Month: November 2025

Principal’s Post for November 30, 2025

Posted on by csteimle

New/Updated Information

SCCS Classes Resume – No DCSD Bus Transportation Dec 1st

Classes in SCCS resume on Monday, December 1st. There is no DCSD bus transportation as it does not have classes until Tuesday.

Reconciliation This Week

First Reconciliation is this week for 2nd graders, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be received by 3rd-8th graders as well. Students who are not of the Catholic tradition can receive an individual blessing, if they desire.

Mock Trial Participants

Congratulations to our Mock Trial team, which competed in the Davenport Regional at St. Ambrose. Members include the following: Claire A, Braxton B, Jamin D, Nora F, Madison H, Nolan J, Sheera M, Sierra M, Elyas R, and Abigail S. Mock Trial is coached by Judge Mike Motto. 

Tubular Chimes

Here’s our new chimes for band. Did you know there are two sides to the mallet, with each producing a slightly different tone or volume level? Mrs. Rohrer let me try them out. They are so cool!

 

Still Relevant

Scout Service Project

Our Cub Scout pack is seeking donations of never used holiday cards and blank greeting cards for a service project where they write cards to our warriors. The scouts are going through the following organization: https://militaryholidaycardchallenge.com/how-to-send/

Why Math Practice Really Matters

There’s a great analogy from Jordan Ellenberg, author of How Not to Be Wrong. He explains that math practice works the same way weight-lifting does for athletes. Soccer players don’t lift weights because weights show up on the field—they lift because it strengthens them for the game.

Math is similar.

Even when a problem looks repetitive or doesn’t feel “real world,” it’s actually exercising the brain. Those small, steady challenges build mental muscles: focus, reasoning, persistence, and the ability to break down complicated problems.

Students may not use every specific math skill every day, but the strength gained from practicing them shows up everywhere else in life—reading, science, decision-making, and even how they approach challenges.

Math practice isn’t about memorizing steps or even about the math itself—it’s about preparing students with the mental strength and flexibility they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives.

Citation:
Ellenberg, Jordan. How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking. Penguin Books, 2014.

SCRA Grant Application

Our Scott County Regional Authority (Bettendorf casino) grant application for $50,800 for a wearable communication system for all staff members was fully funded. This $65,000+ system is also supported by OLV and SCCS.

Children’s Liturgy of the Words is Coming Back to OLV

See the following photo/flyer.

Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work

Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Important notes:

  • There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
  • There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.

Instructions 

Bandit Retiring from School Work

Back in September, I mentioned that Bandit, our facility dog, was experiencing health issues affecting his ability to be at school and his ongoing training and certification. His anxiety level also seems to have increased, and the additional training we’ve been trying to do is not helping his ability to work at school. Bandit is going to have to retire from school work. If you are interested in adopting Bandit as a household pet, please let Mrs. Wolf know. We are thankful for what Bandit was able to offer at JFK and wish him well in retirement.

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.

Highlighted Events

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. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:

  • Dec 1: No Buses
  • Dec 2: Mid-Qtr. 3rd Grade Gingerbread Houses.
  • Dec 3: Grades 3-8 Reconciliation. First Reconciliation Retreat.
  • Dec 4: Civic Oration First Rnd. 1st/2nd Grade Field Trip. First Reconciliation. H & S Mtg. Youth & Family Engagement Mtg.
  • Dec 5: Middle School Youth Night.
  • Dec 7: St. Nick’s Pancake Breakfast
  • Dec 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Dine & Donate at Texas Roadhouse.
  • Dec 9: Civic Oration 2nd Rnd. 3/4 Christmas Show.
  • Dec 10: 3/4 Out of Uniform.
  • Dec 11: Band and 5-8 Choral Performance
  • Dec 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 4/5 YO PS Holiday Workshop. Middle School Youth Night
  • Dec 16: Civic Oration Final Rnd. Advent Communal Penance Service at Sacred Heart. K-2 Christmas Program
  • Dec 17: 7th Grade Shopping. 3 YO PS Holiday Event.
  • Dec 18: K-2 Out of Uniform. Advent Communal Penance Service at Lourdes.
  • Dec 19: Red/White/Green/Christmas Attire. No PM PS. 2 Hr Early Dismissal. Middle School Youth Night
  • Dec 21-Jan 2: Christmas Break for Students. ECLC Closed.

Personal Sharing

  • It was a full weekend: the Thanksgiving meal, watching football, card and trivia games, wedding dress shopping for the women, indoor golf for the men, wedding cake sampling,  a baby shower, staying up late, Whitey’s, a baby name reveal for immediate family, four dogs staying at our house, including a puppy, a plumbing emergency (and paying double-time rates!), shoveling, naps,…. What more could one ask for?
  • You know you have a full house preparing to be snowed in when you have ten Jack’s pizzas in your freezer!

 

Chad

Principal’s Post for November 23, 2025

Posted on by csteimle

New/Updated Information

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Break is November 26th-28th. There are no classes on those days. ECLC is open on Wednesday the 26th. Dismissal is at the regular time on the 25th. Algebra students need to follow Assumption’s schedule.

Nothing Bundt Cake Sale

Back by popular demand and in time for Thanksgiving, Nothing Bundt Cakes will be onsite at JFK on Monday!  Sales will be from 2:30pm-5:00pm.  The location of sale will be weather permitting–either inside the Parish Center or outside in the south parking lot. Now, how do I keep from eating them until Thanksgiving?

OLV Strategic Planning Feedback Closes this Week

Feedback to OLV’s areas for growth and improvement draft document closes this week. Please use the following link to view the draft and provide feedback: details, draft recommendations, and means to provide feedback.

Major Areas for Growth:

  1. Communication & Connection
  2. Welcoming & Hospitality
  3. Volunteerism, Leadership & Accountability
  4. Youth & Family Engagement
  5. Parish-School Relationship
  6. Faith Formation & Evangelization
  7. Outreach & Service to the Community
  8. Campus, Facilities, and Safety
  9. Pastoral, Staff & Operations Support

Here is the link to OLV’s strengths.

SCRA Grant Application

Our Scott County Regional Authority (Bettendorf casino) grant application for $50,800 for a wearable communication system for all staff members was fully funded. This $65,000+ system is also supported by OLV and SCCS.

Honor Choir

The following students auditioned and have been accepted into the SEICDA Honor Choir, taking place at Assumption High School on Thursday, January 8th. In addition, these students have also been invited to perform the National Anthem on Friday, January 16th at Vibrant Arena for the Storm Game/JFK Hockey Night!

5th–6th Grade Honor Choir: Daniel A, Cayden B, Abby C, Basheer D, Kai D, Mylah D, Reese I, Taylor K, Elaina K, Piper L-C, Dallas M, Harrison M, Abby M, Taylor P, Zariyah R, Luke S, Mary T, Natalie V, Annie W

7th-9th Grade Honor Choir: Claire A, Braxton B, Maggie C, Jolee C, Abel H, Madison H, Audrey J, Xavier L, Sierra M, Arizona N, Alyse R, Liam S

St. Ambrose Honor Band

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for an honor band at St. Ambrose earlier this fall: Claire A, Addison B, Ambrielle E-L, and Sierra M.

Scout Service Project

Our Cub Scout pack is seeking donations of never used holiday cards and blank greeting cards for a service project where they write cards to our warriors. The scouts are going through the following organization: https://militaryholidaycardchallenge.com/how-to-send/

Why Math Practice Really Matters

There’s a great analogy from Jordan Ellenberg, author of How Not to Be Wrong. He explains that math practice works the same way weight-lifting does for athletes. Soccer players don’t lift weights because weights show up on the field—they lift because it strengthens them for the game.

Math is similar.

Even when a problem looks repetitive or doesn’t feel “real world,” it’s actually exercising the brain. Those small, steady challenges build mental muscles: focus, reasoning, persistence, and the ability to break down complicated problems.

Students may not use every specific math skill every day, but the strength gained from practicing them shows up everywhere else in life—reading, science, decision-making, and even how they approach challenges.

Math practice isn’t about memorizing steps or even about the math itself—it’s about preparing students with the mental strength and flexibility they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives.

Citation:
Ellenberg, Jordan. How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking. Penguin Books, 2014.

Safety

For safety reasons, students should not be dropped off or picked up on 42nd Street. We also received a request from an apartment resident asking that cars not be parked in front of the apartment access, preventing residents from coming or going.

Still Relevant

Children’s Liturgy of the Words is Coming Back to OLV

See the following photo/flyer.

Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work

Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Important notes:

  • There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
  • There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.

Instructions 

Bandit Retiring from School Work

Back in September, I mentioned that Bandit, our facility dog, was experiencing health issues affecting his ability to be at school and his ongoing training and certification. His anxiety level also seems to have increased, and the additional training we’ve been trying to do is not helping his ability to work at school. Bandit is going to have to retire from school work. If you are interested in adopting Bandit as a household pet, please let Mrs. Wolf know. We are thankful for what Bandit was able to offer at JFK and wish him well in retirement.

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.

Highlighted Events

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. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:

  • Nov 24: H & S Nothing Bundt Cake Sale. College Care Package Assembly
  • Nov 25: Mad Science Show
  • Nov 26: ECLC Open
  • Nov 26-28: No Classes-Thanksgiving Break
  • Dec 1: No Buses
  • Dec 2: Mid-Qtr. 3rd Grade Gingerbread Houses.
  • Dec 3: Grades 3-8 Reconciliation. First Reconciliation Retreat.
  • Dec 4: Civic Oration First Rnd. 1st/2nd Grade Field Trip. First Reconciliation. H & S Mtg. Youth & Family Engagement Mtg.
  • Dec 5: Middle School Youth Night.
  • Dec 7: St. Nick’s Pancake Breakfast
  • Dec 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Dine & Donate at Texas Roadhouse.
  • Dec 9: Civic Oration 2nd Rnd. 3/4 Christmas Show.
  • Dec 10: 3/4 Out of Uniform.
  • Dec 11: Band and 5-8 Choral Performance
  • Dec 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 4/5 YO PS Holiday Workshop. Middle School Youth Night
  • Dec 16: Civic Oration Final Rnd. Advent Communal Penance Service at Sacred Heart. K-2 Christmas Program
  • Dec 17: 7th Grade Shopping. 3 YO PS Holiday Event.
  • Dec 18: K-2 Out of Uniform. Advent Communal Penance Service at Lourdes.
  • Dec 19: Red/White/Green/Christmas Attire. No PM PS. 2 Hr Early Dismissal. Middle School Youth Night
  • Dec 21-Jan 2: Christmas Break for Students. ECLC Closed.

Personal Sharing

These next two days are going to be tough for me. I am looking forward to all my family gathering here for Thanksgiving this year. The first ones start arriving on Tuesday, and I’m ready to fast-forward to then!

Chad

Principal’s Post for November 16, 2025

Posted on by csteimle

New/Updated Information

Thanksgiving Next Week

Thanksgiving Break is next week on the 26th-28th. There are no classes on those days. ECLC is open on Wednesday the 26th. Dismissal is at the regular time on the 25th.

Engagement = Caring? OLV Strategic Planning

Feedback to OLV’s areas for growth and improvement draft document is slow. Unfortunately, I think some are interpreting the lack of feedback as if OLV and JFK families don’t really care about the parish. Please use the following link to view the draft and provide feedback: details, draft recommendations, and means to provide feedback.

Major Areas for Growth:

  1. Communication & Connection
  2. Welcoming & Hospitality
  3. Volunteerism, Leadership & Accountability
  4. Youth & Family Engagement
  5. Parish-School Relationship
  6. Faith Formation & Evangelization
  7. Outreach & Service to the Community
  8. Campus, Facilities, and Safety
  9. Pastoral, Staff & Operations Support

Here is the link to OLV’s strengths.

ESA and School Choice

It is likely that ESAs will be a “hot topic” during the next election cycle in Iowa. The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education has prepared the following article that you may find helpful: 10 Objections to Education Savings Accounts (and How You Can Respond). Here’s the 9th and 10th objections and responses.

9. “Private schools can turn away kids with special needs.”

Response: Not every school—public or private—has the resources to serve every special need. But ESAs give parents more flexibility to find the right fit, whether that’s a specialized private program, therapies, or a combination of supports. Instead of limiting choices, ESAs expand them.

10. “ESAs will create chaos and weaken our education system.”

Response: Far from causing chaos, ESAs encourage innovation and responsiveness. When parents have real choices, schools must work harder to meet student needs. The result is not a weaker system, but a stronger one centered on students instead of bureaucracy.

Grant Applications

We received information about two grant applications we submitted this fall. We will not receive funding from the Riverboat Development Authority (Davenport casino) for a portable stage to replace the 25+ year old plywood and 2×4 one we set up every year in the parish center. We will, however, receive at least partial funding from the Scott County Regional Authority (Bettendorf casino) for a wearable communication system for all staff members. On Tuesday, we will find out how much of the $51,000 we applied for we will receive from the SCRA.

Safety

The ad hoc safety committee wrapped up its meetings Thursday night. We are working on processing the results from that meeting. Expect to receive more updates as we move toward implementation of the recommendations. For example, expect to see changes in our drop off and pick up procedures sometime after Christmas.

We did have a uniformed officer on campus early last week. With greater collaboration between SCCS schools and the police department, the officer, a former JFK parent, was here for educational purposes. Beginning this week, retired officer Hank Jacobsen will be talking to 5th-8th graders regarding cyber issues such as toxic group chats, online drama, reposts, accountability, etc.

Between recesses on Friday, we did have an older woman walking across campus sit down to take a break on the tree side of the drive by the ball field. Mrs. Lundquist and I checked on her well-being and had her move along before the next set of recesses.

Bandit Retiring from School Work

Back in September, I mentioned that Bandit, our facility dog, was experiencing health issues affecting his ability to be at school and his ongoing training and certification. His anxiety level also seems to have increased, and the additional training we’ve been trying to do is not helping his ability to work at school. Bandit is going to have to retire from school work. If you are interested in adopting Bandit as a household pet, please let Mrs. Wolf know. We are thankful for what Bandit was able to offer at JFK and wish him well in retirement.

Children’s Liturgy of the Words is Coming Back to OLV

See the following photo/flyer.

Still Relevant

Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work

Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Important notes:

  • There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
  • There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.

Instructions 

Afternoon/evening Custodian Position Still Open

We still have our afternoon/evening custodian position open. This full-time, year round position is responsible for cleaning the upper level of the building during the school year. The hours are approximately 12:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. See the following link for more information: job description.

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.

Highlighted Events

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. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:

  • Nov 18: Crumb & Coffee Truck at JFK. Student Council Supply Store.
  • Nov 20: Mock Trial at SAU. Skate Night
  • Nov 21: Fundraiser Out of Uniform. ($2. Theme: “mono-color” – wearing the same color on the top and bottom. Proceeds will support the shopping trip for Ronald McDonald House guests. Out of uniform guidelines apply.)
  • Nov 24: H & S Nothing Bundt Cake Sale. College Care Package Assembly
  • Nov 25: Mad Science Show
  • Nov 26: ECLC Open
  • Nov 26-28: No Classes-Thanksgiving Break
  • Dec 1: No Buses
  • Dec 2: Mid-Qtr. 3rd Grade Gingerbread Houses.
  • Dec 3: Grades 3-8 Reconciliation. First Reconciliation Retreat.
  • Dec 4: Civic Oration First Rnd. 1st/2nd Grade Field Trip. First Reconciliation. H & S Mtg. Youth & Family Engagement Mtg.
  • Dec 5: Middle School Youth Night.
  • Dec 21-Jan 2: Christmas Break for Students. ECLC Closed.

Personal Sharing

On Friday afternoon, I had a check up with a retina specialist – this time it was for my right eye. Sure enough, he found a slight horseshoe shaped tear in my retina, just like my left eye had had years ago. He lasered it that evening, and I was at the eye doctor’s office for nearly 2 1/2 hours. It might have gone faster if he didn’t have to keep stopping to wipe the tears running down from my eyes. While the eye itself was numbed, the pressure they have to apply around the eye is excruciatingly painful!

Chad

Principal’s Post for November 9, 2025

Posted on by csteimle

New/Updated Information

No Buses on November 11th

The public schools are not in session on November 11th. There is no bus service for SCCS schools (except for the AHS bus that brings the algebra students back from AHS in the morning).

Veterans Day Program
All veterans are invited to attend our Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11th at 1:30 p.m. in the gym/cafeteria. Kindergartners will sing a patriotic medley, scouts will help with the flag, a guest speaker will share his reflections, several 5th graders will read their flag essays, 3rd/4th graders will sing an armed forces medley, 1st/2nd graders will sing a thank you, and more. It is a red/white/blue out of uniform day for JFK.

OLV Strategic Planning

Earlier I shared OLV’s strengths. There are also areas for growth and improvement. Below are the major areas for growth and improvement, and here is the link for the details, draft recommendations, and means to provide feedback.

Major Areas for Growth:

  1. Communication & Connection
  2. Welcoming & Hospitality
  3. Volunteerism, Leadership & Accountability
  4. Youth & Family Engagement
  5. Parish-School Relationship
  6. Faith Formation & Evangelization
  7. Outreach & Service to the Community
  8. Campus, Facilities, and Safety
  9. Pastoral, Staff & Operations Support

Lunch Program Welcomes Mary Lucas

JFK welcomes Mary Lucas to a position in our lunch program. We look forward to her presence at JFK.

ESA and School Choice

It is likely that ESAs will be a “hot topic” during the next election cycle in Iowa. The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education has prepared the following article that you may find helpful: 10 Objections to Education Savings Accounts (and How You Can Respond). Here’s the 8th objection and response.

8. “ESAs will just cause private schools to raise tuition.”

Response: Some worry that ESAs give schools an excuse to hike prices. But tuition decisions depend on many factors—staffing, facilities, and local demand. In practice, competition among schools keeps tuition in check, since families can walk away if prices get too high. ESAs actually increase market pressure on schools to remain affordable and attractive to families, not less. Moreover, as more private schools open in response to demand, increased supply makes tuition inflation less likely, not more.

Still Relevant

Music Department Poinsettia Fundraiser
JFK’s music and band programs are sponsoring a poinsettia fundraiser. Students received an order form to take home. Completed forms, along with cash or check, should be returned to Cris in the office by Thursday, November 14th.

Poinsettias will be delivered from Wallace’s Garden Center on the day of each Christmas program. Parents will select their preferred program for pickup directly on the order form—don’t skip that detail!

Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work

Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Important notes:

  • There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
  • There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.

Instructions 

Afternoon/evening Custodian Position Still Open

We still have our afternoon/evening custodian position open. This full-time, year round position is responsible for cleaning the upper level of the building during the school year. The hours are approximately 12:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. See the following link for more information: job description.

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.

Highlighted Events

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. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:

  • Nov 12: 8th to AHS field trip.
  • Nov 14: Middle School Youth Night. Home & School Wicked Musical Bingo.
  • Nov 18: Crumb & Coffee Truck at JFK. Student Council Supply Store.
  • Nov 20: Mock Trial at SAU. Skate Night
  • Nov 21: Fundraiser Out of Uniform.
  • Nov 24: H & S Nothing Bundt Cake Sale. College Care Package Assembly
  • Nov 25: Mad Science Show
  • Nov 26: ECLC Open
  • Nov 26-28: No Classes-Thanksgiving Break
  • Dec 1: No Buses
  • Dec 21-Jan 2: Christmas Break for Students. ECLC Closed.

Personal Sharing

Lynn and I went to visit our youngest daughter in the Kansas City area this weekend. We helped with some finishing touches to setting up the nursery as she’s in her final trimester. Then, on our way back, we stopped to see Kirsten in Des Moines. Except for the driving, it was quite a relaxing weekend. I’m looking forward to being able to see everyone in our family at our house at Thanksgiving and everyone joining in KC for Christmas!

Chad

Principal’s Post for November 2, 2025

Posted on by csteimle

New/Updated Information

Parent/Teacher Conferences This Week

PS-8th grade conferences are this week. PS-5th grade conferences are scheduled. If you can’t remember what you signed up for, please contact your child’s teacher. Sixth-8th grade conferences are on a drop-in basis in the cafeteria. Conference times are 5:00-7:30 p.m. on November 4th and 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 4:00-8:00 p.m. on November 6th. There are no classes on November 6th and 7th for JFK. ECLC is open. Students taking Algebra at Assumption should check the high school’s schedule.

OLV Strategic Planning

Earlier I shared OLV’s strengths. There are also areas for growth and improvement. Below are the major areas for growth and improvement, and here is the link for the details and draft recommendations. Input is being collected regarding these areas and recommendations, and we’ll have an online method to submit your feedback soon.

Major Areas for Growth:

  1. Communication & Connection
  2. Welcoming & Hospitality
  3. Volunteerism, Leadership & Accountability
  4. Youth & Family Engagement
  5. Parish-School Relationship
  6. Faith Formation & Evangelization
  7. Outreach & Service to the Community
  8. Campus, Facilities, and Safety
  9. Pastoral, Staff & Operations Support

Safety

  • The ad hoc safety committee will meet November 13th. We will be analyzing a number of brainstormed recommendations next week that have been determined through the analysis of the parents, staff, and students survey, previous committee discussions, and a committee walk-through of the campus. Some recommendations might be easy to implement, some are long-term issues (like having a separate parish hall), some conflict with one another (if we do X, then Y doesn’t need to be done), and some might even just be brainstormed items that really won’t be implemented. There are 15 major prioritized areas ranging from Church and Mass safety to perimeter security and pedestrian control between our property and Kwik Star. Committee members include the following, and they all have current or past vested interests in JFK:
    1. Board members: Stacy Banfield, Dan Haverkamp, Joe Masterson
    2. Staff members: Caitlin Putnam, Chad Steimle (with input also received from JFK’s Building Leadership Team and other groups of staff)
    3. Active officers/law enforcement: Ben Betsworth, Jarrett Harvey, Stephen Kira, Jenn Laud, Erin Pape, DeMarco Tapia, Jordan Youngerman
    4. Private security practice: Jake Pries, Rick Thomas
  • Girl scouts also donated a sign the city is allowing us to put up near the school crossing on Sturdevant Street.
  • On Friday morning, several staff members from JFK and the other private schools met with the Davenport Police Department to discuss greater collaboration in general and community issues like people or vehicles near school property that might be unusual. We also discussed several intruder and threatening statement types of scenarios.
  • JFK is partnering with the state of Iowa for the Safe+Sound reporting system: Safe & Sound Safety Reporting, pdf.  This information can also be found on our website under the For Students and For Parents tabs.

ESA and School Choice

It is likely that ESAs will be a “hot topic” during the next election cycle in Iowa. The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education has prepared the following article that you may find helpful: 10 Objections to Education Savings Accounts (and How You Can Respond). Here’s the 6th and 7th objections and responses. Number 7 is one that is usually missed by those in politics opposed to ESAs

6. “Public funds shouldn’t go to private or religious schools.”

Response: ESA funds are for the student, not the system. Parents decide where that funding is used. Courts have consistently ruled that when parents make the decision, ESAs are constitutional—even if they choose a faith-based school.

7. “ESAs will drain the state budget.”

Response: ESAs are usually less costly per pupil than public school funding. That means the state spends less when a student uses an ESA. Meanwhile, local districts keep some funding for students they no longer educate.

Still Relevant

Veterans Day Program
All veterans are invited to attend our Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11th at 1:30 p.m. in the gym/cafeteria. It is a red/white/blue out of uniform day for JFK. There is no bus service (except from AHS to JFK for algebra students) as the DCSD does not have classes.
Music Department Poinsettia Fundraiser
JFK’s music and band programs are sponsoring a poinsettia fundraiser. Students will receive an order form to take home on Monday. Completed forms, along with cash or check, should be returned to Cris in the office by Thursday, November 14th.

Poinsettias will be delivered from Wallace’s Garden Center on the day of each Christmas program. Parents will select their preferred program for pickup directly on the order form—don’t skip that detail!

Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work

Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Important notes:

  • There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
  • There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.

Instructions 

Lunch Program Position

We now have an opening in our lunch program for a 4-5 hour per day position during the school year. The hours are approximately 9:00/10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Please contact Meredith Ash or me at JFK or Logan Ahnquist in the SCCS main offices for more information.

Afternoon/evening Custodian Position Still Open

We still have our afternoon/evening custodian position open. This full-time, year round position is responsible for cleaning the upper level of the building during the school year. The hours are approximately 12:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. See the following link for more information: job description.

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.

Highlighted Events

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. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:

  • Nov 3: OLV Mass of Remembrance
  • Nov 4: Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • Nov 6: Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • Nov 6/7: No classes (8th graders in Algebra should check with AHS). ECLC open.
  • Nov 7: Middle School Youth Night.
  • Nov 11: No bus transportation. Red/White/Blue out of Uniform Day. Veterans’ Day Event.
  • Nov 12: 8th to AHS field trip.
  • Nov 14: Middle School Youth Night. Home & School Wicked Musical Bingo.
  • Nov 18: Crumb & Coffee Truck at JFK
  • Nov 20: Mock Trial at SAU. Skate Night
  • Nov 21: Fundraiser Out of Uniform.
  • Nov 24: H & S Nothing Bundt Cake Sale. Music Boosters
  • Nov 25: Mad Science Show
  • Nov 26: ECLC Open
  • Nov 26-28: No Classes-Thanksgiving Break

Personal Sharing

Baby in the Office: Late last week, one of our staff members on maternity leave stopped by with her new baby. Everything stops when there’s a baby in the room – a natural circle of smiles, quiet voices, and joy just seems to form.

As I returned to work, I kept thinking about how much a baby reminds us of new beginnings. Schools are full of firsts: first friendships, first books read alone, first civic oration speeches, first successes after struggles. A baby, though, is the first of all firsts — the start of every possibility and every story still to come. The baby in the office was a wonderful reminder that beginnings are always miraculous, and that they point us toward the promises of the future.

Chad