Author: csteimle

I’m So Blessed!

There are four different opportunities to attend Mass at OLV on the weekend: 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 on Sunday. While our kids were growing up, we were regular 9:00 Mass attendees. We sat in a regular pew as well. It was close to the front so that our kids could see what was happening, but off to the side so it didn’t seem like we’d really be disturbing others. Or, that’s what I, at least, like to tell myself. The reality is that we were probably just barely making it on time, and, as everyone knows, the later you arrive to Mass, the closer to the front it seems you have to sit! As our kids hit fourth grade, they also started altar serving.  That kept them engaged as well! At many of our Masses these days, there aren’t the three altar servers that typically are utilized so there are plenty of opportunities for kids. With our kids involved in practices, games, and other activities, it sometimes seemed as if Mass was the only time during the week that we were all together. Now, it sometimes feels as if it’s the only date-time that my wife and I have, and we are much more varied in which Mass we attend. I’m so blessed to have so many opportunities for Mass.

Participating Member of Our Lady of Victory or Other Catholic Parish

We do have a definition for being considered a participating member of OLV:

An OLV registered and participating member or member of another supporting Catholic parish, at a minimum, follows the precepts of the Church and is called to go far beyond the minimum in the love of God and neighbor.  Below are the precepts of the Church:

• Attend Mass at OLV or a supporting Catholic parish on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Members of OLV are expected to fulfill the majority of those obligations at OLV to help ensure that the parish and families develop their relationship together as disciples of Christ.
• Confess one’s sins at least once per year.
• Receive Holy Communion at least once per year, during the Easter season.
• Observe the days of fast and abstinence.
• Provide for the needs of the Church, including OLV or the supporting Catholic parish to which one has membership. The use of envelopes or electronic funds transfer should be used by OLV registered and participating members to facilitate this obligation.  If this obligation is too much of a hardship, an individualized plan for donated services/voluntarism may be agreed upon.  Those who are members of another supporting Catholic parish should utilize methods desired by the supporting parish.

In addition, the following are also included in the definition of an OLV registered and participating member, and similar requirements are often made by other supporting Catholic parishes:

• Register in the parish by completing the parish registration form.
• Participate in and help with parish/school activities.

Online registration and application for PS-12th grades is open. The links and some directions are available on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is $125 per child, discounted to $100 if submitted prior to March 1st. The registration fee is paid at the time of registration/application. The link has been changed for new families so it includes the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. Although the fine print doesn’t indicate it, the K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration. We are working to get the descriptor changed to add these two registration fees.

If you are having difficulty with registration, please let us know. We’ve been to work through a number of issues easily and have had programmers involved for the more complex issues. Most of the registration issues parents have experienced are related to not having PowerSchool accounts set up or not having all of their children set up/attached to the account. Several families still need to take the action themselves to set up the parent access account. The PowerSchool parent account is needed for registration.

If a child, INCLUDING A PRESCHOOLER, is currently in JFK or any Scott County Catholic School, he/she is NOT a new student. You must do the Login to PowerSchool as a parent. If, after you login, you do not see one of your currently attending preschooler-11th grade students, please contact the school. You will need a new code to add the missing child. If you do not remember/have your PowerSchool login, please contact the school as well. If you are changing schools, please contact us so the new school can be added as an option.

Any currently attending student, including a preschooler, whose information was completed as a “New Application” will not be able to be registered for next year. A parent will need to go back and “update” the information for students already attending our schools. We will also attempt to contact families who have mistakenly completed the wrong process.

If you see a message next to your child’s name in PowerSchool that says “Not Submitted,” you must finish the registration process by submitting the application. A “Not Submitted” application is in “no man’s land;” we can’t see it at all, and we don’t even know you’ve tried to apply!

Feb 1: Date online re-enrollment/registration/new application went live. That link will be used for the following:

• Current K-11th grade students may re-enroll for 2024-25.
• Students who will be kindergartners and pre-schoolers in 2024-25 may apply.
  • Families should apply as early as they can. While factors such as siblings already at JFK, OLV parishioners, members of supporting parishes, etc. will be taken into account, if all things are equal, there will be an element of first come, first served.
• Families new to JFK who will have students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 may apply.

Feb 15:

• Deadline for priority re-enrollment for current K-7 students who are going into grades 1-8 in 2024-25. After this date, current JFK students are not guaranteed a spot for next school year.
  • As of 2/18/24, about 56% of students currently in K-7th grade have re-enrolled or submitted applications for next school year.

Feb 16:

• Applications for families new to JFK with students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 will be reviewed, and these students new to JFK will begin to be accepted.

March 1:

• Kindergarten and preschool applications will begin to be reviewed in JFK and SCCS schools, and students will begin to be accepted for kindergarten and preschool.
  • Acceptance decisions will need to be made for all preschoolers and kindergartners due to class size limitations and student to staff ratios requirements.
    • As of 2/18/24, there were about 41 applications for kindergarten, and we know there are more interested families that have not yet completed the process.
    • As of 2/18/24, there were about 47 applications for morning 4 YO preschool slots.
• Discounted registration fees end, and the registration fee goes from $100 to $125.

April 16: Target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year.

• Families must apply each year!
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

K-8 Tuition Rates for SCCS Schools

Below are the tuition rates for K-8 in Scott County Catholic Schools for 2024-25. For those paying tuition themselves (“private pay”), the rate is about a 5% increase, which has been about the historical average for many years.

Preschool and Wraparound Programs and Rates

There are many possible combinations for 3 year old and 4/5 year old preschool, most of which can also be combined with part-time or full-time wraparound childcare. Three year old classes are offered MWF, M-F, or T/Th. These classes run from 7:25-9:55 a.m. Students must be 3 years old on or before Sept 15th. Four year old classes are offered M-F from 7:25-10:25 a.m. or M-F 11:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept 15th. Five year olds may also enroll in the four year old class, if there is space available.  See the below for rates for preschool and wraparound care options. This document has been updated to show the application fee/deposit for wraparound care:

Preschool Tuition Rates_FINAL 2_7_2024

April Calendar Change

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

Checking Grades in PowerSchool

Have you been logging in to check your student’s grades in PowerSchool? We’re right around the middle of the third quarter. Low grades, especially in the upper grades, are often due to students missing work.

What’s Procare?

For a number of years, JFK has used Procare to keep track of ECLC and aftercare hours used. We used a desktop/local version hosted in house. When our license expired at the end of the school year, SCCS wasn’t ready to tackle that type of specialized software. SCCS is now ready. We are preparing to return to Procare. This time it will be a web-based version. Eventually, we will be using iPads at sign in/sign out times and might use some of the other features in the web version. As we transfer data from the desktop version to the web version, we were notified that families may have received an email from/regarding Procare. Yes, it is legitimate, but we’ll have more information once we have a more detailed implementation plan.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Feb 22: Formal Dress Day fundraiser
• Feb 23: JFK Reconciliation for 2nd-8th graders
• Feb 25: Ignite Sunday
• Feb 26: 2nd Grade Sacramental Prep Activity
• Feb 27: Red Out Dress Day for the American Heart Association
• Feb  29: 4th to symphony. 5th/8th to AHS musical
• Mar 1: 8th Career Fair at SAU
• Mar 4: 7/8 Grade Shark Tank Presentations. Music Boosters
• Mar 11-15: Spring Break

I’m So Blessed!

I was able to watch one of my favorite teams and players in the big game on Sunday. Although Iowa lost, and Caitlin Clark didn’t break the NCAA women’s scoring record, the game sure was a nail-biter!

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for January

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:  Emerson R.
  • Emerson is a hard worker and never gives up even when things are challenging; she keeps working until she gets it! She is a great friend to her classmates and a helper in the classroom.
• 1st Grade:  Aurora B.
  • Aurora is respectful and welcoming to all.  She has a kind heart and positive spirit.
• 2nd Grade: Collyns H.
  • Collyns is a giver, all day, everyday. She gives 150% to her schoolwork and her classmates. Her sweet disposition and bright smile light up 2P! She is a blessing to all she meets.
• 3rd Grade: Charlotte L.
  • Charlotte puts forth her best effort everyday. She is very respectful in her interactions with others and follows classroom expectations. She is an amazing, helpful student and is always there to help out others in our classroom. She works hard on each assignment and takes pride in her work.
• 4th Grade:  Cooper T.
  • Cooper is respectful and kind-hearted. He is considerate and looks out for other students. He does so quietly and without drawing attention to himself. Cooper is the perfect example of someone who follows the Golden Rule!
• 5th Grade: Peyton I.
  • Peyton is a hard working, responsible student who turns her homework in on time and pays attention in class.  She is friendly to all and treats others with respect.
• 6th Grade: Madison H.
  • Madison is very respectful and follows classroom rules and procedures. She is always willing to help those around her.
•  7th Grade: Mason N.
  • Mason comes to school with a positive attitude and regularly participates in class discussions. He can be a good role model for his fellow students.
• 8th Grade: Sydney S.
  • Sydney, although quiet, has grown in her confidence and helps those sitting near her and will volunteer. She can always be counted upon to follow expectations and be a good helper.

Online registration and application for PS-12th grades opened late last week. The links and some directions are available on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is $125 per child, discounted to $100 if submitted prior to March 1st. The registration fee is paid at the time of registration/application.

Most of the registration issues parents have experienced are related to not having PowerSchool accounts set up or not having all of their children set up/attached to the account. We did work over last weekend to email these families their needed information, but there are several families that still need to take the action themselves to set up the parent access account. The PowerSchool parent account is needed for registration.

If a child, INCLUDING A PRESCHOOLER, is currently in JFK or any Scott County Catholic School, he/she is NOT a new student. You must do the Login to PowerSchool as a parent. If, after you login, you do not see one of your currently attending preschooler-11th grade students, please contact the school. You will need a new code to add the missing child. If you do not remember/have your PowerSchool login, please contact the school as well.

Any currently attending student, including a preschooler, whose information was completed as a “New Application” will not be able to be registered for next year. A parent will need to go back and verify the information for students already attending our schools. We will also attempt to contact families who have mistakenly completed the wrong process.

Feb 1: Date online re-enrollment/registration/new application went live. That link will be used for the following:

• Current K-11th grade students may re-enroll for 2024-25.
• Students who will be kindergartners and pre-schoolers in 2024-25 may apply.
  • Families should apply as early as they can. While factors such as siblings already at JFK, OLV parishioners, members of supporting parishes, etc. will be taken into account, if all things are equal, there will be an element of first come, first served.
• Families new to JFK who will have students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 may apply.

Feb 13: Pre-school open house and meet the staff, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. We will also have some iPads available for families that still need to apply.

Feb 15:

• Kindergarten Round-up, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Learn more about JFK and kindergarten. Families are encouraged to apply before this date.
• Deadline for priority re-enrollment for current K-7 students who are going into grades 1-8 in 2024-25. After this date, current JFK students are not guaranteed a spot for next school year.
  • As of 2/11/24, about 38% of students in preschool-7th grade have re-enrolled or submitted applications for next school year.

Feb 16:

• Applications for families new to JFK with students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 will be reviewed, and these students new to JFK will begin to be accepted.

March 1:

• Kindergarten and preschool applications will begin to be reviewed in JFK and SCCS schools, and students will begin to be accepted for kindergarten and preschool.
  • Acceptance decisions will need to be made for all preschoolers and kindergartners due to class size limitations and student to staff ratios requirements.
• Discounted registration fees end, and the registration fee goes from $100 to $125.

April 16: Target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year.

• Families must apply each year!
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

K-8 Tuition Rates for SCCS Schools

Below are the tuition rates for K-8 in Scott County Catholic Schools for 2024-25. For those paying tuition themselves (“private pay”), the rate is about a 5% increase, which has been about the historical average for many years.

Preschool and Wraparound Programs and Rates

There are many possible combinations for 3 year old and 4/5 year old preschool, most of which can also be combined with part-time or full-time wraparound childcare. Three year old classes are offered MWF, M-F, or T/Th. These classes run from 7:25-9:55 a.m. Students must be 3 years old on or before Sept 15th. Four year old classes are offered M-F from 7:25-10:25 a.m. or M-F 11:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept 15th. Five year olds may also enroll in the four year old class, if there is space available.  See the below for rates for preschool and wraparound care options. This document has been updated to show the application fee/deposit for wraparound care:

Preschool Tuition Rates_FINAL 2_7_2024

April Calendar Change

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Feb 12: Middle School Youth Night
• Feb 13: Red, white, pink dress day. PS Open House, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Home & School Mtg. Any activities for St. Valentine’s Day.
• Feb 14: Ash Wednesday
• Feb 15: Kindergarten Round Up, 6:00 p.m. Priority re-enrollment deadline.
• Feb 16: 2 Hr Early Dismissal. No 4/5 YO am or pm classes. ECLC open
• Feb 18: Snowstar Tubing Event is likely on hold, given our warm temperatures
• Feb 19: No Classes. ECLC Open
• Feb 22: Formal Dress Day fundraiser
• Feb 23: JFK Reconciliation for 2nd-8th graders

I’m So Blessed!

There were so many people that helped with Fun Night, Catholic Schools Week activities, and the Gala!

No Buses on Monday, February 5th

There are no buses in the morning or afternoon on Monday, February 5th as the DCSD does not have classes.

Online registration and application for PS-12th grades opened late last week. The links and some directions are available on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.

The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is $125 per child, discounted to $100 if submitted prior to March 1st. The registration fee is paid at the time of registration/application.

Most of the registration issues parents have experienced are related to not having PowerSchool accounts set up or not having all of their children set up/attached to the account. We have done more work over the weekend to email these families their needed information, but there are several families that still need to take the action themselves to set up the parent access account. The PowerSchool parent account is needed for registration.

Feb 1: Target date for online re-enrollment/registration/new application to go live. That link will be used for the following:

• Current K-11th grade students may re-enroll for 2024-25.
• Students who will be kindergartners and pre-schoolers in 2024-25 may apply.
  • Families should apply as early as they can. While factors such as siblings already at JFK, OLV parishioners, members of supporting parishes, etc. will be taken into account, if all things are equal, there will be an element of first come, first served.
• Families new to JFK who will have students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 may apply.

Feb 13: Pre-school open house and meet the staff. We will also have some iPads available for families that still need to apply.

Feb 15:

• Kindergarten Round-up. Learn more about JFK and kindergarten. Families are encouraged to apply before this date.
• Deadline for priority re-enrollment for current K-7 students who are going into grades 1-8 in 2024-25. After this date, current JFK students are not guaranteed a spot for next school year.

Feb 16:

• Applications for families new to JFK with students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 will be reviewed, and these students new to JFK will begin to be accepted.

March 1:

• Kindergarten and preschool applications will begin to be reviewed in JFK and SCCS schools, and students will begin to be accepted for kindergarten and preschool.
  • Acceptance decisions will need to be made for all preschoolers and kindergartners due to class size limitations and student to staff ratios requirements.
• Discounted registration fees end, and the registration fee goes from $100 to $125.

April 16: Target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year.

• Families must apply each year!
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

K-8 Tuition Rates for SCCS Schools

Below are the tuition rates for K-8 in Scott County Catholic Schools for 2024-25. For those paying tuition themselves (“private pay”), the rate is about a 5% increase, which has been about the historical average for many years.

Preschool and Wraparound Programs and Rates

There are many possible combinations for 3 year old and 4/5 year old preschool, most of which can also be combined with part-time or full-time wraparound childcare. Three year old classes are offered MWF, M-F, or T/Th. These classes run from 7:25-9:55 a.m. Students must be 3 years old on or before Sept 15th. Four year old classes are offered M-F from 7:25-10:25 a.m. or M-F 11:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept 15th. Five year olds may also enroll in the four year old class, if there is space available.  See the below for rates for preschool and wraparound care options:

Preschool Tuition Rates_FINAL 2_7_2024

SCCS/SAU Career Fair

At the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th grade career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. The career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

April Calendar Change

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Feb 5: No Buses (The DCSD does not have classes).
• Feb 8: H & S Skate Night
• Feb 10: Sweetheart Dinner fundraiser for youth ministry
• Feb 12: Middle School Youth Night
• Feb 13: Red, white, pink dress day. PS Open House. Home & School Mtg. Any activities for St. Valentine’s will be done on a day other than the 14th
• Feb 14: Ash Wednesday
• Feb 15: Kindergarten Round Up. Priority re-enrollment deadline.
• Feb 16: 2 Hr Early Dismissal. No 4/5 YO am or pm classes. ECLC open
• Feb 19: No Classes. ECLC Open

I’m So Blessed!

This week is Catholic Schools Week. I’m so blessed that we have such a great week of special activities and so many people to help with them. Fun Night, for example, was awesome on Saturday and couldn’t have been done without the help of many volunteers!

Gala on Friday

 Online registration is scheduled to begin later this week. Separate directions and a link will be emailed when available from the SCCS business office. The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is $125, discounted to $100 if submitted prior to March 1st.

Feb 1: Target date for online re-enrollment/registration/new application to go live. That link will be used for the following:

• Current K-11th grade students may re-enroll for 2024-25.
• Students who will be kindergartners and pre-schoolers in 2024-25 may apply.
  • Families should apply as early as they can. While factors such as siblings already at JFK, OLV parishioners, members of supporting parishes, etc. will be taken into account, if all things are equal, there will be an element of first come, first served.
• Families new to JFK who will have students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 may apply.

Feb 13: Pre-school open house and meet the staff. We will also have some iPads available for families that still need to apply.

Feb 15:

• Kindergarten Round-up. Learn more about JFK and kindergarten. Families are encouraged to apply before this date.
• Deadline for preferred re-enrollment for current K-7 students who are going into grades 1-8 in 2024-25. After this date, current JFK students are not guaranteed a spot for next school year.

Feb 16:

• Applications for families new to JFK with students in grades 1-8 in 2024-25 will be reviewed, and these students new to JFK will begin to be accepted.

March 1:

• Kindergarten and preschool applications will begin to be reviewed in JFK and SCCS schools, and students will begin to be accepted for kindergarten and preschool.
  • Acceptance decisions will need to be made for all preschoolers and kindergartners due to class size limitations and student to staff ratios requirements.
• Discounted registration fees end, and the registration fee goes from $100 to $125.

April 16: Target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year.

• Families must apply each year!
• Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
  • All kindergartners and first graders
  • New transfer students
  • Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
  • Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
  • (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)

K-8 Tuition Rates for SCCS Schools

Below are the tuition rates for K-8 in Scott County Catholic Schools for 2024-25. For those paying tuition themselves (“private pay”), the rate is about a 5% increase, which has been about the historical average for many years.

Preschool and Wraparound Programs and Rates

There are many possible combinations for 3 year old and 4/5 year old preschool, most of which can also be combined with part-time or full-time wraparound childcare. Three year old classes are offered MWF, M-F, or T/Th. These classes run from 7:25-9:55 a.m. Students must be 3 years old on or before Sept 15th. Four year old classes are offered M-F from 7:25-10:25 a.m. or M-F 11:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept 15th. Five year olds may also enroll in the four year old class, if there is space available.  See the below for rates for preschool and wraparound care options:

Preschool Tuition Rates_FINAL 2_7_2024

Weather Communications

 Communications about weather closings will be via email and posted on our website and Facebook accounts. Text messages may also be used. We generally follow the decisions made by the Davenport Community School District due to busing. JFK does not use the television scrollers due to the inaccuracy of the information reported there over the years.

SCCS/SAU Career Fair

At the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th grade career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. The career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Catholic Schools Week

Monday, January 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers fundraiser for grades 3-8
• Arts and crafts activities for K-2
• Athletic and/or Favorite Team Dress Day/Out of Uniform

Tuesday, January 31:

• Talent Show
  • Begins at 12:00 with the kindergarten class act, and K-8 individual and small group acts follow
  • Guests are welcome, but we cannot be more particular about the time of performers.  It all depends upon how many acts there are, how long each act actually is, etc.
• Pajama Day
• Students may also bring a pillow to sit upon

Wednesday, January 31:

• All School Mass with Individual Blessings of Throats
• Spirit Wear Tops or green/white tops.  Bottoms may be out of uniform.
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • 10:40-11:10     Kindergarten
  • 11:10-11:40     Grades 3 and 4
  • 11:40-12:10     Grades 1 and 2
  • 12:10-12:40     Grades 5 and 6
  • 12:40-1:10       Grades 7 and 8
  • Several after lunch activities for guests and students will be available
  • Students’ adult guests may sign their students out from school for the rest of the day, if desired
  • Details about signing up for lunch were distributed previously. Sign-up in advance is needed to determine food ordering. Adults can prepay or have their meals charged to their child’s account. Adult meals receive no government subsidy, and cost $4.84 per meal.

Thursday, February 1:

• Scott County Catholic Schools Grades 2-12 Mass at Assumption. We will leave JFK via buses around 9:00 and return around 11:00-11:30. There is no separate permission slip as long as you gave permission for your child to attend field trips during the online registration last spring.
• Take Pride in Your Uniform Dress Day (Everyone is in dress code.  This applies to upper grade students as well even if they have PE today)
• Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
  • Students can bring a pillow and a snack for themselves as well as their book
• Science fair showcase for grades 7/8

Friday, February 2:

• 8th Grade vs. Staff Volleyball Games with grades 6-7 cheering them on, 1:30
• K-2 Special movie or other activity
• 3-5 Special movie, other activity, or cheer at the volleyball games
• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• GALA!

Sunday, February 4:

• H & S sponsored event at SnowStar
  • $20 per person for 3 hours of tubing fun! Must be age 3 or older to participate. Make online reservation at www.skisnowstar.com. Use promo code JFK2024 at checkout. Please select 4pm time slot when making reservation. Please do not forget to sign a waiver for all participating individuals

Position at JFK

JFK is looking to fill a full-time, school year only childcare, preschool, and recess supervisory position.  Please forward your resume to Chad Steimle at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

April Calendar Change

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

No Buses on Monday, February 5th

There are no buses in the morning of afternoon on Monday, February 5th as the DCSD does not have classes.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Feb 1: 7/8 Science Fair Showcase (6:00-6:45)
• Feb 2: GALA
• Feb 5: No Buses (The DCSD does not have classes). Middle School Youth Night
• Feb 8: H & S Skate Night
• Feb 10: Sweetheart Dinner fundraiser for youth ministry

I’m So Blessed!

We have a mid-size SUV with All-Wheel Drive. Both my son and wife were stuck in snow near our house last week with their front wheel drive smaller vehicles.

Gala

Weather Communications

 Communications about weather closings will be via email and posted on our website and Facebook accounts. Text messages may also be used. We generally follow the decisions made by the Davenport Community School District due to busing. JFK does not use the television scrollers due to the inaccuracy of the information reported there over the years.

ESA Funding for 2nd Semester

ESA funding for 2nd semester is now available. The process to initiate funding is similar to 1^st semester.

• School action:
  • SCCS will review tuition and fees for all current students, and adjust the amount to be charged for 2^nd semester, if necessary.
  • In some cases, SCCS may add band, algebra, and/or sport fees, as well as PSAT and/or AP test fees. (These options were not available 1^st semester.)
• Parent/Guardian action:
  • Odyssey will automatically notify you that an invoice is available to review
  • Review the invoice at Odyssey. If you have questions, please contact Bobbie Goetsch at (StudentAccounts@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313 ext 282).
  • To maintain ESA eligibility, approve payment through Odyssey https://iowa.withodyssey.com/ as soon as possible. Our goal is to have 100% of our families accept 2^nd semester tuition and fees by January 10th. 

SCCS/SAU Career Fair

At the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th grade career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. The career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Catholic Schools Week Planning is Underway

Some tentative plans are below, and more activities and/or details will be added as they become solidified:

Saturday, January 27:

• Mass at 4:30.  Let’s see a wave of JFK spirit wear and/or green and white!
• Home & School sponsored/fundraiser meal served in the parish center 5:30-6:30. Fun Night in the gym/cafeteria and classrooms begins at 6:30.

Monday, January 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers fundraiser for grades 3-8
  • Details and permission slip come from Mrs. Tilkens
• Arts and crafts activities for K-2
• Athletic and/or Favorite Team Dress Day/Out of Uniform

Tuesday, January 31:

• Talent Show
  • Begins at 12:00 with the kindergarten class act, and K-8 individual and small group acts follow
  • Information has been sent separately before Christmas break regarding the talent show
  • Guests are welcome, but we cannot be more particular about the time of performers.  It all depends upon how many acts there are, how long each act actually is, etc.
• Pajama Day
• Students may also bring a pillow to sit upon

Wednesday, January 31:

• All School Mass with Individual Blessings of Throats
• Spirit Wear Tops or green/white tops.  Bottoms may be out of uniform.
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • 10:40-11:10     Kindergarten
  • 11:10-11:40     Grades 3 and 4
  • 11:40-12:10     Grades 1 and 2
  • 12:10-12:40     Grades 5 and 6
  • 12:40-1:10       Grades 7 and 8
  • Several after lunch activities for guests and students will be available
  • Students’ adult guests may sign their students out from school for the rest of the day, if desired
  • Details about signing up for lunch were distributed last week. Sign-up in advance is needed to determine food ordering. Adults can prepay or have their meals charged to their child’s account. Adult meals receive no government subsidy, and cost $4.84 per meal.

Thursday, February 1:

• Scott County Catholic Schools Grades 2-12 Mass at Assumption. We will leave JFK via buses around 9:00 and return around 11:00-11:30.
• Take Pride in Your Uniform Dress Day (Everyone is in dress code.  This applies to upper grade students as well even if they have PE today)
• Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
  • Students can bring a pillow and a snack for themselves as well as their book
• Science fair showcase for grades 7/8

Friday, February 2:

• 8th Grade vs. Staff Volleyball Games with grades 6-7 cheering them on
• K-2 Special movie or other activity
• 3-5 Special movie, other activity, or cheer at the volleyball games
• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• GALA!

Sunday, February 4:

• H & S sponsored event at SnowStar
  • $20 per person for 3 hours of tubing fun! Must be age 3 or older to participate. Make online reservation at www.skisnowstar.com. Use promo code JFK2024 at checkout. Please select 4pm time slot when making reservation. Please do not forget to sign a waiver for all participating individuals

Position at JFK

JFK is looking to fill a full-time, school year only childcare, preschool, and recess supervisory position.  Please forward your resume to Chad Steimle at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

April Calendar Change

April 8th is now an in-service day for JFK and all the SCCS elementary schools in order to accommodate a joint training session. The DCSD was already going to have an in-service day on this date.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Jan 23: Kids Heart Challenge Assembly for K-5
• Jan 25: SEICDA Youth Honor Choir. Evening scheduled conferences for 4/5 year old PS. Drop in evening conferences (4:30-7:30) for K-8.
• Jan 26: No 4/5 year old PS classes due to 4/5 YO PS scheduled conferences.
• Feb 1: 7/8 Science Fair Showcase (6:00-6:45)
• Feb 2: GALA
• Feb 5: No Buses (The DCSD does not have classes). Middle School Youth Night
• Feb 8: H & S Skate Night
• Feb 10: Sweetheart Dinner fundraiser for youth ministry

I’m So Blessed!

Catholic Schools Week activities are an incredible undertaking. We’re so blessed to have teachers, staff, Home & School leaders, and parent volunteers plan and contribute to making CSW such a good experience for all.

Gala

Weather Communications

 Communications about weather closings will be via email and posted on our website and Facebook accounts. We generally follow the decisions made by the Davenport Community School District due to busing. Currently, most SCCS are without SchoolMessenger. The Diocese of Davenport is working to restore SchoolMessenger, which will give us texting and robocall options again. JFK does not use the television scrollers due to the inaccuracy of the information reported there over the years.

ESA Funding for 2nd Semester

ESA funding for 2nd semester is now available. The process to initiate funding is similar to 1^st semester.

• School action:
  • SCCS will review tuition and fees for all current students, and adjust the amount to be charged for 2^nd semester, if necessary.
  • In some cases, SCCS may add band, algebra, and/or sport fees, as well as PSAT and/or AP test fees. (These options were not available 1^st semester.)
• Parent/Guardian action:
  • Odyssey will automatically notify you that an invoice is available to review
  • Review the invoice at Odyssey. If you have questions, please contact Bobbie Goetsch at (StudentAccounts@sccsiowa.org or 563-326-5313 ext 282).  Note the new email address.
  • To maintain ESA eligibility, approve payment through Odyssey https://iowa.withodyssey.com/ as soon as possible. Our goal is to have 100% of our families accept 2^nd semester tuition and fees by January 10th. 

SCCS/SAU Career Fair

At the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th grade career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. The career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Talent Show

The talent show during Catholic Schools Week is just a few weeks away!  Individual and small group acts are encouraged. I still remember my son doing a magic act and playing the guitar, and my daughters singing. We still have the girls’ duet on video! It’s on VHS-C though so I doubt anyone will ever watch it, and the girls are safe from future embarrassment!

Catholic Schools Week Planning is Underway

Some tentative plans are below, and more activities and/or details will be added as they become solidified:

Saturday, January 27:

• Mass at 4:30.  Let’s see a wave of JFK spirit wear and/or green and white!
• Home & School sponsored Fun Night.  Meal also available in the parish center.

Monday, January 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers fundraiser for grades 3-8
  • Details and permission slip come from Mrs. Tilkens
• Arts and crafts activities for K-2
• Athletic and/or Favorite Team Dress Day/Out of Uniform

Tuesday, January 31:

• Talent Show
  • Begins at 12:00 with the kindergarten class act, and K-8 individual and small group acts follow
  • Information has been sent separately before Christmas break regarding the talent show.
  • Guests are welcome, but we cannot be more particular about the time of performers.  It all depends upon how many acts there are, how long each act actually is, etc.
• Pajama Day
• Students may also bring a pillow to sit upon

Wednesday, January 31:

• All School Mass with Individual Blessings of Throats
• Spirit Wear Tops or green/white tops.  Bottoms may be out of uniform.
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • 10:40-11:10     Kindergarten
  • 11:10-11:40     Grades 3 and 4
  • 11:40-12:10     Grades 1 and 2
  • 12:10-12:40     Grades 5 and 6
  • 12:40-1:10       Grades 7 and 8
  • Several after lunch activities for guests and students will be available
  • Students’ adult guests may sign their students out from school for the rest of the day, if desired
  • Details about signing up for lunch will be distributed. Sign-up in advance is needed to determine food ordering. Adults can prepay or have their meals charged to their child’s account. Adult meals receive no government subsidy, and cost $4.84 per meal.

Thursday, February 1:

• Scott County Catholic Schools Grades 2-12 Mass at Assumption
• Take Pride in Your Uniform Dress Day (Everyone is in dress code.  This applies to upper grade students as well even if they have PE today)
• Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
  • Students can bring a pillow and a snack for themselves as well
• Science fair showcase for grades 7/8

Friday, February 2:

• 8th Grade vs. Staff Volleyball Games with grades 6-7 cheering them on
• K-2 Special movie or other activity
• 3-5 Special movie, other activity, or cheer at the volleyball games
• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• GALA!

Sunday, February 4:

• H & S sponsored event at SnowStar

End of 2nd Quarter on Friday

The end of the 2nd quarter is fast approaching on Friday. Please keep checking your students’ grades in PowerSchool. Usually students have lower grades than desired because work is missing. When I did a grade check over the  break, for example, nearly 1/3 of the 6th-8th graders currently had a D, F, or Beginning for a 2nd quarter grade in some subject. If you need help accessing PowerSchool as a parent, please reach out to emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Position at JFK

JFK is looking to fill a full-time, school year only childcare, preschool, and recess supervisory position.  Please forward your resume to Chad Steimle at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Jan 8:  Music Boosters. Middle School Youth Night.
• Jan 9:  Kids Heart Challenge Assembly
• Jan 12:  End of the 2nd quarter.  2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40).  No afternoon preschool classes.  Music Boosters Trivia Night
• Jan 15:  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  No classes.  ECLC open
• Jan 16:  3rd quarter begins. SEICDA Youth Honor Choir
• Jan 17: NED show assembly. 8th Grade Parent Meeting at AHS.
• Jan 18:  Jump for JFK at The Fun Station in Eldridge
• Jan 20: Parishioner Appreciation Dinner

I’m So Blessed!

My wife and our four children and their significant others were able to spend some time together this past weekend. Rather than our usual gift-giving at Christmas, we rented a house in the Galena area for a long weekend. While some of the activities we had planned did not take place due to the lack of snow (although weather did impact people’s traveling multiple times), we watched plenty of football, played pool and creative “reindeer games,” and just enjoyed each others’ company. Time for family and relaxation is always good!

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this house rental as it was my first experience. I think I’m “behind the times” on some things in comparison to my kids. While I was trying to find football on cable/satellite, for example, my kids were pointing out that “everything” is streamed these days. I later learned how to fill my cup with ice and water from the front of a refrigerator and watched my daughter load a dishwasher. I was going to do laundry, but I think my kids would have made fun of me for going to the creek to beat my clothes against the rocks!

On the last day we were all together, I learned just how smart my daughters’ significant others are. While my son and I teasingly made fun of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour video that was blasting through the house, my daughters’ husbands/boyfriends kept their mouths shut. They are so smart. There is definitely hope for them!

ESA Funding for 2nd Semester

ESA funding for 2nd semester is now available. The process to initiate funding is similar to 1^st semester.

• School action:
  • SCCS will review tuition and fees for all current students, and adjust the amount to be charged for 2^nd semester, if necessary.
  • In some cases, SCCS may add band, algebra, and/or sport fees, as well as PSAT and/or AP test fees. (These options were not available 1^st semester.)
• Parent/Guardian action:
  • Odyssey will automatically notify you that an invoice is available to review
  • Review the invoice at Odyssey. If you have questions, please contact Bobbie Goetsch at (studentaccounts@sccsiowa.com or 563-326-5313 ext 282)
  • To maintain ESA eligibility, approve payment through Odyssey https://iowa.withodyssey.com/ as soon as possible. Our goal is to have 100% of our families accept 2^nd semester tuition and fees by January 10th. 

SCCS/SAU Career Fair

At the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th grade career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. The career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Talent Show

The talent show during Catholic Schools Week is just a few weeks away!  Individual and small group acts are encouraged. I still remember my son doing a magic act and playing the guitar, and my daughters singing. We still have the girls’ duet on video! It’s on VHS-C though so I doubt anyone will ever watch it, and the girls are safe from future embarrassment!

Catholic Schools Week Planning is Underway

Some tentative plans are below, and more activities and/or details will be added as they become solidified:

Saturday, January 27:

• Mass at 4:30.  Let’s see a wave of JFK spirit wear and/or green and white!
• Home & School sponsored Fun Night

Monday, January 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers fundraiser for grades 3-8
  • Details and permission slip come from Mrs. Tilkens
• Arts and crafts activities for K-2
• Athletic and/or Favorite Team Dress Day/Out of Uniform

Tuesday, January 31:

• Talent Show
  • Begins at 12:00 with the kindergarten class act, and K-8 individual and small group acts follow
  • Information has been sent separately before Christmas break regarding the talent show.
  • Guests are welcome, but we cannot be more particular about the time of performers.  It all depends upon how many acts there are, how long each act actually is, etc.
• Pajama Day
• Students may also bring a pillow to sit upon

Wednesday, January 31:

• All School Mass with Individual Blessings of Throats
• Spirit Wear Tops or green/white tops.  Bottoms may be out of uniform.
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • 10:40-11:10     Kindergarten
  • 11:10-11:40     Grades 3 and 4
  • 11:40-12:10     Grades 1 and 2
  • 12:10-12:40     Grades 5 and 6
  • 12:40-1:10       Grades 7 and 8
  • Several after lunch activities for guests and students will be available
  • Students’ adult guests may sign their students out from school for the rest of the day, if desired
  • Details about signing up for lunch will be distributed. Sign-up in advance is needed to determine food ordering. Adults can prepay or have their meals charged to their child’s account. Adult meals receive no government subsidy, and costs $4.84 per meal.

Thursday, February 1:

• Scott County Catholic Schools Grades 2-12 Mass at Assumption
• Take Pride in Your Uniform Dress Day (Everyone is in dress code.  This applies to upper grade students as well even if they have PE today)
• Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
  • Students can bring a pillow and a snack for themselves as well
• Science fair showcase for grades 7/8

Friday, February 2:

• 8th Grade vs. Staff Volleyball Games with grades 6-7 cheering them on
• K-2 Special movie or other activity
• 3-5 Special movie, other activity, or cheer at the volleyball games
• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• GALA!

End of 2nd Quarter Fast Approaching

The end of the 2nd quarter is fast approaching on January 12th. Please keep checking your students’ grades in PowerSchool. Usually students have lower grades than desired because work is missing. When I did a grade check over the  break, for example, nearly 1/3 of the 6th-8th graders currently had a D, F, or Beginning for a 2nd quarter grade in some subject. If you need help accessing PowerSchool as a parent, please reach out to dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.

Position at JFK

JFK is looking to fill a full-time, school year only childcare, preschool, and recess supervisory position.  Please forward your resume to Chad Steimle at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Jan 1:  School and ECLC Closed
• Jan 2:  No classes – in-service.  ECLC Open
• Jan 3:  Classes resume
• Jan 8:  Music Boosters
• Jan 9:  Kids Heart Challenge Assembly
• Jan 12:  End of the 2nd quarter.  2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40).  No afternoon preschool classes.  Music Boosters Trivia Night
• Jan 15:  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  No classes.  ECLC open
• Jan 16:  3rd quarter begins
• Jan 18:  Jump for JFK at The Fun Station in Eldridge

I’m So Blessed!

This week is the K-2 Christmas concert in the church. The evening performance is on Tuesday.  The performance for the school is after our 7:40 school Mass on Wednesday. It’s just not Christmas without K-2 singing in the church.

Speaking of that concert, the doors to the church will be opened right around 5:45 p.m. We have found over the years that when everyone’s there too far ahead of time, there’s just chaos with anticipation, little siblings playing in the baptismal font, etc. We’ll get everyone in and be able to start almost right away. Please be careful upon entering; we don’t want anyone getting hurt rushing to get the “best seat.”

Civic Oration Final Round Winners

The final round of the speech contest portion of civic oration was last Monday.  Congratulations to the following students in each division:

7th/8th Grade Division:

1st Place:  Caitlyn C (7).   2nd Place:  Natalie S (8)   3rd Place:  Miranda G (8)

5th/6th Grade Division:

1st Place:  William C (6)   2nd Place:  Paloma S (6)   3rd Place: Mia V (5)

5th Grade Flag Essay Winners

The fifth graders also began the year with another writing contest about the American flag.  The following are the winners for the flag essay contest:  1st Place:  Levi F     2nd Place:  Liam S     3rd Place:  Addelyn A

ESA Funding for 2nd Semester

ESA funding for 2nd semester is now available. The process to initiate funding is similar to 1^st semester.

• School action:
• • SCCS will review tuition and fees for all current students, and adjust the amount to be charged for 2^nd semester, if necessary.
  • In some cases, SCCS may add band, algebra, and/or sport fees, as well as PSAT and/or AP test fees. (These options were not available 1^st semester.)
• Parent/Guardian action:
  • Odyssey will automatically notify you that an invoice is available to review
  • Review the invoice at Odyssey. If you have questions, please contact Bobbie Goetsch at (studentaccounts@sccsiowa.com or 563-326-5313 ext 282)
  • To maintain ESA eligibility, approve payment through Odyssey https://iowa.withodyssey.com/ as soon as possible. Our goal is to have 100% of our families accept 2^nd semester tuition and fees by January 10th. 

JA Career Fair vs. SCCS/SAU Career Fair

Emma Wolf and I visited the Junior Achievement career fair for middle schoolers across the river. The Bend Expo Center is a great site, and it is large enough that Deere could have an excavator, and the police could have a tactical vehicle indoors.  There were probably 60-75 organizations represented. What it lacked, however, was interaction with students about careers. Students were ushered through five “zones” every 20 minutes or so  With a total time of about 80 minutes on site, students, in groups of about ten or more, would have had less than two minutes at each station. I still prefer the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th Grade Career Fair.

At our career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. Our career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Talent Show

It’s time to start thinking about the Catholic Schools Week talent show.  Individual and small group acts are encouraged. I still remember my son doing a magic act and playing the guitar, and my daughters singing. We still have the girls’ duet on video!

Position at JFK

JFK is looking to fill a full-time, school year only childcare, preschool, and recess supervisory position.  Please forward your resume to Chad Steimle at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Academics Come First

Regardless of how busy we are, academics still need to come first in schools.  Please make sure you and your students are staying on top of the school work. If you need help checking your students’ grades in PowerSchool or don’t have your account set up yet, please email dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.

Mississippi Valley Student Tuition Organization Donations Welcome

Tax advantages still exist for donations to Student Tuition Organizations, and, even with ESAs helping even more students next year, other families may still need financial assistance.  If you would like to make a donation to the MVSTO, please reach out to the SCCS business office located at Assumption High School.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Dec 18:  3rd grade Gingerbread Houses.  Out of Uniform fund-raiser
• Dec 19:  3 YO PS family event. K-2 Christmas program. K-2 & Band Out of Uniform
• Dec 20:  K-2 Christmas program for the student body.  Red, White, Green Christmas attire dress day.  Early dismissal at 12:40.
• Dec 21:  Christmas break begins
• Dec 25/26:  ECLC Closed
• Dec 27/28:  ECLC Open
• Dec 29:  ECLC Closed
• Jan 1:  ECLC Closed
• Jan 2:  No classes – in-service.  ECLC Open
• Jan 3:  Classes resume

I’m So Blessed!

I get to usher in Christmas with multiple Christmas shows at school.  This weeks starts us off with the 3/4 grade show on Tuesday, and the band concert on Thursday.  Next week has the K-2 Christmas performance.  It’s just not Christmas without 5th graders playing “Good King Wenceslas,” a program about the real meaning of Christmas, or K-2 singing in the church.

School Religious Services

We’ll be in the church three times this week.  We’ll celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Mass and a little special blessing after Mass on Tuesday. Wednesday is our regular school Mass day. Friday is reconciliation for 2nd-8th graders. There’s no point in being in a Catholic school if we don’t make our faith a priority.

Civic Oration Competition Final Round This Week

The final round of the speech contest portion of civic oration is this week. Good luck to the following students who will be competing in the “parish center round:”

7th/8th Grade Division: Caitlyn C (7), Derek C (7), Miranda G (8), Alison J (8), Sophia N (7), and Natalie S (8)

5th/6th Grade Division: Addelyn A (5), William C (6), Maggie C (5), Mia V (5), Paloma S (6), and Payton S (5)

We would also like to recognize the following students who made it to the second round of the speech contest:

5th: Payton I and Elyas R

6th: Isabelle F, Laney G, Iris N, and Aden P

7th: Lucas C, Anthony C, and Evy S

8th: Ellie D, Hailey E, and Sydney S

JA Career Fair vs. SCCS/SAU Career Fair

Emma Wolf and I visited the Junior Achievement career fair for middle schoolers across the river last week. The Bend Expo Center is a great site, and it is large enough that Deere could have an excavator and the police could have a tactical vehicle indoors.  There were probably 60-75 organizations represented. What it lacked, however, was interaction with students about careers. Students were ushered through five “zones” every 20 minutes.  With a total time of 80 minutes on site, students, in groups of about ten or more, would have had less than two minutes at each station. I still prefer the Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th Grade Career Fair.

At our career fair, small groups of 8th graders interact with presenters throughout the whole day. Students can really learn something about a career or field of study.  We also have our students talk with college students, and the day concludes with Mass. Outside of athletics, it is the largest cooperative venture of SCCS and SAU. Our career fair is March 1st. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone we should contact, please reach out to Mrs. Wolf, emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

Playground Project

With the receipt of a Scott County Regional Authority grant of $54,5000 toward a new playground, OLV’s finance and parish councils approved the nearly $200.000 playground project. The project includes the removal of all the playground equipment behind the school and replaces it with interconnected play structures, stand alone climbing structures, gravity-line/rail riding systems, and outdoor music equipment.  Part of the play area would have rubberized protective surfacing, and the rest would be surfaced with playground-certified engineered wood fiber (mulch).  Finally, a path would be made from the back doors of the school to the play area. If everything goes well, the new playground would be ready for the fall of 2024. Below is a drawing of the play area:

Talent Show

It’s time to start thinking about the Catholic Schools Week talent show.  Individual and small group acts are encouraged. I still remember my son doing a magic act and playing the guitar, and my daughters singing. We still have the girls’ duet on video!  Look for more details coming out before Christmas break.

Position at JFK

JFK is looking to fill a full-time, school year only childcare, preschool, and recess supervisory position.  Please forward your resume to Chad Steimle at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Busy December!

December always seems busy, but this year it seems even more compact.  Thanks for all your support and for trying to keep it all sorted out on your calendars!

Academics Come First

Regardless of how busy we are, academics still need to come first in schools.  Please make sure you and your students are staying on top of the school work. If you need help checking your students’ grades in PowerSchool or don’t have your account set up yet, please email dianne.siefers@olvjfkmail.com.

Mississippi Valley Student Tuition Organization Donations Welcome

Tax advantages still exist for donations to Student Tuition Organizations, and, even with ESAs helping even more students next year, other families may still need financial assistance.  If you would like to make a donation to the MVSTO, please reach out to the SCCS business office located at Assumption High School.

Calendar Highlights

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

• Dec 11:  Civic Oration speeches final round
• Dec 12:  3/4 Christmas show.  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe School Mass.
• Dec 14:  Band Concert. 3/4 Out of Uniform
• Dec 15:  4/5 YO PS family event.  JFK Reconciliation
• Dec 18:  3rd grade Gingerbread Houses.  Out of Uniform fund-raiser
• Dec 19:  3 YO PS family event. K-2 Christmas program. K-2 & Band Out of Uniform
• Dec 20:  K-2 Christmas program for the student body.  Red, White, Green Christmas attire dress day.  Early dismissal at 12:40.
• Dec 21:  Christmas break begins
• Dec 25/26:  ECLC Closed
• Dec 27/28:  ECLC Open
• Dec 29:  ECLC Closed
• Jan 1:  ECLC Closed
• Jan 2:  No classes – in-service.  ECLC Open
• Jan 3:  Classes resume