The “I” in JFK’s P.R.I.D.E. values system stands for “Inclusion” and remains a core school-wide value. This is reflected in JFK’s programming, behavior response, outreach, and services for historically marginalized communities.

JFK has a high population of students receiving Special Education services (over 20% of our students are on IEPs) and hosts three center-based specialized programs, including Multi-Intensive (MI), Multi-Intensive Severe (MI-S), and Affective Needs (AN), and a strong Mild/Moderate program with a focus on Inclusion.  Special Education services at JFK are a top priority, with its leadership at the department and administrative level having many years of experience. In fact, JFK’s center-based programs have many unique services to assist in inclusion efforts, including award-winning Theatre, Visual Arts and Unified Sports programs. 

Our Special Education department works closely and collaboratively with students and their parents, general education teachers and administrators to ensure that our students with Mild/Moderate disabilities receive their IEP accommodations while they are included in general education classes. JFK offers several co-taught and College and Career Readiness courses designed to provide smaller student to teacher ratios for critical content areas such as Math, Science, and Literacy. 

Students with IEP’s can also participate in our ACE Connect pathway where they can engage in School Work Based Learning and/or Community Work Based Learning.

Work-Based Learning (in school) provides students with the opportunity to enhance employment skills by participating in a school-based enterprise experience.

• Students will follow a training plan

• Students will be evaluated daily for job-specific technical skills

• Students will demonstrate levels of self-awareness, career exploration, post-secondary option knowledge, and employability skills.

• ACE teachers and paraprofessionals will serve as coaches and mentors on a daily basis.

Our two School Work Based Learning pathways are through our Commander Cafe or Print Job through the JFK custom design class. 

Commander Cafe is an in-school business that is entirely student run. Students train in  various roles such as baristas, cashiers, stockers, and managers. They use equipment that can be found in real businesses in the community such as coffee makers, an espresso machine, drink dispensers, a cash register, a Point-of-Sale program (Square), and a kitchen display monitor. The students have enjoyed learning these skills and some have even begun training others to use it. It has given students the opportunity to practice job skills in a safe and authentic environment and build a professional resume.