John F. Kennedy High School

08/31/2026

Memorial information for Mr. Winters.

08/05/2026

Dear Kennedy High School Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! It is with great excitement and optimism that we open our doors to students, families, and staff for what promises to be an incredible year of learning, growth, and achievement. Whether you are new to our community or returning, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Kennedy High School family.

Education is a partnership—a collaborative effort between students, families, and educators. Parents and guardians play an essential role in the academic and social success of our students. We encourage you to stay actively engaged throughout the year by attending school events and supporting your child in keeping strong attendance, completing assignments, and striving for academic excellence.

Please see below for some important dates. Visit our website to access our school calendar and bell schedule:
https://jfkhs.lausd.org/

Wednesday, August 12:
First Day of School

Monday, August 17:
Coffee with the Principal at 8:30 am in the Parent Center & Zoom and 5:30 pm via Zoom only. Please contact school directly for Zoom meeting information.

Friday, September 4:
No School – Admissions Day

Monday, September 7:
No School – Labor Day

Our goal this school year is ambitious yet achievable: every student will earn a grade of C or better in every class and graduate college and career ready. This reflects our commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for success beyond high school. With elevated expectations, consistent effort, and dedicated support, we know every student can achieve this goal while growing academically, personally, and socially.

Attendance is essential to student success. Students who attend school regularly and maximize instructional time consistently achieve stronger academic outcomes. We ask for your partnership in ensuring your child arrives on time, attends every day, and is ready to learn.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We are honored to be part of your family's journey and look forward to a year of achievement, growth, and memorable experiences. Here is to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year!

Sincerely,
Oscar Vazquez
Principal

John F. Kennedy High School is located in Granada Hills, CA.

08/05/2026

Greetings Kennedy Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are excited to welcome all of our Golden Cougars to campus. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 12, at 8:30 AM. Students should report directly to their homeroom class. We will have staff throughout campus ready to support students, help them find their classrooms, and answer any questions as they begin the new school year.

Please note that, due to our ongoing campus modernization, the main entrance has shifted slightly south on Gothic Avenue, next to the library.

Our goal is to support every student in becoming college and career ready while fostering a strong sense of belonging and engagement. Together, with our students, families, and staff, we will make this a successful and memorable school year.

Welcome back, and Go Cougars!

04/18/2026

Sadly, a great Kennedy alum, Garret Anderson, has passed away. Thoughts and hugs to his friends and family.

We're saddened to learn of the passing of 17-year MLB veteran Garret Anderson. 🕯️⚾
Before he was an MLB All-Star Game MVP, he was a three-sport star at Kennedy High (CA), earning two All-Los Angeles City honors and two All-League Honors in baseball. He also won All-L.A. City honors and All-League in basketball as a senior. 🏀

03/12/2026

Kennedy High School has been recognized as A California Distinguished School.
Congrats to all of the hard working teachers, staff, and students.

LAUSD Region North
Scott Mark Schmerelson

01/26/2026

Proud to share that Kennedy has earned multiple recognitions from Magnet Schools of America, a testament to the outstanding work happening across our campus. These honors reflect the dedication, innovation, and commitment of our teachers and the perseverance and excellence of our students. Special thanks to our Magnet Coordinator, Ms. Arentoft, for her tireless work in guiding these programs. To our Magnet teachers, thank you for your unwavering focus on student success. Please congratulate our students for representing our school with distinction on a national stage.

Congratulations to the Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet on being named a 2026 Magnet School of Excellence!

Congratulations to the Gifted Medical Magnet on being named a 2026 Magnet School of Excellence!

Congratulations to the Global Leadership and Environmental Action Magnet on being named a 2026 Top Magnet School of Excellence!

01/23/2026

We are proud to honor the legacy of Kerry Sego, who devoted nearly 40 years to teaching English at John F. Kennedy High School and uplifting students in every role she held — teacher, mentor, coach, advisor, and advocate.

Kerry’s message to students was always clear: you are worthwhile, be kind, do your best, and never give up. Her student-centered approach and nurturing spirit helped countless students overcome challenges, discover their potential, and pursue their goals with confidence.

The Kerry Sego Memorial Scholarship was created to continue that legacy by supporting Kennedy seniors who have faced significant obstacles on their path to graduation, with special consideration for honoring Academic Decathlon students.

If you would like to contribute to this meaningful fund, donations by check are greatly appreciated. Your generosity helps ensure Kerry’s impact lives on through the students she cared so deeply about. 💙

For donation details or questions, please reach out — thank you for supporting our Kennedy community.

If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may send a check made out to John F. Kennedy Student Body. Please put "Kerry Sego Scholarship" in the memo. The school cannot accept other payment methods.

Mail or deliver the check to the student store:

John F. Kennedy High School
Attn: Sandra Edstrom
11254 Gothic Ave
Granada Hills, CA 91344

09/18/2025

Kennedy's Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet took over the rehearsal production of The Wheel of Fortune for tonight's episode.
The student production takeover was organized by magnet alumna and current Wheel of Fortune production coordinator Samantha Crende.
The episode aires on ABC7 (channel 7) at 7:00pm or is streaming on Hulu.
To learn more about this award winning Architecture/Digital Design/Filmmaking Magnet, visit https://jfkhs.lausd.org/apps/pages/ADDF

09/13/2025

Kennedy’s Varsity Football team beats Granada Hills Charter High School 23-16 in the annual cross-town rivalry game tonight.
Way to play and way to pack the bleachers, Cougars!
Photo credit: Maria Guerra, Athletic Director.

09/08/2025

Hey Cougars!!!
Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, September 18, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
See you there.