Month: October 2017

Lead the Way:  JFK “Onlys”

Sometimes leading the way in Catholic school education means being the “only.”  Consistent with highlighting this year’s theme of “Lead the Way,” below are a few “onlys” for JFK:

• 60-90 minutes of English/Language Arts per day in grades 6-8  (JFK also has 60-90 minutes of ELA per day for grade 5 and 90-120 minutes per day for K-4)
• 60 minutes of math instruction K-8
• Civic Oration (research paper process and public speaking, grades 5-8)
• Regularly budgeted textbook replacement cycle
• Partner with the Department of Education and AEA for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for literacy
• Piloting of state’s new Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation system
• Social-Emotional-Behavior screener (4th grade and will be expanded to 7th grade this year)
• Leaps & Bounds (summer academic program)
• Specials twice per week for full periods
• Creative Crusaders
• Mass at Ridgecrest
• Geothermal showcase system in library and a 5th grade classroom
• Air conditioning in cafeteria
• Long-term HVAC recommendation
• Nearly 2.5 resource teachers/interventionists funded from our own budget
• Equivalent of > 1.0 FTE Title I funded interventionists during the day and after school
• Five FT/PT K-5 instructional aides

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.

What Does It Mean to be a Registered and Participating Member of OLV?

An OLV registered and participating member, at a minimum, follows the precepts of the Church and is called to go far beyond the minimum in the love of God and neighbor.  Below are the precepts, adapted for fulfillment by participation in the Church through Our Lady of Victory:

• Attend Mass at OLV on at least 30 weekends out of the year. While attending Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation is a precept of the Church, attending the majority of those Masses here at OLV ensures that the parish and families develop their relationship together as disciples of Christ.
• Confess one’s sins at least once per year.
• Receive Holy Communion at least once per year, during the Easter season.
• Observe the days of fast and abstinence.
• Provide for the needs of the Church, including OLV. The use of envelopes or electronic funds transfer should be used by OLV registered and participating members to facilitate this obligation.  If this obligation is too much of a hardship, an individualized plan for donated services/voluntarism may be agreed upon.

In addition, the following are also included in the definition of an OLV registered and participating member:

• Register in the parish by completing the parish registration form.
• Participate in and help with parish/school activities.

According to the tuition policy, active participating members of OLV pay a reduced JFK tuition rate.  Users of the school who are not active participating members of Our Lady of Victory shall pay a higher tuition rate.  They are still expected, however, to support the values of the school and participate in and help with parish/school activities.

Church Roof Work Begun (Again)

Work on the second replacement roof for the church seems to be moving quickly.  For details, please see Fr. Greiner’s column in the church bulletin:

https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/01/10328048A-101517.pdf

Younkers Fundraiser for 8th Graders

JFK’s 8th graders are participating in the Younkers Community Days.  They are currently selling $5 coupon books for the event that will run November 8-11.  THEY GET TO KEEP 100% of the profit, which is used to help fund the 8th grade end of the year field trip. There are several ways to buy a coupon book:
1. Contact an 8th grader, or send $5 through backpack mail to Jody Beltran whose student is in 8K.  Mrs. Beltran will send you a coupon book.  Please indicate “Younkers Fundraiser” and your child’s name and teacher/grade on the envelope as well.
2. Buy online by following the simple steps in this post!
https://www.younkers.com/product/311676.html&ICID=17FCMDAYBK294543
3. 8th graders may also be selling at the North Park Younkers store on Nov 4th from noon until 4pm

Lead the Way:  Technology Firsts

I mentioned earlier that this year’s theme is “Lead the Way.”  I’ll spend a few weeks highlighting how JFK is leading the way in Catholic school education.  Here are this week’s offerings regarding technology:

• First to have a wireless network throughout the building.
• First to have interactive whiteboards/projectors in every classroom.
• First to have document cameras in every classroom.
• First to be 1 to 1 in grades 5 – 8.
• First to use a computer based reading screener for help in identifying students who need extra help.
• First to have a full-time technology coordinator.
• First to have a Facebook closed group for community communications.
• First to have technology tools for staff to use for lesson/unit planning.
• First to have the electrical power/wiring upgraded throughout the building to support today’s needs.

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.

Looking Ahead

• Oct 24 and 26:  Parent/teacher conferences.  Grades PS-5 will receive an email with a link to set up your time.  Grades 6-8 are “drop in” in the cafeteria so parents can visit with each of their child’s teachers.
• Oct 26 and 27:  No PS-8 classes
• Oct 28:  Trunk or Treat, 5:30-6:30, in the parking lot
• Oct 30:  Teacher In-Service, no PS-8 classes
• Oct 31:  Black/orange out of uniform dress day.  National Mix It Up Day (done at lunches).  All Saints Day Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m.
• Nov 1:  Holy Day Mass — All Saints Day (Masses at 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.)

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.

What Does It Mean to be a Registered and Participating Member of OLV?

An OLV registered and participating member, at a minimum, follows the precepts of the Church and is called to go far beyond the minimum in the love of God and neighbor.  Below are the precepts, adapted for fulfillment by participation in the Church through Our Lady of Victory:

• Attend Mass at OLV on at least 30 weekends out of the year. While attending Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation is a precept of the Church, attending the majority of those Masses here at OLV ensures that the parish and families develop their relationship together as disciples of Christ.
• Confess one’s sins at least once per year.
• Receive Holy Communion at least once per year, during the Easter season.
• Observe the days of fast and abstinence.
• Provide for the needs of the Church, including OLV. The use of envelopes or electronic funds transfer should be used by OLV registered and participating members to facilitate this obligation.  If this obligation is too much of a hardship, an individualized plan for donated services/voluntarism may be agreed upon.

In addition, the following are also included in the definition of an OLV registered and participating member:

• Register in the parish by completing the parish registration form.
• Participate in and help with parish/school activities.

According to the tuition policy, active participating members of OLV pay a reduced JFK tuition rate.  Users of the school who are not active participating members of Our Lady of Victory shall pay a higher tuition rate.  They are still expected, however, to support the values of the school and participate in and help with parish/school activities.

JMC Access Outside the Building Restored

We believe we identified the issue that was causing JMC to not work correctly from outside the building.  Mediacom was having a routing problem with their upstream provider.  This has been resolved, so I’m hopeful that the JMC issue is over.

Church Roof Work Begun (Again)

Work on the second replacement roof for the church began on Friday.  For details, please see Fr. Greiner’s column in last week’s church bulletin:

https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/01/10328048A-101517.pdf

Younkers Fundraiser for 8th Graders

JFK’s 8th graders are participating in the Younkers Community Days.  They are currently selling $5 coupon books for the event that will run November 8-11.  THEY GET TO KEEP 100% of the profit, which is used to help fund the 8th grade end of the year field trip. There are several ways to buy a coupon book:
1. Contact an 8th grader, or send $5 through backpack mail to Jody Beltran whose student is in 8K.  Mrs. Beltran will send you a coupon book.  Please indicate “Younkers Fundraiser” and your child’s name and teacher/grade on the envelope as well.
2. Buy online by following the simple steps in this post!
https://www.younkers.com/product/311676.html&ICID=17FCMDAYBK294543
3. 8th graders will be selling coupon books after Masses on the weekend of 10/28-10-29.
4. 8th graders will also be selling at the North Park Younkers store on Nov 4th from noon until 4pm

Lead the Way

I mentioned earlier that this year’s theme is “Lead the Way.”  I’ll spend a few weeks highlighting how JFK is leading the way in Catholic school education.  Here are this week’s offerings:

• First in the area to offer childcare for preschoolers and expand preschool to seven offerings (four classes for 4/5 year olds, a T/Th 3 yr old class, a MWF 3 yr old class, and a M-F class for 3 yr olds in ECLC).
• First in the area to require science fair projects at more than one grade level (7th and 8th grades).
• First in the area to include cognitive, skills development, and participation in PE grading.  First to utilize heart rate monitors.
• First to have 8th graders tour a college campus.  (Now, the tour is wrapped into Career Fair for all of the Scott County Catholic schools.  Career Fair is the largest joint venture with SAU with the recent exception of the athletic complex off of Central Park Ave.)
• First to offer junior high Mock Trial.
• First Catholic elementary school to have a school counselor, first to make the position full-time, and first to offer school-based therapist services with a private provider.
• First to utilize a camera and intercom system for building security.  (We’re also the only Catholic school in the area to have the school offices at the exterior of the building.)
• First to utilize two-way radios for communications throughout the building and campus.

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.

Looking Ahead

• Oct 16:  Skate Night — Halloween Theme (Kid Friendly and Skate Safe Costumes, no capes).  6-8 p.m. at the Eldridge Skate Park.  Price is $3 per skater and $1.50 for skate rental.
• Oct 18:  AHS Information Knight for all grades, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Oct 20:  End of 1st quarter.  1:00 Dismissal.  No afternoon preschool classes.  Pumpkin Run
• Oct 24 and 26:  Parent/teacher conferences.  Grades PS-5 will receive an email with a link to set up your time.  Grades 6-8 are “drop in” in the cafeteria so parents can visit with each of their child’s teachers.
• Oct 26 and 27:  No PS-8 classes
• Oct 28:  Trunk or Treat, 5:30-6:30, in the parking lot
• Oct 30:  Teacher In-Service, no PS-8 classes
• Oct 31:  Black/orange out of uniform dress day.  National Mix It Up Day (done at lunches).  All Saints Day Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m.
• Nov 1:  Holy Day Mass — All Saints Day (Masses at 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.)

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.

What Does It Mean to be a Registered and Participating Member of OLV?

An OLV registered and participating member, at a minimum, follows the precepts of the Church and is called to go far beyond the minimum in the love of God and neighbor.  Below are the precepts, adapted for fulfillment by participation in the Church through Our Lady of Victory:

• Attend Mass at OLV on at least 30 weekends out of the year. While attending Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation is a precept of the Church, attending the majority of those Masses here at OLV ensures that the parish and families develop their relationship together as disciples of Christ.
• Confess one’s sins at least once per year.
• Receive Holy Communion at least once per year, during the Easter season.
• Observe the days of fast and abstinence.
• Provide for the needs of the Church, including OLV. The use of envelopes or electronic funds transfer should be used by OLV registered and participating members to facilitate this obligation.  If this obligation is too much of a hardship, an individualized plan for donated services/voluntarism may be agreed upon.

In addition, the following are also included in the definition of an OLV registered and participating member:

• Register in the parish by completing the parish registration form.
• Participate in and help with parish/school activities.

According to the tuition policy, active participating members of OLV pay a reduced JFK tuition rate.  Users of the school who are not active participating members of Our Lady of Victory shall pay a higher tuition rate.  They are still expected, however, to support the values of the school and participate in and help with parish/school activities.

H & S Message

Pumpkin Run is October 20th.  It takes a lot of people all doing a little bit to make the evening successful.  Sign up to volunteer now: http://signupgenius.com/go/20f0c48abaf2da0ff2-pumpkin .  

Assumption Play

Tree Trimming

Welcome Back, Mrs. Youngerman

With her leukemia in remission, Mrs. Youngerman is returning to school on October 9th.  It has been a long time since she has been able to be in the classroom.  We want to thank everyone for their support, including those classes that will have schedule changes so we can accommodate her late afternoon four week daily treatment cycles.  It’ll be good to see you back in your room, Mrs. Youngerman!

Welcome, Christian Jackson Tilkens

Christian Jackson Tilkens was born on Oct 4th at 9:57 pm.  He couldn’t wait any longer to be with all of his family!

Mrs. Tilkens’ PE duties will be split between Mrs. Pat Cannaday and Mrs. Marissa Antle.  We also want to thank Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Woerdehoff, JFK graduate Adam Burke, and other staff members who are stepping forward to help with all of Mrs. Tilkens’ other duties.

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.

Looking Ahead

• Oct 9:  Band Butterbraid Bread (try saying that fast three times!) Sale begins on Oct 9th.  Orders will be received prior to Thanksgiving.
• Oct 11:  Davenport Fire Department will be at JFK for our youngest students.  October is Fire Prevention Month.
• Oct 13:  Friday Adventure Night (Middle School Youth Ministry)
• Oct 16:  Skate Night — Halloween Theme (Kid Friendly and Skate Safe Costumes, no capes)
• Oct 18:  AHS Information Knight for all grades, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Oct 20:  End of 1st quarter.  1:00 Dismissal.  No afternoon preschool classes.  Pumpkin Run
• Oct 24 and 26:  Parent/teacher conferences.  Grades PS-5 will receive an email with a link to set up your time.  Grades 6-8 are “drop in” in the cafeteria so parents can visit with each of their child’s teachers.
• Oct 26 and 27:  No PS-8 classes
• Oct 28:  Trunk or Treat, 5:30-6:30, in the parking lot
• Oct 30:  Teacher In-Service, no PS-8 classes
• Oct 31:  Black/orange out of uniform dress day.  National Mix It Up Day (done at lunches).  All Saints Day Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m.
• Nov 1:  Holy Day Mass — All Saints Day (Masses at 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.)

Land Donated to Our Lady of Victory

Kwik-Trip, Inc. essentially donated the two parcels of land immediately south of our parking lot to OLV.  OLV now owns the brown and white houses on Division and the land to the east up to the ravine.  Kwik-Trip owns the properties along Sturdevant.

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.

H & S Messages

Send in your Box Tops for Education.  A fall submittal is coming up in October.

Pumpkin Run is October 20th.  It takes a lot of people all doing a little bit to make the evening successful.  Sign up to volunteer now: http://signupgenius.com/go/20f0c48abaf2da0ff2-pumpkin .  

Dawn Henning Assumes New Role with Tuition

We are attempting to consolidate a variety of school related financial work under one position.  Dawn Henning will now be responsible for PS and K-8 tuition and contracts and financial assistance awards, JFK registration/fees, lunch program accounting, and child care fees, responsibilities that used to be spread among at least three parish and school office staff members.  Assistance and oversight is still provided by parish and school administration, but now, if one wants to know how much is owed to OLV/JFK, Dawn should be able to give the answer.

Assumption Play

Tree Trimming

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

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.

Special Events this Week

• Oct 2:  World Bully Prevention Day.  Wear blue for bully prevention.  Students do need to follow the Out of Uniform guidelines in our handbook.
• Oct 3:  Pack the Stadium Pep Rally for AHS Homecoming at 1:15
• Oct 4:  Blessing of Animals (Real or Stuffed), 3:00, fields behind JFK
• Oct 4:  7th Grade NET Retreat
• Oct 5:  8th Grade NET Retreat
• Oct 6:  Pack the Stadium at AHS Football Game

Neighboring Land Vote Cancelled

Mr. David Parochetti withdrew his request that the Davenport City Council remove the thirteen conditions 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. With his withdrawal, a Taco Bell project across from the dental office is unlikely.  We hope to work with Kwik-Trip, Inc., city staff, Beattie Dentistry, and neighbors to determine the proper zoning and conditions for the land along Sturdevant that will allow development that will be an asset to the neighborhood.

Land Donated to Our Lady of Victory

Kwik-Trip, Inc. essentially donated the two parcels of land immediately south of our parking lot to OLV.  OLV now owns the brown and white houses on Division and the land to the east up to the ravine.  Kwik-Trip owns the properties along Sturdevant.

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.

H & S Messages

Send in your Box Tops for Education.  A fall submittal is coming up in October.

Pumpkin Run is October 20th.  It takes a lot of people all doing a little bit to make the evening successful.  Sign up to volunteer now: http://signupgenius.com/go/20f0c48abaf2da0ff2-pumpkin .  Orders for Pumpkin Run t-shirts are due by Friday, October 6th.  

Dawn Henning Assumes New Role with Tuition

We are attempting to consolidate a variety of school related financial work under one position.  Dawn Henning will now be responsible for PS and K-8 tuition and contracts and financial assistance awards, JFK registration/fees, lunch program accounting, and child care fees, responsibilities that used to be spread among at least three parish and school office staff members.  Assistance and oversight is still provided by parish and school administration, but now, if one wants to know how much is owed to OLV/JFK, Dawn should be able to give the answer.

Ladies Night

Wine, cheese, and chocolate will be served at the Ladies Night on October 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the Gathering Space Meeting Room.  Learn more about OLV’s Ladies Council and all of the various “circles'” activities.  RSVP to judyj1020@msn.com or text a message to 563-210-5154.

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

JFK Demographics — Record Preschool Enrollment

Late September and early October mark official enrollment count dates for the State of Iowa, National Catholic Education Association, and Diocese of Davenport.  JFK had record 3 – 5 yr old preschool this year with 102 preschoolers.  Following is some information regarding our student body:

Chad