Month: March 2018

Last Week for Plant Sale

Did you order your spring flowers and plants yet from Home & School?  (Yes, I know it’s hard to think spring when ten inches of snow is falling!)  Home & School is conducting a plant sale this spring.  Sales end on April 6th.  Pick up will be on campus on May 3rd and 4th from 2 – 7 p.m.

Gala Needs Volunteers

The Gala needs people who can help with many different activities — everything from making phone calls to setting up a stage for the band and decorating to just donating funds.  Please contact Angie Hillebrand at the school office.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser of OLV and JFK and supports all of our educational needs.  This year we’re trying to do a “super Gala” with funds raised above our normal net of $25,000 – $30,000 to go toward establishing the seed money for an air conditioning project.  The Gala is May 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge on Central Park Avenue near Emeis Golf Course.  The Gala includes fun and fellowship with live and silent auctions, a live band, and dancing.

Tuition Contracts for 2018-19 and Kindergartners Still Being Accepted

Take advantage of an early bird registration discount by returning your family’s tuition contract ASAP.  Kindergarten spots are also still available.  Please contact the school office, to reserve your spot for next year.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

Civic Oration First Round Finished; Round Two on Tuesday

Congratulations to the following students who have advanced to the second round of civic oration, which begins on Tuesday:

5th Grade:  Brayden C., Seamus D., Braeden M., Nora R., Elliott S., Emma V.

6th Grade:  Elexa A., Matthew M., Cole M., Macie R., Emerson S., Max S.

7th Grade:  Allie A., Alison B., Mary D., Luke K., Isabella K., Sophia M.

8th Grade:  Anastasha M., Brandon S., Erica S., Margaret V., JJ S., Kimberly W.

2018-19 School Calendar

The DCSD has posted its calendar for next school year.  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  http://www.davenportschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-19-FINAL-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR-2.pdf.  JFK’s board voted to accept this calendar with two minor changes that only affect staff.

Educational Savings Accounts and STOs

Educational Savings Accounts are still alive in this Iowa legislative session!  Contact your Iowa state senator or representative to let them know how important ESAs and the School Tuition Organization is to educational choices in Iowa.

“Tuition Tax Credit”

Do not forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that we often think of education expenses in terms of a school year while taxes are completed on a calendar year basis and split two school years.

 

JFK Strategic Plan Update

JFK’s board approved a new strategic plan last May.  You can find it by clicking HERE.  Below is an update on the progress we’ve made so far.

Faith & Family

We will partner with families to help students learn and live the Catholic faith.

• By the end of the 2017-18 school year, we will complete the diocesan Catholic Identity rubric and disseminate the results.
  • The staff completed the rubric, which had about 50 items, and the results were shared with the board of education.
    • The areas rated the strongest were the following: (in no particular order):
      • Special days/events throughout the liturgical yr (Ex: Feast of St. Blaise, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
      • Frequency of Eucharist
      • Participation of faculty/staff in Eucharistic celebration
      • Dedicated chapel/parish church with the full availability of vestments, vessels, linens, etc.
      • Mission, Vision, Philosophy statements highlight Catholic identity and mission as a ministry of the Church
      • Events promoted are consistent with Gospel and Catholic values
    • Other strongly rated areas were the following:
      • Importance given to liturgical seasons
      • Training of those helping to prepare the liturgy
      • # of offerings of Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction
      • Staff and students involved in liturgical ministries
      • Mary and the saints given their proper importance
      • Group prayer throughout the day. Students’ intentions encouraged
      • Quality, quantity, variety of religious art to identify as Catholic campus
      • Approved textbooks at the elementary and middle school levels
      • Well defined code of conduct for students reflecting Gospel and Catholic values and supported by admin, teachers, staff, and parents
    • Initial areas to examine included the following due to their relatively lower ratings:
      • Connection between Sunday Eucharist and school Eucharist.  Participants and families see School Eucharist as a complement not a replacement to Sunday Eucharist
      • Dedicated, more than 50% full-time equivalent campus minister position filled by a properly educated individual and supported with adequate budget, space, and time (The highest ratings on the rubric are if the school has someone in such a position)
      • The specific religious education and experience of middle school faculty teaching religion (The highest ratings on the rubric are if the school has individuals with degrees in religion or theology)
      • Service is integrated into faith and reflection; service has a strong faith component to it that distinguishes it from social service that can be done by non-religious organizations
      • Scope of service activities goes beyond school and family and into broader community
    • Other areas that may be examined due to their relatively lower ratings included the following:
      • The variety of music at Mass and its conformity to Sing to the Lord
      • Reconciliation offerings beyond Advent & Lent
      • Faith formation and training of each ministry
      • Availability and frequency of use of sacramentals
      • Knowledge of the time allotted for religion as a curricular area and its coverage of the Diocesan curriculum guide
    • Teachers brainstormed responses/ideas for each of the above items and the following items that they felt there could be some improvement in regardless of the ratings:
      • Preparation for Eucharistic celebration is done by a number of trained individuals
      • Student participation in Mass and Mass participation aids
      • Personal prayer throughout day is encouraged, and prayers are both memorized and spontaneous
      • Annual retreats for staff and students
      • Classroom physical space with “prayer corner,” liturgical season recognition, religious art, crucifix, etc.
      • Entry to school indicates a Catholic school
      • Awareness of Mission, Vision, Philosophy
      • Recognition of and participation from parents as primary catechists
      • The specific religious education and experience of elementary school faculty teaching religion (The diocese was in the process of revising its Catechetical training when a staff change has caused a delay of more than a year)
      • Involvement of parents and families
    • After generating responses/ideas for improvement for 28 areas, the areas were rated again to narrow the list in order to make a manageable plan. The following three criteria were used:
      • Importance
      • Our ability to do something about it
      • Ease of doing something about it
    • The staff will be using these ratings to pick 3-5 areas for which plans will be developed in April
  • By the end of the 2018-19 school year, we will survey our parents and conduct focus groups to determine parents’ needs in helping their children learn and live the Catholic faith.
    • The survey was conducted in the fall. (We also asked students in late winter.)  Results are still being analyzed
  • By the end of the 2019-20 school year, we will institute an OLV/JFK service day.
    • Teachers identified a common theme around which the “service day” would be organized: Community Helpers
    • Teachers identified a definition for Community Helpers
    • Teachers brainstormed activities that might be done school-wide and grade specific
    • Teachers will examine these brainstormed activities to develop an implementation plan in April to be implemented in the fall

 Gifts & Talents

We will provide students opportunities to explore and develop their gifts and talents.

• In 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, we will implement a new extracurricular activity.
  • No new activities have yet been developed. However, Lego League and Creative Crusaders were expanded, all extracurricular activities were maintained (not always an easy feat), and we are considering a foreign language extracurricular.
• By the end of 2017-18, we will have 8^th graders annually complete a spiritual gifts and talents inventory and receive similar types of feedback from a trusted adult.
  • The spiritual gifts and talents inventory was developed using resources provided by the diocese.
  • The inventory was piloted with teachers.
  • JFK eighth graders are currently piloting the inventory aspect of this goal.  The feedback element will likely be incorporated into Confirmation preparation in 2018-19.

 Academics

We will challenge all students to achieve academic excellence.

• By the end of the 2021-22 school year, 90% of JFK’s K-8 students will be at benchmark or be proficient as measured by screening tools or Iowa Assessments (or their equivalents) in the areas of reading, math, and science (if a science assessment is available).
  • Fall reading screening scores were the best we have had with 92% of K-6 students at benchmark
  • Fall math screening scores were also the best we have had
  • A new math screener is being considered, and we will likely transition away from i-Ready.
  • Science does not have a screener
  • Related: We added a social-emotional-behavioral screener to 7^th grade to go along with 4^th  We may expand the grade levels for SEB screening with a new screener next year

Resources

We will provide sufficient resources to achieve mission success.

• By the end of the 2017-18 school year, we will complete the review of JFK’s financial viability and student market share as provided through the diocesan strategic planning process and participate in strategic planning for Scott County Catholic school education.
  • The financial viability work has been completed. (The student market share work was not done at the diocesan level)
  • Strategic planning for all of Scott County Catholic school education is slowly moving ahead:
    • The number of consultants/organizations was narrowed to three
    • References were checked for the three
    • Interview questions were developed
    • Consultant interviews will be April 12/13
  • We will annually review and revise, as needed, the JFK technology plan.
    • These actions were taken over the summer of 2017
    • The biggest revision was to determine life cycles and costs for all items that are paid for under the technology line item of the school budget. According to this analysis, about $79,000 should be spent annually on technology.  The budgeted amount has averaged about $66,000 annually.  We have benefited greatly from grants, donations, and excellent used equipment!
  • We will attract and retain top quality teachers by paying competitive wages and maintaining a positive Catholic school environment. To that end, by the 2021-22 school year, we will move JFK’s base teacher salary from at least 85% of the DCSD base salary to teachers’ total wages and benefits at certain levels being at least 85% of DCSD comparables.
    • A new method for determining teachers’ salaries was developed and will be implemented with the 2018-19 teaching contracts

“Thoughts and Prayers” Are as Necessary for Those Praying as for the Recipients

Just as many of you have probably kept your ear open to the responses to the incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School a month ago, this situation has been at the forefront of my mind as both an educator and a parent.  Today, many high schools marked the one month anniversary with student led walkouts, 17 minutes of silence, etc.  Religious high schools, including both Assumption and Alleman, held special prayer services today.  At the elementary school level, the challenge is greater.  While we don’t want to ignore what’s going on around us, we also have to work within our environment of a building that can have three year olds through 15 year olds.  I want to commend Fr. Jake, Mrs. Furlong, and the 4th graders who added just the right amount of something extra to today’s already scheduled all school Mass.  The fourth graders had a couple of pertinent petitions, and Fr. Jake’s homily had just the right touch of passing detail such that the adults and older students knew the reference to which he referred and all of us, including the youngest in attendance, could relate to the power of God’s love and prayer.

In his homily, Fr. Jake talked about the strength of a mother’s love for her children and how God’s love was even greater.  He also talked about the power of prayer and that “thoughts and prayers” are, indeed, necessary.  Not only are thoughts and prayers necessary for those whom are in need, but they are also necessary for us.  Genuine thoughts and prayers change us too, and a strong prayer life solidifies our relationship with a loving God.  Through that loving relationship with God, we can be better persons and make a difference in the world.  (Thanks, Fr. Jake, for helping me see that genuine “thoughts and prayers” are not empty platitudes.)

Campus Safety Review:  School

The Campus Safety Review:  School has been completed and is starting to be distributed to key decision making groups for the parish and school.  The board of education received it last week, and the parish and finance councils received excerpts the week earlier.  When our last major review of campus security was done in 2013, common concerns seemed to relate to how the building could be kept secure and students could be kept safe from someone coming inside the building.  Even after having just built the 2011 office addition with safety in mind, another $80,000 or more was spent on various security upgrades ranging from exterior and classroom doors and locks to communication systems and protocols.  This year’s survey of parents and staff indicated that people were fairly comfortable with the safety of students within the building.  The most common concerns this fall were related to keeping students safe when outside the building but on campus property.  While there are numerous recommendations, the three key recommendations below encompass the concerns that were of the highest priority:

• Separate students from the parking lot.  An asphalt/blacktop/concrete play area, for example, can be installed behind the parish center and south of the east wing of the school building.  With the correct shape that connects to the play equipment area but narrows as it approaches our “alley” type drive by the ball field, a hard surface play area can be installed that would not interfere with the ball field or the main soccer field.  By connecting it with a walk to the east doors and with access from the alley type drive for snow plowing, students would be able to play outside in the back regardless of how wet the grass is.  Students would not have to play in the parking lot for any recess.  Because this new play area would be tucked behind the school and to the south of the east wing of the school building, it would also not even be visible from the apartments.  Fencing could also be completed to wrap around all of the play areas, and completing the fencing around play areas was seen by the committee as more realistic than fencing the entire 11.5+ acre property while still trying to allow access points during the day for both school and parish activities, such as preschool and funerals.  Additional strategically placed fencing in other areas of the campus, while not limiting access, would at least direct visitors toward areas more desired by the parish and school.  Privacy screening on various fencing may be considered.

As we talk to contractors regarding prices, we are using the drawing below:

 

• Add security cameras to both the external and internal school campus, with external cameras being the first priority.  Security cameras can help staff monitor the entire campus.  They can serve as a deterrent, provide an early warning to potential suspicious or dangerous situations, be used by first responders should an event be in progress, and help with after the fact investigations.  This project would cost in excess of $20,000, and we are pursing grants this spring.
• Use something other than cones for making the “safety” area.  There are many options available that would be highly visible and even portable, if needed, yet provide for a clearer delineation of the safety area.  If using portable barriers, attaching them to one another would create a more imposing delineation.  If a vehicle were to hit a better barrier rather than the current traffic cones, the driver would be much more likely to notice it, and students and staff would at least have more time to move out of the way, if necessary.  Even portable barriers might even be able to remain in place through the work week and just come down for weekends and holy days.  Options and pricing are being explored this spring, along with how protocols for before and after school might be adjusted.

Teachers will be discussing the review document on Friday, and I’ll have other updates throughout the spring.  Work to comprehensively review church and rectory safety/security should begin soon and complement the additional entryway security that was added this fall.  (FYI – All church doors are also locked during all school Masses.)

Fifth/Sixth Grade Spring Show

Between a student fainting on the risers in the afternoon and one vomiting in the evening, our 5th/6th grade spring show sure had some added excitement.  (Everyone is fine.)  Students did an outstanding job with the show and responding to the other situations.

Plant Sale

Speaking of spring, it’s time to start planning for your flowers.  Home & School is conducting a plant sale this spring.  Sales end on April 6th.  Pick up will be on campus on May 3rd and 4th from 2 – 7 p.m.

Gala Needs Volunteers

The Gala needs people who can help with many different activities — everything from making phone calls to setting up a stage for the band and decorating to just donating funds.  Please contact Angie Hillebrand at the school office.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser of OLV and JFK and supports all of our educational needs.  This year we’re trying to do a “super Gala” with funds raised above our normal net of $25,000 – $30,000 to go toward establishing the seed money for an air conditioning project.  The Gala is May 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge on Central Park Avenue near Emeis Golf Course.  The Gala includes fun and fellowship with live and silent auctions, a live band, and dancing.

How Do You Pay for it All?

Need help planning for your (and your children’s) financial future?  Home & School is sponsoring a presentation by Dan Lubenthal of Edward Jones, with special guests Dan Schimanski and Heather Egger of True Mortgage Lending on Thursday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m.  These financial experts will be on hand to discuss financial strategies and give tips on how to plan for your future, as well as for your children.   The presentation will start at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Center.  The Home & School meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Kindergarten Round-Up and Tuition Contracts for 2018-19

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office ASAP so we can get all of your children on a tuition contract for next school year.  Tuition contracts were mailed last week.  Turn them around quickly and take advantage of an early bird registration discount before spring break.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

2018-19 School Calendar

The DCSD has posted its calendar for next school year.  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  http://www.davenportschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-19-FINAL-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR-2.pdf.  JFK’s board voted to accept this calendar with two minor changes that only affect staff.

Early Dismissal and No PM Preschool on March 16

Students are dismissed at 1:00 on Friday, March 16th.  Bus service and after school care are available.  There are no afternoon preschool classes.

 

Kindergarten Round-Up and Tuition Contracts for 2018-19

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office ASAP so we can get all of your children on a tuition contract for next school year.  Tuition contracts were mailed last week.  Turn them around quickly and take advantage of an early bird registration discount before spring break.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

Educational Savings Accounts and STOs

While Iowa legislation to establish education savings accounts for K-12 educational needs seems to be an extremely long shot, attention needs to turn toward School Tuition Organization legislation.  Currently, the amount of tax credits, and, thus, tuition assistance that is available in the state is $12 million.  From this amount, more than $1 million is given in Scott County.  Increasing the maximum that the law allows us to raise would allow us to not only increase financial assistance but also expand eligibility requirements as well, and more middle class families could receive financial assistance.  Legislation currently has been introduced through the Iowa Senate’s budget bill to increase the STO cap by $1 million and expand the eligibility limit to 400% of poverty.  While these changes would be a step in the right direction, we really need the STO cap raised to $20 million or more to meet the needs once eligibility is expanded.  Contact your Iowa state senator or legislator to let them know the importance of STOs for Iowa families.

“Tuition Tax Credit”

Do not forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that we often think of education expenses in terms of a school year while taxes are completed on a calendar year basis and split two school years.

Fund-raising

There always seems to be some fund-raising activity going on!

• The Jumpy Monkey Coffee sale has begun.  Please contact your favorite 8th grader, Mrs. Bauer, or Kathy Neuberger at school to purchase some. This sale not only benefits our 8th graders, but an organization that employs workers with intellectual disabilities.
• The Penny War for Holy Childhood Association ends March 13th to give us time to take it to the bank and recognize the homeroom winners before spring break.   Last year’s shorter Penny War took us three hours at the bank!  Cancel out another homeroom’s pennies with nickels, dimes, and quarters!
• Plant sale:  Home & School is trying a new fundraiser this spring — a plant sale!  Sales begin March 6th and run through April 6th.  Pick up will be on campus on May 3rd and 4th from 2 – 7 p.m.  People are going to buy plants in May anyway; let’s see if they’ll buy them as a fundraiser.  Information should be going home early this week.
• Gala.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser of OLV and JFK and supports all of our educational needs.  This year we’re trying to do a “super Gala” with funds raised above our normal net of $25,000 – $30,000 to go toward establishing the seed money for an air conditioning project.  The Gala is May 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge on Central Park Avenue near Emeis Golf Course.  The Gala includes fun and fellowship with live and silent auctions, a live band, and dancing.

2018-19 School Calendar

The DCSD has posted its calendar for next school year.  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  http://www.davenportschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-19-FINAL-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR-2.pdf.  JFK’s board voted to accept this calendar with two minor changes that only affect staff.

New Textbooks Next Year:  Science and Spanish

We have begun our research for science textbooks/materials for a county-wide Catholic school adoption.  The fact that, although the Iowa Core science standards are based on the national Next Generation Science Standards, Iowa’s standards are taught in different grade levels than the NGSS, we are running into difficulty with what’s available from publishers, and flexibility will be key for us.  We have even talked to publishers about printing our own chapters from their online versions and assembling them in binders.  On the other hand, if the publishers are intent on selling in Iowa, they ought to have better solutions themselves.

We will also be researching Spanish I textbooks/materials for adoption at JFK and replacing our use of Rosetta Stone and its supplementary hard copy materials.

Early Dismissal and No PM Preschool on March 16

Students are dismissed at 1:00 on Friday, March 16th.  Bus service and after school care are available.  There are no afternoon preschool classes.

 

Teacup or Fire Hose Christians?

Paraphrasing Fr. Dan’s weekend homily with a little poetic license, he asked us if we were teacup Christians or fire hose Christians.  Do we embrace what Christ offers to us as if we are sipping from a teacup or as if it’s drenching our whole being as from His fire hose?

Kindergarten Round-Up and Tuition Contracts for 2018-19

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office ASAP so we can get all of your children on a tuition contract for next school year.  Tuition contracts were drafted last week, and they should be received by families via postal mail this week.  Turn them around quickly and take advantage of an early bird registration discount before spring break.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

Educational Savings Accounts and STOs

While Iowa legislation to establish education savings accounts for K-12 educational needs seems to be an extremely long shot, attention needs to turn toward School Tuition Organization legislation.  Currently, the amount of tax credits, and, thus, tuition assistance that is available in the state is $12 million.  From this amount, more than $1 million is given in Scott County.  Increasing the maximum that the law allows us to raise would allow us to not only increase financial assistance but also expand eligibility requirements as well, and more middle class families could receive financial assistance.  Legislation currently has been introduced through the Iowa Senate’s budget bill to increase the STO cap by $1 million and expand the eligibility limit to 400% of poverty.  While these changes would be a step in the right direction, we really need the STO cap raised to $20 million or more to meet the needs once eligibility is expanded.  Contact your Iowa state senator or legislator to let them know the importance of STOs for Iowa families.

“Tuition Tax Credit”

Do not forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that we often think of education expenses in terms of a school year while taxes are completed on a calendar year basis and split two school years.

AHS Musical

The Addams family’s nightmare has come true:  Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.  And guess who’s coming to dinner?  In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations — change.

The musical is at 7:00 p.m. on March 9th and 10th and 2:00 p.m. on March 11th.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.

Fund-raising

There always seems to be some fund-raising activity going on!

• The Jumpy Monkey Coffee sale has begun.  Please contact your favorite 8th grader, Mrs. Bauer, or Kathy Neuberger at school to purchase some. This sale not only benefits our 8th graders, but an organization that employs workers with intellectual disabilities.
• The Penny War for Holy Childhood Association begins on March 5th and runs until spring break.  Cancel out another homeroom’s pennies with nickels, dimes, and quarters!
• Pizza Ranch for band:  Visit the Pizza Ranch in Bettendorf (880 Lincoln Road) between 5-8 p.m. on March 5th.
• Plant sale:  Home & School is trying a new fundraiser this spring — a plant sale!  Sales begin March 6th and run through April 6th.  Pick up will be on campus on May 3rd and 4th from 2 – 7 p.m.  People are going to buy plants in May anyway; let’s see if they’ll buy them as a fundraiser.  Information should be going home early this week.
• Gala.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser of OLV and JFK and supports all of our educational needs.  This year we’re trying to do a “super Gala” with funds raised above our normal net of $25,000 – $30,000 to go toward establishing the seed money for an air conditioning project.  The Gala is May 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge on Central Park Avenue near Emeis Golf Course.  The Gala includes fun and fellowship with live and silent auctions, a live band, and dancing.

2018-19 School Calendar

The DCSD has posted its calendar for next school year.  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  http://www.davenportschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-19-FINAL-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR-2.pdf.  JFK’s 2018-19 will likely be very similar due to busing.  JFK’s board will vote on a school calendar on Tuesday.

New Textbooks Next Year:  Science and Spanish

We have begun our research for science textbooks/materials for a county-wide Catholic school adoption.  The fact that, although the Iowa Core science standards are based on the national Next Generation Science Standards, Iowa’s standards are taught in different grade levels than the NGSS, we are running into difficulty with what’s available from publishers, and flexibility will be key for us.  We have even talked to publishers about printing our own chapters from their online versions and assembling them in binders.  On the other hand, if the publishers are intent on selling in Iowa, they ought to have better solutions themselves.

We will also be researching Spanish I textbooks/materials for adoption at JFK and replacing our use of Rosetta Stone and its supplementary hard copy materials.

Career Fair

We would like to thank everyone involved in the Scott County Catholic School 8th Grade and SAU Career Fair.  After the joint use of athletic fields between Assumption and St. Ambrose, this career fair is the largest joint venture between the Catholic schools in Scott County and SAU.