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* Offers Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) special program
** Offers Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) & Gifted Academy special programs
*** Offers Adult Education program

Meet the Principal

Headshot of Kennedy Principal Kourtni Gray

Welcome to Kennedy Middle School, home of the Wildcats!

I am honored to lead Kennedy students and staff as their principal. I am dedicated to strengthening the culture of high expectations for both students and staff at Kennedy Middle School. As the principal of Kennedy, I will maintain a safe learning environment for all students and staff so that their energy can be focused on learning and building positive relationships. Additionally, I will work to strengthen our connections with parents and community members in order to foster a partnership that surrounds students with all the support they deserve to be lifelong learners.

The 10 years I have spent in education have been exciting and inspiring. I completed my associate degree at Rock Valley College and continued my education at Northern Illinois University to complete my bachelor’s degree in History with a Teaching Certification. I taught at Roosevelt Community Education Center for six years, teaching high school credit recovery and World Geography in the Freshman Transition Program. I completed my master’s degree through Concordia University Chicago in the Illinois Principal Program. During my master’s program, I realized I wanted to work with middle school students. I came to Kennedy as the 6th grade assistant principal where I served for three years before I became the building principal. I look forward to my future in this profession and many successful years ahead for the students and staff at Kennedy Middle School.

I love to spend time with my husband and three children. We have lived in Rockford for more than 20 years and my children attend Rockford Public Schools. In our free time we explore nature by hiking, kayaking and fishing. We like to be involved in different athletic activities throughout the year.

I look forward to the school year with the students and staff. I am blessed to be in a building with so many wonderful educators that care about the whole child. We can’t wait to celebrate how the students will grow and shine as they navigate their way through middle school.

Kourtni Gray  |  kourtni.gray@rps205.com