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The Future Begins Here
About Us
At our elementary schools, the future begins with a strong foundation in learning. We focus on building essential early literacy and math skills, while fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. With supportive teachers, engaging classrooms, and programs that nurture the whole child, we prepare our youngest learners for academic success and personal growth.
Principal's Message
Our Admin
I want to welcome everyone to the 2026-2027 school year here at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the Kennedy family as your Principal.
In my 26 years as an educator in the Santa Ana Unified School District, I have had the pleasure of working with students and their families as a bilingual teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment (Tosa) and assistant principal. I believe in the transformative power of education and that every child deserves access to a world-class education, a positive, a safe and caring learning environment, as well as to be valued for who they are as individuals, and what they contribute to the culture of our campus.
I also believe in the power of family, and have seen with my own eyes how students learn best when families are empowered as equal partners in their student's education. I look forward to working with our community partners to build Kennedy's parents and guardians' capacity to help their students learn and grow.
On behalf of the Kennedy staff, I want to thank you for your involvement and support, and look forward to with everyone as our students take the next important steps on their educational journey.
Eric Merkt
Principal of Kennedy Elementary School
Early College
High school students can take college courses and earn credit toward their degree while still enrolled in SAUSD.
Early Childhood Education
Programs are available for children as young as age 2, providing a strong start for lifelong learning.
SAUSD Arts
Students explore creativity through music, dance, theater, and visual arts programs that enrich learning and expression across all grade levels.
STEAM Education
Students engage in hands-on learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to build creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
21st Century Career Academies
Real-world experience comes to life through themed academies that connect classroom learning with career pathways in health care, business, engineering, and other in-demand fields.
Dual Language Immersion
Bilingualism and biliteracy are nurtured through programs that develop proficiency in English and a partner language while fostering cultural understanding.
Education for a Brighter Tomorrow
Why SAUSD?
Education at SAUSD is about more than academics—it’s about preparing every student to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We equip students with critical thinking skills, creativity, and resilience, while fostering inclusivity and respect for diverse voices. By connecting learning to real-life opportunities and embracing innovation, we ensure our students are not only ready for the future but also empowered to shape it.
Stay in the Know
The Latest News
Stay connected to all that’s happening across Santa Ana Unified School District. From important announcements and Board updates to inspiring stories from our schools and community, this is your hub for the latest news, events, and highlights. Visit often to learn how SAUSD is preparing students for success today and into the future.
![Agenda for the Santa Ana Unified School District Regular Board Meeting - June 16, 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760138816/sausdus/o4jd4o64ofo1y5lf72od/IG-SAUSDBoardofEducationMeeting.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760138816/sausdus/o4jd4o64ofo1y5lf72od/IG-SAUSDBoardofEducationMeeting.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760138816/sausdus/o4jd4o64ofo1y5lf72od/IG-SAUSDBoardofEducationMeeting.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760138816/sausdus/o4jd4o64ofo1y5lf72od/IG-SAUSDBoardofEducationMeeting.png","width":1080}])
Agenda for the Santa Ana Unified School District Regular Board Meeting - June 16, 2026
Click here to access the agenda, learn how to submit a request to address the Board of Education and watch the meeting live.
![students holding up certificates on statge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779471095/sausdus/kql0pftamer8odq9phwg/55234645074_ac322a8d60_o1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779471095/sausdus/kql0pftamer8odq9phwg/55234645074_ac322a8d60_o1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779471095/sausdus/kql0pftamer8odq9phwg/55234645074_ac322a8d60_o1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779471095/sausdus/kql0pftamer8odq9phwg/55234645074_ac322a8d60_o1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779471095/sausdus/kql0pftamer8odq9phwg/55234645074_ac322a8d60_o1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779471095/sausdus/kql0pftamer8odq9phwg/55234645074_ac322a8d60_o1.jpg","width":2200}])
SAUSD AVID Students Earn More Than $1 Million in College Scholarships and Financial Aid
Santa Ana Unified School District is proud to announce that AVID students across the district have earned more than $1 million in college scholarships and financial aid, marking a milestone year for the program’s commitment to college access, academic achievement, and student success.
![SAUSD Board of Education Declares May as AANHPI Heritage Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779380696/sausdus/m3wjegrzrf8pwrbt8dey/BoardDeclaresMayasAsianAmericanNativeHawaiianandPacificIslandersHeritageMo1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779380696/sausdus/m3wjegrzrf8pwrbt8dey/BoardDeclaresMayasAsianAmericanNativeHawaiianandPacificIslandersHeritageMo1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779380696/sausdus/m3wjegrzrf8pwrbt8dey/BoardDeclaresMayasAsianAmericanNativeHawaiianandPacificIslandersHeritageMo1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779380696/sausdus/m3wjegrzrf8pwrbt8dey/BoardDeclaresMayasAsianAmericanNativeHawaiianandPacificIslandersHeritageMo1.png","width":1080}])
SAUSD Board of Education Declares May as AANHPI Heritage Month
At its May 19, 2026 meeting, the SAUSD Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 25/26-3739, officially proclaiming May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This recognition celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AANHPI communities while honoring the more than 2,000 SAUSD students of AANHPI descent who help shape the vibrancy and diversity of our district. The resolution reflects SAUSD’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that uplifts and supports every student. Read the full resolution here.
![Two employees of the month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779314795/sausdus/hjt1yaukobr12pixhqjv/1_5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779314795/sausdus/hjt1yaukobr12pixhqjv/1_5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779314795/sausdus/hjt1yaukobr12pixhqjv/1_5.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779314795/sausdus/hjt1yaukobr12pixhqjv/1_5.png","width":1080}])
SAUSD Honors May 2026 Employees of the Month
The Certificated Employee of the Month is Diane Nguyen, Moderate/Severe Autism Preschool Teacher at Mitchell Child Development Center. The Classified Employee of the Month is Martha Salas, Bilingual Technician at Mitchell Child Development Center.
![Watch Class of 2026 High School Graduations LIVE!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779300160/sausdus/nkcikmuoqypfl0sofebr/ChatGPTImageMay20202610_47_10AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779300160/sausdus/nkcikmuoqypfl0sofebr/ChatGPTImageMay20202610_47_10AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779300160/sausdus/nkcikmuoqypfl0sofebr/ChatGPTImageMay20202610_47_10AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779300160/sausdus/nkcikmuoqypfl0sofebr/ChatGPTImageMay20202610_47_10AM.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779300160/sausdus/nkcikmuoqypfl0sofebr/ChatGPTImageMay20202610_47_10AM.png","width":1254}])
Watch Class of 2026 High School Graduations LIVE!
Celebrate our seniors from anywhere! Graduation ceremonies take place May 26–28, 2026. Click here to find your school’s livestream link and join the moment. For all Class of 2026 information, visit www.sausd.us/ClassOf2026.
Upcoming Events
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