Author: csteimle

Butter Braid Bread and Nothing Bundt Cakes

Music Boosters’ Butter Braid Bread delivery is on Friday.  There is also a “pop up” sale from 2:30-5:00 p.m. by Nothing Bundt Cake.  The sweets and treats abound!

Mississippi Valley Student Tuition Organization

The Mississippi Valley Student Tuition Organization (MVSTO) funds most of the financial assistance for students attending Catholic schools in Scott County, including JFK.  Over 100 students from OLV receive financial assistance to JFK or Assumption.  Donations to the MVSTO are not only greatly needed by students, but they also have a tax incentive for the donors:  Iowa taxpayers can claim a 75% direct state tax credit for donations made to the MVSTO.  A donor making a $500 donation can take a $375 credit off what they would otherwise owe the state of Iowa.  Donors may also be eligible for a federal tax credit, depending upon their tax status.  In order to qualify for the tax credit on one’s 2022 taxes, donations must be made before January 1st.

For more information, please contact Assumption High School, 563-326-5313.

Special Early Dismissal on November 23

Students are dismissed at 12:40 on November 23.  There is no afternoon preschool.  ECLC and aftercare are operating.  It’s been many years since we didn’t have the day off before Thanksgiving!

Highlighted Events

Things keep getting added to the calendar.  Check online for more complete information.  November and December are going to be busy!

• Nov 14:  Music Boosters
• Nov 17:  8th to AHS
• Nov 18:  Butter Braid Delivery.  Mock Trial Regional Competition at SAU.  Nothing Bundt Cakes sales.
• Nov 21:  2nd Grade Sacrament preparation.  Crusader Choir Concert
• Nov 22:  Green/Camo Out of Uniform Dress Day
• Nov 23:  2 hr early dismissal (12:40).  No PM PS
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  No Classes.  ECLC closed.
• Nov 27:  First Sunday of Advent
• Dec 1:  First Reconciliation
• Dec 2:  JFK Reconciliation during the school day
• Dec 4:  Christmas Cantata by the OLV adult choir (2:00 p.m.)
• Dec 5:  3rd Grade Gingerbread Houses
• Dec 6:  3/4 Christmas show
• Dec 8:  Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Dental & Vision screening for K, 1, 3, 5, 7.
• Dec 9:  4/5 Yr Old PS Family Events
• Dec 12:  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Dec 13:  K-2 Christmas program
• Dec 14:  3 Yr Old PS Family Event
• Dec 15:  Civic Oration Final Round.  Band Concert
• Dec 16.  Red/Green/White Dress Day.  2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40).  No PM PS
• Dec 17 – Jan 1:  Christmas break

Chad

Highlighted Events

November and December are going to be busy!

• Nov 8:  Skate Night
• Nov 11:  Civic Oration Rough Drafts Due.  Veterans’ Day (No buses).  Crusader Theater
• Nov 14:  Music Boosters
• Nov 17:  8th to AHS
• Nov 18:  Butter Braid Delivery.  Mock Trial Regional Competition at SAU.  Nothing Bundt Cakes sales.
• Nov 21:  2nd Grade Sacrament preparation.  Crusader Choir Concert
• Nov 23:  2 hr early dismissal (12:40).  No PM PS
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  No Classes.  ECLC closed.
• Nov 27:  First Sunday of Advent
• Dec 1:  First Reconciliation
• Dec 2:  JFK Reconciliation
• Dec 5:  3rd Grade Gingerbread Houses
• Dec 6:  3/4 Christmas show
• Dec 8:  Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Dental & Vision screening for K, 1, 3, 5, 7.
• Dec 9:  4/5 Yr Old PS Family Events
• Dec 12:  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Dec 13:  K-2 Christmas program
• Dec 14:  3 Yr Old PS Family Event
• Dec 15:  Civic Oration Final Round.  Band Concert
• Dec 16.  Red/Green/White Dress Day.  2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40).  No PM PS
• Dec 17 – Jan 1:  Christmas break

Chad

Christmas Bazaar:  Volunteer Opportunities for 7th/8th Graders

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.  Below are the students being recognized at each grade level who have exhibited these traits particularly well this past month:

• Kindergarten:  Rey H.
  • Rey is always positive and “smiley!”  She comes into the building each morning with a smile on her face ready to learn. She is a hard worker and looks for opportunities everyday to help friends and teachers.
• 1st Grade:  Harleigh D.
  • Harleigh is kind and respectful to both her classmates and teachers.  As an example of her kindness, she has given up her seat at the writing table to another classmate and happily went to another table.
• 2nd Grade:  Lucas K.
  • Lucas is a sweet, gentle soul who always looks out for his classmates. He does his best and gives great effort all day, everyday. He always shines his light bright!
• 3rd Grade:  Gracelyn S.
  • Gracelyn is an excellent student who participates in all areas of third grade and is always eager to learn more. Gracelyn knows the meaning of effort and responsibility. She is a good friend and recognizes when someone needs a lending hand and kind words. She is a person that puts a smile on your face.
• 4th Grade:  Levi F.
  • Levi is always respectful of both adults and his peers.  He is welcoming and includes all who would like to join activities during recess.  Levi is a great example of someone who works hard and participates in class.  He is a great member of our school community.
• 5th Grade:  Kaleah J.
  • Kaleah is polite, patient, and kind. She works very hard at school and tries her best. Kaleah is respectful of others and follows the JFK Difference.
• 6th Grade:  Maya H.
  • Maya is very respectful and follows classroom rules and procedures. She is always willing to help those around her.
• 7th Grade:  Luke W.
  • Luke’s year began with some struggles and frustrations.  However, he turned things around and started asking questions and taking greater control over his learning.  His whole approach seemed to change and his positive attitude is now a model for middle school.
• 8th Grade: Payten P.
  • Payten comes into class with a smile and is always willing to learn. She asks questions, follows directions, and has a positive attitude in class. When she is absent, she is proactive in figuring out what she will need to make up and finishes missing assignments in a timely manner.

• Oct 31:  Black/Orange Dress Day (Students can be out of uniform if wearing black and/or orange).  All Saints Vigil Mass.
• Nov 1:  Butter Braid Sales End.  All Saints Day all school Mass and Parade of Saints (8:15).  Holy Day of Obligation with Masses at OLV at 7 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm
• Nov 2:  All Souls Remembrance Mass
• Nov 3:  No classes.  Parent/teacher conferences.  ECLC open
• Nov 4:  No classes.  ECLC open
• Nov 5/6:  OLV Bazaar
• Nov 8:  Skate Night
• Nov 11:  Civic Oration Rough Drafts Due.  Veterans’ Day (No buses).  Crusader Theater
• Nov 14:  Music Boosters
• Nov 17:  8th to AHS
• Nov 18:  Butter Braid Delivery.  Mock Trial Regional Competition at SAU.  Nothing Bundt Cakes sales.
• Nov 21:  2nd Grade Sacrament preparation.  Crusader Choir Concert
• Nov 23:  2 hr early dismissal (12:40)
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  No Classes.  ECLC closed.
• Dec 17 – Jan 1:  Christmas break

Chad

Iowa Opus Honor Choir Auditions

Congratulations to the following students who auditioned through a state-wide, recorded session for the Iowa Opus Honor Choir:  Charlie A, Mary V, Genevieve M, Molly F, and Maggie A.  We are so proud of their hard work!

First Graders Building the Human Body in PE

Volunteers Still Needed to Set Up the Stage

We are putting up the stage in the parish center in two phases this year for Crusader Theater.  The base will be set up on October 24th at 6:00 p.m. and should take about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.  About 6-8 people are needed for setting up the base.  On October 29th at 9:00 a.m., the walls will be assembled.  About 4-6 people are needed for about an hour.

• Oct 24:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC open
• Oct 25:  Red Out Day for Red Ribbon Week.  7th to AHS.  Fire Dept Visit for K-3 in the church
• Oct 26:  AHS Info Knight
• Oct 28:  JFK Student Hunger Drive collection ends.  Step It Up prizes distributed.
• Oct 29:  Trunk or Treat.  Monster Mash Dance.  Double D Diner on site
• Oct 31:  Black/Orange Dress Day.  All Saints Vigil Mass.
• Nov 1:  Butter Braid Sales End.  All Saints Day all school Mass and Parade of Saints
• Nov 2:  All Souls Remembrance Mass
• Nov 3:  No classes.  Parent/teacher conferences.  ECLC open
• Nov 4:  No classes.  ECLC open
• Nov 5/6:  OLV Bazaar
• Nov 8:  Skate Night
• Nov 11:  Civic Oration Rough Drafts Due.  Veterans’ Day (No buses).  Crusader Theater
• Nov 12:  H & S Babysitting for Christmas shopping
• Nov 14:  Music Boosters
• Nov 17:  8th to AHS
• Nov 18:  Butter Braid Delivery.  Mock Trial Regional Competition at SAU.  Nothing Bundt Cakes sales.
• Nov 21:  2nd Grade Sacrament preparation.  Crusader Choir Concert
• Nov 23:  2 hr early dismissal (12:40)
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  No Classes.  ECLC closed.

Chad

Pumpkin Drop

Eighth graders dropped their pumpkins on Friday.  Nearly all of them survived!

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders this week.  The 8th grade retreat is Tuesday, October 18 from 4:30 – 8:30 PM.  On Wednesday, October 19, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, we will have the 7th grade retreat.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the diocese of Minneapolis.

Volunteers Needed to Set Up the Stage

We are putting up the stage in the parish center in two phases this year for Crusader Theater.  The base will be set up on October 24th at 6:00 p.m. and should take about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.  About 6-8 people are needed for setting up the base.  On October 29th at 9:00 a.m., the walls will be assembled.  About 4-6 people are needed for about an hour.

• Oct 18/19:  Retreats for 7th/8th graders after school
• Oct 21:  End of 1st qtr.  Special dismissal at 12:40.  No afternoon PS classes
• Oct 21:  Pink Out Day for Breast Cancer Awareness
• Oct 24:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC open
• Oct 25:  Red Out Day for Red Ribbon Week
• Oct 26:  AHS Info Knight
• Oct 28:  JFK Student Hunger Drive collection ends
• Oct 29:  Trunk or Treat.  Monster Mash Dance.  Double D Diner on site
• Oct 31:  Black/Orange Dress Day
• Nov 1:  Butter Braid Sales End.  All Saints Day all school Mass
• Nov 3:  No classes.  Parent/teacher conferences.  ECLC open
• Nov 4:  No classes.  ECLC open
• Nov 18:  Butter Braid Delivery

Chad

Clergy Appreciation Day

Sunday was Clergy Appreciation Day.  One of the best ways to show your appreciation is to “Come to the Table” and celebrate Mass with them.  Mass is not the same without you!

Pumpkins Are Ready

The pumpkins have arrived for Friday’s pumpkin drop in one of JFK’s middle school science classes.

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

Overnight housing is still needed for NET team members.  As of last week, there were only three host families.  NET team members need housing the night of October 18th.  Host families are requested to house a minimum of two team members of the same gender. These college-aged young people 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.  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.  If you are interested, please contact Kaye Meyers at davolvcre@diodav.org or 563-391-8384.

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders.  The 8th grade retreat is Tuesday, October 18 from 4:30 – 8:30 PM.  On Wednesday, October 19, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, we will have the 7th grade retreat.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the diocese of Minneapolis.

Future Lady Knights Basketball

FUTURE LADY KNIGHTS basketball registration is beginning.  There is a registration night on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Noon-1:00pm, and an evening on Wednesday, October12, 2022, at 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Assumption High’s big gym.  FLK is for girls in 3^rd – 8^th grades who are interested in attending Assumption High and who want to be part of our developmental and competitive basketball feeder program.  Registration, consent and other forms and fee information can be emailed to you or are available the night of registration.

If you have questions  call Debbie Giganti (359-3085) OR  Joe Creen (343 0781) OR  email at creenlaw@gmail.com

AHS Pep Assembly

It sure was nice to have an AHS homecoming pep assembly at JFK again.  We haven’t had one since the fall of 2019!  Below are JFK graduates who were in the visiting AHS pep band

Other Upcoming Events

• Oct 10:  Band/Music Butter Braid Bread Sales Begin
• Oct 11:  Pack the AHS Gym for volleyball, 5-6:30
• Oct 11:  H & S meeting, 6:30, PC
• Oct 14/15:  JFK night at Marco’s Pizza
• Oct 16:  Ignite Sunday
• Oct 21:  End of 1st qtr.  Special dismissal at 12:45.  No afternoon PS classes
• Oct 24:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC open
• Oct 29:  Trunk or Treat.  Monster Mash Dance
• Nov 1:  Butter Braid Sales End
• Nov 18:  Butter Braid Delivery

Chad

Bus Agreement Reached

Bus service with Durham will continue as normal.  The drivers and company reached an agreement.

Home & School

 Congrats to class contest winners! 1st place – Mrs Maxwell 2nd place-Mrs Putnam 3rd place TIED- Mrs Poster and Mrs Vogel! Now it’s time to celebrate with the DAY OF AWESOMENESS on Thursday!  Weather is looking amazing!  This will be a out of uniform day as well! We still need just a couple more volunteers who can sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/?fbclid=IwAR0woyTvACKOCrNDbf427QuMiZ6g_KPq1EjEegJm7hzOFWHhdXnNSE3hDJY#!/showSignUp/10c0e45aeaa2ea1f4c61-dayofawesomeness Thank you again everyone!!

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.  Beginning this month, we’d like to recognize one student at each grade level whose teachers have observed exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:

• Kindergarten:  Emily D (also nominated:  Tucker K)
  • Emily is a fine example of our JFK GROWS program here at JFK. Emily is respectful during Mass by listening and praying quietly. She is welcoming to all during play and includes anyone who would want to join in with her. Emily makes safe choices and makes sure that her friends are safe as well. Emily is a hard worker and truly enjoys school at JFK!
• 1st grade:  Ryker T (also nominated:  Lawson H)
  • Ryker treats his classmates and teachers with respect and is such a trooper about having to have his arm in a sling for 6 weeks due to a broken collarbone.
• 2nd grade:  Stella P (also nominated:  Annsley W)
  • Stella is a shining light in 2P. She is kind, loving, and has her team’s back. She gives 150% in everything she does.
• 3rd grade:  Stevens F (also nominated: Piper R)
  • Stevens is respectful of his peers and teachers, has a great attitude towards learning, and follows classroom and school rules. He makes our classroom a better place.
• 4th grade:  Payton S (also nominated: Mia V)
  • Payton is kind, respectful, and hardworking. She is a positive role model for her peers.
• 5th grade:  Natalie R (also nominated:  Gauge F)
  • Natalie is very respectful to both teachers and students. She is focused and works hard in all subjects. Natalie also offers to help classmates when she is able.
• 6th grade:  Kaitlyn E (also nominated:  Maya H and Alayna A)
  • Kaitlyn is a helpful student who not only helps her classmates, but her teachers as well. She is also very respectful and follows classroom rules and procedures.
• 7th grade:  Hailey E (also nominated:  Max N)
  • Hailey is always eager to learn and her participation is fantastic. She has a natural kindness that does not go unnoticed by her peers and teachers. She always seems to be smiling and makes whatever is happening seem fun and exciting. Hailey is a gem, and JFK is blessed to haver her!
• 8th grade:  Veronica U (also nominated:  Makenzie S and Preston F)
  • Veronica goes out of her way to help classmates, whether it is giving a quick drink, a silly joke, or explaining a problem in class. Her infectious smile brightens up the room. She participates well with her peers and tries to put a positive spin on any situation.

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders & Housing Needed — Corrected Date

The need for housing for NET team members had an incorrect date.  They will need housing the night of October 18th.  Host families are requested to house a minimum of two team members of the same gender. These college-aged young people 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.  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.  If you are interested, please contact Kaye Meyers at davolvcre@diodav.org or 563-391-8384.

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders.  The 8th grade retreat is Tuesday, October 18 from 4:30 – 8:30 PM.  On Wednesday, October 19, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, we will have the 7th grade retreat.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the diocese of Minneapolis.

Future Lady Knights Basketball

FUTURE LADY KNIGHTS basketball registration is beginning.  There is a registration night on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Noon-1:00pm, and an evening on Wednesday, October12, 2022, at 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Assumption High’s big gym.  FLK is for girls in 3^rd – 8^th grades who are interested in attending Assumption High and who want to be part of our developmental and competitive basketball feeder program.  Registration, consent and other forms and fee information can be emailed to you or are available the night of registration.

If you have questions  call Debbie Giganti (359-3085) OR  Joe Creen (343 0781) OR  email at creenlaw@gmail.com

Other Upcoming Events

• Oct 3:  Picture retakes
• Oct 7:  Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (OLV’s feast day)
• Oct 8:  AHS Endzone Extravaganza, 2022
• Oct 21:  End of 1st qtr.  Special dismissal at 12:45.  No afternoon PS classes
• Oct 24:  In-service, no classes.  ECLC open

Chad

Mid-Quarters to be Emailed This Week

The first mid-quarter ended on Wednesday.  Mid-quarter report cards will be emailed this week after teachers have had a few work days to complete them.

As we continue with the transition to a new student information system, PowerSchool, please note that we are still using our old student information system, JMC.  JMC will be used for our lunch program the entire year and for grades/report cards for quite some time yet.  Parent access information for JMC was emailed two weeks ago.

Sacramental Preparation for 2nd Graders

There is a 2nd grade sacrament preparation gathering on September 26th in the parish center from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.  “Come to the Table.”

Student Council Officers

Student Council officers for 2022-23 were announced on Friday:  Natalie S. (Treasurer), Hailey E. (Secretary), Andun N. (Vice President), and Preston F. (President).

NET Retreats for 7th/8th Graders & Housing Needed — Corrected Date

The need for housing for NET team members had an incorrect date.  They will need housing the night of October 18th.  Host families are requested to house a minimum of two team members of the same gender. These college-aged young people 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.  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.  If you are interested, please contact Kaye Meyers at davolvcre@diodav.org or 563-391-8384.

NET team members will conduct retreats for 7th and 8th graders.  The 8th grade retreat is Tuesday, October 18 from 4:30 – 8:30 PM.  On Wednesday, October 19, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, we will have the 7th grade retreat.  NET team members come from all across the country and are trained and based out of the diocese of Minneapolis.

Student Information Sheets for 22-23 Still Missing from Some Families

Communication from the school can only work when the contact information is accurate.  Each year, families are asked to verify the information on student information forms, and new families complete new ones for us in August.  A month into the school year, we are still missing 22-23 verified information from about 2-6 families per homeroom.  Please share that information with us ASAP, if you have not already done so.  A link to a fillable form follows: Student-information-sheet-K-8-2022-23

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Parent-Handbook-2022-23-pdf-version.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.

Natural Negotiators?

You have never seen a natural negotiator try their talents so persistently until you’ve seen a kindergartner trying to convince her teacher that she needs to eat several of her week’s worth of snacks on Monday!

Home & School

• Step It Up:  There is still a little time left to meet our goals.  We have just reached over $21,000 with a goal to reach $35,000.  Please log back into your personal donation page and be sure that your child has reached their goal.   If you would like to make a donation yourself, there is still time. Just click on this link: https://ps.pop4kids.org/jfkschool52806  Donations are also accepted via cash, check or Venmo and are due by WEDNESDAY 9/28/2022. When turning in cash or check, please put it into an envelope for the front office and mark it ‘Step It Up – (Student name)’. Checks should be made out to JFK Home and School. Venmo can be sent to @JFK-Homeandschoolassociation and under the comments enter ‘Step It Up – (Student name)’.  We hope you’ll consider a donation. This program is the largest H & S fundraiser that benefits all students and staff.  The winner of the $250 Amazon gift card was Jolee C.
• Sept 30:  H & S sponsored Fall Festival at Pride of the Wapsi (Registration deadline:  Sept 28)
• Sept 30:  AHS Pack the Stadium.  7/8 bands to AHS.
• Oct 6:  Day of Awesomeness in relation to H & S’s Step It Up campaign

Other Upcoming Events

• Oct 7:  Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
• Oct 8:  AHS Endzone Extravaganza, 2022

Chad

Mass with Bishop Zinkula

Last week’s all school Mass celebrated by Bishop Zinkula was also attended by the diocesan superintendent of schools, Lynn Devaney.  Having attended school Masses throughout the Diocese of Davenport, she had nothing but praise for our students’ singing, participation, and reverence as well.  It’s nice to hear good things from “outsiders.”  “Come to the Table” at OLV/JFK!

60th Anniversary Celebration

As I’m working on this Post, I’m taking a break from the 60th anniversary celebration of Our Lady of Victory.  OLV was established in 1962 when Bishop Hayes told the parishioners of Holy Family that everyone who lived north of Duck Creek would now be members of Our Lady of Victory.  As there were no buildings yet for OLV, Masses were actually held in the Assumption High School auditorium.  JFK was built in 1964, and Masses moved to the gym and cafeteria, where the original crucifix hangs today.  In 1968, the groundbreaking took place for the church.

As Fr. Jake said in his homily, those first OLV parishioners took a leap of faith.  They did not know what the future would look like for the next 60 years.  We, too, are called to take our own leap of faith and journey down the road for the next 60 years, building the paths as we need them.

“Come to the Table” to be part of the present and future of Our Lady of Victory and the Catholic Church.

Transition to a New Student Information System Makes Progress

Student information systems communicate back and forth with the Iowa Department of Education.  On Wednesday afternoon, the number of data errors for JFK was about 22,600.  By Thursday afternoon, the number of errors dropped to about 1,500 as many more automated transitions/conversions of data finally took place.

We are, indeed, making progress with the new student information system, PowerSchool, that the diocese has licensed for all of the schools in the diocese.  Even the few schools which were already using PowerSchool have had to change to the diocese’s licensed version.  The process has not been easy for any school.  We are thankful for Lynne Devaney, superintendent of schools in our diocese, Brian Brock, in IT at the Mississippi Bend AEA, and, of course, Dianne Siefers, Technology Coordinator at JFK.

As we continue with the transition to PowerSchool, please note that we are still using our old student information system, JMC.  JMC will be used for our lunch program the entire year and for grades/report cards for quite some time yet.  Parent access information for JMC was emailed last week.

The first mid-quarter ends on Wednesday.  Then, teachers have about 2-3 work days to finalize the grades and ratings.  Mid-quarter progress reports will be emailed after September 26th.

Student Information Sheets for 22-23 Still Missing from Some Families

Communication from the school can only work when the contact information is accurate.  Each year, families are asked to verify the information on student information forms, and new families complete new ones for us in August.  A month into the school year, we are still missing 22-23 verified information from about 2-6 families per homeroom.  Please share that information with us ASAP, if you have not already done so.  A link to a fillable form follows: Student-information-sheet-K-8-2022-23

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Parent-Handbook-2022-23-pdf-version.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.

Home & School’s Step It Up Campaign

• Step It Up:  We have done a great job so far, but we’re still looking for 75% of our families/students in grades K-8 to participate, and we’re only at 42% as of Friday.  This program is the largest H & S fundraiser that benefits all students and staff.  Another of our local Catholic schools has raised so much through this fundraiser that they have discontinued their Gala!  All parents have to do is register online and send 10 communications.
  • Homeroom competition:
    • There’s a little homeroom competition going on for the rate of participation.  Mrs. Maxwell’s homeroom leads with 78% participation, followed by Mrs. Putnam’s homeroom at 71%, and then Mrs. Poster’s at 65%.  Fifth-8th grade participation is a little low with the highest level of participation in these grades being Mrs. Weiser’s class with 41%, and the lowest homeroom’s participation at 9%.  This year, 5th-8th graders will benefit greatly from Home & School’s support as boys’ and girls’ Catholic League sports teams will all utilize new uniforms.  (These are school owned uniforms and will likely last 7-10 years.)
  • Student winners of the drawings for the refrigerators stuffed with cash last week were the following:  Bryce B (3rd grade), Luci D (1st grade), Hailey E (7th grade), and Landon P (2nd grade).
  • The drawing for the $250 Amazon gift card is Monday!
  • Continue to submit the emails/texts online!
• Sept 21:  Skate Night at the Eldridge Community Center Roller Skating Rink, 4:30-6:30

Home & School is like a parent/teacher association.  All parents/guardians of students enrolled at JFK are part of Home & School.

Teaching Safety: Empowering God’s Children Safe Environment Training
Each year, the Diocese of Davenport, in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, requires that students in Catholic schools and faith formation programs in grades K-12 receive education in the prevention of child sexual abuse. The prevention of child sexual abuse requires more than adult vigilance and education. It also requires us to give children the age-appropriate background and tools to help them stay safe.  To this end, the Diocese is using the Teaching Safety: Empowering God’s Children program, sponsored by the VIRTUS program we are currently using to educate adults and volunteers.  For more information, click Teaching Safety – Empowering God’s Children, Parent Letter, 2022-23

Other Upcoming Events

• Sept 21:  End of first mid-qtr.  Student Council officer candidates’ speeches in the gym
• Sept 22/23:  Picture Day
• Sept 26:  2nd Grade Sacraments Preparation
• Sept 30:  H & S sponsored Fall Festival at Pride of the Wapsi (Registration deadline:  Sept 28)

Chad

Funeral Mass for Myrna Brehmer — Secretary of JFK for Its First 35 Years

This past week I attended the funeral Mass for Myrna Brehmer.  Mrs. Brehmer was the school secretary for its first 35 years of existence and retired in about 2008.  When I started at JFK, I was new to the role of principal and new to JFK.  Mrs. Brehmer, with her more than 25 years of experience at JFK already, helped me learn the ways of what really needed to be done.  I will always treasure the wisdom that she shared with me and her wonderful manner in dealing with all of the students.  May she Rest in Peace.

Fr. Andrew celebrated the funeral Mass beautifully.  I had a couple of student council officers from last year with me to represent the student body.  As we walked back to the school, I commented to them, “Now that’s how you do a funeral homily.”  It had just the right mixture of memories, sorrow, laughter, reflection, and message for our own lives.  Mass keeps us grounded to remember what’s important in life.  “Come to the Table!”

Bishop Zinkula Celebrates Mass with Us Sept 14th

Bishop Zinkula will be the celebrant at our September 14th all school Mass.  We welcome him to the Eucharistic table at OLV!

60th Anniversary Celebration – Parish Picnic

The OLV Parish Picnic is Sunday, September 18th following a special 1:00 pm Mass to celebrate our 60th Anniversary. (There will be not 11:00 a.m. Mass.)  We will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and sides catered by Smokin’ Butt BBQ. As in the past, there will be a hot dog option for the meal, lemonade and waters available as well as beer (both craft and domestic) and wine for adults.  Live music will be provided by Identity Crisis.  Bounce houses, a petting zoo and other kids activities will be available.  The celebration will conclude with a fireworks show at dusk, which is anticipated to be around 7:30 p.m.  All outdoor activities will be held on the grounds east of the school.  There is no charge for the picnic.  Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and an appetite!

COVID Guidance for 2022-23

COVID mitigation strategies at JFK this fall emphasize the following:

• Vaccination:  All people ages 6 months and older are eligible for COVID vaccination.  Like the flu shot, COVID vaccination won’t necessarily prevent one from catching COVID, but it will greatly lessen the likelihood of serious complications.
  • Please check with your child’s pediatrician about other vaccinations required for school or childcare attendance.  State law requires school officials to exclude students who do not have the proper immunizations.  Because the Catholic Church is not opposed to vaccinations, there should be no religious exemptions for Catholics.  The initial audit for K-8 students indicated that no K-8 students would have to be excluded!  Thanks for your help!
  • Flu shots will again be offered free to K-8 students later this fall thanks to the Genesis Flu Free Quad Cities program.
• Ventilation:  We have both building-wide ventilation systems and portable systems operating at JFK.
• Handwashing (and hand sanitizer) and respiratory etiquette.  We purchase hand sanitizer by the case!
• Staying home when sick:
  • Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
    • Students must be fever free for 24 hrs without the use of fever reducing medication before returning to school
  • Sore throat
  • New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing and/or prohibits the student from doing his/her work (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
    • Students must go 12 hrs without vomiting or diarrhea
    • A common definition of diarrhea is 3 or more loose/watery stools in a day
  • New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
  • Any other symptom(s) which interferes with your student’s ability to learn, including a non-allergy causing runny nose
  • Those who test positive for COVID are excluded from school for 5 days from the date the positive specimen was taken or 5 days from the day symptoms began.  The day of the test or the day symptoms began is day 0.  After the five days, one may return to school if wearing a mask for another five days.  Those who will not be wearing a mask need to stay away from school for a total of 10 days.  If one tests positive but has no symptoms and later develops symptoms within the 10 days, the timeline starts over with the day symptoms began as day 0.
    • Those who are exposed to someone who has COVID do not need to quarantine.  It is recommended that one wears a face mask for 10 days (with day 0 being the last exposure to someone with COVID).  Note:  Schools in Iowa cannot require face coverings.  One should also take extra precautions around others and watch for symptoms.
    • It is also recommended that one test at least 5 full days after one’s last exposure.  If the test is negative, one should continue with the exposure precautions through day 10.  If the test is positive, one should follow the procedures for testing positive.
• Cleaning and disinfection:  It seems odd to say that we are continuing with extra cleaning and disinfection; entering our third school year with COVID, it seems more the norm now than extra.

Physical distancing and/or plastic barriers between students will not be in place this year.  Face masks, however, are still an option for everyone.  Contact tracing and/or letters sent home will not take place, except where required in DHS childcare programs just as notifications might be for other diseases.

Transition to a New Student Information System Continues to Cause Disruptions

The Diocese of Davenport has licensed a student information system (SIS), PowerSchool, for all schools in the diocese.  It is taking the diocese much longer to transition all of the schools to the new system.  I have mentioned that discussions are still evolving around grading, progress reports, report cards, and student/parent viewable on-demand access to grades.

We are hoping to have student/parent viewable on-demand access to grades or an emailed progress report available for at least 6th-8th graders even before the end of the mid-quarter on September 21st.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Parent-Handbook-2022-23-pdf-version.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.

Home & School Happenings

• Sept 12:  Kick off to Step It Up!  This program is the largest H & S fundraiser that benefits all students and staff.  Another of our local Catholic schools has raised so much through this fundraiser that they have discontinued their Gala!  Our goal is for 75% student participation this year.  All parents have to do is register online and send 10 communications.
• Sept 21:  Skate Night at the Eldridge Community Center Roller Skating Rink, 4:30-6:30

Home & School is like a parent/teacher association.  All parents/guardians of students enrolled at JFK are part of Home & School.

Teaching Safety: Empowering God’s Children Safe Environment Training
Each year, the Diocese of Davenport, in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, requires that students in Catholic schools and faith formation programs in grades K-12 receive education in the prevention of child sexual abuse. The prevention of child sexual abuse requires more than adult vigilance and education. It also requires us to give children the age-appropriate background and tools to help them stay safe.  To this end, the Diocese is using the Teaching Safety: Empowering God’s Children program, sponsored by the VIRTUS program we are currently using to educate adults and volunteers.  For more information, click Teaching Safety – Empowering God’s Children, Parent Letter, 2022-23

That Man Is You:  Becoming a Man After God’s Own Heart

A new men’s program is beginning at OLV: That Man is You (TMIY).  TMIY is an interactive men’s program that claims to combine the latest findings of modern science with the teachings of the Catholic Church that will transform men, their families, and greater society.  TMIY is on Saturday mornings in the parish center from 6:00 – 7:30 a.m.  It begins on Saturday September 17th.

Other Upcoming Events

• Sept 12:  Cub/Boy Scout recruiting at lunch time
• Sept 21:  End of first mid-qtr.  Student Council officer candidates’ speeches after Mass in the church
• Sept 22/23:  Picture Day
• Sept 26:  2nd Grade Sacraments Preparation
• Sept 30:  H & S sponsored Fall Festival at Pride of the Wapsi (Registration deadline:  Sept 28)

Chad