Author: csteimle

Kindergarten Round-Up and Tuition Contracts for 2018-19

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office ASAP so we can get all of your children on a tuition contract for next school year.  Tuition contracts were mailed last week.  Turn them around quickly and take advantage of an early bird registration discount before spring break.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

Educational Savings Accounts and STOs

While Iowa legislation to establish education savings accounts for K-12 educational needs seems to be an extremely long shot, attention needs to turn toward School Tuition Organization legislation.  Currently, the amount of tax credits, and, thus, tuition assistance that is available in the state is $12 million.  From this amount, more than $1 million is given in Scott County.  Increasing the maximum that the law allows us to raise would allow us to not only increase financial assistance but also expand eligibility requirements as well, and more middle class families could receive financial assistance.  Legislation currently has been introduced through the Iowa Senate’s budget bill to increase the STO cap by $1 million and expand the eligibility limit to 400% of poverty.  While these changes would be a step in the right direction, we really need the STO cap raised to $20 million or more to meet the needs once eligibility is expanded.  Contact your Iowa state senator or legislator to let them know the importance of STOs for Iowa families.

“Tuition Tax Credit”

Do not forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that we often think of education expenses in terms of a school year while taxes are completed on a calendar year basis and split two school years.

Fund-raising

There always seems to be some fund-raising activity going on!

• The Jumpy Monkey Coffee sale has begun.  Please contact your favorite 8th grader, Mrs. Bauer, or Kathy Neuberger at school to purchase some. This sale not only benefits our 8th graders, but an organization that employs workers with intellectual disabilities.
• The Penny War for Holy Childhood Association ends March 13th to give us time to take it to the bank and recognize the homeroom winners before spring break.   Last year’s shorter Penny War took us three hours at the bank!  Cancel out another homeroom’s pennies with nickels, dimes, and quarters!
• Plant sale:  Home & School is trying a new fundraiser this spring — a plant sale!  Sales begin March 6th and run through April 6th.  Pick up will be on campus on May 3rd and 4th from 2 – 7 p.m.  People are going to buy plants in May anyway; let’s see if they’ll buy them as a fundraiser.  Information should be going home early this week.
• Gala.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser of OLV and JFK and supports all of our educational needs.  This year we’re trying to do a “super Gala” with funds raised above our normal net of $25,000 – $30,000 to go toward establishing the seed money for an air conditioning project.  The Gala is May 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge on Central Park Avenue near Emeis Golf Course.  The Gala includes fun and fellowship with live and silent auctions, a live band, and dancing.

2018-19 School Calendar

The DCSD has posted its calendar for next school year.  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  http://www.davenportschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-19-FINAL-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR-2.pdf.  JFK’s board voted to accept this calendar with two minor changes that only affect staff.

New Textbooks Next Year:  Science and Spanish

We have begun our research for science textbooks/materials for a county-wide Catholic school adoption.  The fact that, although the Iowa Core science standards are based on the national Next Generation Science Standards, Iowa’s standards are taught in different grade levels than the NGSS, we are running into difficulty with what’s available from publishers, and flexibility will be key for us.  We have even talked to publishers about printing our own chapters from their online versions and assembling them in binders.  On the other hand, if the publishers are intent on selling in Iowa, they ought to have better solutions themselves.

We will also be researching Spanish I textbooks/materials for adoption at JFK and replacing our use of Rosetta Stone and its supplementary hard copy materials.

Early Dismissal and No PM Preschool on March 16

Students are dismissed at 1:00 on Friday, March 16th.  Bus service and after school care are available.  There are no afternoon preschool classes.

Teacup or Fire Hose Christians?

Paraphrasing Fr. Dan’s weekend homily with a little poetic license, he asked us if we were teacup Christians or fire hose Christians.  Do we embrace what Christ offers to us as if we are sipping from a teacup or as if it’s drenching our whole being as from His fire hose?

Kindergarten Round-Up and Tuition Contracts for 2018-19

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office ASAP so we can get all of your children on a tuition contract for next school year.  Tuition contracts were drafted last week, and they should be received by families via postal mail this week.  Turn them around quickly and take advantage of an early bird registration discount before spring break.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

Educational Savings Accounts and STOs

While Iowa legislation to establish education savings accounts for K-12 educational needs seems to be an extremely long shot, attention needs to turn toward School Tuition Organization legislation.  Currently, the amount of tax credits, and, thus, tuition assistance that is available in the state is $12 million.  From this amount, more than $1 million is given in Scott County.  Increasing the maximum that the law allows us to raise would allow us to not only increase financial assistance but also expand eligibility requirements as well, and more middle class families could receive financial assistance.  Legislation currently has been introduced through the Iowa Senate’s budget bill to increase the STO cap by $1 million and expand the eligibility limit to 400% of poverty.  While these changes would be a step in the right direction, we really need the STO cap raised to $20 million or more to meet the needs once eligibility is expanded.  Contact your Iowa state senator or legislator to let them know the importance of STOs for Iowa families.

“Tuition Tax Credit”

Do not forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that we often think of education expenses in terms of a school year while taxes are completed on a calendar year basis and split two school years.

AHS Musical

The Addams family’s nightmare has come true:  Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.  And guess who’s coming to dinner?  In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations — change.

The musical is at 7:00 p.m. on March 9th and 10th and 2:00 p.m. on March 11th.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.

Fund-raising

There always seems to be some fund-raising activity going on!

• The Jumpy Monkey Coffee sale has begun.  Please contact your favorite 8th grader, Mrs. Bauer, or Kathy Neuberger at school to purchase some. This sale not only benefits our 8th graders, but an organization that employs workers with intellectual disabilities.
• The Penny War for Holy Childhood Association begins on March 5th and runs until spring break.  Cancel out another homeroom’s pennies with nickels, dimes, and quarters!
• Pizza Ranch for band:  Visit the Pizza Ranch in Bettendorf (880 Lincoln Road) between 5-8 p.m. on March 5th.
• Plant sale:  Home & School is trying a new fundraiser this spring — a plant sale!  Sales begin March 6th and run through April 6th.  Pick up will be on campus on May 3rd and 4th from 2 – 7 p.m.  People are going to buy plants in May anyway; let’s see if they’ll buy them as a fundraiser.  Information should be going home early this week.
• Gala.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser of OLV and JFK and supports all of our educational needs.  This year we’re trying to do a “super Gala” with funds raised above our normal net of $25,000 – $30,000 to go toward establishing the seed money for an air conditioning project.  The Gala is May 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge on Central Park Avenue near Emeis Golf Course.  The Gala includes fun and fellowship with live and silent auctions, a live band, and dancing.

2018-19 School Calendar

The DCSD has posted its calendar for next school year.  Click HERE or use the following link/url:  http://www.davenportschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-19-FINAL-ACADEMIC-CALENDAR-2.pdf.  JFK’s 2018-19 will likely be very similar due to busing.  JFK’s board will vote on a school calendar on Tuesday.

New Textbooks Next Year:  Science and Spanish

We have begun our research for science textbooks/materials for a county-wide Catholic school adoption.  The fact that, although the Iowa Core science standards are based on the national Next Generation Science Standards, Iowa’s standards are taught in different grade levels than the NGSS, we are running into difficulty with what’s available from publishers, and flexibility will be key for us.  We have even talked to publishers about printing our own chapters from their online versions and assembling them in binders.  On the other hand, if the publishers are intent on selling in Iowa, they ought to have better solutions themselves.

We will also be researching Spanish I textbooks/materials for adoption at JFK and replacing our use of Rosetta Stone and its supplementary hard copy materials.

Career Fair

We would like to thank everyone involved in the Scott County Catholic School 8th Grade and SAU Career Fair.  After the joint use of athletic fields between Assumption and St. Ambrose, this career fair is the largest joint venture between the Catholic schools in Scott County and SAU.

Only in a Catholic School?

We had to readjust the proportion of regular milk and chocolate milk we buy for the lunch program due to the number of students who gave up chocolate for Lent.

Kindergarten Round-Up and Tuition Contracts for 2018-19

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office ASAP so we can get all of your children on a tuition contract for next school year.  Tuition contracts should be mailed in early March.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration has begun.  Please contact the school office before the spots you want are no longer available.

Educational Savings Accounts and STOs

While Iowa legislation to establish education savings accounts for K-12 educational needs seems to be an extremely long shot, attention needs to turn toward School Tuition Organization legislation.  Currently, the amount of tax credits, and, thus, tuition assistance that is available in the state is $12 million.  From this amount, more than $1 million is given in Scott County.  Increasing the maximum that the law allows us to raise would allow us to not only increase financial assistance but also expand eligibility requirements as well, and more middle class families could receive financial assistance.  Legislation currently has been introduced through the Iowa Senate’s budget bill to increase the STO cap by $1 million and expand the eligibility limit to 400% of poverty.  While these changes would be a step in the right direction, we really need the STO cap raised to $20 million or more to meet the needs once eligibility is expanded.  Contact your Iowa state senator or legislator to let them know the importance of STOs for Iowa families.

“Tuition Tax Credit”

Do not forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that we often think of education expenses in terms of a school year while taxes are completed on a calendar year basis and split two school years.

Read Across America Day

Friday is Read Across America Day.  How will your family celebrate?  (Buying a Hallmark card doesn’t count — unless you’re standing at the store and reading all of them to find the best!)

Spirit Day on Friday

Friday is also a JFK and/or AHS spirit day.  Students may wear any JFK or AHS spirit wear along with uniform pants/skirts/bottoms.

AHS Musical

The Addams family’s nightmare has come true:  Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family.  And guess who’s coming to dinner?  In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations — change.

The musical is at 7:00 p.m. on March 9th and 10th and 2:00 p.m. on March 11th.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.

JFK Moms and Dads

Did you see the post on Feb 20th that polo shirts were selling for $1 at the Walmart on Elmore Avenue?  Request to be added to the closed group, JFK Moms and Dads, and “like” us on Facebook!

Congratulations to Mrs. Thomas

Mrs. Thomas’ baby came a few days early.  Congratulations to Mrs. Thomas and her family on the addition to their family.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19 Has Begun

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19 Begins Feb 12th

Ash Wednesday Mass at 8:15

Msgr. James Parizek Passes Away

Msgr. James Parizek, retired pastor of Our Lady of Victory, passed away yesterday in Chicago.  Details are pending at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries.

Please join me as we pray after every lunch, “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Msgr. Parizek, affectionately just called Msgr., came to OLV in 2002 as the 4th pastor in the history of OLV.  He retired in 2016 after serving 14 years as pastor of Our Lady of Victory.  He deeply touched the lives of many people, including my wife and four children.  I was always proud to stand by him as a member of his staff, and I can only hope that he, too, was proud of me as a father might be of his children (or is that Father with an uppercase F).

Below is the message I gave him when he retired two years ago:

Msgr.,

“I rarely know how to start these types of things or what to say.  I don’t consider myself to be all “mushy,” although my kids and some others may disagree, especially when it comes to writing, but I’m not sure I can adequately really capture my thoughts and feelings regarding your retirement.

I have worked with a number of priests over the years at Assumption and OLV/JFK.  There’s always a little trepidation when the “new priest” comes in.  What will he be like?  Will he be easy to work with?  Will we live up to his standards?  Will he accept the rest of us?  I knew we’d be OK at OLV/JFK when we started to get the wink of your eye.  That was our assurance that things would be OK!

Speaking of winks, I can remember at the last all school Mass for a school year about 8-12 years ago.  In the back of my mind, I was wondering if it was time to move along professionally.  Before I left for school that morning, I had written a few things on a note card that I wanted to mention at Mass.  Unbeknownst to me, you had changed the readings for the day, and based your homily then on the new readings.  When I heard the readings and your homily and realized that they matched almost word for word what I had been planning on saying, a calm came over me, and I knew OLV/JFK was still the place for me.  Barb Rohlf referred me to a book that described these types of coincidences, called “God-winks.”  A wink from you and a God-wink made all the difference for me.  This was where I belonged.

Over the years, we have emphasized our motto, “There is a difference in education.”  Your role has been fundamental in making this difference real.  You have celebrated class Masses, all school Masses, and Masses with students at Ridgecrest, and your flexibility to accommodate and reach the students of nine grade levels has been remarkable.  You’ve attended numerous shows and concerts and have been a part of the “life” of the school.  You have devoted so much of your schedule to class visits and tried to make them up when your schedule changed.  You have concelebrated at Assumption’s Baccalaureate Mass and, sometimes as the only pastor, attended every Assumption graduation.  I was proud last year to move up a row to sit next to you at the graduation so you wouldn’t have to sit by yourself!  As the only pastor and principal in attendance, we probably really sent a visual message together!  There is a difference in education at JFK because YOU have made it a difference.  We couldn’t be more appreciative.

When I put on my school badge every morning, I am proud to be associated with not just any Catholic school, but the Catholic school of Our Lady of Victory, the parish under your guidance, direction, and shepherding.

All four of my children, Colleen, Tom, Kirsten, and Caitlin have split feelings [about your retirement] as they have indicated that, really, you are the only pastor that they have really ever known.  They don’t know what it will be like without you.  All of us, including Lynn and I, are glad to have had you in our lives.  We wish you well in your retirement.”

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O LORD.  And let perpetual light shine upon him.

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2018-19

Catholic Schools Week

Monday, Jan 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this fundraiser are available from Mrs. Tilkens.  The tournament will, again, be during the day this year.  Third/4th graders will start at 8:00, 7/8 at approximately 9:30, and 5/6 at 1:30.  Proceeds from the tournaments held at all of the Scott County Catholic schools benefit Women’s Choice Center, Bethany, and/or Humility of Mary.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook)

Tuesday, Jan 30:

• Talent Show
  • 8:00     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.  When a particular student or grade performs depends upon the number of acts in each homeroom and the actual length of each act.
  • 12:40   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • In the past, we have had an amazing variety of acts:  skits, puppet shows, drawing, instrument playing, singing, dancing, joke-telling, sports demonstrations, etc.
  • All acts in grades K – 6 must be approved by homeroom teachers, and acts in grades 7/8 must be approved my Mrs. Hinchman.  The informational slip went home last week and must be returned no later than Jan 24th.  Extra forms can be  obtained from a homeroom teacher.  Please keep in mind that music, lyrics, movements, and attire of participants should reflect our Catholic values. Anyone having a song with lyrics as part of an act must have a copy of the lyrics approved by the teacher. Approval of acts and music should happen as soon as possible to avoid any last minute changes being required.   Students don’t want to practice something for days only to have a staff member require that it be revised or changed when they present it to the staff member for final approval.
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.
• 3 year old PS puppet show during their class time.

Wednesday, Jan 31:

• All School Mass with individual blessings of throats
• Bring a Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K and 1Y
  • 11:10 – 11:40  1E and 4th grade
  • 11:40 – 12:10  2nd and 3rd 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.
  • Look for a lunch note this week to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch will only be available through this pre-payment requirement.  Lunches should be pre-purchased by January 22nd to allow ample time for us to order enough food for everyone.  As adult meals receive no government subsidy, they are $3.55 each.
• Green and white dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Feb 1:

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

Friday, Feb 2:

• Adoration
• Crazy Sock & Out of Uniform Day
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:50
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool
  • AM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  7:45 – 8:30
  • PM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  12:00 – 12:45

Catholic Schools Week

Saturday, Jan 27:

• 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.  Forms to pre-order dinner tickets and the 50/50 raffle tickets went home last week.  Volunteers are still needed to help; click HERE to sign up.

Monday, Jan 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this fundraiser are available from Mrs. Tilkens.  The tournament will, again, be during the day this year.  Third/4th graders will start at 8:00, 7/8 at approximately 9:30, and 5/6 at 1:30.  Proceeds from the tournaments held at all of the Scott County Catholic schools benefit Women’s Choice Center, Bethany, and/or Humility of Mary.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook)

Tuesday, Jan 30:

• Talent Show
  • 8:00     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.  When a particular student or grade performs depends upon the number of acts in each homeroom and the actual length of each act.
  • 12:40   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • In the past, we have had an amazing variety of acts:  skits, puppet shows, drawing, instrument playing, singing, dancing, joke-telling, sports demonstrations, etc.
  • All acts in grades K – 6 must be approved by homeroom teachers, and acts in grades 7/8 must be approved my Mrs. Hinchman.  The informational slip went home last week and must be returned no later than Jan 24th.  Extra forms can be  obtained from a homeroom teacher.  Please keep in mind that music, lyrics, movements, and attire of participants should reflect our Catholic values. Anyone having a song with lyrics as part of an act must have a copy of the lyrics approved by the teacher. Approval of acts and music should happen as soon as possible to avoid any last minute changes being required.   Students don’t want to practice something for days only to have a staff member require that it be revised or changed when they present it to the staff member for final approval.
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.
• 3 year old PS puppet show during their class time.

Wednesday, Jan 31:

• All School Mass with individual blessings of throats
• Bring a Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K and 1Y
  • 11:10 – 11:40  1E and 4th grade
  • 11:40 – 12:10  2nd and 3rd 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.
  • Look for a lunch note this week to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch will only be available through this pre-payment requirement.  Lunches should be pre-purchased by January 22nd to allow ample time for us to order enough food for everyone.  As adult meals receive no government subsidy, they are $3.55 each.
• Green and white dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Feb 1:

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

Friday, Feb 2:

• Adoration
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:50
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool
  • AM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  7:45 – 8:30
  • PM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  12:00 – 12:45

Catholic Schools Week

Saturday, Jan 27:

• 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.  Forms to pre-order dinner tickets and the 50/50 raffle tickets went home last week.  Volunteers are still needed to help; click HERE to sign up.

Monday, Jan 29:

• Dodgeball for Diapers Day.  Forms for this fundraiser are available from Mrs. Tilkens.  The tournament will, again, be during the day this year.  Third/4th graders will start at 8:00, 7/8 at approximately 9:30, and 5/6 at 1:30.  Proceeds from the tournaments held at all of the Scott County Catholic schools benefit Women’s Choice Center, Bethany, and/or Humility of Mary.
• Athletic dress day — out of uniform (but following the out of uniform guidelines in our handbook)

Tuesday, Jan 30:

• Talent Show
  • 8:00     Grades 4, 1, 2, 3 in this order.  When a particular student or grade performs depends upon the number of acts in each homeroom and the actual length of each act.
  • 12:40   Grades K, 5, 6, 7, 8 in this order.
  • In the past, we have had an amazing variety of acts:  skits, puppet shows, drawing, instrument playing, singing, dancing, joke-telling, sports demonstrations, etc.
  • All acts in grades K – 6 must be approved by homeroom teachers, and acts in grades 7/8 must be approved my Mrs. Hinchman.  The informational slip went home last week and must be returned no later than Jan 24th.  Extra forms can be  obtained from a homeroom teacher.  Please keep in mind that music, lyrics, movements, and attire of participants should reflect our Catholic values. Anyone having a song with lyrics as part of an act must have a copy of the lyrics approved by the teacher. Approval of acts and music should happen as soon as possible to avoid any last minute changes being required.   Students don’t want to practice something for days only to have a staff member require that it be revised or changed when they present it to the staff member for final approval.
• Class dress alike day.  Look for information from your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Students may bring a pillow upon which to sit.
• 3 year old PS puppet show during their class time.

Wednesday, Jan 31:

• All School Mass with individual blessings of throats
• Bring a Guest to Lunch Day
  • Visit the book fair after lunch
  • 10:40 – 11:10  K and 1Y
  • 11:10 – 11:40  1E and 4th grade
  • 11:40 – 12:10  2nd and 3rd 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.
  • Look for a lunch note this week to pre-purchase your adult meal.  School lunch will only be available through this pre-payment requirement.  Lunches should be pre-purchased by January 22nd to allow ample time for us to order enough food for everyone.  As adult meals receive no government subsidy, they are $3.55 each.
• Green and white dress day (Mass appropriate)

Thursday, Feb 1:

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

Friday, Feb 2:

• Adoration
• 8th grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game, 1:50
• Special activities in grades K-2
• 4 year old preschool
  • AM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  7:45 – 8:30
  • PM classes:  Snack, puppet show, book fair.  Adults welcome.  12:00 – 12:45

Heating Pipes Issue Exemplified

Back in September when I was sharing news about our summer work to replace the boiler and several controls, I said that I was afraid there might be a misconception regarding our HVAC needs.  While replacing the boiler was essential for all our needs, it did not resolve all of the potential heating issues we have.  Most of our heating pipes in the 1963 part of the building are made from black iron, which has a life expectancy of 20 – 50 years.  They are deteriorating.  On Thursday, a fitting in a 1″ pipe behind a wall rusted all the way through, and water began flowing onto the floor in a small office across from the art room.  Luckily, Mr. Connors heard something unusual as he walked by on his way to lunch and peeked into the room.  Through the fast efforts of Mr. Sweeney and a number of staff members, we were quickly able to get the water shut off and everything cleared out of the room.  Our timing was lucky, and damage was minimal.  Had this fitting burst over the three day weekend, we would have had a huge mess.

The HVAC committee’s recommendation to meet our needs is a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and air conditioning system, which operates like a heating/cooling exchanger.  Adding the VRF system allows us to transition away from the need for the hot water circulating pipes as they continue to wear out.  As a bonus, we also get efficient air conditioning.  The total cost of the three main parts to the HVAC committee’s recommendations, which include the VRF system, the new boiler, and mechanical ventilation, is about $836,000.  We have about another $664,000 to go!

Catholic Schools Week Video Contest

John F. Kennedy Catholic School and the other Catholic schools are sponsoring student video contests for Catholic Schools Week.  Prizes include Victory Vouchers (gift cards) and the possibility of the video being on our website and Facebook page.

Guidelines:

• Less than 1 minute in length
• Supports this year’s CSW theme: “Catholic Schools:  Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”
• A video to be used on our website or Facebook page must only include students whose parents have given permission for such posting. (Done at the beginning of each school year.)
• Multiple videos may be submitted by the same student(s).
• Video should be on a USB flash drive.

Due Date:  January 11, 2018

Quarter Ends Thursday

The end of the second quarter is January 11th.  There is also a special 1:00 early dismissal that day.  There are no afternoon PS classes on the 11th.

Evening School Custodian/Janitor

We have an immediate opening for an evening custodian/janitor.  Primary duties are cleaning and interacting with others accessing the building during evening hours.  2:30-11:00 p.m. school days, and day shift hours when school is not in session, including summer and school breaks.  Abilities to work swiftly and efficiently on one’s feet all shift, lift at least 50 lbs, and operate cleaning equipment are required.  A letter, resume and references can be sent to me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com or an application can be picked up at the school office.

Drop Off Reminder

That reminds me — only buses should be dropping students off on 42nd Street in the morning.  Cars should pull into the parking lot.  Please also allow ample time in the morning.  As the weather deteriorates, more and more families use the drop through lane, and traffic backs up.

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week will begin with the 4:30 all school weekend Mass on January 27th.  Mass attendance is expected.  Following Mass, Home & School is sponsoring a spaghetti supper and open house.  More details for all of Catholic Schools Week will be available after January 12th.

Trivia Night for JFK Band

Have you RSVP’d to Mr. Connors yet?  Our band boosters are hosting a trivia night on January 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m.  Eight people per table (adults only), $100 per table entry fee.  Feel free to bring your own snacks.  Beverages are available for purchase from the Knights of Columbus.