Month: April 2024

I’m So Blessed!

I have the privilege of witnessing so many young people receive the sacraments. Today was First Communion, and two weeks ago was Confirmation. First Reconciliation is also always a blessing in Advent. I, of course, also see students receive Holy Communion each week at our school Mass and Reconciliation twice per year during Advent and Lent. It is a blessing to be involved in people’s sacramental lives!

I particularly enjoy being an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister at school Masses. Whether the students are older or younger or even whether they have recently “gotten in trouble,” it doesn’t matter at that moment. What we are doing in Catholic schools is bigger than education; it’s connecting kids with Christ. There is nothing greater than sharing with kids the saving work that Christ did for us. I am blessed to be part of that ministry.

Text Message Communications with SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger requires families to “opt in” to receive text messages. All families who want to receive text messages will need to “opt in.” Three weeks ago a flyer was sent that directed families to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

You will not receive text messages any more unless you take the initiative yourself to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

While we don’t do mass “text blasts” often, you don’t want to miss a message from JFK! Take action now.

Registration Fees

Registration fees have been received for 77% of next year’s K-8 students. The 4 YO preschool extra time fee or registration fee for “non-qualifying” students has been received for about 68% of students. We have registration fees for 100% of the students registered for 3 YO preschool! The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website. The link also allows new families the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. The K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The extra time fee for Iowa residents registering for 4 YO preschool is $250.

Educational Savings Accounts Applications Being Accepted

 The application process for the Educational Savings Account program opened on April 16th and will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 30th. Families must apply each year through the state’s vendor, Odyssey, even if you received an ESA this year or if you are not required to verify your income.

Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:

• Anyone who received an ESA this year (but you must apply again for next year)
  • If you received an ESA this year based upon income, you will not have to verify your income again, BUT you will need to apply
• All kindergartners and first graders
• New transfer students
• Families whose income is at or below 400% of poverty, which is about $124,800 for a family of four

The Students First ESA Application is available in English and Spanish. Apply Now

Returning applicants: Parents/guardians with an existing Odyssey portal account will log in to the existing account to begin the application for the 2024-25 school year.

Applying for the first time: Parents/guardians who do not have an Odyssey portal account will first be directed to sign up with an email and password. Parents/guardians will receive a message from Odyssey asking them to confirm their email address. After the email is confirmed, the parent/guardian can sign in to the Odyssey portal to begin their application.

In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs.

JFK Open Positions for 2024-25

At the present time, there are several open positions at JFK for the 2024-25 school year. This list could become longer and/or different as we internally move people around as well. If you are interested in a position at JFK, please contact me.

• K-8 music position. An Iowa teaching license with K-8 and 5-12 music endorsements or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required.
• K-5 teaching position. An Iowa teaching license with a K-6 elementary endorsement or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required. We haven’t decided what grade level we are looking for yet.
• Aide positions. SCCS has approved 1st grade aides for all elementary buildings for next school year. Interested candidates will also have to be able to work one or more evenings per week on a rotational basis until 5:30 in after school care for 3-5 year olds or 5-12 year olds. Recess duties during the day are also included.
• Lunch program. Our lunch program will need someone to help probably about 3-5 hours per day. Lunch program employees have also often worked to help supervise recesses, to assist teachers in preschool classrooms, and/or to supervise after school care programs.

Scott County Catholic Schools Job Opening: DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Scott County Catholic Schools is currently seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-focused Director of Human Resources to serve as a collaborative member of the leadership team. Reporting to the President, the Director of Human Resources will plan, lead, direct, develop and coordinate the policies and strategies of SCCS, while ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organization’s mission.  Strong leadership, communication, organizational skills, and ethical stewardship of organizational resources are essential for success in this role.
For immediate consideration, please send a cover letter detailing specific interest in and knowledge of Scott County Catholic Schools and a resume to nikki.gartner@sccsiowa.org.

Volunteers

While volunteers are always welcome, those who work with children/students must participate in the diocesan safe environment program, which includes online training and background checks. These requirements apply to those who are not the leaders but are “helpers” as well. Coaches, including those for Parks & Rec’s teams using our building/property, scout participants, and many other volunteers must participate in the safe environment program. Adults going on field trips with students may also be subject to these requirements. For more information, please contact the school office.

No School on Monday, May 6

There are no classes on Monday, May 6th due to the in-service involving the elementary teachers of Scott County Catholic Schools. Kindergarten through 5th grade teachers will be working on science of reading training with LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and other teachers will be working on standards-based instruction/standards-referenced assessment.

Altar Server Training

Saturday, June 1, 9:30-11:30am in the church.

Children and other parishioners, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.

One parent/adult should attend with the student. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at  #563-391-4245.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

• Apr 29: 2nd Grade Out of Uniform
• Apr 30: One Color Dress Day. Stuntmasters Assembly. Student Council’s Supply Store
• May 1: AHS Info Knight. School Mass with May Crowning.
• May 2: 5/6 Spring Program
• May 3: 2nd Grade Field Trip. Moe’s Taco Kit Pick up
• May 6: No classes. Music Boosters.
• May 9/10: 5th Grade Golfing. 7/8 Choir Performance
• May 10: 8th to Outing Club for Manners Unit
• May 13: 3rd Grade Field Trip
• May 16: Band Concert
• May 18: 8th Grade Social Knight
• May 20: Band to Adventureland
• May 23: 3 YO PS Conferences. JFK Skate Night

I’m So Blessed!

The kickball tournament was such a fun event. There was plenty of space outside for six grades of participants, dancers, hotdogs and shaved ice, families and kids of all ages. Now, if it had just been a bit warmer!

Text Message Communications with SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger requires families to “opt in” to receive text messages. All families who want to receive text messages will need to “opt in.” Three weeks ago a flyer was sent that directed families to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

You will not receive text messages any more unless you take the initiative yourself to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

While we don’t do mass “text blasts” often, you don’t want to miss a message from JFK! Take action now.

Registration Fees

Registration fees have been received for 75% of next year’s K-8 students. The 4 YO preschool extra time fee or registration fee for “non-qualifying” students has been received for about 68% of students. We have registration fees for 100% of the students registered for 3 YO preschool! The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website. The link also allows new families the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. The K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The extra time fee for Iowa residents registering for 4 YO preschool is $250.

Educational Savings Accounts Applications Being Accepted

 The application process for the Educational Savings Account program opened on April 16th and will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 30th. Families must apply each year through the state’s vendor, Odyssey, even if you received an ESA this year or if you are not required to verify your income.

Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:

• Anyone who received an ESA this year (but you must apply again for next year)
  • If you received an ESA this year based upon income, you will not have to verify your income again, BUT you will need to apply
• All kindergartners and first graders
• New transfer students
• Families whose income is at or below 400% of poverty, which is about $124,800 for a family of four

The Students First ESA Application is available in English and Spanish. Apply Now

Returning applicants: Parents/guardians with an existing Odyssey portal account will log in to the existing account to begin the application for the 2024-25 school year.

Applying for the first time: Parents/guardians who do not have an Odyssey portal account will first be directed to sign up with an email and password. Parents/guardians will receive a message from Odyssey asking them to confirm their email address. After the email is confirmed, the parent/guardian can sign in to the Odyssey portal to begin their application.

In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs.

JFK Open Positions for 2024-25

At the present time, there are several open positions at JFK for the 2024-25 school year. This list could become longer and/or different as we internally move people around as well. If you are interested in a position at JFK, please contact me.

• K-8 music position. An Iowa teaching license with K-8 and 5-12 music endorsements or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required.
• K-5 teaching position. An Iowa teaching license with a K-6 elementary endorsement or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required. We haven’t decided what grade level we are looking for yet.
• Aide positions. SCCS has approved 1st grade aides for all elementary buildings for next school year. Interested candidates will also have to be able to work one or more evenings per week on a rotational basis until 5:30 in after school care for 3-5 year olds or 5-12 year olds. Recess duties during the day are also included.
• Lunch program. Our lunch program will need someone to help probably about 3-5 hours per day. Lunch program employees have also often worked to help supervise recesses, to assist teachers in preschool classrooms, and/or to supervise after school care programs.

Volunteers

While volunteers are always welcome, those who work with children/students must participate in the diocesan safe environment program, which includes online training and background checks. These requirements apply to those who are not the leaders but are “helpers” as well. Coaches, including those for Parks & Rec’s teams using our building/property, scout participants, and many other volunteers must participate in the safe environment program. Adults going on field trips with students may also be subject to these requirements. For more information, please contact the school office.

ISASP Testing This Week

The Iowa Statewide Assessments of Student Progress will be administered to all 3rd-8th grade students on April 22-26. Students should make sure they arrive to school on time, have a good breakfast, and get plenty of rest the night before. Chromebooks should be charged each evening.

Early Dismissal on Friday

There is a 2 hour early dismissal on Friday, April 26th (12:40 p.m.) There are no afternoon preschool classes. ECLC and aftercare are open.

Altar Server Training

Saturday, June 1, 9:30-11:30am in the church.

Children and other parishioners, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.

One parent/adult should attend with the student. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at  #563-391-4245.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

• Apr 25: 7th Relationship Talks. First Communion practice.
• Apr 26: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No afternoon PS classes
• Apr 28: First Communion
• Apr 29: 2nd Grade Out of Uniform
• Apr 30: One Color Dress Day
• May 1: Stuntmasters Assembly. AHS Info Knight.
• May 2: 5/6 Spring Program
• May 3: 2nd Grade Field Trip. Moe’s Taco Kit Pick up
• May 6: No classes. Music Boosters.
• May 9/10: 5th Grade Golfing. 7/8 Choir Performance
• May 10: 8th to Outing Club for Manners Unit

I’m So Blessed!

I have been at JFK for quite a while now and have been blessed to work with so many people. They have become my “work children” or “work siblings.” Like one’s own family members, I am proud to see them grow and have fulfilling lives and families of their own. A part of me is torn though each time they move on from JFK.

Text Message Communications with SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger requires families to “opt in” to receive text messages. All families who want to receive text messages will need to “opt in.” Three weeks ago a flyer was sent that directed families to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

You will not receive text messages any more unless you take the initiative yourself to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

While we don’t do mass “text blasts” often, you don’t want to miss a message from JFK! Take action now.

School Calendar for 2024-25

The academic calendar for the Davenport SCCS elementary schools for 2024-25 has been linked on the front page of our website.  It is also available here: SCCS – Davenport Elementary School 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

Registration Letters Have Now All Been Emailed

Registration acceptance or waiting list letters have now been emailed to all families who have children who will be in 3 YO PS through 8th grade at JFK next school year. This letter is another point of confirmation that your registration was received. Communication will now begin for those who have not paid the registration and/or 4 YO PS extra time fees. The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The registration fee should be paid at the time of registration/application. The link also allows new families the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. The K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration.

ESAs: The target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year is April 16th. Even if you received an ESA in 2023-24, you have to apply again.

• Families must apply each year! The application is through Odyssey, the state’s vendor.
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

School Libraries

Growing up, my elementary school library was also instrumental in encouraging me to read. I remember reading many non-fiction, history type books from that library. Space wise, it was about half to three-quarter the size of one of our classrooms at JFK and not very appealing. We are so blessed to have such an open and inviting library at JFK!

JFK Open Positions for 2024-25

At the present time, there are several open positions at JFK for the 2024-25 school year. This list could become longer and/or different as we internally move people around as well. If you are interested in a position at JFK, please contact me.

• K-8 music position. An Iowa teaching license with K-8 and 5-12 music endorsements or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required.
• K-5 teaching position. An Iowa teaching license with a K-6 elementary endorsement or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required. We haven’t decided what grade level we are looking for yet.
• Aide positions. SCCS has approved 1st grade aides for all elementary buildings for next school year. Interested candidates will also have to be able to work one or more evenings per week on a rotational basis until 5:30 in after school care for 3-5 year olds or 5-12 year olds. Recess duties during the day are also included.
• Lunch program. Our lunch program will need someone to help probably about 3-5 hours per day. Lunch program employees have also often worked to help supervise recesses, to assist teachers in preschool classrooms, and/or to supervise after school care programs.

Volunteers

While volunteers are always welcome, those who work with children/students must participate in the diocesan safe environment program, which includes online training and background checks. These requirements apply to those who are not the leaders but are “helpers” as well. Coaches, including those for Parks & Rec’s teams using our building/property, scout participants, and many other volunteers must participate in the safe environment program. Adults going on field trips with students may also be subject to these requirements. For more information, please contact the school office.

ISASP Testing

The Iowa Statewide Assessments of Student Progress will be administered to all 3rd-8th grade students on April 22-26. Students should make sure they arrive to school on time, have a good breakfast, and get plenty of rest the night before.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

• Apr 16: Ned Show Assembly
• Apr 17: 6th to AHS
• Apr 19: Kickball Tournament
• Apr 21: Ignite Sunday
• Apr 22: ISASP
• Apr 25: 7th Relationship Talks
• Apr 26: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No afternoon PS classes
• Apr 28: First Communion

 

I’m So Blessed!

I am so blessed to have known and worked alongside Fr. Andrew for the past three years. He has an amazing ability to connect with the young and old and bring the Lord to us all. Beginning July 1st, he will move on from OLV to become the parochial administrator (similar to pastor) of St. Mary’s in Iowa City. The Church is blessed to have him as a priest.

Text Message Communications Back with SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger requires families to “opt in” to receive text messages. All families who want to receive text messages will need to “opt in.” Two weeks ago a flyer was sent that directed families to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

On Thursday (delayed from Wednesday), SchoolMessenger sent families who had not already opted in a text message directing people to type “Y” if they want to receive further text messages. Again, you will not receive text messages any more unless you respond to that one message or take the initiative yourself to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

While we don’t do mass “text blasts” often, you don’t want to miss a message from JFK! Take action now.

Chronic Absenteeism

Mrs. Wemhoff is in the process of sending letters home to families who have a child who was “chronically absent” in the third quarter. Chronic absenteeism is typically defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days, or 18 days in a year, for any reason, excused or unexcused. For a quarter of school, chronic absenteeism would be about five days. While no one is saying that there may not be good reasons for students to be absent such as illnesses, trips, funerals, athletic events, etc., we do want families to make sure that their decisions are thoughtful. Chronic absenteeism can affect students’ ability to read, and the ripple effect of reading difficulties can be felt for many, many years. Chronically absent students also have difficulty engaging with learning in general and with connections to peers and other caring adults.

School Calendar for 2024-25

The academic calendar for the Davenport SCCS elementary schools for 2024-25 has been linked on the front page of our website.  It is also available here: SCCS – Davenport Elementary School 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

Registration Letters Have Now All Been Emailed

Registration acceptance or waiting list letters have now been emailed to all families who have children who will be in 3 YO PS through 8th grade at JFK next school year. This letter is another point of confirmation that your registration was received. Communication will now begin for those who have not paid the registration and/or 4 YO PS extra time fees. The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The registration fee should be paid at the time of registration/application. The link also allows new families the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. The K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration.

ESAs: The target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year is April 16th. Even if you received an ESA in 2023-24, you have to apply again.

• Families must apply each year! The application is through Odyssey, the state’s vendor.
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

Third Quarter Report Cards Yet to Be Emailed

Third quarter final report cards have yet to be emailed. I noticed an issue with some of the standards marks, and we are working to get them cleaned up.

More About My Childhood Library

Last week, I mentioned how blessed I am to live so close to a library now and how often I would go to the library while growing up. I grew up in South Milwaukee, WI, a working-class suburb, get this, south of Milwaukee. The big plant right in the center of the city was Bucyrus-Erie, which made huge construction shovels, the type that were used for the Panama Canal and large mining operations. (B-E was bought by Caterpillar about 10 years ago.) Directly across the street from the plant was the library. While we went to the library for the books, there was many a time we’d then sit by the windows and watch the overhead yard cranes move metal from one location to another!

Another industrial claim to fame for South Milwaukee, that I really only learned about in my teenage years as the plant was more “hidden,” was Everbrite, LLC. They made outdoor signs. The number of McDonald’s “golden arches” stored on their property was staggering!

Although considered an “industrial city,” so much of my personal experience of South Milwaukee was related to the park system. We lived about a half block from the Oak Creek Parkway, which would be similar to living near Duck Creek. Once in the park system, there were bike paths, trails, picnic areas, etc. that wound all through the city, opened up to a lagoon that was near a waterfall that had once powered a grain mill, and then flowed into Lake Michigan. Traveling north along the shores of Lake Michigan, one could even reach downtown Milwaukee without seeming to have to exit the park system for very long. I outgrew a few bikes riding through the park system!

There must also have been something special in the small (1200-1500 sq ft) brick houses in our neighborhood. Of the 15 “notable people” listed on Wikipedia for South Milwaukee, five of them lived within a one block radius of our house. My sister graduated with a future NBA basketball player, I played basketball and football in the yards with a future comedian, a professional wrestler was the backyard neighbor with us, and two politicians lived right around the corner. It’s a small world.

Speaking of a small world, did you see JFK mentioned in passing in the QCTimes article this weekend about Kate Martin on the University of Iowa basketball team?

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

• Apr 8: In-service. No Classes. ECLC Open. Middle School Youth Night. 2nd Grade Sacramental Prep Activity
• Apr 9: Putnam Museum Programming at JFK. Home & School Mtg
• Apr 11: Jersey Mike’s Night. Confirmation Practice. Putnam Museum Programming at JFK. K-2 Dance Clinic
• Apr 12: Confirmation
• Apr 16: Ned Show Assembly
• Apr 17: 6th to AHS
• Apr 18: 7th Confirmation Prep Activity
• Apr 19: Kickball Tournament
• Apr 21: Ignite Sunday

I’m So Blessed!

I live less than ten minutes from a library. While I go the the library about every 3-6 weeks, I always try to go to the library before a longer school break; I don’t want to run out of reading material and find the library also closed! Having access to large numbers of books is beneficial for children. I can remember riding my bike to the library every week during the summer and stuffing my backpack so full of books that it would barely close. Sometimes I even had to put books in my bike bag! Going to the library was/is, of course, in addition to having a robust home library. Growing up, there were books and/or bookshelves in nearly every room of our house. The same is true of my house now, and parting with a good book is almost like losing a good friend! The number of books in one’s “home library” is also correlated to later success in life and can even equate to the impact of additional education.

How often do you read? When was the last time you went to the library? How many books do you have in your “home library?”

Text Message Communications Back with SchoolMessenger

The Diocese of Davenport is in the process of moving text messaging back to SchoolMessenger, a service that we had for years prior to this fall. Texting from SchoolMessenger is much easier and more efficient than what we used through this past winter for school closings, for example. Unfortunately, SchoolMessenger requires families to “opt in” to receive text messages. All families who want to receive text messages will need to “opt in.” Last week a flyer was sent that directed families to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

On Wednesday, SchoolMessenger will send families who have not already opted in a text message directing people to type “Y” if they want to receive further text messages. Again, you will not receive text messages after Wednesday unless you respond to that one message or take the initiative yourself to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

While we don’t do mass “text blasts” often, you don’t want to miss a message from JFK! Take action now.

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for March

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.  Each month, we recognize one student at each grade level, alternating each month between the two homerooms, whose teachers have observed exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:

• Kindergarten:  Ruby P.
  • Ruby is an exceptional student, friend, and role model. She starts and ends each day with a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone in need.
• 1st Grade:  Cade L.
  • Cade is a kind friend.  He makes good choices throughout the school day and tries his best in everything he does.
• 2nd Grade: Gunner G.
  • Gunner is filled with joy. He loves to sing ,especially about Jesus. He is a great friend and great worker. His peaceful spirit is a gift to his class.
• 3rd Grade: Annie W.
  • Annie is a wonderful, positive student who is ready to learn and respectful towards others. She is a great friend and helps make the classroom a great place!
• 4th Grade: Mila H.
  • Mila is a hardworking student, a kind classmate, and a friend to everyone she meets. She always does what is asked of her without hesitation or complaint and is very respectful.
• 5th Grade: Addelyn A.
  • Addelyn is very patient and friendly. She takes school seriously and is a very responsible student.  She treats her peers with respect and kindness. She is an amazing role model.
• 6th Grade: Natalie R.
  • Natalie is always willing to help her teachers as well as her classmates. She is a hard worker and is respectful to others.
• 7th Grade: Caitlyn C.
  • Caitlyn is a student who works very hard in everything she does. She will help out anyone who needs it and always has a smile on her face. She is a blessing to her class.
• 8th Grade: Emily S.
  • Emily is always willing to help her teachers and is very kind and compassionate to younger students.

Chronic Absenteeism

Mrs. Wemhoff is in the process of sending letters home to families who have a child who was “chronically absent” in the third quarter. Chronic absenteeism is typically defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days, or 18 days in a year, for any reason, excused or unexcused. For a quarter of school, chronic absenteeism would be about five days. While no one is saying that there may not be good reasons for students to be absent such as illnesses, trips, funerals, athletic events, etc., we do want families to make sure that their decisions are thoughtful. Chronic absenteeism can affect students’ ability to read, and the ripple effect of reading difficulties can be felt for many, many years. Chronically absent students also have difficulty engaging with learning in general and with connections to peers and other caring adults.

School Calendar for 2024-25

The academic calendar for the Davenport SCCS elementary schools for 2024-25 has been linked on the front page of our website.  It is also available here: SCCS – Davenport Elementary School 2024-2025 Academic Calendar

For this April, there is no plan in Davenport SCCS to make up any snow days. The public schools are now going to school on April 1st. With more school days and a longer day, SCCS schools have no need to do make-up days. We will continue to have off on April 1st, which is Easter Monday.

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

Registration Letters Have Now All Been Emailed

Registration acceptance or waiting list letters have now been emailed to all families who have children who will be in 3 YO PS through 8th grade at JFK next school year. This letter is another point of confirmation that your registration was received. Communication will now begin for those who have not paid the registration and/or 4 YO PS extra time fees. The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website.

Online registration and application for PS-12th grades is open. The links and some directions are available on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The registration fee should be paid at the time of registration/application. The link has been changed for new families so it includes the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. The K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration.

If a child, INCLUDING A PRESCHOOLER, is currently in JFK or any Scott County Catholic School, he/she is NOT a new student. You must do the Login to PowerSchool as a parent. If, after you login, you do not see one of your currently attending preschooler-11th grade students, please contact the school. You will need a new code to add the missing child. If you do not remember/have your PowerSchool login, please contact the school as well. If you are changing schools, please contact us so the new school can be added as an option.

If you see a message next to your child’s name in PowerSchool that says “Not Submitted,” you must finish the registration process by submitting the application. A “Not Submitted” application is in “no man’s land;” we can’t see it at all, and we don’t even know you’ve tried to apply!

If you are having difficulty with registration, please let us know.

ESAs: The target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year is April 16th. Even if you received an ESA in 2023-24, you have to apply again.

• Families must apply each year! The application is through Odyssey, the state’s vendor.
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

ESAs and State Assessments

Families receiving ESAs may have received a message from the Iowa Department of Education reminding them that their students must participate in the same federal and state required assessments as those attending public schools. This participation requirement actually is in place by JFK’s policies already. JFK students will be taking the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) in late April.

K-8 Tuition Rates for SCCS Schools

Below are the tuition rates for K-8 in Scott County Catholic Schools for 2024-25. For those paying tuition themselves (“private pay”), the rate is about a 5% increase, which has been about the historical average for many years.

Grade School Tuition
Parish Subsidized Private Pay			Parish Subsidized ESA
Student #1	$4,600		Total per student	$5,425
Student #2	$3,910
Student #3	$3,000
Student #4+	$2,300
Non-Parish Subsidized Private Pay			Non-Parish Subsidized ESA
Student #1	$6,810		Total per student	$7,635
Student #2	$3,910
Student #3	$3,000
Student #4+	$2,300

 

Preschool and Wraparound Programs and Rates

There are many possible combinations for 3 year old and 4/5 year old preschool, most of which can also be combined with part-time or full-time wraparound childcare. Three year old classes are offered MWF, M-F, or T/Th. These classes run from 7:25-9:55 a.m. Students must be 3 years old on or before Sept 15th. Four year old classes are offered M-F from 7:25-10:25 a.m. or M-F 11:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept 15th. Five year olds may also enroll in the four year old class, if there is space available.  See the below for rates for preschool and wraparound care options. This document has been updated to show the application fee/deposit for wraparound care:

Preschool Tuition Rates_FINAL 2_7_2024

Third Quarter Has Ended

Report cards will likely be emailed during the middle of this week.

Measles Immunizations?

There are relatively few students who have immunization exemptions at JFK. If your child or you does not have a measles immunization, usually obtained through a once per lifetime MMR shot, you may want to talk to a health professional. Measles, which was once thought to be “eradicated,” has had several cases move from the coasts toward the middle of the country. If there were to be a measles case, it’s not just the person with the illness who needs to be out of school; typically, all others who are not immunized also need to be out of school for as many as 21 days.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

• Apr 1: Easter Monday. No Classes. ECLC Closed
• Apr 4: Jump for JFK Event at The Fun Station
• Apr 8: In-service. No Classes. ECLC Open. Middle School Youth Night
• Apr 11: Jersey Mike’s Night. Confirmation Practice
• Apr 12: Confirmation