Meet Our School Leadership
Chandra Leonardo | Principal
Dear Kennedy Community,
I am excited to be your new principal for the 2024-25 school year. I am no stranger to Kennedy; I continued my teaching career here in 2013 when I moved from the Central Valley. During my time at Kennedy I have taught sixth and seventh grades. I became assistant principal in 2019. I love Kennedy, and l look forward to learning and growing with you this year!
I believe in creating and cultivating strong relationships with students because I want them to feel valued and supported as they navigate their way through middle school life. I remember what it felt like being in middle school, so I know how important it is for middle school students to feel like the adults in their lives care about them.
I am devoted to created a safe and inclusive space where students can develop strong character, build meaningful relationships, and gain the skills necessary for success.
I invite you to actively participate in the various school events and activities that will shape your student's middle school experience. Your involvement and input is invaluable and contributes to the strong sense of community that defines Kennedy Middle School.
We will have a great year filled with growth, discovery, and shared achievements.
Make it a great day to be a Kennedy Cougar!
Mrs. Chandra Leonardo
Principal
Dr. Shanna Laney | Assistant Principal
Dr. Shanna Laney has been a valued member of the RCSD community for four years, serving as both the Director of COVID Response and Assistant Principal. Over the past two years, she has been dedicated to the Roosevelt Community and is honored to join the Kennedy Middle School staff for the 2024-2025 school year.
With over 24 years of experience in education, Dr. Laney's background includes teaching Spanish and AVID at the high school level, as well as instructing 2nd grade bilingual students and 3rd-5th grade newcomers. Her leadership roles have been diverse, ranging from WASC Coordinator and Small Learning Community Coordinator to English Learning Specialist. Since 2012, she has held various administrative positions and earned both her Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a focus on Multilingual Learners.
Dr. Laney is deeply committed to fostering leadership skills among her students, aiming to cultivate their abilities to lead with confidence and integrity. As a servant leader, she prioritizes the needs of her students and colleagues, striving to empower and support them in their personal and professional growth. Her extensive experience, passion, and dedication to educational excellence make Dr. Laney a valued asset to Kennedy Middle School.
Dr. Monica Rodriguez | Assistant Principal
Ellen Spencer | Assistant Principal
Ellen Spencer will join Kennedy as a substitute administrator.
Mrs. Spencer served as a teacher for 12 years in elementary and middle schools before contributing to more comprehensive student achievement as a K-8 principal for 16 years. In that capacity, she guided private, public, urban, and rural schools, such as Beechwood School, a private school in Menlo Park, and public schools in the Ravenswood, La Honda-Pescadero, and Oakland school districts. She was the coordinator for the English language program for two years at the Berlin British School in Germany. She was also involved with mentoring and coaching at the San Mateo County Office of Education as a BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) Support Provider for teachers and in the coaching program (Act II) for aspiring principals. Mrs. Spencer is most proud of her term as principal at the James Flood Science and Technology Magnet School due to its staff, students, and the community effort in Ravenswood that led to the award as a California Distinguished School. Excellence was the expectation for everyone.
Since retiring, Mrs. Spencer has been supervising new teachers at Notre Dame de Namur University. She feels strongly about providing school support and has designed workshops and materials to help teachers, principals, and support staff develop grade-level teams to design instruction and programs that encourage, support, and expect excellence from each other and their students. She is the proud mother of two children and two wonderful grandchildren and is looking forward to the arrival of a new one in September.
Mrs. Spencer is also excited about her upcoming role with the Kennedy School family. She is looking forward to contributing her expertise and experience with Kennedy staff, students, and families
Cynthia Cardona | Community School Coordinator
Cynthia Cardona is our community school coordinator. Ms. Cardona previously taught 6th-grade at Kennedy. Ms. Cardona is passionate about family and community engagement. Please reach out to Ms. Cardona should you or your family need assistance.
Cynthia Cardona es nuestra coordinadora de escuelas comunitarias. La Sra. Cardona anteriormente enseñó sexto grado en Kennedy. A la Sra. Cardona le apasiona la participación familiar y comunitaria. Comuníquese con la Sra. Cardona si usted o su familia necesitan ayuda.
Cynthia C. CardonaCoordinadora de Escuela Comunitaria | Community School Coordinator
John F. Kennedy Middle School
(650) 482-2409 ext. 3484 | C: (650) 656-0501