Month: September 2024

AHS Spirit Top Day on Friday

Support Homecoming at our SCCS high school, Assumption on Friday. Wear a red, white, black, and/or AHS top along with uniform bottoms.

No School & No ECLC on Monday, Oct 14th

There is no school and no ECLC on Monday, October 14th. Teachers and staff have professional development and meetings.

The second goal coming out of the diocesan synodal listening process is Youth and Family Engagement. OLV has a number of representatives working on several strategies. Representatives include Jammie Jamieson, Lisa Willows, Dan & Lisa Havercamp, Michael Clarke, Allison Arlt, Jen Kira, Jeremy Siebler, Stephanie Hintermeister, and Becky Avise. The first Let’s Connect event is Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the parish center, followed by dessert, fellowship, and resource access:

• Intro to Youth + Family Engagement at OLV
• Celebration of Blessed Carlo Acutis, patron saint of the internet
• Digital resources for adults and teens
• Guest presenter from the Davenport Police Department to speak about internet, phone and social media safety

Given the nature of some of the content of the featured presentation, the 6:00-7:00 presentation is not appropriate for children below middle school but is open to all OLV and JFK parents and middle school and high school students. All ages are welcome at 7:00 for Italian desserts, fellowship, and free resources for all ages.

Love Us

Vote for JFK on Locals Love Us for Private schools, preschools, and childcare: https://localsloveus.com/quad-cities/

Viewing Grades in PowerSchool

Information regarding grades and new instructions for parents to view their students’ grades in PowerSchool were sent via email on September 10th. The link is repeated here: Instructions 

Are you looking for a way to make a meaningful impact at JFK? Becoming a substitute teacher is a powerful opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation! As a substitute, you play a key role in keeping classrooms engaged, helping students stay on track, and supporting full-time teachers. It’s flexible, rewarding, and allows you to connect with young minds, all while keeping control of your own schedule. Whether you’re passionate about education or simply want to make a difference, being a substitute teacher lets you step into a role where you can shape the future.

Substitutes are needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course. Substitutes are needed in all of our Catholic schools, especially at the elementary school level. You can agree to work at just one building or multiple buildings. We have also had people who requested only certain grade levels.

Student Council Officers

Congratulations to the following 7/8 graders who were elected into student council officer positions:

• Treasurer: Abel H.
• Secretary: Jack T.
• Vice President: Evelyn S.
• President: Maya H.

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

• Oct 4: AHS Homecoming with 7/8 bands. Red/White/Black/AHS Top Spirit Day
• Oct 7: Lions Vision Screening for PS and K
• Oct 14: In-service. No classes. ECLC closed
• Oct 15: JFK Skate Night
• Oct 16: OLV Youth & Family Engagement Kick Off Event
• Oct 18: Confirmation Retreat
• Oct 19: Trunk or Treat and H & S Fall Event
• Oct 23: AHS Fall Info Knight
• Oct 25: End of 1st Qtr. No 4/5 YO am or pm PS Classes. 12:40 Dismissal
• Oct 31: Black/Orange Dress Day
• Nov 1: All Saints Day Masses

 

Chad

Special Dismissal Time on Friday

School will dismiss at 12:40 on Friday. Bus transportation is available. There are no afternoon preschool classes. ECLC and aftercare are available.

Repeal of ESAs? Testimonials Needed

As I’ve mentioned in the last several Principal’s Posts, there are efforts being taken by some to get the Educational Savings Account legislation repealed. I mentioned a 1/4 page ad in the QCTimes, and I’ve heard that billboards are being utilized in other more rural areas. Some candidates for local or state offices may use the issue as one of their main platforms. If we want ESAs to continue, political advocacy will be needed. If you would be willing to make a written or recorded testimonial regarding personal benefits of ESAs, please let me know. To date, no JFK families have contacted me.

ESAs are making a difference in Scott County Catholic Schools. Since JFK opened its doors in 1964, there have been two factors that disrupted downward enrollment trends. The first was a capital campaign for tuition assistance called Embracing Our Future, which was soon joined by STO legislation. The second has been ESAs.

Last year, about 42% of JFK families received ESAs. This year, it’s around 77%. Next year, we anticipate it being about 99%. I, personally, struggle with understanding the ESAs take money from public schools argument. Yes, the money doesn’t go to the public school district, but neither does the student. Actually, with Iowa’s ESA legislation, for every student receiving an ESA and attending a non-public school, the public school district still receives a small per pupil allocation.

I also don’t see the ESA issue as a public vs. private school issue. A strong, healthy community, especially one the size of the Quad Cities, needs good public schools AND good private schools. Good schools help bring people and jobs into a community. Supporting both does not need to be an either or proposition.

Love Us

Vote for JFK on Locals Love Us for Private schools, preschools, and childcare: https://localsloveus.com/quad-cities/

Viewing Grades in PowerSchool

Information regarding grades and new instructions for parents to view their students’ grades in PowerSchool were sent via email on September 10th. The link is repeated here: Instructions 

ALICE/Run-Hide-Fight Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, teachers talk to students about ALICE, which is an acronym used to help people remember what to do in the event of a violent situation in a school.  We also use the Run-Hide-Fight phrasing.  The materials we’ve used/developed over the years and the approaches we take are targeted for specific grade strands as what one says and does with three-year-olds in preschool is entirely different than with 13-year-olds in 8th grade.  Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.

We still have one open support position at JFK.

Instructional aide/support position: Working primarily with preschool children in wraparound care and/or kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 37 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.

• 10:25-5:30 on Mondays and Fridays
• 7:10-4:30 on Tuesdays
• 9:15-5:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays

If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application. If you are interested in working in a different type of position but for SCCS, please contact me or Logan Ahnquist in the SCCS business office. All of our SCCS schools still have openings.

Substitutes: Needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course. Substitutes are needed in all of our Catholic schools, especially at the elementary school level. You can agree to work at just one building or multiple buildings. We have also had people who requested only certain grade levels.

Picture Day

See below (or the website calendar) for dates for school pictures. Students can certainly have their pictures taken in their school uniforms. If out of uniform, they still must follow the Out of Uniform Dress Day Guidelines.

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

• Sept 24: Picture Day (K-8, 4 YO am PS, 3 YO T/Th PS)
• Sept 25: Picture Day (K-8 Make-ups, 4 YO pm PS, 3 YO M/W/F PS)
• Sept 27: 12:40 Dismissal. No 4 YO pm PS. Pride of the Wapsi event
• Sept 28: JFK Trivia and Karaoke Night
• Oct 4: AHS Homecoming with 7/8 bands
• Oct 14: In-service. No classes. ECLC closed

Chad

No Bus Service on Monday, September 16th

There is no bus service on Monday, September 16th. Scott County Catholic Schools are in session this day, and the DCSD is not. We have about three of these days this school year, and they are on our various online calendars.

Text Message Communications

If you would like to receive text messages from JFK, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. While we don’t use “bulk” text messages often, you don’t want to miss them for a snow day, for example. Families must opt in to receive text messages.

Bulk messaging to the whole school actually goes out on a per student basis. If you have three students at JFK, you get the same message three times. It’s probably a “better safe than sorry” scenario, however. Would you rather sign up for text messaging and get three messages saying school is cancelled due to weather or none at all?

ESA Testimonials Needed

ESAs are making a difference in Scott County Catholic Schools. Since JFK opened its doors in 1964, there have been two factors that disrupted downward enrollment trends. The first was a capital campaign for tuition assistance called Embracing Our Future, which was soon joined by STO legislation. The second has been ESAs.

 

Last year, about 42% of JFK families received ESAs. This year, it’s around 77%. Next year, we anticipate it being about 99%. This benefit to our families, however, will not go unchallenged. Last week, for example, South Carolina’s similar ESA was put on hold by SC’s Supreme Court. I, personally, struggle with understanding the ESAs take money from public schools argument. Yes, the money doesn’t go to the public school district, but neither does the student. Actually, with Iowa’s ESA legislation, for every student receiving an ESA and attending a non-public school, the public school district still receives a small per pupil allocation.

I also don’t see the ESA issue as a public vs. private school issue. A strong, healthy community, especially one the size of the Quad Cities, needs good public schools AND good private schools. Good schools help bring people and jobs into a community. Supporting both does not need to be an either or proposition.

If you want ESAs to continue, we need to proactively let all of our Iowa state representatives and senators know. If you would be willing to make a written or recorded testimonial regarding personal benefits of ESAs, please let me know.

Love Us

Vote for JFK on Locals Love Us for Private schools, preschools, and childcare: https://localsloveus.com/quad-cities/

JFK Pride on the Drive

Did you see the sample of a JFK logo on the sidewalk by the school? It looks really good! Want one for your own driveway? Here’s a link to download the information and form. Due date is September 20th.

 

Viewing Grades in PowerSchool

Information regarding grades and new instructions for parents to view their students’ grades in PowerSchool were sent via email on September 10th. The link is repeated here: Instructions 

ALICE/Run-Hide-Fight Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, teachers talk to students about ALICE, which is an acronym used to help people remember what to do in the event of a violent situation in a school.  We also use the Run-Hide-Fight phrasing.  The materials we’ve used/developed over the years and the approaches we take are targeted for specific grade strands as what one says and does with three-year-olds in preschool is entirely different than with 13-year-olds in 8th grade.  Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up on 42nd Street

For students’ and families’ safety, our handbook states that “Parents should not park on the north side of 42^nd Street to drop children off or pick children up.  Having children cross in the middle of the street is dangerous.  The south side of 42^nd Street is already marked for No Parking, and parents should not be using the south side of 42^nd Street either.” With eleven buses, traffic moving out of our parking lot, and limited sight lines, crossing 42nd Street is just very dangerous.

We still have one open support position at JFK.

Instructional aide/support position: Working primarily with preschool children in wraparound care and/or kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 37 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.

• 10:25-5:30 on Mondays and Fridays
• 7:10-4:30 on Tuesdays
• 9:15-5:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays

If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application. If you are interested in working in a different type of position but for SCCS, please contact me or Logan Ahnquist in the SCCS business office. All of our SCCS schools still have openings.

Substitutes: Needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course. Substitutes are needed in all of our Catholic schools, especially at the elementary school level. You can agree to work at just one building or multiple buildings. We have also had people who requested only certain grade levels.

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

• Sept 20: AHS Pack the Stadium
• Sept 24: Picture Day (K-8, 4 YO am PS, 3 YO T/Th PS)
• Sept 25: Picture Day (K-8 Make-ups, 4 YO pm PS, 3 YO M/W/F PS)
• Sept 27: 12:45 Dismissal. No 4 YO pm PS. Pride of the Wapsi event
• Sept 28: JFK Trivia and Karaoke Night

 

Chad

Parish Picnic

Join together for the OLV parish picnic next Sunday from 12 – 4 p.m. behind the school and in the gym/cafeteria.

Grandparents Day

Today is Grandparents Day. Take a moment to thank these special people for being in our lives. I’m so glad my children have been able to have a relationship with their grandparents!

Text Message Communications

If you would like to receive text messages from JFK, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. While we don’t use “bulk” text messages often, you don’t want to miss them for a snow day, for example. Families must opt in to receive text messages.

Bulk messaging to the whole school actually goes out on a per student basis. If you have three students at JFK, you get the same message three times. It’s probably a “better safe than sorry” scenario, however. Would you rather sign up for text messaging and get three messages saying school is cancelled due to weather or none at all?

ESA Testimonials Needed

ESAs are making a difference in Scott County Catholic Schools. Since JFK opened its doors in 1964, there have been two factors that disrupted downward enrollment trends. The first was a capital campaign for tuition assistance called Embracing Our Future, which was soon joined by STO legislation. The second has been ESAs.

 

Last year, about 42% of JFK families received ESAs. This year, it’s around 77%. Next year, we anticipate it being about 99%. This benefit to our families, however, will not go unchallenged. This morning, for example, I noticed that a 1/4 to 1/5 page ad was in the Quad City Times with the lead, “Iowa Republicans Threw Public Schools Under the Bus.” If you want ESAs to continue, we need to proactively let all of our Iowa state representatives and senators know. If you would be willing to make a written or recorded testimonial regarding personal benefits of ESAs, please let me know.

Love Us

Vote for JFK on Locals Love Us for Private schools, preschools, and childcare: https://localsloveus.com/quad-cities/

JFK Pride on the Drive

Did you see the sample of a JFK logo on the sidewalk by the school? Want one for your own driveway? Check out the flyer, or view it on the JFK Facebook page for more information.

Difficulty Viewing Grades in PowerSchool

We’ve noted that there has been some difficulty with parents being able to see students’ grades through the parent portal of PowerSchool and/or the PowerSchool App. Please look for a separate email this week with directions and screenshots.

Calendars

Multiple calendars are available on our website, www.olvjfk.com.  On the school side of the website, a one-page summary calendar is on the front page.  Detailed calendars can also be reached by clicking on the calendars heading toward the upper right corner of the website. Use these detailed calendars, for example, to check when your child’s K-8 parent meeting is scheduled. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you.

ALICE/Run-Hide-Fight Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, teachers talk to students about ALICE, which is an acronym used to help people remember what to do in the event of a violent situation in a school.  We also use the Run-Hide-Fight phrasing.  The materials we’ve used/developed over the years and the approaches we take are targeted for specific grade strands as what one says and does with three-year-olds in preschool is entirely different than with 13-year-olds in 8th grade.  Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.

We currently have two open support positions at JFK. Not only this staffing shortage, but the numbers in aftercare are taxing our staff. I saw the other week that the DCSD has the same issue and has “paused” their after-school programs for McKinley and Truman. JFK is not quite at that point yet, but support staff are just as important as teachers, and open positions puts stress on everyone.

Instructional aide/support position: Working primarily with preschool children in wraparound care and/or kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 37 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.

• 10:25-5:30 on Mondays and Fridays
• 7:10-4:30 on Tuesdays
• 9:15-5:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Instructional aide/support position and lunch program worker: Working to help in the lunch program, supervise several recesses along with other staff and supervise kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 38 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.

• 9:15-5:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
• 10:00-5:30 Tuesdays
• 8:30-5:30 on Wednesdays

If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes: Needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course. We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Diana Longenecker, and Thomas Day.

Chad

Text Message Communications

If you would like to receive text messages from JFK, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. While we don’t use “bulk” text messages often, you don’t want to miss them for a snow day, for example. Families must opt in to receive text messages.

Bulk messaging to the whole school actually goes out on a per student basis. If you have three students at JFK, you get the same message three times. It’s probably a “better safe than sorry” scenario, however. Would you rather sign up for text messaging and get three messages saying school is cancelled due to weather or none at all?

Love Us

Vote for JFK on Locals Love Us for Private schools, preschools, and childcare: https://localsloveus.com/quad-cities/

JFK Pride on the Drive

Did you see the sample of a JFK logo on the sidewalk by the school? Want one for your own driveway? Check out the flyer, or view it on the JFK Facebook page for more information.

Calendars

Multiple calendars are available on our website, www.olvjfk.com.  On the school side of the website, a one-page summary calendar is on the front page.  Detailed calendars can also be reached by clicking on the calendars heading toward the upper right corner of the website. Use these detailed calendars, for example, to check when your child’s K-8 parent meeting is scheduled. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you.

Mock Trial Sign-Up

Mock Trial sign up is underway for students in 6th-8th grades. Use the following link to sign up your student: Mock Trial Sign Up

Dress Code

With a couple of weeks of school already past, dress code violations rather than reminders will probably start to pick up. The usual situations seem to be present this year: too many reminders to tuck in shirts, boys without belts, and girls with skirts/shorts that are too short.

ALICE/Run-Hide-Fight Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, teachers talk to students about ALICE, which is an acronym used to help people remember what to do in the event of a violent situation in a school.  We also use the Run-Hide-Fight phrasing.  The materials we’ve used/developed over the years and the approaches we take are targeted for specific grade strands as what one says and does with three-year-olds in preschool is entirely different than with 13-year-olds in 8th grade.  Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.

PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care/ECLC

After school care and wrap around care/ECLC are licensed by the Department of Health & Human Services and provide supervised activities for students who have not yet turned thirteen.  The preschool wrap around rate is included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours). There is an hourly rate for K through age 12. A childcare registration form is required for each student. Below are the links to the forms needed:

K-age 12 forms

Preschool Wraparound Care forms

PS-8 Immunization Records

Preschoolers, kindergartners and other students new to JFK need to provide evidence of immunizations prior to school beginning.  There are also two boosters, TDaP and meningococcal conjugate vaccine, required for 7^th graders prior to school beginning.  We can accept faxed or emailed copies.  Iowa law says that students cannot be enrolled without up-to-date immunization information provided to the school, and schools must exclude students without proper immunizations.  There are minimal exceptions.  Those interested in religious exemptions should note that because the Catholic Church does not object to immunizations, a religious exemption for Catholics should not be possible.

PE Uniform for 5th-8th Grades

Fifth-8th graders wear their PE clothes rather than their school uniform on days when they have PE. The PE uniform must be purchased from the school identified vendor, Empowering Abilities (formerly known as Handicapped Development Center): http://handicappeddevelopment.org/jfk/

Water Bottles Must Be Able to be Sealed/Closed

Due to how often students move about the building and classrooms, as well as other issues experienced last spring, students’ water bottles must be able to be sealed/closed. Large mugs with straws sticking out are not water bottles and should be left home. Students are encouraged to have water bottles at school. We added one more bottle filling station this summer and now have four throughout the building.

We currently have two open support positions at JFK. Not only this staffing shortage, but the numbers in aftercare are taxing our staff. I saw the other week that the DCSD has the same issue and has “paused” their after-school programs for McKinley and Truman. JFK is not quite at that point yet, but support staff are just as important as teachers, and open positions puts stress on everyone.

Instructional aide/support position: Working primarily with preschool children in wraparound care and/or kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 37 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.

• 10:25-5:30 on Mondays and Fridays
• 7:10-4:30 on Tuesdays
• 9:15-5:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Instructional aide/support position and lunch program worker: Working to help in the lunch program, supervise several recesses along with other staff and supervise kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 38 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.

• 9:15-5:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
• 10:00-5:30 Tuesdays
• 8:30-5:30 on Wednesdays

If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes: Needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course. We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Diana Longenecker, and Thomas Day.

Parking Lot Traffic Patterns

It’s not too early to review the parking lot traffic patterns.  A few reminders are below:

• Proceed SLOWLY and cautiously through every location.  Little kids are hard to see by cars.  What one makes up in time by speeding through the lot will matter little if someone is hit by a car!
• Be attentive to your driving.  Talking on a cell phone, even handsfree, can be a distraction when one’s attention is needed most to watch for kids and pedestrians.
• Only use handicapped parking spots if qualified.  Handicapped parking spots are reserved for those who need them throughout the entire day, including morning drop off, mid-day pre-school pick up and drop off, and pick up at the end of the day.  We reserve one of our handicapped spots, in particular, for wheelchair access for a student.
• Accompany younger students to/from the barriers, if you park in the lot and are not using the drive-through lanes.  Parents who are standing and waiting for their little ones should stand on the school side of the barriers.  All children should be supervised. Pets should not be among the children.

A photo of the parking lot patterns can be found using the following link: Parking lot traffic patterns

• Red arrows are the drop off/pick up zones.  Note that the main one is at the north, but there is also one that can be used at the south.
• Blue arrows are the one-way pick-up lanes.
• Orange arrows are one-way lanes.
• Green arrows indicate where traffic goes in both directions.
• Note that in some areas there are two lanes going in the same direction:  one lane is just driving through (orange arrows) and the other lane is the pick up lane leading to the drop off/pick up zone (blue and red arrows).

Chad