Month: November 2019

Advent Begins December 1st

Advent begins next Sunday, December 1st.  Advent would be a great time to renew one’s efforts to attend Mass each weekend.

Giving Thanks

Hide the Turkeys!

Kindergartners are trying to save the turkeys!

 

Navigating Technology Together

The Navigating Technology Together meeting of parents last week was eye-opening.    Dr. Lindsey Day (another former student of mine) had an interesting presentation that focused on TikTok, which I didn’t even know existed until earlier this fall.  The information and messaging available to students seems to start out pretty innocent, if the account is made by someone who is twelve years old or younger (and is honest about his/her age).  As soon as the account holder turns thirteen, however, the type of information and content that is PUSHED to the user is shocking.  One doesn’t even have to go looking for the shocking content; it comes to the user!

With about 45% of 10 to 12 year olds in the US having not only their own smartphones but smartphones with an Internet service plan (Nielsen report from February 2017), will you be ready?  Will your child?

The following is an interesting blog post on how cell phones and social media have changed the landscape.  Click here to read the story:  Comparing 2008 with 2018.

Don’t Forget Victory Vouchers

As you are doing your shopping this holiday season, don’t forget to use Victory Vouchers.  You purchase gift certificates or gift cards through OLV at face value, and the parish purchases them at a program discount.  The difference ends up being a painless fund-raiser; the card is worth exactly what you pay for it.  In addition to this fund-raising element, our Victory Voucher program also allows parishioners to receive a 2% credit on all purchases that can be directed to school tuition, youth ministry programming, Faith Formation fees, or other selected areas within the parish.  The parish regularly stocks Victory Vouchers from over 50 national and local businesses, and others are available by special order.  HyVee participates through a coupon program that you can print yourself.  Vouchers are sold on Sundays in the Gathering Space at church from 7:30-11 AM, at the Parish Office on weekdays from 7:30-4:00 PM, or by leaving a prepaid order at the parish or school office.  For more information, check out the information on the Victory Voucher section of our website.  Vouchers can also be purchased online at shopwithscrip.com.

School Tuition Organizations

The following is edited and reprinted from Fr. Jake’s article in this past weekend’s bulletin:

During the Board of Education meeting two weeks ago, Mr. Andy Craig, who serves as the President of Assumption High, presented the annual report of the Family Tuition Plan. Many parishioners are familiar with the Family Tuition Plan because of the financial assistance they have received through this program….  The Family Tuition Plan began in 2004 as a means to help families with tuition assistance who attend the five Catholic schools in Scott County. Families who want to participate in the program have to apply for assistance every year. The application for assistance takes into consideration several aspects of a family’s financial picture, including the size of a family. Depending upon the amount of money available in the Family Tuition Plan and guidelines set by the State of Iowa, tuition assistance is then dispersed to families.  Last year, the Family Tuition Plan helped support 634 students with a total of $1,280,903 in financial assistance throughout Scott County. Our parish had 148 students at JFK and Assumption High School (AHS) receiving $281,439 in financial assistance. In other words, OLV parishioners received 22% of the total assistance available in all of Scott County. OLV is [the] largest single recipient of financial assistance in Scott County….  [P]arishioners have told me first-hand how the financial assistance is giving their children the opportunity to attend both JFK and AHS.

The money used for the Family Tuition Program is raised primarily through donations given to the Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization (MVSTO). The MVSTO’s primary mission every year is to raise approximately $1,200,000 to fund the Family Tuition Plan. For anyone interested in donating to the MVSTO, there is also a financial incentive. The Iowa Education Opportunities Act, which passed in June 2006, allows Iowa taxpayers to claim a 65% direct state tax credit for all donations made to the MVSTO. For example, if someone is able to make a $1000 donation to MVSTO, this individual will receive a tax credit certificate for $650 that is applied when s/he files their state taxes. Depending on each person’s tax situation, you might also be able to deduct some of this same $1000 donation from your federal taxes as well.  In the end, a person’s donation to the MVSTO helps students attend Catholic schools in Scott County, but it also helps to offset some of the tax burden that a donor might have for the tax year….  [A]ny donation would be appreciated. Mr. Andy Craig said that he is willing to answer any questions that parishioners might have about donations or the overall mission of the MVSTO. Mrs. Judy Johnson, who is a parishioner and Lay Trustee of our OLV, also serves on the board of the MVSTO and she would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Highlighted Upcoming Dates

It’s starting to get very busy for every grade.  Below are some highlights.  Please see the website for a more complete calendar and look for grade specific notes from teachers.

Nov 26:  JFK’s Toys for Tots drive ends

Nov 27:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.

Nov 28-29:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.

Dec 3:  JFK Reconciliation for 3rd-8th graders

Dec 4:  All school Mass with Bishop Zinkula.  End of 2nd mid-qtr

Dec 5:  First Reconciliation

Dec 9:  Feast of the Immaculate Conception Holy Day Mass.  Civic Oration

Dec 12:  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe all school Mass.  3/4 Christmas show.  Feast

Dec 13:  4 yr old PS show

Dec 16:  3rd grade gingerbread houses.  Skate Night

Dec 17:  Band Concert (day at JFK, night at AHS)

Dec 18:  3 yr old PS family activity

Dec 19:  K-2 Christmas show

Dec 20:  All school Mass.  Special dismissal at 12:40

Dec 21 – Jan 5:  Christmas Break.  Check the school calendar for dates when ECLC is closed.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/11/1032800052C-112419.pdf

Praying Hard

We’ve been praying extra hard in my family this past week.  My daughter’s boyfriend’s mother had a stroke.  Through lots of praying and the wonders of modern medicine, it seems she may be through the worst of it, but she has a long way to go, and her life will likely never be the same.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Chad

Mock Trial Teams Compete

JFK’s Mock Trial teams competed last weekend at the Scott County courthouse.  We had two teams: a 6th grade team and a 7th/8th grade team.  Teams were coached by Mike Motto and Paul Macek with Mrs. Logan acting as our staff liaison.  Although neither of our teams advanced to “state,” the following students received individual recognition:

Outstanding attorneys:  Olivia F., Sean B., Brandon G., and Elexa A.

Outstanding witnesses:  Oscar K., Will A., and Cleary C.

Giving Thanks

 

 

Repeated Content Regarding Cell Phones and Social Media

Over the years, I have done several postings regarding cell phone usage and social media.  They are still relevant today with nearly every significant issue at school somehow tied into social media, either because it happens through social media or it is discussed and persists through comments on social media.  So far, the youngest students at JFK we have seen with issues regarding cell phone use have been eight years old.  Will you be ready?

With about 45% of 10 to 12 year olds in the US having not only their own smartphones but smartphones with a service plan (Nielsen report from February 2017), do you know what the kids are doing with their phones?

• What apps are they using?  Have you tried them yourself?
• What social media accounts are they using, how are they using them, and how often do you monitor their activity?  Just because a social media company says that no one under a certain age can have an account, doesn’t mean kids don’t fudge on their age.
• Are they “roasting” each other or doing “burns?”  How should they respond when they are the target of the burns?  You’d be shocked at the vulgar and vile language that students will use in the “anonymity” of the electronic age.
• What will they (and you) do when they receive inappropriate pictures taken off the Internet and from people they actually know?  The average age of first exposure to pornography is around eleven.  If eleven is average, what will they and you do if they are even younger?
• What shows are they watching in an era when family members are watching more and more shows independently on their own Internet connected devices than gathered around a television as a family?  What are the ratings on the shows they watch?  Are they just “Youtubing” random videos?
• What group chats are they in?  Who monitors them?  What will they (and you) do when the chat turns ugly?
• Do you know how to block things on phones or restrict settings?
• Do you know how to not only “delete” but then to empty the “trash” on phones?
• Are you modeling good social media use yourself?

The following is an interesting blog post on how cell phones and social media have changed the landscape.  Click here to read the story:  Comparing 2008 with 2018.

Issues of social media and technology cross all demographic and geographic groups.  St. Paul’s has recently started a parent group, NTT (Navigating Technology Together) that is now expanding to the other Catholic schools. This month’s topic is “pornography and our children” with Dr. Lyndsey Day.  NTT is an evening of awareness and discussion.  The November meeting is Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. in St. Paul’s Denning Hall.  All are welcome.

Social-Emotional-Behavioral Well-Being of Students

The social-emotional-behavioral well-being of students remains a high priority at JFK.  Research reveals that social and emotional skills are critical for success at school, work, and in life.  These skills impact academic achievement, attendance, and attitudes and behaviors in school.  They impact job satisfaction, performance, and income.  They impact positive health behaviors, life satisfaction, and happiness.  The best part research is revealing is that these skills can also be learned, and students can grow and develop in these areas!

In grades 2 and 4, we use a screener called  SAEBRS to help identify areas upon which teachers and Mrs. Wolf should focus.  In grades 6-8, we will be teaming with ACT to use their Tessera assessment system and lessons.  More information will be sent home shortly for 6th-8th grade families.

Highlighted Upcoming Dates (See Website for Complete Calendar)

Nov 18:  7/8 Choir out of uniform.  JFK’s Toys for Tots drive begins

Nov 19:  Navigating Technology Together at St. Paul’s Denning Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Nov 22:  Pajama Day.  Butterbraid bread delivery to JFK

Nov 25:  JFK’s Toys for Tots drive ends

Nov 27:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.

Nov 28-29:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.

Dec 21 – Jan 5:  Christmas Break.  Check the school calendar for dates when ECLC is closed.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/11/1032800051C-111719.pdf

The Secret to Shopping?

Last week, I commented that I wasn’t sure I was cut out for shopping any more.  I used to do more when our kids were younger as I did much of the grocery shopping each weekend and would usually go to HyVee one weekend and Walmart the next.  This week, I think I figured out why I didn’t mind these activities then, and why they aren’t enjoyable now.  Now, when I go, it’s usually by myself.  Then, when I went, it was always with one or two of my children.  It’s not the shopping itself that makes the difference; it’s the company you have in doing it!

Chad

Last Spring’s Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress Results Released

The results of the spring’s administration of the new Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) for grades 3-5 will be mailed this week.  Look for a three page parent letter and a two-sided report for each student who was in 3rd-5th grade last year.  They’ve been a long time coming!

Repeated Content Regarding Cell Phones and Social Media

Over the years, I have done several postings regarding cell phone usage and social media.  They are still relevant today with nearly every significant issue at school somehow tied into social media, either because it happens through social media or it is discussed and persists through comments on social media.  So far, the youngest students at JFK we have seen with issues regarding cell phone use have been eight years old.  Will you be ready?

With about 45% of 10 to 12 year olds in the US having not only their own smartphones but smartphones with a service plan (Nielsen report from February 2017), do you know what the kids are doing with their phones?

• What apps are they using?  Have you tried them yourself?
• What social media accounts are they using, how are they using them, and how often do you monitor their activity?  Just because a social media company says that no one under a certain age can have an account, doesn’t mean kids don’t fudge on their age.
• Are they “roasting” each other or doing “burns?”  How should they respond when they are the target of the burns?  You’d be shocked at the vulgar and vile language that students will use in the “anonymity” of the electronic age.
• What will they (and you) do when they receive inappropriate pictures taken off the Internet and from people they actually know?  The average age of first exposure to pornography is around eleven.  If eleven is average, what will they and you do if they are even younger?
• What shows are they watching in an era when family members are watching more and more shows independently on their own Internet connected devices than gathered around a television as a family?  What are the ratings on the shows they watch?  Are they just “Youtubing” random videos?
• What group chats are they in?  Who monitors them?  What will they (and you) do when the chat turns ugly?
• Do you know how to block things on phones or restrict settings?
• Do you know how to not only “delete” but then to empty the “trash” on phones?
• Are you modeling good social media use yourself?

The following is an interesting blog post on how cell phones and social media have changed the landscape.  Click here to read the story:  Comparing 2008 with 2018.

Issues of social media and technology cross all demographic and geographic groups.  St. Paul’s has recently started a parent group, NTT (Navigating Technology Together) that is now expanding to the other Catholic schools. This month’s topic is “pornography and our children” with Dr. Lyndsey Day.  NTT is an evening of awareness and discussion.  The November meeting is Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. in St. Paul’s Denning Hall.  All are welcome.

Social-Emotional-Behavioral Well-Being of Students

The social-emotional-behavioral well-being of students remains a high priority at JFK.  Research reveals that social and emotional skills are critical for success at school, work, and in life.  These skills impact academic achievement, attendance, and attitudes and behaviors in school.  They impact job satisfaction, performance, and income.  They impact positive health behaviors, life satisfaction, and happiness.  The best part research is revealing is that these skills can also be learned, and students can grow and develop in these areas!

In grades 2 and 4, we use a screener called  SAEBRS to help identify areas upon which teachers and Mrs. Wolf should focus.  In grades 6-8, we will be teaming with ACT to use their Tessera assessment system and lessons.  More information will be sent home shortly for 6th-8th grade families.

Highlighted Upcoming Dates (See Website for Complete Calendar)

Nov 11:  Staff in-service.  No classes.  ECLC is open.  JFK staff members have an in-service on November 11th, Veterans’ Day, which allows us to take off on Good Friday in the spring.

Nov 14:  Home & School meeting

Nov 27:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.

Nov 28-29:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.

Dec 21 – Jan 5:  Christmas Break.  Check the school calendar for dates when ECLC is closed.

HVAC Project Meetings Went Well

Fr. Jake and I discussed our updated HVAC plan for JFK with the parish finance council and the diocesan building commission two weeks ago.  Both meetings went well, and there was consensus regarding the scope of the work needed.  In the fall of 2016, a complete Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plan for JFK was developed.  That plan acknowledged that our heating issues were twofold:  an aged boiler and pipes that were beyond their life expectancy.  The boiler, water heater, cafeteria and north stairwell fin tube/fan units, and controls were replaced in the summer of 2017.  Now, we’re ready for the next phase to deal with the pipes.

This next phase would install a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system to the 1964 and 1987 parts of the school building.  (The 2011 sections of the building are up-to-date.)  The VRF system can not only provide heat, allowing the worn heating water pipes to be shut down, but it is also efficient in providing air conditioning!  When coupled with a new mechanical ventilation system, also included in this next phase, we can efficiently control humidity and filter and condition the air.  Also included in this phase would be a significant electrical upgrade to power everything.

Having modern HVAC systems would allow JFK to continue to lead the way in Catholic school education in Scott County.  Now, we just need to pay for it!

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/11/1032800050C-111019.pdf

Not Cut Out for Shopping?

I don’t think I’m cut out for shopping any more.  I used to do more when our kids were younger as I did much of the grocery shopping each weekend and would usually go to HyVee one weekend and Walmart the next.  Now, I’m not sure I can handle shopping any more.  On Friday, I set off to run some errands.  I went to a “big box” store where it seemed like everything that I was looking for had been moved to other areas.  Or, at least, that’s what I’m assuming happened as I didn’t find most of what I was looking for, and I’m sure they still sell it.  I wandered from one aisle to the next and, oddly, even down some aisles that just dead ended.  No one seemed happy to be there either.  Kids were crying, parents were frustrated dealing with crying kids, and everyone seemed to be in everyone else’s way.  I don’t know about the employees because I don’t think I ever saw them as I even did self check-out!  My next stop was a store at the mall to look for some new pants.  Entering and exiting the store, people at least seemed happy as they all held doors for each other and greeted one another.  I did see employees at this store, and they did seem happy, although they probably shouldn’t have been using their two way radios to have personal conversations where they can be overheard in public.  Unfortunately, I didn’t find what I was looking for at this store either.  Rack upon rack of pants and not a single pair in my size!  By the time I was done running errands, I just had a headache to show for it.  Amazingly, however, when I went to Menard’s and Lowe’s on Saturday, I found exactly what I was looking for and even some extras!  I think I’ll just have to stick to going to Menard’s, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.  If they don’t have what I need, I must not need it!

Chad

HVAC Project Meetings Went Well

Fr. Jake and I discussed our updated HVAC plan for JFK with the parish finance council and the diocesan building commission last week.  Both meetings went well, and there was consensus regarding the scope of the work needed.  In the fall of 2016, a complete Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plan for JFK was developed.  That plan acknowledged that our heating issues were twofold:  an aged boiler and pipes that were beyond their life expectancy.  The boiler, water heater, cafeteria and north stairwell fin tube/fan units, and controls were replaced in the summer of 2017.  Now, we’re ready for the next phase to deal with the pipes.

This next phase would install a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system to the 1964 and 1987 parts of the school building.  (The 2011 sections of the building are up-to-date.)  The VRF system can not only provide heat, allowing the worn heating water pipes to be shut down, but it is also efficient in providing air conditioning!  When coupled with a new mechanical ventilation system, also included in this next phase, we can efficiently control humidity and filter and condition the air.  Also included in this phase would be a significant electrical upgrade to power everything.

Having modern HVAC systems would allow JFK to continue to lead the way in Catholic school education in Scott County.  Now, we just need to pay for it!

Last Spring’s Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress Results

The results of the spring’s administration of the new Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) for grades 3-5 should be released to schools this week.  The information is not allowed to be shared with parents until after November 11^th.  It should be a pretty straight-forward process, but, with all new data systems, it seems that there are always glitches.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are this week.  With the meetings so brief (15 minutes or even possibly less in the drop-in upper grade conferences), here’s a short list of questions that you might consider asking:

• What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
• Is my child working up to his/her ability?  How can we support what’s going on in the classroom?
• How does my child get along with his/her classmates?

Don’t forget to share things about your child with the teachers too.  They want to learn more as well so they can be your partner.  “Specials” teachers (art, music, PE, band, foreign language) often don’t have many parents meet with them yet they may have some unique perspectives that they can share.  Specials teachers are in the cafeteria and have conferences on a drop-in basis.

Upcoming Dates

Nov 4:  Student Hunger Drive Out of Uniform.  Students who brought in 3 or more “cans” for the Student Hunger Drive can be out of uniform today.  The Out of Uniform Guidelines policy from our handbook still applies.

Nov 4:  Band/Music Boosters, 6:30, staff room

Nov 5:  Parent/teacher conferences, 5:30-8:30.  PS-5th grade are scheduled.  If you haven’t scheduled your child’s conference or received a time from the teacher, please contact your child’s teacher.  Conferences for grades 6-8 and specials are “walk in.”

Nov 7:  Parent/teacher conferences, 8-12:30 and 4-8.  No classes.  ECLC is open.

Nov 7:  Fundraiser pick up.

Nov 8:  No classes.  ECLC is open.

Nov 9:  Mock Trial at the Scott County Courthouse.  Good luck to our two teams!

Nov 11:  Staff in-service.  No classes.  ECLC is open.  JFK staff members have an in-service on November 11th, Veterans’ Day, which allows us to take off on Good Friday in the spring.

Nov 14:  Home & School meeting

Nov 27:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.

Nov 28-29:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/11/1032800049C-110319.pdf

Don’t Forget to Vote on Tuesday

Tuesday is election day for mayor, city council, and public school board.  A well run city and school district benefit the entire community.

Chad