LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jill Handley is the proud principal of Kenwood Elementary School where they believe the success of students is a team effort. 

“At Kenwood we just pride ourselves on really educating the whole child and engaging the whole family,” says Handley.

What You Need To Know

  • Two JCPS schools have received Family Friendly Schools certification

  • Kenwood Elementary was the first school in the state to receive it 

  • Family Friendly Schools work engage families and the community into students’ education

  • Club Kenwood invites parents and community members to lead student clubs

Kenwood has 600 students speaking 23 different languages and representing over 30 countries. 

The school was the first in Kentucky to receive Family Friendly School certification from the Kentucky Collaborative for Families and Schools and the Kentucky Department of Education. 

The school earned the certification for its intentional family engagement. 

“We know we can't do it alone. We always say you don't do school to parents, you do school with families and community,” says Handley. 

One way the school efforts this is through its Club Kenwood. 

Every Friday, 3rd-5th graders spend time in clubs to increase their sense of belonging. 

“There are about 16 different clubs, anything from chess, to knitting, to running club, things that really engage children and their passion,” says Handley. 

The clubs are led by parents and community members. 

“So really just looking for ways to make sure that all voices are heard, all students see themselves, both here in the building and in our curriculum, and that all families feel welcome and that their voice matters here at Kenwood,” says Handley. 

Jefferson County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio and Kentucky Education Commissioner Dr. Jason Glass toured the school and saw its family engagement in action. 

Glass says Kenwood is an example of what is right with public education. 

“The school is the hub or the center of the community, and so you see that here. They've intentionally developed ways to bring in families and make sure that they're included in decisions and feel welcomed in the school,” says Glass. “It's so affirming to see a school like this that has a diverse population, and then all of the care and support that's going into that."

Glass and Pollio also visited Grace James Academy, another JCPS Family Friendly School certified school. 

There are 60 Kentucky schools in the Family Friendly Schools Learning Network. 

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