Principal's Message
Dear Kennedy High School Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am honored and privileged to serve as the proud principal of John F. Kennedy High School, Home of the Fighting Irish, this school year. Whether you are a returning family or joining the Kennedy community, I look forward to witnessing the growth and accomplishments that lie ahead. At Kennedy High School, our vision is to engage, educate, and empower every student, fostering a learning environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Your student is coming to an amazing high school that offers unlimited opportunities to be their UNLIMITED YOU!
I am excited to kick off this new school year with all of you. Our shared passion, dedication, and teamwork will undoubtedly make this an extraordinary year. Kennedy High School is a thriving community where we celebrate successes and learn from challenges together. The accomplishments of our students in academics and extracurricular activities last year were truly inspiring. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, parents, and community partners.
Kennedy High School is committed to providing an exceptional education that prepares students for college, career, and life. Our curriculum focuses on developing the 5Cs – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Character/Compassion – through research-based instructional strategies. By incorporating our district’s Career Preparedness Systems Framework (CPSF), we equip students with 21st-century skills, technical skills, and a strong sense of purpose. We are proud to offer a cutting-edge Career Technical Education Pathway in Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is reshaping our world, and we believe it's essential for our students to understand its impact and potential. Our 9th graders will explore AI concepts in their Career, Finance, Technology course, and AI integration will be incorporated across the curriculum. We are committed to fostering responsible and ethical AI use while harnessing its power for positive change.
Student safety and well-being are our top priorities. We maintain a secure learning environment through close collaboration with our School Resource Officer, Officer Wilson, and the La Palma Police Department. Beyond safety, we strive to foster a strong sense of community at Kennedy High School. With a wide array of clubs, sports, and academic programs, there’s something for everyone. From our prestigious International Baccalaureate program and innovative AI pathway to our competitive athletics and performing arts, we offer countless opportunities for students to explore their passions and excel. I encourage all students to get involved! Join a club, try out for a team, attend school events, and show your Fighting Irish spirit by wearing green on Fridays.
We believe that academic success is deeply connected to students' overall well-being. In addition to our rigorous curriculum, Kennedy High School prioritizes mental health and social-emotional support. Our dedicated team of five counselors and one social worker is available to assist students with academic challenges, personal growth, and mental health concerns. We employ a proactive response-to-intervention approach to identify and support all students, ensuring that they receive the timely help they need to thrive.
We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for student success. We deeply value the contributions of our parents, alumni, and community members. Your involvement makes a significant difference! To foster this collaboration, we encourage parents to participate in school groups like ELAC, School Site Council, PTSA, and Boosters. I invite you to join our monthly “Coffee with the Principal” sessions or attend any of our parent events to learn how you can better support your students and stay informed about the exciting activities taking place in our school and community. Your engagement is vital to our shared goal of providing an exceptional educational experience for all students.
Please feel free to visit or contact our school with any questions or feedback you may have, as we strive to continue working together to ensure that our students not only learn with a purpose but also reach their UNLIMITED YOU!
Welcome to Kennedy High School, where we embrace the spirit of #KHIGH4LIFE.
Mrs. Poppy Hill-Bonales
Proud Principal, John F. Kennedy High School
Our Vision
Engage ☘️ Educate ☘️ Empower
"For education... is the mainspring of our economic and social progress... it is the highest expression of achievement in our society, ennobling and enriching human life." --John F. Kennedy, Special Message to Congress on Education (Feb. 6, 1962)