Welcome to the Home of the Fighting Irish!
Student Services


AT-RISK COUNSELING. At-Risk counseling is a state-funded program for students who are in danger of dropping out of school because of poor performance. Ninth grade students are identified at the end of the first semester. Counselors then arrange conferences for the student and parents in an effort to plan a program that will lead to high school graduation.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT. The purpose of Back to School Night is to give parents an opportunity to meet and visit with teachers. At this evening event, teachers inform parents of curriculum requirements, rules and course outlines. In addition to meeting with teachers, parents can watch presentations given by some of Kennedy's outstanding performing groups.

CHEMICAL USE PREVENTION PROGRAM (CUPP). Students who are in need of information regarding a problem involving drugs or alcohol may wish to seek help from the Kennedy High School CUPP program by contacting your Assistant Principal. Counselors from Straight Talk and the Anaheim Drug Abuse Clinic of Orange County offer individual and group counseling to students during the school day.

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING HANDBOOK. This handbook is produced by the Anaheim Union High School District and is the product of the accumulated knowledge and experience of counselors who work extensively with young people making decisions about careers, vocations and college planning.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT. Conflict Management is a course designed to train students in active listening and decision making, problem solving skills. Students will use these skills as conflict managers in disputes among students and also between students and teachers. Students will be responsible for designing and maintaining a campus-wide conflict management program to be used as an integral component of campus discipline and safety.

EDUCATIONAL PLANNER. The Educational Planner is given to all students during the first month of school. It helps answer the many questions about high school, such as academic requirements, discipline standards, student activities, student services and college and university requirements. It is easily placed in a student's notebook and provides needed information quickly.

ELD/SHELTERED CLASSES. Students who speak a primary language other than English or who do not have the necessary English skills in oral, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing are eligible for English Language Development (ELD) and sheltered classes. These Limited English Proficient (LEP) students develop their knowledge of the English language, grow in their academic skills and knowledge, and develop and maintain positive self-esteem through the strategies offered in the ELD and sheltered academic classes. ELD classes are divided into Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced levels with clearly established criteria for placement and exit.

ExPAN. Through easy-to-use computer software available in the Media Center, ExPAN offers student solid, annually-updated information on colleges, careers, personal portfolios, financial aide, and scholarships. For more information on ExPAN, see Mr. Burnside in the Counseling Center.

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION. Each Spring before pre-registering, incoming freshmen and their parents are invited to attend an orientation, which is usually held in the Kennedy gymnasium. At that time a brief tour of the campus is given , and information regarding the freshman class offerings and activities is presented by administrators, counselors, the activities director, athletic directors and ASB officers.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE. Friday Night Live (FNL) is a peer program designed to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. It fosters teens to develop self-esteem, leadership and community involvement. Any student who pledges to be alcohol-, tobacco- and drug-free is eligible to join Friday Night Live. Contact Mrs. Callanan in room 902 for more information.

G.A.T.E. The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program offers students a variety of unique learning opportunities. Students qualifying as gifted in the areas of intellectual, high achiever, specific academic or talented in the visual and performing arts may receive special classes which feature differentiated strategies and activities which promote sensitivity, responsibility and ethical standards.

Ms. Chung, Counselor and GATE Coordinator will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the GATE program.

G.I.S. G.I.S., like ExPAN, offers complete information designed for college, career and military planning through a computer program. See Ms. Chung in the Counseling Center for details.

HEALTH SERVICES. The Anaheim Union High School District has provided Kennedy High School with the services of a district nurse and a full time health clerk. The health clerk’s duties include: first aid, screening students who are ill, and general clerical duties. Therefore, it is very important for parents or guardians to provide the school with alternative places to send ill or injured students when it becomes necessary. Be sure to complete Item 6 on the Emergency Health Form in the registration packet. For further information, please call Ms. Peggy Sue Sutherland, Health Clerk, at 220-4115.

JROTC. The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, at Kennedy High School, teaches self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills that enable students to meet life's challenges successfully. The ROTC class is open to all students in grades 9 through 12. For further information, contact Col. Breslow or Sergeant Shaw in Room 605.

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM FOR 1998-99.
The Anaheim Union High School District takes part in the program. Meals are served every school day. Eligible students may receive meals at no cost.

OPEN HOUSE. Each spring Kennedy High School holds an Open House to provide an opportunity for the parents to visit their student's teachers. All classrooms as well as the Counseling Center and Administrative offices will be open. Incoming ninth grade students and their parents will be introduced to the Kennedy campus. This evening event enables parents to see their student's work on display. On the Outside Stage, the Kennedy Band and Choir will showcase their talents. The Library will be open. The annual Student Chalk Art on the campus sidewalks will be displayed. Individual student painting, drawing, and photography will be displayed. GATE, Bilingual and PTSA meetings will be held at announced locations. Food fund-raisers by various clubs will be available. Please pick up a program and plan to attend this very worthwhile and informative event.

PAL. Peer Assistance League is a community and school-based alcohol and drug use prevention program managed by the Orange County Department of Education. The emphasis in PAL is on training students to participate in peer approach to fellow students to stay drug free or obtain help in becoming drug free.

PARENT CONFERENCES. Parent conferences can be arranged by speaking with a teacher, a student’s counselor or the student’s assistant principal.

P.L.U.S. Parents Learning University Strategies is a program for parents offered every other year by the Kennedy High School Counseling staff. This three-evening seminar offers valuable information to parents regarding college planning and financing. The next offering of the P.L.U.S. program will be in the Fall of 2006.

PROGRESS REPORTS. Approximately three weeks prior to the end of each quarter, a progress report will be mailed to the home of students currently receiving a grade of "D" or "F". IF a student’s grade drops after the progress reports are mailed, the teacher shall issue a progress report to the student to take home.

PTSA. The Kennedy Parent Teacher Student Association offers a variety of support programs. It is a clearinghouse for volunteers who work in all aspects of the educational program from registration to graduation. In addition, PTSA provides college scholarships, student recognition, and sponsorship of Reflections, which is an arts competition offered every year on the Kennedy campus.

RECOGNITION PROGRAMS. Kennedy High School seeks to recognize students for achievement in a variety of areas. Some of the programs established to honor and encourage students are:

  • Academic Honors
  • California Scholarship Federation
  • Community Awards
  • Golden State Awards
  • Emerald Chain
  • Golden Shamrock
  • National Honor Society
  • Perfect Attendance
  • Pursuit of Excellence
  • Renaissance
  • Scholarships
  • Senior Awards Night

R.O.P. The Regional Occupation Program offers job-related skills in a variety of occupations such as food services, masonry and pharmacy. Participation in an ROP class can result in additional high school elective credits. Information regarding other offerings and career opportunities is available by contacting Ms. Yee in the Counseling Center.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD. (SARB) SARB is a community-school based program meeting the needs of children and youth with attendance and behavior problems. Representatives of Social Services, Probation, Law Enforcement, parents, school personnel and private agencies work with the parents and students in an effort to find solutions in correcting attendance and behavior problems. For further information regarding SARB, please contact Mr. Bill Boll at (714) 220-4127.

SENIOR NEWSLETTER. Each month the senior newsletter is published and distributed to members of the senior class. It provides information on scholarships, college visits and receptions, test dates and other pertinent information for seniors throughout the year.

S.I.T. The Student Intervention Team is a group of faculty and community members who meet with at-risk students and their parents to consider strategies, suggestions and modifications that will benefit the student. Students may be referred to the S.I.T. team through teacher, parents or the students themselves. For more information on the S.I.T. program, see Mr. Bill Boll.

S.M.A.R.T. The purpose of the School Management and Resource Team is to provide a safe school environment for the students and staff. Various representatives from the campus including teachers, parents, classified staff, students and administrators meet monthly to focus on particular areas of need and concern. Past projects have included, increasing campus supervision, implementing a plan decreasing the number of students out on campus during class time and support of the Renaissance program.

SOCIAL WORKER INTERN. A social worker intern is assigned to the Kennedy campus on a limited basis. While here, the intern counsels individuals and groups who are experiencing personal problems. The program also identifies student and family needs and makes the appropriate referrals to community-based resources. All information shared with the social worker intern during counseling sessions is confidential. However, the law mandates that information be disclosed if the student presents a danger to himself or others, or if he or she is being abused emotionally, physically or sexually. These services may be requested by a student, a parent or a faculty member.

SPECIAL EDUCATION. The following Special Education classes are offered at Kennedy. The names listed below are the contact personnel.

RSP Resource Specialist Program Mr. Eric Motch
CH Communicatively Handicapped TBD
LH/SDC Special Day Class Ms. Janet Harris

SPORTS OFFERINGS.

Fall Sports
Boys' Football, Cross Country, Water Polo
Girls' Volleyball, Cross Country, Tennis
Winter Sports
Boys' Basketball, Soccer,  Wrestling
Girls' Basketball, Soccer,  Water Polo
Spring Sports
Boys' Baseball, Swimming, Track and Field, Tennis
Girls' Softball, Swimming, Track and Field

STUDENT STORE. The Kennedy High School student store will be open at lunch. School supplies, soft drinks, candy, etc.are available for purchase at that time. Contact Mrs. Hilda Vazquez-Diaz at (714) 220-4110 for further information.

STUDENT TRANSCRIPTS. Seniors and students who have graduated from Kennedy High School may make an application to the counseling secretary for a transcript of high school records to be sent to a college or other institution as may be required. The school will mail the copy of the state-approved transcript form bearing the student’s scholastic marks, credits, and other records directly to the institution. For further information, call Mrs. Britton in the Counseling Center at (714) 220-4121.

SUMMER SCHOOL. The Anaheim Union High School District provides a six-week summer school program at each of the eight district high schools. Students may earn as many as ten credits during summer school, which focuses on make-up credits and proficiency remediation. A few select accelerated classes are also offered. A counselor will provide information regarding summer school during spring registration.

TITLE IX REGULATIONS. The Anaheim Union High School District provides equal opportunity for all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap, in classes or courses, activities, and counseling, as well as career determination. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education programs. If you have a complaint or compliance concern, you may contact Mr. Kelly Wilson, principal, at (714) 220-4101.

TUTORING. With the assistance of CSF and NHS students, peer tutoring is offered before school from 7:25 to 7:55 a.m. and after school from 2:40 to 3:10 p.m.in the library. Peer tutors are available for almost every subject. See Mrs. Gauss in Room 36 for questions regarding tutoring. 

VITAL LINK. The goal of the Vital Link program is to provide exposure to the world of work via business connections. Fifteen students are chosen from the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. Visitations to businesses and class meeting are held, allowing students to earn five credits per year. Mr. Buie in the Counseling Center can provide further information.

WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORTS. Any student may receive a weekly update on his or her grades by obtaining a weekly progress report form in the Counseling Center. See Mrs. Britton in the Counseling Center for more information.

WORK EXPERIENCE. Work experience is a program for students who are already working in an outside employment. Students earn elective credits towards high school graduation. Participants must maintain continuous employment and attend 18 class meetings per semester. See Mr. Buie in the Counseling Center if you have any questions.