New/Updated Information
New Format for Principal’s Posts
I’m going to try a new format with Principal’s Posts — 4 sections:
- New/Updated Information
- Still Relevant
- Highlighted Events
- Personal Sharing
No School on Labor Day. ECLC Closed
September 1st is Labor Day. There are no classes tomorrow, and ECLC is closed.
Give Thanks for Our Blessings at Mass
The beginning of a new school year and new schedules is the perfect time to renew and/or adjust your weekend Mass attendance schedule. OLV has four weekend Masses: 4:30 on Saturdays and 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.
“In Holy Communion, we are united with the living God–Jesus himself! What could possibly be more important!” (“Sunday Q & A: Keep Your Sabbath Holy,” Ascension Publishing Group, 2025).
Surveys
Numerous surveys are linked here. Please complete as you wish:
Baptismal Identity: The USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) launched a process to consult the people of God (that’s all of us) on their understanding of their baptismal identity. The Diocese of Davenport has created a survey to help gather information: English | Spanish.
OLV Strategic Planning: If you were not able to attend an in-person focus group session, we still want your input. Our Lady of Victory is undertaking a strategic plan to ensure our Parish remains the most vibrant and welcoming faith community in the Diocese. The first, and most important step, is to hear your thoughts and opinions on how we can best continue to “live and share the preaching, teaching, and healing of Christ.” Please share your responses to the three open-ended questions in the survey
Digital Suggestion Box: JFK has a permanent digital suggestion box on our website under the Contact Us tab. Please utilize this link for offering suggestions. The suggestion box is periodically reviewed. If your idea is of a more timely nature, please email me directly: chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.
POP-UP Conversations for Parents
Need some help talking to your children about any of the following real-life topics?
- My Kid is Struggling with Anxiety
- My Kid Is Always on Their Phone
- My Kid is Unmotivated & Unfocused
- My Kid is Struggling with Friendships
- My Kid is Confused and Anxious about Our Polarized Culture
- My Kid Feels Pressure to Be Perfect
- My Kid Doesn’t Want to Go to Church Anymore
Try utilizing POP-UP Conversations for Parents (Downloadable Videos & Leader Guides). Each topic includes a 10–13 minute video “onramp” from a trusted voice to spark discussion, and an easy-to-use Leader’s Guide. These one – hour sessions are designed to help parents/caregivers recognize God’s presence and calling as they care for their kids, and can be used in a variety of in person or online formats.
Junior Achievement Volunteers Needed
As a new school year begins, JA is calling on local volunteers to help equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the future of work. JA programs focus on financial capability, career readiness, and business ownership — real-world concepts that enhance classroom learning. Volunteers from the community help deliver these lessons using ready-to-go materials and simple step-by-step guides, making it easy to lead even with no teaching experience.
SCCS Purchases Building
Scott County Catholic Schools has purchased the old Grant School (216 W. Hayes Street). This building provides us with a flexible, scalable space as needs arise and allows us to be more proactive than reactive. It could, for example, be “swing space” for classes when another building is undergoing a months-long renovation, repair, or addition. It could be used for administrative/program space or additional gym space/time. No decisions have been made about its use, and nothing is yet changing at any of our schools due to its purchase. It is more like an insurance policy; it’s space that we can use for growth or temporary needs without disrupting learning. The purchase price was $650,000, compared with about $41 million for the new construction for St. Joan of Arc. This purchase is a prudent, cost-effective way to prepare for growth and emergency preparedness.
Grant Writing and Seed Money
OLV’s Finance Council on Monday approved seed money for two grant application projects. The first project is for a portable stage that would replace the 25+ year old plywood and 2×6 one that is assembled each year in the parish center. The second project is for an additional communication system.
A third project, not publicly shared at this time as it is also a safety project, will likely move ahead without dependence upon whether or not a grant is received.
Thank you to everyone who helped with Chalk the Walk last Sunday. The inspirational thoughts and artwork greeting students last week was amazing. It was so uplifting! We should consider doing something similar later in the school year too when everyone starts to feel like things are dragging.
Bus Times Take Some Time to Really Develop a Pattern
It always takes a little time for the bus company to smooth things out at the beginning of the school year. Employees of JFK can work as liaisons, but we have no control over busing. Please be patient with the bus company as well. We’re never quite sure how drop off times are determined at the end of the day. The reality is that we start loading our first buses at about 2:43. Not all of our 11 buses are here at that time though. The 11 buses serving JFK also serve Assumption, All Saints, and Trinity Lutheran. Sometimes our last bus doesn’t leave JFK until nearly 3:00.
Smart Watches/”Trackers”
Smart watches and/or other devices that we use to know where our children are these days will be kept in students’ backpacks while kids are at school. Students can put them on/take them out when they are dismissed from school.
Tops of the Lockers
Students in grades 5-8, in particular, are doing an excellent job keeping the tops of the lockers free of books, sweatshirts, etc. at the end of the school day. Hopefully, those efforts will also cut down on the number of items that end up in Lost & Found.
Middle School Mock Trial for 6th-8th Grades
Afternoon/Evening Custodian Position
Our afternoon/evening custodian position is coming open. This full-time, year round position is responsible for the upper level of the building during the school year. The hours are approximately 12:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact me.
National School Lunch Program
JFK participates in the NSLP. Below are two links for more information and to apply for free/reduced lunches:
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:
or from any USDA office by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA.
The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website https://icrc.iowa.gov.
Still Relevant
Aftercare Registration
Aftercare is available for 5-12 year olds from 2:40-5:30 p.m. Yes, additional registration and paperwork is required as aftercare is considered to be “childcare” and licensed separately from education. That means separate paperwork that has to be available “on-site.” Aftercare is billed at an hourly rate.
Preschool wrap around care is also available. The rate would be included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours). Please note that any child who is with us from the end of a morning preschool class until 2:40 or later each day will need to be in full-time wrap around care.
Below are the links to the forms needed:
Preschool Wraparound Care forms
Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHHS program paper/pencil forms complete.
Grade Level Parent Meetings Continue this Week
“We just met the teacher, do I really need to go to a parent meeting?” Yes. You, indeed, just met the teacher. Now, you’ll receive specific and more detailed information.
“Do I need to go to each of my child’s grade level meetings?” Yes. Your children are in more than one grade level. Information is specific for the grade level.
“Do I need to go to the 2nd grade meeting, if I’ve already had a second grader go through JFK?” Yes. There may be new/different information for your child who is NOW in 2nd grade.
Sept 2: 4th, 5:45-6:30 and 5th, 6:30-7:15
Sept 4: 6th, 6:30-7:15
Please enter through the front doors on 42nd Street. The location for all of these meetings says cafeteria on the website calendar. However, this is just a “holding place” on the calendar. Please look for the specific location to be made available from your child’s homeroom teacher. Some may be in the cafeteria, but many will be in specific classrooms.
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 7th 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. Although minimal in number, there are 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.
K-8 Home Language Survey
Kindergartners and other students new to JFK need to complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). Many kindergartners already submitted these in February.
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.
Water Bottles Must Be Able to be Sealed/Closed
Students are encouraged to have appropriate water bottles throughout the day. Due to how often students move about the building and classrooms, as well as other issues that can arise, 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. We have four bottle filling stations throughout the building.
Approved Snack List
Snacks must be from the approved snack list. The list also shares some of the criteria used to determine the snack list.
Substitutes at JFK and SCCS
Substitutes are always 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/SCCS. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course.
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.
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.
- Students, even with their parents, should not be crossing 42nd Street. With buses, parked cars, and moving traffic, it is just too dangerous!
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).
Home & School Fundraiser
- JFK Pride on the Drive and Yard Sign Fundraiser
- Option #1: Have a JFK logo painted on your driveway
- Option #2: JFK yard sign
- Cost: $25 each
- Orders accepted through September 7th
- Order form
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. Those parent meetings begin as early as August 26th. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you.
Highlighted Events
Please see the website calendar(s) for more complete information. Below are a few highlighted events:
- Sept 2: Reading and Math Screenings Begin
- Sept 4: Youth & Family Engagement Mtg
- Sept 8: 5th grade band parent mtg
- Sept 11: Skate night
- Sept 15: No bus transportation
- Sept 18: Dine & Donate at Portillos
- Sept 23/24: Picture Day
- Sept 24: Mid-quarter
- Sept 26: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No PM PS Classes. Out of Uniform Fundraiser.
- Sept 27: Parish picnic after the 4:30 Mass
Personal Sharing
Sorry. This Principal’s Post is long enough already!
Chad
