Author: csteimle

Welcome to the 2021-22 School Year

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year!  I’m sure you noticed our most exciting change for this school year when you came to Meet Your Teacher/Unpack Your Backpack night:  building-wide air-conditioning!  We are still working on some of the electronic controls for the system, but it’s working!  It looks like we’ll need it this week too!

First Principal’s Post for 2021-22

Principal’s Posts are written each weekend and posted on our website, available off the front page.  I also send a link via email and post it to the school’s Facebook account.  A hard copy Principal’s Post also gets sent home via via “backpack mail” with the “youngest or only child” in a family at the beginning of each week.  I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades.  You will also receive numerous email communications from teachers.  Email is probably the number one form of communication in schools.

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

Occasionally, we will also “blast” a text message to families.  A good example of a mass text message would be a last minute school closing due to weather.  If you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK (primarily families new to JFK and/or preschool), type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  You will not receive text messages from JFK if you do not take action yourself.  There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

Message from Fr. Jake

Parking Lot Drop-Off/Pick-Up Changes

Please observe the new parking lot traffic pattern on the north side of the parking lot.  By shifting the car line for dropping off/picking up to go past the church and along the divider and concrete barriers, the line will not back up onto 42nd or Division streets.  A low quality photo is below.  For a better view, use the following link:   Parking lot traffic patterns, 2021

• Red arrows are the drop off/pick up zones.  Note that the main one is at the north, but there is also one that can be used at the south.
• Blue arrows are the one-way pick-up lanes.  
• Orange arrows are one-way lanes.
• Green arrows indicate where traffic goes in both directions.
• Note that in some areas there are two lanes going in the same direction:  one lane is just driving through (orange arrows) and the other lane is the pick up lane leading to the drop off/pick up zone (blue and red arrows).

As always, be careful in the parking lot.  Even though our younger students must be accompanied to/from the barriers by parents when parents are parked in the lot, there are a lot of people and cars moving at the same time.  Drive slowly, pay attention, and keep the cell phones put away.  Parents who are waiting for their little ones should stand on the school side of the barriers this year.

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.  Below are some of the updates since the August 4th version was released:

• CDC guidance that face coverings should have multiple layers of material to be most effective, if worn.
• Student desks are all facing the same direction.
• The Diocese of Davenport temporarily suspending singing at Masses.  The same temporary suspension will be followed for singing in music classes.
• The Diocese of Davenport urging, but not requiring, all Mass attendees to wear face coverings.
• Portable air purifiers will be operating in classrooms and other work areas where they are located.
• Negative test results from self-administered COVID tests will not be accepted.  Self-administered tests are too error-prone and raise too many other questions.
• Quarantining guidance clarifications for staff members.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County.  I’ll add JFK specific data as the year progresses.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Aug 20, 2021

• In general, we are starting the school year with more COVID cases in Scott County and higher positivity rates than when we ended the school year.  We were trending downward in May.
• We are also starting this school year with more COVID cases in Scott County and higher positivity rates than when we began last school year.  In both years, the trend has been upward.
• At JFK, we have had several children from multiple families unable to attend the Meet Your Teacher/Unpack Your Backpack event due to COVID related issues.

Bus Issues

It seems like it always takes a little time for the bus company to smooth things out at the beginning of the school year.  We are aware, for example, and have already tried to reach out to the bus company about some morning pick up times being listed as late as 7:40 or 7:45.  JFK starts school at 7:25.  We’ll welcome students whenever they arrive!

Substitutes Needed

JFK is in need of substitutes for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child).  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  A minimum of an associate’s degree may be enough to qualify.  The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK.  Workshops are being held almost every week throughout the state, and many of them are virtual so geography does not need to be a limiting factor.

Recognizing the need for substitute teachers, JFK’s board has authorized a $450 bonus at the pay period following the fifth day of substituting at JFK to the first five people to take advantage of this offer. The bonus will essentially cover the workshop fee, license application fee, background check fee, and pay an amount for the workshop time.

If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.

Parent Zoom Meetings

Homeroom teachers will conduct Zoom parent meetings beginning this week so you can find out more information about your child’s grade.  Invites will be sent from homeroom teachers.

• • Tues, Aug 24:  6:00 K; 6:45 1st grade
  • Wed, Aug 25:  6:00 2nd; 6:45 3rd
  • Thurs, Aug 26:  6:00 4th; 6:45 5th
  • Mon Aug 30:  6:00 6th; 6:45 7th
  • Tues, Aug 31: 6:00 8th

Other Highlighted Events

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

• Aug 25:  K-8 1 hr early Wednesday dismissals begin (1:40).  4/5 yr old PS special Wednesday times begin.
• Aug 27:  JFK/AHS Spirit Day.  Students may wear any JFK or AHS spirit wear along with uniform pants/skirts/bottoms.
• Aug 27:  “Give Back to School Night” at Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom (3030 Utica Ridge Road, Bettendorf.  15% of sales from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. go to support JFK’s Home & School Association.  Dine-in or carry-out.  355-9494
• Aug 28:  Parish picnic, 12:00-3:30 p.m.  (Note the early afternoon time of this year’s picnic)
• Sept 2:  Picture day
• Sept 6:  Labor Day.  No school/ECLC closed

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Parent-Handbook-2021-22.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.

New Staff Members

JFK welcomes six new staff members to the staff:

• Morgan Clark is teaching 7/8 math and 6th grade ELA.  Mrs. Clark has experience teaching math at both the high school and middle school levels.
• Mady-Lyn Featherston is working in our lunch program, aftercare, and ECLC.  She also works as a “floating aide” in a variety of classrooms.  Mrs. Featherston has two children attending JFK.
• Billie Inskeep is not entirely new to JFK as she served as a substitute teacher for us for about a year and a half.  She will be teaching 5th grade and has two children at JFK.
• Diana Longenecker is working in WIN time for our lower grades, as a “floating aide,” and in a variety of other roles.  Her jack-of-all-trades roles at JFK matches her vast variety of experiences in education.
• Bridget Parr is teaching 6th and 7th graders.  Ms. Parr has experience in the Davenport Community School District at the middle school and elementary school levels.  She did her student teaching at JFK a few years ago.
• Bristy Potter is teaching 7th and 8th graders.  Mrs. Potter previously taught in the Catholic schools across the river.

An Update About Me and My Family

This has been the shortest summer I’ve ever experienced as an educator!  With school in session almost 7-10 days later in June than usual, major accounting systems changes as we move closer to becoming a regionalized Scott County Catholic School system, a major HVAC project, COVID preparations, new federal/state guidance, etc., it seemed like there wasn’t any downtime this summer!

We did celebrate the wedding of my oldest daughter, Colleen.  Living in Charlotte, North Carolina, she and Justin came back to OLV to be married.  It was a beautiful ceremony, and Modern Woodmen was a perfect venue for their reception.  My son, Tom, is in Charleston, South Carolina.  He finished his college degree in May and works as an independent contractor in the entertainment industry.  Kirsten is entering her third year of teaching special education in a grade school in Des Moines.  As her dog is now just over a year old, she’s thinking about adding another puppy to her household!  Caitlin is beginning her second year of law school at the University of Kansas.  She recently got engaged and is planning on a wedding at OLV next August.

I am beginning my 21st year as principal at JFK.  Prior to coming to JFK, I worked for ten years at Assumption High School where I taught religion for nine years and then worked in student services for one year.  I grew up in South Milwaukee, WI, and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee for my bachelor’s degree in sociology and theology.  I received a master’s degree in religion from the University of Chicago, and my master’s degree in education administration is from Western Illinois University.  My superintendent’s certificate work was done through the University of Northern Iowa.  I have additional coursework at the graduate and/or undergraduate level from St. Ambrose, the University of Iowa, and Drake University.

Lynn and I have just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary.  Lynn works in student services at Assumption High School, where we met.  She is a graduate of Assumption and St. Paul’s.

Chad

Quite the Year

2020-21 has been quite the school year!  I would like to thank everyone for your flexibility as we adapted to different ways of doing “school.”  At the beginning of the year, everyone figured we would just go as long as we could with face-to-face instruction, and we’d have to be ready to switch to remote learning.  Now, here we are at the end of the year without ever having had to quarantine a classroom or close the whole building.  That’s been remarkable!

Our final toll has been 17 students with positive COVID test results for a student percentage of 4.2%.  Eight staff members (17%) had positive COVID test results this school year.  We did experience a correlation between face coverings and absences due to illnesses within the last month of school.  For the 10 days prior to lifting the mask requirement, our average absence rate due to illnesses was 0.72%.  For the 10 days after lifting the mask requirement, our average absence rate due to illnesses was 1.7%.  In neither of those time periods were there any positive cases of COVID.  Our average daily attendance rate since November, excluding long-term remote learners but including all other reasons for absences, was 94%, just under the target for a regular year of 95%.  We did phenomenally well during a pandemic!

Summer Programming

JFK staff members Kathy Neuberger and Kayelyn Blake are available for one-on-one tutoring this summer.  The cost for tutoring is $11 per half hour or $22 per hour.  Arrangements and scheduling are done with the teachers:  kathy.neuberger@olvjfkmail.com and kayelyn.blake@olvjfkmail.com.

Ethan Connors will also be offering private instrumental lessons this summer at the same rates as tutoring:  ethan.connors@olvjfkmail.com.

Vacation Bible School is for students entering kindergarten – 5th grade for the 2021-22 school year.  The dates are July 15 & 16 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. with special activities also at the 11:00 Mass on July 18.  There is no cost to VBS this year.  Questions may be directed to Kaye Meyers, Coordinator of Faith Formation for OLV Parish, 563-391-8384.

Key Dates

June 9:  3 yr old preschool family event

June 10:  PS Event, 6:00-6:45

June 11:  Class Dress Alike Day.  Last school Mass.  Field day (K-4 morning, 5-8 afternoon).  Last day of school.  Dismissal at regular time of 2:40.  8th grade graduation Mass.

July 19:  Leaps & Bounds session II begins

July 25/26:  Back to School Registration

Aug 2:  Leaps & Bounds session III begins

Aug 19:  Unpack Backpack/Meet Your Teacher

Aug 23:  First Day of School.  ECLC Begins.

HVAC Project 

• Work in the field by Sturdevant began this week  in preparation for the electrical transformer.

Summer Messages on Facebook

Keep up with JFK during the summer by following us on Facebook.

Chad

Enrollment Still Unsettled for 2021-22

It is still difficult to project our enrollment for the 2021-22 school year.  On the positive side, we have the potential for an enrollment increase of nearly 20 students since our October 1st official enrollment count for the 2020-21 school year.  On the other hand, the return rate of tuition contracts for the next school year has been the slowest we’ve seen for many years, and there are contracts for nearly 30% of the potential K-8 student body still outstanding.  For multiple grade levels, the discrepancy is the difference between one section of 20-24 kids or two sections of 15-20 each.  This predicament is especially pronounced in grades 2-6 and 8.  From a financial perspective, it’s a difference of around $400,000 on a $2.4 million budget.  It’s enough of a difference to delay all summer purchasing such as for new textbooks, technology, and furnishings.  It’s enough of a difference for teachers to be left wondering what grade(s) they will be teaching next school year.  Many decisions are made based upon projected enrollment, and we need your timely help.

If you have not yet returned your 21-22 tuition contract, please do so ASAP.  If you have run into some financial challenges that have delayed paying this year’s tuition, which, in turn, has delayed the issuance of a tuition contract for next year, please communicate with Fr. Jake in the parish office.  If your children will not be returning to JFK next year, please also let us know that so we can adjust accordingly.

See below for more information on how your net tuition bill can be decreased by $250 per student for next year.

Net Tuition Decreases: HF 847 Makes Changes to Education in Iowa

Governor Reynolds signed HF 847 on about ten days ago.  Below are three highlighted elements:

• Parents may receive a tuition credit on their taxes up to 25% on the first $2,000 spent for each K-12 dependent’s tuition and textbook fees.  This tax credit increase is the equivalent of reducing your tuition bill next year by $250 per student!
• The tax credit available to someone who donates to a school tuition organization increases from 65% to 75%.  If a person donates $100 to an STO, for example, his/her tax bill is reduced by $75.  This change makes it even more advantageous to donate to an STO.  The Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization funds tuition assistance for Scott County Catholic Schools.
• The cap on the tax credits available for donors to STOs increases from $15 million to $20 million by January 2022.  More money donated to STOs means more money available for financial assistance to our families.

Summer Programming

The Iowa Department of Education (DE) discussed how to access federal funds that many schools, including JFK, were going to use for summer programming.  The (DE) said that services for which federal funds were going to be used could not begin until at least July 1st, with July 7th or 9th more likely start dates.  Due to this new information, our June session of Leaps & Bounds has been cancelled.  We were, however, able to find staff to be able to offer two classes for session II of Leaps & Bounds in July.  Those who registered for the June session are in the process of being contacted to see if they would like a spot for July.

JFK staff members Kathy Neuberger and Kayelyn Blake are also available for one-on-one tutoring this summer.  The cost for tutoring is $11 per half hour or $22 per hour.  Arrangements and scheduling are done with the teachers:  kathy.neuberger@olvjfkmail.com and kayelyn.blake@olvjfkmail.com.

Ethan Connors will also be offering private instrumental lessons this summer at the same rates as tutoring:  ethan.connors@olvjfkmail.com.

Vacation Bible School is for students entering kindergarten – 5th grade for the 2021-22 school year.  The dates are July 15 & 16 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. with special activities also at the 11:00 Mass on July 18.  There is no cost to VBS this year.  Questions may be directed to Kaye Meyers, Coordinator of Faith Formation for OLV Parish, 563-391-8384.

Last Day of School – June 11

June 11th is JFK’s last day of the school year.  There is no early dismissal for JFK as the DCSD does not dismiss for the year until the following week.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, May 28, 2021

• Scott County’s COVID numbers continue to decline.  Colors are starting to change in the transmission risk factors charts too!
• The Pfizer vaccination has now been approved for those ages 12 and up.  Here is a link that can direct you to providers in the area:  Vaccinations
• JFK’s illness numbers have jumped up a little bit recently, but our COVID numbers remain miniscule.  We haven’t had a positive case identified in a student or staff member for well over a month now.
• Absences at JFK also jumped on Friday for the holiday.

HVAC Project Update — SCRA Grant Received

• Work on the roof continued this past week in preparation for the condensers to be installed.
• We received a $30,000 grant from the Scott County Regional Authority (Bettendorf Riverboat).

Chad

Enrollment Still Unsettled for 2021-22

It is still difficult to project our enrollment for the 2021-22 school year.  On the positive side, we have the potential for an enrollment increase of nearly 20 students since our October 1st official enrollment count for the 2020-21 school year.  On the other hand, the return rate of tuition contracts for the next school year has been the slowest we’ve seen for many years, and there are contracts for nearly 30% of the potential K-8 student body still outstanding.  For multiple grade levels, the discrepancy is the difference between one section of 20-24 kids or two sections of 15-20 each.  This predicament is especially pronounced in grades 2-6 and 8.  From a financial perspective, it’s a difference of around $400,000 on a $2.4 million budget.  It’s enough of a difference to delay all summer purchasing such as for new textbooks, technology, and furnishings.  It’s enough of a difference for teachers to be left wondering what grade(s) they will be teaching next school year.  Many decisions are made based upon projected enrollment, and we need your timely help.

If you have not yet returned your 21-22 tuition contract, please do so ASAP.  If you have run into some financial challenges that have delayed paying this year’s tuition, which, in turn, has delayed the issuance of a tuition contract for next year, please communicate with Fr. Jake in the parish office.  If your children will not be returning to JFK next year, please also let us know that so we can adjust accordingly.

See below for more information on how your net tuition bill can be decreased by $250 per student for next year.

Net Tuition Decreases: HF 847 Makes Changes to Education in Iowa

Governor Reynolds signed HF 847 on Thursday morning.  In addition to barring schools from requiring students, staff, and/or members of the public to wear face coverings, other highlighted elements of HF 847 are the following:

• Parents may receive a tuition credit on their taxes up to 25% on the first $2,000 spent for each K-12 dependent’s tuition and textbook fees.  This tax credit increase is the equivalent of reducing your tuition bill next year by $250 per student!
• The tax credit available to someone who donates to a school tuition organization increases from 65% to 75%.  If a person donates $100 to an STO, for example, his/her tax bill is reduced by $75.  This change makes it even more advantageous to donate to an STO.  The Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization funds tuition assistance for Scott County Catholic Schools.
• The cap on the tax credits available for donors to STOs increases from $15 million to $20 million by January 2022.  More money donated to STOs means more money available for financial assistance to our families.
• Teachers may claim a tax deduction up to $500 when they spend their own money on qualified educational purchases.
• Schools must display both the US and Iowa state flags on an outdoor flagstaff.  (We’re still in need of a bucket lift truck so we can repair our flagstaff!)
• Charter schools are easier to establish.  Parents would be able to direct their state education dollars to go to brand new schools operated by individuals or even for-profit organizations outside of Iowa.  Parents still, however, cannot use their state education dollars to pay for education at long-established private schools in Iowa.

History of Face Covering Guidance at JFK

As I have stated many times, there seems to be no other COVID issue as significant as face coverings.  Below is a little history of how things have progressed at JFK:

• Last summer, the Iowa Department of Education advised schools not to require face coverings.  The CDC and Scott County Health Department recommended face coverings, especially when social distancing was not possible.
• JFK’s Building Leadership Team (BLT) and board discussed the issue for many hours over the summer.  We started the year with face coverings encouraged, but not required in most classroom situations as our desks were six feet apart from one another.
• As COVID numbers in Scott County began to increase in October, our BLT began to develop metrics for when a classroom or the whole school might have to wear face coverings regardless of social distancing.  (They also developed metrics for whole classroom and whole building quarantining as well.)  The metrics were shared with the board.
• In early November, with COVID numbers in Scott County still rising, and the challenges we were facing in keeping kids separated at outdoor recesses, we implemented the need for students to wear face coverings at outdoor recesses.
• In mid-November, the COVID numbers in Scott County were high enough to trigger the building-wide face covering requirement, according to our metrics.
• Within a week’s time, we realized just how cumbersome the metrics were going to be for timely decision-making, particularly as we had to rely upon once per week data from the health department.  The rubric was simplified to only focus on the positivity rate.
• As public schools were having to restore five day per week in person instruction by mid-February, our BLT discussed face coverings again.  With the COVID numbers still recovering from Christmas break, vaccinations just beginning for staff, and spring break on the horizon, the BLT decided to suspend the metrics we had been using, and we were prepared, if need be, to continue with face coverings being required for the rest of the school year.  The board, in February, deliberately deferred the decisions regarding face coverings to the BLT.
• In late April and early May, COVID numbers in Scott County were continuing to drop to levels equivalent to what they had been in the fall before we went to our face covering requirement.  The BLT began to discuss face coverings again at its weekly Monday meetings.  CDC guidance was also beginning to change, at least for vaccinated individuals.
•  On May 10th, the BLT decided that we could go back to how we had started the school year with face coverings encouraged, but not required in most classroom situations, as our desks were six feet apart from one another.  Recess challenges remained so we had planned to continue to wear face coverings at recess.  The changes were going to be announced after the May 12th health department data was received and in the May 16th Principal’s Post.
• On May 13th, the CDC issued new face covering guidance again.  I accelerated JFK’s new face covering guidance to begin on May 14th.
• On the afternoon and evening of May 14th, new guidance was issued from the Iowa Department of Public Health through the departments of education and human services, and new guidance also came from the Diocese of Davenport.  Scott County Catholic schools responded with new protocols to go into effect on May 17th that made face coverings welcomed and encouraged among students, but not required.  Staff were to follow the face covering guidance according to vaccination status.
• Early in the morning on May 20th, Governor Reynolds signed HF 847.  A section added quite suddenly to the bill bars schools from requiring students, staff, and members of the public to wear face coverings.  It was effective immediately.

Registration for JFK’s Summer Leaps & Bounds and Vacation Bible School

Registration for JFK’s summer Leaps & Bounds sessions is closed.  Responses were far more than we had expected, as typically we have had to be concerned about having enough students to be able to offer all sessions each year.  This year our concern has been in having to turn people away!

Vacation Bible School is for students entering kindergarten – 5th grade for the 2021-22 school year.  The dates are July 15 & 16 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. with special activities also at the 11:00 Mass on July 18.  There is no cost to VBS this year.  Questions may be directed to Kaye Meyers, Coordinator of Faith Formation for OLV Parish, 563-391-8384.

Special Dress Day on Thursday: Dress In Colors of Favorite Flower Fund-Raiser

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, May 21, 2021

• Scott County’s positivity rate continues to decline.  The 14-day rate is lower than it’s been since September or even before then.  The 7-day rate on the state’s website today for Scott County, 3.1%, is the lowest it’s been since the beginning of March.
• The Pfizer vaccination has now been approved for those ages 12 and up.  Here is a link that can direct you to providers in the area:  Vaccinations
• We are still waiting for the actual details on contact tracing and quarantining guidelines since all of the changes within the last week.  While the abbreviated guidance we received last week stated that students who are close contacts to a positive COVID case do not need to quarantine, it is believed that this statement only applies when the close contact is not due to being a household contact.  If the close contact is due to being a household contact, a student still should quarantine.
• We sent information to the Iowa Department of Education for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program.  P-EBT is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides food benefits to prekindergarten (pre-K 4/5 year olds) through 12th grade children who temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID related reasons.  The May submission covers the time period of September through March.  Other submissions will cover the remainder of the school year.  Each eligible child receives $6.82 per qualified day.  The P-EBT cards are mailed directly to families from the state.
• As I prepared the data to send for the P-EBT program, I noticed that it appears that even our families have been affected by COVID disproportionately.  A higher percentage of JFK students eligible for free/reduced lunch have had school absences related to COVID than other students.  Approximately 47% of students eligible for free/reduced lunches had absences related to COVID while about 30% in a sample of other students had absences related to COVID.

HVAC Project Update

• An abandoned chimney has been removed near the gym to clear the way for the VRF condensers.
• Utility locates have been staked in the field.  A large transformer will have to be installed near Sturdevant, and then the electrical wires and cable/internet will be run underground to the school.
• We received notification that we will be receiving a grant from the Scott County Regional Authority (Bettendorf Riverboat).  On Tuesday, we will find out how much we will receive.  We applied for $150,000.

Chad

What the COVID-19 Protocol Changes Mean for JFK

Earlier today a joint statement from Scott County Catholic schools was emailed announcing new COVID-19 protocols for our Catholic schools.  (Public school districts will be making their statements within the next day or two.)  Basically, our new protocols state that face coverings for students are welcomed and encouraged but optional with parents and students making the decisions, and staff members should follow the face covering guidance as per their vaccination status.  Students who are close contacts also are not required to quarantine.  While the Friday afternoon guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health, as supported and promulgated by the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Human Services, and the Friday evening new diocesan guidance were surprising in their timing, we all knew the day for changes was, indeed, coming.  While we are certainly not out of the pandemic yet, things are improving.  The weekly data and graphs shared below show the improvements in both the county and JFK.

On Friday, JFK also returned to masks being optional when students are at their desks in their classrooms, which is how we started the school year.  During a walkthrough observation of all classrooms, I counted that 65% of the observed K-5 students and 50% of 6th-8th grade students were still wearing their masks correctly.  A good number more were still wearing their masks, but the masks were not covering both their noses and mouths.  All staff members observed were still wearing their face coverings and were wearing them in the correct manner.  While face coverings for students are now optional with the choice being made by parents and students, the CDC still recommends them for those who are not yet fully vaccinated, which currently includes students.

At JFK, we will continue to have students’ desks six feet apart from one another in classrooms, windows open, fans and A/C running where applicable, portable air purifiers in operation, and the mechanical ventilation system running where installed.  Students will still eat lunch in their classrooms at their desks, still be six feet apart from one another at Mass, still not congregate in hallways, still have options available if they are uncomfortable doing a short-term activity in their temporary pods,  etc.  The change is that face coverings will also be optional when students are not at their desks as well.  The change this time also includes recess.  With outdoor activities proving to be safer, it was decided that the Catholic schools would unify on this issue and not require face coverings at recess.

While we understand the angst that the new face covering guidance may cause, we also want to remind our Catholic school families that they can have their children become remote learners at any time during this school year.  (This option is not available in many of the public schools.)  If you would like to make this switch, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher and the school office.

Tuition Contracts for 21-22 Can Be Considered Past Due

With the end of the discounted registration period for the 2021-22 school year, the return of tuition contracts can be considered past due.  Completed tuition contracts represent the official registration document that hold a spot for the next school year.

Preschool registration for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and ECLC (childcare) does remain open.  We will likely need to make staffing adjustments given the high interest in three year old preschool!  If you have not yet registered for these programs, please contact the school office ASAP.

Registration for JFK’s Summer Leaps & Bounds and Vacation Bible School

Due to federal funding, Leaps & Bounds will be free this summer.  We have three sessions on the calendar.  Each two week session runs from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.  Two hours are for reading, one hour is for math, and 30 minutes is for recess and other fun.

June 21 – July 2

July 19 – July 30

August 2 – August 13

The registration process for Leaps & Bounds will be released soon.

Vacation Bible School is for students entering kindergarten – 5th grade for the 2021-22 school year.  The dates are July 15 & 16 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. with special activities also at the 11:00 Mass on July 18.  There is no cost to VBS this year.  Questions may be directed to Kaye Meyers, Coordinator of Faith Formation for OLV Parish, 563-391-8384.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, May 14, 2021

• The Pfizer vaccination has now been approved for those ages 12 and up.  Here is a link that can direct you to providers in the area:  Vaccinations
• Our HVAC project, which will also provide mechanical ventilation and an ionization air purification system for the 1964 and 1987 parts of the building (the 2011 parts already have mechanical ventilation), has begun.  Utility locates were made in the fields on Friday so work on the new electrical service can be started, and an abandoned chimney is being removed to clear the way for the VRF condensers.

Chad

Rock the Lot Gala

Buy your tickets now for a socially distanced (COVID friendly) rockin’ Gala event in our parking lot on May 15th!

Tuition Contracts for 21-22 Can Be Considered Past Due

With the end of the discounted registration period for the 2021-22 school year, the return of tuition contracts can be considered past due.  Completed tuition contracts represent the official registration document that hold a spot for the next school year.

Preschool registration for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and ECLC (childcare) does remain open.  We will likely need to make staffing adjustments given the high interest in three year old preschool!  If you have not yet registered for these programs, please contact the school office ASAP.

Tuition Increases Partially Offset by Reduced Fees and School Supplies

Tuition increases for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years have been about $50 higher than normal but offset with $50 reductions in fees typically charged at the back to school registration in late July/early August.  This transfer of $50 per year from fees to tuition has been done for three reasons: (1) it reduces the amount of fees owed in August at the same time when tuition payments start, (2) it allows the fees, as then part of tuition, to be eligible for tuition assistance, and (3) it allows what used to be fees to be spread out over monthly payments.  In addition to these moves done in unity with the other Catholic elementary schools in Scott County, JFK has also now removed things like Kleenix, Clorox wipes, and paper towels from the JFK supply lists of things that parents are expected to provide each fall.  While removing these items from the supply lists saves families money in August, it also allows the school to better control inventory.  Finding storage space for over a thousand boxes of tissues, tubs of wipes, and rolls of paper towels each August just became too challenging.

Tuition Transfer Credit Program

JFK and the other Catholic schools in the Scott County will be participating in a new Tuition Transfer Credit Program designed to boost enrollment in our Scott County Catholic School System.

Families with students entering grades 1 – 8 this fall not currently enrolled in a Catholic school may be eligible to receive a tuition grant.  The program aims to help offset financial barriers for families considering Catholic education so they can experience the Catholic school difference!  Eligible families receive a discount on tuition for each of their children grades 1 – 8 (as space permits) for the first two years of enrollment.

• Year one enrollment = $1000 discount on *full tuition for each eligible student.
• Year two enrollment = $500 discount on *full tuition for each eligible student.

* Full tuition for a Catholic student or full tuition for a non-Catholic student as each case dictates.

Certain restrictions apply. The goal of this program is to fill empty seats in our schools. If a grade level is already at capacity, transfer students in that grade level will not be eligible for this grant as additional students would lead to the need for another teacher. Additionally, new families receiving tuition assistance through the Family Tuition Plan are not eligible for this program. The Tuition Transfer Credit Program is a low-cost way to welcome new families into our school community while strengthening enrollment at our Catholic schools.

The Tuition Transfer Credit Program benefits currently enrolled families too. When our schools fill empty seats, we add income without adding the cost of additional staff. This helps to keep tuition costs lower for current families and helps our schools flourish. Other dioceses have successfully implemented this program with a 90%+ retention rate among new families! Many times, once a family experiences Catholic education, they appreciate the Catholic school difference and make one of our schools an educational home for their children.

Registration for JFK’s Summer Leaps & Bounds and Vacation Bible School

Due to federal funding, Leaps & Bounds will be free this summer.  We have three sessions on the calendar.  Each two week session runs from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.  Two hours are for reading, one hour is for math, and 30 minutes is for recess and other fun.

June 21 – July 2

July 19 – July 30

August 2 – August 13

The registration process for Leaps & Bounds will be released soon.

Vacation Bible School is for students entering kindergarten – 5th grade for the 2021-22 school year.  The dates are July 15 & 16 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. with special activities also at the 11:00 Mass on July 18.  There is no cost to VBS this year.  Questions may be directed to Kaye Meyers, Coordinator of Faith Formation for OLV Parish, 563-391-8384.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, May 7, 2021

• With other meetings and activities on Friday, Angie Hillebrand and I did not have a chance to review together JFK’s attendance data for Friday.  The graphs linked above, thus, only include Tuesday’s JFK data and the Scott County weekly Wednesday data.
• At our bi-weekly meetings with Scott County health department representatives, we tried to press for predictions for the fall.  Of course, no one is willing to predict that far out yet.  With the rate of vaccinations falling, there is also wonder of what “normal” might look like without herd immunity achieved through vaccination.  The “risk equation” — balancing risks from infection against risks from mitigation strategies — is also changing and differs around the world, in states and local communities, and even within families.
• With the CDC’s update on methods of COVID-19 transmission to place more emphasis on aerosol particles, it is clear that our efforts to keep windows open, have fans running, and utilize portable air purifiers were good moves.  Our summer HVAC project will also provide mechanical ventilation and an ionization air purification system for the 1964 and 1987 parts of the building.  The 2011 parts already have mechanical ventilation.

Chad

ISASP and Iowa Assessments Finished — Out of Uniform Dress Day on Tuesday

We finished our statewide assessments and will celebrate with an out of uniform dress day on Tuesday!

Tuition Contracts for 21-22 Can Be Considered Past Due

With the end of the discounted registration period for the 2021-22 school year last week, the return of tuition contracts can be considered past due.  Completed tuition contracts represent the official registration document that hold a spot for the next school year.

Preschool registration for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and ECLC (childcare) does remain open.  We will likely need to make staffing adjustments given the high interest in three year old preschool!  If you have not yet registered for these programs, please contact the school office ASAP.

Rock the Lot Gala

Buy your tickets now for a socially distanced (COVID friendly) rockin’ Gala event in our parking lot on May 15th!

Teacher Appreciation Week

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week.  Your Home & School Association is helping to celebrate by providing teachers with a special ordered lunch, t-shirt, and surprise gift.  We appreciate the thoughtfulness of our families.

Thank You for Your Service

Each year the Home and School Association recognizes JFK and Our Lady of Victory employees who have completed their five year increments of employment.  These people have a special dedication to the school and parish and work countless hours in the service of our children.  Whether it is behind the scenes work in the parish and school offices, keeping our children safe on the playground, cooking the meals for our children, caring for our facilities, or working directly with students and those in need, they all serve in some way for which we are all indebted to the time and talent they provide on behalf of our parish.  ​

For having completed five years of service for Our Lady of Victory:  Evan Brankin, Bea Creech, Fr. Jake Greiner, and Andy Kuennen.

For having completed 10 years of service:  Lisa Willows and Melissa Zeimet

For having completed 15 years of service:  Elizabeth Motto and Jennifer Wemhoff

For having completed 20 years of service:  Chad Steimle

For having completed 45 years of service:  Mary Wahlig

While we celebrate these members’ service, we will also be saddened by the following staff members who are leaving JFK at the end of the school year:  Mary Wahlig, Rachael Whelchel, Elisha Kubalsky, and Kim Burken.  We wish them all the best as they experience the next chapters of their lives.

We also wish the best to Hannah Keep who is beginning her COVID quarantining prior to the arrival of her baby and will then be on maternity leave the remainder of the year.  Mrs. Keep is one of our “jack-of-all-trades” employees and works as a floating instructional aide, lunch supervisor, recess monitor, ECLC aide, and aftercare supervisor.  We thank Martha Pearce who will be serving as her long-term substitute.

New Staff

Megan Masterson will be starting in the office on Monday.  Eventually, she will be taking Emily Sanderson’s place as Mrs. Sanderson transitions to work in the kitchen/lunch program.  The Masterson’s have a daughter who graduated from JFK, one child in kindergarten, and a younger one as well.

Billie Inskeep has been hired for a K-6 position for next year, although the exact grade level has not yet been finalized.  Mrs. Inskeep has prior teaching experience and has subbed for us for about 1 ½ years.

Morgan Clark has been hired for middle school.  She has endorsements in ELA and math and has taught math at both the high school and middle school levels.

Bristy Potter has also been hired for middle school.  She has endorsements in middle school language arts and social studies.  She has been teaching at a Catholic school across the river and has also been involved in its drama program.

We still have one middle school position open for next year and are hoping to find someone with science endorsements or a high interest in science.

Registration for JFK’s Summer Leaps & Bounds and Vacation Bible School

Due to federal funding, Leaps & Bounds will be free this summer.  We have three sessions on the calendar.  Each two week session runs from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.  Two hours are for reading, one hour is for math, and 30 minutes is for recess and other fun.

June 21 – July 2

July 19 – July 30

August 2 – August 13

A two day Vacation Bible School program will also be held at JFK this summer.  The dates for VBS are July 15 and 16.

Look for the registration materials and process soon for both L & B and VBS.

Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Program

Calendar Highlights

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, April 30, 2021

• The 14 day positivity rate for Scott County has dropped for the third consecutive week and is now starting to get back to levels seen in the late fall before the big Iowa surge.  Scott County’s 7 day positivity rate seems to be trending downward, according to the information we receive each Wednesday, although if you look at what’s reported today on the state’s website, the rate is actually higher than it was the last two Wednesdays.  For some reason, Scott County remains in the bottom approximately five counties in Iowa and has a higher positivity rate than the other more urban counties in Iowa.
• JFK’s numbers, however, are looking about as good as they ever have since we began graphing the figures in November.  We have gone about three weeks now without a positive case identified among students.  That’s the longest stretch without an identified case since we went about six weeks in February and into March.  We’ve gone about seven weeks without a case among staff.
• This week we will start relaxing some mask wearing requirements, beginning with socially distant outdoor activities in PE and other classes that may be going outside.  In these areas, masks will not be required.  This does not yet include recess as we went to face coverings during recess because it is in these less controlled environments, in particular, that we have difficulty keeping kids apart from one another.  Too many kids of all ages at recess are practically crawling on top of one another, hanging on each other, being in each others’ faces, etc. throughout the whole recess.  (See the November 8th Principal’s Post for more information.)  Nearly half or more of our situations where we’ve had to have kids quarantine due to exposure to a positive case at school have involved recesses.  We will, however, continue to discuss recess options.  Other changes will likely be coming in the future as we assess the situation, evaluate the guidance (often contradictory!) from the Diocese of Davenport, CDC, Scott County Health Department, and Iowa departments of public health, humans services, and education, and hold our discussions.  We also hope that any changes we make do not cause more families to start (or return) their students as long-term remote learners; being able to have so many kids in the building all year has been a tremendous benefit to our students!
  • As an example of the benefit of being in-person, the gap between the percentage of students at reading benchmark at the beginning of this school year between JFK students and all the students in the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency was 18%.  By the winter screening, after many of our public school counterparts were forced to do remote learning or hybrid models, the gap had widened to 20%.  In the prior school year (before COVID), the gap had actually narrowed, not widened.
  • Similar results were seen in math where the gap went from 16% in the fall of this year to 20% in the winter.
  • Although these examples are, obviously, a simplistic review of the data, I think it shows that being in-person at JFK has really benefited kids!

Chad

Iowa Assessment of Student Progress and Iowa Assessments Administered This Week

Make sure students get their good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast.

The discounted registration period for the 2021-22 school year ends this week.  Completed tuition contracts represent the official registration document that hold a spot for the next school year.

Preschool registration for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and ECLC (childcare) does remain open.  If you have not yet registered for these programs, please contact the school office ASAP.

Virtual Play Was Incredible

Plant Sale Pick Up Thursday and Friday

Don’t forget to schedule a time to pick up your plants this week: Schedule Pick Up

Purchase a Sweet Tooth Snack as well.   Sweet Tooth Snacks is a local business that specializes in gourmet popcorns, nuts and candies!  Stop by their booth outside the parish center on Thursday and Friday from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m., and check out some of their delicious treat options! There will also be Teacher Appreciation (May 3-7) and Mothers Day (May 9) gifts available for purchase! Come early and get yourself a bag of “JFK Crunch”!

Rock the Lot Gala

Buy your tickets now for a socially distanced (COVID friendly) rockin event in our parking lot on May 15th!

New Home & School Information on our Website

Home & School has new information and links available off the home page of our website:  www.olvjfk.com.  Included is the link to the Teacher Amazon Wishlists and general information.  Don’t forget to connect to Amazon Smile through OLV CHURCH for donations from Amazon that benefit H & S.

Water Bottles from Home.  Additional Face Coverings Available at School

Calendar Highlights

Ad Hoc Policy Committee Invite

Each year the board of education reviews about 1/3 of the policies contained in the Parent and Student Handbook.  Dress code policies are reviewed every year.  If you would like to be involved this spring, please send me an email.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, April 23, 2021

• I think we’re finally starting to make some progress in Scott County!  The 14 day positivity rate has dropped for the second consecutive week, and the 7 day positivity rate has dropped again and is no longer twice that of the state average.
• The intervals used in the graphs for JFK’s data were adjusted as things were becoming too hard to read.

Chad

Virtual Play

Plant Sale Pick Up

Don’t forget to schedule a time to pick up your plants next week: Schedule Pick Up

Rock the Lot Gala

Buy your tickets now for a socially distanced (COVID friendly) rockin event in our parking lot on May 15th!

New Home & School Information on our Website

Home & School has new information and links available off the home page of our website:  www.olvjfk.com.  Included is the link to the Teacher Amazon Wishlists and general information.  Don’t forget to connect to Amazon Smile through OLV CHURCH for donations from Amazon that benefit H & S.

Water Bottles from Home.  Additional Face Coverings Available at School

Calendar Highlights

Tuition contracts for 2021-22, which represent the official registration document for next school year, were mailed during spring break.  Please return them ASAP so we can plan for 2021-22!  Time is running out for the discounted registration fee.

Preschool registration for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and ECLC (childcare) does remain open.  If you have not yet registered for these programs, please contact the school office ASAP.

Ad Hoc Policy Committee Invite

Each year the board of education reviews about 1/3 of the policies contained in the Parent and Student Handbook.  Dress code policies are reviewed every year.  If you would like to be involved this spring, please send me an email.

Anticipated Openings at JFK

JFK will be looking for several teachers, possibly both to replace teachers who may be leaving and for new federally funded positions for 2021-22.  We are casting a wide net regarding licensure and endorsements and will adjust staff assignments to best take advantage of teachers’ qualifications.  In the lower grades, that means we are looking for K-6 licensed teachers, especially those who have an additional endorsement, such as in reading.  In the upper grades, where subject area endorsements are required, we would be interested in talking with those who have K-8, 5-12, or middle school endorsements in ELA, math, science, and social studies.

School Bookkeeper/Secretary Position

JFK has an upcoming opening for a school bookkeeper/secretary as Emily Sanderson will be transitioning to another position at JFK.  The school bookkeeper/secretary position is year round and includes a tuition benefit.  The qualified applicant must be detail oriented with accounting knowledge and have strong interpersonal skills with both adults and children.  The ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions is a must.  Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com, or complete an application in the school office.  We hope to have the position filled within the next few weeks, and the new staff member will begin yet this school year.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, April 16, 2021

• The 7-day positivity rate in Scott County dipped today to 9% after stubbornly being above 10% for the last three weeks.  After having the worst 7-day positivity rate among Iowa’s 99 counties on Saturday, Scott County’s rate today puts it as tied for the worst with two other counties.  Scott County’s positivity rate is still more than double the state average.
• Across Iowa, approximately 12.3% of the population, including people of all ages, has tested positive since the beginning of the pandemic.  At JFK, since this school year began, about 4.2% of our PS-8th grade students have had COVID and 17% of our staff.
• It seems like there have been plenty of milestones that I’ve experienced with COVID-19, both good and bad:  the first time I knew someone who had to quarantine, the first time I knew someone who had COVID-19, the first time I knew someone who had recovered from it, the first time I knew someone who was hospitalized with it, and the first time I knew someone who had passed because of it.  I then turned the corner with the first time someone I knew who was vaccinated.  Unfortunately, I felt a setback this week with the first time that someone I knew had a “breakthrough case.”  A breakthrough case is when someone who is fully vaccinated comes down with COVID-19.  I’m looking forward to positive milestones with student vaccinations.

Chad

Fundraisers Hitting at the Same Time

Everything is seeming to converge at the same time this spring!  We have a capital campaign still going on for our summer HVAC project.  We just finished the plant sale.  Candy bar sales began at the beginning of the week, and the STEAM Engine began on Thursday.  We also have the Gala on May 15th.  With many things having been pushed as far into the school year as possible due to COVID, everything’s now converging at the same time!

Home & School sponsors the plant sale and STEAM Engine.  Examples of what the proceeds are used for include the following:  to add mulch to the playgrounds and refinish the gym floor each year, to pay for athletic director salaries,  to support staff through Teacher Appreciation, and to provide unrestricted funds to each teacher to use in their classroom.  National data indicates that teachers, on average, spend over $500 of their own money each year for classroom supplies and materials.  In the past, H & S has provided each JFK teacher with $300 for classroom use.  This year, with COVID impacting fundraisers, that amount has been reduced to $150 so far.

The Gala and candy bar sale support technology, teachers’ salaries and benefits, students’ retreats, and other ministry needs.

As I’ve mentioned before, fundraisers provide OLV/JFK one way to receive support from the broader community.  If it weren’t for fundraisers, tuition would need to be at least $200 more per student.  We are most grateful to our benefactors!

Tuition contracts for 2021-22, which represent the official registration document for next school year, were mailed during spring break.  Please return them ASAP so we can plan for 2021-22!

Preschool registration for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and ECLC (childcare) does remain open.  If you have not yet registered for these programs, please contact the school office ASAP.

Ad Hoc Policy Committee Invite

Each year the board of education reviews about 1/3 of the policies contained in the Parent and Student Handbook.  Dress code policies are reviewed every year.  If you would like to be involved this spring, please send me an email.

Anticipated Openings at JFK

JFK will be looking for several teachers, possibly both to replace teachers who may be leaving and for new federally funded positions for 2021-22.  We are casting a wide net regarding licensure and endorsements and will adjust staff assignments to best take advantage of teachers’ qualifications.  In the lower grades, that means we are looking for K-6 licensed teachers, especially those who have an additional endorsement, such as in reading.  In the upper grades, where subject area endorsements are required, we would be interested in talking with those who have K-8, 5-12, or middle school endorsements in ELA, math, science, and social studies.

School Bookkeeper/Secretary Position

JFK has an upcoming opening for a school bookkeeper/secretary as Emily Sanderson will be transitioning to another position at JFK.  The school bookkeeper/secretary position is year round and includes a tuition benefit.  The qualified applicant must be detail oriented with accounting knowledge and have strong interpersonal skills with both adults and children.  The ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions is a must.  Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com, or complete an application in the school office.  We hope to have the position filled within the next few weeks, and the new staff member will begin yet this school year.

COVID Data

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs of Scott County and JFK data.

COVID Data, April 9, 2021

• The burning questions for me this week were the same as last week:  What’s going wrong in Scott County?  What’s different in Scott County than the rest of Iowa?  The rate of COVID cases per 100,000 and the positivity rates in Scott County continue to rise.  Last Sunday, Scott County had the 4th highest positivity rate among the 99 counties of Iowa.  This Sunday, Scott County has the 3rd highest rate after flirting with having the 2nd highest rate around mid-week.  The positivity rate in Scott County remains at more than twice the state average.  What’s unique to Scott County?
• With an odd sort of positive indicator, vaccinations do seem to be having an effect.  The average age of a person testing positive for COVID in Scott County has been going down.  In January/February, the average age was about 40.  In March, it was 37.  So far in April, it is about 34 years old.  The health department believes the trend is due to vaccinations in older demographic age groups.
• In my family, vaccinations have been a large part of our conversations.  Lynn (who is at AHS), Kirsten (who is a teacher in Des Moines), and I are fully vaccinated.  My father-in-law, my father, and my sister, who is the caretaker for my mom and dad, are fully vaccinated.  My mom always has reactions to shots and medications, so they are still trying to determine when/if she should be vaccinated.  My son and youngest daughter received their first shots this week, and my oldest daughter will receive her first shot on Tuesday.
• At JFK, the number of students absent due to COVID or COVID symptoms or having to quarantine as close contacts this week dropped a bit from last week.  That is a good sign for us.  Anecdotally, however, one of the more troubling things I’ve noticed recently, probably in relation to more indoor recesses due to rain and funerals at OLV, is that students, especially older students, tend to have more difficulty with their masks being on correctly when they are in closer proximity to one another than when they are apart from each other.  That’s the exact opposite of what is needed!  The closer we are to each other, the more important correct mask usage is.
• Several updates were made to our Return to Learn plan.  The complete plan, with the April 5th updates highlighted in yellow, continues to be available online.

Chad