We are JFK!
John F. Kennedy Elementary’s colorful and light-filled spaces welcome children into a community where learning, play, and social interaction support developing minds. School staff help students use their creativity and find new ways to communicate their ideas.
Welcome to JFK Elementary
UPK – Grade 2 Principal Melissa Fennessy
Melissa Fennessy is the Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School (UPK–2). A proud graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy’s Class of 1999, Mrs. Fennessy brings a deep commitment to student-centered leadership and a strong background in elementary education to her new role. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Elementary Education from St. Lawrence University in 2003, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Potsdam in 2006. In 2022, she completed her Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership at SUNY Potsdam.
Mrs. Fennessy began her teaching career in 2009 as an elementary teacher at Heuvelton Central School, where she served students for over a decade. Most recently, she worked as a Special Education Supervisor with St. Lawrence–Lewis BOCES from 2022 to 2025, supporting educators and programs across the region.
Mrs. Fennessy is committed to working closely with teachers, families, and the wider community to ensure that all of our students are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need to reach their fullest potential. She strongly believes that when we work together, we create the best conditions for student growth and success.
Mrs. Fennessy can be reached at (315) 393-4264.
Grades 3-6 Principal SueEllen Bouchard
As the principal of grades 3-6, I welcome you to John F. Kennedy Elementary! I have spent my entire career in the Ogdensburg City School District. I began as a grade 6-8 reading teacher in 2000 and have since taught at OFA, Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy Elementary, and have even taught social studies to grades 7-9.
As principal, I maintain a high level of visibility by visiting classrooms daily, supervising in the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch, facilitating recess breaks, greeting students, and overseeing the end-of-day dismissal. The best student-principal relationships are built by being involved in the daily routine of the school day.
Furthermore, I prioritize consistent communication to promote a positive learning environment. The district utilizes ParentSquare to keep communication current and accessible to all stakeholders.
The Positivity Project is also central to our focus on social-emotional learning. The program is grounded in positive psychology’s 24 character strengths. These strengths apply to all individuals and align with school values nationwide.
Every character strength is important — and they provide classrooms, schools, and districts with a broad, common vocabulary to discuss the good in individuals. Each week, JFK focuses on a new trait. Throughout the week, teachers explain why and how the traits are important. Each month, I visit each classroom to read books highlighting the traits and model what the traits look like in action.
Ms. Bouchard can be reached at (315) 393-4264 ext: 32902.
Attendance
School attendance is both a right and a responsibility in New York State. Parents are responsible and legally obligated to ensure that their children attend school during the ages of compulsory attendance.
Report a Child’s Absence, Tardiness or Early Departure
Download and print an Attendance Request Form.
Select ☑ Absence to report your child being absent.
Select ☑ Tardiness to report your child arriving late to school.
Select ☑ Early Departure to report your child leaving school early.
- Learn what is considered an excused and unexcused absence.
- Learn how we celebrate attendance at JFK and other OCSD schools.
- Find school nurse contact info on the Health & Wellness page.
JFK Student Council School Store
Available items include pencils, fidgets, keychains, erasers, and more! Students may shop on the following days of the cycle:
Day 1 (UPK, Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grade 1)
Day 2 (Grade 2)
Day 3 (Grade 3)
Day 4 (Grade 4)
Day 5 (Grade 5)
Day 6 (Grade 6)
John F. Kennedy Elementary Links
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
801-809 Park Street
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(315) 393-4264
Melissa Fennessy, Principal UPK- Grade 2
SueEllen Bouchard, Principal Grades 3-6
School Hours
The school doors open at 7:30 a.m. Students may begin to arrive at school at 7:30 a.m., and will proceed to the cafeteria. Breakfast will be served daily to all students in the cafeteria beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Students may enter classrooms at 8:05 a.m., when the school day officially begins. Students are considered tardy after 8:20 a.m.
School ends at 2:50 p.m.
Delay Schedule
ParentSquare is used to communicate with families about delays, closures and other special announcements. Families can receive notification via email, voice call, posts from the ParentSquare app, and text message. Learn more about School-to-Home Communication.
2 Hour Delay
If school is delayed by two hours, school begins at 10:05 a.m., with students being marked late after 10:20 a.m.
Arrival time for Breakfast Program: 9:30am
Homeroom begins: 10:05am
JFK Student Pickup/Drop Off Instructions
For the safety of your child please do not drop him or her off at JFK Elementary until 7:30 a.m. or after. The children are asked not to arrive at school before 7:30 a.m., at which time supervision is available.
- Students in grades UPK-2 will enter at the main entrance (Door 1) on Jersey Avenue.
- Students in grades 3-6 will enter at the old main entrance (Door 2) on the Park Street circle.
As a reminder, students in UPK and Jr. Kindergarten should not arrive until 8:05 a.m., as breakfast is served as part of our UPK students’ daily schedule within the classroom.
Please drive slowly and keep in mind that we have many students that walk to school. Unfortunately, children are not always visible around corners and when they are crossing between cars. Please be mindful that as the snow comes, we ask that you be especially cautious when dropping off and picking up your children at school.
Elementary School Visitors
We ask that all visitors, at both Kennedy and Madill, enter our building using the main entrances. Once in the reception area, you can ask to meet with a teacher, pick up your child, etc. Office personnel will contact the teacher to verify your appointment. When verified, you will be required to provide proper identification (such as a driver’s license), which will allow us to create a photo visitor’s tag which must be worn visibly when you are in the building. If you are a volunteer or classroom guest you will sign in and take a visitor/guest name tag.
Reach a School Nurse
School nurses serve as a vital link between school, home, and the healthcare community, assisting parents with managing their child’s health concerns. Visit the Health & Wellness page for school nurse contact information.