Author: csteimle

Parent Zoom Meetings

Homeroom teachers in grades 6-8 will conduct Zoom parent meetings this week so you can find out more information about your child’s grade.  Invites will be sent from homeroom teachers.

• • Mon Sept 21:  6:00 6th; 6:45 7th
  • Tues, Sept 22:  6:30 8th (New time)

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a Frequently Asked Questions document in relation to our complete Return to Learn Plan.  Please note that these documents will continue to be updated as necessary.  For example, last week the health department clarified that household contacts were to be considered close contacts.  This week our team will be discussing the latest information regarding temperature taking in childcare settings and privacy concerns in relation to notifying families of positive cases of COVID-19 and quarantining.

Revised School Calendar for 2020-21

A revised school calendar for 2020-21 is available.  Now that we have the basics, this information will be entered on the calendars on our website.  We will also start to enter other details on the calendars.

Communications

Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?

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.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Policy-Handbook-2020-21.pdf.  Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.

Home & School Meeting

Home & School will have a meeting on September 24th at 6:30 p.m.  Using social distancing, we can have the meeting in the cafeteria for about 35-45 people, and we will have a Zoom option also available.  The invite will be sent via email.

Picture Day is September 28 and 29

More details in next week’s Principal’s Post, but it’s time to start thinking “cute!”

Substitutes Needed

JFK is in need of substitutes.  Many conversations across districts and schools have focused on having enough staff to staff open.  Not only do staff members get sick, possibly have to quarantine, or have an emergency plumbing need at their homes, they also have their own children who get sick, have to quarantine, etc.

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.

Free Student Lunches for All

All K-8 JFK students may eat the basic school lunch for free beginning Monday, September 21, 2020.  This opportunity is not dependent upon filing applications for free/reduced lunches.  ALL students may receive the school lunch for free with funding provided through legislation related to the pandemic.

Students choosing the school lunch must take all of the food/milk being offered, even if they do not want an item.  Extra milks or extra entrees are still available for the standard charges.

Our current application for this opportunity extends through September, but we anticipate that our next application will also be accepted, and the opportunity for free lunches for all students will be extended through December.  (Please note that this opportunity has no impact on the regular free/reduced lunch applications.  Those applications can be received at any time, and those who have already applied will not have to re-apply when this special federal opportunity ends.)

CARES Act Funding

JFK has also benefited from the federal CARES Act.  Approximately $34,000 has been used for technology, including Chromebooks, iPads, cases, associated software and licensing, and increasing our Internet bandwidth at school.  Other facilities improvements and equipment, including desks, fans, PE and recess equipment, clear partitions, “sick bays,” and storage crates, were worth about $20,000.  Additional funds are being used to retain a teaching position and for personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.  A total of $88,574 was allotted for JFK through ESSER.

Governor Reynolds also made CARES Act funds available through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.  Approximately $16,000 is being used for Chromebooks, iPads, wireless internet access, and associated expenses.

Affected by COVID-19?

The longer the pandemic goes on, the more “real” it seems to be as it impacts more people whom we know.  Quarantining seems to be affecting more and more people as well.  For quarantining, the definition of a close contact is key:  being within 6 feet for more than 15 consecutive minutes with a positive COVID-19 case during the infectious period.  The infectious period for a symptomatic case is 2 days before symptoms started until 10 days after their symptoms started, they have been fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, and all other symptoms have improved.  The infectious period for an asymptomatic case is 2 days before they are tested until 10 days after they are tested.     

Stay well!  Wear your mask, practice social distancing, use good face/hand hygiene, and stay home when ill.

 

Chad

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

Great Job in First Week

Everyone’s done a great job in our first week of school!  There have been a ton of new procedures and protocols, and everyone has done a great job of adjusting to them.  Maybe the weather will cooperate with us this week, and we’ll get to go outside for recesses!

Parent Zoom Meetings

Homeroom teachers will conduct Zoom parent meetings beginning September 14th so you can find out more information about your child’s grade.  Invites will be sent from homeroom teachers.

• • Mon, Sept 14:  6:00 K; 6:45 1st
  • Tues, Sept 15:  6:00 2nd; 6:45 3rd
  • Thurs, Sept 17:  6:00 4th; 6:45 5th
  • Mon Sept 21:  6:00 6th; 6:45 7th
  • Tues, Sept 22:  6:00 8th

Frequently Asked Questions

A new Frequently Asked Questions document was created in relation to our complete Return to Learn Plan.

Revised School Calendar for 2020-21

A revised school calendar for 2020-21 is available.  Now that we have the basics, this information will be entered on the calendars on our website.  We will also start to enter other details on the calendars.

Communications

Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?

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.

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.  It then gets sent home via hard copy 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.  It does not replace the many communications you will receive from your children’s teachers.

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!

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Policy-Handbook-2020-21.pdf.  Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family.  Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.

Home & School Meeting

Home & School will have a meeting on September 24th at 6:30 p.m.  Using social distancing, we can have the meeting in the cafeteria for about 35-45 people, and we will have a Zoom option also available.  The invite will be sent via email.

Substitutes Needed

JFK is in need of substitutes.  Many conversations across districts and schools have focused on having enough staff to staff open.  Not only do staff members get sick, possibly have to quarantine, or have an emergency plumbing need at their homes, they also have their own children who get sick, have to quarantine, etc.

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.

Band Room Space

Space for 3-4 band students at a time.

Affected by COVID-19?

The longer the pandemic goes on, the more “real” it seems to be as it impacts more people whom we know.  Quarantining seems to be affecting more and more people.  For quarantining, the definition of a close contact is key:  being within 6 feet for more than 15 consecutive minutes with a positive COVID-19 case during the infectious period.  The infectious period for a symptomatic case is 2 days before symptoms started until 10 days after their symptoms started, they have been fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, and all other symptoms have improved.  The infectious period for an asymptomatic case is 2 days before they are tested until 10 days after they are tested.  The health department clarified this week that household contacts are automatically considered to be close contacts.  Household contacts are those living within the same household.   

Stay well!  Wear your mask, practice social distancing, use good face/hand hygiene, and stay home when ill.  We can beat this thing down.

 

Chad

School begins tomorrow!  It’s been a long time coming!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A new Frequently Asked Questions document was created in relation to our complete Return to Learn Plan.

Revised School Calendar for 2020-21

A revised school calendar for 2020-21 is available.  Now that we have the basics, this information will be entered on the calendars on our website.  We will also start to enter other details on the calendars.

Parent Zoom Meetings

Homeroom teachers will conduct Zoom parent meetings beginning September 14th so you can find out more information about your child’s grade.  Invites will be sent from homeroom teachers.

• • Mon, Sept 14:  6:00 K; 6:45 1st
  • Tues, Sept 15:  6:00 2nd; 6:45 3rd
  • Thurs, Sept 17:  6:00 4th; 6:45 5th
  • Mon Sept 21:  6:00 6th; 6:45 7th
  • Tues, Sept 24:  6:00 8th

Communications

Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?

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.

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.  It then gets sent home via hard copy 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.  It does not replace the many communications you will receive from your children’s teachers.

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!

New Dismissal Time

Don’t forget that we have a new dismissal time on M-F:  2:15 p.m.

Handbook Sign-Off

Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Policy-Handbook-2020-21.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 four new staff members to the staff:

• Nathalie Flores is working in our lunch program.  Mrs. Flores has children attending JFK.
• Eileen Yeates is also working in our lunch program, mostly supervising students eating lunches in classrooms.  Mrs. Yeates has been a substitute teacher for us and has children at JFK and Assumption.
• Melissa VanDam is joining us in an instructional aide role.  She has more than ten years experience as an aide and teacher.
• Hannah Keep will also be joining us in an instructional aide role.  Mrs. Keep has used her Bachelor’s in Social Work to provide services to people in need.

An Update About Me and My Family

I am beginning my 20th year as principal at JFK.  This one is certainly lining up to be one to remember.  Since March 15th when Iowa Governor Reynolds announced that schools were closing, I don’t think I’ve had a full day off!  I typically say that the best part about my summer schedule is that I get my evenings and weekends back.  With the cancellation of many meetings and evening activities this spring and summer, I can say that that aspect of summer held true after 7:00 p.m.!

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 25th wedding anniversary.  Lynn works in student services at Assumption High School, where we met.  She is a graduate of Assumption and St. Paul’s.

Our four children are rather scattered across the country.  Our oldest, Colleen, is in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she works in financial services for dentists.  She’s busy planning her wedding for next summer.  She has degrees from Ashford University and the University of Dubuque.  Tom is in Charleston, South Carolina.  He is finishing up his journalism degree after having taken time off to work after receiving his Associates degree in Iowa.  Kirsten is entering her second year teaching special education in a grade school in Des Moines.  She spends hours with the love of her life, her new puppy (and her boyfriend also lives in Des Moines).  Caitlin has just begun her first year of law school at the University of Kansas.  It was nice having her home for most of the summer, although it was probably the most uneventful summer in years.

Affected by COVID-19?

The longer the pandemic goes on, the more “real” it seems to be as it impacts more people whom we know.  I’ve had multiple relatives who have been tested, and some have been tested more than once.  My oldest sister has been working from home since March, my oldest daughter will be working remotely until June, and my 80+ year old parents have practically not been out of the house for more than doctors’ visits since spring.  At OLV/JFK, we’ve had people whom have had to quarantine, staff whom have had their childcare providers test positive, and staff whom have had their own children possibly exposed.  It can seem like a lot sometimes, and we haven’t even been in school for six months!

Stay well!  Wear your mask, practice social distancing, use good face/hand hygiene, and stay home when ill.  We can beat this thing down.

 

Chad

We are fast approaching the start of the school year on Tuesday, September 8, 2020!

A new Frequently Asked Questions document was created in relation to our complete Return to Learn Plan.

For the Frequently Asked Questions document, click FAQ or use the following link/url:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/18o0iIYz87K94pbArkV8ckijHAHVHOuBZNVbUIXwluSw/edit?usp=sharing

For the complete plan, click Return to Learn Plan, or use the following link/url:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S0XxBLdDHbDrIQcmJBF0sYvmm4yCYXCRafsDaoiusv8/edit?usp=sharing

 

A revised school calendar for 2020-21 is also available.

I can’t wait to see everyone in a few days.  Be safe!

Chad

Dear JFK families,

In light of the decision of the Davenport Community School District (DCSD) to delay the start of the 2020-21 school year until Tuesday, September 8^th and to maintain bus transportation for JFK students, JFK will also delay the start of our school year until Tuesday, September 8, 2020.  This delayed start applies to JFK’s K-8 classes, preschool classes, and our Early Childhood Learning Center (daycare).  Eighth grade students attending Assumption High School for first period Algebra will need to follow the start date decision that Assumption makes/has made, and Assumption will be communicating transportation plans to those families.

I would like to thank our board members for their deliberations regarding this topic.  These types of decisions are never easy as it seems that there are always some families that are adversely affected.  We apologize for the hardship that the change of start dates may cause.

While we wait for the rest of a revised school calendar to come to us from the DCSD, it is our inclination to continue to have Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher next week Wednesday and Thursday, September 19 and 20.  Please use the Sign-Up Genius link that was sent yesterday along with notification of your child’s homeroom teacher.  We are looking forward to seeing students again in the building!

Please continue to stay tuned to Principal’s Posts for more information as it becomes available.

May God bless you and your family.

Chad

New Afternoon Bell Time — Impact on Both A.M. and P.M. 4/5 Yr Old Preschool

In order to maintain afternoon bus transportation, JFK’s afternoon bell time is changing to a dismissal time of 2:15 p.m. all five days per week.  There is no one hour early dismissal on Wednesdays while the Davenport Community School District is using a hybrid model; our Wednesday dismissal time is also 2:15.

JFK K-8 Bell Times:  7:25 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Because we coincide our afternoon 4/5 yr old preschool dismissal time so it matches the K-8 dismissal time, we have to adjust our preschool time.  Because we also make sure morning and afternoon 4/5 yr old preschool instructional time is the same, we are altering the morning time as well:

M-F mornings for 4/5 yr old PS:  7:25 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

M-F afternoons for 4/5 yr old PS:  11:25 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Note that the times are the same for Wednesdays as they are for the other days of the week.

Three year old preschool times remain unchanged for both the T/Th and MWF classes:  7:25 – 9:55 a.m.

Substitutes Needed

JFK is in need of substitutes.  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.

K-8 Supply List

Click HERE for the supply list for K-8 or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Supply-List-2020-21.pdf

There is no supply list for 4/5 year old preschool.  The three year old preschool supply list will be available at/after back to school registration.

Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher

When enrollment stabilizes and class lists are completed, you will receive an email with your child’s teacher.  You will also receive a link to a SignUp Genius for Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher.  We will have numerous 30 minute time slots available for up to five families at a time to be in classrooms.  Families with multiple children will receive the first opportunity to sign up for slots so they can schedule all of their kids’ meetings near one another.

We ask that families social distance when on campus.  Given the nature of this event and the volume of students and parents coming and going, face coverings will be required by all adults and children.  Desks will be sanitized between sessions.

Time slots for K-8:

Wednesday, August 19:  7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, August 19:  4:00, 4:30, 5:00, and 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 20:  5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 p.m.

We ask that only one adult accompany one child.  While this limitation will help with traffic flow and social distancing, it actually also allows families to “divide and conquer:”  mom and child can attend a 6:00 session, and dad and another child can also attend a 6:00 session.  Or, mom can take the kids to a 4:00 session for one child and a 4:30 session for the next child while Dad stays home with the littlest child who’s not in school yet.

Preschool meetings are a little different as they are one-to-one — each family has an independent meeting with the teacher.  Preschool time slots will be:

Wednesday, August 19:  7:30-9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, August 19:  3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 20:  11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. for 4/5 yr old preschool

2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for 3 yr old preschool

 

Return to Learn Complete Plan

Click HERE or use the following link/url to access JFK’s complete return to learn plan:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S0XxBLdDHbDrIQcmJBF0sYvmm4yCYXCRafsDaoiusv8/edit?usp=sharing

Please note that this document is revised almost daily as new information becomes available and more details are able to be added.  Although the document was last edited on August 1st, it still does not have changes made in light of the Iowa Department of Education’s most recent information released on Thursday of last week.

As there have been a number of questions regarding face coverings, the following is pulled from the Return to Learn Plan and copied below.  Please remember that it is subject to change.

Students:

• Students in grades 2-8 are required to wear face coverings, when social distancing is not possible.  It is strongly encouraged for preschoolers through 1st graders.
• Students in grades PS-1 may also be required to wear face coverings in certain situations when social distancing is not possible, just like the older students.  Examples include during aftercare, on the bus, indoor recess, and other times when the teacher assigns the student to an activity that does not allow for social distancing (such as “centers.”)
• Students in grades PS-8 will also be required, as is feasible, to wear face coverings when traveling in the hallways.
• Classrooms have been set up for six feet of social distancing.  Therefore, students are currently encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings in the classrooms when social distancing is possible.  Although preschool classrooms are set up for 5-6 feet of social distancing, face coverings will not be required by preschool students there either.
• Students will provide their own cloth face coverings.  There are no specific dress code restrictions, other than the following, which is taken from our dress code policies:  No logos, advertising, slogans, sayings, or other pictures of a nature that would be inappropriate to a Catholic school are permitted.  Ex:  colorful face coverings with brand names on them would be acceptable but skulls/crossbones would not.  Disposable face coverings will also be available for those who forget their cloth face coverings.
• Students should not share or try on others’ face coverings.
• All students may be required to wear face coverings when riding school buses, depending upon the guidance in place for bus transportation at the time.
• Students should wear face coverings when arriving at school and at dismissal time as these are less controlled situations, and the hallways and parking lot may become more congested with students of multiple grade levels even with the procedures mentioned elsewhere in this document.
• Students who are waiting to be picked up because they are ill will be required to wear a cloth or disposable face covering to the extent possible given the age of the student and with the exceptions mentioned above by the CDC.  When calling the student’s parent to have them pick up the student, this requirement will be mentioned, which allows the parent to note any particular reason why this would not be possible.
• Students will not have a face covering put on them by a staff member.  Students put on their own coverings.  
• Students will need to remove face coverings for eating and the receiving of the Holy Eucharist.
• Students should also remove face coverings for recess and PE or not participate in high intensity activities that may cause difficulty breathing.  Alternate activities will be available for students who do not want to remove their face coverings in order to participate in the high intensity activities.  Students will not be required to remove face coverings and may continue to wear them even if not required.
• Students who are wearing face coverings and working with interventionists, even when it is important for the interventionist to see the students’ mouths, will not be asked to remove their face coverings without an agreement with the child’s parents/guardians.  Interventionists will discuss with parents the availability of other measures that may be used such as the clear partitions and school provided face shields that may be used by these students during the intervention time period
• Students will keep their face coverings in designated areas during the school day, according to teachers’ discretion.  These areas may be in Ziploc bags on their lunch trays, clipped to their desks, etc.  Break-away lanyards with face coverings may also be used.
• Students will be taught about the prevention of stigma associated with the use or non-use of face coverings.    
• Students who might not be able to use cloth face coverings due to a health or safety concern including but not limited to age, developmental disability, underlying condition, or mental health concern may be allowed to wear a face shield instead after consultation between the students’ parents and JFK staff.  These face shields must be provided by the students.

 

Please continue to take care of yourselves:  practice social distancing, maintain hand/face hygiene, stay home when sick, and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible.

We can do this!

Chad

Return to Learn Planning: More Details for Exceptions to Face-to-Face

As I mentioned in last week’s email, JFK and our area Catholic schools are still planning on face-t0-face, on-site, five days per week instruction for all students.  With the size of JFK’s classrooms, we will be able to have social distancing within the rooms.  The details of our return to learn planning, however, do include an exception clause.  If you believe you need an exception to face-to-face, on-site instruction, please let me know no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2020.  Below are some of the details for the remote learning of individuals.

JFK, like other nonpublic schools and public school districts, is required to offer accommodations for remote learning if a child, another resident of the child’s residence, or one of the child’s regular caretakers has a significant health condition that increases their risk of COVID-19. The child’s parent or guardian must provide written verification from a licensed healthcare provider, if requested.

Other particular students for whom families choose to have their children do remote learning when the rest of the class/building are not in a remote learning model will be accommodated to the best of our ability while not overburdening our staff.  Remote learning for a few students is different than remote learning for an entire class.  With only a few students doing remote learning, teachers are still preparing for and working with students in a face-to-face model and then also have to accommodate those needing the remote model.  Remote learning for individuals will not be the same as it was for entire classes during the spring.  What we do for entire classes this fall, if needed, will also not be exactly the same as how we did it in the spring.   

Remote learning methods to accommodate individual students are the following.  There is no minimum length of time for which families must commit to remote learning.  Students can return to face-to-face when able/ready.  There may, however, be a maximum length of time for which this option is available, and it may depend upon government proclamations, rates of community transmission, availability of a vaccine, etc.

The effectiveness of these options may be dependent upon the technology available in both the school and home.  For example, some of the technology ordered for the school is backordered and not yet available.  Less effective means may have to be used until the better technology arrives.  

• PS/K core subjects:
  • Asynchronous lessons/work assigned through Seesaw.
    • Packets, if technology is not available

                   OR

• • Asynchronous recordings of some of the face-to-face instruction occurring for the in-class students made available through Seesaw.  These recordings may be one day behind the face-to-face instruction taking place.
  • A combination of the above two may be used
• Grades 1-8 core subjects and 6-8 Spanish:
  • Livestream of the face-to-face instruction occurring for in-class students.  Families of remote learning students and teachers need to be very clear on when students need to be online.  Students do not necessarily need to be online during an entire “period” but would need to be on when instruction is taking place.  When the class moves to independent work, the remote learning student would not need to be online.
    • Asynchronous recordings of the face-to-face instruction may be used by remote learning students but only by special arrangement; they will not normally be organized, assembled, and made available.  These recordings may be one day behind the face-to-face instruction taking place.
    • WIN time for grades 1-2 will not be livestreamed, but alternate work will be assigned.
  • Seesaw and Google Classroom will be utilized for remote learning students.
• Grades K-8 specials
  • Specials will have asynchronous lessons or activities available for remote learning individuals.
  • Specials teachers will attempt to use Seesaw and Google Classrooom.  If it is inefficient for the number of individuals doing remote learning, they may utilize posting to their webpages and email.

Attendance will be recorded for remote learning.  Participation is required for those doing remote learning. 

Grading will proceed according to the regular grading scale and procedures for those doing remote learning.

 There is not a reduction in tuition for families utilizing remote learning as operating multiple instructional models is actually more time consuming/expensive than operating only one model.

If you believe you need an exception to face-to-face, on-site instruction, please let me know no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2020. 

 

Bus Transportation — Impact on Preschool as Well

The latest hybrid schedule proposed by the Davenport Community School District eliminates the one hour early dismissals on Wednesdays and shortens all days by 25 minutes in the afternoon.  The DCSD has told us that if we want bus transportation on Wednesday afternoons, we will need to eliminate the early dismissal time.  They are still determining whether or not we’d need to do the 25 minute change in the afternoon dismissal time on every day, and we hope to have a decision early this week.

Because we coincide our afternoon preschool dismissal time so it matches the K-8 dismissal time, we may have to adjust afternoon preschool times.  Because we also make sure morning and afternoon preschool instructional time is the same, we may have to alter the morning preschool dismissal times as well.

Storage Space

In order to set up our classrooms for six feet of social distancing, we are moving large quantities of tables, bookcases, comfy reading chairs/corners, etc. out of classrooms.  We are in need of space in garages, warehouses, storage units, and/or trailers to store large furniture.  Please let me know if you have access to such space that we could use or if you know of someone who might.

JFK Is Hiring

JFK has several hourly paid school positions available during the school year.  The positions have flexible duties working with 3-14 year olds in classrooms, at recesses, and during lunches.  Helping with food preparation and cleaning may be included.  Candidates must be able to work schedules that start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 5:30 p.m.  Tuition, childcare, and other fee reductions are included.  Interested parties should send a letter of interest, resume, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com or complete an application at the school.

Substitutes Needed

JFK is also in need of substitutes.  You do not need a teaching degree to work as a substitute.  If you are interested in being a substitute, please contact me and/or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency at 563-359-1371.

Back to School Registration:  Slots Still Available Monday and Tuesday

On July 24th, I emailed the general Back to School Registration letters for the 2020-21 school year to families.  One letter was for K-8 and one for preschool.

Back to School Registration will be different this year with scheduled time slots available on August 2-4.  While the letters contain the details, I am also including the links needed to sign up for the time slots HERE or https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EABA82AA7F58-registration.

Only one time slot is needed per family.  A family of three children, for example, still only needs one registration time slot.

K-8 Supply List

Click HERE for the supply list for K-8 or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Supply-List-2020-21.pdf

There is no supply list for 4/5 year old preschool.  The three year old preschool supply list will be available at/after back to school registration.

Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher

When enrollment stabilizes and class lists are completed, you will receive an email with your child’s teacher.  You will also receive a link to a SignUp Genius for Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher.  We will have numerous 30 minute time slots available for up to five families at a time to be in classrooms.  Families with multiple children will receive the first opportunity to sign up for slots so they can schedule all of their kids’ meetings near one another.

We ask that families social distance when on campus.  Given the nature of this event and the volume of students and parents coming and going, face coverings will be required by all adults and children.  Desks will be sanitized between sessions.

Time slots for K-8:

Wednesday, August 19:  7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, August 19:  4:00, 4:30, 5:00, and 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 20:  5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 p.m.

We ask that only one adult accompany one child.  While this limitation will help with traffic flow and social distancing, it actually also allows families to “divide and conquer:”  mom and child can attend a 6:00 session, and dad and another child can also attend a 6:00 session.  Or, mom can take the kids to a 4:00 session for one child and a 4:30 session for the next child while Dad stays home with the littlest child who’s not in school yet.

Preschool meetings are a little different as they are one-to-one — each family has an independent meeting with the teacher.  Preschool time slots will be:

Wednesday, August 19:  7:30-9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, August 19:  3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 20:  11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. for 4/5 yr old preschool

2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for 3 yr old preschool

 

Return to Learn Complete Plan

Click HERE or use the following link/url to access JFK’s complete return to learn plan:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S0XxBLdDHbDrIQcmJBF0sYvmm4yCYXCRafsDaoiusv8/edit?usp=sharing

Please note that this document is revised almost daily as new information becomes available and more details are able to be added.  Although the document was last edited on August 1st, it still does not have changes made in light of the Iowa Department of Education’s most recent information released on Thursday.

As there have been a number of questions regarding face coverings, the following is pulled from the Return to Learn Plan and copied below.  Please remember that it is subject to change.

Students:

• Students in grades 2-8 are required to wear face coverings, when social distancing is not possible.  It is strongly encouraged for preschoolers through 1st graders.
• Students in grades PS-1 may also be required to wear face coverings in certain situations when social distancing is not possible, just like the older students.  Examples include during aftercare, on the bus, indoor recess, and other times when the teacher assigns the student to an activity that does not allow for social distancing (such as “centers.”)
• Students in grades PS-8 will also be required, as is feasible, to wear face coverings when traveling in the hallways.
• Classrooms have been set up for six feet of social distancing.  Therefore, students are currently encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings in the classrooms when social distancing is possible.  Although preschool classrooms are set up for 5-6 feet of social distancing, face coverings will not be required by preschool students there either.
• Students will provide their own cloth face coverings.  There are no specific dress code restrictions, other than the following, which is taken from our dress code policies:  No logos, advertising, slogans, sayings, or other pictures of a nature that would be inappropriate to a Catholic school are permitted.  Ex:  colorful face coverings with brand names on them would be acceptable but skulls/crossbones would not.  Disposable face coverings will also be available for those who forget their cloth face coverings.
• Students should not share or try on others’ face coverings.
• All students may be required to wear face coverings when riding school buses, depending upon the guidance in place for bus transportation at the time.
• Students should wear face coverings when arriving at school and at dismissal time as these are less controlled situations, and the hallways and parking lot may become more congested with students of multiple grade levels even with the procedures mentioned elsewhere in this document.
• Students who are waiting to be picked up because they are ill will be required to wear a cloth or disposable face covering to the extent possible given the age of the student and with the exceptions mentioned above by the CDC.  When calling the student’s parent to have them pick up the student, this requirement will be mentioned, which allows the parent to note any particular reason why this would not be possible.
• Students will not have a face covering put on them by a staff member.  Students put on their own coverings.  
• Students will need to remove face coverings for eating and the receiving of the Holy Eucharist.
• Students should also remove face coverings for recess and PE or not participate in high intensity activities that may cause difficulty breathing.  Alternate activities will be available for students who do not want to remove their face coverings in order to participate in the high intensity activities.  Students will not be required to remove face coverings and may continue to wear them even if not required.
• Students who are wearing face coverings and working with interventionists, even when it is important for the interventionist to see the students’ mouths, will not be asked to remove their face coverings without an agreement with the child’s parents/guardians.  Interventionists will discuss with parents the availability of other measures that may be used such as the clear partitions and school provided face shields that may be used by these students during the intervention time period
• Students will keep their face coverings in designated areas during the school day, according to teachers’ discretion.  These areas may be in Ziploc bags on their lunch trays, clipped to their desks, etc.  Break-away lanyards with face coverings may also be used.
• Students will be taught about the prevention of stigma associated with the use or non-use of face coverings.    
• Students who might not be able to use cloth face coverings due to a health or safety concern including but not limited to age, developmental disability, underlying condition, or mental health concern may be allowed to wear a face shield instead after consultation between the students’ parents and JFK staff.  These face shields must be provided by the students.

 

Please continue to take care of yourselves:  practice social distancing, maintain hand/face hygiene, stay home when sick, and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible.

We can do this!

Chad

 

Return to Learn Planning

As I mentioned in last week’s email, JFK and our area Catholic schools are still planning on face-t0-face, on-site, five days per week instruction for all students.  The details of our return to learn planning, however, do include an exception clause:

JFK, like other nonpublic schools and public school districts, is required to offer accommodations for remote learning if a child, another resident of the child’s residence, or one of the child’s regular caretakers has a significant health condition that increases their risk of COVID-19. The child’s parent or guardian must provide written verification from a licensed healthcare provider.

Other particular students for whom families choose to have their children do remote learning when the rest of the class/building are not in a remote learning model will be accommodated to the best of our ability while not overburdening our staff.

Remote learning methods to accommodate the above situations may include the following:

• Some face-to-face instruction occurring for other students may be recorded and made available to these students
• Some face-to-face instruction occurring for other students may be live-streamed
• Asynchronous instruction will be more likely than synchronous instruction
• Physical packets and materials, the same as or similar to the materials being used in face-to-face instruction, may be provided to these students
• MobyMax may be more heavily used for these students
• A third party provider such as Edgenuity may be contracted

There is not a reduction in tuition for these families as operating multiple instructional models is actually more expensive than operating only one model.

If you believe you need an exception to face-to-face, on-site instruction, please let me know as soon as possible so we can determine how we might be able to accommodate your family.

Bus Transportation

We have repeatedly been told that our bus transportation will not be affected; buses will still be running routes five days per week.  With the latest schedule proposed by the Davenport Community School District, the district’s schools will not have early out Wednesdays, but all days will be shortened by 25 minutes.  We are currently attempting to clarify how those two changes may impact our afternoon bus transportation, and if we need to make similar schedule adjustments.

Storage Space

In order to set up our classrooms for six feet of social distancing, we are moving large quantities of tables, bookcases, comfy reading chairs/corners, etc. out of classrooms.  We are in need of space in garages, warehouses, storage units, and/or trailers to store large furniture.  Please let me know if you have access to such space that we could use or if you know of someone who might.

JFK Is Hiring

JFK has several hourly paid school positions available during the school year.  The positions have flexible duties working with 3-14 year olds in classrooms, at recesses, and during lunches.  Helping with food preparation and cleaning may be included.  Candidates must be able to work schedules that start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 5:30 p.m.  Tuition, childcare, and other fee reductions are included.  Interested parties should send a letter of interest, resume, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com or complete an application at the school.

Thank You for Your Service

We would like to thank Chris Guinn and Helen Curley for their service to JFK.  Mrs. Guinn and Mrs. Curley worked as instructional aides at a variety of grade levels.

New Staff Members

OLV is pleased to have two new staff members:  Fr. Scott Foley and Kaye Meyers.  Fr. Foley has begun his duties as parochial vicar.  Kaye Meyers will be filling our K-8 Faith Formation Coordinator position. Kaye’s primary role will be coordinating and administering the K-8 faith formation program and assisting JFK with religious education curriculum and sacramental preparation. She will also be taking over responsibility for the parish’s Safe Environment program. Kaye and her husband, Tom, are also members of the parish.

Jennifer Wemhoff will be remaining on the OLV staff as well, but she will be filling our newly created position
that will focus solely on adult faith formation. In this new role of the Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, Jennifer will work to provide faith formation opportunities for those over the age of 18 in the parish.

Back to School Registration

On July 24th, I emailed the general Back to School Registration letters for the 2020-21 school year to families.  One letter was for K-8 and one for preschool.  Packets with multiple forms, some of them personalized, were put in the mail on Friday for K-8 families.  Preschool families just have the letter in their “snail” mail envelope.

Back to School Registration will be different this year with scheduled time slots available on August 2-4.  While the letters contain the details, I am also including the links needed to sign up for the time slots HERE or https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EABA82AA7F58-registration.

Only one time slot is needed per family.  A family of three children, for example, still only needs one registration time slot.

K-8 Supply List

Click HERE for the supply list for K-8 or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Supply-List-2020-21.pdf

There is no supply list for 4/5 year old preschool.  The three year old preschool supply list will be available at/after back to school registration.

First Communion and Confirmation

Congratulations to the second graders who received their First Communion in July.  It’s such an important step to be at the Table of Christ.  We are looking forward to Confirmations occurring in August.

 

Please continue to take care of yourselves:  practice social distancing, maintain hand/face hygiene, stay home when sick, and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible.

We can do this!

Chad

 

Aware of the DCSD’s Announcement/Letter

We are aware of the announcement by the Davenport Community School District that it will start the school year on August 24^th in either a 100% remote learning or a one day per week in school hybrid model.  The DCSD will not start with full face-to-face on-site learning.

JFK is still evaluating the situation, and we are trying to get answers regarding bus transportation from the DCSD as well.  We will be re-examining the details of our face-to-face on-site plan and determine if any changes should be made.

The COVID-19 situation has changed dramatically within the past month.  I attended three meetings this week with health department officials, and they are extremely concerned.  A month ago, the number of new infections per day was around 4-6 new cases per day in Scott County.  Today, that number is about 40 new cases per day with a typical range between about 20 and 75.  Since cases were tracked beginning in winter/spring, about half of all cases in Scott County have occurred within the last two weeks.  Contact tracing is becoming more difficult, and the number of people having to quarantine per identified case is increasing as people are out and about more in the community and are having more close contacts now.  The message from the health department officials is consistent:  if we want kids in school in six weeks, we need to change behavior in our community today.

That said, the health department officials are not saying that schools cannot open.  If they are to open, they need to carefully examine the guiding principles from the CDC.  It is also noted that the principles are more than a month old, and more information continues to be learned.  For example, the data on the impact of face coverings is even more clear that they make a difference for everyone.  Below are the CDC guidelines:

• Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing and employees wearing a (cloth) face covering, as feasible
• Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation
• Encourage social distancing through increased spacing, small groups and limited mixing between groups, if feasible
• Train all employees on health and safety protocols
• Screening students and staff, which can be done at home

These principles are nearly identical to what is being stated at the county level:

• Social distancing
• Hand/face hygiene
• Face coverings
  • Includes both staff and students
• Sanitizing

At JFK, we will continue to review the information available and determine if any changes are needed to our plan for face-to-face on-site instruction to begin on August 24^th.

As we always conclude, “Our Lady of Victory,… pray for us.”

Chad

Return to Learn Plan

Click HERE or use the following link to access a video message regarding JFK’s Return to Learn planning as of July 9, 2020.  Please note that it is subject to change:  https://kennedy-dav.zoom.us/rec/share/wt1MfuGu5khOT4WUz0bgZ4cdAK_9T6a81ScYq_NfyR57fOwg_XbLqWky0-xJxrGI

 

Slides for this afternoon’s presentation can be found HERE:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1yS4H0MWbtHS8W0UEI_U8z75krPRFvIwRzbEBofWuDmw/edit?usp=sharing

 

Chad