The following protocol outlines Kennedy Middle School’s policy regarding requests for private school applications. Please make sure to read this information carefully. If students do not meet the requirements of the policy, it may delay school staff in completing student requests. All Kennedy staff members ask for 3 working weeks notice to complete the request for documents regardless of the application due date.
For questions about this process, contact your child's school counselor.
Alejandra Jimenez (last names A-L)
Michelle Close (last names M-Z)
When requesting school records or a recommendation, please indicate how your private school application is being completed - through an online system (e.g. Ravenna, Gateway to Prep Schools, etc.) or by paper submission. If you are asking Kennedy staff to submit paper records or recommendation, you must include a stamped, pre-addressed envelope for each document you would like sent (recommendation and/or records).
You will need to obtain a records release form from the school you are applying to and/or through the application system (e.g. Ravenna, Gateway). The request for school records form must be filled out completely including your student first and last name, private schools you want the school records sent to, and how the records will be submitted (paper via mail, online, etc.). If you are submitting your application through a 3rd party (e.g. Ravenna, Gateway to Prep Schools, etc.), you need to include that organization on the school records release. Please remember a parent signature is required for the school to be able to release student records (including transcripts and test scores). You DO NOT need to fill in grades, Kennedy will send transcripts, test scores, or any other required documents.
Please send requests and/or signed records release for transcripts and test scores to your child's school counselor.
Lisa Perea (last names A-L)
Michelle Close (last names M-Z)
Please keep in mind requests are just that - a request. It is up to the school staff member if he/she will complete the recommendation. In person, polite requests with consideration for the teacher/counselor’s time and effort are more likely to be completed. Staff members may decline to complete a recommendation. Recommendations are confidential. They will not be shared with students or parents.
A Private School Bio Questions for Recommendation (make a copy of the Google file to fill in your answers) needs to be completed before requesting a recommendation.
Request for teacher recommendations must be submitted directly to the teacher, not through the school office. Teachers may have additional requirements for recommendations beyond this school policy. It is highly advised to approach your teacher in advance of your request about their requirements regarding private school recommendations.
If requesting a counselor recommendation letter, you must submit your request directly to the counselor. Ms. Jimenez for students with last names A-L. Ms. Close for students with last names M-Z.
Requests for a letter from an administrator will be forwarded and completed by your counselor.
In order to provide a positive, comprehensive recommendation, it is helpful to provide staff members with a list of accomplishments, activities, or recognition for special achievements (the “brag sheet”). We are most interested in school related activities, but would like to know about areas of achievement outside of school as well. Please share this “brag sheet” with each staff you are asking for a recommendation from. It is advised that the student makes a copy, complete as much as you can, and share it with Kennedy staff. Your recommendation will not be started until you provide the “brag sheet.” Please complete this form - Private School Bio Questions for Recommendation.
For online recommendations:
For Ravenna and Gateway, you will need to input the contact information for the recommender through their online system. The online system will send a link to the personalized recommendation to the school staff recipients you include. If you are using a different online application system, please make sure you inform the Kennedy staff member as to how they will be submitting the recommendation.