Dear Kennedy School Families,
Helen Keller once wrote, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows." As another remarkable school year comes to a close, those words remind me that while saying goodbye is never easy, there is so much joy to be found in reflecting on the memories we created together and looking ahead with hope and excitement for what is to come.
As I sit and reflect on the 2025-2026 school year, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Every school year brings its own unique experiences, challenges, celebrations, and accomplishments, and this year was certainly no exception. Together, we celebrated academic success, artistic talent, athletic achievements, acts of kindness, and countless moments that reminded us what makes Kennedy School such a special place.
Every morning, you entrusted us with your greatest gift—your children. Whether they walked through our doors eager to begin the day or needed a little extra encouragement along the way, our teachers, support staff, office staff, custodian, paraprofessionals, counselors, specialists, and administrators welcomed them with compassion, patience, and a commitment to helping every child grow. It has truly been an honor to share your children with you throughout the year.
This year, our school community continued to shine. We celebrated traditions that have become hallmarks of Kennedy School while creating new memories that will remain with us for years to come. From our Talent Show and Multicultural Night to classroom celebrations, concerts, fun and fitness day, assemblies, Day of Service projects, and the excitement surrounding our beautiful new playground, every event reflected the spirit, generosity, and pride that define our school community. These experiences reminded us that learning extends far beyond the classroom and that the strongest schools are built through meaningful partnerships between families, staff, and students.
Today, I stood outside and watched our students leave for the final time this school year. As always, it was a bittersweet moment. For many, it simply marked the beginning of summer vacation. For our fourth graders, however, it represented the closing of an important chapter in their lives. It seems like only yesterday they walked through our Kindergarten doors as young children, uncertain of what elementary school would bring. Today, they leave us more confident, more capable, and ready to embrace the opportunities that await them in Grant School.
To our fourth-grade students and to every family whose journey at Kennedy School is coming to an end, thank you for allowing us to be part of your story. Watching your children learn, grow, overcome challenges, discover new passions, and develop into remarkable young people has been one of the greatest privileges of our profession. While your time at Kennedy School may be ending, you will always remain an important part of our Kennedy family. Once a Kennedy Tiger, always a Kennedy Tiger!
To our returning families, thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and unwavering support. The success of our school is not measured solely by test scores or report cards, but by the smiles in our hallways, the friendships formed, the confidence built, and the kindness our students show one another each day. Those successes are only possible because of the incredible partnership we share with you.
As summer begins, I hope each of you finds time to relax, recharge, explore, laugh together, and create lasting memories with those you love. Read a good book, enjoy the sunshine, make new adventures, and cherish the simple moments that make childhood so special.
Thank you for making the 2025-2026 school year one that I will always remember. It has been an incredible privilege to serve as your principal and to be part of such an extraordinary school community.
On behalf of the entire Kennedy School staff, have a safe, healthy, and joyful summer. We look forward to welcoming many of you back in September, and to those moving on, we wish you every happiness and success in the years ahead. Remember, Kennedy School will always be a place where you belong, where you are celebrated, and where you will always be welcome.
Have a wonderful summer!
Dr. Hajduk
Dr. Hajduk