High School Principal's Message
Welcome to the John F Kennedy High School!
In High School we have the pleasure of welcoming in young minds and helping them mature into responsible young adults. We understand that we need programs and attitudes that encourage students to feed on their own success and strengthen their skills to become successful members of society and life-long learners.
Our understanding of this is the cornerstone of our success.
We understand that adolescence is a time of trial and error, of testing limits, of challenging authority and looking for ways to demonstrate independence while seeking group-acceptance. High School students have their own agendas for securing their identities, developing friendships among people who are changing as quickly as themselves, accepting greater responsibilities and making serious career decisions. We understand that there is much more in the life of a high school student than rigorous exams and monthly grade sheets.
Are our programs demanding? Yes they are. Our students cover both the Mexican High School and the US High-School Diploma programs. For those wishing an even greater challenge we also offer the full International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is a demanding two-year pre-university program of truly international standard. However, purely academic studies are only half the story.
Our students go on to study not only in local universities but also some of the best universities around the world. Their success in admissions is partly because of their character development. We have an active Student Council, with representatives from every class. We have a great variety of Community projects, with everything from recycling paper to building homes for less fortunate. We also have students designing and building their own JFK Radio Station. For those that prefer sports we have a range of teams and professional coaches to make use of our excellent facilities. Our new gymnasium is now open and also proving popular. For those looking for different challenges we have an award-winning theatre club producing, writing and acting in their own original productions; a highly successful Model United Nations Team competing around the country and a growing ‘Mathcounts’ team. Others find pleasure in the Movie-appreciation group; the cookery class or even qualifying to be a paramedic. These are just a few of our activities that are designed to provide a truly all-round education.
Each year every generation has the chance of a field-trip that relates to their study programs, and encourages their social development. This unique opportunity offers students the chance to appreciate the wonderful history and culture of Mexico. These trips can take them to the beautiful Sierra Gorda mountains, to Oaxaca, Nayarit and Catamaco in Veracruz.
What kind of people teach in this school? We take great care to select the most appropriate from among all our candidates. Credentials are not the full story, for our dynamic and friendly school also requires teachers with the right personality. Every teacher has at least one degree and nearly half have a master’s degree, many coming from United States and other English-speaking countries. A team of over 40 teachers for 300 students shows the degree of specialty our students come to expect, so that teachers only teach in the areas and languages for which they are most qualified. Our team of teachers is also complimented by school psychologists, a career guidance counselor, a medical team and a Student Affairs Office to help mediate and encourage the development of suitable attitudes and behaviors in our school community.
As to my personal history, I have spent my life studying and intend to continue. I have an Honors Degree from London University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, along with various diplomas and certificates relating to education. I have worked in quality management and business in both England and Mexico. I have been involved with professional training, teaching at undergraduate level, and about 10 years teaching High School. I have also served as the Head of Languages for a university. Last year I coordinated the School Improvement Plan here for the JFK, and now I am very proud to be the IB Diploma Program Coordinator and Principal of this school.
Adrian Leece