🆕New/Updated Information

Don’t Stall Now – ESA Applications

The percent of registered students for whom ESA applications for JFK for the 2026-27 school year have been completed increased to 77%  from 75% last week. School level “verification” has begun. Applications must be completed every year, even if you are already receiving an ESA. 

State ESA Website

Spread the Word – Job Openings at JFK

We will have two openings in our lunch program. The hours are about 10:00-2:00 or 2:30. Please contact me or Meredith Ash (meredith.ash@olvjfkmail.com).

Catholic Scholarship Granting Organization

The Diocese of Davenport, with the Diocese of Des Moines, Archdiocese of Dubuque, and the Diocese of Sioux City, are excited to announce a decision to establish a Catholic Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) to support our schools and families. The Iowa Catholic SGO will operate as a nonprofit corporation with federal 501©(3) status under the leadership and oversight of the Iowa Bishops. This nonprofit organization will be able to take advantage of recent national legislation that allows families to take advantage of donated tuition dollars for non-public schools that meet their families’ needs. Donors receive a federal tax credit. Once operational at the federal level, this opportunity will parallel Iowa’s state level STO tax credit program. SGOs, STOs, and ESAs are making school choice a reality for Iowans!

Summer Lunch Program

Leaps & Bounds Summer 2026 – Financial Assistance Available

There’s still assistance available! We received a donation for this summer’s Leaps & Bounds. Don’t let the $200 cost keep your students away. Just let us know you need some financial help. L & B focuses on reading and math for students currently in K-5th grade. About two hours is used for reading, one hour for math, and 30 minutes for recess/snack.  Space is limited so register now. This summer’s two week session is July 13-17 and 20-24. Registration materials can be found online.

📌Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Math Thinking Over the Summer

Math skills are a lot like muscles—the less they are used, the harder they are to restart.

As summer approaches, it is helpful to remember that math learning benefits from continued practice. When students go long periods without using math, some skills become slower or less automatic.

The good news is that summer math does not need to feel like worksheets or extra schoolwork. Many everyday activities naturally involve math thinking. Here are a few examples by age level:

PK–2
• Counting games
• Simple number puzzles
• Identifying numbers in everyday settings

Grades 3–5
• Math fact review
• Board games or card games involving numbers
• Keeping score during games and activities

Grades 6–8
• Budgeting spending money
• Estimating travel time or distances
• Comparing prices while shopping or planning purchases

Even small amounts of regular math thinking can help students maintain confidence and readiness for the fall.

Math does not only happen in classrooms. Often, the most meaningful practice happens during everyday conversations and experiences throughout the summer.

🗓️ 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:

• May 19: 5/6 and 7/8 Choir Concert in the church. 8th to Outing Club. Jersey Mike’s Dine & Donate
• May 21: 3 YO PS Confs. 4th Bowling
• May 22: Band to Adventureland
• May 23: Pinewood Derby
• May 25: Memorial Day. No School. ECLC Closed
• May 26: 8th Field Trip
• May 27: Last Day of 3 YO PS.
• May 28: Last Day of 4/5 YO PS. 3 YO PS Family Event. 4/5 YO PS Evening Programs
• May 29: Last Day of K-8. Field Day. 12:40 Dismissal. Graduation
• May 30: Altar Server Training
• June 5: JFK Night at the River Bandits

💭Personal Sharing

School winding down? Not at all!

I alwasy refer to the time from spring/Easter break until the end of the school year as Sprint, not spring. There is so much that has to be done before the end of the school year that one can barely keep one’s head above the water. I always feel awkward when people ask if I have any summer plans – I’m too busy racing to the finish line to be planning anything else!

There is, however, one constant activity that I always have time for – a trip to the library. Now, I do have it down to a science where I can be in and out in about five minutes: return four books, head to the large print new books section, read the back of about seven books and select four of them, hit the checkout, and done! If I find I don’t like one of the books I chose, I just set it aside. I’ve committed no money and hardly any time to the selection to feel bad about it! Five minutes is probably even less time than I sit at a fast food drive-thru window!

Chad

🆕New/Updated Information

75% – ESA Applications

The percent of registered students for whom ESA applications for JFK for the 2026-27 school year have been completed increased to 75%  from 66% last week. Applications must be completed every year, even if you are already receiving an ESA. 

State ESA Website

Although your car may seem big and feel like a bus some days, it’s probably not really a bus. There are quite a few cars stopping on 42nd Street in front of school to drop off kids in the morning. This is not a drop off area for cars.

Reading and Math Screenings Finish This Week

We should finish the third and final screening of K-8 students in reading and math this week. Having charged devices each day will be important for students.

Spread the Word – Job Openings at JFK

Spread the word — We are still looking for one teacher at JFK for 2026-27. Adjustments of teaching assignments will take place so we are currently looking for someone to fill a position in grades 1-5 or work as a reading interventionist. To apply for  a teaching position at JFK, please submit your resume and transcripts to Logan Ahnquist at logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org. You can find more information and the online application that needs to be completed at the following website https://davenportdiocese.schoolspring.com/

We also will have two openings in our lunch program. The hours are about 10:00-2:00 or 2:30. Please contact me or Meredith Ash (meredith.ash@olvjfkmail.com).

Similar Financial Concerns Heard Elsewhere – Buildings in Need of Work

In last week’s Principal’s Post, I mentioned that four requests I typically hear at OLV’s Finance Council meetings. One is more support for OLV, especially as ESAs are allowing families to save thousands of dollars they would otherwise be spending on tuition. During the week, I was at a broader meeting for SCCS and heard similar sentiments from community members regarding future needs of our Catholic school buildings, “Past generations paid tuition and contributed to capital campaigns to build/expand/care for our buildings. It may be time to ask this generation.” St. Joan of Arc has a $40+ million new school to pay for. St. Paul’s is doing a capital campaign for a building addition so all K-8 classrooms can be in the main school buidling, and the convent can just be used for early childhood. All Saints needs several million dollars worth of repairs and upgrades, including nearly $2 million alone in just HVAC.

Last week, I mentioned that JFK is currently authorized for about $144,000 worth of work on the school this summer. JFK’s current capital improvement project list, however, includes over $1.4 million in needs. That just includes the work for which we have estimated the costs. It doesn’t include things like $6+ million for a gym/stage combination that is built strong enough to serve as a storm shelter, separate music and band rooms, consolidated small workspaces for interventionists and small group projects and meetings, etc. It doesn’t even include upgrades/renovations to the newest parts of the building, which, in my mind, are still the “new additions.” The “new additions,” however, are 15 years old now; they have HVAC systems, flooring, fixtures, etc. that are nearing the end of their life expectancies!

Leaps & Bounds Summer 2026 – Financial Assistance Available

We received a donation for this summer’s Leaps & Bounds. Don’t let the $200 cost keep your students away. Just let us know you need some financial help. L & B focuses on reading and math for students currently in K-5th grade. About two hours is used for reading, one hour for math, and 30 minutes for recess/snack.  Space is limited so register now. This summer’s two week session is July 13-17 and 20-24. Registration materials can be found online.

📌Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Talking About Books

Some of the most important reading moments happen after the book is closed, and the conversation begins.

When students discuss books, they are doing more than retelling a story. They are organizing thoughts, making connections, explaining ideas, and thinking more deeply about what they read.

Those conversations look different at different ages:

PK–2
• What happened in the story?
• Who was your favorite character?
• What was your favorite part?

Grades 3–5
• Why do you think the character made that choice?
• What surprised you in the story?
• What problem was the character trying to solve?

Grades 6–8
• What message do you think the author is trying to communicate?
• Did anything in the book surprise you or challenge your thinking?
• Would you recommend the book to others? Would I (the parent) like it? Why or why not?

Reading research consistently shows that discussion improves comprehension because it encourages students to slow down, reflect, and process meaning more deeply.

The good news is that these conversations do not need to be long or formal. A few thoughtful questions at the dinner table, in the car, or after reading together can make a meaningful difference.

🗓️ 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:

• May 12: JFK Band Concert at AHS
• May 13: 8th Gr Band Field Trip
• May 15: JFK Night at the Steamwheelers
• May 16/17: Youth & Family Engagement Event
• May 19: 5/6 and 7/8 Choir Concert in the church. 8th to Outing Club. Jersey Mike’s Dine & Donate
• May 21: 3 YO PS Confs. 4th Bowling
• May 22: Band to Adventureland
• May 23: Pinewood Derby
• May 25: Memorial Day. No School. ECLC Closed
• May 26: 8th Field Trip
• May 27: Last Day of 3 YO PS.
• May 28: Last Day of 4/5 YO PS. 3 YO PS Family Event. 4/5 YO PS Evening Programs
• May 29: Last Day of K-8. Field Day. 12:40 Dismissal

💭Personal Sharing

No one met the level 10 loyalty test last week – no one was still wearing a tattoo of me after the weekend!

Speaking of weekends. It was a great one. The weather was perfect for the middle school track meet – although I think I got too much sun! Then, I enjoyed another performance of JFK’s Crusader Theater’s Freaky Tiki. Our daughter, Kirsten, came in from Des Moines, and Kirsten, Tom and his friend, and my wife and I enjoyed dinner at Applebee’s. The only thing missing Saturday was an Indiana Fever win!

On Sunday, I got up early to do a little school work. Then, it was Mass and a trip to Menards with Lynn. Lynn went shopping with the kids, and it’s been a quiet evening. It’s also a “two-fer” day: Mother’s Day and Lynn’s birthday. I don’t know if she doesn’t like the two-fer because it feels like you get short-changed a special day, or if she actually likes it because there’s an excuse to not have to draw too much attention to how old we’re getting!

Chad

🆕New/Updated Information

Crusader Theater

JFK middle school Crusader Theater students will present Freaky Tiki on May 8th (6:30) and May 9th (2:00) in the parish center. Follow the chaotic staff of the 2.5-star Wobbly Palms Resort in Hawaii. They must impress a mystery guest to avoid closing, but chaos ensues when a “cursed” tiki causes an escaped lobster, lost engagement ring, and lost voice! If that’s not enough of a reason to come to the show, come to see our new portable stage! Tickets are $10.00, purchased at the door. The average runtime is 75 minutes.

ESA Applications Rise to 66%

The number of ESA applications for JFK for the 2026-27 school year increased to 66% of those registered, up from 53% last week. Applications must be completed every year, even if you are already receiving an ESA. 

State ESA Website

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for April

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, except December, this year, we are recognizing one student from each homeroom whose teachers have observed them exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:

Drop Off on 42nd Street

There seems to be quite a few cars stopping on 42nd Street in front of school to drop off kids in the morning. This is not a drop off area for cars.

Reading and Math Screenings Begin This Week

We will begin the third and final screening of K-8 students in reading and math this week. Having charged devices each day will be important for students.

New Teachers and New Position

Anna Marie Thompson has been hired for a classroom position in grades 1-5 for the 2026-27 school year. She is moving here from Michigan and has several years of teaching experience.

Katie Thimsen will be in a new position next school year. She will provide English as a Second Language (ESL) services at JFK and St. Paul’s and co-teach computer science lessons at JFK.

Spread the word — We are still looking for one teacher at JFK for 2026-27. Adjustments of teaching assignments will take place so we are currently looking for someone to fill a position in grades 1-5 or work as a reading interventionist. To apply for  a teaching position at JFK, please submit your resume and transcripts to Logan Ahnquist at logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org. You can find more information and the online application that needs to be completed at the following website https://davenportdiocese.schoolspring.com/

OLV Finance Council Requests

I typically go before the OLV Finance Council each month on behalf of JFK. Last week, I received approval to spend up to $144,000 on summer projects with $40,300 in reserve and a likely significant donation from the OLV Foundation to be announced in mid-May.

I regularly, however, also hear of four requests from the Finance Council:

• Greater attendance/participation of JFK families at Masses at OLV: Catholic schools were somewhat established under the model of “people who attend Mass need Catholic schools.” Too often there seems to be a shift to something like “people who attend Catholic schools may attend Mass as well.”
• Greater support of JFK: Are JFK families volunteering? Are they participating in the community of the school?
• More active support for ESAs: “School families” are receiving a huge benefit from ESAs. Are they contacting their state legislators to thank them and tell them how important ESAs are? Are they supporting Iowa ACE?
• More financial support of OLV: ESAs are allowing families to save thousands of dollars that they would otherwise be spending on tuition. One might have expected that with all families eligible for ESAs this year the total of OLV’s ordinary income from all parishioners would be up by more than only $600 from July – February compared to last year. Are families increasing their planned, proportionate giving to the Church?

📌Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Math Fact Fluency

Strong math problem-solvers aren’t thinking about basic facts—they already know them.

In mathematics, some skills eventually need to become automatic. Addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts are good examples. When students can recall these quickly, they have more mental energy available for solving more complex problems.

Imagine trying to solve a multi-step problem while still counting on your fingers for basic facts. The work becomes slower, and it becomes harder to focus on the actual thinking the problem requires.

What fluency looks like across grade levels:

PK–2
• Counting practice
• Simple addition and subtraction

Grades 3–5
• Multiplication and division facts
• Quick, accurate recall

Grades 6–8
• Efficient recall while solving multi-step problems
• Focus on reasoning, not basic computation

Helpful home habits include:
• Five minutes of math fact practice a few evenings each week
• Mental math questions in the car

Small, consistent practice is far more effective than occasional long sessions.

When basic facts become automatic, students are better able to focus on what matters most—thinking and problem solving.

🗓️ 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:

• May 3: First Communion
• May 4: Reading/Math Screening begin. 5E Golfing
• May 5: 5C Golfing.
• May 6: Staff Luncheon
• May 7/8: Crusader Theater School Performances
• May 7: Youth & Family Engagement
• May 8/9: Crusader Theater Perfomances
• May 12: JFK Band Concert at AHS
• May 13: 8th Gr Band Field Trip
• May 15: JFK Night at the Steamwheelers
• May 16/17: Youth & Family Engagement Event
• May 19: 5/6 and 7/8 Choir Concert in the church. 8th to Outing Club. Jersey Mike’s Dine & Donate
• May 21: 3 YO PS Confs. 4th Bowling
• May 22: Band to Adventureland
• May 23: Pinewood Derby
• May 29: Last Day of K-8

💭Personal Sharing

Friday apparently was Principal’s Day. Staff members wore “Chadtoos” of my image. Nicely played!

Even Bonbon got in on the Chadtoos:

I think we should use Chadtoos as a loyalty test:

• Level 0: No tattoo of me at all
• Level 1: Small tattoo of me that is covered
• Level 2: Small visible tattoo of me on an arm or a large-size image that is covered
• Level 3: Visible tattoo of me on their face or a large-size image on an exposed part of their arm
• Level 4: Visible tattoo of me worn out in public (What did they really think of you at Menards, Jillian Maxwell?)
• Level 5: Tattoo of me on their forehead (Thank you, Amy McGovern)
• Level 10: Still wearing it on Monday!

Staff members were also wearing our RED t-shirts on Friday: Remember Everyone Deployed.

More photos can be found on JFK’s Facebook page and JFK Moms & Dads closed group.

Chad

🆕New/Updated Information

ESA Application Site Now Open

The ESA application site is now open! Applications for the 2026-27 school year are now being accepted. As of Saturday, there were 238 completed applications in Odyssey or about 53% of the registered families for 2026-27.   You must apply every year, even if you are already receiving an ESA. 

State ESA Website

7th Grade Shark Tank

Congratulations to our 7th graders for completing their ELA/Science Shark Tank projects this week.

The top three were:

#1 EZ Rake: A rake that converts to be able to pick up the piles of leaves: Payton S, Gabbie U, Nevaeh M

#2 Rainguard: A backpack with an umbrella: Liam S and Elyas R

#3 OO Fragrance: Perfume/cologne with a petroleum jelly (Vaseline) base: Olivia R and Olivia T

Our other finalists, in alphabetical order:

FlavoFork: A fork with a reservoir and tube for applying sauces/condiments to each bite: Aria E and Levi F

Pathfinder Gloves: Gloves with a compass and flashlights attached: Jace H, Logan S, and Austin L

Singing Water: A water bottle with speaker that plays music at intervals to remind you to hydrate: Mia V and Arianna R

Called by Name

“I have called you by name: you are mine” Isaiah 43:1b

Ever feel like someone you know or have met would make a good priest, sister, brother or deacon? Know someone who might need a nudge or someone else to validate what they may feel themselves? Being in community means we share in the resposibility to help one another recognize and live out their vocation. Don’t be afraid to reach out to Fr. Andrew Rauenbuehler and send him the name: rauenbuehlera@diodav.org. I sent him two names a couple of weeks ago and nearly 30 names today.

📌Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Re-Reading Builds Fluency

Sometimes the best next read… is the same one.

Students sometimes think that once they finish a book or passage, they should immediately move on to something new. In reality, re-reading is one of the most effective ways to strengthen reading skills.

When students revisit a text, several important things happen:

• Words become more familiar and are recognized more automatically
• Reading becomes smoother and more expressive
• Understanding deepens as new details and connections are noticed

Re-reading supports students at every grade level, just in different ways:

PK–2
Re-reading favorite picture books builds early word recognition, confidence, and a sense of story.

Grades 3–5
Re-reading more challenging passages helps develop fluency and allows students to focus more on meaning.

Grades 6–8
Re-reading complex texts leads to deeper understanding, stronger analysis, and better retention of key ideas.

Re-reading is not a sign that a text is too easy. More often, it is a sign that a student is doing the work required to become a stronger reader.

🗓️ 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:

• Apr 28: Last Student Council Supply Store
• Apr 29: Mid-Qtr
• Apr 30: H & S. Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate. Purple/Orange Fundraiser
• May 3: First Communion
• May 4: Reading/Math Screening begin. 5E Golfing
• May 5: 5C Golfing.
• May 6: Staff Luncheon
• May 7/8: Crusader Theater School Performances
• May 7: Youth & Family Engagement
• May 8/9: Crusader Theater Perfomances
• May 12: JFK Band Concert at AHS
• May 13: 8th Gr Band Field Trip
• May 15: JFK Night at the Steamwheelers
• May 16: Youth & Family Engagement Event
• May 29: Last Day of K-8

💭Personal Sharing

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday from a dream I hadn’t had in years. I was back in junior high.

In the dream, I was trying to stand up for another student who was being picked on—while also trying not to become the next target myself. It felt familiar in a way I hadn’t expected.

The early part of junior high was not easy for me. In elementary school, I was a strong student. Teachers had me working on different math, different spelling, and independent projects. I was used to feeling confident.

That changed when I got to junior high. I remember struggling in math for the first time. I remember putting so much pressure on myself in shop class that I couldn’t move forward on projects and ended up with the lowest grade I ever received – a D. In shop class! I remember having books knocked out of my hands on the stairwell by older students I didn’t even know.

I also remember something quieter, but just as significant: going from a close group of friends in sixth grade to feeling like I was starting over. Expanding friendships wasn’t as easy as I had assumed it would be. It felt isolating at first.

Looking back, I don’t recall many adults at my school recognizing what that transition felt like for me personally. They may have understood junior high students in general, but I’m not sure they really knew me.

Thankfully, with support from my family—and over time—things improved. By ninth grade, I had regained my footing academically. A PE teacher who had me two years in a row (and whom I didn’t always appreciate at the time) pushed me hard and helped rebuild my confidence in ways I didn’t fully understand until later. By the time I entered high school, I was back on track and enjoying school again. I became a leader in band and the valedictorian of my high school class.

That experience came back to me this weekend.

And it made me notice a few things I see every day:

• A sixth grader holding the hand of a younger sibling while walking into school.
• A seventh grader confidently presenting a Shark Tank project to an audience and the judges.
• An eighth grader stopping to give a quick high five or hug to Mrs. Poster or Mrs. Maxwell.
• Students gathered around Mrs. Nicoletto and Mrs. Thomas in the hallway.
• Fr. Patrick greeting students by name as they head out for the day.
• Students stopping by the office for what really seems to just be the need to talk to other people who care.

Moments like that don’t seem like much on their own. But taken together, they reflect something important:

Students being known.
Students being connected.
Students feeling like they belong in a place where they are recognized—not just as students, but as real people.

It’s easy to take that for granted when you see it every day.
This weekend was a good reminder not to.

Chad

New/Updated Information

ISASPs

ISASPs aren’t really just about the score — they’re about checking whether our system of instruction is working, identifying who needs more support, and making sound educational decisions.

ISASPs help us check the instruction that every student recieves. They give us an external signal about how well our everyday classroom instruction is working for all students in the aggregate. If patterns show up — strengths or gaps — we can adjust our teaching for everyone.

ISASPs help us identify students who need targeted support. They, along with screeners, are used to determine which students may need more intensive support.

ISASPs may be used for readiness decisions. They, along with screeners and teacher recommendations, for example, are used to determine readiness for Algebra at Assumption High School while an 8th grader.

In the end, ISASPs helps us make better decisions—for our instruction, for our support, and for each student’s next step.

ISASP tests begin tomorrow for students in grades 3-8. If your child has an appointment for this week, and it can be moved, please do so. We’d really like everyone to complete the testing with their class. Eighth graders who go to AHS for Algebra will report to JFK instead on April 21st and 23rd so they have fewer “make-ups” and special scheduling. We also want to emphasize that students should be on time during ISASP week. Once we start testing in the morning, students are not allowed to interupt their class. School starts at 7:25 a.m.

Students  need to bring their Chromebook/laptop to school every day the week of April 20th through April 24th. Devices should be charged nightly. Appropriate rest and a good breakfast are important as well. Once we enter “testing mode” soon after classes begin, we don’t take a break for at least 1 1/2 hours each morning.

ESA Application Site Now Open

The ESA application site is now open! Applications for the 2026-27 school year are now being accepted. You must apply every year, even if you are already receiving an ESA. 

State ESA Website

New President for SCCS

Excerpts from the press release:

Scott County Catholic Schools is honored to announce the appointment of Michael Fisher as President.  Mr. Fisher brings a record of leadership, strategic vision, and mission-centered stewardship to Scott County Catholic Schools. Mr. Fisher currently resides in Tucson, AZ, with his wife, Ellen, and their three children. Mr. Fisher stated, “I’m excited to join Scott County Catholic Schools as president of the system. As a practicing Roman Catholic, I firmly believe that the most remarkable aspect of our mission is the ability to guide every facet of a student’s development—academic, spiritual, and personal—within a holistic, faith-filled environment.”

Mr. Fisher holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Creighton University with an emphasis in Catholic Leadership, a Master of Arts in Kinesiology from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Mr. Fisher’s professional journey includes serving as Director of Admission & Enrollment Management at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, AZ, Director of Athletics & Teacher at Justin-Siena Catholic High School in Napa, CA, and Assistant Director of Athletics at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

As President, Mr. Fisher will oversee the strategic direction of Scott County Catholic Schools, working closely with faculty, families, and the community to foster academic excellence and a faith-filled environment.

Possible Summer Projects at JFK

It’s already time to get summer projected set up. Here’s some of the possibilities we’re working on for JFK this year:

• Replacing lockers and cork bars in the hallways
• Adding more sound diffusing/absorption to the band/music room
• Replacing flooring in some of the smaller work spaces, like interventionists’ offices
• Work on our fields
• Bathroom handicapped accessiblity
• Fencing along the parish center roof
• Installation of new outdoor basketball poles, backboards, etc. and the installation of new backboards in the gym
• Sidewalks, bollards, and concrete planters and barriers to support security and new parking lot traffic patterns

Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Estimation

One of the most practical math skills we use every day is estimation.

Estimation is an important math skill because it helps students determine whether answers make sense. For example, if a student calculates that groceries cost $320 when only a few items are in the cart, estimation quickly signals that something went wrong.

Estimation can be practiced through simple questions such as:
• “About how much do you think that will cost?”
• “Is that number close to what you expected?”
• “Is the answer bigger or smaller than you predicted?”

I use estimation all the time.
We have, for example, an ongoing capital improvement project list at JFK. Many of the items have esimates on them sometimes just to determine if they might be something we can manage moving ahead with to get actual quotes. I also estimate how long things might take long before I ever see a schedule. I’m not always right—sometimes I’m close, sometimes I’m way off—but it gives me a place to start. Without that estimate, it’s easy to get stuck waiting for the exact answer. With it, I can keep asking questions, adjusting, and moving forward.

Students who regularly estimate develop stronger mathematical reasoning and are better able to catch errors in their own work.

Estimation keeps you from getting stuck—and in both math and life, that matters.

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:

• Apr 20 : ISASPs begin. Personal trainer for PE grades 3-8
• Apr 23: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate
• Apr 24: Kickball Tournament/Dance
• Apr 25: First Communion Retreat/Rehearsal
• Apr 28: Last Student Council Supply Store
• Apr 30: H & S. Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate. Purple/Orange Fundraiser
• May 3: First Communion
• May 4: Reading/Math Screening begin.
• May 6: Staff Luncheon
• May 7/8: Crusader Theater School Performances
• May 8/9: Crusader Theater Perfomances
• May 29: Last Day of K-8

Personal Sharing

As I was bringing the gifts down the aisle with Mrs. Lundquist at the Confirmation Mass on Saturday, I had a brief flashback to walking my daughters down the aisle at their weddings.

Same thought both times: slow down… don’t walk too fast.

Below are those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at OLV on Sunday:

Chad

New/Updated Information

Early Dismissal on Friday – No 4/5 YO PS Classes

• Dismissal is 2 hours early (12:40) on Friday.
• There are no 4/5 year old preschool classes in the morning or afternoon.

Altar Server Training – Mass Attendance

Altar Server Training will be held Saturday, May 30th from 9:30am-11am in the church. Children who will be entering the 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass, are invited to attend this training. One parent/adult needs to attend with the student. It does seem awkward when we have a record number of students at JFK but no altar servers at some of the weeekend Masses. Of course, it also seems odd that there there is a record number of students at JFK but the number/percent of JFK students at weekend Masses seems like it’s also at a record low, but that’s a different topic!

Teaching Job Open at JFK for 2026-27

There is one  teaching position now open at JFK for 2026-27. Adjustments of teaching assignments will take place so we are currently looking for someone to fill a position in grades 1-5 or work as a reading interventionist. To apply for  a teaching position at JFK, please submit your resume and transcripts to Logan Ahnquist at logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org. You can find more information and the online application that needs to be completed at the following website https://davenportdiocese.schoolspring.com/

Third Quarter Report Cards

We hope to have third quarter report cards printed, sorted, and mailed early this week. Holy Week and the long Easter weekend threw us off our timing!

Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Reading Every Day

It’s not how long students read—it’s how often.

Reading a little each day consistently leads to stronger growth than reading occasionally for longer periods. Like any skill, progress comes from steady, intentional practice over time.

Across grade levels:

PK–2
• Short daily reading with an adult
• Re-reading familiar books to build fluency and confidence

Grades 3–5
• Regular independent reading
• Building stamina and understanding across longer texts

Grades 6–8
• Reading novels, nonfiction, and informational texts
• Engaging with increasingly complex ideas across subjects

Reading is not just an activity—it is thinking work. When students read consistently, they are strengthening their ability to focus, make meaning, and reason through text.

Principal reflection:
My daily reading at home starts each morning by reading the QCTimes online as soon as I get up. When I arrive home after work, I read national news articles chosen from a newsfeed that gives me about 50 articles from a variety of sources to find out “What’s going on in the world?” I also have a novel that’s always in play and typically make it through a book once every two – three weeks. And, yes, even though I read quite a bit, I also spend way too much time mindlessly scrolling through YouTube videos each day!

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:

• Apr 13: Butter Braid/Cookie Dough Pickup
• Apr 14: 6th Field Trip. Coffee & Crumble Truck (6:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.)
• Apr 15: Fr. Andrew at OLV/JFK
• Apr 16: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate
• Apr 17: 2 Hr Early Dismissal. No 4/5 YO PS Classes. Kickball tournament and dance
• Apr 18: Confirmation
• Apr 20 : ISASPs begin
• Apr 23: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate
• Apr 24: 7th Shark Tank Final Rnd
• Apr 25: First Communion Retreat/Rehearsal
• Apr 30: H & S. Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate.
• May 29: Last Day of K-8

Personal Sharing

I was incognito at Menard’s this weekend. It took me an extra moment to recognize a JFK family across the store — different setting, different clothes. Probably just as well. They didn’t recognize me either in paint-spattered pants, a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap… even with the JFK logo on!

Chad

New/Updated Information

No Classes, ECLC Closed on April 6

April 6th is an in-service day. There are no classes. ECLC is closed.

Video Explaining the Mass

Need an explanation of the Mass? Fr. Mike Schmitz takes you through the Mass and talks about each part and what it means in this video.

Holy Week – Belonging Week

This holy week we also described as belonging week. On Monday, we talked about belonging because we are created in God’s image. We discussed the difference between fitting in, which often comes from fear, and truly belonging, which comes from love and being accepted as God created us. On Tuesday, we focused on respect and the power of our words. We talked about the difference between a bystander and an upstander and how we want to be better upstanders. On Wednesday, we focused on service to others with older and younger kids paring together. On Thursday, we reflected upon how Jesus welcomed people who were often ignored. Our Thursday afternoon program emphasized that we all below and that having “No Fear” leads to loving and accepting one another.

I-Ready Math Requirements

I-Ready use can help your child’s math skills. 

I-Ready Math is an online program we use to better understand each student’s math strengths and learning needs. It begins with a short diagnostic/screener that helps identify what skills a student has mastered and where additional support or challenge is needed. Based on those results, i-Ready provides personalized math lessons that adjust to each child’s level, allowing students to work at an appropriate pace while building confidence and understanding. At school, students use i-Ready Math for at least 30 minutes per week as part of their regularly scheduled instructional time. That should be enough time to at least do one i-Ready lesson per week. Students not finishing the lesson at school will have it assigned as homework. In addition, students who scored below benchmark in math at both the fall and winter screenings will be required to work with i-Ready outside of school hours, reinforcing the school/home partnership. Upper grades are having the greatest challenges in completing their minutes, and we would really like to prevent large numbers of students having to stay after school. Students may always voluntarily do i-Ready lessons at home as well.

Leaps & Bounds Summer 2026

Leaps & Bounds focuses on reading and math for students currently in K-5th grade. About two hours is used for reading, one hour for math, and 30 minutes for recess/snack.  Space is limited, and a minimum number of students is also needed in order for it to be viable. Currently, ESA funds are not able to be used for  it. Registration materials will be available soon.

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.

Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Daily Math Practice

If we want kids’ math scores to be better, they need to do more math.

Math isn’t something students improve at by listening or watching—it improves through doing. The good news is that it doesn’t require long sessions. Short, consistent daily practice makes a real difference.

What this can look like at home:

PK–2

• Count everyday objects (toys, steps, snacks)
• Practice simple addition and subtraction

Grades 3–5

• Review multiplication and division facts
• Solve a few quick word problems

Grades 6–8

• Rework problems from class notes
• Solve 1–2 short multi-step problems

Even 5–10 minutes a day builds fluency, confidence, and problem-solving ability over time.

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:

• Apr 6: In-service. No Classes. ECLC Closed.
• Apr 7: 3rd Field Trip. 5/6 to JA BizTown.
• Apr 9: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate.
• Apr 13: Butter Braid/Cookie Dough Pickup
• Apr 14: 6th Field Trip. Coffee & Crumble Truck
• Apr 15: Fr. Andrew at OLV/JFK
• Apr 16: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate
• Apr 17: 2 Hr Early Dismissal. No 4/5 YO PS Classes. Kickball tournament and dance
• Apr 20 : ISASPs begin

Personal Sharing

Hard choice for Easter tradition – the original 1973 Jesus Christ Superstar or the 2018 live one with John Legend? Somehow, I still have difficulty picturing that my mother purchased the two record Jesus Christ Superstar album and played it loudly in the house as we were growing up! After all, my mother probably wore out the Sound of Music and Mary Poppins soundtracks.

Chad

New/Updated Information

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for March

Each morning, students and teachers at JFK recite the JFK Difference:  JFK GROWS.  We put God first, use Respectful behaviors, find Opportunities to serve, are Welcoming to all, and make Safe choices.  Each month, except December, this year, we are recognizing one student from each homeroom whose teachers have observed them exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:

ISASPs

ISASP tests are right around the corner: the week of April 20th for students in grades 3-8. If your child has an appointment for that week, and it can be moved, please do so. We’d really like everyone to complete the testing with their class. Eighth graders who go to AHS for Algebra will report to JFK instead on April 21st and 23rd so they have fewer “make-ups” and special scheduling. We also want to emphasize that students should be on time during ISASP week. Once we start testing in the morning, students are not allowed to interupt their class. School starts at 7:25 a.m.

Still Relevant

📚Learning Habits Matter

Vocabulary Growth

Students can’t understand what they read if they don’t understand the words. 

Vocabulary plays a major role in reading comprehension. Research synthesized by the National Reading Panel and subsequent studies suggests that steady, intentional vocabulary growth matters more than isolated memorization:

• K–2: about 5–8 new words per week
• Grades 3–5: about 8–10 new words per week
• Grades 6–8: about 10–15 new words per week

Vocabulary grows best through repeated exposure and use—not worksheets alone. Reading widely, hearing rich language, and discussing ideas are the primary drivers of long-term vocabulary growth.

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:

• Mar 30: Chrism Mass at the cathedral
• Apr 2: Holy Thursday. Youth & Family Engagement Mtg.
• Apr 3: Good Friday. No Classes. ECLC Closed
• Apr 4: Parishioners Helping Parishioners
• Apr 5: Easter
• Apr 6: In-service. No Classes. ECLC Closed.
• Apr 7: 3rd Field Trip. 5/6 to JA BizTown.
• Apr 13: Butter Braid/Cookie Dough Pickup
• Apr 14: 6th Field Trip

Personal Sharing

It was great to get outside and do yard work on Saturday. I’ve so missed being outside in the back yard during winter!

Chad