We are excited to announce that our fundraising live auction and student concert will take place (virtually!) on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Our ambitious fundraising goal of $20,000 can only be reached with your help! Not only is this is our school’s single-largest fundraising event of the year, but also an incredible opportunity for us to celebrate our students’ talents, hard work and perseverance through an unprecedented and challenging school year.

All proceeds support our school's PTO.

Many youth in Redwood City come from impoverished and under-resourced neighborhoods where poverty, violence, and a lack of social services often interfere with students’ academic achievement. 31% of the students at Kennedy Middle School are designated as English language learners, and over 62% are socio-economically disadvantaged.

Community schools are a powerful way to mitigate challenges and enhance our community’s collective strengths. The Community School model is focused on achieving educational success and developing the social, emotional and physical well-being of students and families within the community through identifying and closing any gaps that act as barriers to learning. 

As one of only six community schools serving the Redwood City community, Kennedy provides services and opportunities to its students beyond academic instruction, many of which are funded through the efforts of the Kennedy Middle School PTO:

--Technology and school supplies to support students during distance learning, as well as additional COVID safety equipment for students to return to on-campus learning.

--Counseling services, tutoring and general assistance to students and families in need through our on-campus Kennedy Family Center.

--School community-building events, such as this virtual fundraising and concert event, Spirit Day ice cream social, teacher appreciation events, and 8th grade graduation celebrations..

--Art, music, PE and after-school Drama programs.

--Scholarships to students to participate in the Yosemite and Grand Canyon enrichment trips through the Kennedy Expedition Foundation..

--The Maker Space at KMS, which provides students with the opportunity to explore hands-on learning in Technology and Robotics.

--Project Lead The Way, a project-based learning program that boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “aha! moments” and deep comprehension.

These unique programs engage, encourage and empower our students in challenging and creative learning opportunities while teaching them skills for life. Through self awareness, creativity, problem solving, perseverance, focus, non-verbal communication, how to receive constructive feedback, collaboration, dedication and accountability, our students are given the foundation to flourish.

Our enrichment program costs are all privately funded and come at a cost beyond the general educational budget. While these programs enrich our students immeasurably, we struggle tremendously to generate the private sponsorships and fundraising efforts necessary to keep them going.