Author: csteimle

Catholic Schools Week

Below is the outline for events during Catholic Schools Week.  See JFK’s Facebook or our closed Facebook group “JFK Moms & Dads” for information as well:

Saturday, January 29:

• Mass at 4:30.
• Open House, Book Fair in the Gym, Grab n’ Go Chili & Cornbread meal from Smokin Butts, 5:15 – 6:30
  • Food pre-order/pre-payment is required.  Orders must be made by January 27th.
  • The book fair will only be open on Saturday evening.  It will not be open during the rest of the week as in the past.  JFK receives a percentage of the sales from the book fair, which is used to purchase books for the library. We accept credit and debit cards as well as check and cash. You may also purchase a gift certificate for your child’s teacher to use to purchase a book for the classroom. Please stop in to see what we have this year!

Monday, January 31:

• Dodgeball for Diapers fundraiser for grades 3-8
• Athletic Dress Day/Out of Uniform
• Treat from Home & School

Tuesday, February 1:

• Talent Show
  • Grades 5, 1, and 2 at 7:50 followed by an intermission and grades 3 and 4
  • Grade K at 12:50 followed by an intermission and grades 6-8
  • We will be rotating performing grades and audience grades so there is still spacing in the gym.  Those students who are not performing or in the gym will watch it live-streamed to their classrooms.  Due to privacy requests by families, the livestream will not be made available outside the building.
  • 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.
• Class Dress Alike Day determined by each homeroom

Wednesday, February 2:

• All School Mass with Individual Blessings of Throats
• Bingo Day
• Spirit Wear Tops or green/white tops.  Bottoms may be out of uniform.
• Home & School sponsored night at SnowStar, 5:00-8:00.  Reservations can be made online at www.skisnowstar.com.  Promo code:  JFKSCH2022.  Once a reservation is made, a waiver will be emailed to you.  One completed waiver per family is required.

Thursday, February 3:

• Minute to Win it Activities
• Wacky Tacky Dress Day/Out of Uniform

Friday, February 4:

• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Games
• In-building livestream of VB or other movie in other grades
• Hat Day (Hats will not be worn in the church by those going to Mass on Fridays).  The rest of the students’ attire is “in dress code.”

Sunday, February 6:

• Donuts & More.  Pick up between 7 am – 1 pm at their Brady St. Location.  Cost is $12.99 per dozen.  Pre-order required by noon on February 4th, 563-322-5111.  $1 off specialty drinks if you mention JFK.

This Week is Busy as Well. Highlights Below:

• Monday:
  • Band Scratch Cupcake sales begin
  • Kids Heart Challenge kicks off
  • SEICDA Honor Choir
• Tuesday:
  • 7/8 science fair projects due and presented in classes
• Thursday:
  • Scheduled 4 year old preschool conferences in the evening
  • Drop in K-8 parent/teacher conferences, 4:30 – 7:30
• Friday:
  • Scheduled 4 year old preschool conferences.  No 4 yr old PS classes.

Lost and Found

Our lost and found bins are overflowing.  If your child is missing something, have them check the lost and found bins in the cafeteria.  We even have winter coats in there already!  Once the bins are full, we retain any items that might be of benefit for when students have spills/accidents and donate the remainder.

Bundle Up

We are always amazed by how many students do not have hats, gloves, or coats, or put them on even when it’s cold outside.  We do continue to go outside for recesses, as long as the wind chill is at least 10 degrees or more.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.  The most recent changes were made on January 2 and 5, 2022.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Jan 21, 2022

• Scott County’s COVID numbers set record highs again last week in the number of new cases per 100,000 within the last 14 days and percent of PCR positive tests during the last 14 days.
• There was also another new record set within the geographic boundaries of the Davenport Community School District:  23.3 cases per 1,000 residents.  Using this statistic and with the number of students and staff at JFK at about 450, one might expect about 10 cases at JFK (45% of 23).  Our absences due to positive cases among students and staff were right there; we started the week with 12 and ended the week at 8.
• About 1/3 of student absences due to illnesses are because of positive COVID tests.
• This school year, we’ve now had about 20% of PS-8th grade students and staff test positive for COVID.
• Boosters are now available for those 12 years of age and older.  Because the primary shots weren’t authorized for 5-11 year olds until much more recently, 5-11 year olds are not eligible for boosters yet.
• If one looks carefully at the guidance for quarantining for close contacts, being without a booster is similar to being unvaccinated.  Booster shots can be that important.
• Recent research indicates that being vaccinated, especially with boosters as well, is highly effective in keeping people out of hospitals.
• We are still in the thick of things with COVID, and multiple mitigation strategies should be employed, such as the following:
  • Vaccinations, including boosters
  • Consistent and correct mask use when needed
  • Physical distancing
  • Ventilation
  • Testing
  • Staying home when sick
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
  • Contact tracing, in combination with isolation and quarantine
  • Cleaning and disinfection

Chad

Catholic Schools Week

Below is the outline for events during Catholic Schools Week:

Saturday, January 29:

• Mass at 4:30.
• Open House, Book Fair in the Gym, Grab n’ Go Chili & Cornbread meal from Smokin Butts, 5:15 – 6:30
  • The book fair will only be open on Saturday evening.  It will not be open during the rest of the week as in the past.

Monday, January 31:

• Dodgeball for Diapers fundraiser for grades 3-8
• Athletic Dress Day
• Treat from Home & School

Tuesday, February 1:

• Talent Show
  • Grades 5, 1, and 2 at 7:50 followed by an intermission and grades 3 and 4
  • Grade K at 12:50 followed by an intermission and grades 6-8
  • We will be rotating performing grades and audience grades so there is still spacing in the gym.  Those students who are not performing or in the gym will watch it live-streamed to their classrooms.  Due to privacy requests by families, the livestream will not be made available outside the building.
  • 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.
• Class Dress Alike Day determined by each homeroom

Wednesday, February 2:

• All School Mass with Individual Blessings of Throats
• Bingo Day
• Spirit Wear Tops or green/white tops.  Bottoms may be out of uniform.
• Home & School sponsored night at SnowStar, 5:00-8:00

Thursday, February 3:

• Minute to Win it Activities
• Wacky Tacky Dress Day

Friday, February 4:

• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Games
• In-building livestream of VB or other movie in other grades
• Hat Day (Hats will not be worn in the church by those going to Mass on Fridays)

Sunday, February 6:

• Donuts & More.  Details TBD

Lost and Found

Our lost and found bins are overflowing.  If your child is missing something, have them check the lost and found bins in the cafeteria.  We even have winter coats in there already!  Once the bins are full, we retain any items that might be of benefit for when students have spills/accidents and donate the remainder.

Bundle Up

We are always amazed by how many students do not have hats, gloves, or coats, or put them on even when it’s cold outside.  We do continue to go outside for recesses, as long as the wind chill is at least 10 degrees or more.

Assumption Info Knight and Area High Schools

Assumption High School is hosting and Information “Knight” specifically targeted for 8th graders and their parents on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in its auditorium.  Students going to one of the public high schools should contact the public school as they are, or will soon be, in the process of registering for next year as well.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.  The most recent changes were made on January 2 and 5, 2022.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Jan 14, 2022

• Scott County’s COVID numbers set record highs last week in the number of new cases per 100,000 within the last 14 days and percent of PCR positive tests during the last 14 days.
• There was also a record set within the geographic boundaries of the Davenport Community School District:  21 cases per 1,000 residents.  With the number of students and staff at JFK at about 450, one might expect about 9 cases (45% of 21).  By the end of last week we were right about at that level; we had 10 students and staff absent due to positive COVID tests.
• About 1/3 of student absences due to illnesses are because of positive COVID tests.
• This school year, we’ve had about 17% of PS-8th grade students test positive for COVID and about 18% of staff test positive.
• Boosters are now available for those 12 years of age and older.  Because the primary shots weren’t authorized for 5-11 year olds until much more recently, 5-11 year olds are not eligible for boosters yet.
• If one looks carefully at the guidance for quarantining for close contacts, being without a booster is similar to being unvaccinated.  Booster shots can be that important.
• We are still in the thick of things with COVID, and multiple mitigation strategies should be employed, such as the following:
  • Vaccinations, including boosters
  • Consistent and correct mask use when needed
  • Physical distancing
  • Ventilation
  • Testing
  • Staying home when sick
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
  • Contact tracing, in combination with isolation and quarantine
  • Cleaning and disinfection

Chad

Early Dismissal on Friday for End of the Quarter

There is an early dismissal at 12:40 p.m. this coming Friday, January 14th.  Bus transportation and after school care are available.  There is no afternoon preschool.  ECLC hours are normal.  Friday is the end of the second quarter.

No School on Monday, January 17th

In observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., there are no PS-8 classes on Monday, January 17th.  ECLC is open normal hours.

Inclement Weather Announcements for JFK

If there should be a weather related late start, early dismissal, or school closure, this information will be sent out via automated email, text, and phone call.  The automated message goes to all primary contacts and is shared as soon as we can.  We also put the information on our website and main Facebook page.  Typically, we will follow the Davenport Community School District due to bus transportation.  However, as announced last week, JFK and the Catholic schools will be open even if the DCSD needs to close because of a bus driver shortage.  We will NOT have messages for JFK on local TV stations, as they have proven to be too unreliable over the years.

If school is cancelled, we will just let it be a snow/inclement weather day; students will not have to go online for instruction.

On two-hour early dismissals due to weather, we do operate our after school childcare programs, but we ask that everyone try to pick up as soon as possible so all can travel safely.

Lost and Found

Our lost and found bins are overflowing.  If your child is missing something, have them check the lost and found bins in the cafeteria.  We even have winter coats in there already!

Bundle Up

We are always amazed by how many students do not have hats, gloves, or coats, or put them on even when it’s cold outside.  We do continue to go outside for recesses, as long as the wind chill is at least 10 degrees or more.  On Friday, half the school even went to the church for Mass in the morning, and homerooms were in the church for Adoration later in the day.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.  The most recent changes were made on January 2 and 5, 2022:

• The changes shorten the time periods for isolation for those testing positive for COVID and for quarantining for those who are close contacts to a person who has COVID.  Since the January 5th changes, the CDC released the updated K-12 guidance, but it did not lead to the need for significant changes to JFK’s guidance.  
• Due to the shortened absences for isolation and quarantining, “Zooming” into classrooms has been discontinued.  This change also brings JFK into alignment with neighboring public and private schools and removes an additional level of work for staff members.  COVID related absences will be treated the same as all other absences with make-up work being the norm.  Please note, however, that most upper grade teachers have assignments and work on Google Classroom anyway.
• Additional clarity was added as the CDC and others responded to questions about the previously issued guidance.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Jan 7, 2022

• Scott County’s COVID numbers rose dramatically last week.  It is not expected to improve for several more weeks and could still get worse.  Making plans now for events occurring in late January and early February is being impacted.  The Catholic Schools Week Mass with five schools gathered at Assumption has been postponed, for example, as have OLV’s CEW retreats and parishioner appreciation dinner.  Planning CSW events for the JFK community for January 30 – February 4 seems to be more tentative than ever.  More information will be issued within the next two weeks.  (Don’t forget about the talent show for your child(ren).  We can’t wait to see their acts!)
• Boosters are now available for those 12 years of age and older.  Because the primary shots weren’t authorized for 5-11 year olds until much more recently, 5-11 year olds are not eligible for boosters yet.
• If one looks carefully at the guidance, particularly for close contacts, being without a booster is similar to being unvaccinated.  Booster shots can be that important.
• On some of this week’s graphs for JFK’s data, I had to change the scales as the numbers were otherwise “off the charts.”  That’s never a good sign!
• The percent of students absent at JFK this past week rose dramatically.  However, we also had families who are still traveling for the holidays, and the late start and even just the cold on Friday increased the number of students absent for reasons other than illness dramatically.
• That said, our absences due to illnesses and quarantining is nearly double what it had been before Christmas break.  We are still in the thick of things with COVID, and multiple mitigation strategies should be employed, such as the following:
  • Vaccinations, including boosters
  • Consistent and correct mask use when needed
  • Physical distancing
  • Ventilation
  • Testing
  • Staying home when sick
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
  • Contact tracing, in combination with isolation and quarantine
  • Cleaning and disinfection

Chad

Inclement Weather Announcements for JFK

If there should be a weather related late start, early dismissal, or school closure, this information will be sent out via automated email, text, and phone call.  The automated message goes to all primary contacts and is shared as soon as we can.  We also put the information on our website and main Facebook page.  Typically, we will follow the Davenport Community School District due to bus transportation.  We will NOT have messages for JFK on local TV stations, as they have proven to be too unreliable over the years.

If school is cancelled, we will just let it be a snow/inclement weather day; students will not have to go online for instruction.

On two-hour early dismissals due to weather, we do operate our after school childcare programs, but we ask that everyone try to pick up as soon as possible so all can travel safely.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.  The most recent changes were made on January 2, 2022:

• The changes reflect the December 27, 2021 CDC guidance for the “general population” and the Scott County Health Department’s interim guidance for schools issued on December 31, 2021.  The changes shorten the time periods for isolation for those testing positive for COVID and for quarantining for those who are close contacts to a person who has COVID.  The CDC is expected to release updated particular guidance for K-12 schools in the near future.
• Due to the shortened absences for isolation and quarantining, “Zooming” into classrooms will be discontinued and bring JFK into alignment with neighboring public and private schools and remove this additional level of work for staff members.  COVID related absences will be treated the same as all other absences with make-up work being the norm.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Dec 31, 2021

• As one might have expected, things have not really improved in Scott County over the Christmas break.  After the holidays, no one is expecting things to improve for several weeks or even a couple of months either.
• For the year, we have had 12.1% of our PS-8th grade student body test positive for COVID.  Every homeroom except one has had at least one case.
• In about one and a half school years, about 15% of PS-8th graders at JFK have tested positive for COVID.  Nationwide, about 16% of Americans have tested positive since around March 2020.  When it comes to COVID, JFK does not seem that different than the rest of the country.  We’ll see what things are like at JFK once school begins.

Chad

Highlighted Events — Last Week Until Christmas Break

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

• Dec 13:  Civic Oration introduced to grades 5-8.  Lego League participants can be out of uniform with their Lego League t-shirts.
• Dec 14:
  • King’s Harvest Collection (For $1 or more donation, students may wear pajamas today.
  • JFK Band concert in the AHS auditorium
    • See note from Mr. Connors regarding staggered times.
• Dec 15:  3 yr old PS parent/child small group activities
• Dec 16:
  • Band Out of Uniform
  • K-2 Christmas concert in gym.  K-2 Out of Uniform
    • See note from Mrs. VanSpeybroeck regarding staggered times.
• Dec 17:
  • Last day of school before Christmas break begins.
  • Red/Green/White/Christmas attire.
  • Special dismissal at 12:40.  Bus transportation available.
  • No pm PS classes.
• Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Dec 10, 2021

• COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.  Booster shots are also available for those 18 and over.
• We received a number of new graphs this week from the Scott County Health Department.  The first was  “Positive Tests Last 7 days by Age Group.”  It shows that COVID cases during the last week were fairly even distributed among all age groups, including children.  The age groups with the lowest percentages of the COVID cases were those 60 and over, which was attributed to higher vaccination rates in these age groups.
• The second new set of graphs, “Epidemic status during Delta surge,” show that we are at the highest levels of COVID this year and highest rates since the Delta variant started to take over in July.
• The third graph shows cases and rates since COVID began being tracked in March 2020.  It shows that we are currently at the highest levels in Scott County since November 2020.  Our current level, however, is about 1/3 of the November 2020 high.
• Hospitals are getting nervous again.  About 86% of all inpatient hospital beds are being used, and 18% are for COVID patients.  Again, these types of numbers weren’t seen since about November/December 2020.
  • The big statistic being pushed from Genesis last week was that 15 of the 16 patients in ICU due to COVID were unvaccinated.  Everyone is recommended to get their shots.
• Here is a link to the Scott County Health Department.  On its website is a link to a conversation among area pediatricians: Area Pediatricians Discuss COVID Vaccination
• The JFK figure that has startled me was reported last weekend:  from the beginning of this school year through December 3rd, about 10% of our PS-8th grade students have had COVID.
  • Through all of last school year, about 4% of the student population had COVID.
• We are averaging about 3-4 student absences per day due to positive COVID cases.  Please note that those are not new cases per day; each student who tests positive is typically absent for a number of school days.
• Two new graphs for JFK data were added this week.  They look at the percent of student absences due to illnesses that are because of positive COVID cases.  Through the school year, about 25% of all absences due to illnesses are because of positive COVID tests.  The last two weeks have been above 40%, but the two weeks prior to that, the absences due to COVID were 0% as there were not any students absent due to COVID.
• Be safe over the holidays!

Chad

Highlighted Events — Busy 2 Weeks Until Christmas Break

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

• Dec 6:  St. Nick’s Treats from Assumption.  2nd Grade Out of Uniform
• Dec 8:  Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• Dec 9:  3/4 Christmas concert.  3/4 Out of Uniform
  • See note from Mrs. VanSpeybroeck regarding staggered times.
• Dec 10: 4/5 yr old PS parent/child small group activities.  JFK 3rd-8th grade Reconciliation during the day.
• Dec 14:  Band concert
  • See note from Mr. Connors regarding staggered times.
• Dec 15:  3 yr old PS parent/child small group activities
• Dec 16:  K-2 Christmas concert.  K-2 Out of Uniform
  • See note from Mrs. VanSpeybroeck regarding staggered times.
• Dec 17:  Last day of school before Christmas break begins.  Red/Green/White/Christmas attire.  Special dismissal at 12:40.  No pm PS classes.
• Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Staff Adjustments

We are in the process of making the following staff adjustments:

1. 1. Brenda Werner has finished the major projects assigned to her for temporary work in the school office.  She will now focus on projects in the parish office.
   2. Julie Baker will be moving out of her aide role in morning preschool and concentrating more on the library, additional office-type tasks, and support for Ms. Siefers in tech support.
   3. Hannah Keep, an instructional aide, is moving to Cedar Rapids later this week.  We appreciate her service over the last year and a half.
   4. Melissa VanDam will move into an aide role in morning preschool and will be less involved in our after school care program.
   5. Jessica Rebolloso will begin at JFK on January 3^rd.  She will, for the most part, assume the duties that Ms. Keep was doing in preschool, the cafeteria, recess duties, and afternoon ECLC.  Mrs. Rebolloso has previous experience working in an elementary school.
   6. Kelley Wohlers started last week.  She has a variety of duties with recesses, lunch supervision, floating aide time in classrooms, and aftercare/ECLC.  She is studying to become an elementary school teacher and worked in a childcare center west of Davenport.
   7. Shayonte Lagrone is starting at JFK on December 6^th.  She will be working in preschool as an interventionist aide.  Ms. Lagrone has a BA from Western Illinois University and is taking coursework to become an elementary school guidance counselor.  Some of the extra preschool aide time is being funded by additional restricted PS funds from the state.

DHS Site Visit for “JFK Childcare at JFK Catholic School”

We finally had our unannounced licensing site visit from the Department of Human Services for our Early Childhood Learning Center, 3 year old preschool, and after school care program.  Due to the diligence of Mrs. Temming and all of our childcare staff members, there were no areas of non-compliance and no areas recommended for improvement.  We’d also like to thank all the parents who stay on top of their children’s immunizations and health screenings/physicals for childcare programs.  The DHS “inspector” randomly reviews about 5%-10% of our student childcare files.  While it seems odd to have certain requirements for your children when in K-8 classes during the day and other requirements when in after school care, that’s just how the licensing works with two different state agencies involved.

Handicapped Parking

Please observe the handicapped parking near the divider and at the north end of our parking lot, especially near preschool pickup times during the day and after school.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Dec 12:  Finding your place in the Advent story
• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Dec 3, 2021

• COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.  Booster shots are also available for those 18 and over.
• Here is a link to the Scott County Health Department.  On its website is a link to a conversation among area pediatricians: Area Pediatricians Discuss COVID Vaccination
• COVID numbers continue to rise in Scott County.  Case counts, positivity rates, and the percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients are all trending upward.  Some think we’re on a similar progression as we were last year only about a month behind.  Our current numbers are about where we were in Scott County in last year’s late October and early November.  Cases peaked last year right around Thanksgiving.  We’ll see if they peak around Christmas this year.
• Last Sunday, I mentioned that our COVID cases hadn’t yet risen at JFK.  This week, they increased six to ten-fold.  By Friday, we had 13 PS-8th grade students absent due to positive COVID tests.  This number represents about 3.2% of our student population.
  • For a perspective, through all of last year, we had 17 PS-8th grade students who were absent due to positive COVID tests.  That was about 4.2%  of our student population last year.
  • Through December 3rd of this year, we have had 40 PS-8th grade students absent due to positive COVID tests.  That represents about 9.9% of our PS-8 student population.
• In most of the situations with positive COVID cases this week, the students were not at school during the infectious periods.  Few letters were, therefore, sent to parents.
• As with our previous high number of COVID cases back in October, some of our larger families have multiple cases within their households.
• We are also aware of a number of COVID cases in families among children who are not yet five years old or even in preschool.  Little kids do get COVID.
• COVID and other illnesses have also been taking a toll on our staff and/or their own children.  On Friday, we had 16% of our staff members absent.
• I think I wore my mask almost all day by the time the week was over.  I even realized several times that I was still wearing it when alone in my office!

Chad

Last Week for Survey

We have begun working with Marzano Resources on the national High Reliability Schools framework.  There are five levels in which schools or districts can be involved.  The first level examines a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture.  To help us explore Level I at JFK, we are conducting a survey of JFK’s older students, parents, and staff.  Please respond to the survey between November 14 and December 4.  High Reliability Schools Survey

5 Levels of the High Reliability Framework

Highlighted Events — Busy 3 Weeks Until Christmas Break

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

• Nov 28:  First Sunday of Advent
• Nov 30:  End of 2nd mid-qtr.  Skate Night.
• Dec 2:  First Reconciliation
• Dec 6:  St. Nick’s Treats from Assumption
• Dec 8:  Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• Dec 9:  3/4 Christmas concert
• Dec 10: 4/5 yr old PS parent/child events.  JFK 3rd-8th grade Reconciliation during the day.
• Dec 14:  Band concert
• Dec 15:  3 yr old PS parent/child event
• Dec 16:  K-2 Christmas concert
• Dec 17:  Last day of school before Christmas break begins.  Red/Green/White/Christmas attire.  Special dismissal at 12:40.  No pm PS classes.
• Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Dec 12:  Finding your place in the Advent story
• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Nov 26, 2021

• COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.  Booster shots are also available for those 18 and over.
• Here is a link to the Scott County Health Department.  On its website is a link to a conversation among area pediatricians: Area Pediatricians Discuss COVID Vaccination
• COVID numbers continue to rise in Scott County, and concerns are being raised about the after effect of Thanksgiving and then the impact of Christmas.  Case counts, positivity rates, and the percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients are all trending upward.  The latest COVID variant is also starting to catch people’s attention.  While COVID numbers are rising in Scott County, we still haven’t seen that at JFK yet.
• As we began to do some planning for Catholic Schools Week at the end of January, the conversation quickly broadened to the following questions:  When will we loosen or reduce other mitigation strategies?  What will the criteria be, for example, when we no longer have classrooms set up with at least four feet of social distancing?  When will we not have every other stool seating in the cafeteria?  When will we resume all school Masses once per week rather than “half school” Masses twice per week?  There’s a good deal of thought that once we make it past the holidays and, with vaccination now available for those ages five and up and boosters also available for those 18 and over, we can begin to think about other mitigation strategies.

Returning to the Building?

I am hoping to return to the building regularly after Thanksgiving after being out of the building for non-COVID related reasons.  I’m not sure how it will go, but I’ll give it a try!

Chad

Short Week

There are no classes at JFK beginning this week on Wednesday, except for those 8th graders taking Algebra at Assumption.  ECLC will be open on Wednesday but will also be closed on Thursday and Friday.

Survey

We have begun working with Marzano Resources on the national High Reliability Schools framework.  There are five levels in which schools or districts can be involved.  The first level examines a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture.  To help us explore Level I at JFK, we are conducting a survey of JFK’s older students, parents, and staff.  Please respond to the survey between November 14 and December 4.  High Reliability Schools Survey

5 Levels of the High Reliability Framework

Highlighted Events

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

• Nov 23:  Thanksgiving Food Color Day:  Students should dress in the color of their favorite Thanksgiving food.  Students may be out of uniform on this day if they participate in the special theme but need to follow the out of uniform guidelines. No costumes are allowed as it is also an all school Mass day.
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.
• Nov 25-26:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.
• Nov 30:  End of 2nd mid-qtr.  Skate Night.
• Dec 2:  First Reconciliation
• Dec 9:  3/4 Christmas concert
• Dec 10: 4/5 yr old PS parent/child events.  JFK 3rd-8th grade Reconciliation during the day.
• Dec 14:  Band concert
• Dec 15:  3 yr old PS parent/child event
• Dec 16:  K-2 Christmas concert
• Dec 17:  Last day of school before Christmas break begins.  Red/Green/White/Christmas attire.  Special dismissal at 12:40.  No pm PS classes.
• Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Dec 12:  Finding your place in the Advent story
• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Nov 19, 2021

• COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.
• Here is a link to the Scott County Health Department.  On its website is a link to a conversation among area pediatricians: Area Pediatricians Discuss COVID Vaccination
• While COVID numbers are rising in Scott County, we still haven’t seen that at JFK yet.
• Expect the absence rates to be rather high for this short week.  Many families start to travel early for Thanksgiving.

I’m Going Remote?

I am hoping to return to the building regularly after Thanksgiving after being out of the building for non-COVID related reasons.  Education, including administration, is not the same when done remotely!

Chad

Survey

We have begun working with Marzano Resources on the national High Reliability Schools framework.  There are five levels in which schools or districts can be involved.  The first level examines a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture.  To help us explore Level I at JFK, we are conducting a survey of JFK’s older students, parents, and staff.  Please respond to the survey between November 14 and December 4.  High Reliability Schools Survey

5 Levels of the High Reliability Framework

Highlighted Events

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

• Nov 19:  Butter braid bread delivery.  Nothing Bundt Cake “pop up” sale.
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.
• Nov 25-26:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.
• Nov 30:  End of 2nd mid-qtr.
• Dec 2:  First Reconciliation
• Dec 17:  Last day of school before Christmas break begins
• Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Nov 21:  What’s my motivation to go to Mass?
• Dec 12:  Finding your place in the Advent story
• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Budgeted Cost Per Pupil

The budgeted cost per K-8 pupil in the 2021-22 school year for  JFK is $6,409.  The difference between cost per pupil and tuition ($3,970 for OLV parishioners for the first child) is made up by the parish, fundraising, and other sources.  OLV is budgeted to contribute nearly $2,000 per pupil to the education of students at JFK this year.

Labor of Love

Teachers and support staff at JFK perform a labor of love.  While non-public school teachers in Iowa averaged 1.5 more years of experience than Iowa’s public school teachers in 2019-20, the last year data was available, JFK teachers made on average about $15,000 less than their public school counterparts ($43,450 vs. $58,110).  The average support staff member pay rate at JFK is currently $14.11 per hour, but this is skewed by a few who make significantly more than even the median of $13.42 per hour.  Support staff members include custodians, office personnel, library/media associate, technology coordinator, lunch program employees, and instructional and supervisory aides.

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Nov 12, 2021

• The charts for JFK do not yet include November 12th data or the averages, thus, for week 12 of the school year.
• COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.
• Here is a link to the Scott County Health Department.  On its website is a link to a conversation among area pediatricians: Area Pediatricians Discuss COVID Vaccination
• Some of the administrators at this week’s health department meeting were concerned that things are starting to increase to about where they were last year before the surge that went from before Thanksgiving until after Christmas.  We haven’t seen that yet in JFK’s COVID data.

I’m Going Remote?

I continue to be out of the building for non-COVID related reasons for several days.  Thank you to everyone who has wished me well, including the students in Mrs. Motto’s kindergarten class who made cards for me.

Chad

Parade of Saints

JFK’s 18 “saints” and two 8th grade readers:

Highlighted Events

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

• Nov 11:  No buses.  (JFK has school, but the DCSD does not.)
• Nov 19:  Butter braid bread delivery.  Nothing Bundt Cake “pop up” sale.
• Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.
• Nov 25-26:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.
• Nov 30:  End of 2nd mid-qtr.
• Dec 2:  First Reconciliation
• Dec 17:  Last day of school before Christmas break begins
• Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• Nov 21:  What’s my motivation to go to Mass?
• Dec 12:  Finding your place in the Advent story
• Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
• March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Welcome Kayla Mason

JFK welcomes Kayla Mason to the staff as a “permanent substitute.”  She works everyday for JFK in whatever position she is needed.  JFK is averaging about 2-4 staff members, which includes both teachers and support staff, absent per day.

Budgeted Cost Per Pupil

The budgeted cost per K-8 pupil in the 2021-22 school year for  JFK is $6,409.  The difference between cost per pupil and tuition ($3,970 for OLV parishioners for the first child) is made up by the parish, fundraising, and other sources.  OLV is budgeted to contribute nearly $2,000 per pupil to the education of students at JFK this year.

Labor of Love

Teachers and support staff at JFK perform a labor of love.  While non-public school teachers in Iowa averaged 1.5 more years of experience than Iowa’s public school teachers in 2019-20, the last year data was available, JFK teachers made on average about $15,000 less than their public school counterparts ($43,450 vs. $58,110).  The average support staff member pay rate at JFK is currently $14.11 per hour, but this is skewed by a few who make significantly more than even the median of $13.42 per hour.  Support staff members include custodians, office personnel, library/media associate, technology coordinator, lunch program employees, and instructional and supervisory aides.

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Nov 5, 2021

• COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.

I’m Going Remote?

I will be out of the building for non-COVID related reasons for several days beginning this week.  Staff members have been kidding me that I’m going remote.  They even prepared a crate of books and materials that I might “need.”

Chad