Kennedy Junior High School

I am always proud to say that I go to Kennedy because this school has excellent extracurricular and performing arts programs that allow us teens to feel great about ourselves and develop good social skills and self esteem. I am also happy to report that it is a very clean school, it is easy to recognize that the custodians do care for the well being of the students. School unity is also excellent, because the school gives many opportunities to be involved in sports, Academic Games, the spring musical and Peer Leadership Team; the students can experience working as teams to accomplish something greater than individuals can. In conclusion, my school is freakin' awsome and I am a very proud Kenney Crusader! :D
—Submitted by a student

Kennedy Jr High is an excellent school. As both a parent and a substitute teacher at the school I am constantly impressed with the level of education the children receive. The teachers are more than devoted to educating students and work many hours above what is required to give students the best education opportunities possible. The dress code is remarkable and creates more equality with the students. The principal is very supportive of all groups and organizations within the school and attends nearly every sporting event, concert, art show, plays, (etc.) that the school participates in. Students are allowed every opportunity to participate in any type of program that interests them from art, band, choir, dance, and drama to woodworking, academic games, MESA, and sports all of which are top rate programs with excellent instructors that go above and beyond. I would recommend this school to anyone wanting to do well.
—Submitted by Amy Jami, a parent

I have two daughters that attend JFK. We are extremely satified with the education our daughters are receiving form JFK. Whenever I contact the school or visit the school I am treated with the upmost respect from the staff as well as the students I encounter. I have read other reviews about JFK online and do not agree with the negative reviews. Parent involvement in your child's education and school will bring success, lack of involvement will only lead to failure.
—Submitted by Jenai, a parent

JFK, It is one of the better schools. I have seen many junior high schools. some of them are not even in control. The uniform system creates discipline right from the beginning. It is a very structured school, I am very pleased to have my daughter in this school
—Submitted by Holly, a parent

This school has a dress code that inconsistently enforced. Every staff member has their own interpretation of it. This confuses students and parents alike. Teachers, for the most part do not answer E-mails and/or messages. Some teachers use inappropriate language in the classroom. Students feel discriminated against. Students show no respect for staff and viceversa. Parents are, most of the time, ignored. There are a few good dedicated teachers, but like I said they are only a few. Students are not challenged and are treated like thieves. This is not a very good school. I have terribly dissapointed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has one good thing going for it. The kids have a stricked dress code. Other then that, It's doors should probubly close. There is absolutly no feed back from the teachers, even when you spacipacly ask for it. I was able to find two teachers that were willing to keep me informed with what my children were doing in class and what help they might need. Unfortunatly the one moved to Japan and the other retired last year. The teachers never update thier grades on the net, and are unavalabel for parents to talk to ether in person or on the phone. I am sickened by the lack of education at this very poor school.
—Submitted by a parent

Their '0 tolerance' rule is a joke. Kids here are rude and run the teachers. I think the teachers are afraid of the students. If a child falls behind, the teachers do not let the parents know. (some people do not have access to the internet) There has not been a new thought in this school in 15 years. My children went to this school in the 80's and it was an awesome school. Now my grandkids go here and it is a good thing their parents have access to education sites on the internet to teach what the kids are not learning. The kids say the classes are so boring that they just don't want to even attend class.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers do not contact the parents when the student is falling behind except through the internet. So if you don't have access to the internet you will never hear from the teacher, good or bad news. There is no extra effort to get the kids excited in their futures, the kids just wander through 3 years of junior high. The kids in the cracks that need help are just being passed over. There are lots of bullys in this school that get away with their pranks, not that no one sees them, I just think more than the kids are afraid of them.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had three children attend Kennedy Junior High. One was involved with resource level, the second, main stream and the last in the gifted and talented program. I have worked with all phases and have been very pleased on all three levels. My son received help, encouragement and support through resource and was able to finally function main stream in highschool. He went on after high school to get an Associate Degree in Mechanics. He, and his teachers, found his strengths and 'built' on that foundation. My second child was heavily involved in sports. Because of her team mates she always had support and acceptance. She was guided well, worked hard, and her efforts rewarded her with good strong friends and self esteem. My youngest daughter had absolutely amazing opportunities through challanges and extremely hard work in the Quest program. She loved it! She excelled in dance and art, as well as all academic classes. Teachers helped her and supported her and built upon her strengths and her 'loves'. Being Korean, she was involved in MESA and was encouraged throughout her years. She earned a 5 year degree from BYU in Health & Human Performance. Graduating in 2002, she is now in her second year teaching at Jefferson Jr. She was capable of infinite directions and choices for her future but chose 'teaching' in the school system because she 'wants to make a difference too' and influence, for good, the lives of students that she comes in contact with. We, all my children and I, recognized the importance and have benefited immensely, from teachers and counselors who have sincerely cared and helped my children succeed and achieve their potential. I am, very grateful for the leadership and influence of teachers and I appreciate the quality of teachers at Kennedy. There has been positive impact upon my children and me because I chose to communicate and become involved with the school and teachers providing my children's education. Problems and obsticles can become much smaller and grow into strengths through cooperation . Thank You Kennedy for helping my children be prepared for their futures!
—Submitted by LuGene New, a parent

This is school is very low in academics and is very unwilling to work with the parents. They do not call you when your child misses class and when you ask why they just tell you I dont know. When your child is recieving D's or F's the counsler will tell you your child is doing well. This is not well!! When the internet is watched and you ask them about a problem such as attendance and grades, homework not turned in that you know has because you have the graded papers the counsler tells you that the internet has not been updated but is shows it has. This school will pass your child just to move them on. This school has no care or attention for any child.
—Submitted by a parent