Author: csteimle

Wave Two of Flu

It seems like wave two of the flu has picked up with both the A and B strain affecting people.  If you’ve had one, you can still get the other too!  Remember to have your children wash/sanitize their hands and cover sneezes and coughs.  Please keep them home if they are sick.

Kindergarten Round-up Has Occurred

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office, (563) 391-3030.

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

Save the Date for the Assumption Knight Players’ production of Freaky Friday, a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic!  When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.  Performances are on March 6th and 7th at 7:00 p.m. and March 8th at 2:00 p.m..  Tickets available at http://www.showtix4u.com   or at the door.

Policy Committee

Each year, an ad hoc committee of parents, staff, and board members examine about 1/3 of the policies in the student handbook and make recommendations to the school board.  We typically meet 2-3 times and choose a date/time that will work for the most people.  If you would like to be a part of this spring’s policy committee or have feedback regarding something in our handbook, please contact me via email.

One of the policies that will be reviewed is the fund-raising policy (see below):

All fund-raising activities at JFK must have prior approval from the principal and/or pastoral administrative staff.  Fund-raising activities will be coordinated throughout the entire parish with attention given to the number of fund-raisers taking place concurrently, the impact on our families, and whether the purpose is to benefit our programming (Ex.:  Gala) or to benefit others (Ex.:  Holy Childhood Association).

Prior to approval, fund-raising activities must have the following clearly identified:

Purpose of the fund-raising

Specific person in charge of the fund-raising

Duration of the fund-raising

Extent of the solicitation of the funds (Ex.:  parents, parish members, and neighborhood/city community)

Plan for disbursement of the funds

How Much Fund-Raising Do We Do?

It seems like there’s always some fund-raising happening.  Scouts, band boosters, Kids Heart Challenge, $1 out of uniform for some cause, Gala, etc.  Fund-raising, including by Home & School and Band/music boosters, for purposes that actually stay at JFK, however, account for less than 4% of the school budget.  That figure is actually quite low in comparison to many other Catholic schools.  The difference is made up with a larger OLV parish contribution toward education than many other Catholic schools receive from their sponsoring parishes.  The leadership at OLV has decided that being good stewards and giving regularly to the church through envelopes is a better method of financing Catholic school education than huge or constant fund-raisers for school operating purposes.  The really big fund-raisers will be saved for capital campaigns such as for the 2011 additions to the church and school or for future projects, such as HVAC work at JFK.

Highlighted Upcoming Events

Feb 23-25:  Parish Mission.  Attend one or all three sessions.  Sunday’s session is at 3:00.  Monday’s and Tuesday’s sessions are at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 26:  Ash Wednesday Masses at 7 and 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Feb 27:  QC Veterans’ Outreach Center Out of Uniform Day (Decades Day)

Feb 28:  JFK Reconciliation

Mar 12:  Home & School Mtg

Mar 13:  Green/White Dress Day

Mar 16-20:  Spring Break.  No Classes.  ECLC Open.

Mar 23:  Classes Resume

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/February-23-2020.pdf

How Fast the Time Goes

Time seems to fly by!  As I write this Post, I’m already putting in Ash Wednesday and spring break.  Not only am I looking in the schedule ahead to March, but I’m starting to look into April and even the summer.  Even Home & School’s flower sale begins order-taking this week.  At school, current budgeting talk is not about this school year, but next school year, and we’re trying to organize our summer programming as well because we know how early families make summer plans!  At home, two of my children visited this weekend.  As I looked forward to their arrival on Friday, the work day seemed to go on forever.  Then, they finally arrived Friday evening.  In what seemed to be the blink of an eye, however, we were wrapping up brunch after Mass on Sunday, and they had to leave again.   Where does the time go?

Chad

Kindergarten Round-up Has Occurred

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office, (563) 391-3030.

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

Save the Date for the Assumption Knight Players’ production of Freaky Friday, a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic!  When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.  Performances are on March 6th and 7th at 7:00 p.m. and March 8th at 2:00 p.m..  Tickets available at http://www.showtix4u.com   or at the door.

Policy Committee

Each year, an ad hoc committee of parents, staff, and board members examine about 1/3 of the policies in the student handbook and make recommendations to the school board.  Included in this year’s policies to review will be the student discipline policy (is there something other than detentions that we should have as consequences for misbehaviors, for example), the technology and acceptable use policy, and our annual review of our four dress code policies.  We typically meet 2-3 times and choose a date/time that will work for the most people.  If you would like to be a part of this spring’s policy committee or have feedback regarding something in our handbook, please contact me via email.

One of the policies that will be reviewed is the tuition policy.  Excerpts of this policy are below.

Family Contribution Paid Through Tuition, Fees, and Support of OLV:

Each family is asked to help share in providing the talent and resources necessary for the parish to be successful in its mission to teach the Faith.  The cost to educate a child is substantially more than the tuition amount.  Each family’s share of this cost (the family contribution) is paid through tuition, fees and offertory envelopes.  Due to parish support, registered and participating members of Our Lady of Victory Parish with students enrolled in John F. Kennedy Catholic School, benefit from a family tuition rate that is lower than the rate charged other users of the school.  At least one of a child’s parents or legal guardians must be a registered and participating member of OLV to receive participating member rates.

An OLV registered and participating member, at a minimum, follows the precepts of the Church and is called to go far beyond the minimum in the love of God and neighbor.  Below are the precepts, adapted for fulfillment by participation in the Church through Our Lady of Victory:

• Attend Mass at OLV on at least 30 weekends out of the year. While attending Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation is a precept of the Church, attending the majority of those Masses here at OLV ensures that the parish and families develop their relationship together as disciples of Christ.
• Confess one’s sins at least once per year.
• Receive Holy Communion at least once per year, during the Easter season.
• Observe the days of fast and abstinence.
• Provide for the needs of the Church, including OLV. The use of envelopes or electronic funds transfer should be used by OLV registered and participating members to facilitate this obligation.  If this obligation is too much of a hardship, an individualized plan for donated services/voluntarism may be agreed upon.

In addition, the following are also included in the definition of an OLV registered and participating member:

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

Users of the school who are not active participating members of Our Lady of Victory shall pay a higher tuition rate.  They are still expected, however, to support the values of the school and participate in and help with parish/school activities.

511 New Books at Book Fair

There were 511 books sold at our book fair during Catholic Schools Week.  There’s nothing like a fresh book to read!

Highlighted Upcoming Events

Feb 20:  End of 3rd Mid-Quarter.  Parent University.

Feb 21-23:  Men’s CEW

Feb 23-25:  Parish Mission.  Attend one or all three sessions.  Sunday’s session is at 3:00.  Monday’s and Tuesday’s sessions are at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 26:  Ash Wednesday Masses at 7 and 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Feb 27:  QC Veterans’ Outreach Center Out of Uniform Day (Decades Day)

Feb 28:  JFK Reconciliation

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/February-16-2020.pdf

When You Can’t Decide, Just Paint It

We painted our family room floor again this weekend.  When we built the addition to our house about 22 years ago, we put carpeting in the family room.  After a couple of dogs later, we decided to pull the carpet out about four years ago, without really any plans on what to do after that.  We just knew we had to get the carpet out.  Under the carpeting is very uneven oriented strand board.  Without being able to decide at that time what we wanted to do for a new flooring, we temporarily painted it, trying to achieve a slate look using a variety of paints and polyurethane that we had as leftovers from other projects.  Now, four years later, we still can’t decide what we want to do (for as much as we want to spend).  The underlayment is uneven enough that it might have to be covered entirely for any sort of tile, vinyl, etc.  We don’t really want carpeting either as we still have two dogs.  So, we painted it again!  It’s a solid color this time, and, for $100, it looks good!

Chad

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up Last Week

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-up were last week.  Please contact the school office if you missed them, (563) 391-3030.

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

Save the Date for the Assumption Knight Players’ production of Freaky Friday, a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic!  When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.  Performances are on March 6th and 7th at 7:00 p.m. and March 8th at 2:00 p.m..  Tickets available at http://www.showtix4u.com   or at the door.

Screenagers Movie

Are you watching kids scroll through life with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? The award-winning film, SCREENAGERS, probes into the vulnerable corners of family life to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.  www.screenagersmovie.com.

Hosted by Navigating Technology Together, a parent support group started at St. Paul’s and now open to all Catholic school families.  The movie will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th at St. Paul’s Denning Hall with the doors open at 6:00 p.m.  Babysitting is available at $5 per family.  For other questions, please email them to spsntt@gmail.com.

Policy Committee

Each year, an ad hoc committee of parents, staff, and board members examine about 1/3 of the policies in the student handbook and make recommendations to the school board.  Included in this year’s policies to review will be the student discipline policy (is there something other than detentions that we should have as consequences for misbehaviors, for example), the technology and acceptable use policy, and our annual review of our four dress code policies.  We typically meet 2-3 times and choose a date/time that will work for the most people.  If you would like to be a part of this spring’s policy committee or have feedback regarding something in our handbook, please contact me via email.

Highlighted Upcoming Events

Feb 10:  JFK Skate Night at the Eldridge Skate Park

Feb 14:  Red, White, Pink Out of Uniform Day

Feb 17:  Presidents’ Day – No Classes.  ECLC open.

Feb 20:  End of 3rd Mid-Quarter.  Parent University.

Feb 21-23:  Men’s CEW

Feb 23-25:  Parish Mission.  Attend one or all three sessions.  Sunday’s session is at 3:00.  Monday’s and Tuesday’s sessions are at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 26:  Ash Wednesday Masses at 7 and 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Feb 27:  QC Veterans’ Outreach Center Out of Uniform Day (Decades Day)

Feb 28:  JFK Reconciliation

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/February-9-2020.pdf

JFK Moms & Dads

If you are not a member of our JFK Moms & Dads Facebook page, I would encourage you to ask Angie Hillebrand in the school office to add you.  With more back and forth postings, it has a different feel than our more formal, official page.  We do try to make sure everything stays positive and upbeat, but that’s usually not an issue.  This week’s postings on JFK Moms & Dads included photos from the middle school mixer, photos from honor choir, a question about the first day of school next year, and postings about why parents have their kids at JFK.

Sleep Pattern Must Be Messed Up

I think my sleep pattern is messed up.  On Friday and Saturday nights, usually after a brief “nap” at about 8:00 p.m., I usually stay up until after 10:30 p.m., which is late for me.  I often feel that I don’t want the day to end!  Then, I also wake up early on Saturday and Sunday mornings when I could be sleeping in. I don’t get it!  On weekdays, I often find myself going to bed before 10:00 p.m. and getting up around 5:30 a.m.  On these weekdays, with even more sleep time than on weekends, I find it harder to get up in the morning and seem more tired in the evening.  Something must be wrong with me!

Please help your children establish regular bedtime routines and sleep habits.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children 3 to 5 years of age get 10-13 hours of sleep, children 6-12 get 9-12 hours of sleep, and teenagers 13-18 get 8-10 hours of sleep.  The group also recommends that screen time end 30 minutes before bedtime, and no TVs, computers, tablets, cell phones, etc. should be in children’s bedrooms.

Chad

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up This Week

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-up are this week.  Parents will have an informational session, and students will get to be kindergartners for the “day.”  Find out how the difference in us will make a difference in your child’s education.  Please call the school office ahead of time, (563) 391-3030, so we can have a more personalized experience prepared for your child.  Click HERE for this week’s church bulletin, which contains more information.

• Feb 6:  7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the parish center, or
• Feb 6:  6-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria

Virtus Updates

Did you complete your annual renewal with www.virtus.org?  All employees and volunteers working with children and dependent adults within the parishes and Catholic schools of the diocese were assigned the online annual renewal module on January 2nd and given two weeks to complete it.  The module takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.  If you have not yet completed it, please do so ASAP.  In the near future, we will have to move to restricting access to children by those who have not completed the renewal.

8th Grade Career Fair

Preparations for the 8th annual Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th Grade Career Fair have begun.  The career fair is held on in the Rogalski Center on SAU’s campus and will be Friday, March 6, 2020.  We would like to extend the opportunity for area businesses, employers, colleges and universities, health care professionals, law enforcement agencies and various career-related organizations to join us in educating our eighth grade students about the numerous employment opportunities available to them.  Presenters are asked for a time commitment of 8:15 am-2:00 pm. Presenters prepare a booth with information about their career (job duties, professional expectations, hours, required education/training, technology, general salary range, likes and dislikes, etc). The students enjoy hands-on activities so anything you wish to do or bring that is interactive is most appreciated. The students will rotate in groups and complete a career questionnaire about each booth they visit. A thank you lunch for all presenters will be provided. All presenters are invited to join us for the celebration of Mass at 1:15 in the Christ the King Chapel on campus. If you are interested in being a presenter at the career fair, please email the following information to Mrs. Wolf:  emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

• Career Field/Occupation
• Business Name or Place of Employment
• Name
• Address
• Email
• Daytime phone number
• Special needs at the fair (Ex:  access to electricity, WiFi/Internet access, space for a drone to work)

School Cancellations

Messages regarding cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals are shared with JFK families via phone, text, and email.  If you did not receive a text message two weeks ago, it is most likely because you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK.   (This primarily applies to families new to JFK in 2019 and/or new preschool families.)  To receive JFK text messages, 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.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/February-2-2020.pdf

YOLO — You Only Live Once

I have crossed over on the meaning of YOLO — You Only Live Once.  Before I had children, and when my own children tend to use YOLO, the meaning behind it emphasized living life to its fullest, taking risks and chances, don’t leave any regrets, etc.  When I was raising my own children, however, the phrase, for me and how I wanted my children to interpret it, transitioned to be safe, don’t do anything stupid, don’t make choices that will limit your future options, etc.  It’s amazing what parenthood does to one’s views!

Chad

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-up are right around the corner.  Parents will have an informational session, and students will get to be kindergartners for the “day.”  Find out how the difference in us will make a difference in your child’s education.  Please call the school office ahead of time, (563) 391-3030, so we can have a more personalized experience prepared for your child.  Click HERE for this week’s church bulletin, which contains more information.

• Feb 6:  7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the parish center, or
• Feb 6:  6-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria

Virtus Updates

Did you complete your annual renewal with www.virtus.org?  All employees and volunteers working with children and dependent adults within the parishes and Catholic schools of the diocese were assigned the online annual renewal module on January 2nd and given two weeks to complete it.  The module takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.  If you have not yet completed it, please do so ASAP.  In the near future, we will have to move to restricting access to children by those who have not completed the renewal.

Catholic Schools Week

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

• Thank you to everyone who helped with the spaghetti supper!  Special events/activities don’t just happen; they happen because of you!

Monday, Jan 27:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this 3rd-8th grade fundraiser were made available by Mrs. Tilkens.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook as all our special dress days must)
• PS puppet show is cancelled due to staff absences.  Regular PS classes.

Tuesday, Jan 28:

• Talent Show
  • 7:45     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.
  • 12:25   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • All acts and music must be approved by homeroom teachers.
    • Forms due January 21st.  Forms went home before Christmas break
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.

Wednesday, Jan 29:

• Regular Wed. All School Mass, 7:40
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K
  • 11:10 – 11:40  3rd and 4th grades
  • 11:40 – 12:10  1st and 2nd grades
  • 12:10 – 12:40  5th and 6th grades
  • 12:40 – 1:10    7th and 8th grades
  • Parents may take their students home after lunch.  However, both a child’s homeroom teacher and office need to be informed.
  • A lunch note will be sent home to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch for adults will only be available through this pre-payment requirement so we have time to order enough food for everyone.
• Green and white and/or JFK spirit wear out of uniform dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Jan 30:

• All Catholic schools Mass at AHS for grades 2-8.  Permission slips were emailed to parents and sent home hard copy with students.
• Everyone will be in uniform/dress code.
• PS puppet show is cancelled due to staff absences.  Regular PS classes.

Friday, Jan 31:

• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:30
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool puppet show and PS book fair are cancelled due to staff absences.  (All our puppeteers will be gone or are ill.)  Regular PS classes.
• Quad City Storm players are special guest readers
• Conclude Catholic Schools Week with a Storm game, supporting JFK Home & School.  Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen.  90’s Night!http://fevo.me/JFKHomeandSchool

Trivia Night

The Music Boosters’ Trivia Night is Saturday, February 1st at the Knights of Columbus.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and trivia will start at 7:00 p.m.  Invite your friends and family for a fun, adults-only, night out.  The price is $100 per table with a maximum of 8 people per table.  “Double Downs” and “Mulligans” are included in the price of the table.  Bring your own snacks and drinks may be purchased from Knights of Columbus.  Contact Ethan Connors at ethan.connors@olvjfkmail.com to reserve your space.  All proceeds will go to the JFK Music Boosters in support of the 5th – 8th grade bands and music programs.

8th Grade Career Fair

Preparations for the 8th annual Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th Grade Career Fair have begun.  The career fair is held on in the Rogalski Center on SAU’s campus and will be Friday, March 6, 2020.  We would like to extend the opportunity for area businesses, employers, colleges and universities, health care professionals, law enforcement agencies and various career-related organizations to join us in educating our eighth grade students about the numerous employment opportunities available to them.  Presenters are asked for a time commitment of 8:15 am-2:00 pm. Presenters prepare a booth with information about their career (job duties, professional expectations, hours, required education/training, technology, general salary range, likes and dislikes, etc). The students enjoy hands-on activities so anything you wish to do or bring that is interactive is most appreciated. The students will rotate in groups and complete a career questionnaire about each booth they visit. A thank you lunch for all presenters will be provided. All presenters are invited to join us for the celebration of Mass at 1:15 in the Christ the King Chapel on campus. If you are interested in being a presenter at the career fair, please email the following information to Mrs. Wolf:  emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

• Career Field/Occupation
• Business Name or Place of Employment
• Name
• Address
• Email
• Daytime phone number
• Special needs at the fair (Ex:  access to electricity, WiFi/Internet access, space for a drone to work)

School Cancellations

Messages regarding cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals are shared with JFK families via phone, text, and email.  If you did not receive a text message two weeks ago, it is most likely because you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK.   (This primarily applies to families new to JFK in 2019 and/or new preschool families.)  To receive JFK text messages, 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.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/January-26-2020.pdf

Math Rules/Procedures vs. Understanding Math

Quick!  What’s 112 minus 78?  (No using a calculator!)

Now, how did you solve it?  Did you line up the numbers?  Did you then “borrow” to make 12 minus 8 and change the 1 to a 0, and then subtract 7 from 10?  Did you even understand what I just wrote?  Did you have to write the math problem down on a piece of paper because you can’t keep all that work lined up in your head?  This method would likely be more of a rules/procedures basis to math, and probably more like how we learned math ourselves.  I remember trying to help my kids with math.  I’d say, “Just follow the rule.”  They’d ask me, “But, why do you do it that way?”  I’d respond, “Because that’s just the rule.  Just do it that way every time.”

Today’s math instruction (including the Iowa Core) goes beyond the rules and procedures to help kids understand why math works.  In my head, I can more easily do 112 minus 80 and then have to subtract 2 more.  Or, I can add two to each number and then determine 114 minus 80 pretty easily.  Or,  I can add 22 to 78 and then add another 12 to get to 112 to determine that my answer is 34.  I can probably only solve the math problem these ways if I understand the math concepts involved.

Yes, I still need to know my “math facts,” and I still have to have a great deal of automaticity if I’m to free my brain to work on the harder aspects of a math problem.  But, when the going gets tough, understanding how math works can really help because, let’s face it, 112 minus 78 is not a math fact that I need to memorize.  I need to know how math works so I can use a strategy to get to the answer.

Talent Show Regrets

My youngest two daughters tell me almost every year that one of their biggest regrets was to not “dance” with Dad in the talent show during Catholic Schools Week.  Every year, especially as they passed through the middle school years, I’d ask them if they wanted to do a dance/comedy/audience participation activity with me during the talent show.  We didn’t have to be good at anything or really even dance together.  We didn’t even have to speak.  I would do a couple of warm ups as if preparing for a big fancy dance, and, then, when the music would start playing, we’d have everyone up to do the “hokey pokey” or the “chicken dance.”  What could be more fun than that?  Each year, however, they’d tell me no.  It would be too embarrassing.  Now that they are almost 21 and 23, they regret not “dancing” with Dad.

Chad

Virtus Updates

Did you complete your annual renewal with www.virtus.org last week?  All employees and volunteers working with children and dependent adults within the parishes and Catholic schools of the diocese were assigned the online annual renewal module on January 2nd and given two weeks to complete it.  The module takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.  If you have not yet completed it, please do so ASAP.  In the near future, we will have to move to restricting access to children by those who have not completed the renewal.

Drop In K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences are Thursday from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. in classrooms.

Four/five year old PS conferences will be scheduled on Thursday and Friday.  There are no 4/5 yr old PS classes on either day.

Catholic Schools Week

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

• All school Mass, 4:30.  Attendance is expected.  Students are encouraged to wear JFK spirit wear and/or green and white.
• Spaghetti Supper and Open House, 5:30 – 7:30.  Book fair is open as well.  Tickets for the meal are also being sold through “backpack mail.”
  • Have you volunteered to help yet?  Click HERE or us the following link/url:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4baaab28a2fa7-spaghetti

Monday, Jan 27:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this 3rd-8th grade fundraiser were made available by Mrs. Tilkens.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook as all our special dress days must)
• Puppet show for MWF 3 yr old preschool, 7:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan 28:

• Talent Show
  • 7:45     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.
  • 12:25   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • All acts and music must be approved by homeroom teachers.
    • Forms due January 21st.  Forms went home before Christmas break
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.

Wednesday, Jan 29:

• Regular Wed. All School Mass, 7:40
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K
  • 11:10 – 11:40  3rd and 4th grades
  • 11:40 – 12:10  1st and 2nd grades
  • 12:10 – 12:40  5th and 6th grades
  • 12:40 – 1:10    7th and 8th grades
  • Parents may take their students home after lunch.  However, both a child’s homeroom teacher and office need to be informed.
  • A lunch note will be sent home to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch for adults will only be available through this pre-payment requirement so we have time to order enough food for everyone.
• Green and white and/or JFK spirit wear out of uniform dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Jan 30:

• All Catholic schools Mass at AHS for grades 2-8.  Look for a separate permission slip yet to be sent home and emailed.
• Everyone will be in uniform/dress code.
• Puppet show for TTh 3 yr old preschool, 7:30 a.m.

Friday, Jan 31:

• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:30
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool
  • AM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  7:25 – 8:15ish for special activities.
  • PM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  11:40 – 12:30ish for special activities
• Conclude Catholic Schools Week with a Storm game, supporting JFK Home & School.  Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen.  90’s Night!http://fevo.me/JFKHomeandSchool

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-up are right around the corner.  Parents will have an informational session, and students will get to be kindergartners for the “day.”  Find out how the difference in us will make a difference in your child’s education.

• Feb 6:  7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the parish center, or
• Feb 6:  6-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria

Trivia Night

The Music Boosters’ Trivia Night is Saturday, February 1st at the Knights of Columbus.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and trivia will start at 7:00 p.m.  Invite your friends and family for a fun, adults-only, night out.  The price is $100 per table with a maximum of 8 people per table.  “Double Downs” and “Mulligans” are included in the price of the table.  Bring your own snacks and drinks may be purchased from Knights of Columbus.  Contact Ethan Connors at ethan.connors@olvjfkmail.com to reserve your space.  All proceeds will go to the JFK Music Boosters in support of the 5th – 8th grade bands and music programs.

8th Grade Career Fair

Preparations for the 8th annual Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th Grade Career Fair have begun.  The career fair is held on in the Rogalski Center on SAU’s campus and will be Friday, March 6, 2020.  We would like to extend the opportunity for area businesses, employers, colleges and universities, health care professionals, law enforcement agencies and various career-related organizations to join us in educating our eighth grade students about the numerous employment opportunities available to them.  Presenters are asked for a time commitment of 8:15 am-2:00 pm. Presenters prepare a booth with information about their career (job duties, professional expectations, hours, required education/training, technology, general salary range, likes and dislikes, etc). The students enjoy hands-on activities so anything you wish to do or bring that is interactive is most appreciated. The students will rotate in groups and complete a career questionnaire about each booth they visit. A thank you lunch for all presenters will be provided. All presenters are invited to join us for the celebration of Mass at 1:15 in the Christ the King Chapel on campus. If you are interested in being a presenter at the career fair, please email the following information to Mrs. Wolf:  emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

• Career Field/Occupation
• Business Name or Place of Employment
• Name
• Address
• Email
• Daytime phone number
• Special needs at the fair (Ex:  access to electricity, WiFi/Internet access, space for a drone to work)

School Cancellations

Thanks for hanging in there regarding last week’s school cancellation.  It was a fluid situation all morning that began around 5:30 a.m. with the message that we principals should stay tuned as a delay or cancellation was being considered.  Messages regarding cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals are shared with JFK families via phone, text, and email.  If you did not receive a text message last Wednesday, it is most likely because you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK.   (This primarily applies to families new to JFK in 2019 and/or new preschool families.)  To receive JFK text messages, 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.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/January-19-2020.pdf

I See

Or, at least, I hope to see better.  Since Friday, I had been dealing with a large number of both big and very small “floaters” in my left eye.  When I woke up Saturday morning, I noticed two flashes of light but dismissed it as still being half asleep.  After shoveling and going about my business Saturday, I thought things might be getting better.  During the clean up for the parishioner appreciation dinner, however, my vision became even more hazy and stayed that way through most of Sunday.  On Monday, I called the eye doctor, and they got me in by 10:00 a.m.  During the appointment in the Bettendorf office, they scheduled me right away for an afternoon appointment with the retina specialist, who was in Rock Island office.  By 3:30, I was finished with the process of basically having my torn and weakened retina spot welded in place.  That ought to do the job!  (But, I hate to tell them that when they say there may be some discomfort, what they really mean to say is “It will HURT!”)

Chad

Special Dismissal This Week

There is a special early dismissal this week marking the end of the second quarter.  K-8 classes are dismissed at 12:40 on Thursday.  There are no afternoon preschool classes on Thursday.

Friday is a teacher in-service day.  Teachers will be receiving training regarding the Tessera assessment and social-emotional-behavioral lesson system, looking at how we use academic assessment results, and examining research regarding reading instruction.  There are no classes on Friday, but ECLC is open.

Catholic Schools Week Preview

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

• All school Mass, 4:30.  Attendance is expected.  Students are encouraged to wear JFK spirit wear and/or green and white.
• Spaghetti Supper and Open House, 5:30 – 7:30.  Book fair is open as well.  Tickets for the meal are also being sold after Masses on January 18th and 19th.

Monday, Jan 27:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this 3rd-8th grade fundraiser will be emailed and sent home in “backpack” mail.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook as all our special dress days must)
• Puppet show for MWF 3 yr old preschool, 7:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan 28:

• Talent Show
  • 7:45     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.
  • 12:25   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • All acts and music must be approved by homeroom teachers.
    • Forms due January 21st.  Forms went home before Christmas break
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.

Wednesday, Jan 29:

• Regular Wed. All School Mass, 7:40
• Puppet show for MWF 3 yr old preschool, 7:30 a.m.
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K
  • 11:10 – 11:40  3rd and 4th grades
  • 11:40 – 12:10  1st and 2nd grades
  • 12:10 – 12:40  5th and 6th grades
  • 12:40 – 1:10    7th and 8th grades
  • Parents may take their students home after lunch.  However, both a child’s homeroom teacher and office need to be informed.
  • A lunch note will be sent home to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch for adults will only be available through this pre-payment requirement so we have time to order enough food for everyone.
• Green and white and/or JFK spirit wear out of uniform dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Jan 30:

• All Catholic schools Mass at AHS for grades 2-8.  Look for a separate permission slip yet to be sent home and emailed.
• Everyone will be in uniform/dress code.
• Puppet show for TTh 3 yr old preschool, 7:30 a.m.

Friday, Jan 31:

• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:30
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool
  • AM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  7:25 – 8:15ish for special activities.
  • PM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  11:40 – 12:30ish for special activities
• Conclude Catholic Schools Week with a Storm game, supporting JFK Home & School.  Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen.  90’s Night!http://fevo.me/JFKHomeandSchool

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-up are right around the corner.  Parents will have an informational session, and students will get to be kindergartners for the “day.”  Find out how the difference in us will make a difference in your child’s education.

• Feb 6:  7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the parish center, or
• Feb 6:  6-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria

January 13/14:  Crusader Theater Tryouts for 8th graders

January 14:  7th/8th Science Fair Showcase, 6:00

January 15:  8th Grade Parent Meeting at AHS, 6:30

January 16:  End of 2nd Quarter.  Special 12:40 Dissmissal.  No PM preschool classes.

January 17:  In-service.  No classes.  ECLC open

January 18:  Parishioner Appreciation Dinner, parish center.  Doors open at 5:30 with food served at 6:00.  Beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts provided FREE.  Light entertainment is included.  Free childcare and kid-friendly food are also available.   RSVP to the parish office (563-391-4245 or davolv@diodav.org).

January 20:  M.L.King Day.  No classes.  ECLC open.

January 23:  Drop In K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Four/five year old PS conferences will be scheduled.  No 4/5 yr old PS classes.  Skate Night.

January 24:  Four/five year old PS conferences will be scheduled.  No 4/5 yr old PS classes.

Trivia Night

The Music Boosters’ Trivia Night is Saturday, February 1st at the Knights of Columbus.  Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and trivia will start at 7:00 p.m.  Invite your friends and family for a fun, adults-only, night out.  The price is $100 per table with a maximum of 8 people per table.  “Double Downs” and “Mulligans” are included in the price of the table.  Bring your own snacks and drinks may be purchased from Knights of Columbus.  Contact Ethan Connors at ethan.connors@olvjfkmail.com to reserve your space.  All proceeds will go to the JFK Music Boosters in support of the 5th – 8th grade bands and music programs.

Photos on Facebook

Did you see all the students dress like their teachers or other adults at JFK on Friday?  We captured a few in photos on our Facebook page.  There were little Mr. Steimles, Mrs. Posters, Mr. Connors, Ms. Burkens, and too many little Mrs. Tilkens to photograph.  One of my favorite photos had to be of Mrs. Whelchel and her special dress-alike student!

You can also find some photos of students participating in STEM activities through the Putnam outreach services on our closed group, JFK Moms & Dads.  Please send a request to be added to that group to angie.hillebrand@olvjfkmail.com.

Baby Wolf Is Here

Congratulations to JFK’s student support specialist, Emma Wolf, and her husband!  A beautiful baby boy was born on Jan. 4th.  Mrs. Wolf will be on maternity leave until February 3rd.  Mrs. Weiser will be helping with some of Mrs. Wolf’s duties until that time.

8th Grade Career Fair

Preparations for the 8th annual Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose University 8th Grade Career Fair have begun.  The career fair is held on in the Rogalski Center on SAU’s campus and will be Friday, March 6, 2020.  We would like to extend the opportunity for area businesses, employers, colleges and universities, health care professionals, law enforcement agencies and various career-related organizations to join us in educating our eighth grade students about the numerous employment opportunities available to them.  Presenters are asked for a time commitment of 8:15 am-2:00 pm. Presenters prepare a booth with information about their career (job duties, professional expectations, hours, required education/training, technology, general salary range, likes and dislikes, etc). The students enjoy hands-on activities so anything you wish to do or bring that is interactive is most appreciated. The students will rotate in groups and complete a career questionnaire about each booth they visit. A thank you lunch for all presenters will be provided. All presenters are invited to join us for the celebration of Mass at 1:15 in the Christ the King Chapel on campus. If you are interested in being a presenter at the career fair, please email the following information to Mrs. Wolf:  emma.wolf@olvjfkmail.com.

• Career Field/Occupation
• Business Name or Place of Employment
• Name
• Address
• Email
• Daytime phone number
• Special needs at the fair (Ex:  access to electricity, WiFi/Internet access, space for a drone to work)

Civic Oration Finals

Congratulations to the following students who placed in the final round of civic oration:

7/8 Division:  Macie R. (1st), Elexa A. (2nd), and Max S. (3rd)

5/6 Division:  Brooklyn M. (1st), Aubrey R. (2nd), and Maggie A. (3rd)

We would also like to thank our guest judges:  Andy Burman, Andy Craig, Connie Creen, Aaron Gunnare, Dave Hinchman, and Denny Prior.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/January-12-2020.pdf

Best Month?

As the last of our children returned to college today, I think this past month may have been the best four weeks of the year.  All of our children were home for Christmas, and some had extended visits before and after the holidays (or both).  They were here for all of the big family holiday events, but they were also here long enough to have lounged around in PJs on a Saturday morning that spilled into the afternoon.  They were here for the big meals but also here long enough for everyone to have opened the refrigerator ten times in five minutes and proclaim that there’s “nothing to eat” even when we all knew that really wasn’t the case.  They were here to stay up late while talking and catching up with one another but also here long enough that going to bed early was OK too.  Even though they just left, I miss them already!

Chad

Catholic Schools Week Preview

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

• All school Mass, 4:30.  Attendance is expected.  Students are encouraged to wear JFK spirit wear and/or green and white.
• Spaghetti Supper and Open House, 5:30 – 7:30.  Book fair is open as well.

Monday, Jan 27:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this 3rd-8th grade fundraiser will be emailed and sent home in “backpack” mail.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook as all our special dress days must)

Tuesday, Jan 28:

• Talent Show
  • 7:45     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.
  • 12:25   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • All acts and music must be approved by homeroom teachers.
    • Forms due January 21st.  Forms went home before Christmas break
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.

Wednesday, Jan 29:

• All School Mass, 7:40
• Puppet show for MWF 3 yr old preschool
• Bring an Adult Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K
  • 11:10 – 11:40  3rd and 4th grades
  • 11:40 – 12:10  1st and 2nd grades
  • 12:10 – 12:40  5th and 6th grades
  • 12:40 – 1:10    7th and 8th grades
  • Parents may take their students home after lunch.  However, both a child’s homeroom teacher and office need to be informed.
  • A lunch note will be sent home to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch for adults will only be available through this pre-payment requirement so we have time to order enough food for everyone.
• Green and white and/or JFK spirit wear out of uniform dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Jan 30:

• All Catholic schools Mass at AHS for grades 2-8.  Look for a separate permission slip yet to be sent home and emailed.
• Everyone will be in uniform/dress code.

Friday, Jan 31:

• Wacky Tacky Out of Uniform Day
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:30
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool
  • AM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  7:25 – 8:15ish for special activities.
  • PM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  11:40 – 12:30ish for special activities
  • Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-up are right around the corner.  Parents will have an informational session, and students will get to be kindergartners for the “day.”  Find out how the difference in us will make a difference in your child’s education.
    • Feb 6:  7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the parish center, or
    • Feb 6:  6-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria

Other Special Schedules or Events

January 6:  Band Boosters, 6:30 p.m.

January 9:  Kick off for Kids Heart Challenge.  Home & School, 6:30, Parish Center

January 12:  Confirmation Sponsor Service Day

January 13/14:  Crusader Theater Tryouts for 8th graders

January 14:  7th/8th Science Fair Showcase, 6:00

January 15:  8th Grade Parent Meeting at AHS, 6:30

January 16:  End of 2nd Quarter.  Special 12:40 Dissmissal.  No PM preschool classes.

January 17:  In-service.  No classes.  ECLC open

January 18:  Parishioner Appreciation Dinner, parish center.  Doors open at 5:30 with food served at 6:00.  Beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts provided FREE.  Light entertainment is included.  Free childcare and kid-friendly food are also available.   RSVP to the parish office (563-391-4245 or davolv@diodav.org).

January 20:  M.L.King Day.  No classes.  ECLC open.

January 23:  Drop In K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Four/five year old PS conferences will be scheduled.  No 4/5 yr old PS classes.  Skate Night.

January 24:  Four/five year old PS conferences will be scheduled.  No 4/5 yr old PS classes.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/01/January-5-2020.pdf

Nice to Spend Time with Family

It was nice to spend time with family members over the break.  My oldest daughter and her boyfriend were here for about a week.  Tom has been here for about three weeks and flies back to Charleston, SC early this week.  Kirsten was here for five days, and Caitlin is still home on her break from college for another week.  We didn’t do anything real exciting or special other than our regular Christmas Eve/Day traditions.  It’s just nice to have family with whom one can eat, go to the store, play cards, watch a movie or football, talk and tease one another.  Yes, we could do these things with friends, but there’s just something different when doing it with family.

Chad

Special Dismissal on Friday

Dismissal is at 12:40 p.m. on Friday.  Bus transportation is available.  There are no afternoon preschool classes.  It is also a special dress day:  green, white, red, and/or Christmas-themed attire.   We will start the day with Mass and have the school performance of the K-2 Christmas program in the church after Mass.

Victory Vouchers Make Great Christmas Gifts Too

Victory Vouchers make great Christmas gifts too.  You purchase gift certificates or gift cards through OLV at face value, and the parish purchases them at a program discount.  The difference ends up being a painless fund-raiser; the card is worth exactly what you pay for it.  In addition to this fund-raising element, our Victory Voucher program also allows parishioners to receive a 2% credit on all purchases that can be directed to school tuition, youth ministry programming, Faith Formation fees, or other selected areas within the parish.  The parish regularly stocks Victory Vouchers from over 50 national and local businesses, and others are available by special order.  HyVee participates through a coupon program that you can print yourself.  Vouchers are sold on Sundays in the Gathering Space at church from 7:30-11 AM, at the Parish Office on weekdays from 7:30-4:00 PM, or by leaving a prepaid order at the parish or school office.  For more information, check out the information on the Victory Voucher section of our website.  Vouchers can also be purchased online at shopwithscrip.com.

Fr. Jake’s Announcement Regarding the Development of a Regionalized Catholic School System in Scott County

Click HERE for the special December Principal’s Post announcing the endorsement of a regionalized Catholic school system in Scott County.

Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization Still Needs Funds

The Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization (MVSTO) is still in need of donations to reach its goal of approximately $1.2 million before January 1st.  The MVSTO provides financial assistance to families utilizing Scott County Catholic schools. For anyone interested in donating to the MVSTO, there is also a financial incentive. The Iowa Education Opportunities Act,… allows Iowa taxpayers to claim a 65% direct state tax credit for all donations made to the MVSTO. For example, if someone is able to make a $1000 donation to MVSTO, this individual will receive a tax credit certificate for $650 that is applied when s/he files their state taxes. Depending on each person’s tax situation, you might also be able to deduct some of this same $1000 donation from your federal taxes as well.   If the donations do not reach the $1.2 million goal, less money will be available for tuition assistance in Scott County Catholic schools.

Highlighted Upcoming Dates

It’s starting to get very busy for every grade.  Below are some highlights.  Please see the website for a more complete calendar and look for grade specific notes from teachers.

Dec 16:  3rd grade gingerbread houses.  Skate Night. Communal Penance Service at St. John Vianney

Dec 17:  Band Concert (day at JFK, night at AHS)

Dec 18:  3 yr old PS family activity.  Civic oration “PC round”

Dec 19:  K-2 Christmas show (6 p.m. in the church)

Dec 20:  All school Mass.  Special dismissal at 12:40

Dec 21 – Jan 5:  Christmas Break.  Check the school calendar for dates when ECLC is closed.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/December-15-2019.pdf

Indoor Recess Games on Teachers’ Wishlists

Just about every teacher has indoor recess games on their wish lists.  Games like ConnectFour, Trouble, CandyLand, Uno, etc. can be played in the 15 minutes of recess by students of multiple ages.  If your child would like to give his/her teacher a gift this Christmas season, please consider an indoor recess game.

Civic Oration

Students in grades 5-8 gave their civic oration speeches this past week.  Research paper writing and public speaking are invaluable skills acquired by all JFK students.  A special congratulations goes to the following students who advanced in the competition:

Fifth grade:  Rachel A., Maggie A.*, Quinn C.*, Julia M., Maizy E., and Mary V.S.

Sixth grade:  Ben A.*, Olivia F., Sophia H., Laisha L.*, Brooklyn M.*, and Aubrey R.*

Seventh grade:  Seamus D.*, Isaiah G., Jacey M., Justin M., Lucy N., and Andrew N.

Eighth grade:  Elexa A.*, Ryan B., Matthew M.*, Cole M.*, Macie R.*, and Max S.*

*Advanced to the “parish center” round of competition.

Fifth Grade Flag Essay

Fifth graders advancing in the flag essay contest are the following:  Ava S. (1st place), Heath W. (2nd place), and Mary V.S. (3rd place).  Congratulations fifth graders!

Elks Free Throw Contest

Congratulations to Lincoln M. and Kamille L.S., who place 1st and 2nd in the Elks city-wide free throw shoot out for 8-9 year olds, Kathleen Y., who took 3rd place for 10-11 year olds, and Lauren L, who took 2nd place for 12-13 year olds.  Nice job!

Girls Volleyball

Congratulations to our 6th grade girls who brought home 2nd place and our 7th graders who finished first in the “regular” season and 2nd in the tournament.  Great job, girls!

Engagement and Law School

There were two big announcements in our family last week.  My oldest daughter, Colleen, got engaged, and, my youngest daughter, Caitlin, was formally accepted into law school at the University of Kansas.  We’ll have plenty to discuss when everyone makes it home for Christmas next week!  (We got an early start this weekend as Tom already flew into town, and Kirsten drove from Des Moines just for the weekend.)

Chad

Victory Vouchers Make Great Christmas Gifts Too

Victory Vouchers make great Christmas gifts too.  You purchase gift certificates or gift cards through OLV at face value, and the parish purchases them at a program discount.  The difference ends up being a painless fund-raiser; the card is worth exactly what you pay for it.  In addition to this fund-raising element, our Victory Voucher program also allows parishioners to receive a 2% credit on all purchases that can be directed to school tuition, youth ministry programming, Faith Formation fees, or other selected areas within the parish.  The parish regularly stocks Victory Vouchers from over 50 national and local businesses, and others are available by special order.  HyVee participates through a coupon program that you can print yourself.  Vouchers are sold on Sundays in the Gathering Space at church from 7:30-11 AM, at the Parish Office on weekdays from 7:30-4:00 PM, or by leaving a prepaid order at the parish or school office.  For more information, check out the information on the Victory Voucher section of our website.  Vouchers can also be purchased online at shopwithscrip.com.

Fr. Jake’s Announcement Regarding the Development of a Regionalized Catholic School System in Scott County

Click HERE for the special December Principal’s Post announcing the endorsement of a regionalized Catholic school system in Scott County.

Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization Still Needs $250,000

The following is edited and reprinted from Fr. Jake’s bulletin article three weeks ago:

“Many parishioners are familiar with the Family Tuition Plan because of the financial assistance they have received through this program….   Last year, the Family Tuition Plan helped support 634 students with a total of $1,280,903 in financial assistance throughout Scott County. Our parish had 148 students at JFK and Assumption High School (AHS) receiving $281,439 in financial assistance. In other words, OLV parishioners received 22% of the total assistance available in all of Scott County. OLV is [the] largest single recipient of financial assistance in Scott County….

The money used for the Family Tuition Program is raised primarily through donations given to the Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization (MVSTO). The MVSTO’s primary mission every year is to raise approximately $1,200,000 to fund the Family Tuition Plan. For anyone interested in donating to the MVSTO, there is also a financial incentive. The Iowa Education Opportunities Act,… allows Iowa taxpayers to claim a 65% direct state tax credit for all donations made to the MVSTO. For example, if someone is able to make a $1000 donation to MVSTO, this individual will receive a tax credit certificate for $650 that is applied when s/he files their state taxes. Depending on each person’s tax situation, you might also be able to deduct some of this same $1000 donation from your federal taxes as well.”

As of earlier this week, the MVSTO still needed about $250,000 before January 1st to reach the goal.  If the donations do not reach the goal, less money will be available for tuition assistance in Scott County Catholic schools.

Highlighted Upcoming Dates

It’s starting to get very busy for every grade.  Below are some highlights.  Please see the website for a more complete calendar and look for grade specific notes from teachers.

Dec 9:  Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass.  Civic Oration

Dec 11:  5th-8th Grade Out of Uniform

Dec 12:  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe all school Mass.  3/4 Christmas show.  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe All School Mass

Dec 13:  4 yr old PS show

Dec 15:  Communal Penance Service at OLV

Dec 16:  3rd grade gingerbread houses.  Skate Night. Communal Penance Service at St. John Vianney

Dec 17:  Band Concert (day at JFK, night at AHS)

Dec 18:  3 yr old PS family activity

Dec 19:  K-2 Christmas show

Dec 20:  All school Mass.  Special dismissal at 12:40

Dec 21 – Jan 5:  Christmas Break.  Check the school calendar for dates when ECLC is closed.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/1032800002A-120819.pdf

Indoor Recess Games on Teachers’ Wishlists

Just about every teacher has indoor recess games on their wish lists.  Games like ConnectFour, Trouble, CandyLand, Uno, etc. can be played in the 15 minutes of recess by students of multiple ages.  If your child would like to give his/her teacher a gift this Christmas season, please consider an indoor recess game.

New Employees

JFK welcomes the following to our staff:

David Kisner:  Mr. Kisner has begun as the evening custodian at JFK.  Remember to thank him for keeping the restrooms and rooms clean!

Helen Curley:  Mrs. Curley has started as a part-time instructional aide working in ECLC, 1st/2nd grade classes, and recesses.  We appreciate her flexibility, which is allowing Mrs. Creech to spend more time with kindergartners.  Mrs. Guinn is then taking Mrs. Creech’s spot in afternoon preschool classes.

AHS Information Knight

All families interested in learning about everything AHS has to offer are encouraged to attend the Information Knight Session on Wednesday, December 11th from 5:30-6:30 PM in the AHS Carroll Lab.  This is an informative session for parents to learn about academic offerings and financial aid options.
Any K-8 student in attendance will be partnered with a group of AHS Student Ambassadors for a tour of the school. Please park in the main student entrance.  AHS Ambassadors will escort families to the Carroll Lab.  Contact Kris Kellenberger, AHS Director of Admissions at 326-5313 ext. 230 or
kris.kellenberger@assumptionhigh.org with questions.

AHS Children’s Play/Musical

The Assumption Knight Players proudly present Elf: the Musical, Jr.  Friday, December 13 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, December 14 at 2 PM at
Assumption High School’s Sunderbruch Auditorium.  All tickets are $5.00 and children 5 years old and under are free!
A Children’s Theater Workshop is also being offered on December 14 from 10 AM-2PM for students in 1st-6th grade – info available at assumptionhigh.org/events

Large Print Books

Over the last several years, I’ve discovered “large print” books at the public library.  I can typically make a library run in under five minutes these days, not including any “business” that I need to conduct.  I select 2-4 books from the New Books racks, and part of one rack includes large print books.  Whenever I read a large print book, I always feel like I’m making such good progress.  Now, if I can only figure out how to not have to conduct “business” at the counter every six weeks or so when I pay my book fines,….

Chad