Author: csteimle

Principal’s Post for October 22, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

We have been so blessed to receive Emergency Assistance for Non-public Schools (EANS) federal funding through and following COVID.  Using these funds, we have been able to increase technology at JFK, offer two years of free summer Leaps & Bounds, and have two additional reading/math interventionists through the end of this school year.

Grades and Report Cards

I think we’ll be lucky if we have the new diocesan report card ready to go by the end of the quarter next week.  Dianne Siefers and I are probably spending nearly two hours almost every day reviewing the latest drafts, which are also being made available almost every day now.  Changes being made WHILE teachers are also grading and entering information into the system may lead to some unexpected discrepancies when report cards are printed or used/issued the first time around this quarter.  Conferences will be even more important as conversations can be held to share how students are really doing while report card development tries to catch up.

I hope you are keeping track of your student’s grades through PowerSchool.  Students also have their own access to their grades through PowerSchool.  If you cannot access your child’s grades through PowerSchool, please reach out to Dianne Siefers at dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.   For more detailed information about the grades themselves, please contact your child’s teacher(s).

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are on November 2nd and 6th.  Conferences for PS-5th graders are scheduled.  Your child’s teacher sent a link last week that you can use to schedule your conference. PS-5th grade families who do not sign up for conferences will have a time assigned to them.  Sixth-8th grade conferences are all drop-in as multiple teachers are involved for each child.  Conferences are from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on November 2nd and 5:00-7:30 p.m. on November 6th.  There are no classes on November 2nd and 3rd.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Oct 25:  End of 1st quarter.  Two hour early dismissal (12:40).  No 4/5 YO PS classes in am or pm
  • Oct 26:  3rd Grade out of uniform for book character
  • Oct 27:  Wacky Dress day for those who bring food/canned goods for the Student Hunger Drve (Hats and hooded attire are allowed for this special out of uniform dress day)
  • Oct 28:  Trunk or Treat & Monster Mash
    • Mass 4:30
    • Trunk or Treat 5:30-6:15
    • Monster Mash activities 6:15-8:00
  • Oct 31:  Black/orange dress day.  All Saints Day Vigil Mass
    • Normal out of uniform guidelines apply, which also means no hooded attire
  • Nov 1:  All Saints Day – Holy Day of Obligation.  Masses at 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.
  • Nov 2/3:  No classes.  ECLC open.
  • Nov 2:  Parent/teacher conferences
  • Nov 6:  Evening parent/teacher conferences
  • Nov 10:  JFK has classes.  No buses.  Red/white/blue out of uniform dress day
    • Normal out of uniform guidelines apply, which also means no hooded attire

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

Chad

 

Principal’s Post for October 15, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

Home & School has such a thoughtful, inspired group of leaders and members who attend the meetings!  Did you know that all parents of JFK students are automatically members of Home & School?  Share your thoughts and assistance with JFK’s Home & School Association.

Grades and Report Cards

I hope you are keeping track of your student’s grades through PowerSchool.  Students also now have their own access to their grades through PowerSchool.  If you cannot access your child’s grades through PowerSchool, please reach out to Dianne Siefers at dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.   For more detailed information about the grades themselves, please contact your child’s teacher(s).

Work on the SCCS/diocesan report card development continues at the programming level.  Transitioning to standards-referenced grading and reporting has it’s own challenges.  Let’s hope the report cards are ready before conferences in November!

Kids Against Hunger

JFK has the opportunity to work with Kids Against Hunger to purchase and package meals to fight hunger throughout the world and even in our own community.  Eighth graders in Mrs. Lundquist’s homeroom will be making presentations to younger students and packaging the meals.  A donation of $2 or more per student would be appreciated.  In recognition of our work with Kids Against Hunger, students may be out of uniform on October 20th.  Out of uniform dress guidelines apply.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are on November 2nd and 6th.  Conferences for PS-5th graders are scheduled.  Your child’s teacher will send a link that you can use to schedule your conference.  The link is sent out to families with multiple PS-5th graders first so they have an opportunity to schedule their conferences close to one another in time. Then, the link is sent to those who do not have multiple PS-5th graders.  PS-5th grade families who do not sign up for conferences will have a time assigned to them.  Sixth-8th grade conferences are all drop-in as multiple teachers are involved for each child.  Conferences are from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on November 2nd and 5:00-7:30 p.m. on November 6th.  There are no classes on November 2nd and 3rd.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Oct 17:  Firefighters visit K-2
  • Oct 19:  JFK Night at Portillo’s. 7th to AHS.
  • Oct 20:  Kids Against Hunger Out of Uniform day
  • Oct 25:  End of 1st quarter.  Two hour early dismissal (12:40).  No 4/5 YO PS classes in am or pm
  • Oct 27:  Wacky Dress day
  • Oct 31:  Black/orange dress day.  All Saints Day Vigil Mass
  • Nov 1:  All Saints Day – Holy Day of Obligation
  • Nov 2/3:  No classes.  ECLC open.
  • Nov 2:  Parent/teacher conferences
  • Nov 6:  Evening parent/teacher conferences
  • Nov 10:  JFK has classes.  No buses.  Red/white/blue out of uniform dress day

Substitute Positions at JFK for 2023-24

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

Chad

Principal’s Post for October 8, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

I grew up watching my dad do various wood-working projects over the years, and he has done many more projects since he retired nearly 30 years ago.  I’ve even done a couple of the same or similar projects myself just to see if I could do them too.  I’ve been blessed to learn from my dad!

Things didn’t go quite so well, however, this Saturday morning.  Working with warped wood, trying to “wing it” rather than do the math, and even cutting on the wrong side of the line and ruining a piece, I tried to find solace in thinking that “if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.”  I can’t say that it was true, especially given how easy the project should have been, but it helped me feel better in the moment!

D/F Report

We ran our first D/F report the other day.  I hope you are also keeping track of your student’s grades through PowerSchool.  Students also now have their own access to their grades through PowerSchool.  If you cannot access your child’s grades through PowerSchool, please reach out to Dianne Siefers at dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.   For more detailed information about the grades themselves, please contact your child’s teacher(s).

Parent University Featured Internet and Social Media Safety

It was disappointing that no more than five families from SCCS (all from JFK) were able to attend last week’s Parent University session on internet and social media safety.  With nearly every issue at schools seeming to be tied into cell phones and social media, it made perfect sense that this topic had the most interest from families as presented in a survey.  Schools can only do so much, and we often can only deal with the fall out here at school.  Hopefully, we can find another avenue to get the information to families.

Kids Against Hunger

JFK has the opportunity to work with Kids Against Hunger to purchase and package meals to fight hunger throughout the world and even in our own community.  Eighth graders in Mrs. Lundquist’s homeroom will be making presentations to younger students and packaging the meals.  A donation of $2 or more per student would be appreciated.  In recognition of our work with Kids Against Hunger, students may be out of uniform on October 20th.  Out of uniform dress guidelines apply.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Oct 9:  No school.  ECLC is open
  • Oct 10:  H & S Mtg.  Music boosters’ butterbraid sales begins
  • Oct 13:  7/8 SCCS band students perform with AHS at football game and are at AHS 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Oct 19:  JFK Night at Portillo’s
  • Oct 20:  Kids Against Hunger Out of Uniform day
  • Oct 25:  End of 1st quarter

Substitute Positions at JFK for 2023-24

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

Chad

Principal’s Post for October 1, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

JFK GROWS Students of the Month

Each morning, students and teachers at JFK recite the JFK Difference:  JFK GROWS.  We put God first, use Respectful behaviors, find Opportunities to serve, are Welcoming to all, and make Safe choices.  Each month, we recognize one student at each grade level, alternating each month between the two homerooms, whose teachers have observed exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:

  • Kindergarten:  Parker D
    • Parker always has a positive attitude and is ready to learn new things.  He always tries his best on his school work and is helpful to others in the classroom.  He is respectful and kind to his classmates.
  • 1st Grade:  Malcolm G
    • Malcolm is kind and helpful to his fellow classmates. He is willing to put others before himself.
  • 2nd Grade:  Beckett S
    • Beckett, or Smiley, as Father Patrick calls him, is a shining light in our room. He keeps a positive attitude throughout each day and always has a smile for anyone.
  • 3rd Grade:  Victor O
    • Victor is a kind student who looks out for others. When leading the line in the hallway Victor ensures that the class never gets too far ahead and can always see the teacher.
  • 4th Grade:  Bryce B
    • Bryce is respectful of all at school and treats everyone in a kind manner.  He works hard in class and always does his best.
  • 5th Grade:  Beau F.
    • Beau has demonstrated respectful behaviors in several situations, showing maturity. He does a wonderful job writing in his planner daily and turning his homework in on time.
  • 6th Grade:  Grant S
    • Grant is very attentive in class and works hard.  He is kind to his peers and always willing to help out.
  • 7th Grade:  Maya H.
    • Maya is naturally kind to all those around her and respectful to her teachers by following directions, always being prepared for class, and trying her best.  She offers to help adults and peers.  She is welcoming to all by greeting everyone with a smile and making sure no one is left out.  She consistently makes safe choices and radiates God’s love.
  • 8th Grade:  Ashton S
    • Ashton has a positive attitude, comes to class prepared, and is willing to work with any of his classmates.

I’m So Blessed!

Even with a shortage of staff, we’ll be able to cover a staff person’s medical leave through the use of our substitutes and some creative scheduling!

We were also offered, out of the blue, 1,000-1,500 special JFK commemorative coins that we’ll be able to give to students for several years to come, and an anonymous donation to help a couple of families with tuition.

Halfway through Quarter

The halfway point of the first quarter was about ten days ago.  If you cannot access your child’s grades through PowerSchool, please reach out to Dianne Siefers at dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.  A bulk email regarding how to set up the accounts correctly was sent from SCCS about three weeks ago, and Ms. Siefers sent another message two weeks ago to families who did not receive the first message.  For more detailed information about the grades themselves, please contact your child’s teacher(s).

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders & Housing Needed

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders again this year.  The retreat is on Saturday, October 7th.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the Diocese of Minneapolis.  These 8-12 young adults combine social interactions, skits, music, prayer, and discussion to create a powerful religious experience for students.

Want to extend the experience even more for your student?  We are in need of host families for the NET team members on the evening of Friday, October 6, 2023. Hosts are requested to house a minimum of two up and up to seven team members of the same gender. The NET team members will have sleeping bags, mats, pillows, towels and toiletries and are fine with sleeping on the floor, couches or air mattresses. They do request shower access. Please consider opening your home to these exceptional young people providing this ministry. Contact Kaye Meyers, davolvcre@diodav.org, if you are able to provide a space.  Host families often gain much from the presence of these energetic, faith-filled young people!  You do not need a 7th or 8th grader to host NET team members either.

Parent University to Feature Internet and Social Media Safety

SCCS counselors are preparing for a Parent University session on internet and social media safety to be held October 3rd in the Carroll Lab at AHS from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Nearly every issue at schools seems to be tied into cell phones and social media.  Schools can only do so much, and we often can only deal with the fall out.  Come to the parent university session and find out what parents can do. Former Davenport officer Hank Jacobsen will be the featured speaker.  He can share his perspectives as an officer and an SCCS parent.

Kids Against Hunger

JFK has the opportunity to work with Kids Against Hunger to purchase and package meals to fight hunger throughout the world and even in our own community.  Eighth graders in Mrs. Lundquist’s homeroom will be making presentations to younger students and packaging the meals.  A donation of $2 or more per student would be appreciated.  In recognition of our work with Kids Against Hunger, students may be out of uniform on October 20th.  Out of uniform dress guidelines apply.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Oct 3:  Parent University
  • Oct 7:  7/8 NET Retreat
  • Oct 9:  No school.  ECLC is open
  • Oct 10:  H & S Mtg.  Music boosters’ butterbraid sales begns
  • Oct 13:  7/8 SCCS band students perform with AHS at football game
  • Oct 19:  JFK Night at Portillo’s
  • Oct 20:  Kids Against Hunger Out of Uniform day
  • Oct 25:  End of 1st quarter

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  Follow the same work calendar as your children’s school calendar.  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

Chad

September 24, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

On Friday, I had my final three-month check up after my prostate surgery in November 2021.  With another clear PSA test, I am now moving to a six month check up schedule.  September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, and 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.  I had no symptoms when I received my diagnosis.  If it hadn’t been for a PSA test for my regular physical, I would not have caught my illness at such at an early stage.  Don’t put off your physical!

Halfway through Quarter

The halfway point of the first quarter was Friday.  If you cannot access your child’s grades through PowerSchool, please reach out to Dianne Siefers at dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.  A bulk email regarding how to set up the accounts correctly was sent from SCCS a couple of weeks ago, and Ms. Siefers sent another message last week to families who did not receive the first message.  For more detailed information about the grades themselves, please contact your child’s teacher(s).

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders & Housing Needed

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders again this year.  The retreat is on Saturday, October 7th.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the Diocese of Minneapolis.  These 8-12 young adults combine social interactions, skits, music, prayer, and discussion to create a powerful religious experience for students.

Want to extend the experience even more for your student?  We are in need of host families for the NET team members on the evening of Friday, October 6, 2023. Hosts are requested to house a minimum of two up and up to seven team members of the same gender. The NET team members will have sleeping bags, mats, pillows, towels and toiletries and are fine with sleeping on the floor, couches or air mattresses. They do request shower access. Please consider opening your home to these exceptional young people providing this ministry. Contact Kaye Meyers, davolvcre@diodav.org, if you are able to provide a space.  Host families often gain much from the presence of these energetic, faith-filled young people!  You do not need a 7th or 8th grader to host NET team members either.

Parent University to Feature Internet and Social Media Safety

SCCS counselors are preparing for a Parent University session on internet and social media safety to be held October 3rd in the Carroll Lab at AHS from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Nearly every issue at schools seems to be tied into cell phones and social media.  Schools can only do so much, and we often can only deal with the fall out.  Come to the parent university session and find out what parents can do. Former Davenport officer Hank Jacobsen will be the featured speaker.  He can share his perspectives as an officer and an SCCS parent.

ESA Work Still Needed by Some?

There are multiple steps to utilizing an ESA:

  1. Apply to the state through Odyssey and have one’s application be accepted.  The deadline for the application was June 30th.
  2. Go back into Odyssey to identify the school for which you want your ESA to be applied.  If parents don’t do this step, we have no idea that they have been accepted for an ESA.
    1. SCCS or the school will then “verify” that the student will be attending the school and assign tuition
  3. Go back into Odyssey to accept the tuition.  Without this step, money will not go to SCCS.

Steps 2 and 3 are just as critical as step 1.  The deadline for steps 2 and 3 is prior to September 30th.  If not completed by September 30th, the ESA is forfeited, and parents will have to pay the entire tuition bill themselves.

If you have questions, please contact Rose Strickland at the SCCS business office at AHS:  rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313.  No one at JFK has access to your account information in Blackbaud.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Sept 28:  Picture retake/makeups
  • Sept 29:  No buses (The DCSD is not in session).  JFK Pumpkin Patch Night at Pride of the Wapsi
  • Oct 9:  No school.  ECLC is open

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  Follow the same work calendar as your children’s school calendar.  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Open Lunch Position(s) at AHS and All Saints

Part-time help is needed to help serve lunches at Assumption and/or All Saints.  Approximately 12-15 hours per week while the kids are at school.  The day starts after drop drop off and is finished before pick up.  All school holidays are observed.  No experience is necessary.  Please contact Nikki Gartner to discuss  further:  nikki.gartner@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313 ext 203

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

 

 

Principal’s Post for September 17, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

Tuesday is National IT Professionals Day.  Just as in your home and work place, we could not function without great IT support.  Whether it be tending to students’ or staff members’ needs, we are so blessed to have Dianne Siefers at JFK!

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

The bulk of the morning traffic occurs about 7:14-7:27.  Please make sure you move slowly through the parking lot and be watchful at all times.  Saving a few seconds by going too fast or trying to multi-task will pale in comparison to hitting a child with one’s car.  The same applies in the afternoon.  Our first group of car riders are escorted by staff out of the building beginning at about 2:38.  They are followed by students dismissed at 2:42 and 2:43, and our car riders are out of the parking lot by about 2:50.  We are blessed with a large parking lot with drop-off/pick-up lanes at both the south and north ends of the lot and multiple entrances/exits.

The drop-off lane along the barriers in the morning is for those who are just pulling up and letting their kids out.  If you need to park and/or get out of the vehicle yourself, please park in the lot and not in the drop off lane.  Cars pulling around a parked vehicle in the drop off lane can be dangerous as there are two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction nearest the building.  Careful “zippering” near the northeast exit is also helpful.

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders & Housing Needed

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders again this year.  The retreat is on Saturday, October 7th.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the Diocese of Minneapolis.  These 8-12 young adults combine social interactions, skits, music, prayer, and discussion to create a powerful religious experience for students.

Want to extend the experience even more for your student?  We are in need of host families for the NET team members on the evening of Friday, October 6, 2023. Hosts are requested to house a minimum of two up and up to seven team members of the same gender. The NET team members will have sleeping bags, mats, pillows, towels and toiletries and are fine with sleeping on the floor, couches or air mattresses. They do request shower access. Please consider opening your home to these exceptional young people providing this ministry. Contact Kaye Meyers, davolvcre@diodav.org, if you are able to provide a space.  Host families often gain much from the presence of these energetic, faith-filled young people!  You do not need a 7th or 8th grader to host NET team members either.

Middle School Youth Night

Adult volunteers are needed to help with middle school ministry this year.  Contact Abbey Heinrichs at davolvym@diodav.org, if you are interested.  She can also guide you toward the required Protecting God’s Children background checks and requirements for volunteers.  They are looking to have a middle school youth night on September 25th, from 6:00-7:30 in the JFK gym.

Parent University to Feature Internet and Social Media Safety

SCCS counselors are preparing for a Parent University session on internet and social media safety to be held October 3rd in the Carroll Lab at AHS from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Nearly every issue at schools seems to be tied into cell phones and social media.  Schools can only do so much, and we often can only deal with the fall out.  Come to the parent university session and find out what parents can do. Former Davenport officer Hank Jacobsen will be the featured speaker.  He can share his perspectives as an officer and an SCCS parent.

ESA Work Still Needed by Some?

There are multiple steps to utilizing an ESA:

  1. Apply to the state through Odyssey and have one’s application be accepted.  The deadline for the application was June 30th.
  2. Go back into Odyssey to identify the school for which you want your ESA to be applied.  If parents don’t do this step, we have no idea that they have been accepted for an ESA.
    1. SCCS or the school will then “verify” that the student will be attending the school and assign tuition
  3. Go back into Odyssey to accept the tuition.  Without this step, money will not go to SCCS.

Steps 2 and 3 are just as critical as step 1.  The deadline for steps 2 and 3 is prior to September 30th.  If not completed by September 30th, the ESA is forfeited, and parents will have to pay the entire tuition bill themselves.

If you have questions, please contact Rose Strickland at the SCCS business office at AHS:  rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313.  No one at JFK has access to your account information in Blackbaud.

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.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Sept 20:  Picture day for M-F PS and MWF 3 YO PS
  • Sept 21:  Picture day for T/Th 3 YO PS and K-8.  Students may be out of uniform for picture day but should adhere to the “Out of Uniform Dress Guidelines” available under the dress code on our website
  • Sept 22:  2 hr early dismissal (12:40).  No afternoon PS classes
  • Sept 24:  OLV parish picnic
  • Sept 29:  No buses (The DCSD is not in session).  JFK Pumpkin Patch Night at Pride of the Wapsi
  • Oct 9:  No school.  ECLC is open

Altar Server Training

Altar Server Training will be Sept. 23 at 9:30 am -11 am in the church.  Children, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  Follow the same work calendar as your children’s school calendar.  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Open Lunch Position(s) at AHS and All Saints

Part-time help is needed to help serve lunches at Assumption and/or All Saints.  Approximately 12-15 hours per week while the kids are at school.  The day starts after drop drop off and is finished before pick up.  All school holidays are observed.  No experience is necessary.  Please contact Nikki Gartner to discuss  further:  nikki.gartner@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313 ext 203

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

Free and Reduced Lunch Application

Those who are not “direct certified” and would like to apply for free or reduced priced lunches should use the following link:  F/R Application.  By participating in the National School Lunch Program, JFK receives a federal and state subsidy for EVERY lunch served.  The subsidy helps us keep down the prices of student lunches for all students.  The subsidy is the greatest for those who qualify for free lunches, smaller for those who qualify for reduced price lunches, and the smallest for all other students.  Applications can be submitted at any time, and eligibility must be determined annually.  When communicating about the lunch program, the following two nondiscrimination statements must also be posted.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter 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;
  2. fax: 202-690-7442; or
  3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

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 or 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.

 

Principal’s Post for September 10, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

I work with an amazing staff with members who are always going above and beyond!  This week’s shout-out goes to our second grade teachers, Angie Maxwell and Kelly Poster.  With a new format to our meetings, these teachers were the first teachers to give the board highlights in person.  They did a great job and explained the new emphasis on curriculum standards and report cards in short, understandable terms.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

The bulk of the morning traffic occurs about 7:14-7:27.  Please make sure you move slowly through the parking lot and be watchful at all times.  Saving a few seconds by going too fast or trying to multi-task will pale in comparison to hitting a child with one’s car.  The same applies in the afternoon.  Our first group of car riders are escorted by staff out of the building beginning at about 2:38.  They are followed by students dismissed at 2:42 and 2:43.  Prior to 2:50 on Friday, all of our car riders were out of the parking lot.  We are blessed with a large parking lot with drop-off/pick-up lanes at both the south and north ends of the lot and multiple entrances/exits.

The drop-off lane along the barriers in the morning is for those who are just pulling up and letting their kids out.  If you need to park and/or get out of the vehicle yourself, please park in the lot and not in the drop off lane.  Cars pulling around a parked vehicle in the drop off lane can be dangerous as there are two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction nearest the building.  Careful “zippering” near the northeast exit is also helpful.

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders & Housing Needed

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders again this year.  The retreat is on Saturday, October 7th.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the Diocese of Minneapolis.  These 8-12 young adults combine social interactions, skits, music, prayer, and discussion to create a powerful religious experience for students.

Want to extend the experience even more for your student?  We are in need of host families for the NET team members on the evening of Friday, October 6, 2023. Hosts are requested to house a minimum of two up and up to seven team members of the same gender. The NET team members will have sleeping bags, mats, pillows, towels and toiletries and are fine with sleeping on the floor, couches or air mattresses. They do request shower access. Please consider opening your home to these exceptional young people providing this ministry. Contact Kaye Meyers, davolvcre@diodav.org, if you are able to provide a space.  Host families often gain much from the presence of these energetic, faith-filled young people!  You do not need a 7th or 8th grader to host NET team members either.

Middle School Youth Night

Adult volunteers are needed to help with middle school ministry this year.  Contact Abbey Heinrichs at davolvym@diodav.org, if you are interested.  She can also guide you toward the required Protecting God’s Children background checks and requirements for volunteers.  They are looking to have a middle school youth night on September 25th, from 6:00-7:30 in the JFK gym.

Purified Featuring Jason Evert

Get answers to life’s tough questions about love, dating, and relationships from internationally acclaimed speaker Jason Evert and leave with a healthy sense of self-worth and the ability, if needed, to start again.  OLV is hosting an evening session for parents and teens on Monday, September 11th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available HERE.

Students in grades 7-12 in SCCS will hear Jason Evert speak at Assumption on September 12th.  We will be riding buses from JFK to AHS n the morning and returning in the same manner before lunch.  A detailed transportation plan for SCCS is still being determined.
Why should I go in the evening, if my teen will go during the day?  The two presentations are different.  After hearing Mr. Evert speak, teens will want to talk, and the opening is there for them to talk with you as parents about a sensitive topic.  Don’t let the opportunity escape!
When my kids were in middle school, they also heard Mr. Evert both during the school day and in the evening.  It was a great family experience.
Parent University to Feature Internet and Social Media Safety

SCCS counselors are preparing for a Parent University session on internet and social media safety to be held October 3rd in the Carroll Lab at AHS from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Nearly every issue at schools seems to be tied into cell phones and social media.  Schools can only do so much, and we often can only deal with the fall out.  Come to the parent university session and find out what parents can do. Former Davenport officer Hank Jacobsen will be the featured speaker.  He can share his perspectives as an officer and an SCCS parent.

PS-8 Payment System for 2023-24

Parents need to complete several steps in the Blackbaud tuition management system, arrange for payments to be made, and, by now, begin making payments.  Remember that tuition is billed at the gross amount, and then deductions like parishioner discounts, multi-child discounts, “private pay” discounts, etc. are shown.  It is believed that the invoices are correct, and all of the discounts have been posted.  If you have questions, please contact Rose Strickland at the SCCS business office at AHS:  rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313.  No one at JFK has access to your account information in Blackbaud.

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.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Sept 11:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC is open.  Jason Evert event.  Music Boosters
  • Sept 12:  Jason Evert event for 7-12 graders of SCCS.  Home & School Mtg
  • Sept 14:  7th Gr. Confirmation prep
  • Sept 15:  Outdoor movie night
  • Sept 17:  Ignite Sunday
  • Sept 20/21:  Picture day
  • Sept 22:  2 hr early dismissal.  No afternoon PS classes

Altar Server Training

Altar Server Training will be Sept. 23 at 9:30 am -11 am in the church.  Children, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  Follow the same work calendar as your children’s school calendar.  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Open Lunch Position(s) at AHS and All Saints

Part-time help is needed to help serve lunches at Assumption and/or All Saints.  Approximately 12-15 hours per week while the kids are at school.  The day starts after drop drop off and is finished before pick up.  All school holidays are observed.  No experience is necessary.  Please contact Nikki Gartner to discuss  further:  nikki.gartner@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313 ext 203

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.  

Free and Reduced Lunch Application

Those who are not “direct certified” and would like to apply for free or reduced priced lunches should use the following link:  F/R Application.  By participating in the National School Lunch Program, JFK receives a federal and state subsidy for EVERY lunch served.  The subsidy helps us keep down the prices of student lunches for all students.  The subsidy is the greatest for those who qualify for free lunches, smaller for those who qualify for reduced price lunches, and the smallest for all other students.  Applications can be submitted at any time, and eligibility must be determined annually.  When communicating about the lunch program, the following two nondiscrimination statements must also be posted.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter 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;
  2. fax: 202-690-7442; or
  3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

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 or 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.

 

 

 

Chad

 

Principal’s Post for September 4, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

I work with an amazing staff with members who are always going above and beyond!  This week’s shout-out goes to our kitchen staff.  Meredith Ash is now doing all of the National School Lunch Program work for All Saints as well as her work at JFK and her help with the SCCS business office in its transition to a new online lunch program.  Nathalie Flores, Bety Herrera, and Miranda Labora have also all stepped up to handle an increased work load at JFK.

Keep the Drop-Off Line Moving in the Morning

The drop-off lane along the barriers in the morning is for those who are just pulling up and letting their kids out.  If you need to park and/or get out of the vehicle yourself, please park in the lot and not in the drop off lane.

Please also move slowly through the parking lot and be watchful at all times.  Saving a few seconds by going too fast or trying to multi-task will pale in comparison to hitting a child with one’s car.

Middle School Youth Night

Adult volunteers are needed to help with middle school ministry this year.  Contact Abbey Heinrichs at davolvym@diodav.org, if you are interested.  She can also guide you toward the required Protecting God’s Children background checks and requirements for volunteers.  They are looking to have a middle school youth night on September 25th, from 6:00-7:30 in the JFK gym.

Middle School Mock Trial

Last I heard, there were fewer than ten students interested in middle school mock trial this year.  Students interested should contact our staff liaison, Angie Logan, at angie.logan@olvjfkmail.com.

Purified Featuring Jason Evert

Get answers to life’s tough questions about love, dating, and relationships from internationally acclaimed speaker Jason Evert and leave with a healthy sense of self-worth and the ability, if needed, to start again.  OLV is hosting an evening session for parents and teens on Monday, September 11th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Tickets are available HERE.

Students in grades 7-12 in SCCS will hear Jason Evert speak at Assumption on September 12th.
Why should I go in the evening, if my teen will go during the day?  The two presentations are different.  After hearing Mr. Evert speak, teens will want to talk, and the opening is there for them to talk with you as parents about a sensitive topic.  Don’t let the opportunity escape!
When my kids were in middle school, they also heard Mr. Evert both during the school day and in the evening.  It was a great family experience.
Parent University to Feature Internet and Social Media Safety

SCCS counselors are preparing for a Parent University session on internet and social media safety to be held in early October.

Nearly every issue at schools seems to be tied into cell phones and social media.  Schools can only do so much, and we often can only deal with the fall out.  Come to the parent university session and find out what parents can do.

Tears at Drop Off

It seems that there are a number of students having a tough time at drop-off in the morning.  Nine times out of ten, the kids are fine once they get into their classrooms, but it’s tough when they are upset at the door!  Below are some hints from Mrs. Wolf that might help:

Make Sure They Know What to Expect – Prepare your child for what will happen so that there are no surprises. Read books about school. Visit the playground. Talk to them about what it will be like. Let them know that you won’t be staying with them and how the drop off process goes. Practice the routines.

Tell your child “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything that you can’t do and I wouldn’t put you in an unsafe place. School is safe and you will be well cared for. You can do hard things, and you will be ok” Giving into your child and letting them stay home reinforces their thought process that school is not safe and that they cannot “handle” being away from mom or dad, and it makes getting to school the next day even harder.

Read Children’s Books – The Kissing Hand is a classic book and can be wonderful for young kids going to school for the first time. The Invisible String is also wonderful. It’s a great way to teach the concept of being connected even when we are physically separated.

Sing a Goodbye Song or Have a Good Bye Saying – Another way to deal with separation anxiety is to have a special goodbye song or saying, after which the child knows they have to go. I like, “Goodbye for Now, Hello Again Later!” Or, try “The Kissing Hand” yourself –  kiss the palm of your child’s hand, and they will know your love is close by!  They can kiss yours too in case you start to miss them!

Plan “3 Special Steps” – On the show “Special Agent Oso,” James Bond-type friendly bear uses ‘three special steps’ to solve problems and do basic tasks, such as getting dressed or making a salad. The 3 special steps are something you can use and adapt it for just about any situation that causes anxiety. Talk about the situation before it happens, and then give small tasks to focus on while it is happening. Step one: Get in the car and drive to school. Step two: Walk in to class. Step three:  Say ‘hello’ to teacher and start your day!

Let Them Walk In – Act confident and be joyful for your child! If you are hesitant of letting go kids WILL pick up on that. Make sure they walk into school; when they are carried in, it might send the message that you are hesitant.

Don’t Go In the Classroom –  It helps if parents don’t walk into the classroom during the first few weeks of school. It helps delineate home from school. It also really helps with separation for both parents and children and makes the transition so much easier for the children. Yes, there are tears sometimes, but not nearly as often when parents walk into the classroom the first week or so of school. Likewise, it may be easier to have the child get on the bus.

Don’t Linger – Before departing from the door, give a quick kiss or hug, maybe a silly song or funny handshake to say goodbye, but don’t linger. And if your child is crying, know that 99% of the time kids are feeling better and actively engaged in the classroom within moments.

Give Praise – Rewards! Try a “No Cry Goodbye” Punch Card or Sticker Chart for your child and reward them!  Not only do things like ice cream or a special toy work for making it to the car or classroom without tears, but verbal rewards work too. Silly celebrations and top of your lungs ‘YOU DID IT’s’ can be effective.

Social Stories- Social Stories are a social learning tool that supports safe and meaningful exchange of information. These present appropriate behaviors in the form of concrete, visual cues that help students digest information and make connections. Students can help with the making of the social story by taking pictures to be used to go with the story. The story can be read at home, in the car, and/or at school.

Send a picture/item- For transitions, have a photo or small item that is special available.  It can be with the child and can go between home and school. Pictures could be laminated (multiple copies are helpful in case anything happens to the picture).

PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care:

After school care and wrap around care are licensed by the Department of Human Services and provide supervised activities for students who have not yet turned thirteen.  The preschool wrap around rate is included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours).  The rate for K through age 12 is $5 per hour per child, which is a decrease at JFK.  The registration fee is $25 per student.  A childcare registration form is required for each student.  The blank aftercare registration form is available at the school or on our website  Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHS program paper/pencil forms complete. 

New Technology Systems for 2023-24 and “Bulk” Communications

Scott County Catholic Schools are still in the midst of transitions to new technology systems, including the following:

  • PowerSchool, our main student information system
  • Kinvo, the communications system connected to PowerSchool
  • Blackbaud, the online tuition, bill paying, and accounting system
  • EduTrak, the lunch program

Throw in the online pre-registration system and Odyssey, for processing ESAs, and it’s quite the handful.  Getting all the systems to “talk” to one another and play nicely together is keeping many people quite busy.  Some of the new systems were because of the merger to SCCS, but others were from the state departments of education and revenue and the Diocese of Davenport.  Enduring so many changes this year, hopefully things will be a breeze by next year.

Please note that our communications systems are still not fully functional and “bulk” or mass messaging is challenging.

PS-8 Payment System for 2023-24

Parents need to complete several steps in the Blackbaud tuition management system, arrange for payments to be made, and, by now, begin making payments.  Remember that tuition is billed at the gross amount, and then deductions like parishioner discounts, multi-child discounts, “private pay” discounts, etc. are shown.  It is believed that the invoices are correct, and all of the discounts have been posted.  If you have questions, please contact Rose Strickland at the SCCS business office at AHS:  rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313.  No one at JFK has access to your account information in Blackbaud.

Finalizing Payments for 2022-23

Anyone still making payments on 2022-23 school bills, including delinquent tuition, fees, aftercare balances, lunch balances, fines, ECLC payments, etc., should send the payments to OLV/JFK.  You don’t want to mix your payments to OLV/JFK with SCCS.  Payments for 2023-24 will go through SCCS.

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.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Sept 4:  Labor Day.  No classes.  ECLC closed
  • Sept 7:  JFK Skate Night. 8th Gr. Confirmation prep
  • Sept 11:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC is open.  Jason Evert event.
  • Sept 14:  7th Gr. Confirmation prep
  • Sept 20/21:  Picture day
  • Sept 22:  2 hr early dismissal.  No afternoon PS classes

Altar Server Training

Altar Server Training will be Sept. 23 at 9:30 am -11 am in the church.  Children, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.

ALICE Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, most teachers have already briefly talked 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.  Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.       

JFK’s Facebook Pages

JFK has three Facebook pages:  the main one for the school, one just for pre-school, and a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group.  JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website.  If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email.   Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means.  Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families.  Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted.  Please remember, however, that not all parents are comfortable with photos of their children being on social media.  Make sure you “like” us on both Facebook pages!

Chad

 

Principal’s Post for August 27, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

We made it through the heat last week!  I think our biggest weather related issues were condensation dripping off of some of the air conditioning pieces of equipment.  If that’s the worst, I’ll count HVAC as among our blessings!

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.  Each Mass has a slightly different “feel” as well, if that aspect is more important than the time of day.  Be also on the lookout for Ignite Sundays with a special evening Mass and programming for the whole family.

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.  There are minimal exceptions.  Those interested in religious exemptions should note that because the Catholic Church does not object to immunizations, a religious exemption for Catholics should not be possible.

PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care:

After school care and wrap around care are licensed by the Department of Human Services and provide supervised activities for students who have not yet turned thirteen.  The preschool wrap around rate is included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours).  The rate for K through age 12 is $5 per hour per child, which is a decrease at JFK.  The registration fee is $25 per student.  A childcare registration form is required for each student.  The blank aftercare registration form is available at the school or on our website  Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHS program paper/pencil forms complete. 

New Technology Systems for 2023-24 and “Bulk” Communications

Scott County Catholic Schools are still in the midst of transitions to new technology systems, including the following:

  • PowerSchool, our main student information system
  • Kinvo, the communications system connected to PowerSchool
  • Blackbaud, the online tuition, bill paying, and accounting system
  • EduTrak, the lunch program

Throw in the online pre-registration system and Odyssey, for processing ESAs, and it’s quite the handful.  Getting all the systems to “talk” to one another and play nicely together is keeping many people quite busy.  Some of the new systems were because of the merger to SCCS, but others were from the state departments of education and revenue and the Diocese of Davenport.  Enduring so many changes this year, hopefully things will be a breeze by next year.

Please note that our communications systems are still not fully functional and “bulk” or mass messaging is challenging.

3rd-8th Parent Meetings

3rd – 8th grade homeroom teachers will conduct informational parent meetings beginning this week so you can find out more information about your child’s grade.  These meetings are different than the “meet and greet” nature of the Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher event.  Meetings will be in the cafeteria unless your child’s teacher informs you otherwise.

    • Mon Aug 28:  5:45 2nd; 6:30 3rd
    • Tues, Aug 29: 5:45 6th; 6:30 7th
    • Wed, Aug 30:  7:00 8th
    • Thurs, Aug 31:  5:45 4th; 6:30 5th

Bus Issues Getting Better

We are starting to notice a lessening number of bus issues.  It always takes a little time for the bus company to smooth things out at the beginning of the school year.  We have 11 buses serving JFK at the end of each day.  They come from All Saints, Trinity Lutheran, and Assumption before arriving at JFK.  Employees of JFK can work as liaisons regarding bus issues, but we have no control over busing.

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.  The HLS is available under the “Policies & Forms” heading of the “For Parents” section of our website, for anyone who needs it.

PS-8 Payment System for 2023-24

Parents need to complete several steps in the Blackbaud tuition management system, arrange for payments to be made, and, by now, begin making payments.  Remember that tuition is billed at the gross amount, and then deductions like parishioner discounts, multi-child discounts, “private pay” discounts, etc. are shown.  It is believed that the invoices are correct, and all of the discounts have been posted.  As of two weekends ago, around 600 families with children attending SCCS had not completed the needed steps within Blackbaud.  If you have questions, please contact Rose Strickland at the SCCS business office at AHS:  rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313.  No one at JFK has access to your account information in Blackbaud.

This same system is used for making lunch payments and paying for other optional services/programs like band and aftercare.

Finalizing Payments for 2022-23

Anyone still making payments on 2022-23 school bills, including delinquent tuition, fees, aftercare balances, lunch balances, fines, ECLC payments, etc., should send the payments to OLV/JFK.  You don’t want to mix your payments to OLV/JFK with SCCS.  Payments for 2023-24 will go through SCCS.

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.

Calendar Highlights

Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:

  • Sept 4:  Labor Day.  No classes.  ECLC closed
  • Sept 7:  JFK Skate Night
  • Sept 11:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC is open.  Jason Evert event.

Altar Server Training

Altar Server Training will be Sept. 23 at 9:30 am -11 am in the church.  Children, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.

ALICE Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, most teachers have already briefly talked 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.  Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.       

JFK’s Facebook Pages

JFK has three Facebook pages:  the main one for the school, one just for pre-school, and a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group.  JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website.  If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email.   Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means.  Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families.  Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted.  Please remember, however, that not all parents are comfortable with photos of their children being on social media.  Make sure you “like” us on both Facebook pages!

Chad

 

Principal’s Post for August 20, 2023

Posted on by csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

As we begin another school year, I am reminded of just how blessed I am.  Lynn and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary a few weeks ago, and I’m looking forward to this weekend when all four of our children will be at our house for a visit.  It doesn’t happen very often so when it does, it is truly special.

Looking at the forecast this week, JFK is blessed to be the only Catholic school in Scott County with a modern centralized HVAC system.  It’s going to be hot!

Ready for a New School Year

ECLC opens on August 21st for those wishing to use it before school begins.

PS-8 classes begin on Wednesday, August 23rd.  There are no weekly early dismissals on Wednesdays.

K-8:  7:25-2:40

4/5 YO am PS:  7:25-10:25

4/5 YO pm PS:  11:40-2:40

3 YO PS:  7:25-9:55

ECLC:  7:00-5:30

Aftercare:  2:40-5:30

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.  Each Mass has a slightly different “feel” as well, if that aspect is more important than the time of day.  Be also on the lookout for Ignite Sundays with a special evening Mass and programming for the whole family.

Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher on August 21st

The 3 YO PS and K-8 Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher event is on Monday, August 21st.  (Four/five YO preschoolers and parents have individual meetings with the teachers.)

These “drop in” sessions are not scheduled this year, but we would still like to stagger people throughout the whole evening so each family can have some individual attention.  We, therefore, ask families to “drop in” any time within the 30 minute time slot according to the students’ last names.  If your family is too large, and you can’t make it to each homeroom within your 30 minutes, don’t panic; it will be OK to dribble over into another time slot.:

    • A-D 5-5:30
    • E-J 5:30-6:00
    • K-P 6:00-6:30
    • Q-S 6:30-7:00
    • T-Z 7:00-7:30

The office will also be open for dropping off immunization records, for registering for aftercare, and for completing additional paperwork for wraparound care.  Without paperwork completed, you should not expect your students to be allowed into school and its programs.  For example, even if a student is enrolled at JFK, it should not be expected that he/she can stay in aftercare without the additional paperwork completed.

JFK’s Home & School will be hosting an Ice Cream Bar in the cafeteria during the evening, and the Knights of Columbus will be serving hot dogs, chips and drinks (donations accepted).

Individual Preschool  Parent Meetings Continue this Week

Don’t forget the preschool meeting that you signed up for.  If you haven’t made an appointment, please do so now:

    • 4/5 Year Olds in the parish center at the south end of the building
      • Aug 21 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m

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.  There are minimal exceptions.  Those interested in religious exemptions should note that because the Catholic Church does not object to immunizations, a religious exemption for Catholics should not be possible.

PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care:

After school care and wrap around care are licensed by the Department of Human Services and provide supervised activities for students who have not yet turned thirteen.  The preschool wrap around rate is included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours).  The rate for K through age 12 is $5 per hour per child, which is a decrease at JFK.  The registration fee is $25 per student.  A childcare registration form is required for each student.  The blank aftercare registration form is available at the school or on our website  Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHS program paper/pencil forms complete. 

New Technology Systems for 2023-24 and “Bulk” Communications

Scott County Catholic Schools are still in the midst of transitions to new technology systems, including the following:

  • PowerSchool, our main student information system
  • Kinvo, the communications system connected to PowerSchool
  • Blackbaud, the online tuition, bill paying, and accounting system
  • EduTrak, the lunch program

Throw in the online pre-registration system and Odyssey, for processing ESAs, and it’s quite the handful.  Getting all the systems to “talk” to one another and play nicely together is keeping many people quite busy.  Some of the new systems were because of the merger to SCCS, but others were from the state departments of education and revenue and the Diocese of Davenport.  Enduring so many changes this year, hopefully things will be a breeze by next year.

Please note that our communications systems are still not fully functional and “bulk” or mass messaging is challenging.  It looks like we will have email first, text messaging second, and “robo” phone calling last.  I am not sure what the status will be by Wednesday.

While I don’t anticipate changes to the school day due to this week’s weather, evening activities could be affected.  Recesses will be another matter, and I do anticipate a number of recesses being indoors due to the heat.  Below is the excerpt from our handbook regarding weather related communications.  Again, I can’t guarantee how well we will be able to push messages out to families via email, text, and/or robocall by Wednesday:

“Announcements regarding school cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals due to severe weather are communicated through JFK’s website, www.olvjfk.com, and other electronic communications, such as automated phone calls, text messaging, Facebook posts, etc. Local television and radio stations may also carry this information. JFK follows the decisions made by the Davenport Community School District, unless it is a unique situation to JFK. As such, JFK may not necessarily be listed separately from the DCSD on the television or radio station announcements.”

K-8 Parent Meetings

K-8 homeroom teachers will conduct informational parent meetings beginning this week so you can find out more information about your child’s grade.  These meetings are different than the “meet and greet” nature of the Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher event.  Meetings will be in the cafeteria unless your child’s teacher informs you otherwise.

    • Thurs, Aug 24:  5:45 K; 6:30 1st
    • Mon Aug 28:  5:45 2nd; 6:30 3rd
    • Tues, Aug 29: 5:45 6th; 6:30 7th
    • Wed, Aug 30:  7:00 8th
    • Thurs, Aug 31:  5:45 4th; 6:30 5th

Bus Issues Common at Beginning of a School Year

It seems like it always takes a little time for the bus company to smooth things out at the beginning of the school year.  Please be patient with the bus company as well.  Employees of JFK can work as liaisons, but we have no control over busing.

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.  The HLS is available under the “Policies & Forms” heading of the “For Parents” section of our website, for anyone who needs it.

PS-8 Tuition Payment System for 2023-24

Parents need to complete several steps in the Blackbaud tuition management system, arrange for payments to be made, and, by now, begin making payments.  Remember that tuition is billed at the gross amount, and then deductions like parishioner discounts, multi-child discounts, “private pay” discounts, etc. are shown.  It is believed that the invoices are correct, and all of the discounts have been posted.  As of two weekends ago, around 600 families with children attending SCCS had not completed the needed steps within Blackbaud.  If you have questions, please contact Rose Strickland at the SCCS business office at AHS:  rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313.  No one at JFK has access to your account information in Blackbaud.

Finalizing Payments for 2022-23

Anyone still making payments on 2022-23 school bills, including delinquent tuition, fees, aftercare balances, lunch balances, fines, ECLC payments, etc., should send the payments to OLV/JFK.  You don’t want to mix your payments to OLV/JFK with SCCS.  Payments for 2023-24 will go through SCCS.

A Message from Mrs. Wolf, Our Student Support Specialist

“We are getting all geared up for the new school year! While I’m excited I don’t think I’m ready for my little guy to have his FIRST day. I hope that you all enjoyed your summer. I am looking forward to seeing all the students and back to the school year, Bandit our facility dog is too he missed everyone. If at any point of time in the school year if your family is experiencing difficulties at home, I would like to provide additional support at school. I understand that you’re not always able to share details and that is ok. If your child is coming to school after a difficult morning, night, or weekend, please email me your child’s first and last name and “handle with care” at emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com

This will let me know that your child may need extra time, patience, or help during the day!

As always please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Here’s to a new year!”

PE Uniform

The link to Handicapped Development Center’s “store” for JFK’s 5th-8th grade PE clothes is HERE, or you can use the following: http://handicappeddevelopment.org/jfk/   If I have this right, shirt sizes seem to be running small, pants are running big, and shorts are somewhere in the middle.  I would encourage you to try on the items at JFK or at HDC before ordering.

Uniform Policy/Dress Code

Now is also a good time to review the dress code, especially for hair color.  Some of those fun colors or Kool-Aid dyed tips can be a real challenge to get out and often required a hair cut as well.

Parking Lot Traffic Patterns

It’s also 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.

A photo of the parking lot patterns can be found using the following link: Parking lot traffic patterns, 2023

  • 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).

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.  Check out when your child’s K-8 parent meeting is scheduled.  Those parent meetings begin as early as August 24th.

New Staff Members/Assignments

Most new members were introduced earlier this year, but we want to welcome them again.  We also have some staff members switching positions:

  • Kathy Neuberger moved to kindergarten this year.  Mrs. Neuberger was teaching kindergarten when I started at JFK some 20 years ago, and I think she must have been about 12 years old then.  Mrs. Neuberger has been in an interventionist position since she returned to JFK but is now returning to kindergarten.
  • Jackie Everhart will be teaching 3rd grade for us this year.  She showed the clear signs of an experienced teacher when she moved her personal teaching materials to JFK as soon as possible this summer so they wouldn’t clutter up her garage!
  • Dr. Angela Hand, another experienced teacher, will be joining us to teach K-8 music and 7/8 choir and to help with the musical.  She’ll be busy learning 360 student names!
  • Dr. Carole Behr, who we saw at JFK as a substitute last year, has taken a one year position as an interventionist assigned to JFK.
  • Jennifer Wemhoff and Emma Wolf will be assuming the responsibilities of an SCCS building coordinator for JFK this school year.  Duties of a building coordinator are similar to those of an assistant principal with primary exceptions in teacher evaluations and independent decision making authority.  Mrs. Wemhoff will also continue in her role as adult faith formation coordinator for OLV.  She’s been a “regular” in the office for many years.
  • Shay Lagrone is still feeling her way to new duties in the office.  She will be taking on some clerical tasks that the assistant principal used to do and even covering some recesses.
  • Casey Smith began at JFK in May and will be playing a bigger role at JFK this year in one of those “jack of all trades” types of positions that works in preschool, childcare, recesses, etc.  We may even call upon her for advice as a past daycare director.
  •  Scott Sweeney’s new role as Parish Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor puts him in charge of the entire campus.  No longer will the pastor have to deal with roofs, concrete work, church doors, hail damage, etc.

Open Positions at JFK for 2023-24

JFK still has open positions for 2023-24:

Instructional aide/support position:  We are looking for a “jack of all trades” person to help in preschool, supervise recesses, provide instructional support, and care for students in aftercare and/or wrap-around care.  On some days, one might start as early as 7:10, and, on other days, one might work until 5:30.  The total is about 39 hours per week, and the rate is $12 per hour.  Summers are off, and most other breaks also follow the same schedule as your children!  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Instructional aide positions:  Help teachers and provide instructional support for students in K-8.  Multiple positions are available.  If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application.

Substitutes:  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).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  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.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.   If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.  We would also like to thank our current substitutes:  Kayla Mason, Jen Kira, Amy Jackson, and Dianne Longenecker.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JFK-K-8-Parent-Handbook-2023-24.pdf    Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.

Principal’s Posts

Principal’s Posts are written each weekend and posted on our website, available off the front page.  I also send a link via email and post it to the school’s Facebook account.  I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades.  You will also receive numerous email communications from teachers.  Email is probably the number one form of communication in schools.

We also utilize a JFK Facebook page, and there is a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group.  JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website.  If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email.   Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means.  Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families.  Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted.  Make sure you “like” us on both Facebook pages!

An Update About Me and My Family

This summer seemed to be the year for medical situations in our family.  Two of my four daughters are under recent medical care, and I had eye surgery in June.  The marvels of today’s health care are amazing.  We are so blessed!

My oldest daughter continues to live in Charlotte, North Carolina and works in the dental financial industry.  Tom has moved back to Davenport and is trying to launch Bread and Circuses, his business in “bartainment:”  music bingo/trivia and game day bingo, and other patron games.  Kirsten is in Des Moines and entering her 5th year of teaching in special education.  Caitlin earned her law degree in May and sat for the bar a few weeks ago.  She resides in Kansas City, MO.   My wife, Lynn, continues to work in student services at Assumption High School, and I am entering my 23rd year as principal at JFK.  Prior to my time at JFK, I worked at Assumption for ten years where I met Lynn.  I think this year will be the first time in about 27 years that one of our children will not be a full-time student (but Kirsten will be starting on her masters degree part-time).

Chad