Counseling

Scheduling / Registering for classes

Multi-year academic planning tool

The multi-year academic planning tool (MYAP) is within Infinite Campus.  This allows students to plan all four years of high school.  They can make adjustments to their plan each year if needed. For current students, completing the MYAP equates to registering for classes for the upcoming school year.

Please see Registration Central Tab for more detailed information.

Schedule Change Info Flyer

Scheduling Note to Parents (August 2026)

Schedule Change Request link (S1) 2026-27 (CRCSD email required)

Course drops requested after the 10th day of the the term require building administrator and chief of schools approval. Students should speak with their School Counselor if they are considering this.

PE Exemption form for School Activities

Summer School Information

We are no longer accepting registrations for Summer 2026.

Career Assessments and Exploration

Cedar Rapids Community Schools’ College and Career Planning System, Xello, provides the online tools to help students learn about interests, skills, and work values, and how to apply them for college and career success.

Xello Login

CCR Events

The following is a list of various College and Career Readiness events promoted by the Counseling Office throughout the school year. Some of these events are hosted at Kennedy, while others are hosted across the Cedar Rapids area and beyond. In some situations, transportation is provided to these events, while other times it is not feasible due to budgeting, time and staffing constraints.

College Visit Opportunities

College Admissions staff from various Colleges and Universities across the region visit Kennedy High School each year. Current juniors and seniors are welcome to sign up in advance to visit with the Admissions staff. All visits are in person, unless otherwise noted.

If you are a college or university Admissions Professional interested in visiting Kennedy High School, all visits are scheduled through Rep Visits. Please login to schedule a time to visit with our students.

Students Sign Up Here

Many students choose to have a part-time job during high school. Part-time jobs can build confidence, promote time-management skills, and strengthen communication skills. The following opportunities were shared with us directly from the organization or employer.

Financial Aid Planning

Step 1: Apply for scholarships

• Check out Xello for Scholarship Matches (requires student login)
• Join the Senior Recognition Google classroom (CODE: 4eotvynl). This will be where you can apply to be considered for scholarships and awards selected by Kennedy staff and recognized at the Senior Recognition Event in April.
• Inquire with Financial Aid offices at the colleges/universities you are applying to. Most have scholarship applications available to students as soon as you’re accepted to the college and have access to the student portal.
• Search for scholarships by using various search engines/websites (see below).

Step 2: File the FAFSA

The StudentAid.gov account is the first step in preparing to file the FAFSA. Each student and parent must have an active account. Visit this website to learn about the StudentAid.gov account and how to get one.

Students and families can begin filing the FAFSA after October 1, 2025. By filing the FAFSA, students may be determined eligible for state or federal aid. Check out the Iowa Department of Education for more information.

Need help filing the FAFSA? Contact ICAN today! ICAN has helped families complete tens of thousands of FAFSA’s through the years. They truly are experts and can assist you with completing this very important task. Some colleges/universities doe have FAFSA priority dates, so filing sooner than later is encouraged. ICAN is available to assist families with the FAFSA process by appointment. Contact them by phone at ​877-272-4692 or schedule an appointment online.

Additional FAFSA resources

Ready to File the FAFSA? Here’s What You’ll Need
ICAN Financial Aid Guide

Step 3: Compare financial aid award letters

• Compare cost of attendance at the various colleges/universities
• Compare merit based awards
• Compare state/federal awards

Covering College Costs: Understanding and Comparing Financial Aid Packages

Step 4: Decide what’s best for you

ICAN prepares students for future success. Contact ICAN if you need help with any financial aid questions at ​877-272-4692, FAFSA@ICANsucceed.org, or schedule an appointment online.

Scholarship Helpers

Each year, millions of private scholarships are awarded, with a total value of more than $7.5 billion. Below are tips and tools to help you with the process of researching and applying for scholarships.

Scholarship Organizer

Don’t lose track of time or scholarships you are interested in – Download your scholarship organizer by clicking on the button below. Click the “make a copy” button then use the form as is or customize it to fit your needs. The first line has been filled out as an example.

Scholarship Organizer

Letter of Recommendation Request Form

To make the process of receiving a letter of recommendation more efficient, make a copy of the Google doc below, complete the form, and share it with your teacher, counselor, or other recommender. (It is a good idea to share it electronically and to print it out.) Letters of recommendation take time – allow a minimum of ten days to complete your request.

LOR Request Form
 

Safety Tips

Remember, a legitimate (worth your time) scholarship will:

• Require an essay or at least short-answer responses
• Require additional support such as transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and recommendation letters
• Have minimum GPA requirements, although there are exceptions
• Are awarded once or twice per year

Scam (one to avoid) scholarships may:

• Charge a fee
• Use the term ‘sweepstakes’, ‘drawing’, or random selection’, often weekly or monthly. (They want your personal information. You will be bombarded with emails!)
• Have zero requirements aside from entering your basic information
• Ask for personal or financial data such as your Social Security number, driver’s license number, banking information, or credit card number

School Counselors are here to provide students with social and emotional support. We understand that students may feel stress during the school day and counselors can help students manage those feelings and provide reminders of healthy coping strategies, while encouraging a return to the classroom. School Counselors are not licensed to provide long-term therapy, but they do help identify or connect a student or family to community resources; below are some of the services available to students and families.

Tanager Place – School Based Therapy Services – Support for students, educators and mentors. If you are interested in enrolling in Tanager Services for your student, download the School Based Enrollment packet and contact your student’s school counselor for a referral to be made.

Hazel Health – Provides a convenient and accessible way for students to meet with licensed therapists and address concerns at no cost to families. With virtual appointments available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, students can receive care both at school and at home. Students must be referred to the program but a school staff member or their parent/guardian. Once referred, students will meet with a licensed therapist virtually, in a safe and confidential setting.

Mental Health Access for Iowa’s Students – ISCA’s position statement that supports increased statewide access to and funding for mental health services for youth and their families.

Iowa Mental Health Resources

SAFE Program – Suicidal Adolescent Family Empowerment Program – University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital

Linn County Mental Health Access Center – Provides crisis care for adults (18+) experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis that requires immediate attention.

MedQ – Local Mental Health Resources – offers mental health guidance, information and assistance to anyone in need in Eastern Iowa.