information must be give:
● Student name
● Student ID Number or Date of Birth
● Parent name printed and signed
● Parent phone number
● Date of the absence. Consecutive dates may be done on one form. Multiple sporadic dates should be done
separately.
● Only the following causes of absences may be used
The causes for absence per CPS Policy are:
Students Illness.
Family Emergency.
Observance of a religious holiday.
Death in the immediate family.
Circumstances which cause reasonable concern to you for your child’s safety or health.
FAMILY VACATION IS NOT AN ACCEPTED CAUSE OF ABSENCE PER CPS POLICY. THESE TYPES OF ABSENCES ARE
TO REMAIN DOCUMENTED AS ABSENCE UNEXCUSED (AUX).
All correspondence must have student’s full name, student ID#, date of the absence, the appropriate cause of absence, an
explanation if available, parent signature, and the correct parent phone number where the parent can be reached during the
business day. Doctors’ notes must be turned in within seven school days from the absences. It will be accepted after
this time, but it will not modify the attendance rate. Incomplete forms will be returned to the student for correction. Students
absent for the day will show up on the Daily Absence Bulletin. Upon returning to school, the student is to bring the “Cause of
Absence” form to the attendance office with all the necessary information. The “Cause of Absence” is best received immediately
after the absence as students will receive a detention for each individual class period that is marked as Absence Unexcused
(AUX). Forged signatures or notes that are found to be altered may result in disciplinary action. Immediately upon returning to
school, the student is responsible for arranging to complete make-up work within the timeline established by the teacher. Missed
work due to unexcused absences may be made up at the teacher’s discretion.
When a student is absent from school, the parent/guardian should:
1. On the day of the absence the parent may call in the students absence. Email or electronic notification MAY NOT be used for
absence excusal.
2. When the student returns they must bring in the “Cause of Absence Form”. Parents can fax the form to Kennedy if they so
desire at (773) 535-2485
3. If steps 1 and 2 are not completed, parents can only clear AUX days by coming to Kennedy to verify the attendance(it will still
need to be done on a form).
SCHOOL FUNCTION (SF) EXCUSAL FROM CLASS
Students who are to be excused from one or more classes to participate in an activity (field trip, performance, game, assembly,
etc.) must secure the permission of the teacher of the class to be missed prior to the event. Official forms or tickets of admission
must be signed by the classroom teacher and the parent. If a student is failing a class, frequently tardy, absent, or missing
assignments, or with LOP status a teacher may refuse to sign a student out of class. If the student does not receive the teacher’s
written excuse prior to missing the class, the absence will be considered and marked as an AUX. All students are entitled to work
missed due to a school function excused absences. Work missed due to unexcused absences may be made up at the teacher’s
discretion. In either case, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher. Trip forms are due two school days
prior to the event!
** EARLY DISMISSAL (ED)
An early dismissal is only granted with parental consent. No student, regardless of age, is allowed to leave the school
without an ED from the Attendance Office and a parent/ guardian escort. Early dismissals cannot be issued after
2:30pm as it will disrupt our school day and our school procedures. Early Dismissals will be issued for illness, personal/
family emergency, appointments and/ or any other unavoidable occurrence. If the cause is a medical appointment the
student must return with a medical note from their physicians. A parent must bring an ID and have an updated school
emergency form before we can release the student to you. We need to ensure that any adult who picks up the child is
on the emergency contact list we have in ASPEN.CLOSED CAMPUS
Kennedy High School is a closed campus school. Students are prohibited from leaving school without permission. Students
violating this rule will be disciplined accordingly.
IN CASE OF ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS
1. Students are to be sent or escorted to the Nurse’s Office with a pass. If the nurse is not in or not available, the student should
proceed to the Attendance Office.
2. If the student is too ill to remain in school, the parent/ guardian will be contacted to pick the student up from school and an ED
will be issued.
EXTENDED ILLNESS
Parents should immediately contact the Attendance Office, the child’s counselor, and the nurse in case of extended illness or
hospitalization.
TARDY TO CLASS
Classroom teachers are to close their doors when the bell rings. All students late to class are to be admitted in class ONLY with
a tardy slip and then marked tardy. Habitual tardiness will result in lowering of a student grade, loss of privileges, detentions and
out of school suspensions. Students exceeding fifteen (15) tardies in a single quarter will be placed on LOP status for the remainder
of that quarter.
TRUANCY FROM SCHOOL
A truant is defined as a child subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without valid cause for a school day or portion
of the school day. In case of truancy, the student’s parents are notified through mailings and phone calls. Kennedy’s attendance
policies are in effect to help students stay in school, maximize their learning potential, graduate from high school and become
successful citizens. Parental cooperation is both essential and appreciated.
ATTENDANCE CONSEQUENCES
Students who fail to comply with school policies regarding attendance will face consequences that include but not limited to parent
and student conferences, possible decline of grades, detentions, in and out of school suspensions, automated phone calls before
and after school and placed on a contract or daily check-in and check-out as part of an MTSS intervention plan. Students who
demonstrate a disregard for these policies may forfeit participation in any or all extracurricular or school sponsored events. These
may include, but are not limited to, field trips, sports, clubs and participation at the graduation ceremony.
ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER CHANGE
All students and parents are mandated to keep the school informed of any change in their name, address or phone number during
the school year. This is a safety precaution should an emergency arise and for the ability for the school to communicate with
parents or guardians. Information should be submitted in writing to the Attendance Office. The parent or guardian should sign
and date the changes on the updated emergency form.
KENNEDY’S STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL GUIDELINES
MAIN ENTRANCE
Kennedy’s MAIN ENTRANCE (E3) is located at 6325 W. 56th Street (Intersection of 56th St. and Mulligan Ave.)
Primary STUDENT ENTRANCE (E1) on Narragansett Ave south of 56th Street.
ARRIVAL & ENTRY
● In order to reduce the amount of students gathered at one entrance, we will utilize the following procedures:
● ALL Students will enter the building at 6:45am on the Narragansett side through the Auditorium doors.
● Buses will drop off students at the main entrance on 56th Street.
o AT 8:15 THE ONLY ENTRANCE OPEN WILL BE THE MAIN ENTRANCE
DISMISSAL
● Students will be dismissed daily at 2:45pm.
● Students will be allowed to exit from the Main Entrance E3 and Side Doors E2 & E4 (NE and NW) to avoid congestion
and maintain social distancing.BE Positive.
We know that there are times that the day may not go as planned and that technology and human error can occur. We will
maintain a positive attitude to ensure your students arrive to class in a timely manner. We ask that you please do the same as
you encourage your child to be on time.
BE RESPECTFUL
While we understand that emergencies do arise, we ask that the parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. do your best to uphold
and honor the arrival and dismissal policy. Your cooperation is a demonstration of our school mantra of PRIDE (Positive,
Respectful, full of Intergrity, Determined, and showing Excellence
Full of INTEGRITY: Our focus is to ensure that your child has the best education possible and that there are no interruptions in
learning throughout the day. We ask that you please try to make doctor appointments and other appointments later in the day so
your child can have a full day of learning. Should you need to have your child out earlier due to emergencies, your child must be
signed out and picked up by the parent on file in order to leave earlier than the exit time of 2:45pm.
Be Determined: Please ensure that all students make a commitment to attend school daily so that they do not miss a day of
learning. Check ASPEN regularly to check attendance as well as grades.
Be Excellent: Please do your best as we embark on a new year of learning and indulge in self-care as needed to be able to be
prepared for every new day of learning and building academic relationships.
Academic Information
International Baccalaureate Programme
Kennedy HS is a fully authorized IB Diploma World School, Middle Years Programme and Career-related Programme. This is a
tremendous achievement in bringing a world class college preparatory program to our students and community. The International
Baccaulaureate Programme’s mission is “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better
and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” It is a challenging curriculum that focuses on fostering
the child’s intellectual, social, and cultural needs.
John F. Kennedy HS Academic Honesty Policy
Rationale: Academic honesty is highly valued at John F. Kennedy High School as in other learning institutions around the world. It
is expected that students will conduct academic research properly and follow proper policies for all assessments. We stress to our
learning community the value of the IB Learner Profile and the importance of being a principled learner---that academic work is the
property of its author and that considerable time and effort have gone into the preparation of academic work.
John F. Kennedy High School expects academic honesty and integrity of all its students. The members of the JFK community,
both faculty and students, expect that students will assume responsibility for their own learning and honestly demonstrate the
extent of that learning. We hope to produce graduates who are honest, trustworthy, respectful of others and responsible for their
own actions. Respecting the need for authentic student work is an important part of this goal.
This policy stresses our belief in creating a learning environment where students produce original work while respecting the work
of others. The presentation of genuine work is essential to good study and practice. This policy clearly outlines the school’s
expectations for honest academic conduct, the teachers’ roles in promoting academic honesty and the consequences of academic
misconduct.
What is Academic Honesty?
Academic Honesty – A set of values and skills that promote personal integrity and good practice in teaching, learning and
assessment (“Academic Honesty” 2007).
All students’ work—homework, notes, quizzes, tests, essays, group projects, research papers, lab reports—should be a product
of their own effort. To offer someone else’s work—whether a student or not—as if it were one’s own is dishonest. Behaviors such
as copying homework, taking information from another during a quiz or test and plagiarism constitute serious lapses in judgment
and diminish a student’s own capabilities and original thoughts.
Assisting a person to be dishonest , supplying another with one’s homework to be copied so that the other student can submit it
as his/her own, supplying information to another during a quiz or test, or writing a paper for another are violations of academic
honesty. Stealing a quiz or a test and/or to share the information from a stolen quiz or test, using an electronic device that can
store or communicate information also constitute violations.College Admission Requirements
College entrance requirements differ with each college. Students who plan on continuing their education in colleges or universities
should become acquainted with specific entrance requirements of the school they hope to attend and should choose high school
subjects which will enable them to meet these requirements. A library of college catalogs is maintained by the Counseling
Department and the Barbara Fischer Memorial Media Center for the use of college-bound students.
The Counseling Department urges students to make inquiries concerning specific college requirements during their freshman and
sophomore years. Minimum requirements to most colleges and universities are:
1. Students who entered high school for the first time as of September 1997 will be required to have 24 credits to graduate.
2. High school work including at least four units in English (literature and traditional writing courses), three units of mathematics*,
three units of laboratory science*, two units of fine arts (art, music, foreign language)* and three units of social science.
*Add 1 to 2 units each for selective colleges.
3. Scholarship rank in the upper fifty percent of high school graduating class.
4. Above average test scores on national examinations such as the American College Testing Program (ACT), or College
Entrance Examination Board (SAT).
In addition, selective colleges look at the type of courses students take such as IB Diploma course work, Advanced Placement
courses, honors level courses, etc., as well as involvement in extra-curricular activities which will demonstrate such qualities as
leadership ability, intellectual curiosity, and special abilities.
During the four years of high school, our students are faced with many decisions involving admission to college and their choice
of a career. To help our students make these decisions, we have installed a College/Career Center in Room 223. Here, a student
will have access to an information bank for several hundred colleges and universities about programs, student body, admission
requirements, majors and occupations.
College Placement Tests
Beginning in spring 2019, ISBE requires all public-school students in grade 9 to take the PSAT 8/9 and all public-school students
in grade 10 to take the PSAT 10, unless the student will take DLM-AA instead. ISBE continues to require all public-school
students in grade 11 to take the SAT, unless the student will take DLM-AA instead." --https://www.isbe.net/Pages/sat-psat.aspx
The SAT Achievements Tests is to be taken in the spring of the junior year or the fall of the senior year and is a graduation
requirement. All information and manuals regarding these important tests are available in the Counseling Office during the entire
year.
The American College Test (ACT) is also an option for students to take and is given throughout the year to juniors and seniors
who are college-bound and who wish to compete for Illinois State Scholarships. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up such
materials and register for tests that they would like to take.
Advanced Placement Classes and Exams
"AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school and earn college credit and
placement. Visit AP's sites to learn more and find the tools you need." --https://ap.collegeboard.org/
LEARN PLAN SUCCEED
Graduating high school is a landmark achievement for students, and we’re making sure it’s not the last! Learn.Plan.Succeed. is a
high school graduation requirement intended to help guide students in reaching postsecondary success. Every student will be
supported by school counselors and other school staff to explore options, engage in meaningful conversations, and develop and
demonstrate evidence of a “concrete postsecondary plan” for life after graduation.
Learn.Plan.Succeed. was approved in May 2017 by the Chicago Board of Education and begins with the Class of 2020 – last
year’s 12th grade students! It marks an important shift in mindset, because Chicago Public Schools firmly believes that a high
school diploma must be a launching pad to the next stage of life.
LPS does four things:
1. LPS confirms the commitment of Chicago Public Schools to provide a high quality education to every child by
ensuring every student has equitable access to resources and supports to successfully realize and fulfill a concrete
postsecondary plan.
2. LPS is a graduation requirement that requires students to demonstrate evidence of a postsecondary plan prior to
graduating high school.3. LPS expands the definition of postsecondary to include college, military, employment, job training, apprenticeship,
and gap year programs.
4. LPS ensures that every student is supported and prepared in completing an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) -
starting in grade 6 and through grade 12 - to look beyond high school graduation toward fruitful careers and fulfilling
lives.
Evidence of a concrete postsecondary plan must be “loaded” to Naviance and “marked complete” no later than 5 business
days before a school’s scheduled graduation date.GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY John F. Kennedy High School students will have the opportunity to be recognized by the state of Illinois for earning proficiency in English and one additional language. The Illinois State Board of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy program will place an official seal on diplomas and confer official recognition on transcripts of those students who qualify. Two honors are available: the Seal of Biliteracy and the Commendation Toward Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to those whose proficiency level is equivalent to the Intermediate High scale set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The Commendation of Biliteracy is awarded to students whose proficiency level is rated at Intermediate Low or Intermediate Mid in a second language.
To qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, seniors must:
● Earn 480 on the SAT EBRW, OR
● Earn a minimum overall composite score of 4.8 on the ACCESS for ELLs exam, OR
● Have earned a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement language exam, AND
● Earn a minimum score of I-5 on all components of ACTFL’s Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in
Languages (AAPPL) exam.
Why is the State Seal of Biliteracy valuable?
Benefits of this recognition include, but are not limited to:
● Distinguishing one’s resume and college application
● Sharing one’s proficiency level for scholarship & career opportunities
● Earning 8 college credit; Illinois law requires state schools to award credit
● Evaluating one’s proficiency level in order to set advanced language goals
Which languages are approved for 2020-2021?
The languages with the option for this recognition are based on the availability of assessments currently approved by the Illinois
State Board of Education:
Arabic*, French, German*, Hebrew*, Hindi*, Italian*, Japanese*, Korean*, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, Polish*, Portuguese*,
Russian*, Spanish, and Thai*
Grading
A serious attempt is made at all times to evaluate in the best possible manner the progress of students. Check course syllabi for
more information. The grading scale at Kennedy High School is as follows:
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59 and below
High School Report Of Student Progress
Student progress reports are issued four times each year: October, December, March and May. These grade reports are the
permanent record of the student’s progress. Grade Report Pick-Up Days are scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2020 and
Thursday, April 22, 2021. On these dates parents must pick up grade reports at school, so parents can meet with their child’s
teachers conferences.
January and June mark the end of the semesters. This is the time that credit is awarded in all classes. Semester report cards will
be mailed home to parents.
Report of Unsatisfactory Progress
Notices to parents of the possibility of student failure in a course if corrective measures are not taken are issued the 5th, 15th, 25th
and 35th weeks of the school year.
Teachers, additionally, may send these at any time between marking periods to parents of students who may require additional
support.
Parents who would like a conference with the teacher as a result of the unsatisfactory progress report are requested to call the
counselor to make an appointment so that a mutually agreeable time can be arranged. The counselor’s telephone number is listed
in this handbook.
Granting Of Credit
Credit is granted for the successful completion of a subject. Most subjects are granted .50 credits per semester of work completed
with a D or better. No credit is given for a subject in which an F is received.
Service Learning GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
Service Learning is a teaching strategy that connects classroom curriculum with service projects. Service Learning engages
students in projects that serve the community while building social, civic, and academic skills. Research indicates that when
students participate in high quality Service Learning we see positive academic, social/emotional, and civic outcomes.
Students will need to complete two (2) service-learning projects before graduating.● 1 of the 2 Service Learning Classroom Projects must be completed in Civics or A.P. U.S. Government course; and
● The second Service-Learning Project completion will be in conjunction with a course offering during the students’ 4
years or an independent service learning project may be completed with the permission of the Service Learning
Coach (Ms. Meza).
○ These projects are not given a value of hours but rather are given a Pass/Fail grade in the students’
gradebook and will appear on their transcripts
● Students are encouraged to engage in the community and complete additional independent hours outside of the
classroom at non-profit organizations. These hours will be entered under Volunteer hours and are great for
scholarships, college applications and to become a Kennedy Angel (50 independent Service Learning Hours)
Independent Volunteer Hours to become a Kennedy Angel---(50 hours) cannot be completed in the following ways:
● Work with for-profit businesses and corporations;
● Work with religious organizations if the service involves promoting a particular faith;
● Volunteer work where no academic objective is addressed;
● Work that is financially reimbursed;
● Participation in a sports team or other extra-curricular activity unless that group designs a Service Learning project
that contains the components listed above
● Assisting a teacher (i.e. correcting papers, cleaning the classroom)
● Artistic performances or recitals unless students are involved in creating a project that includes a performance as an
outcome of the project
● Attending a workshop, conference or other educational event unless that training leads directly to a service project.
Service Learning Resources
Please visit the school’s website at kennedyhschicago.org, click on the ACADEMIC tab and scroll to the bottom and click on
Service Learning. More information and forms can be found here.
For additional information about Service Learning at John F. Kennedy High School, please contact the Service Learning
Coach, I. Meza, imeza@cps.edu , 773-535-2328
Academic Excellence
The Academic Excellence list is displayed two times a year in the showcase bulletin board on the first floor to recognize students
who are excelling in their academic subjects. Students who have a 3.0 cumulative average (GPA) and above in all subjects are
placed on the Academic Excellence list. No D or F grades are acceptable. A Quarterly Excellence list is also displayed to recognize
students whose grades are B or better in all subjects.
Homework Policy
Homework is an essential part of the learning process and will be assigned and evaluated in all classes. To succeed, it’s important
that students understand the benefits of doing homework. How does homework help you?
1. It helps develop independent learning habits, self-esteem, pride, and responsibility that prepares you for adulthood.
2. It helps students understand that learning does not stop when the school bell rings.
3. It allows the class to cover new material and more material.
Students should keep a written record of all assignments in this handbook and budget their time so they will be able to turn in all
their assignments on the date they are due. Also, it is the students’ responsibility to get assignments when they are absent.
Programming
Programming is done during the spring of each year. Student needs insofar as graduation requirements are reviewed, and the
student’s interests are taken into account as well. The current student’s teachers, counselor, and the student participate actively
in this endeavor. A parent’s signature is required on the student’s confirmation form.
Course Prerequisites
Certain subjects require minimum proficiencies before a student may advance to higher level courses. More information will be
distributed regarding specific classes during programming.
Failures
Students who fail a course make up the credit by successfully completing course work in summer school and/or night school. If
the subject is required for graduation, the course must be repeated. If it is not required, another subject may be taken in its place.
Courses failed during “day school” MUST be made up in summer school OR evening school ONLY.PRIDE BEHAVIOR MATRIX
Physical Examinations And Immunizations
A certificate of Child Health Examination, including a complete record of immunization dates, must be presented upon entrance
into ninth grade. A report of a physical examination and the dates of all immunizations must be included. Students who do not
comply with the State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health regulations will be excluded from
school until they are in compliance. The same procedure applies to any student new to the Chicago Public Schools.
A yearly physical is mandatory for any student who is interested in participating in any extra-curricular activity that
requires any type of physical activity. This includes but is not limited to all Kennedy High School sports, weightlifting,
and other sports or physical conditioning events.
Accidents
Accidents must be reported to the teacher or immediate adult supervisor and the Main Office. An incident form needs to be filled
out and given to the clerk so she can give it to the proper person. In the event the accident occurs during class, the teacher should
arrange for the student to report to the nurse/attendance office.
Parent Conferences And Visitors
Parents are always welcome. If they wish to see a particular person, they should call in advance to assure the availability
of that person. Counselors can assist in making an appointment for a parent to see a teacher during the teacher’s non-
class period. Classes will not be interrupted for parent conferences. No guests or visitors (non-parents) will be allowed
into the building without prior arrangements having been made through an Assistant Principal. All parents, guests and
visitors MUST present identification upon entering the building and be announced to the person they are seeing before
they officially enter. Small children (non-Kennedy students) may enter the building ONLY if accompanied by their parent
or legal guardian. Parents are NOT permitted to drop off food purchased from fast-food restaurants or any similar type
of eateries. Other foods for parties (cake, cupcakes, etc.) are prohibited from being brought into the building by parents
AND students.FOOD & Beverages
Students are ONLY allowed to bring food & beverages into school for personal consumption during lunch, to be
consumed during the student’s scheduled lunch period. Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, 2-liter containers of pop, and other
party-like food is PROHIBITED. ALL beverages brought in MUST be in sealed, never-before opened containers. Reusable
bottles may be brought in, BUT they must be empty. Students can fill them with water using Kennedy water fountains.
ALL glassware or glass containers are PROHIBITED. Students and family members may not bring in food from the outside
for any reason during the school day, including after-school activities and evening school.
Metal Detectors
Students and are subject to search with metal detectors. All visitors to Kennedy High School are subject to search with metal
detectors.
Lost and Found
A lost-and-found is operated in the Student Support Center. Non-electronic items found in classrooms, cafeteria, and corridors
should be turned in there. Owners of lost items should check the lost and found before and after school or during their lunch
period. Electronic devices should be turned into the Student Support Center and will be stored in a locked cabinet.
Daily Announcements
Announcements are made in the beginning of 2nd period with the exceptions of special or urgent cases (administrative approval).
If for any reason, a student needs to re-check an announcement, a daily bulletin is posted outside the Main Office AND on the
school website. Upcoming events or other important information is also updated daily on the marquee outside the auditorium
entrance.
Hall Passes
NO student will be permitted in the halls without a pass. No hall passes should be issued within the first five and last five minutes
of the class period. This is a privilege. Any student who violates the Kennedy attendance policy and is placed on the Loss of
Privilege list will NOT be issued hall passes. Students who abuse a hall pass privilege will lose the privilege and/or be disciplined
per the Student Code of Conduct.
Telephones
No public telephones are available in the building. NO PROVISIONS EXIST FOR PAGING STUDENTS FOR INCOMING CALLS.
Students will ONLY be contacted in cases of extreme emergencies. Students are not permitted to use mobile phones during the
regular school day. If a student needs to make a phone call, they need to ask permission and use a phone in the main office,
Student Support Center, or attendance office.
Guidelines for Student Conduct
John F. Kennedy HS is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and
school personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by
all is essential to achieving this goal. In order to promote appropriate student conduct, Kennedy HS has adopted
Crusader PRIDE utilizing the Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Framework to create a school
environment that is conducive to student learning. In order to teach what it means to be Positive and Respectful, have
Integrity, Determination, and a sense of Excellence, the purpose of Crusader PRIDE at John F. Kennedy High School is
to:
• Create a feeling of “cohesiveness” within the entire school community.
• Improve the culture and atmosphere of Kennedy HS.
• Improve/boost the morale of the school, which results in teachers and students working harder.
• Nurture pride in the school.
• Provide incentives that encourage positive behaviors/attitudes.
• Promote healthy relationships among students/teachers and their peers.
• Create a set of rules/systems that students understand and can achieve.
• Promote, teach, encourage, & motivate positive, appropriate, acceptable behavior.
• Change the climate at Kennedy HS where negative behaviors have stunted student growth.
• Promote order and a safe place to learn.Behavior and Discipline
Students at Kennedy are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects self-control and respect for others. Remember
your behavior should be that of a serious student who is a credit to yourself, your family and Kennedy HS.
Conduct To and From School
When you are on the street or on public transportation, you are in the public eye and citizens are fully aware you are a student of
Kennedy HS. You are expected to behave in a manner that includes observation of all laws, respect for the property of others,
and showing courtesy and kindness for others. Additionally, you have your rights as a citizen and are encouraged to report any
violations of your rights to school authorities and the Police Department so that your trip to and from school is enjoyable and safe.
Respect the Property of Others
Remember—the person or property of others is sacred. You have no right to trespass or violate these rights.
1. Walk on the sidewalk. Respect the lawns, gardens and shrubbery of our neighbors.
2. Do not damage the property of others or loiter on porches or lawns.
3. Do not throw food, cans, bottles, wrappings or paper on our neighbors’ property or on the school campus.
Departure from School
1. Students are to depart from school within 5 minutes after their last class. Do not loiter in the locker areas or in the building
after school. Students serving detentions must bring all materials with them such as books, coats, etc. to study and use that
time productively. All students must leave the building immediately after detentions are served. Students who are not
participating in after-school activities need permission from the administration to stay in the school after their last class of the
school day.
2. Students should not loiter outside the building, under the bridge or between the Kinzie-Kennedy buildings, or on the porch or
stairs of any part of the school building.
Extracurricular Activities
Students are expected to behave in an exemplary manner and to show good sportsmanship. Misconduct at school-sponsored
events is subject to discipline code sanctions.
Teams or individual students who violate the ethics of competition or the principles of good sportsmanship during a sports activity
will be subject to disciplinary action that can include barring from future participation as spectators and/or participants.
Students who participate in after-school sponsored events must remain with their sponsor or coach at all times. When dismissed,
they must immediately leave the school building.
No student may participate in any extracurricular activities if they are on LOP Status which includes, but is not exclusive of team
tryouts, practices, and competitions.
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
Students of Kennedy HS are expected to behave as responsible citizens. Responsibility is necessary to freedom. In school, for
example, in order to be free to get an education, students must be free from others who would stand in their way.
Responsible behavior means the following:
1. Respect for others’ rights to their own opinion even if they disagree with your own.
2. Respect for others’ rights to speak and listen without interruption or disruption.
3. Respect for others’ rights to their own property.
4. Respect for others’ rights to pursue their education in a setting free of offensive language or immoral or illegal behavior.
5. Respect for others’ rights to an education in a safe and secure environment.
6. Respect for reasonable rules that protect the student and rights of others.
Behavior contrary to the above will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.
Freedom of Speech
Students have freedom of speech under the law. However, at school, a student’s freedom of speech does not include the freedom
to be disruptive, libelous, abusive, vulgar, or insubordinate. Students must submit to the reasonable exercise of authority by school
personnel.
Discipline
Kennedy follows the Chicago Public School System’s Student Code of Conduct (SCC) in conjunction to holding our students to
the highest standards according to the Kennedy Crusader PRIDE Behavior Matrix. Students receive a copy of the SCC and
Crusader PRIDE Behavior Matrix at the beginning of the school year. It is to be brought home for parents’ perusal. This CodeYou can also read
