Green Bay Area Public School (GBAPS) District announced that Kennedy Elementary students have presented their preferred name for the new west side elementary school to the naming committee and Superintendent Vicki Bayer. This announcement was made in a press release on March 7, 2025.
According to the press release, students from Kennedy Elementary’s Lighthouse Team, consisting of second- through fifth-graders who applied and interviewed for their roles, presented their preferred name for the new school. The students demonstrated traits from the Green Bay Area Public School District’s Portrait of a Graduate, including academic achievement, communication, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.
The Green Bay Area Public School District had previously presented the final design for the new west side elementary school on February 11, 2025. The design incorporated community and staff feedback with key changes such as expanded parking and a widened drive lane to ease congestion. Enhanced safety features include laminated safety glass and solar shades, along with modifications to restroom locations, breakout spaces, and special education areas.
Kennedy Elementary is a Title I school located on Green Bay’s west side serving over 440 students from early childhood through fifth grade. The school emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and leadership development by incorporating Steven Covey’s Seven Essential Habits as a Leader in Me School. Staff utilize co-teaching methods to create an accessible learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging and support for all students. School hours are from 8:57 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., with enrollment open for grades 4K-5.
The Green Bay Area Public School District is situated in Northeast Wisconsin and is the fourth largest public school district in the state. It serves over 18,000 students across 39 schools since its founding in 1856. The district includes communities such as Allouez, Ledgeview, Bellevue, Green Bay, and Scott. It offers various educational pathways to meet student needs and has a long history that includes the century-old football rivalry between East and West high schools as well as City Stadium—the original home field for the Green Bay Packers. According to the district’s website, its mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and their communities.
