Welcome to the Kennedy Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Whether you are a parent, guardian, or extended family member of a Kennedy student, you are a member of the Kennedy PTO! We are a nonprofit volunteer organization (tax ID 47-1531115) whose mission is to help students thrive and grow into the next generation of community and business leaders. To support this mission, we raise funding and organize parent volunteers to help our school better serve its students.
John F. Kennedy Middle School is a community school, a special designation given to a limited number of “full service” schools in Redwood City where educational success is achieved by addressing any social and economic barriers to learning. To this end, Kennedy offers an array of programs to support our students’ social, emotional, physical and academic needs, many of which are funded by the efforts of the PTO.
In 2023-24, the PTO raised more than $73,000 to support elective programs, student activities and staff appreciation events.
Kennedy students directly benefit from your donations! Last year, every single one of our 756 KMS students were touched by your generosity. Our incredible electives and Family Center served the following number of students: Drama and Dance: 52; School Musical: 121; Fine Arts: 164; STEAM: 242; Music (Orchestra/Band): 204; Intramural Sports: 77; Kennedy Family Center: 756. Our students love the electives; they are premier programs that make KMS shine! We must continue to fund them. These classes simply are not possible without your donations!
For 2024-25, the PTO is in need of higher financial support from you and our community to be able to fully fund our proposed budget. This year, we will focus on offering family-oriented events to build community, adding another mural to the front entrance, and continuing to uplift our amazing elective programs, the Kennedy Family Center, our teachers and staff. The direct drive fundraiser is our first school fundraiser where we ask families to directly contribute to our school to ensure we have funds for the school year. Our direct drive fundraising goal is $50,000. Please consider donating the amount that fits your personal financial situation. Our students are worth our investment! To achieve our goal, we suggest families make a minimum financial contribution of $500 per family.
Here’s how to donate:
- Visit our websitehttps://kennedycougarspto.org/donate to donate via credit card or Paypal, and consider choosing monthly payments as an option
- Checks can be made out to “Kennedy PTO” or leave cash (with your student’s name) in the PTO lock box at the Kennedy Main Office
- Double your donation with your employer’s matching program
- Contribute to cover the costs for an additional family. Many families cannot afford the suggested donation we are asking for and we realize the burden this ask can present. Please consider the tremendous impact your extra donation can make for our students.
Together, we can continue to create a school environment where every student thrives academically, socially and emotionally, teachers and staff are recognized for their hard work, and families feel supported.