JFK GROWS Students of the Month for May
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: Paul M.
- Paul is a hard worker and always tries his best! He is a helper in the classroom and a great friend to his classmates.
- 1st Grade: Harper L.
- Harper has a positive attitude and kind words for everyone! She comes each morning with a smile on her face and greets everyone she sees. She works hard even when things get hard and is one of the first to volunteer if someone needs any kind of help.
- 2nd Grade: Harleigh D.
- Harleigh is a bright light in the classroom. We can always count on Harleigh for anything any of us may need. She always gives her best in everything she does.
- 3rd Grade: Benny S.
- Benny takes charge of his learning by asking thoughtful questions that help him understand the information that is presented. He has a high level of respect towards others that makes him an excellent friend.
- 4th Grade: Makynlee F.
- Makynlee is respectful and kind-hearted. She is always willing to help a teacher or classmate. If she has free time, she asks if she can help a neighbor. Makynlee is a model student, and she makes a difference in our classroom.
- 5th Grade: Levi F.
- Levi is very respectful. He is very polite, and he follows directions the first time given. You can count on Levi to be there for his friends and stand up for them.
- 6th Grade: Laney G.
- Laney is willing to help those around her. She is attentive in class and works hard.
- 7th Grade: Isaac R.
- Isaac works really hard in class and is not afraid to ask questions if he doesn’t understand something.
- 8th Grade: Colin L.
- Colin is willing to pick up the room before leaving for the day and will always say goodbye with a smile and a quick wave.
I’m So Blessed!
We have made it to the end of another school year! We are blessed to have so many people help us with field day. I can’t wait to see the final video we made to kick off this year’s field day!
Each year the Home and School Association recognizes JFK and Our Lady of Victory employees who have completed their five year increments of employment. This year we recognize the following staff members:
For 10 years of service:
- Meredith Ash, as our lunch program director
- Kayelyn Blake, who works as a reading interventionist
- Angie Hillebrand, who works in the school office
- Sasha Lundquist, in our middle school
For 15 years of service:
- Alicia Andresen, in preschool and ECLC
- Julie Baker, in our library and ECLC
- Sara Tilkens, in physical education
For 35 years of service:
- Shelly Furlong, in 4th grade
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. We did some work in Odyssey this weekend, and, while the system’s organization is not yet sortable, I could tell that not all families of kindergartners or first graders have applied.
- 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.
ESA verifications as of 5/27/2024:
- 73% of kindergartners have had ESA applications verified
- 70% of first graders have had ESA applications verified
All K and 1st graders are eligible for ESAs regardless of income.
Families who qualify but do not apply for ESAs will not receive the state funding and will be responsible for paying the entire tuition bill themselves.
Jumpstart Kindergarten
Registration for Jumpstart Kindergarten is still open. This optional program for incoming kindergartners is July 29 – Aug 1 from 8:00-10:30 a.m.
Relatively No Movement on Registration Fees
There has been relatively no movement on the number/percentage of families who have paid the registration fees for next year. Registration fees have been received for about 75% of next year’s K-8 students and 92% of the students registered for 3 YO preschool.
The 4 YO preschool extra time fee or registration fee for “non-qualifying” students has been received for about 68% of students. We will begin to make provisions for those students who will be leaving after the state-funded time of two hours per day (pick up at 9:25 or 1:40) rather than staying for the three hours per day that we offer (pick up at 10:25 or 2:40).
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.
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-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.
- Interventionist position. An Iowa teaching license with a K-6 elementary endorsement or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required. Interventionists typically work individually or in small groups with students who need extra help with reading and/or math.
- 3 YO PS, ECLC/wrap-around, and Aftercare positions: One or more positions may be available working with 3-5 year olds and/or 5-12 year olds. Candidates must meet the certification, training, and/or experience requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services or be willing to obtain them.
- Aide positions. With SCCS having approved 1st grade aides for all elementary buildings for next year and after moving current aides around internally, we will likely have open aide positions available for next school year. Typically, our aides work in 3 YO PS, 4 YO PS, K, and now 1st grade. However, they may also be involved in recess duties during the day. All aides must 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.
- Lunch program. Our lunch program will need one to two people 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. However, combining various roles may not necessarily be a requirement.
No Parking on Drive by the Ball Field
There is to be no parking on both sides of the drive by the fall field. Both sides should be open for entering and exiting traffic.
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:
- May 28: 8th Grade Field Trip. 4th Grade Picnic. 4th grade re-scheduled bowling
- May 29: Last Day of PS Classes. 3 YO PS Family Event in the morning. 4 YO PS Evening Family Events
- May 30: Field Day. Last Day of K-8 Classes. Early Dismissal at 12:40. Bus transportation and aftercare available.
- May 31: Last Day of ECLC. 8th Grade Graduation
- June 1: Altar Server Training
- June 14: New Night for JFK Night at the River Bandits (H & S will share options available for families)
- Aug 23: First day of K-8 classes
