J F Kennedy Elementary School

DO NOT disrespect MY school because I've gone their all my life and I love it. I don't go their anymore because I my grade is too high. So this school is better than the other 3 elementary schools in Randolph: Donovan, Young, and Lyons. No matter what you say, Dr.Didier is gone and JFK is THE best thank you very much.

This is my son's second year here. I think Dr. Didier is great, and the parking problem is solved! It's now better than it was last year. This school might get low ratings compared to other schools around Massachusetts, but the curriculem is tougher than the out-of-state schools my son has attended. I am also very impressed with my son's teacher this year, and socially my son is doing great even though he is in the minority culturally. I think there's always room for improvement, but I think the school's leadership has a plan for that and they are executing it well. I'm happy with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school was decent when Principal Connelly was there. However, the new principle, Principle Didier, has turned even the simplest of drop off/pick up procedures into chaos. She does not seem to understand children and avoids all issues.
--Submitted by a parent

It is my sons first year at the Kennedy. He is in preschool. He will eventually be attending the lyons school. Since the override was passed in the town there has been a great turn around. The Principal is motivated energetic and in your face. I love it! She does her best to get to know parents and the children. He child is a Harvard student so she understands the commitment to being involved. I am on the PTO and we are on a mission to make it a better place. My son's preschool teacher is awesome and she writes to me everyday and keeps the lines of communication open. They are really trying. By the way there is more parent involvment thusfar. One thing to keep in mind the test scores may be lower at the school because it has the special needs program.We'll be a 10 some day!
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Trinity Academy in Brockton last year. This is his first year at JFK and I have found it to be a better experience than the private school! Any issues that have come up (and with kids, there are always issues:), were handled swiftly and to our satisfaction. I am impressed with the principal and my son's teacher too. My soon is doing very well at JFK. Please note the dates on the prior reviews as some of them date back to 2006 and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry that the reviews are so negative. My son and daughter go there, its not great, but I think the school in general does what it can. There is an organization that ENCOURAGES PARENT INVOLVEMENT, its called the PTO. If things appear to be so negative, why not help make a difference? The school committee is also a GOOD PLACE TO DISCUSS your problems with the Randolph schools.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first experience at the JFK in Randolph and unfortunatly I have found that there is a lack of communication, enthusiasim and school/ home connection set forth from both the teachers as well as the administration! They do not encourage family events or particapation. I would much rather pay for private education.
--Submitted by a parent

The class size last year was great. This year, it is o.k. A lot of the teachers are really wonderful. The Randolph School Committee- school administration-- had made it extremely difficult for parents as a result of cutting bus service and providing it on some occasions at high costs. They have a lot of extras for the kids run by the PTO and one woman in particular. Low in safety and discipline as a result of bus policies and difficult students.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child who went the full six years at JFK and one presently enrolled there. I have found the principal and staff to be highly quailfied and responsive to my children, my wife and I. They have provided an very good, safe environment for my children to learn and grow in. As far as the quality of education, my oldest is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and received a Presidents Academic Acheivement Award this past year. While there has been occation where I did not agree 100% with a dicipline decision made by the staff they were always responsive to me the door has never been closed. To sum it up: A enriching, high quality, education in an enjoyable safe environment is available at the JFK. However, they can not be expected to nor can they provide the most important part that being parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I found the school to be responsive and proactive in any matter that I would bring to their attention. My child's teacher challenged him to do his best and individualized his learning experience to meet his needs. I would recommend the JFK to any parent. The key to your child's success in and out of school is that parents need to stay actively involved.
--Submitted by a parent