Author: csteimle | Page 3 | JFK Catholic School

Principal’s Post for August 24, 2025

Posted on August 24, 2025 by csteimle

Tomorrow’s the Day!

School classes, ECLC, and aftercare all start tomorrow. Students should not arrive before 7:10. K-8 students should enter the northwest doors (2W) where a staff member will let them into the building. Bus riders enter the front doors (1N). Students should proceed to their homerooms.

Please follow the drop off and dismissal procedures outlined below and with the linked map. Be careful in the parking lot and the streets. A minute saved by speeding through the parking lot or multi-tasking while driving can quickly become a lifelong tragedy.

School Times

PS-8 classes begin on Monday, August 25th. K-8 classes are 7:25-2:40.

Preschool class time:

4/5 YO am PS: 7:25-10:25

4/5 YO pm PS: 11:40-2:40

3 YO PS: 7:25-9:55

ECLC/wraparound care: 7:00-5:30

We do still have some wraparound spots available. Additional paperwork is required to register. I’d also like to remind families that PT wraparound care is less than 20 hours per week. A child in a morning preschool class cannot be picked up with an older K-8 sibling at 2:40 every day without exceeding the 20 hour limit.

Aftercare: 2:40-5:30

Additional registration and paperwork is required as aftercare is considered to be “childcare” and licensed separately from education.

PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care

After school care and wrap around care are licensed by the Department of Health & Human Services and provide supervised activities for students who have not yet turned thirteen. The preschool wrap around rate is included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours). There is an hourly rate for K through age 12. A childcare registration form is required for each student. Below are the links to the forms needed:

K-age 12 forms

Preschool Wraparound Care forms

Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHHS program paper/pencil forms complete.

Bus Times Take Some Time to Really Develop a Pattern

It always takes a little time for the bus company to smooth things out at the beginning of the school year. Employees of JFK can work as liaisons, but we have no control over busing. Please be patient with the bus company as well.

Grade Level Parent Meetings Begin on Tuesday

“We just met the teacher, do I really need to go to a parent meeting?” Yes. You, indeed, just met the teacher. Now, you’ll receive specific and more detailed information.

“Do I need to go to each of my child’s grade level meetings?” Yes. Your children are in more than one grade level. Information is specific for the grade level.

“Do I need to go to the 2nd grade meeting, if I’ve already had a second grader go through JFK?” Yes. There may be new/different information for your child who is NOW in 2nd grade.

Aug 26: K, 5:45-6:30 and 1st, 6:30-7:15

Aug 27: 2nd, 5:45-6:30 and 3rd, 6:30-7:15

Aug 28: 7th, 5:45-6:30 and 8th, 6:30-7:15

Sept 2: 4th, 5:45-6:30 and 5th, 6:30-7:15

Sept 4: 6th, 6:30-7:15

Please enter through the front doors on 42nd Street. The location for all of these meetings says cafeteria on the website calendar. However, this is just a “holding place” on the calendar. Please look for the specific location to be made available from your child’s homeroom teacher. Some may be in the cafeteria, but many will be in specific classrooms.

Principal’s Posts

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 accounts in the late afternoon or early evening on Sundays. I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades. You will also receive numerous email communications from teachers. Email is probably the number one form of communication in schools.

We also utilize our main JFK Facebook page, a JFK preschool Facebook page, and 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. Please remember, however, that not all parents are comfortable with photos of their children being on social media.

Give Thanks for Our Blessings at Mass

The beginning of a new school year and new schedules is the perfect time to renew and/or adjust your weekend Mass attendance schedule. OLV has four weekend Masses: 4:30 on Saturdays and 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.

PS-8 Immunization Records

Preschoolers, kindergartners and other students new to JFK need to provide evidence of immunizations prior to school beginning. There are also two boosters, TDaP and meningococcal conjugate vaccine, required for 7^th graders prior to school beginning. We can accept faxed or emailed copies. Iowa law says that students cannot be enrolled without up-to-date immunization information provided to the school, and schools must exclude students without proper immunizations. Although minimal in number, there are exceptions. Those interested in religious exemptions should note that because the Catholic Church does not object to immunizations, a religious exemption for Catholics should not be possible.

K-8 Home Language Survey

Kindergartners and other students new to JFK need to complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). Many kindergartners already submitted these in February.

Uniform Policy/Dress Code

Now is also a good time to review the dress code, especially for hair color. Some of those fun colors, Kool-Aid dyed tips, tinseling, etc. can be a real challenge to get out and may even require a haircut.

Other Policy Changes Highlighted

Below are some of the changes to the parent/student handbook I’d like to highlight today. The complete parent/student handbook can be found on our website.

Cell Phones: Cell phones should be turned off and unavailable in a a student’s bookbag in their locker between 7:00 a.m. and until they leave the building. (Having to be in the bookbag is the new part.)
Gym Clothes: Uniform gym shorts are meant to be loose-fitting. They should be purchased/worn in sizes accordingly. Shorts should be worn as intended around the waist.
Detentions for grades 5-8: Not after school any more. They will be either Wednesday lunch recess detentions or both Wednesday lunch recess and lunch detentions. For the latter, students will eat in a supervised classroom out of the classroom.

Although not new, I’d also like to highlight the following policies:

Parent Code of Conduct: Parents and guardians partner with the school to foster a respectful, supportive and faith-filled community. Through cooperation, positive communication, and productive work to resolve concerns while adhering to the school’s mission and values, families help ensure a safe and welcoming environment where all students can thrive. Gossip, misuse of social media, “flaming” e-mails, etc. are not productive.
Probation: New students are on a one-year academic and behavioral probation. Returning students may be placed on probation at the principal’s discretion.
Statement of Receipt and Agreement: Continued enrollment implies agreement to abide by all policies.

ALICE/Run-Hide-Fight Training for Kids

As part of our regular safety procedures, teachers talk to students about ALICE, which is an acronym used to help people remember what to do in the event of a violent situation in a school. We also use the Run-Hide-Fight phrasing. The materials we’ve used/developed over the years and the approaches we take are targeted for specific grade strands as what one says and does with three-year-olds in preschool is entirely different than with 13-year-olds in 8th grade. Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.

Water Bottles Must Be Able to be Sealed/Closed

Students are encouraged to have appropriate water bottles throughout the day. Due to how often students move about the building and classrooms, as well as other issues that can arise, students’ water bottles must be able to be sealed/closed. Large mugs with straws sticking out are not water bottles and should be left home. We have four bottle filling stations throughout the building.

Approved Snack List

Snacks must be from the approved snack list. The list also shares some of the criteria used to determine the snack list.

PE Uniform

Fifth-8th graders wear their PE clothes rather than their school uniform on days when they have PE. The PE uniform must be purchased from the school identified vendor, Empowering Abilities (formerly known as Handicapped Development Center): http://handicappeddevelopment.org/jfk/

Middle School Mock Trial for 6th-8th Grades

The case materials have been released for Mock Trial: https://www.iowabar.org/?pg=MSMockTrial. This criminal case is a work of fiction: Who started the fire? Last spring, a fire destroyed significant portions of the Paul and Frances Lubben Natural Sciences Building at Tabard University. Investigators determined that the fire originated after hours in a chemistry laboratory, where a hot plate was set to its maximum temperature. According to building records, three students were in the building around the time the fire began. Investigators zeroed in on one student—the high-achieving Dannie Dawson, who had recently received a significantly lower-than-expected grade from the spouse of the Chair of the Chemistry Department. The State charged Dawson with Arson in the Second Degree. Dawson denies starting the fire.

JFK’s Mock Trial students will practice on Sunday afternoons. They are coached by District Associate Judge Michael E. Motto, parent of JFK graduates. He needs help, however. If you might be interested in helping, please contact me or angie.hillebrand@olvjfkmail.com. More information and a sign up for students will be distributed soon. The regional competition at St. Ambrose is November 20th.

Substitutes at JFK and SCCS

Substitutes are always needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. 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/SCCS. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course.

Text Message Communications

If you would like to receive text messages from JFK, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. While we don’t use “bulk” text messages often, you don’t want to miss them for a snow day, for example. Families must opt in to receive text messages.

Parking Lot Traffic Patterns

It’s not too early to review the parking lot traffic patterns. A few reminders are below:

Proceed SLOWLY and cautiously through every location. Little kids are hard to see by cars. What one makes up in time by speeding through the lot will matter little if someone is hit by a car!
Be attentive to your driving. Talking on a cell phone, even handsfree, can be a distraction when one’s attention is needed most to watch for kids and pedestrians.
Only use handicapped parking spots if qualified. Handicapped parking spots are reserved for those who need them throughout the entire day, including morning drop off, mid-day pre-school pick up and drop off, and pick up at the end of the day. We reserve one of our handicapped spots, in particular, for wheelchair access for a student.
Accompany younger students to/from the barriers, if you park in the lot and are not using the drive-through lanes. Parents who are standing and waiting for their little ones should stand on the school side of the barriers. All children should be supervised. Pets should not be among the children.
Students, even with their parents, should not be crossing 42nd Street. With buses, parked cars, and moving traffic, it is just too dangerous!

A photo of the parking lot patterns can be found using the following link: Parking lot traffic patterns

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

Home & School Events

There are several Home & School sponsored events coming up:

Chalk the Walk
- August 24th, weather permitting
- 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the school
- Bring your own chalk and inspirational ideas to fill the school’s sidewalks with positivity, color, and school spirit
- Adults only – so it’s a surprise for the kids on Monday morning
JFK Pride on the Drive and Yard Sign Fundraiser
- Option #1: Have a JFK logo painted on your driveway
- Option #2: JFK yard sign
- Cost: $25 each
- Orders accepted through September 7th
- Order form

Calendars

Multiple calendars are available on our website, www.olvjfk.com. On the school side of the website, a one-page summary calendar is on the front page. Detailed calendars can also be reached by clicking on the calendars heading toward the upper right corner of the website. Use these detailed calendars, for example, to check when your child’s K-8 parent meeting is scheduled. Those parent meetings begin as early as August 26th. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you.

Highlighted Events

Please see the website calendar(s) for more complete information. Below are a few highlighted events:

Aug 29: JFK Spirit Wear/Green/White Day. Students can be out of uniform if wearing JFK spirit wear and/or green/white. Out of uniform dress guidelines apply. (There are four parts to our dress code. Scroll for each of them.)
Sept 1: Labor Day. No classes. ECLC closed.
Sept 4: Youth & Family Engagement Mtg
Sept 8: 5th grade band parent mtg
Sept 11: Skate night

Chad

Principal’s Post for August 17, 2025

Posted on August 17, 2025August 17, 2025 by csteimle

First Principal’s Post of the School Year – A Long One

Welcome to the first Principal’s Post of the 2025-26 school year. 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 accounts in the late afternoon or early evening on Sundays. I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades. You will also receive numerous email communications from teachers. Email is probably the number one form of communication in schools.

Give Thanks for Our Blessings at Mass

Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher on August 21st

The K-8 Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher is on Thursday, August 21st. (Preschoolers and their parents have individual meetings with the teachers on August 20th or 21st. If you don’t have your meeting scheduled or can’t remember it, please contact the school office. )

Although the K-8 session are “drop in,” we would like to stagger people throughout the whole evening so each family can have some individual attention. We, therefore, ask families to “drop in” any time within the 30-minute time slot according to the students’ last names. If your family is large, and you can’t make it to each homeroom within your 30 minutes, don’t panic; it will be OK to dribble over into another time slot.:

- A-E 5:15-5:45
- F-K 5:45-6:15
- L-R 6:15-6:45
- S-Z 6:45-7:15

If your preschooler is in ECLC/wraparound care, feel free to bring your ECLC supplies and meet ECLC staff as well in the evening of August 21st.

The office will also be open for dropping off immunization records and other forms or conducting other business. Please remember that our school office has no access to tuition or other financial documentation; you will need to contact the SCCS business office for that information. Most family billing questions can go through Rose Strickland, rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org.

School Times

PS-8 classes begin on Monday, August 25th. K-8 classes are 7:25-2:40.

Preschool class time:

4/5 YO am PS: 7:25-10:25

4/5 YO pm PS: 11:40-2:40

3 YO PS: 7:25-9:55

ECLC/wraparound care: 7:00-5:30

We do still have some wraparound spots available. Additional paperwork is required to register. I’d also like to remind families that PT wraparound care is less than 20 hours per week. A child in a morning preschool class cannot be picked up with an older K-8 sibling at 2:40 every day without exceeding the 20 hour limit.

Aftercare: 2:40-5:30

Additional registration and paperwork is required as aftercare is considered to be “childcare” and licensed separately from education.

PS-8 Immunization Records

PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care

K-age 12 forms

Preschool Wraparound Care forms

Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHHS program paper/pencil forms complete.

K-8 Home Language Survey

Kindergartners and other students new to JFK need to complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). Many kindergartners already submitted these in February.

Uniform Policy/Dress Code

The four SCCS elementary schools attempted to bring several handbook policies in closer alignment this summer. Changes to JFK’s dress code include the following:

Other Policy Changes Highlighted

Below are some of the changes to the parent/student handbook I’d like to highlight today. The complete parent/student handbook can be found on our website.

Cell Phones: Cell phones should be turned off and unavailable in a a student’s bookbag in their locker between 7:00 a.m. and until they leave the building. (Having to be in the bookbag is the new part.)
Gym Clothes: Uniform gym shorts are meant to be loose-fitting. They should be purchased/worn in sizes accordingly. Shorts should be worn as intended around the waist.
Detentions for grades 5-8: Not after school any more. They will be either Wednesday lunch recess detentions or both Wednesday lunch recess and lunch detentions. For the latter, students will eat in a supervised classroom out of the classroom.

Although not new, I’d also like to highlight the following policies:

Parent Code of Conduct: Parents and guardians partner with the school to foster a respectful, supportive and faith-filled community. Through cooperation, positive communication, and productive work to resolve concerns while adhering to the school’s mission and values, families help ensure a safe and welcoming environment where all students can thrive. Gossip, misuse of social media, “flaming” e-mails, etc. are not productive.
Probation: New students are on a one-year academic and behavioral probation. Returning students may be placed on probation at the principal’s discretion.
Statement of Receipt and Agreement: Continued enrollment implies agreement to abide by all policies.

Water Bottles Must Be Able to be Sealed/Closed

Approved Snack List

Snacks must be from the approved snack list. The list also shares some of the criteria used to determine the snack list.

PE Uniform

Bus Times Take Some Time to Really Develop a Pattern

New Roles and/or New Staff

New staff:

Angela Beard: 1st grade teacher

Shawn Dockery: afternoon/evening custodian

Chris Hoff: Returning to JFK as an ECLC/PS aide

Shane Lovdahl: lunch program/cafeteria

Amy McGovern: interventionist

Mary Rohrer: band

New roles:

Alicia Andresen: kindergarten aide

Meredith Ash: SCCS lunch program director with work space at JFK

Mary Epping: Kindergarten

Nathalie Flores: JFK lunch program manager

Bety Herrera: 1st grade aide with Mrs. Beard

Katie Woods: 1st grade aide with Mrs. Youngerman

Melissa Zeimet and Melanie Blocker: co-teaching afternoon 4 YO preschool

Melissa VanDam and Kari Lystiuk: ECLC, 4 YO PS, floating aides

Substitutes at JFK and SCCS

JFK’s Advisory Board

We would like to thank the following members of JFK’s advisory board. The advisory board offers feedback on a variety of issues and provides some general guidance for the school.

Stacy Banfield
Jennifer Boyd
Jessica Brauer
Jennifer Frerker
Dan Haverkamp
Joe Masterson
Shannon Milton
Julie Pillard
Chelsea Powers
Fr. Patrick Hilgendorf

Text Message Communications

Parking Lot Traffic Patterns

It’s not too early to review the parking lot traffic patterns. A few reminders are below:

Proceed SLOWLY and cautiously through every location. Little kids are hard to see by cars. What one makes up in time by speeding through the lot will matter little if someone is hit by a car!
Be attentive to your driving. Talking on a cell phone, even handsfree, can be a distraction when one’s attention is needed most to watch for kids and pedestrians.
Only use handicapped parking spots if qualified. Handicapped parking spots are reserved for those who need them throughout the entire day, including morning drop off, mid-day pre-school pick up and drop off, and pick up at the end of the day. We reserve one of our handicapped spots, in particular, for wheelchair access for a student.
Accompany younger students to/from the barriers, if you park in the lot and are not using the drive-through lanes. Parents who are standing and waiting for their little ones should stand on the school side of the barriers. All children should be supervised. Pets should not be among the children.
Students, even with their parents, should not be crossing 42nd Street. With buses, parked cars, and moving traffic, it is just too dangerous!

A photo of the parking lot patterns can be found using the following link: Parking lot traffic patterns

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

Home & School Events

There are several Home & School sponsored events coming up:

Tonight: Back to School Party at Whitewater Junction
- 6:00-8:00
- $10 per swimmer, non-swimming spectators free
- For more details and forms, see JFK’s Facebook page
Thursday: Frozen treats at Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher
- Knights of Columbus is also offering hot dogs, chips, and water for a good will donation.
Friday: Outdoor Movie Night
- Event starts at 6:30. Movie at 7:30 or as soon as it’s dark enough
- Concessions available for purchase (cash or check only)
  - Pizza, popcorn, candy, sno cones
- Bring your blankets and lawn chairs
- Free to attend
- This outd00r event is weather permitting and may be rescheduled, if needed
Chalk the Walk
- August 24th, weather permitting
- 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the school
- Bring your own chalk and inspirational ideas to fill the school’s sidewalks with positivity, color, and school spirit
- Adults only – so it’s a surprise for the kids on Monday morning
JFK Pride on the Drive and Yard Sign Fundraiser
- Option #1: Have a JFK logo painted on your driveway
- Option #2: JFK yard sign
- Cost: $25 each
- Orders accepted through September 7th
- Order form

Calendars

Chad

Principal’s Post for May 25, 2025

Posted on May 26, 2025 by csteimle

Last Principal’s Post of the School Year

This is the last weekly Principal’s Post of the school year. Any Principal’s Posts over the summer will be irregular. You can also continue to check JFK’s Facebook page over the summer. An “academic” summary calendar for SCCS in Davenport is linked on the front page of our website, and the detailed calendars on our website contain more information.

Special Events Yet This Week

Below are some of the special events yet this week. Check the school calendar and emails from your child’s teacher(s) for more complete information.

May 28: Last day of all preschool classes. Mrs. Blocker’s PS program at 5:45 p.m. Mrs. Zeimet’s PS program at 6:45. Bounce houses and similar activities at JFK during the school day.

May 29: 3 YO PS family event in the parish center, 7:30 a.m. Graduation Mass, 6:30 p.m.

May 30: Field day. Last day of K-8 classes. 2 hr early dismissal (12:40). JFK Night at the Ballpark. Last day of ECLC.

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for May

Each morning, students and teachers at JFK recite the JFK Difference: JFK GROWS. We put God first, use Respectful behaviors, find Opportunities to serve, are Welcoming to all, and make Safe choices. Each month, except December, we recognize one student at each grade level, alternating each month between the two homerooms, whose teachers have observed exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:

Kindergarten: Graham W.
- Graham is always excited to learn what is taught. He is kind to his classmates, always willing to help, and highly responsible.
1st Grade: Emma U.
- Emma has a positive attitude and is a good friend to all her classmates. She does her schoolwork neatly and politely asks for help when necessary.
2nd Grade: Carson I.
- Carson is always a model of respect and perseverance. He is a great role model for his classmates. We can all count on him, all day, every day.
3rd Grade: Luci D.
- Luci is an excellent student who works hard and shows a desire to learn and improve in each task with which she is presented. She has a positive attitude and is always willing to reach out to others that need help.
4th Grade: Benny S.
- Benny deserves recognition for his exceptional kindness, respect, and dedication to academic excellence. He is always willing to help teachers and classmates and is a model student.
5th Grade: Gracie P.
- Gracie is known for her generosity, patience, and kindness. She is the biggest helping hand, and she makes everyone feel appreciated and welcome. She respectfully follows directions and is always trying her hardest. Everyone is smiling when they’re around Gracie!
6th Grade: Gabbie U.
- Gabbie is very respectful and follows classroom rules and procedures. She is always willing to help out her classmates and teachers.
7th Grade: Sarah N.
- Sarah is new this year and has come a long way since the beginning. She has found her voice, uses it to advocate for herself, and asks questions when she doesn’t understand something. She is a joy to have in class.
8th Grade: Eva B.
- Eva works well with peers, stays on track with assignments, and tries her best. She is an exemplar of JFK GROWS.

Immunizations

This week, schools received a notice from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding a confirmed case of measles in Iowa in an unvaccinated adult. This case is the first confirmed case of measles in Iowa, and the first case in Iowa since 2019. While no widespread public exposure is anticipated, it is concerning as Iowa now joins 30 other states with measles cases. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The best tool is prevention with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective. “Herd immunity” from an outbreak tends to occur when 95% of the population is vaccinated. Currently, only 84% of 2-year olds in Iowa have received their first dose given at 12-15 months of age. (A second dose is given at 4-6 years).

This notice from DHHS prompts me to remind parents of the August 1st target date for all immunization information to be forwarded to JFK. This information is critical for preschoolers and kindergartners. There are also requirements for students entering 7th grade. Students who do not meet immunization requirements must be excluded from school, unless there is a valid exception. A religious exception for Catholics is not keeping with Church teaching as the Catholic church does not oppose immunizations; the Catholic Church, in fact, supports vaccinations.

Projects for the Summer

There are always several projects done in schools over the summer. The following are some of our bigger projects, one of which will even start this week:

Replace the power retractable screen in the library and the projector.
Replace flooring and remove asbestos glue in two classrooms downstairs and the server room in the library. (Financed by the OLV Foundation)
Add amenities to the playground. (Also financed, in part, by the OLV Foundation, OLV, and donors)
Replace several doors and door closures.
Minor remodeling in the library and staff room.
Replace the scoreboard in the gym. (Financed, in part, by Home & School)
Replace the basketball backboards and rims outside.

JFK Receives High Reliability School Level 2 Certification: Effective Teaching in Every Classroom

JFK received Level 2 certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools™. Level 2 certification means JFK has established “Effective Teaching in Every Classroom,” which focuses on the responsibility of both school leaders and teachers in ensuring high-quality instruction. Level 2 certification is also only awarded when a school continues to have met the criteria for Level 1 certification, which involves creating a “Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture,” the foundational culture without which student achievement is compromised.

The high reliability school (HRS) program was created by Marzano Resources to help transform schools into organizations that take proactive steps to ensure student success. Using a research-based five-level hierarchy, educators learn to assess, monitor, and confirm the effectiveness of their schools. This framework, based on 50 years of educational research, defines five progressive levels of performance that a school must master to become an HRS—where all students learn the content and skills they need for success in college, careers, and beyond. “As you move through the levels, it represents a complete transformation in how schools are run,” says CEO Robert J. Marzano. Schools must collect data and validate their performance to climb each level of the hierarchy. Certification is determined by Marzano Resources analysts in cooperation with school data teams.

High quality instruction is the most important tool educators have at their disposal to positively affect student learning. Level 2 of the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework details how to develop and maintain teacher effectiveness in every classroom by building a shared language of instruction and using this common language to raise the level of pedagogical skill both individually and collectively. JFK’s Instructional Playbook provides the details for quality intentional teaching at JFK. The playbook expresses JFK’s fundamental values, efforts to address student well-being, and intentional instruction with content, research-based teaching strategies, and high-quality formative and summative assessment.

JFK is one of only 26 schools in the state of Iowa and 402 in the entire nation that has achieved this national Level 2 certification as a High Reliability School.

Locals Love Us

Have you voted for JFK yet? We are in three categories: Child Care, Private Schools K-8, and Preschool. Here’s the link to vote.

Youth and Family Engagement Committee of OLV

As part of the bishop’s synodal process, each parish was tasked with creating a Youth and Family Engagement Committee. OLV’s has been doing some great work and using your ideas on how to bring youth and families back to church. This committee will actually become a standing committee. More members, including those who can fill “officer” positions are needed. If interested, please complete our sign up form by June 1^st so we can begin communications and logistics. Link here: https://forms.gle/tvP2WUewjPwvfa5P6

Thanks to those who attended the Teaching Masses. In case you missed it, here is the recording – https://youtu.be/2v7Aj8_XFz8?si=jpbyXem5japqNbrs .

New “busy bags and activity table” were launched on May 18th. These are designed to help those little ones (ages 0-5) who are always moving about. For those who want to keep your little ones in the pew, grab a busy bag to help keep their little learning hands busy during Mass. They will be in hanging bags, back by the children’s bookshelf near the main doors of the sanctuary. If the little ones need to walk, there is a small, dedicated activity table in the gathering space with some quiet, church toys so that parents can still listen in while the kids play. Please remember to return the bags at the end of Mass and put away any toys taken out in the gathering space.

Lastly, we are having a soft launch of our new Second Sunday Family Mass on Sunday June 8^th. This special mass will offer the chance for kids of ALL AGES to get more involved in Mass, whether it’s singing, serving or greeting those as they enter. To sign up to participate in these Masses, please complete the sign up form by Friday May 30^th; form link here: https://forms.gle/Z27iTG4Lbhc5sUSGA. More details will be sent to interested families later.

ESA Applications Due by End of June – 84% Have Applied

Applications are still needed for about 16% of next year’s K-8 student body. All families are eligible for ESAs in 2025-26 and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. Again, ALL FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE, BUT YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. After you designate JFK as the school, we will start to “verify” students. Unfortunately, this “verify” process is taking longer than it should as Odyssey just randomly lists students.

Highlighted parts from a previous email to SCCS families:

The upcoming ESA application period is from April 16, 2025, to June 30, 2025. To apply, click the following link https://iowa.withodyssey.com/en/odyssey_auth/sign_up. If you already have an Odyssey account, click “sign in” below the login box.
If you do not have access to a computer or otherwise find yourself unable to complete the ESA application independently, you may email martha.korneisel@sccsiowa.org or rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or call Martha at 563.326.5313 ext. 223 or Rose at 563.326.5313 ext. 269.

Family Tuition Plan: If your tuition is above the ESA amount you may be able to qualify for additional tuition assistance through the Family Tuition Plan. This state subsidized program is limited to Iowa families with total income of less than 400% of poverty.
The application for the FTP is available at: www.assumptionhigh.org/familytuitionplan.

IL residents needing financial assistance should still apply through the FTP process. There are funds available from sources other than the state subsidized STO program.

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. Highlighted information is below:

Grade School Tuition
Parish Subsidized Student: $ 6,075. Total parent cost after ESA = $150 registration fee.
Non-Parish Subsidized Student: $8,505. Total parent cost after ESA = $ 522 tuition and $150 registration fee. (Families facing economic barriers may apply to the Family Tuition Plan for assistance with tuition.)

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

If you have not finished the registration process by paying the registration fee, please do so as soon as possible. Directions for paying the registration fee are on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

JFK still has preschool spots available for 2025-26, including coveted 4 year old morning spots. A few wrap-around spots are also still available for a full day option. Three year old preschool spots are also available.

Leaps & Bounds – One Session

JFK will only be offering one session of Leaps & Bounds this summer. There were not enough students registered for the June session. L & B focuses on reading and math for students currently in K-5th grade. Students spend about two hours on reading activities, one hour on math activities and then 30 minutes on snack and recess. Space is limited, but there are still some spots available for the July/August session. Currently, ESA funds are not able to be used for the $200 L & B fee. To register, please complete the registration forms and return to the school office with the registration fee. L & B Registration Forms

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Altar Server Training will be held Saturday, June 7th from 9:30am-11am in the church. Children who will be entering the 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass, are invited to attend this training. One parent/adult should attend with the student. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at: 563-391-4245.

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

A letter regarding the diocesan and SCCS elementary schools’ transition to more standard/evidence-based assessment and reporting was emailed around the beginning of November. It is also available below:

SBAR Letter

Here, again, is the link to the instructions for parents to check their students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

JFK’s graduation Mass is actually on Thursday, May 29th. The downloadable academic calendar for SCCS elementary schools lists the 30th as graduation. OLV/JFK is making an exception so I can be at graduation on that Thursday and my daughter’s wedding rehearsal on Friday.

JFK Facebook Pages

JFK has three Facebook pages:

John F. Kennedy Catholic School (public)
JFK Preschool (public)
JFK Moms & Dads (closed group. If you would like to be a part of this group, please message Angie Hillebrand.)

Photos and video are posted to these pages.

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

June 7/8: Wellness Book Sale (prepare for the summer!)
June 7: Altar Server Training
June 8: Youth & Family Engagement Programming
Aug 25: First Day of PS-8 Classes

Golf Game or Enjoyable Moments

My son and I have been playing golf almost every weekend this spring. Although I like golf, I like my son even better and cherish the opportunities we have to spend time together. Whether your children are three, thirteen, or 30, make time to enjoy moments together.

Chad

Principal’s Post for May 18, 2025

Posted on May 18, 2025May 19, 2025 by csteimle

Successful Home & School Fundraisers

Home & School’s recent fundraisers were wildly successful. The candy bar sale netted around $7,500. Let’s see about getting that new scoreboard this summer! The kickball tournament had 85 students playing, and 50 students in the spirit squad dance. Around $1,200 was made from this event. The “Dine & Donate” at Jersey Mike’s earned the school $738! Thanks for your support!

Locals Love Us

Have you voted for JFK yet? We are in three categories: Child Care, Private Schools K-8, and Preschool. Here’s the link to vote.

Judy Calcari/Home & School 8th Grade Award

Applications for the Judy Calcari/Home & School 8th Grade Award were emailed to 8th grade families last week. Students’ applications are due on May 19th.

Youth and Family Engagement Committee of OLV

As part of the bishop’s synodal process, each parish was tasked with creating a Youth and Family Engagement Committee. OLV’s has been doing some great work and using your ideas on how to bring youth and families back to church. This committee will actually become a standing committee under OLV’s parish council. More members, including those who can fill “officer” positions are needed. If interested, please complete our sign up form by June 1^st so we can begin communications and logistics. Link here: https://forms.gle/tvP2WUewjPwvfa5P6

Thanks to those who attended the Teaching Masses. In case you missed it, here is the recording – https://youtu.be/2v7Aj8_XFz8?si=jpbyXem5japqNbrs .

ESA Applications Now Open – 83% Have Applied

Applications for 2025-26 ESAs opened April 16th. The percentage of students for whom applications were submitted in Odyssey increased 6% this past week from 77% to 83%. All families are eligible for ESAs in 2025-26 and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. Again, ALL FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE, BUT YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. After you designate JFK as the school, we will start to “accept” or “approve” students.

Highlighted parts from a previous email to SCCS families:

IL residents needing financial assistance should still apply through the FTP process. There are funds available from sources other than the state subsidized STO program.

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. Highlighted information is below:

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open for 2025-26

Interventionist: JFK has been authorized to hire an additional full-time interventionist for 2025-26. The person in this position will work with small groups or even one-on-one with students, primarily in reading and math. An Iowa teaching licenses is needed.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

Leaps & Bounds – One Session

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

SBAR Letter

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

JFK Facebook Pages

JFK has three Facebook pages:

John F. Kennedy Catholic School (public)
JFK Preschool (public)
JFK Moms & Dads (closed group. If you would like to be a part of this group, please message Angie Hillebrand.)

Photos and video are posted to these pages.

Proud of Staff

I had one of those “proud of the staff” moments the other night at the JFK concert. When my son, Thomas Day, and I checked in on all of the “holding rooms,” he was greeted with loud and enthusiastic exclamations, “Mr. Tom! Mr. Day!” The kids were happy to see him at their concert. Then, watching the passion with which Mrs. Corcoran and Ms. Che directed the students was also uplifting.

On Friday, a few of us were talking with another educator, and I commented that I try to surround myself with people better than me. There’s so many things that they do so much better than I ever could! They are like my own children or siblings, and I am so proud of them. Here’s just a few shout-outs for them:

Mrs. Putnam for taking on a new position this year, being willing to bounce ideas around, and bringing a great perspective to administrative tasks.
Ms. Angie and Ms. Cris in the office for being able to attend to so many different needs of students of all ages and their parents.
Ms. Wolf as our student support specialist for being one who is so often on the front end whenever kids are having difficulty.
Ms. Siefers for keeping our technology and so many other things running smoothly. I spend more time with her than almost anyone else!
Mrs. Baker for not only running our library but also working in a variety of roles with ECLC and aftercare.
Ms. Casey, Ms. Miranda, Mrs. Zeimet, Mrs. Blocker, Ms. L, Ms. V, Ms. Natalie, and Ms. Katie for making the youngest little ones feel welcome and loved at school.
Mrs. Inskeep, Mrs. Neuberger, Ms. Epping, and Mrs. Youngerman in kindergarten and 1st grade for being amazing at teaching the structured literacy with the science of reading.
Mrs. Creech, Mrs. Moya, Mrs. Herrera, and Mrs. Andresen for being so helpful in K-2 WIN groups each morning.
For Mrs. Mawell and Mrs. Poster for giving the most/best hugs at the end of the hallway as students of all ages (including older ones!) come into the building or leave the building for the day.
Mrs. Logan and Mrs. Weiser for filling in so well to give 4th graders stability in what started off kind of rough with staff absences this year.
Mrs. Everhart, Mrs. Vogel, Ms. Estes, and Mrs. Carlson in 3rd and 5th grades for having such strong and cooperative teaching teams.
Mrs. Nicoletto, Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Potter in the upper grades for having such good relationships with the students that it’s hard to get the kids to go to class as they’d much rather talk with their teachers.
Mrs. Runyan for bringing so many interesting and fun activities into upper grade science.
Mrs. Clark for making understandable the 7th/8th grade math concepts that I can’t even pronounce or figure out what is being discussed!
Mrs. Lundquist for anchoring everything that happens in the crazy, active filled 8th grade year.
Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Blake for being our resident experts in all things related to FAST screening and interventions.
Mrs. Tilkens for being so creative with field day and making it so much fun. I can’t wait for the kick-off staff video we’ll make for the kids!
Mr. Ryan for showing all kids that they can really do art.
Mrs. Ash, Mrs. Flores, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Gutierrez for dealing with all of our rambunctiousness, hunger, and sometimes even messiness at lunches each day.
Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Kisner for keeping our building clean and well maintained. We also wish Mr. Kisner well in his retirement that will begin at the end of the school year.

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

May 19: 8th Gr Field Trip
May 20: Out of Uniform Fundraiser for Student Council
May 22: 3 YO PS Conferences. 8th Gr Field Trip. Youth & Family Engagement Mtg
May 23: Band to Adventureland. 2nd Gr Field Trip. 4th Gr Field Trip
May 26: Memorial Day. No Classes. ECLC Closed
May 28: Last Day of PS Classes. 4/5 YO PS Family Events
May 29: 3 YO PS Family Event. JFK 8th Gr Graduation Mass
May 30: Field Day. Last Day of K-8. 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). Last Day of ECLC. JFK Night at the Ballpark
June 7/8: Wellness Book Sale (prepare for the summer!)
June 7: Altar Server Training
June 8: Youth & Family Engagement Programming
Aug 25: First Day of PS-8 Classes

Chad

Principal’s Post for May 11, 2025

Posted on May 11, 2025 by csteimle

ESA Applications Now Open – 77% Have Applied

Applications for 2025-26 ESAs opened April 16th. About 77% of our students have a completed application in Odyssey for next school year. All families are eligible for ESAs in 2025-26 and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. Again, ALL FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE, BUT YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. After you designate JFK as the school, we will start to “accept” or “approve” students.

Highlighted parts from a previous email to SCCS families:

IL residents needing financial assistance should still apply through the FTP process. There are funds available from sources other than the state subsidized STO program.

Legislative Action Alert on Federal Level

The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops has asked us to forward a legislative action alert to families. The federal legislation being considered would expand parental choice for education using federal dollars. At the risk of oversimplifying the legislation, it would create the opportunity for people across the country to form “STO” organizations. It will likely expand Iowa choice in education as well. Federal legislators can be contacted now to express support for the bill at the following address: https://votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/125894/Respond

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. Highlighted information is below:

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open for 2025-26

Long-term and short-term substitutes: We are often short about one substitute teacher per day. Persons with teaching licenses, substitute licenses, and/or a substitute authorization are encouraged to apply.

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

Leaps & Bounds – One Session

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

SBAR Letter

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

JFK Facebook Pages

JFK has three Facebook pages:

John F. Kennedy Catholic School (public)
JFK Preschool (public)
JFK Moms & Dads (closed group. If you would like to be a part of this group, please message Angie Hillebrand.)

Photos and video are posted to these pages.

Concert this Week

Due to the unexpected move of the state qualifying track meet to Assumption on Thursday, we might be making some adjustments to the location and/or time of the evening 5th-8th grades band and choir concert. An email will be sent with details, as needed.

Junie B. Jones Was So Much Fun!

What an amazing show! I saw it three times! Congratulations to Mrs. Potter and Ms. Siefers for putting together such a great show.

Cast: Audrey J, Caitlyn C, Claire A, Jolee C, Sierra M, Isaac R, Braxton B, Anthony S, Faithlyn F, Alyse R, Lilly S, Kinley V, Liam S, Wesley W, Abel H

Set Design, props, lighting, backstage crew, program and t-shirt art: Addison B, Charlotte F, Madison H, Iris N, Ava N, Natalie R, Shayna S, Ellie S, Cami C, Caitlyn C

Connection to Pope Leo XIV?

Pope Leo XIV received his Master’s of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. CTU is in a consortium of theology schools in the Chicago area and includes the University of Chicago. I received my M.Div. from the University of Chicago, probably about 10-15 years after the pope was in the area. I may have sat in the same classroom, gone to the same grocery store and bookstore, and walked down the same streets as a pope! I could also see the White Sox stadium from the window of my 10th story apartment, and Pope Leo is supposedly a White Sox fan. Clearly, there’s a connection, and, if there’s not, I’m claiming it any way!

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

May 12: Stage tear down
May 14: Steam Wheelers visit. AHS seniors grade school walk
May 15: 5-8 Music and Band Concert (afternoon and evening at JFK)
May 17: 8th Gr Social Knight at AHS
May 19: 8th Gr Field Trip
May 22: 3 YO PS Conferences. 8th Gr Field Trip
May 23: Band to Adventureland. 2nd Gr Field Trip. 4th Gr Field Trip
May 26: Memorial Day. No Classes. ECLC Closed
May 28: Last Day of PS Classes. 4/5 YO PS Family Events
May 29: 3 YO PS Family Event. JFK 8th Gr Graduation Mass
May 30: Field Day. Last Day of K-8. 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). Last Day of ECLC

Chad

Principal’s Post for May 4, 2025

Posted on May 4, 2025 by csteimle

ESA Applications Now Open

Applications for 2025-26 ESAs opened April 16th. All families are eligible and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. More information, including the ESA application site link, was emailed. Again, ALL FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE, BUT YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. After you designate JFK as the school, we will start to “accept” or “approve” students.

Highlighted parts from the email:

IL residents needing financial assistance should still apply through the FTP process. There are funds available from sources other than the state subsidized STO program.

Legislative Action Alert on Federal Level

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. See the letter emailed. Highlighted information is below:

School Calendar for 2025-26

The academic school calendar for the Davenport elementary schools in SCCS has been passed and is available on the front page of our website.

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open for 2025-26

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

Leaps & Bounds – One Session

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

SBAR Letter

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

Dress Code Lax Again

Adherence to the dress code seems to have waned again. In our random checks four days last week, 36 violations were recorded. The most common violations were for students without belts, hoop/dangling ear rings, not approved gym clothes, and skirts/gym shorts being too short.

Too Much Fun

The day I decided to not wear a dress shirt and tie…. (Apparently I didn’t get the memo!) There would have been more people in the picture, but some had already changed – a shirt and tie was just too uncomfortable!

JFK Facebook Pages

JFK has three Facebook pages:

John F. Kennedy Catholic School (public)
JFK Preschool (public)
JFK Moms & Dads (closed group. If you would like to be a part of this group, please message Angie Hillebrand.)

Photos and video are posted to these pages.

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

May 4: First Communion
May 5: 6th Field Trip to AHS. FAST screening begins
May 6: 2nd Out of Uniform.
May 7: Putnam Museum presenter
May 8: 5C Golfing.
May 9: 5E Golfing. Crusader Theater school performance. Crusader Theater evening performance. Middle School Youth Night
May 10: SHE Kickoff? Crusader Theater matinee
May 12: Stage tear down
May 14: Steam Wheelers visit. AHS seniors grade school walk
May 15: 5-8 Music and Band Concert (afternoon at JFK, evening at AHS)
May 17: 8th Gr Social Knight at AHS
May 28: Last Day of PS Classes
May 30: Field Day. Last Day of K-8. 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). Last Day of ECLC

Chad

Principal’s Post for April 27, 2025

Posted on April 27, 2025 by csteimle

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for April

Kindergarten: Delilah S.
- Delilah puts her best foot forward and motivates others to do the same. She is a friend to all and demonstrates the JFK Difference daily.
1st Grade: Allegra K.
- Allegra is kind to everyone. She always gives 100% with a smile on her face.
2nd Grade: Lillie R.
- Lillie is a sweet friend. She will help anyone and likes to make people feel welcome. She does not give up when school work gets difficult; instead, she keeps trying and always finds her way through. She is a great example of perseverance.
3rd Grade: Evelyn S.
- Evelyn comes to school each morning with a positive attitude and demonstrates putting God first by being kind to others. She respects the teachers and follows the classroom rules daily.
4th Grade: Annie W.
- Annie is a polite, respectful girl who is kind to everyone. She follows the JFK difference on a daily basis!
5th Grade: Harper W.
- Harper is an amazing student. She is always willing to help and goes above and beyond in her work. Harper is kind to those around her and helps any friend who needs it.
6th Grade: Liam S.
- Liam is quiet but hard working. He’s inclusive with his peers and uses respectful behaviors with staff. Liam strives to do his best. He is kind to his peers and always willing to lend a helping hand.
7th Grade: Sierra M.
- Sierra is a great example of JFK GROWS. She is very confident in her faith and always puts God first. Her behavior is always respectful, even when she’s frustrated or upset. She seeks opportunities to serve and volunteers her talents and time even before being asked. She is welcoming to all and willing to work with someone who may not have a partner. And, of course, she is always making safe choices.
8th Grade: Maya H.
- Maya does a great job staying on track, working on assignments, and asking questions. Maya works well with her peers and is always positive in the classroom.

ESA Applications Now Open

Highlighted parts from the email:

IL residents needing financial assistance should still apply through the FTP process. There are funds available from sources other than the state subsidized STO program.

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. See the letter emailed. Highlighted information is below:

School Calendar for 2025-26

The academic school calendar for the Davenport elementary schools in SCCS has been passed and is available on the front page of our website.

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open for 2025-26

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

Leaps & Bounds – One Session

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

A letter regarding the next step in the diocesan and SCCS elementary schools’ transition to more standard/evidence-based assessment and reporting was emailed around the beginning of November. It is also available below:

SBAR Letter

Here, again, is the link to the UPDATED instructions for parents to check their students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

Cell Phone Law

Iowa’s new law regarding students’ cell phones in schools is generating a good deal of discussion, particularly at the high school level. The Iowa Department of Education will issue a sample policy this week, and a Diocese of Davenport policy is in draft form as well. JFK’s and most elementary schools’ cell phone policies are fairly restrictive already so I do not anticipate a huge difference for us.

Dress Code Lax Again

Adherence to the dress code seems to have waned again. We’ll be doing more random building or grade-wide checks as we move forward. Friday’s dress code check led to about 16 violation notices. The most common violations were for students without belts, hoop/dangling ear rings, not approved gym clothes, and skirts/gym shorts being too short. Other more common violations that we tend to see are students wearing hoodies in class and shirts not tucked in.

Kickball and Cheer/Dance Event

Many thanks to H & S and Mrs. Tilkens for organizing Friday’s kickball and cheer/dance event. The kids had such a good time. I wish it had been a bit warmer though! I wasn’t at the whole event this year. I was there for the beginning and then had to run an errand before 5:00 p.m. I made it back in time with my winter coat for the dance/cheer. Then, I lent my coat to my son who was umping and had to leave shortly thereafter because I no longer had a coat!

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

Apr 27: Stage Set up.
Apr 29: Hearing screenings (K, 1, 5). Supply Store.
Apr 30: Putnam Museum presenter. AHS Spring Info Knight
May 1: Skate night.
May 2: Backward Dress Day.
May 4: First Communion
May 5: 6th Field Trip to AHS
May 7: Putnam Museum presenter
May 8: 5C Golfing. Home & School
May 9: 5E Golfing. Crusader Theater school performance. Crusader Theater evening performance
May 10: SHE Kickoff?
May 10: Crusader Theater matinee

Chad

Principal’s Post for April 20, 2025

Posted on April 20, 2025April 20, 2025 by csteimle

Yes, There Is School on April 21

Students return to classes on April 21st.

Early Dismissal/No am/pm 4/5 YO PS Classes

April 25 is a two hour early dismissal (12:40). There are also no 4/5 year old am or pm preschool classes.

ESA Applications Open April 16th

Applications for 2025-26 ESAs opened April 16th. All families are eligible and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. More information, including the ESA application site link, was emailed last week. Again, ALL FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE, BUT YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR.

Highlighted parts from the email:

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. See the letter emailed last week. Highlighted information is below:

School Calendar for 2025-26

The academic school calendar for the Davenport elementary schools in SCCS has been passed and is available on the front page of our website.

ISASPs Continue This Week

The Iowa Statewide Assessments of Student Progress will be administered this month: April 21, April 22, and April 24. Testing begins right away in the morning and is typically finished by 10:00 a.m. Please try your hardest to have your students present during testing times. Students who are tardy on these days will not be able to enter classrooms during the testing periods.

Eighth graders who attend Algebra at Assumption will not have Algebra on April 22nd. Students should report to JFK by 7:25.

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open for 2025-26

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

Earbuds/Headphones for School

Fifth-8th graders are asked through the annual supply list to provide wired earbuds/headphones (not Bluetooth) for school. We haven’t seen very many at school, and we are getting to the time of year when they become more critical for testing. Don’t spend much money on them; cheaper is probably better.

Leaps & Bounds Registration

JFK is pleased to offer Leaps & Bounds during the summer. L & B focuses on reading and math for students currently in K-5th grade. Students spend about two hours on reading activities, one hour on math activities and then 30 minutes on snack and recess. Space is limited for each session, and a minimum number of students is also needed in order for each session to be viable. Currently, ESA funds are not able to be used for the $200 L & B fee. To register, please complete the registration forms and return to the school office with the registration fee. L & B Registration Forms

Session I: June 16-20 & June 23-27 (8:00-11:30)

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

SBAR Letter

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

Holy Thursday Activities

Spending time with Jesus at our Holy Thursday activities was rather moving. Watching every student bring up their offering was special. Then, the students’ spontaneous hand gestures as we sang Matt Maher’s “Lord, I Need You” was touching.

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

Apr 21: ISASP
Apr 22: ISASP (No Alg at AHS). Dance/Cheer Clinic
Apr 24: ISASP
Apr 25: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No 4/5 Yr Old PS classes. ECLC and Aftercare Open. Kickball Tournament/Cheer Squad
Apr 26: First Communion Retreat
Apr 27: Stage Set up.
Apr 29: Hearing screenings (K, 1, 5).
Apr 30: Putnam Museum presenter.
May 1: Skate night.
May 2: Backward Dress Day.
May 4: First Communion

Chad

Principal’s Post for April 13, 2025

Posted on April 13, 2025April 15, 2025 by csteimle

No School/No ECLC Coming Up

April 14 is an in-service day. There are no classes. ECLC is closed.

April 18 is Good Friday. SCCS schools are closed. ECLC is closed.

April 25 is a two hour early dismissal (12:40). There are no 4/5 year old am or pm preschool classes.

ESA Applications Open April 16th

Applications for 2025-26 ESAs open April 16th. All families are eligible and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. More information, including the ESA application site link, is included in an attachment sent along with the link for this week’s Principal’s Post. Again, ALL FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE, BUT YOU MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR.

SCCS Tuition Letter for 2025-26 – Rates Lower Than Expected

The K-8 tuition for 2025-26 will be less than originally anticipated. See the letter sent as an attachment in the email that contains the link to this week’s Principal’s Post.

School Calendar for 2025-26

The academic school calendar for the Davenport elementary schools in SCCS has been passed and is available on the front page of our website.

ISASPs Begin This Week

The Iowa Statewide Assessments of Student Progress will be administered this month: April 15, April 16 (8th gr Alg students only), April 21, April 22, and April 24. Testing begins right away in the morning and is typically finished by 10:00 a.m. Please try your hardest to have your students present during testing times. Students who are tardy on these days will not be able to enter classrooms during the testing periods.

Eighth graders who attend Algebra at Assumption will not have Algebra on April 22nd. Students should report to JFK by 7:25.

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open for 2025-26

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Preschool Space Still Available

Earbuds/Headphones for School

Leaps & Bounds Registration

Session I: June 16-20 & June 23-27 (8:00-11:30)

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

SBAR Letter

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

Dine & Donate Event

Join JFK Home and School at Jersey Mike’s on Monday, April 14th, between 4pm-9pm for another “Dine & Donate” Event! 50% of all JFK sales will be donated back to the school. This is the highest kickback percentage we have ever received!

Lenten Activity

One of my activities this lent is to watch seasons 1-4 of The Chosen with my wife. Character portrayal and development is very interesting as it attempts to fill in much about which Scripture is relatively silent. I think we have about four episodes to go!

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

Apr 14: No Classes. ECLC Closed. Dine & Donate at Jersey Mike’s
Apr 15: ISASP
Apr 16: ISASP for 8th graders
Apr 17: Holy Thursday School Activities
Apr 18: Good Friday. No Classes. ECLC Closed
Apr 20: Easter
Apr 21: ISASP
Apr 22: ISASP (No Alg at AHS). Dance/Cheer Clinic
Apr 24: ISASP
Apr 25: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No 4/5 Yr Old PS classes. ECLC and Aftercare Open. Kickball Tournament/Cheer Squad
Apr 26: First Communion Retreat
Apr 27: Stage Set up.
Apr 29: Hearing screenings (K, 1, 5).
Apr 30: Putnam Museum presenter.
May 1: Skate night.
May 2: Backward Dress Day.
May 4: First Communion

Chad

Principal’s Post for April 6, 2025

Posted on April 1, 2025April 6, 2025 by csteimle

JFK GROWS Students of the Month for March

- Kindergarten: Sloane T.
  - Sloane is kind to her classmates and always looks for ways to help someone. She does what is asked of her and tries her best in her daily work.
- 1st Grade: Lucy T.
  - Lucy takes pride in doing her best in whatever the task may be. She is a loyal friend and sets a great example for her classmates.
- 2nd Grade: Harper L.
  - Harper is always looking out for others. She is the first person there when someone is in need of anything. Her kindness and gentleness touches us all in 2P.
- 3rd Grade: Ryker T.
  - Ryker is a responsible and helpful third grader. He consistently stays on task, demonstrates excellent focus and notices when things need to be done. His willingness to lend a helping hand makes our classroom a better place.
- 4th Grade: Yaretzi L.
  - Yaretzi makes a difference in our classroom every day. Her courteous and respectful demeanor creates a positive learning environment and makes her a valuable asset to our class.
- 5th Grade: Myles H.
  - Myles treats all of his classmates with kindness. He is understanding, friendly, and welcoming to all. He is happy help and always follows directions. He is reliable, hard-working, creative, kind-hearted, and well-mannered.
- 6th Grade: Christian L.
  - Christian is very respectful and follows classroom rules and procedures. He is always willing to help out his classmates and teachers.
- 7th Grade: Marcelo A.
  - Marcelo has a very inquisitive mind and is always asking questions that go beyond what we are talking about in class. He also loves to show off his dance moves in class.
- 8th Grade: Dylan C.
  - Dylan works well with peers, stays on track with assignments, asks questions, and accepts suggestions.

Third Quarter Report Cards

Third quarter report cards were sent by mail on Friday.

ESA Applications to Begin Soon

Applications for 2025-26 ESAs open April 16th. All families are eligible and MUST APPLY EVERY YEAR. More information from SCCS will be emailed soon and included in future Principal’s Posts.

School Calendar for 2025-26

The academic school calendar for the Davenport elementary schools in SCCS has been passed and is available on the front page of our website.

ISASPs Coming Soon

The Iowa Statewide Assessments of Student Progress will be administered later this month: April 15, April 16 (8th gr Alg students only), April 21, April 22, and April 24. Testing begins right away in the morning and is typically finished by 10:00 a.m. Please try your hardest to have your students present during testing times. Students who are tardy on these days will not be able to enter classrooms during the testing periods.

Eighth graders who attend Algebra at Assumption will not have Algebra on April 22nd. Students should report to JFK by 7:25.

Registration Fee for 2025-26 Due

Positions Open Now

JFK has several positions open now:

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Welcoming to the 2025-26 JFK Staff

JFK is pleased to welcome Angela Beard to the 2025-26 JFK teaching staff. Mrs. Beard has her K-6 license with endorsements in early childhood, special education, and reading. She should be finished with her MA in December. She has recent experience in special education and preschool, including at Lourdes and St. John Vianney. Mrs. Beard will likely teach the third section of kindergarten.

Working out Some Details for 3 Sections

At the beginning of March, we had to decide what to do with over 70 students who were registered online for kindergarten at JFK. Do we turn away more than 20 students, some of whom may have included OLV parishioners, students who were already attending preschool at JFK, or siblings of older students already enrolled at JFK? Do we add a 3rd section of kindergarten? Could we sustain three sections of one grade as the students became older? After brainstorming with staff, several community members, and the leadership in SCCS, we determined that “yes, we could do a 3rd section,” and we began to accept kindergarten students’ enrollment. As we moved through spring break, we have really begun to work through some of the details.

One of the things we have done is to rearrange the library and segmented it more into sections. The original part of the library, which was originally built as a classroom in 1963, is now the little kids’ area with a new rug and from where Mrs. Baker can lead “library time.” In the 1987 addition to that room, which is same size as several 1987 classrooms, there’s now the older kids’ and non-fiction area, which also contains the tables. We’ll be able to use the 1987 part as a 5th grade classroom for most of the day, using the tables instead of desks, and students will be able to keep their materials in bins on extra space we have on bookshelves. Library time for other students will be scheduled when the 5th graders are not in the room such as during lunch/recess, art, gym, music, and band.

Some remodeling in the library is already underway, and the fresh look is rather appealing as it’s been almost 19 years since the last work was done in the library. Last summer, we replaced the carpet and did some electrical work. Over spring break, we moved bookshelves to define spaces. We have repurposed bookshelves originally meant to hold magazines so they better hold books, and we have replaced individual study carrels, which long since stopped being used once computers went to Chromebooks and iPads, with cabinets and countertops. A new motorized retractable screen and wireless projector have also been ordered. A large whiteboard will also be added during the summer. The refresh of our library is very nice.

We have not yet decided which classroom will become a kindergarten room for next year, but we will make that decision before the school year is complete.

One of the reasons why we could consider having a 3rd section of kindergarten and moving them through the grade levels in three sections is because we currently don’t anticipate needing both three sections of kindergarten in the following year (2026-27) and three sections of first grade. Our current registration for four year old preschool for next year is about 36, the lowest figure in probably 10-15 years. (We have space and staff for 80.) Even if all of the preschoolers become JFK kindergartners in 2026-27, and we bring in students that aren’t attending our preschool, we still will probably only need two sections of kindergartners. If we find ourselves wondering whether or not we can do three sections of kindergarten in 2027-28, then the enrollment trend might be something that we need to look at in all of Scott County Catholic Schools!

Earbuds/Headphones for School

Leaps & Bounds Registration

Session I: June 16-20 & June 23-27 (8:00-11:30)

Session II: July 28-Aug 1 & Aug 4-8 (8:00-11:30)

Altar Server Training

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

SBAR Letter

Instructions

8th Grade Graduation at JFK

No School/No ECLC Coming Up

April 14 is an in-service day. There are no classes. ECLC is closed.

April 18 is Good Friday. SCCS schools are closed. ECLC is closed.

April 25 is a two hour early dismissal (12:40). There are no 4/5 year old am or pm preschool classes.

Highlighted Events

The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:

Apr 8: Communal Penance Service at Sacred Heart. 3rd Gr Field Trip
Apr 9: Home & School Mtg
Apr 10: Communal Penance Service at Lourdes.
Apr 11: Youth & Family Engagement Soup Supper after Stations of the Cross
Apr 12: Easter Egg Hunt
Apr 14: No Classes. ECLC Closed. Dine & Donate at Jersey Mike’s
Apr 15: ISASP
Apr 16: ISASP for 8th graders
Apr 17: Holy Thursday School Activities
Apr 18: Good Friday. No Classes. ECLC Closed
Apr 20: Easter
Apr 21: ISASP
Apr 22: ISASP (No Alg at AHS). Dance/Cheer Clinic
Apr 24: ISASP
Apr 25: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No 4/5 Yr Old PS classes. ECLC and Aftercare Open. Kickball Tournament/Cheer Squad
Apr 26: First Communion Retreat
May 4: First Communion

Chad