Month: September 2017

Here We Go! Major Facilities Projects

This year’s theme is Leading the Way, but last year’s theme was “Here We Go!”  Last year and now into this year, we accomplished more than $500,000 in facility improvements at OLV and JFK.  These were funded through a variety of sources, but the biggest source was through the insurance claim for the hail damage to the church, rectory, school, and other building roofs.

• Replaced multiple buildings’ roofs
• Rebuilt the stained glass window frames (paid for with the Save Our Windows campaign)
• Replaced the chiller section of the church air conditioning system
• Replaced the JFK boiler, wall units along north walls of 1963 section, classroom controls in 1963 section
• Upgraded security features near church entrances
• Acquired the brown house on Division Street to provide an even greater buffer from the intersection

In addition to these projects, Kwik-Trip (parent company of Kwik-Star) just donated two parcels of land just to the south of our parking lot and directly behind the brown and white houses, which we already own, to OLV.  We now own everything from the ravine by the dumpster to the back of Kwik-Star and over to Division.  Kwik-Trip still owns the properties between the ball field and Kimberly.

A major facility review of the OLV/JFK campus is underway.  We are trying to estimate life expectancies and costs of all major elements of the campus to better plan for the future.

Text Messaging Service Needs Your Action

JFK and Faith Formation will be using SchoolMessenger for its automated email, phone, and text messaging service.

In order to receive text messages, please type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  You will not receive text messages if you do not take action yourself.

There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

Neighboring Land Vote This Week

At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall, the Davenport City Council will vote on a request to have the thirteen conditions removed from two parcels of land at the corner of Kimberly and Sturdevant that had been imposed as part of the rezoning process in 1999 when Schnucks purchased many lots in order to build a grocery store.  As we all can see, after Schnucks purchased land to the south of OLV/JFK, had it rezoned, and tore down 5-6 homes, the grocery store project never materialized.  Mr. David Parochetti is requesting that the conditions imposed upon the land to safeguard the neighborhood be removed so he can build a Taco Bell across from the dental office.

Last week’s public hearing was very lengthy, and I spoke on behalf of OLV and JFK.  We are opposed to the conditions being dismissed without discussion and new long-range planning.  While it may make sense to remove a few of the conditions , even conditions that we were involved in negotiating back in 1999, since Schnucks has sold the land to Kwik-Star and the parcels of land that could now be developed are now only along Sturdevant, other conditions should not be removed.  We are opposed to the removal of conditions that, for example, were intended to ease traffic congestion and maintain the safety along Sturdevant Street and by the school.

We firmly believe that all of the conditions and a new plan for the land to the south of us need to be discussed, and we hope we can, again, be part of that discussion just like we were in 1999.  This discussion, in fact, is one of city staff’s recommendations, “…to revisit the need for the extent of commercial zoning in the area.”  However, the immediate case before City Council is for the complete removal of the thirteen conditions.

All are invited to what will be a shorter meeting this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.  The more people at City Hall, the more City Council will be obliged to stop and think things through.

JFK’s Handbook and Policies

JFK’s parent and student handbook can be accessed on our website under the “For Parents,” and “Policies and Forms” headings and is linked here.  Please access the handbook, review it with your child(ren), print the sign-off page, and return the signed page to the school office.  By not printing hard copies for every family, we can significantly save paper.

Lunch Program Costs and NSLP Applications

JFK participates in the National School Lunch Program.  As such ALL lunches are partially subsidized by the federal and state governments.  By our understanding of the formulas, we actually should be charging at least $2.86 per student meal, but we can only raise the price $0.10 per year.  If you would like to apply for further government help with hot lunches, please complete an NSLP application for free/reduced lunches.  New applications must be filed each year and were sent home to every K-8 family.  Please contact us if you would like another application.  The 30 day grace period of eligibility from one school year to the next will expire in a couple of weeks.

“It is the policy of JFK not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.7 and 216.9.  If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by (name of CNP Provider), please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004;  phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416;  web site:  http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html.”

Extra-Curricular Activities

We are most grateful to JFK parents and our other adult volunteers for leading our extra-curricular activities.   Girl Scouts has their registration on Monday night, Lego League has begun, and Creative Crusaders has dates on the calendar.  If you would like to help with these or any other extra-curricular activity, please contact the school office so we can relay your contact information.  If you are interested in starting another extra-curricular activity at JFK, please let me know.

OLV Foundation

The OLV Foundation has begun its legacy campaign to reach an endowment of $1,000,000 by 2020.  Currently, the Foundation has an endowment of just over $560,000, and investment earnings of $26,000 were distributed to the church and school this summer.  Be a part of the legacy by joining the 300 club ($300 per year for 7 years), giving in honor of one of our past pastors, or making a one time donation.  More information about the OLV Foundation can be found here.

Mid-Quarter Reports Home Mid-Week

The end of the first mid-quarter was Friday.  We usually give the teachers about 2-3 working days to make sure they have everything organized, and then mid-quarter reports are distributed to all families.  Look for the mid-quarter reports near the middle of this week.

Youth Ministry Information

The Diocese of Davenport’s Junior High School Rally is Sunday October 15th, from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.   Featured speakers include Mathias Michael and Bishop Zinkula.  There are breakout sessions, music, group games, lunch, and small group sessions with other teens all focused on the Mass.  Parent chaperones are needed to drive and supervise the teens once there.  If students register by Wednesday, the costs are $30 per teen and $20 per adult.  The costs after Wednesday increase $5.  Lunch is provided, and attendees should bring money as a dinner stop on the way home is a possibility.  More info here: https://www.davenportdiocese.org/jhrally

Chad

Here We Go! Was No Joke

This year’s theme is Leading the Way, but last year’s theme was “Here We Go!”  Last year, we developed new mission and vision statements for both the church and the school:

OLV Mission statement:  Our Lady of Victory is a community that lives and shares the preaching, teaching, and healing of Christ.

OLV Vision statement:  To become the most vibrant and welcoming faith community in the diocese.

JFK Mission statement:  John F. Kennedy Catholic School is the preschool-8th grade school of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Parish.  Our mission is teaching children to become disciples of Christ by living Gospel values, nurturing gifts and talents, and pursuing academic excellence.

JFK Vision statement:  Leading the way in Catholic school education.

Next week, we’ll review the major facilities projects that we’ve accomplished in the last year.  It was a whirlwind of activity!

Text Messaging Service Needs Your Action

JFK and Faith Formation will be using SchoolMessenger for its automated email, phone, and text messaging service.

In order to receive text messages, please type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  You will not receive text messages if you do not take action yourself.

There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

Public Hearing Before the City Council Regarding Neighboring Land

At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall, there will be a public hearing regarding two parcels of land on the northwest corner of Sturdevant and Kimberly (across from the dental office).  Mr. David Parochetti is petitioning the City Council to remove thirteen conditions that were imposed on the land as part of the rezoning process when Schnucks purchased everything south of OLV property except the Kwik-Shop, Monte’s, and the brown house on Division, which OLV now owns as well.  Removal of the conditions would allow Mr. Parochetti to more easily build a Taco Bell across from the dental office on Sturdevant.  The city’s Plan and Zoning Commission, without discussion, has forwarded its recommendation to the City Council that the conditions be removed.

Back in 1999, OLV and neighborhood representatives fought long and hard to have some of these thirteen conditions imposed on land that, at the time, was intended to be used for a Schnucks grocery store.  We are now opposed to the conditions being dismissed without discussion.  While it may make sense to remove a few of the conditions since Schnucks has sold the land to Kwik-Star and the parcels of land that could now be developed are now only along Sturdevant, conditions designed to ease traffic congestion and maintain safety along Sturdevant Street, for example, should not be removed.  We are opposed to the removal of conditions that, indeed, are still relevant and needed today.  We do, however, fully support city staff’s additional recommendation to “…revisit the need for the extent of commercial zoning in the area.”

At the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall, I will speak on behalf of OLV/JFK, and several other neighbors will speak as they are very concerned.  (You may have seen them taking pictures of traffic flow or counting cars last week along Sturdevant.)  All are invited to City Hall on Wednesday evening.  The more people at City Hall, the more City Council will be obliged to stop and think things through some more.

JFK’s Handbook and Policies

JFK’s parent and student handbook can be accessed on our website under the “For Parents,” and “Policies and Forms” headings and is linked here.  Please access the handbook, review it with your child(ren), print the sign-off page, and return the signed page to the school office.  By not printing hard copies for every family, we can significantly save paper.

Each year, a committee of parents, board members, and staff review about 1/3 of all of the policies., and we often look at policies of neighboring Catholic schools and sometimes the public schools as well.  There always seem to be some challenges at the beginning of a school year with the school uniform policy.  We appreciate your support and cooperation.  Even with a written dress code, people’s interpretations sometimes differ, and it’s hard enough to get 50+ staff members to agree on the interpretation, let alone 400 students and their parents.  Below are some of the usual beginning of the year challenges:

• Short/skirt/skorts not being long enough:  No shorter than 2″ above the knee.  We are pretty liberal in where the “knee” actually is, but some skirts are still too short.
• Uniform skirts from other vendors:  Currently, there are three approved vendors for skirts:  Religious Supply, Land’s End, and Dennis Uniform.  The latter two are linked on our website.  Please remember that just because an item is on a company’s website does not mean it meets our dress code.  As other vendors begin to carry plaid skirts and/or navy/Khaki skorts, we’ll examine them as well.
• How many logos are allowed on a shirt?  Policy discussions for years have only dealt with one logo.  Now, we are starting to see shirts with two logos.  As long as the size requirements are met (logos must be smaller than 2″), no action has yet been taken.
• Undershirts, if worn under a uniform shirt, must be plain white.
• Socks are to be solid colored and logo-free.  Acceptable colors are red, navy, tan, white, and black.  “No-show” socks can also be worn and be of any color.
• Belts are required for grades 2-8 with clothing that has belt loops.
• Ear rings (allowed for girls) should not dangle or be hoops.
• Shirts should be tucked in at all grade levels.

Lunch Program Costs and NSLP Applications

JFK participates in the National School Lunch Program.  As such ALL lunches are partially subsidized by the federal and state governments.  By our understanding of the formulas, we actually should be charging at least $2.86 per student meal, but we can only raise the price $0.10 per year.  If you would like to apply for further government help with hot lunches, please complete an NSLP application for free/reduced lunches.  New applications must be filed each year and were sent home to every K-8 family.  Please contact us if you would like another application.  The 30 day grace period of eligibility from one school year to the next will expire in a couple of weeks.

“It is the policy of JFK not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.7 and 216.9.  If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by (name of CNP Provider), please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004;  phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416;  web site:  http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html.”

Extra-Curricular Activities

Several of our non-athletic extra-curricular activities should be beginning soon.  Girl Scouts will be handing out materials this week with an informational meeting next Monday.  Mock Trial should be getting organized shortly, and new guidance for Creative Crusaders is being developed.  Within the last week, we also discussed  the possibility of a JFK running club.  We are most grateful to JFK parents and our other adult volunteers for leading these activities.  If you would like to help, please contact the school office so we can relay your contact information.  If you are interested in starting another extra-curricular activity at JFK, please let me know.

Final Connections to the Boiler Later This Week

The final pipe fittings and connections for the new school boiler will take place Friday afternoon and Saturday.  By this time next week, we should be operational with the new system!

Memorial Bench Ordered

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, the permanent memorial bench for Peg Gooder was ordered last week.  Thank you for honoring Mrs. Gooder in this manner.

OLV Foundation

The OLV Foundation has begun its legacy campaign to reach an endowment of $1,000,000 by 2020.  Currently, the Foundation has an endowment of just over $560,000, and investment earnings of $26,000 were distributed to the church and school this summer.  Be a part of the legacy by joining the 300 club ($300 per year for 7 years), giving in honor of one of our past pastors, or making a one time donation.  More information about the OLV Foundation can be found here.

Dogs on Campus

Please keep dogs in your vehicles.  Four hundred plus excited children moving about and excited dogs are not a good combination.  For the safety of our students and the dogs, please keep dogs inside vehicles.

Student Council Elections

Student Council elections were held last week, and the following upper grade students have officer positions:

• President:  Anastasha Mealy
• Vice-President:  Grace McCarty
• Secretary:  Lily Heller
• Treasurer:  Isabella Krogman

End of Mid-Quarter Friday

The end of the first mid-quarter is Friday.  We usually give the teachers about 2-3 working days to make sure they have everything organized, and then mid-quarter reports are distributed to all families.  Look for the mid-quarter reports early next week.

Chad

Here We Go! Was No Joke

This year’s theme is Leading the Way, but last year’s theme was “Here We Go!”  Below are a few reasons from a personnel perspective as to why “Here We Go!” was so accurate:

• Fr. Jake Greiner became OLV’s 5th pastor in its 54 year history.
• Fr. Dan Dorau joined the OLV community in June.
• Evan Brankin completed his first year at OLV in youth ministry.
• Dave Mattke also finished his first year as business manager at OLV.

Text Messaging Service Needs Your Action

JFK and Faith Formation will be using SchoolMessenger for its automated email, phone, and text messaging service.

In order to receive text messages, please type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  If you have not yet responded, you will receive a text message invitation on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.  Reply with a “Y” or “Yes.”  You will not receive further text messages if you do not take action yourself.

There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

JFK’s Handbook and Policies

JFK’s parent and student handbook can be accessed on our website under the “For Parents,” and “Policies and Forms” headings and is linked here.  Please access the handbook, review it with your child(ren), print the sign-off page, and return the signed page to the school office.  By not printing hard copies for every family, we can significantly save paper.

Each year, a committee of parents, board members, and staff review about 1/3 of all of the policies., and we often look at policies of neighboring Catholic schools and sometimes the public schools as well.  There always seem to be some challenges at the beginning of a school year with the school uniform policy.  We appreciate your support and cooperation.  Even with a written dress code, people’s interpretations sometimes differ, and it’s hard enough to get 50+ staff members to agree on the interpretation, let alone 400 students and their parents.  Below are some of the usual beginning of the year challenges:

• Short/skirt/skorts not being long enough:  No shorter than 2″ above the knee.  We are pretty liberal in where the “knee” actually is, but some skirts are still too short.
• Uniform skirts from other vendors:  Currently, there are three approved vendors for skirts:  Religious Supply, Land’s End, and Dennis Uniform.  The latter two are linked on our website.  Please remember that just because an item is on a company’s website does not mean it meets our dress code.  As other vendors begin to carry plaid skirts and/or navy/Khaki skorts, we’ll examine them as well.
• How many logos are allowed on a shirt?  Policy discussions for years have only dealt with one logo.  Now, we are starting to see shirts with two logos.  As long as the size requirements are met (logos must be smaller than 2″), no action has yet been taken.
• Undershirts, if worn under a uniform shirt, must be plain white.
• Socks are to be solid colored and logo-free.  Acceptable colors are red, navy, tan, white, and black.  “No-show” socks can also be worn and be of any color.
• Belts are required for grades 2-8 with clothing that has belt loops.
• Ear rings (allowed for girls) should not dangle or be hoops.
• Shirts should be tucked in at all grade levels.

Lunch Program Costs and NSLP Applications

JFK participates in the National School Lunch Program.  As such ALL lunches are partially subsidized by the federal and state governments.  By our understanding of the formulas, we actually should be charging at least $2.86 per student meal, but we can only raise the price $0.10 per year.  If you would like to apply for further government help with hot lunches, please complete an NSLP application for free/reduced lunches.  New applications must be filed each year and were sent home to every K-8 family.  Please contact us if you would like another application.  The 30 day grace period of eligibility from one school year to the next will expire in a couple of weeks.

“It is the policy of JFK not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.7 and 216.9.  If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by (name of CNP Provider), please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004;  phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416;  web site:  http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html.”

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Several of our non-athletic extra-curricular activities should be beginning soon.  Future Lego League and Future Lego League, Jr. flyers went home last week for students in grades 1 – 6.  (Please let us know if you need another one.)  Cub Scouts will be holding their information/registration meeting on September 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Mock Trial information for students in grades 6-8 should be disseminated shortly, and new guidance for Creative Crusaders is being developed.  We are most grateful to JFK parents Lori and Adam Brown, Patrick Smith, Mike Motto, Trish Rolfstad, David Stombaugh, and our other adult volunteers for leading these activities.  If you would like to help, please contact the school office so we can relay your contact information.  If you are interested in starting another extra-curricular activity at JFK, please let me know.  Please also remember to thank staff members Julie Brownell, Elisha Kubalsky, Noelle Myers, and Anna Schott who are helping with these activities this year.

Major Summer Work on Boiler and Heating System

With all of the heating work being done this summer and our shorthand discussions about HVAC being referred to as replacing the boiler and adding air conditioning, I am almost afraid there is a misconception regarding the HVAC needs of the school.  While replacing the boiler was essential for all our needs, it did not resolve all of the potential heating issues we have.  The large pipes that circulate the hot water around the 1963 section of the building had a life expectancy of 20 – 50 years, and we are now into borrowed time.  The HVAC committee’s recommendation to meet our needs was a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and air conditioning system, which operates like a heating/cooling exchanger, the boiler replacement, and mechanical ventilation.  Adding the VRF system allows us to begin cooling the building and transition away from the need for the hot water circulating pipes as they continue to wear out.  The total cost of the HVAC committee’s recommendations was about $836,000.  We have about another $664,000 to go.

It is a misconception to think that the cost effective solution to our HVAC needs now that the boiler has been replaced is to just add in window air conditioning units.  Looking out over  the next 20 years, the cost to replace the boiler and add window units and mechanical ventilation was projected to be about $425,000.  Having to replace the pipes could cost another $800,000 or more.   The total of $1.2 million is well over what the HVAC committee is recommending.  The HVAC committee’s recommendations with the VRF system are a prudent way to utilize the financial resources of the OLV/JFK community.

$100 Away from Permanent Memorial for Peg Gooder

We are only about $100 away from the funds needed to purchase a permanent memorial bench for Peg Gooder.  If you or your organization would like to make a donation for such a memorial, please send it to the school office in an envelope labeled, “Peg Gooder memorial.”  Checks can be written to Our Lady of Victory.

OLV Foundation

As was announced at Masses this weekend, the OLV Foundation has begun its legacy campaign to reach an endowment of $1,000,000 by 2020.  Currently, the Foundation has an endowment of just over $560,000, and investment earnings of $26,000 were distributed to the church and school this summer.  Be a part of the legacy by joining the 300 club ($300 per year for 7 years), giving in honor of one of our past pastors, or making a one time donation.  More information about the OLV Foundation can be found here.

Dogs on Campus

Please keep dogs in your vehicles.  Four hundred plus excited children moving about and excited dogs are not a good combination.  For the safety of our students and the dogs, please keep dogs inside vehicles.

Parish Picnic

Please see the separate flyer for this coming Saturday’s parish picnic.  It looks like it will be a lot of fun for people of all ages!

Chad

Leading the Way

This year’s theme is Leading the Way.  Stay tuned to future Principal’s Posts to see how JFK is Leading the Way, and why last year’s theme, “Here We Go!” was so accurate.

Examples Showing that There Is a Difference in Education

Text Messaging Service Needs Your Action

JFK and Faith Formation will be using SchoolMessenger for its automated email, phone, and text messaging service.

In order to receive text messages, please type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  If you have not yet responded, you will receive a text message invitation on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.  Reply with a “Y” or “Yes.”  You will not receive further text messages if you do not take action yourself.

There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

Principal’s Post and Facebook

The Principal’s Post is written each weekend.  It is posted on our website, available off the front page, and I send a link via email.  Hard copies are also sent home in “backpack mail” with the “youngest or only child” in a family at the beginning of each week.  I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades.  Please note that it does not replace the many grade level and homeroom specific communications you will receive from your children’s teachers.

We also utilize a JFK Facebook page, and there is a closed group JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group.  JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website as well.  Make sure you “like” us there!  Highlighted Events and Headlines on our website are also updated each weekend.

Nutrition Nuggets

We hope you enjoyed the first edition of Nutrition Nuggets, which was sent via email last week from Meredith Ash, our lunch program manager.  Nutrition Nuggets is a monthly newsletter highlighting nutritional, health, and physical activity information.  Such communication is part of JFK’s wellness policy.

JFK’s Handbook and Policies

JFK’s parent and student handbook can be accessed on our website under the “For Parents,” and “Policies and Forms” headings and is linked here.  Please access the handbook, review it with your child(ren), print the sign-off page, and return the signed page to the school office.  By not printing hard copies for every family, we can significantly save paper.

Each year, a committee of parents, board members, and staff review about 1/3 of all of the policies., and we often look at policies of neighboring Catholic schools and sometimes the public schools as well.  While the below does not substitute for reading the entire document, below are some highlights of changes:

• Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices:  While there was a lot of discussion, the actual changes were not as significant.  Students cannot use cell phones and other electronic devices from 7:30 a.m. until they leave the building, unless granted permission by a staff member.  The devices should be kept off and in students’ lockers.
• School Uniform Policy:  Currently, the various dress code policies are reviewed every year.  There were minimal changes this year.  As a sign of the times, we added language regarding lights (and sounds) on shoes.  The issues with which we deal typically do not change from one year to another.  Please check that your child’s shorts, skirts, and skorts are of the proper length.  Ear rings should not dangle.  Belts need to be worn in grades 2-8, and shirts should always be tucked in.  If your child receives a dress code reminder or demerit, please cooperate with the JFK staff members.  Even with a written dress code, people’s interpretations sometimes differ, and it’s hard enough to get 50+ staff members to agree on the interpretation, let alone 400 students and their parents.
• Attendance Policy:  Again, attendance generated a lot of discussion.  In the end, however, there were no changes made.  JFK’s attendance rate last year was 96.5%.  However, 2.7% of the students had a “chronic absenteeism” problem, which is defined as missing 10% or more of the school days, regardless of the reasons.  You may have seen area advertisements for students to miss no more than five days of school per year.
• Policy for School Medication Administration:  The biggest change here is that a prescriber’s signature is needed on the form.
• Athletic Policy:  Application of the policy to non-athletic extracurricular activities was rescinded.
• Lunch Program Family Account Balances:  Changes were made regarding how negative balances are handled.

Lunch Program Costs and NSLP Applications

JFK participates in the National School Lunch Program.  As such ALL lunches are partially subsidized by the federal and state governments.  By our understanding of the formulas, we actually should be charging at least $2.86 per student meal, but we can only raise the price $0.10 per year.  If you would like to apply for further government help with hot lunches, please complete an NSLP application for free/reduced lunches.  New applications must be filed each year and were sent home to every K-8 family.  Please contact us if you would like another application.  The 30 day grace period of eligibility from one school year to the next will expire in a couple of weeks.

“It is the policy of JFK not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.7 and 216.9.  If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by (name of CNP Provider), please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004;  phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416;  web site:  http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/index.html.”

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Several of our non-athletic extra-curricular activities should be beginning soon.  Future Lego League and Future Lego League, Jr. flyers went home last week for students in grades 1 – 6.  (Please let us know if you need another one.)  Cub Scouts will be holding their information/registration meeting on September 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Mock Trial information for students in grades 6-8 should be disseminated shortly, and new guidance for Creative Crusaders is being developed.  We are most grateful to JFK parents Lori and Adam Brown, Patrick Smith, Mike Motto, Trish Rolfstad, David Stombaugh, and our other adult volunteers for leading these activities.  If you would like to help, please contact the school office so we can relay your contact information.  If you are interested in starting another extra-curricular activity at JFK, please let me know.  Please also remember to thank staff members Julie Brownell, Elisha Kubalsky, Noelle Myers, and Anna Schott who are helping with these activities this year.

Major Summer Work on Boiler and Heating System

Our summer heating project is winding down.  We replaced the boiler, water heater, and fan units in the cafeteria and north stairwell.  We also replaced controls in 17 classrooms and various other rooms.  Estimated originally at $172,000, we believe this project will actually cost about $134,000 after nearly $23,000 in rebates and a nearly $20,000 Scott County Regional Authority (Bettendorf riverboat) grant are applied.  Because OLV/JFK is assuming debt for this project, every bit of savings will get us that much closer to a doable timeline for air conditioning and ventilation!

With all of the heating work being done this summer and our shorthand discussions about HVAC being referred to as replacing the boiler and adding air conditioning, I am almost afraid there is a misconception regarding the HVAC needs of the school.  While replacing the boiler was essential for all our needs, it did not resolve all of the potential heating issues we have.  The large pipes that circulate the hot water around the 1963 section of the building had a life expectancy of 20 – 50 years, and we are now into borrowed time.  The HVAC committee’s recommendation to meet our needs was a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and air conditioning system, which operates like a heating/cooling exchanger, the boiler replacement, and mechanical ventilation.  Adding the VRF system allows us to begin cooling the building and transition away from the need for the hot water circulating pipes as they continue to wear out.  The total cost of the HVAC committee’s recommendations was about $836,000.  We have about another $664,000 to go.

It is a misconception to think that the cost effective solution to our HVAC needs now that the boiler has been replaced is to just add in window air conditioning units.  Looking out over  the next 20 years, the cost to replace the boiler and add window units and mechanical ventilation was projected to be about $425,000.  Having to replace the pipes could cost another $800,000 or more.   The total of $1.2 million is well over what the HVAC committee is recommending.  The HVAC committee’s recommendations with the VRF system are a prudent way to utilize the financial resources of the OLV/JFK community.

$100 Away from Permanent Memorial for Peg Gooder

We are only about $100 away from the funds needed to purchase a permanent memorial bench for Peg Gooder.  If you or your organization would like to make a donation for such a memorial, please send it to the school office in an envelope labeled, “Peg Gooder memorial.”  Checks can be written to Our Lady of Victory.

Altar Server Training

Altar server training will take place in the church on September 9th from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.  This training is open to those in 4th grade and up, including adults.

Chad