Pre-Register for Kindergarten Now

There was a lot of interest in kindergarten at last week’s round-up.  If you haven’t completed the pre-registration process, do so now.  You don’t want to delay and risk being left out!

Preschool Pre-Registration Still Open Online

If you missed the preschool open house and pre-registration event, you can still pre-register online.  The QR code and link are on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.  We will start to sort through the pre-registrations this week.  We did notice a glitch in the wording of MWF 3 yr old preschool.  The online menu had it incorrectly listed as “pm.”  All of our 3 year old preschool classes are in the morning.  We will reach out to families who signed up for MWF 3 year old preschool to confirm their intent.

JFK offers several preschool options all of which can be combined with partial or full-time wraparound care:

3 year olds: MWF a.m., T/Th a.m., or M-F a.m.

4/5 year olds: M-F a.m., or M-F p.m.

K-8 Pre-Registration Process for 2023-24

1. All preschool, kindergarten, and returning families will need to enter information through the pre-registration/application survey.  A QR Code and link/url are available on the front page of our website.  Submissions are time/date stamped.  For those unable to complete the pre-registration/application survey online, physical copies will be available at school.
2. Pay the registration fee for K-8, three year old preschool, or “non-qualifying” four/five year old preschool OR the extra time fee for an “IA preschool” four year old preschool.  The registration fee is regularly $125 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $375 per family.  If paid prior to April 1st, the early bird amount is $100 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $300 per family.   The extra time fee for four year old preschoolers is $250 per child.  These fees can be paid online by following the link in the pre-registration/application survey.  You can also go directly just to this payment link, without having to pre-register your child, which is especially handy if you already pre-registered but did not make the payment initially.  Scroll down to the one time payment option to pay registration or extra time fees.  Checks can also be made payable to JFK and sent to the school office.
   1. A non-qualifying preschooler is a non-Iowa resident or student who turns 5 on or before Sept 15th.  Tuition is charged for this student, and there is a registration fee.  There is no extra time fee.
3. Complete a more detailed online process.  This process will most likely be available in March.

As we move through the registration process, it is important that families be up-to-date in their payments of tuition and ECLC and other fees.  Families who are not up-to-date will not be in the highest priority enrollment group and may not even be able to finalize their registration.

Tuition rates for K-12 have not yet been finalized for 2023-24 as we are still waiting for state guidance regarding Educational Savings Accounts.  One of the most often asked questions in relation to ESAs is if tuition will be raised to the $7,600 amount available in an ESA.  The answer is no.  You can expect more modest tuition increases.  The 2022-23 tuition rate for a parish supported child was  $4,170 and $6,170 for a non-parish supported child.  Please note that the average cost per pupil for a child in a SCCS elementary school is over $8,000.  The difference between cost per pupil and tuition is made up by parish subsidy and fund-raising/donations.

Scott County Catholic School tuition rates for preschool, with or without wraparound care, have been set.  They are in the linked document:  Preschool Tuition Rates JFK

Note that there are now more options at JFK for preschool and wraparound care options.  Taking account of all of the wraparound care offered, there are at least 17 preschool options available at JFK next year, including some new ones.  Also note that ECLC is now considered wraparound care in SCCS and not billed separately from tuition.  (No more weekly ECLC bills!)

New “Staff Member” Coming to JFK

Bandit, our newest staff member, is due to arrive at JFK after spring break.  JFK is excited to expand on the mental health and social wellbeing services available to our students and staff by having a professional facility dog, which is a type of therapy dog.  Bandit will be available for short visitations and to help emphasize components in SEL lessons. A huge thank you to Home and School for their generous donation to help make this possible!  We would also like to thank JFK’s board of education which had the foresight this past spring to create the policy regarding such a staff member.  JFK is, once again, fulfilling its vision of “leading the way in Catholic school education” by being the first Catholic school in our diocese with a professional facility dog on its staff.

Facility dogs can help with students dealing with anxiety, relationship problems, loneliness, anger, a lack of confidence, and stress.  They can improve students’ attendance, decrease tardiness, reinforce learning, motivate speech and learning, improve social and communication skills, and facilitate counseling.  They can even help lower one’s blood pressure!

Just so you know, we are working with an allergist on accommodating allergy sensitive students while maintaining a successful and beneficial relationship with our therapy dog.  To help reduce airborne allergens, we do have air purifiers throughout the school building and a ventilation system.  Bandit will also be bathed regularly and wiped down with a damp cloth throughout the day to help remove loose hair and dander. Students will wash their hands or use an antibacterial wipe or hand sanitizer after petting Bandit.

Emma Wolf, the main dog handler and with whom the dog will spend its nights and weekends, has created an Amazon list for anyone wishing to help support Bandit with treats, toys, bandanas, and other items that Bandit might need at school: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/B0JIB58UPXPO?ref_=wl_share

Middle School Position, with Math Emphasis, Open for 2023-24

JFK is seeking a middle school, primarily math, teacher for 2023-24.  Mrs. Clark will be moving back to Utah where family resides.  Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, copy/link of one’s Iowa license, and list of references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.  More information is on TeachIowa.gov

Highlighted Events

See the calendars on our website for more complete information as the below are only some of the highlights.

• Mar 1:  Scratch Cupcake delivery
• Mar 2:  Field trips for 5, 7, and 8
• Mar 3:  8th Grade/SAU Career Fair
• Mar 3-5:  Men’s CEW
• Mar 10:  2-8 Reconciliation.  Green/White Dress day
• Mar 11-19:  Spring Break.  ECLC open on weekdays.
• Mar 20:  Classes resume

Chad

Ash Wednesday This Week

OLV’s services for Ash Wednesday are 7:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.  JFK students will attend a special 8:15 a.m. all school Mass, and students attending Assumption for algebra in the morning will be supervised in their attendance at the noon Mass.  Expect the parking lot to be very crowded during the morning drop off time.

Kindergarten Information Session and Round-Up Re-scheduled

Thursday, February 23rd:  6:00-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Parent and student event

With so many changes with ESAs and SCCS, the in person event for kindergarten round-up may be even more important.  Both students and parents should attend.  Please share the flyer/link with other families who may be considering JFK!

Preschool Pre-Registration Still Open Online

If you missed the preschool open house and pre-registration event, you can still pre-register online.  The QR code and link are on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.  We will start to sort through the pre-registrations this week.  We did notice a glitch in the wording of MWF 3 yr old preschool.  The online menu had it incorrectly listed as “pm.”  All of our 3 year old preschool classes are in the morning.  We will reach out to families who signed up for MWF 3 year old preschool to confirm their intent.

JFK offers several preschool options all of which can be combined with partial or full-time wraparound care:

3 year olds: MWF a.m., T/Th a.m., or M-F a.m.

4/5 year olds: M-F a.m., or M-F p.m.

Pre-Registration Process for 2023-24 Began February 6th

A new registration process for JFK and Scott County Catholic Schools began February 6th when the pre-registration/application link is released.

1. All preschool, kindergarten, and returning families will need to enter information through the pre-registration/application survey.  A QR Code and link/url was distributed/posted on February 6th.  They are available on the front page of our website.  Submissions are time/date stamped.  For those unable to complete the pre-registration/application survey online, physical copies will be available at school.
2. Pay the registration fee for K-8, three year old preschool, or “non-qualifying” four/five year old preschool OR the extra time fee for an “IA preschool” four year old preschool.  The registration fee is regularly $125 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $375 per family.  If paid prior to April 1st, the early bird amount is $100 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $300 per family.   The extra time fee for four year old preschoolers is $250 per child.  These fees can be paid online by following the link in the pre-registration/application survey.  You can also go directly just to this payment link, without having to pre-register your child, which is especially handy if you already pre-registered but did not make the payment initially.  Scroll down to the one time payment option to pay registration or extra time fees.  Checks can also be made payable to JFK and sent to the school office.
   1. A non-qualifying preschooler is a non-Iowa resident or student who turns 5 on or before Sept 15th.  Tuition is charged for this student, and there is a registration fee.  There is no extra time fee.
3. Complete a more detailed online process.  This process will most likely be available in March.

As we move through the registration process, it is important that families be up-to-date in their payments of tuition and ECLC and other fees.  Families who are not up-to-date will not be in the highest priority enrollment group and may not even be able to finalize their registration.

Tuition rates for K-12 have not yet been finalized for 2023-24 as we are still waiting for state guidance regarding Educational Savings Accounts.  One of the most often asked questions in relation to ESAs is if tuition will be raised to the $7,600 amount available in an ESA.  The answer is no.  You can expect more modest tuition increases.  The 2022-23 tuition rate for a parish supported child was  $4,170 and $6,170 for a non-parish supported child.  Please note that the average cost per pupil for a child in a SCCS elementary school is over $8,000.  The difference between cost per pupil and tuition is made up by parish subsidy and fund-raising/donations.

Scott County Catholic School tuition rates for preschool, with or without wraparound care, have been set.  They are in the linked document:  Preschool Tuition Rates JFK

Note that there are now more options at JFK for preschool and wraparound care options.  Taking account of all of the wraparound care offered, there are at least 17 preschool options available at JFK next year, including some new ones.  Also note that ECLC is now considered wraparound care in SCCS and not billed separately from tuition.  (No more weekly ECLC bills!)

New “Staff Member” Coming to JFK

Bandit, our newest staff member, is due to arrive at JFK after spring break.  JFK is excited to expand on the mental health and social wellbeing services available to our students and staff by having a professional facility dog, which is a type of therapy dog.  Bandit will be available for short visitations and to help emphasize components in SEL lessons. A huge thank you to Home and School for their generous donation to help make this possible!  We would also like to thank JFK’s board of education which had the foresight this past spring to create the policy regarding such a staff member.  JFK is, once again, fulfilling its vision of “leading the way in Catholic school education” by being the first Catholic school in our diocese with a professional facility dog on its staff.

Facility dogs can help with students dealing with anxiety, relationship problems, loneliness, anger, a lack of confidence, and stress.  They can improve students’ attendance, decrease tardiness, reinforce learning, motivate speech and learning, improve social and communication skills, and facilitate counseling.  They can even help lower one’s blood pressure!

Just so you know, we are working with an allergist on accommodating allergy sensitive students while maintaining a successful and beneficial relationship with our therapy dog.  To help reduce airborne allergens, we do have air purifiers throughout the school building and a ventilation system.  Bandit will also be bathed regularly and wiped down with a damp cloth throughout the day to help remove loose hair and dander. Students will wash their hands or use an antibacterial wipe or hand sanitizer after petting Bandit.

Emma Wolf, the main dog handler and with whom the dog will spend its nights and weekends, has created an Amazon list for anyone wishing to help support Bandit with treats, toys, bandanas, and other items that Bandit might need at school: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/B0JIB58UPXPO?ref_=wl_share

JFK Accounting to SCCS Business Office Not Yet

After a trial run at shifting JFK’s accounting work to the SCCS business office located at Assumption High School, Megan Masterson has returned to JFK for the full day.  The shift will happen later.

Middle School Position, with Math Emphasis, Open for 2023-24

JFK is seeking a middle school, primarily math, teacher for 2023-24.  Mrs. Clark will be moving back to Utah where family resides.  Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, copy/link of one’s Iowa license, and list of references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.  More information is on TeachIowa.gov

Highlighted Events

See the calendars on our website for more complete information as the below are only some of the highlights.

• Feb 20:  President’s Day-No Classes.  ECLC Open
• Feb 20:  Lenten Mission
• Feb 21:  Lenten Mission
• Feb 22:  Ash Wednesday
• Feb 23:  Kindergarten Round-up.  Scribes make-up date due to the snow day.
• Feb 24:  Black & Gold Out of Uniform Fundraiser for U of I Children’s Hospital
• Feb 26:  Ignite Sunday
• Mar 1:  Scratch Cupcake delivery
• Mar 3-5:  Men’s CEW

Chad

 

In Person Events for Kindergarten Round-Up and Preschool Open House and Pre-Registration

With so many changes with ESAs and SCCS, the in person events for kindergarten round-up and preschool open house and pre-registration may be even more important.  Below is a link to the flyer for these events.  Please note that the pre-school event is a drop in anytime event rather than a scheduled program.  Both students and parents should attend.  Please share the flyer/link with other families who may be considering JFK!

JFK Kindergarten and Preschool Flyer, 2023

Preschool Open House and Pre-Registration

February 13th:  5:30-7:00 pm.  Enter door 3W under the canopy (the PS entrance).  Parent and student event — drop in any time between 5:30-7:00

JFK offers several preschool options all of which can be combined with partial or full-time wraparound care:

3 year olds: MWF a.m., T/Th a.m., or M-F a.m.

4/5 year olds: M-F a.m., or M-F p.m.

Kindergarten Information Session and Round-Up

February 16th:  6:00-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Parent and student event

Pre-Registration Process for 2023-24 Began February 6th

A new registration process for JFK and Scott County Catholic Schools began February 6th when the pre-registration/application link is released.

1. All preschool, kindergarten, and returning families will need to enter information through the pre-registration/application survey.  A QR Code and link/url was distributed/posted on February 6th.  They are available on the front page of our website.  Submissions are time/date stamped.  For those unable to complete the pre-registration/application survey online, physical copies will be available at school.
2. Pay the registration fee for K-8, three year old preschool, or “non-qualifying” four/five year old preschool OR the extra time fee for an “IA preschool” four year old preschool.  The registration fee is regularly $125 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $375 per family.  If paid prior to April 1st, the early bird amount is $100 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $300 per family.   The extra time fee for four year old preschoolers is $250 per child.  These fees can be paid online by following the link in the pre-registration/application survey.  Checks can also be made payable to JFK and sent to the school office.
   1. A non-qualifying preschooler is a non-Iowa resident or student who turns 5 on or before Sept 15th.  Tuition is charged for this student, and there is a registration fee.  There is no extra time fee.
3. Complete a more detailed online process.  This process will most likely be available in March.

As we move through the registration process, it is important that families be up-to-date in their payments of tuition and ECLC and other fees.  Families who are not up-to-date will not be in the highest priority enrollment group and may not even be able to finalize their registration.

Tuition rates for K-12 have not yet been finalized for 2023-24.  (See the below information regarding ESAs.)

Scott County Catholic School tuition rates for preschool, with or without wraparound care, are in the linked document:  Preschool Tuition Rates JFK

Note that there are now more options at JFK for preschool and wraparound care options.  Taking account of all of the wraparound care offered, there are at least 17 preschool options available at JFK next year, including some new ones.  Also note that ECLC is now considered wraparound care in SCCS and not billed separately from tuition.

No Classes on February 20

There are no classes on February 20th due to President’s Day.  ECLC is open.

Demographic Nuggets

I read in The Catholic Messenger that one of our SCCS elementary schools was highlighted for having 53 Hispanic students in PK-8.  JFK has about 64 Hispanic K-8 students (about 19% or our K-8 student body) and an additional seven Hispanic preschoolers for a total of 71.  JFK’s staff would also be considered more than 10% minorities.

JFK Accounting Shifting to SCCS Business Office

As the regionalization of the Catholic schools into one system continues, much of JFK’s accounting work is moving away from the JFK school office to the SCCS business office located at Assumption High School.  Megan Masterson will be starting her days at JFK and then traveling to the SCCS business office to continue work.  Early in the morning, she can still be reached at JFK.  Later in the day, she can be reached through Assumption, 563-326-5313.  She will retain a JFK email address.  Payments should still be sent to the JFK school office.

Middle School Position, with Math Emphasis, Open for 2023-24

JFK is seeking a middle school, primarily math, teacher for 2023-24.  Mrs. Clark will be moving back to Utah where family resides.  Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, copy/link of one’s Iowa license, and list of references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.  More information is on TeachIowa.gov

Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)

We are still waiting for the the Iowa Department of Education to write/release the administrative rules regarding ESAs.  Below is an FAQ that I shared via email last week:

View this email in your browser

Education Savings Accounts Frequently Asked Questions What is an ESA?  An ESA is an Education Savings Account. It helps a family to fund non-public school educational expenses when the family believes a non-public school setting may be the best choice for their child. Iowa recently passed a school choice bill that included ESA funding.  That funding will be phased in over the next three school years. First priority has been given to Fall of 2023 Kindergarteners, students switching from public schools and those living in households with family income less than 300% of poverty. By the 2025-26 school year, all non-public school families in Iowa will be able to access ESA funding – although many will access funding sooner. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.  We will provide updates through parish bulletins, and the SCCS website at www.sccsiowa.org How will ESAs affect our schools’ mission and culture?   Iowa’s new ESA legislation was carefully written to maintain the independence of private schools.  As Catholic schools, faith will always be central to our mission.  There are no restrictions or changes to our curriculum that will result from this legislation. We will continue to celebrate Mass, have religion classes, and offer reconciliation, along with all of our current faith activities. Will class sizes increase dramatically?  We know parents value personal attention for their students.  The SCCS Board of Directors is responsible for determining maximum class size and student/teacher ratio for grades K-12.  The educational needs of the students and the overall instructional quality of classes shall be considered when determining class size.  In grades with open seats, we will welcome new students according to our enrollment process. Do our Catholic schools accept students with diverse learning needs?  Our Catholic schools are committed to working with all learners to the best of our abilities, including children who may require additional support.  We work with parents on an individualized basis to determine if our services are sufficient to support optimal learning for their student. Do our schools welcome non-Catholic students?  While the Catholic faith is integral to all aspects of school life, our Scott County Catholic Schools welcome families of all faith traditions into our school communities. Are our Catholic school teachers licensed by the State of Iowa and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners?  Our schools are accredited by the state of Iowa and teachers go through the same licensing process as public school teachers. The only exception is for high school theology teachers because the requirements from the state of Iowa are different for those only teaching religion.  Iowa Catholic schools participate in state testing and report student outcomes to the IA Department of Education. Will our Catholic schools become more diverse due to the ESA legislation?  Since Iowa initiated the STO program in 2006, our schools have been able to welcome more students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.  In view of the passage of the new ESA legislation – as well as established population trendlines, we believe this trend will continue in the years to come. How will this impact our current parish/school relationship?  Scott County parishes have always been an integral part of the success of our schools and this will not change. While ESAs will help make a Catholic education accessible to more families, the partnership we share with parishes must remain the backbone of our schools.  With the implementation of the ESA program, the methods by which we finance our schools (including parish subsidy) may be adjusted as the program progresses and the full impact is realized. How will parish membership be determined?  Parish membership is based upon criteria set forth by each pastor for his parish(s).  In general, parish membership is based upon registration at the parish, Mass attendance, tithing and service to the parish of membership.  SCCS already verifies parish membership with the pastor of each supporting parish at the beginning of each school year in order to determine parish membership. Will tuition next year be increased to match the $7,598 included in the ESA?  No. Scott County Catholic Schools will be implementing a transition plan with more modest tuition increases that will be phased in over time to align with the new ESA program. What if the amount of the ESA is greater than the cost of tuition?  Any ESA funds beyond the cost of tuition and other qualifying expenses will remain in the student’s account to be used through high school graduation. This means the account balance can grow during K-8 years to help cover the cost of high school tuition. If my family received tuition assistance through the Family Tuition Plan in the past, do I still need to apply to the ESA program?  All families who applied for Family Tuition Plan funding in previous years will be asked to apply for ESA funding first and then apply for Family Tuition Plan funding if necessary. How does a family apply for an ESA account?  The State of Iowa is working feverishly to hammer out the details of this computer based application process. SCCS will be notified as soon as the application becomes available . . .  and as soon as we are notified, you will be notified. It seems like passage of this ESA bill was somewhat of a surprise? Is that a fair assessment?  Actually, the Iowa Catholic Conference has been working on various aspects of school choice since the 1980s when the initial school tuition tax credit was passed into law. Since that time, more entities have become interested in the issue of school choice and helped to amplify our voices.  Many of you responded to our Legislative Alerts over the years, and that also played a part. In the end, Governor Reynolds made school choice a priority of her legislative agenda, and we are very appreciative of her consideration, and that of the Iowa Legislature.

 

JFK Preschool Facebook Page

JFK launched a new Facebook page, JFK Preschool, devoted exclusively to 3-5 year old preschool: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063830626686.   Look for more information from your child’s preschool teacher.

Last week I mentioned that Assumption was also having similar issues with the length of girls’ skirts, the tightness/type of girls’ pants, and various sweatshirt issues.  This week there was communication from/with another SCCS elementary school regarding out of uniform guidelines for the types of girls’ pants.  It seems like this issue might be everywhere within our schools!  Expect a renewed effort to make sure we are abiding by our uniform policy, including the issuance of dress code demerits which lead to detentions in the upper grades.

Highlighted Events

See the calendars on our website for more complete information as the below are only some of the highlights.

• Feb 13:  Pre-school Open House and Pre-Registration Event
• Feb 14:  Red, White, & Pink Dress Day
• Feb 16:  End of 3rd Mid-Qtr.  Kindergarten Round-Up
• Feb 20:  President’s Day-No Classes.  ECLC Open
• Feb 22:  Ash Wednesday
• Feb 24:  Out of Uniform Fundraiser for U of I Children’s Hospital

Chad

 

Pre-Registration Process for 2023-24 Begins February 6th

A new registration process for JFK and Scott County Catholic Schools begins February 6th when the pre-registration/application link is released.

1. All preschool, kindergarten, and returning families will need to enter information through the pre-registration/application survey.  A QR Code and link/url will be distributed/posted on February 6th.  Submissions are time/date stamped.  For those unable to complete the pre-registration/application survey online, physical copies will be available at school.
2. Pay the registration fee for K-8, three year old preschool, or “non-qualifying” four/five year old preschool OR the extra time fee for an “IA preschool” four year old preschool.  The registration fee is regularly $125 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $375 per family.  If paid prior to April 1st, the early bird amount is $100 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $300 per family.   The extra time fee for four year old preschoolers is $250 per child.  These fees can be paid online by following the link in the pre-registration/application survey.  Checks can also be made payable to JFK and sent to the school office.
   1. A non-qualifying preschooler is a non-Iowa resident or student who turns 5 on or before Sept 15th.  Tuition is charged for this student, and there is a registration fee.  There is no extra time fee.
3. Complete a more detailed online process.  This process will most likely be available in March.

As we move through the registration process, it is important that families be up-to-date in their payments of tuition and ECLC and other fees.  Families who are not up-to-date will not be in the highest priority enrollment group and may not even be able to finalize their registration.

Tuition rates for K-12 have not yet been finalized for 2023-24.  (See the below information regarding ESAs.)

Scott County Catholic School tuition rates for preschool, with or without wraparound care, are in the linked document:  Preschool Tuition Rates JFK

Note that there are now more options at JFK for preschool and wraparound care options.  Taking account of all of the wraparound care offered, there are at least 17 preschool options available at JFK next year, including some new ones.  Also note that ECLC is now considered wraparound care in SCCS and not billed separately from tuition.

In Person Events for Kindergarten Round-Up and Preschool Open House and Pre-Registration

With so many changes with ESAs and SCCS, the in person events for kindergarten round-up and preschool open house and pre-registration may be even more important.  Below is a link to the flyer for these events.  Please note that the pre-school event is a drop in anytime event rather than a scheduled program.  Both students and parents should attend.  Please share the flyer/link with other families who may be considering JFK!

JFK Kindergarten and Preschool Flyer, 2023

Kindergarten Information Session and Round-Up

February 16th:  6:00-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Parent and student event

Preschool Open House and Pre-Registration

February 13th:  5:30-7:00 pm.  Enter door 3W under the canopy (the PS entrance).  Parent and student event — drop in any time between 5:30-7:00

JFK offers several preschool options all of which can be combined with partial or full-time wraparound care:

3 year olds: MWF a.m., T/Th a.m., or M-F a.m.

4/5 year olds: M-F a.m., or M-F p.m.

 

JFK Accounting Shifting to SCCS Business Office

As the regionalization of the Catholic schools into one system continues, much of JFK’s accounting work will move away from the JFK school office to the SCCS business office located at Assumption High School.  Megan Masterson will be starting her days at JFK and then traveling to the SCCS business office to continue work.  Early in the morning, she can still be reached at JFK.  Later in the day, she can be reached through Assumption, 563-326-5313.  She will retain a JFK email address.  Payments should still be sent to the JFK school office.  Eventually, a new office position will be open at JFK.

Middle School Position, with Math Emphasis, Open for 2023-24

JFK is seeking a middle school, primarily math, teacher for 2023-24.  Mrs. Clark will be moving back to Utah where family resides.  Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, copy/link of one’s Iowa license, and list of references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.  More information is on TeachIowa.gov

 

JFK GROWS Students of the Month

Each morning, students and teachers at JFK recite the JFK Difference:  JFK GROWS.  We put God first, use Respectful behaviors, find Opportunities to serve, are Welcoming to all, and make Safe choices.  Below are the students being recognized at each grade level who have exhibited these traits particularly well in January:

• Kindergarten:  Everly T.
  • Everly always has a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She is kind and respectful toward her peers and teachers and always looks for ways to help out in the classroom. She is eager to learn and is a hard worker.
• 1st Grade:  Collyns H.
  • Collyns is a kind friend, hard worker, and has a positive attitude!
• 2nd Grade:  Hazel H.
  • Hazel is a giving, kind and loving friend to all. She is willing to be there for her friends no matter what they need. Hazel gives 150% each and every day. She shines bright in 2P.
• 3rd Grade:  Aaron T.
  • Aaron displays excellent character by being respectful, responsible, and kind to all his classmates. He listens, stays on task, participates in class work by raising his hand to speak, and recognizes other students’ accomplishments as well as his own.  He makes our classroom a better place!
• 4th Grade:  Maverick K.
  • Maverick is a great friend.  He is patient and caring.  Everything he does is quiet and unassuming.  He does not like to be the center of attention, but is always doing things that help others.  He is a great role model for his classmates.
• 5th Grade:  Marshall N.
  • Marshall has been very polite and patient.  He has treated his hi peers with kindness and respect.  He does a nice job following the rules and takes responsibility for his school work by turning it in on time.
• 6th Grade:  Kenya H.
  • Kenya is always so polite and kind.  She strives to do well in her school work and is willing to help out a friend.
• 7th Grade:  Riley M.
  • Riley was nominated by his classmates as they have witnessed him really come out of his shell this year.  He has been an asset to the classroom by making sure the room is tidy, checking on people’s happiness or sadness, and offering a laugh when one is most needed.
• 8th Grade:  Aiden N.
  • Aiden comes to class prepared and is always on task.  He works equally well with all students and gives his best effort. He makes sure to ask clarifying questions when he is unsure and is always in a positive mood.

 

Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)

As I mentioned in Tuesday evening’s email to families, the “Student First Act” passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Reynolds.  The following is a general summary of the bill:

Education Savings Accounts 

Parents who choose to enroll their children in an accredited private school will receive the amount of per pupil funds allocated annually by the state to use for tuition, fees, and other qualified expenses. Funds are deposited into an education savings account (ESA) each year until students graduate or complete high school or turn 20 years of age.  Educational Savings Accounts will be phased in over three years.

Effective for the 2023-24 school year, state per pupil funding will be $7,598 per student, and ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:

Year 1: School Year 2023-24

• All kindergarten students

• All students who were not in a non-public school the year prior
• Private school students with a household income at or below 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), currently at about about $83,250 for a family of four but subject to change

Year 2: School Year 2024-25

• All kindergarten students (and first graders)
• All students who were not in a non-public school the year prior

• Private school students with a household income at or below 400% FPL, currently about $111,000 for a family of four but subject to change

Year 3: School Year 2025-26

• All K-12 students in Iowa regardless of income

Other student funding generated by categorical funding formulas will remain with public school districts even for students who are not attending public schools any more.  This amount is about $1,202 per pupil for each student who will be attending a private school.

Public School Teacher Salaries 

The Student First Act also allows public school districts the flexibility to use unspent funding from certain categorical/restricted funds to supplement teacher salaries.

Next steps include the writing of the Administrative Rules at the state level and the development of processes to then be used in Scott County Catholic Schools.  As you can imagine, there is a lot of work being done rapidly as enrollment processes for 2023-24 are set to begin sometime in February.  Here are just a few of the questions that are being raised:

• What will tuition be in the future?  Should it more reflect the true cost of education?  At JFK, the cost of education, depending upon what is included in the calculations, is upwards of $7,400.  At some of our Catholic schools, the figure is considerably higher given fixed costs but fewer students.  Should tuition rates reflect long-term planning with better salaries/benefits for staff?  (JFK teachers’ salaries are, on average, about $20,000 less than in the Davenport schools.)  Should tuition rates reflect funds available for regular replacement cycles for window coverings, flooring, technology, books, desks, and chairs?  Should they reflect savings so that big capital projects, like new playground equipment at JFK to replace 25+ year old equipment, don’t depend upon a capital campaign or an unexpected $10,000 water heater repair/replacement bill at a school doesn’t cause other budget cuts?
• How is current financial assistance through the Family Tuition Plan and Student Tuition Organizations impacted?  Will STOs even still be around in the next 3-5 years if ESAs are here to stay?
• Will there be legal challenges to ESAs?  Will there be an injunction prohibiting implementation until legal issues are resolved?  (ESAs have a good track record of withstanding legal challenges in other states.)
• Will enrollment grow in our Catholic schools?  If yes, by how much?  Is there a limit?  Do we have admissions guidelines in place to handle increased inquires?
• How can ESAs benefit families, parishes, staff and our educational product so our Catholic schools can be viable for all in the long-term?

More information will be made available when we have it.

JFK Preschool Facebook Page

JFK launched a new Facebook page, JFK Preschool, devoted exclusively to 3-5 year old preschool: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063830626686.   Look for more information from your child’s preschool teacher.

I was at Assumption the other day for a SCCS meeting and heard their announcements, which included information regarding the length of girls’ skirts, the tightness/type of girls’ pants, and various sweatshirt issues.  Hmmm.  Those are almost the exact same things that we have to tighten up at JFK.  Expect a renewed effort to make sure we are abiding by our uniform policy, including the issuance of dress code demerits which lead to detentions in the upper grades.

Catholic Schools Week

Wasn’t it fun?!  There are many photos and videos on our closed JFK Facebook group called “JFK Moms and Dads.”  Send a request to be member.

Highlighted Events

See the calendars on our website for more complete information as the below are only some of the highlights.

• Feb 6:  2nd Grade Sacrament Preparation Event.  SCCS Parent University (Zoom event)
• Feb 8:  Kids Heart Challenge Kick Off for K-5
• Feb 10:  Band/Music Scratch Cupcake Sales End
• Feb 12:  Ignite Sunday
• Feb 13:  Pre-school Open House and Pre-Registration Event
• Feb 14:  Red, White, & Pink Dress Day
• Feb 16:  End of 3rd Mid-Qtr.  Kindergarten Round-Up
• Feb 20:  President’s Day-No Classes.  ECLC Open
• Feb 22:  Ash Wednesday

Chad