About Us
Christo Servire
Mission Statement:
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools is a regional college preparatory Roman Catholic school system of the Diocese of Erie from Preschool through Grade 12. We are committed to providing spiritual inspiration, exceptional academics and extracurricular activities as all of us strive “to serve Christ” (Christo Servire).
Our Vision
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools is a Christ-centered faith community that exists as a response to Jesus’ mandate: “Go and teach all nations.” In fulfilling this mandate, we open our doors to a population of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds and thereby live our motto Christo Servire, to serve Christ. We strive to provide students with an exceptional educational experience that encompasses academic excellence, outstanding extracurricular activities and continual spiritual growth. We guide our students in their spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development by providing an atmosphere conducive to acquiring and increasing knowledge on all levels.
As a Catholic community, we celebrate liturgies and unite our prayers in response to the needs of the wider community. We also provide for the broadening of our views so the students may seek social justice in a global society.
Investing in Tomorrow
Through systematic instruction in the Catholic faith, the Christian message is communicated and commitment to Christ and His values is fostered. Teachers at Kennedy Catholic have the opportunity to present a complete picture of the human person with both a spiritual and physical nature. Your child will be taught to look not only at traditional values and events, but also to look critically at issues and events in light of Gospel values. Daily personal prayer and community worship strengthen the commitment to serve one’s neighbors and to become aware of the fact that this extends beyond their school and the parish community.
Your child will live in a world with the need for technological expertise with great competition in the work place. Statistics and surveys attest to the fact that students in Catholic schools in many cases surpass them. Our boast, however, is the fact that we can offer something above and beyond what other schools are permitted to offer–namely, that of religious instruction. We can be truly proud of the fact that we can teach the whole child, not only in the academic area, but also in the spiritual realm. Your child is truly worth the investment of quality Catholic Education!
The Kennedy Experience
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools offers your child exceptional academic programs that prepare them to achieve and succeed in college and beyond. As a student at KCFS your child will engage in exceptional academic programs, obtain spiritual guidance, and benefit from religious instruction. Combining academics with spirituality is at the heart of the Kennedy experience. Additionally, your child will have access to a vast array of extracurricular activities and athletic programs, and the opportunity to enrich and enhance their community by serving others. These benefits are what allow our graduates to excel in their fields and assume leadership positions in communities both here in the United States and abroad.
Our total commitment to our vision enables us to provide you with the most exceptional primary and secondary education available in our region—an education that has enabled thousands of students to excel in their fields and assume leadership positions in communities both here in the United States and abroad.
Again, welcome and remember, at Kennedy Catholic, we teach life.
School Facts and Statistics
Kennedy Catholic Middle/High School…
is a co-educational institution providing instruction for grades seven through twelve, with a student population of nearly 160. Kennedy Catholic is a Diocese of Erie secondary school and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and competes in PIAA District 10.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1964
- Grades: 7th through 12th Grade
- District: Shenango Valley Catholic School System Diocese of Erie
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- School Mascot: Golden Eagles
- School Colors: Maroon and Gold
- Cafeteria: Hot Lunch Daily
- Principal: Janet Halicki
- Address: 2120 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148
- Telephone: (724) 346-5531
- Fax: (724) 346-3011
Saint John Paul II Elementary School…
is a co-educational institution providing instruction for grades mini pre-k through six, with a student population of nearly 160. Saint John Paul II Elementary school is a Diocese of Erie school and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Ample facilities include a well stocked library, separate rooms for computer, music, art, enrichment, remedial help, and a gymnasium with a stage.
Quick Facts:
- Founded: 2011
- Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Grade
- District: Shenango Valley Catholic School System Diocese of Erie
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- School Mascot: Golden Eagles
- School Colors: Maroon and Gold
- Cafeteria: Hot Lunch Daily
- Principal: Mrs. Kathryn Tiefenthal
- Address: 2335 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
- Telephone: (724) 342-2205
- Fax: (724) 704-7397
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Erie…
School Administration & Board
Office of the President
Dear Parents/Guardians:
It is with great gratitude, excitement, and anticipation I write this letter as the new president of the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools. I extend my sincere appreciation to all of you, to the entire staff of our school system, to all board members, and to Bishop Persico and his staff for
the opportunity to serve all of you, and most importantly, the wonderful students attending Kennedy Middle/High and John Paul II Elementary School. Thank you for the privilege of working with your
precious children. I will do everything in my power to promote their faith, their education, and their health, safety, and welfare at all times.
I have many years of experience in education; I have served as an elementary principal, asecondary principal, Curriculum Director, and Superintendent of Schools. My faith in God is with me constantly and I now pray for His guidance as I begin this new position within our school system.
I firmly believe open and direct communication between home and school is imperative for student success. When we both work together, the expectations we have for your wonderful children, and our
wonderful students will be achieved.
In my letter to the staff I quoted Psalm 127:3….Children are a precious gift from God, they are a reward from Him. I further wrote, “ Now, we, along with the other adults in our student’s life have the great opportunity and responsibility to guide them, teach them, and pray for their safety,
protection, faith, and education.” Please note, when I mentioned the other adults in our student’s life, I was referring to no other adult being more important and influential than their parents and
guardians.
Again, I thank you for the honor and privilege to work with your children. Please feel free to contact me if I may be of assistance to you. My door is always open.
May God bless you and your family.
Sincerely
Karen A. Ionta
Administration
The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, J. C. L.
Bishop of Erie
Mrs. Karen Ionta
President
Mrs. Janet Halicki
Principal, Kennedy Catholic Middle School/High School
Mrs. Kathryn Tiefenthal
Principal, St John Paul II Elementary School
Mr. Ray Bianco
Finance Manager
Ms. Cathy Cathcart
Assistant Finance Director-AP/AR
Ms. Jessica Sorg
Director of KCFS IT and Director of Facilities
Sr. Margaret Pellerite, SSJ
Director of Campus Ministry
Mrs. Nicole Perry
Director of Enrollment Management
Ms. Reganne O’Brien
Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
Mrs. Janet Taylor
Director of Athletics
Ms. Allison Zreliak
Director of Guidance
School Board
Mrs. Angela Surano- Chairperson and Mission Enhancement Chair
Mr. Richard Whalen-Vice Chair
Mr. George Becker-Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Mr. Keith Brooks-Advancement Committee Chair
Fr. David Foradori-Pastor’s Chair
Mr. Gene Sheehan
Mrs. Candice Bartosh-Nominating Chair
Ms. Deanna Yarboro-Brown-Policy Chair
Mr. Nicholas Cianci
Mr. Joshua Lamancusa
Mrs. Debra Fitzsimons
Mary Rita (Hopkins) Cricks
Fr. Jamie Power
Chris Hagerty