Category: Principal’s Post

Facilities and Grounds Input Sessions

OLV will be hosting three input sessions in late May for people to talk about the facilities and grounds of the campus.  Due to your generosity, most of the projects of the Cultivating Our Future campaign are complete.  It is, thus, time to assess and discern the next steps for the parish.  This process is important for us as OLV’s participation in the diocesan capital campaign, Upon This Rock, will begin within the next year or so.  Twenty percent of all funds raised at each parish for this campaign are returned back to parishes for projects of their own.

Each of OLV;s input sessions will follow a similar format.  There will be a presentation on the state of our
parish facilities and finances, and then parishioners will be asked to talk about their thoughts with people at their tables, with someone being the note-taker.  Finally, the evening will end with some larger group discussion and questions. If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, the presentation from the sessions will be made available through the parish website, and people are welcome to submit any thoughts, questions, or concerns to Fr. Jake or any members of the parish staff.  By the end of summer, it is Fr. Jake’s hope that the Parish Council, Finance Council, and other members of parish leadership will be able to identity priorities for the facilities and grounds.

In the February 27th Principal’s Post, I highlighted some of the higher priority needs for the school, which are listed again below, but the input sessions are not intended for staff feedback.  The intent is to know what parish and school families desire.  Let your voice be heard.

Some of the higher priority items for the school include the following, in no particular order:

• Parking lot sealing and striping and concrete work scheduled/contracted already for summer 2022
• Handicapped parking and access
• Window replacements and window screens
• Playground equipment and surfacing
• Exterior gym wall repair
• Flooring replacement cycle
• Warped doors and frames
• Unused radiator removal and wall repairs
• Southwest stair repairs
• Self-closing fire doors
• Ceiling tiles added on lower level and replaced in nearly all other areas of 1963 and 1987 parts of the building
• Additional mechanical ventilation for 2011 additions
• Storage for extra classroom furniture, etc. as needs change due to enrollment and as students physically grow over the 9-12 years they might be at JFK

The last time we did a these types of full-scale input sessions, we eventually did the gathering space addition to the church and classroom, ECLC, and front additions to the school.  We had even talked about a new parish hall, rectory, church hall/banquet room attached to the gathering space, church office, youth ministry space, and new school gym.  Everything can be discussed!

Dates/times for the three sessions are below.  They will all be in the parish center.

Sunday, May 22nd, 3:00PM
Thursday, May 26th, 1:00PM
Thursday, May 26th, 7:00PM

Rock Solid Play!

The middle school play, Don’t Pet My Rock, was rock solid!  I thought, with such a short turn around time, that the play might get off to a rocky start, or the students might be petrified, but the play was truly a gem.  I laughed and rolled my eyes so much — I just could not sit there stone-faced!   Although they had to dig pretty deep for some of the jokes and puns, I’ve never seen a boulder group of students.  They really smashed it!

Registration for 2022-23 is Still Underway

The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.  If you need a new one, please contact emily.sanderson@olvjfkmail.com.

Home & School General Meeting

Home & School will have a general meeting on May 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the parish center.  There’s a great committee now, and more are always welcome.  Officers will also be selected.  (And, no, if you attend you will not automatically become an officer!)

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  There are a few morning and afternoon spots still left.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Upcoming Events

The school calendar on our website is filling up with so many activities, it makes one’s head spin!  Below are just a few of the highlighted events:

• May 17/19:  5th grade golfing
• May 17:  H & S General meeting
• May 18:  School Mass celebrated by Bishop Zinkula
• May 19:  Band Concert
• May 21:  OLV/JFK Gala
• May 22:  Facilities & Grounds Input Session #1
• May 23:  Day of Awesomeness
• May 24:  8th grade Manners Unit Lunch at Outing Club
• May 25:  Crusader Theater Field Trip
• May 26:  Facilities & Grounds Input Session #2 and #3
• May 27:  Day of Awesomeness Rain Date.  Bands to Adventureland.  3 Yr PS Conferences
• May 30:  Memorial Day.  No classes. ECLC closed
• May 31:  8th grade field trip.  3rd grade picnic on campus
• June 2:  Field Day.  3 yr old PS program.  4/5 yr old PS program
• June 3:  Last day of school.  12:40 dismissal.  No PS classes.  ECLC open.  8th grade graduation.  JFK Night at the River Bandits

Keep Your Eye on the Calendar and for Communications from Teachers

May keeps getting more and more crowded with activities.  Keep your eye on the detailed school calendar on our website and be aware of individual teacher’s/grade’s communications that will highlight their specific events.  If your calendar looks anything like mine in May, it’s tough to keep track of and juggle everything!  I even have all three of my daughters coming into town Gala weekend for other family events!

Bills to Pay

Don’t forget to finish paying your tuition and other JFK bills.  Those who signed a tuition contract for one annual payment, two payments, or the ten month payment plan should be about finished with tuition payments.  We, too, have bills to pay at JFK, particularly payroll.  Without tuition payments current, cash flow to pay teachers and staff in May, June, July, and August can be challenging.  Incidental charges like aftercare, band, lunch, lost books, etc., also add up.  Please make sure your payments to JFK are current.

Scholarship Opportunities for 6th-8th Graders

The deadline for the OLV scholarships for a 6th grader going into 7th grade and a 7th grader going into 8th grade is on Monday.  There currently are only two applicants.  The deadline for the Maher Memorial, OLV, and H & S/Judy Calcari scholarships for 8th graders going to AHS is also on Monday.  Emails with the applications were sent on May 4th.

Leaps & Bounds

JFK’s free summer Leaps & Bounds program still has some spots available in the first session:  June 13-24.  Waiting lists are available for the latter two sessions:  July 18-29 and August 1-12.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  To register, please contact Mrs. Temming at kitty.temming@olvjfkmail.com.

Board of Education

The OLV/JFK Board of Education is seeking candidates interested in helping to make financial and policy decisions affecting the operations of JFK, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Victory.  Board members work with other committees to address the long-range needs of the parish educational and faith formation programs.  Board meetings occur on the first Tuesday of each month and are typically from about 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  If interested in serving as a board member, please contact me or board officers Ann Craig, Lucas Roth, and Tom Poston.

Have You Settled Back Into Mass Yet?

With the Sunday/weekend Mass dispensation having ended a while ago, my wife and I haven’t quite settled into a regular weekend Mass time.  We were regular 9:00 Mass attendees for many, many years.  Lately, we’ve been going to 7:00 a.m. Mass but have also sprinkled in 4:30 and some special times for Confirmation and First Communion.  Aside from the special Masses, I probably haven’t seen more than a dozen JFK students at the same Masses I’ve attended.  This weekend, the parish did its salute to high school and college graduating seniors, but there wasn’t a single graduating senior in attendance at the Mass I attended.  Without young people in the pews, many parishioners are going to start wondering why the parish is using about 60% of parish income to support Catholic school education.

Chad

Facilities and Grounds Input Sessions

OLV will be hosting three input sessions in late May for people to talk about the facilities and grounds of the campus.  Due to your generosity, most of the projects of the Cultivating Our Future campaign are complete.  It is, thus, time to assess and discern the next steps for the parish.  This process is important for us as OLV’s participation in the diocesan capital campaign, Upon This Rock, will begin within the next year or so.  Twenty percent of all funds raised at each parish for this campaign are returned back to parishes for projects of their own.

Each of OLV;s input sessions will follow a similar format.  There will be a presentation on the state of our
parish facilities and finances, and then parishioners will be asked to talk about their thoughts with people at their tables, with someone being the note-taker.  Finally, the evening will end with some larger group discussion and questions. If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, the presentation from the sessions will be made available through the parish website, and people are welcome to submit any thoughts, questions, or concerns to Fr. Jake or any members of the parish staff.  By the end of summer, it is Fr. Jake’s hope that the Parish Council, Finance Council, and other members of parish leadership will be able to identity priorities for the facilities and grounds.

Dates/times for the three sessions are below.  They will all be in the parish center.

Sunday, May 22nd, 3:00PM
Thursday, May 26th, 1:00PM
Thursday, May 26th, 7:00PM

JFK Welcomes Jessica Freemyer in Band

JFK is pleased to welcome Jessica Freemyer as our band instructor for the 2022-23 school year.  Mrs. Freemyer has seven years of experience in band and music at Rivermont Collegiate and in the Catholic schools across the river.  A graduate of St. Ambrose, Mrs. Freemyer also did some practicum hours at St. Paul’s and Assumption.  She and her husband have two children as well that will be joining the JFK community next year.

Parking Lot Reminders — Even on the South Side

Please remember to proceed carefully in the parking lot at drop-off and pick-up times.  There are many kids and families walking and moving throughout the parking lot, and excessive speed and distracted driving lead to danger for all.  The situation seems particularly troubling in the morning lately.  The extra seconds saved by speeding through the parking lot will not even compare to someone being hit by a car!  Several of the most recent issues have been on the south side of the parking lot by the ECLC drop off and rectory.  Even though there is less traffic on the south side of the parking lot, there are still plenty of children and cars.

Registration for 2022-23 is Still Underway

The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.  If you need a new one, please contact emily.sanderson@olvjfkmail.com.

Home & School General Meeting and Many Thanks

Home & School will have a general meeting on May 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the parish center.  There’s a great committee now, and more are always welcome.  Officers will also be selected.  (And, no, if you attend you will not automatically become an officer!)

Staff members really appreciated the many treats provided by Home & School for Teacher Appreciation Week!  The little sayings, rhymes, etc. were clever as well.

Water Fountains Fully Operational Again

Water fountains have been restored to working order.  Free, recyclable water bottles will no longer be available for students.  Students are, as always, encouraged to bring their own water bottles to school.  We have three water bottle filling stations located in the school that are used quite regularly.

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  There are a few morning and afternoon spots still left.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Upcoming Events

The school calendar on our website is filling up with so many activities, it makes one’s head spin!  Below are just a few of the highlighted events:

• May 9-13:  Guest personal trainer in PE classes for 3rd-8th graders
• May 9-20:  FAST Reading and Math Screenings
• May 10:  Free entry to skate night at the Eldridge skate park (skate rental still required)
• May 14:  Crusader Theater
• May 15:  Crusader Theater stage tear down
• May 17/19:  5th grade golfing
• May 18:  School Mass celebrated by Bishop Zinkula
• May 19:  Band Concert
• May 21:  OLV/JFK Gala
• May 22:  Facilities & Grounds Input Session #1
• May 23:  Day of Awesomeness
• May 24:  8th grade Manners Unit Lunch at Outing Club
• May 26:  Facilities & Grounds Input Session #2 and #3
• May 27:  Day of Awesomeness Rain Date.  Bands to Adventureland.  3 Yr PS Conferences
• May 30:  Memorial Day.  No classes. ECLC closed
• May 31:  8th grade field trip
• June 2:  Field Day.  3 yr old PS program.  4/5 yr old PS program
• June 3:  Last day of school.  12:40 dismissal.  No PS classes.  ECLC open.  8th grade graduation.  JFK Night at the River Bandits

Keep Your Eye on the Calendar and for Communications from Teachers

May keeps getting more and more crowded with activities.  Keep your eye on the detailed school calendar on our website and be aware of individual teacher’s/grade’s communications that will highlight their specific events.  If your calendar looks anything like mine in May, it’s tough to keep track of and juggle everything!  I even have all three of my daughters coming into town Gala weekend for other family events!

Shift in Spring Play

The Encyclopedia Brown middle school play has been replaced with Don’t Pet My Rock.  With so much going on in late spring, we’ve had to change to something that’s a bit more manageable.  This short play will have one performance, a 3:00 Saturday, May 13th performance in the parish center.  There is no admission fee.

Academic Work Continues

Even though there are many special activities in May, academic work continues.  Mid-quarter progress reports will go home this week.  There’s way too much academic work left for students, including 8th graders, to shut down for summer.  The time period between Easter or spring break (whichever comes last given the year) is the longest uninterrupted stretch of the school year!

Leaps & Bounds

JFK’s free summer Leaps & Bounds program still has some spots available in the first session:  June 13-24.  Waiting lists are available for the latter two sessions:  July 18-29 and August 1-12.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  To register, please contact Mrs. Temming at kitty.temming@olvjfkmail.com.

Board of Education

The OLV/JFK Board of Education is seeking candidates interested in helping to make financial and policy decisions affecting the operations of JFK, Faith Formation, and Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Victory.  Board members work with other committees to address the long-range needs of the parish educational and faith formation programs.  Board meetings occur on the first Tuesday of each month and are typically from about 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  If interested in serving as a board member, please contact me or board officers Ann Craig, Lucas Roth, and Tom Poston.

Chad

Parking Lot Reminders

Please remember to proceed carefully in the parking lot at drop-off and pick-up times.  There are many kids and families walking and moving throughout the parking lot, and excessive speed and distracted driving lead to danger for all.  The situation seems particularly troubling in the morning lately.  The extra seconds saved by speeding through the parking lot will not even compare to someone being hit by a car!

Registration for 2022-23 is Still Underway

The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.  If you need a new one, please contact emily.sanderson@olvjfkmail.com.

Home & School General Meeting

Home & School will have a general meeting on May 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the parish center.  There’s a great committee now, and more are always welcome.  Officers will also be selected.  (And, no, if you attend you will not automatically become an officer!)

Teacher Appreciation Week Is Here

Have your children help Home & School with the theme of the week by having each of your children complete the quick Google form: I Appreciate my Teacher… (google.com) .

Water Fountains Fully Operational Again

Water fountains have been restored to working order.  Free, recyclable water bottles will no longer be available for students.  Students are, as always, encouraged to bring their own water bottles to school.  We have three water bottle filling stations located in the school that are used quite regularly.

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  There are a few morning and afternoon spots still left.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Upcoming Events

The school calendar on our website is filling up with so many activities, it makes one’s head spin!  Below are just a few of the highlighted events:

• May 2:  Last date for pre-ordering Moe’s Cinco de Mayo Taco kits
• May 4:  End of 4th Mid-qtr
• May 5:  Pick up of taco kits (2:40-5:00 in the PC).  7/8 Showcase
• May 9-13:  Guest personal trainer in PE classes for 3rd-8th graders
• May 10:  Free entry to skate night at the Eldridge skate park (skate rental still required)
• May 13:  Crusader Theater
• May 14:  Crusader Theater
• May 15:  Crusader Theater stage tear down
• May 21:  OLV/JFK Gala
• May 23:  Day of Awesomeness
• May 27:  Day of Awesomeness Rain Date
• June 2:  Field Day
• June 3:  JFK Night at the River Bandits

Keep Your Eye on the Calendar and for Communications from Teachers

May keeps getting more and more crowded with activities.  Keep your eye on the detailed school calendar on our website and be aware of individual teacher’s/grade’s communications that will highlight their specific events.  If your calendar looks anything like mine in May, it’s tough to keep track of and juggle everything!  I even have all three of my daughters coming into town Gala weekend for other family events!

Academic Work Continues

Even though there are many special activities in May, academic work continues.  We will first be getting to the mid-point of the quarter this week.  There’s way too much academic work left for students, including 8th graders, to shut down for summer.  The time period between Easter or spring break (whichever comes last given the year) is the longest uninterrupted stretch of the school year!

Leaps & Bounds

JFK’s free summer Leaps & Bounds program still has some spots available in the first session:  June 13-24.  Waiting lists are available for the latter two sessions:  July 18-29 and August 1-12.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  To register, please contact Mrs. Temming at kitty.temming@olvjfkmail.com.

3D Printing in 8th Grade

Beginning in May, our 8th grade students will be learning how to program our 3D printers to make board game pieces.  JFK has two 3D printers used in 8th grade science classes.

Chad

ISASP Testing Begins Week of April 25

The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for students in grades 3-8 begins on April 25th.  Students will want to have a good breakfast and plenty of rest before testing.  They will also need to have their CHARGED Chromebooks every day.  Chromebooks should be charged at home each evening.  There are few things worse than working on something on your computer, and it shuts down because of a low battery!

Discounted Registration Fees end April 30th

The last date for the discounted registration fee is now April 30th.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before May, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.  If you need a new one, please contact emily.sanderson@olvjfkmail.com.

Scott County Mass at AHS for Grades 2-12

The Mass for students in grades 2-12 in Scott County Catholic schools is on Wednesday.  Please send in your child’s permission slip.

Volunteers Needed

There are a few events coming up for which volunteers are needed:

• Stage Set Up for Crusader Theater:  May 1st, 10-2 (or earlier) in the parish center
  • Contact brisy.potter@olvjfkmail.com for more information
• Plant Sale:
  • Wednesday:  help unload the truck when it arrives sometime between 8-12
    • It really doesn’t take four hours to unload the truck, but we just don’t know exactly when it will arrive
  • Thursday:  3-4:30 (4 people are needed)
  • Friday:  3-4:30  (3 people are needed)
  • Saturday: 4:30 until clean up is finished (at least 2 people are needed)
  • Email Home & School at homeandschool@olvjfkmail.com or JFK.Homeandschool@outlook.com to sign up
• Web designer/engineer assistance:  Home & School is looking for someone who has some technology background and can help answer questions about and help navigate an online money raising platform.  If you think you might be able to help, email homeandschool@olvjfkmail.com 
• Home & School:  Home & School will have a general meeting on May 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the parish center.  There’s a great committee now, and more are always welcome.  Officers will also be selected.  (And, no, if you attend you will not automatically become an officer!)

Teacher Appreciation Week Is Fast Approaching 

Have your children help Home & School with the theme of the week by having each of your children complete the quick Google form: I Appreciate my Teacher… (google.com) .

Free Water Bottles End on Friday

The last day that we will have free water bottles available for students is Friday.  The water fountains will be restored to working order sometime during this week.  Students are, as always, encouraged to bring their own water bottles to school.  We have three water bottle filling stations located in the school that are used quite regularly.

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  There are a few morning and afternoon spots still left.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on the school calendar on our website.  It’s filling up with so many activities in April and May, it makes one’s head spin!

• April 25-29:  Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for grades 3-8
• April 27:  SCCS Mass at AHS for grades 2-12.  AHS Info Knight.
• April 28-30:  Plant Sale Pick Up
• April 29:  Cookies and Dreams pop up sale during plant pick up.  Credit card sales only.
• April 28:  First Communion practice
• April 29:  Confirmation practice
• April 30:  Confirmation
• May 1:  First Communion
• May 2:  Last date for pre-ordering Moe’s Cinco de Mayo Taco kits
• May 5:  Pick up of taco kits (2:40-5:00 in the PC)
• May 10:  Free entry to skate night at the Eldridge skate park (skate rental still required)
• May 27:  Day of Awesomeness
• June 2:  Field Day
• June 3:  JFK Night at the River Bandits

Leaps & Bounds

JFK’s free summer Leaps & Bounds program still has some spots available in each of the three sessions:  June 13-24, July 18-29, and August 1-12.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  To register, please contact Mrs. Temming at kitty.temming@olvjfkmail.com.

3D Printing in 8th Grade

Beginning in May, our 8th grade students will be learning how to program our 3D printers to make board game pieces.  JFK has two 3D printers used in 8th grade science classes.

Synod Listening Sessions

In a video the Vatican distributed regarding the world-wide synodal listening sessions, the Diocese of Davenport was used as one of four exemplars of the process.  OLV had about ten listening sessions, and JFK’s 8th graders had one of their own.  Thanks to all who are participating in the process!

Chad

School Calendar for 2022-23

The general school calendar was approved by our board for the 2022-23 school year:

JFK 2022-2023 Academic Calendar

Details will be entered on our website calendar as they develop.

Discounted Registration Fees end April 30th

The last date for the discounted registration fee is now April 30th.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before May, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.  If you need a new one, please contact emily.sanderson@olvjfkmail.com.

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  There are a few morning and afternoon spots still left.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

ISASP Testing Begins Week of April 25

The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for students in grades 3-8 begins on April 25th.  Students will want to have a good breakfast and plenty of rest before testing.  They will also need to have their CHARGED Chromebooks every day.  Chromebooks should be charged at home each evening.  There are few things worse than working on something on your computer, and it shuts down because of a low battery!

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on the school calendar on our website.  It’s filling up with so many activities in April and May, it makes one’s head spin!

• April 21:  Hearing Screening.  Parent University w/Anne McNelis via Zoom.
• April 22:  Comfy Day
• April 25-29:  Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for grades 3-8
• April 27:  SCCS Mass at AHS for grades 2-12.  AHS Info Knight.
• April 28-30:  Plant Sale Pick Up
• April 28:  First Communion practice
• April 29:  Confirmation practice
• April 30:  Confirmation
• May 1:  First Communion

Leaps & Bounds

JFK’s free summer Leaps & Bounds program still has some spots available in each of the three sessions:  June 13-24, July 18-29, and August 1-12.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  To register, please contact Mrs. Temming at kitty.temming@olvjfkmail.com.

Absence and COVID Information

It’s been about a month since I shared our attendance information.  Below is a link to this information, particularly as it relates to COVID.

COVID Data, April 18, 2022

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Chad

School Calendar for 2022-23

The general school calendar was approved by our board on Saturday for the 2022-23 school year:

JFK 2022-2023 Academic Calendar

Details will be entered on our website calendar as they develop.

Formal Registration for K-8 Has Begun

Tuition contracts for K-8 were mailed to families three weeks ago.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before April, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  Morning classes fill up quickly, in particular, so do not delay PS registration.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Crusader Theater for 6th-8th Graders

We had 33 6th-8th graders try out for this year’s Crusader Theater production of Encyclopedia Brown, and all 33 were cast into a part!   Encyclopedia Brown is a series of books staring young detective “Encyclopedia” Brown who solves all sorts of mysteries for his friends, the neighbors, and even the police.  Spanning publication dates of nearly 50 years, the series has led to a comic strip, a TV series, and other related items.  I used to love reading Encyclopedia Brown books myself!  Performances are scheduled for May 13 at 6:30 p.m. and May 14 at 3:00 p.m.

Cast members will be meeting at recess on Monday to receive their scripts and rehearsal schedules.  Questions should be addressed to Mrs. Potter at bristy.potter@olvjfkmail.com.

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on the school calendar on our website.  It’s filling up with so many activities in April and May, it makes one’s head spin!

• April 11:  SCCS 8th grade mixer
• April 14:   Holy Thursday school activities, 1:20
• April 15:  Good Friday.  No classes.  ECLC closed
• April 17:  Easter Sunday
• April 18:  Easter Monday.  No classes.  ECLC closed.  (The DCSD is in session.)
• April 21:  Hearing Screening.  Parent University w/Anne McNelis via Zoom.
• April 22:  Comfy Day
• April 25-29:  Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for grades 3-8
• April 27:  SCCS Mass at AHS for grades 2-12
• April 28-30:  Plant Sale Pick Up

Leaps & Bounds

Registration for our free sessions of summer Leaps & Bounds has begun.  Please refer to the email from Kitty Temming.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  With two classes running simultaneously for the three sessions, we have 90 spots available, and 2/3 of the spots are already filled.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Chad

Formal Registration for K-8 Has Begun

Tuition contracts for K-8 were mailed to families two weeks ago.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before April, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.  Please contact the school office or Fr. Jake right away if you did not receive your contract.

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  Morning classes fill up quickly, in particular, so do not delay PS registration.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Crusader Theater Try-outs for 6th-8th Graders

This year’s Crusader Theater production is Encyclopedia Brown.  Encyclopedia Brown is a series of books staring young detective “Encyclopedia” Brown who solves all sorts of mysteries for his friends, the neighbors, and even the police.  Spanning publication dates of nearly 50 years, the series has led to a comic strip, a TV series, and other related items.  Crusader Theater is open to all 6th-8th graders.  Performances are scheduled for May 13 at 6:30 p.m. and May 14 at 3:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on the school calendar on our website.  It’s filling up with so many activities in April and May, it makes one’s head spin!  We should have a year-at-a-glance 2022-23 school calendar passed by our board on Tuesday.  Look for it on our website soon thereafter.

• April 5:  Crusader Theater Try-outs for 6th-8th
• April 6:  Crusader Theater Try-outs for 6th-8th, as needed
• April 7:  Crusader Theater Callbacks, as needed.  5/6 Spring Show, 6:30
• April 11:  SCCS 8th grade mixer
• April 14:   Holy Thursday school activities, 1:20
• April 15:  Good Friday.  No classes.  ECLC closed
• April 17:  Easter Sunday
• April 18:  Easter Monday.  No classes.  ECLC closed
• April 21:  Hearing Screening.  Parent University w/Anne McNelis via Zoom.
• April 25-29:  Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for grades 3-8
• April 27:  SCCS Mass at AHS for grades 2-12
• April 28-30:  Plant Sale Pick Up

Leaps & Bounds

Registration for our free sessions of summer Leaps & Bounds has begun.  Please refer to the email from Kitty Temming.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  With two classes running simultaneously for the three sessions, we have 90 spots available, and 2/3 of the spots are already filled.

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Chad

Formal Registration for K-8 Has Begun

Tuition contracts for K-8 were mailed to families late last week.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before April, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.

Please contact the school office right away, if you missed Kindergarten Round-up and kindergarten pre-registration.  We don’t want to miss sending you a tuition contract for next year!

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  Morning classes fill up quickly, in particular, so do not delay PS registration.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Upcoming Events

• April 1:  Two hour early dismissal (12:45).  End of 3rd quarter.  No afternoon PS
• April 7:  5/6 Spring Show, 6:30
• April 11:  SCCS 8th grade mixer
• April 14:   Holy Thursday school activities, 1:20
• April 15:  Good Friday.  No classes.  ECLC closed
• April 17:  Easter Sunday
• April 18:  Easter Monday.  No classes.  ECLC closed

Leaps & Bounds

Registration for our free sessions of summer Leaps & Bounds began last week.  Please refer to the email from Kitty Temming.  Registration is first-come, first-served.  With two classes running simultaneously for the three sessions, we have 90 spots available, and half of them are already filled.

COVID Comments

Please continue to take care of yourselves and your family.  We haven’t seen an increase in COVID numbers yet this spring, but we’re not entirely out of the woods yet.  COVID guidance continues to emphasize the following strategies:

• • Recommending vaccination, including boosters, for all eligible
  • Optional masking, particularly indoors and/or in crowded settings and when the vaccination status of others is unknown
  • Ventilation
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
  • Staying home when sick and getting tested
    • Physical distancing and masking are important here too as they are, or perhaps should be, for any other airborne illness
  • Close contacts taking precautions, including some physical distancing and masking, to not only protect themselves but also so they do not become asymptomatic spreaders

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Civic Oration Topic:  Inspirational Persons

As I mentioned to the 4th-8th graders gathered to watch the final round of our civic oration competition, all of the 5th-8th graders inspire me just by being able to give public speeches at their ages.  I know I couldn’t do it.  When I was in 2nd grade, we did a “big” show:  The Circus.  I had an important role as the ringmaster.  (Imagine that!)  By the time I was in 6th grade at my K-6 school, however, I had lost my confidence and tried to avoid public speaking.  Our big play was Robin Hood.  I didn’t even bother trying out for the large roles of Robin Hood, Little John, or Friar Tuck.  I played a guard.  I had no speaking lines!  EVERY student in 5th-8th grade at JFK inspires me because every one of them gives their civic oration speeches.

Some students do win our competition as well.  Results are below for first, second, and third places:

5th/6th grade division:  Caitlyn C., Natalie S., and Ava W.

7th/8th grade division:  Marissa B., Julia M., and Adam W.

Our judges have a tough job, and we’d like to thank them:  Andy Burman, Monica Flathman, Fr. Jake Greiner, Aaron Gunnare, Kaye Meyers, and Kitty Temming.

Chad

Formal Registration for K-8 Begins this Week

Tuition contracts for K-8 will be mailed to families this week.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before April, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.

Please contact the school office right away, if you missed Kindergarten Round-up and kindergarten pre-registration.  We don’t want to miss sending you a tuition contract for next year!

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  Morning classes fill up quickly, in particular, so do not delay PS registration.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Position Change and Opening for Next School Year

We are pleased to announce that Ethan Connors will assume the position of Assistant Principal/Director of Special Programs in the 2022-23 school year.  Ethan has taught band at JFK since 2013 and has served on the Building Leadership Team/Professional Development Team for the last several years.  He also completed his administrative internship at JFK several years ago.  As a member of our Gospel Values/School Climate committee, he has statistically analyzed parents’ and teachers’ survey data and examined open-ended question responses to provide meaning to the raw numbers.  He has become immersed in the minutia of schools, like scheduling and providing coverage when short-staffed, and he can also see the broader picture of Catholic school education.  Ethan Connors is an asset to the school and will be in his new position as well.

Band Position:  Our middle school band position is open for next school year.  An Iowa teaching license with a K-8 or 5-12 music endorsement, or the ability to obtain one of the endorsements within a year or two, is required.  Interested parties should contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Upcoming Events

• Mar 21:  Classes resume
• Mar 22:  Penny War for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation begins
• Mar 24:  Final round of civic oration
• Mar 25:  Dress in your favorite color day
• Mar 26:  Confirmation retreat (8-11 with sponsors or a parent)
• April 1:  Two hour early dismissal (12:45).  End of 3rd quarter.  No afternoon PS
• April 15:  Good Friday.  No classes.  ECLC closed
• April 17:  Easter Sunday
• April 18:  Easter Monday.  No classes.  ECLC closed

COVID Comments

The vast majority of our remaining COVID mitigation strategies will be removed by the time we come back from spring break.  More noticeable changes are mentioned below:

• Masses are back to “normal” including the requirement that Catholics attend Mass on the weekend.
• One all school Mass on Wednesdays at 7:40 a.m. will be restored.  Arriving at school on time will be even more critical on Wednesdays as students who arrive late may find that their class has already left for the church.  Singing will return to Masses, but students as song leaders will take a while longer.  (They haven’t sung at school Masses for over almost two years!)
• Any seating arrangement without regard to the physical distancing that had been used for COVID mitigation will be allowed in school.  (Tables for preschoolers will not likely return until we can figure out where to store the 60 desks that would have to come out of classrooms.)
• Rugs in preschool, ECLC, and kindergarten, in particular, will return, and students can be gathered together on them for instruction and story time.
• Singing will more regularly be a part of music classes.  A more regular spring show and 7/8 grade spring showcase will return.
• Clear partitions have been removed in the cafeteria, art  room, library, and resource rooms.
• Zig-zag seating with an open seat between students in the cafeteria is no longer required in grades 1-8.
• The exclusion of students from school due to illnesses returns to the normal procedures outlined in our regular handbook.  (Kids still should not be at school when they are sick and not feeling well.)  There will be no more discussion of COVID “high risk” or two or more “low risk” symptoms.  COVID-19 itself has been entered on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) longer list of illnesses for which exclusion is required, and the 5 with or 10 day without mask exclusions still apply.
• Notification letters regarding a positive case of COVID in a homeroom will end.  There are very few illnesses on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s list that require notification.  COVID is not one of them.
• Large assemblies will return, as opportunities arise.  The Scott County Catholic Schools’ Mass at AHS for grades 2-12 is scheduled for April.
• Field trips are returning.
• Water fountains will be turned back on once our supply of bottled water is at a more reasonable level for storage.  We still have about 140 cases (a pallet and a half) and are distributing about three cases worth of bottles each day.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and your family.  It is possible that we will see another slight increase in COVID numbers after spring break like we did last year.  COVID guidance that we have been receiving lately seems to emphasize the following strategies:

• • Recommending vaccination, including boosters, for all eligible
  • Optional masking, particularly indoors and/or in crowded settings and when the vaccination status of others is unknown
  • Ventilation
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
  • Staying home when sick and getting tested
    • Physical distancing and masking are important here too as they are, or perhaps should be, for any other airborne illness
  • Close contacts taking precautions, including some physical distancing and masking, to not only protect themselves but also so they do not become asymptomatic spreaders

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Changes in Weather – How Many Jackets?

When there are changes in the weather around here, people always say that it’s Iowa, and one should just wait a few hours.  Iowa’s weather, however, is nothing compared to the weather along Lake Michigan in the Milwaukee area where I grew up.  As storms would move across the country from west to east, they would also swirl clockwise, and we’d have lake effect snow with moisture being picked up from the lake even though we were on the west side of the lake.  We’d also face 20 degree or more changes in temperatures within minutes when the wind shifted and would come from the east across the lake.  What we needed in the morning as we walked to school was often not what was needed at recess time or after school.   We learned to dress in layers and always have jackets available, even tying them around our waists, if need be.   In our family, we rarely talked about the weather in terms of the temperature.  We talked about it in terms of the jackets or sleeves.  What’s the weather supposed to be today?

• Short sleeves
• Long sleeves
• Light jacket
• Two jackets with your light sweatshirt jacket
• Two jackets with your insulated sweatshirt jacket
• Winter jacket

At Marquette University in Milwaukee and the University of Chicago, where I earned my BA and first MA, you could always tell those who grew up along Lake Michigan from those who didn’t.  When the wind shifted, those who grew up along the lake would just pull out another jacket.  Those who didn’t grow up in the area would run indoors because they were so cold.  Amateurs!

Chad

Kitty Temming:  60 Years with Catholic Schools

Not having attended kindergarten, because that would have meant going to a public school for a year in her Indiana hometown, Kitty Temming began her journey with Catholic schools in first grade.  For sixty years now, she has been intimately involved in Catholic schools as a student, teacher, administrator, parent, and even grandparent.  At the end of this school year, she will be retiring.

I first learned of Kitty’s contribution to Catholic school education in our area when she was the principal at Lourdes in Bettendorf in the early 1990s, and I was teaching at Assumption.  Some of our beginning-of-the-year in-services used to be held in Lourdes gym.  Everything, of course, was meticulously well-organized by Kitty’s team and led to a great kick-off for the school year.

In 1997, Kitty began teaching at JFK, after having stepped down from Lourdes to focus more on her daughters for a few years.  In the 2000-01 school year, Kitty served as both teacher and interim principal of JFK when the principal of the time experienced several health challenges.  When I arrived in 2001, I was a bit intimidated by her.  I was a “rookie” principal, and she was an experienced principal and had experience at JFK too.  What would she think of me?  Would she be scrutinizing everything I did?  I soon realized that I had nothing to fear, or she was at least polite enough to not let me know how poorly I was probably really doing!  Kitty became a trusted “teacher voice” for me.  She didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear, but she, thankfully, told me what I needed to hear in a way that wasn’t demoralizing but rather motivating and led to a better school.

In July 2014, JFK added the position of assistant principal/director of special programs, and I approached Kitty because you should always surround yourself with people better than you.  Her knowledge of Catholic school education as both a teacher and administrator and her institutional knowledge of OLV and JFK were invaluable.  For the past eight years, Kitty has been a force to manage the increasingly complex world of education.  From preschool to Title services for students and from standardized testing to instructional services provided by aides, everything in education seems to be getting more and more complex.  Kitty has tackled it all to help things continue to run smoothly.  When the State of Iowa split 3 year old preschool, ECLC, and aftercare from under the direction of the Department of Education and moved it to the Department of Human Services, Kitty was there to make sure our accreditation and licensure processes ran smoothly.  Every year we hear from a DHS childcare licensing consultant and from the Department of Public Health how well-organized our records and processes are and what an exemplar JFK is due to Kitty’s diligence.

Working with Kitty over the years has made so many of us better educators.  She has always been someone with whom one can confide and trust to look out for the best interests of students and staff.   Mentor to so many over the years in Catholic school education and for the last 25 years at JFK, in particular, we are so grateful to Kitty for her service.  We wish her well in retirement.

Civic Oration Speeches Rounds 1 and 2 Concluded Last Week

The culminating academic activity of the year, civic oration speeches, began last week.  Students in grades 5-8 took their their research papers and presented them in memorized speeches.  This year, students also made their presentations while using a slide deck.  (Who does public speaking these days without slides?!)  While not every student advances to subsequent rounds in the competition phase of civic oration, every student does participate in this talented and gifted activity.

There are two divisions in the competition aspect of civic oration:  5/6 and 7/8.

Students who advanced from the first round of competition in the 5/6 division were the following:

5th grade:  Anthony C., Caitlyn C., Kaitlyn E., Cooper P., Evelyn S., and McKenna T.

6th grade:  Hailey E., Noah F., Leia P., Natalie S., AvaMae W., and Haley W.

7th grade:  Maggie A., Marissa B., Cayden F., Payten P., Julia M., and Ava S.

8th grade:  Ben A., Bryce E., Olivia F., Brooklyn M., Aubrey R., and Adam W.

Advancing to the final round of competition:

5th/6th:  Caitlyn, Cooper, Evelyn, Natalie, McKenna, and AvaMae

7th/8th:  Maggie, Marissa, Cayden, Julia, Aubrey, and Adam

Formal Registration for K-8 Begins the Week of March 21

Tuition contracts for K-8 will be mailed to families the week of March 21st.  The return of the tuition contract and the registration fee, discounted for OLV parishioners and returning families from $150 to $100 per student when returned before April, is the formal enrollment process for 2022-23.

Please contact the school office right away, if you missed Kindergarten Round-up and kindergarten pre-registration.  We don’t want to miss sending you a tuition contract for next year!

Pre-school and Daycare Registration

Registration for all sections of 3 year old preschool, 4/5 year old preschool, and ECLC is underway for all families.  Morning classes fill up quickly, in particular, so do not delay PS registration.

See the  K, pre-school, daycare roundup flyer, 2022

Upcoming Events

• Mar 14-18:  Spring Break.  No classes.  ECLC is open.
• Mar 15:  Keith Nester — Lenten speaker:  What is Great about Being Catholic (6:30 p.m. in the church)
• Mar 21:  Classes resume
• Mar 22:  Penny War for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation begins
• Mar 24:  Final round of civic oration
• Mar 25:  Dress in your favorite color day
• Mar 26:  Confirmation retreat (8-11 with sponsors or a parent)

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic:

COVID Data, March 11, 2022

• There were, again, no students or staff testing positive for COVID last week.

The vast majority of our remaining COVID mitigation strategies will be removed by the time we come back from spring break.  More noticeable changes are mentioned below:

• Masses are back to “normal” including the requirement that Catholics attend Mass on the weekend.
• One all school Mass on Wednesdays at 7:40 a.m. will be restored.  Arriving at school on time will be even more critical on Wednesdays as students who arrive late may find that their class has already left for the church.  Singing will return to Masses, but students as song leaders will take a while longer.  (They haven’t sung at school Masses for over almost two years!)
• Any seating arrangement without regard to the physical distancing that had been used for COVID mitigation will be allowed in school.  (Tables for preschoolers will not likely return until we can figure out where to store the 60 desks that would have to come out of classrooms.)
• Rugs in preschool, ECLC, and kindergarten, in particular, will return, and students can be gathered together on them for instruction and story time.
• Singing will more regularly be a part of music classes.  A more regular spring show and 7/8 grade spring showcase will return.
• Clear partitions have been removed in the cafeteria, art  room, library, and resource rooms.
• Zig-zag seating with an open seat between students in the cafeteria is no longer required in grades 1-8.
• The exclusion of students from school due to illnesses returns to the normal procedures outlined in our regular handbook.  (Kids still should not be at school when they are sick and not feeling well.)  There will be no more discussion of COVID “high risk” or two or more “low risk” symptoms.  COVID-19 itself has been entered on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) longer list of illnesses for which exclusion is required, and the 5 with or 10 day without mask exclusions still apply.
• Notification letters regarding a positive case of COVID in a homeroom will end.  There are very few illnesses on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s list that require notification.  COVID is not one of them.
• Large assemblies will return, as opportunities arise.  The Scott County Catholic Schools’ Mass at AHS for grades 2-12 is scheduled for April.
• Field trips are returning.
• Water fountains will be turned back on once our supply of bottled water is at a more reasonable level for storage.  We still have about 140 cases (a pallet and a half) and are distributing about three cases worth of bottles each day.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and your family.  COVID guidance that we have been receiving lately seems to emphasize the following strategies:

• • Recommending vaccination, including boosters, for all eligible
  • Optional masking, particularly indoors and/or in crowded settings and when the vaccination status of others is unknown
  • Ventilation
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
  • Staying home when sick and getting tested
    • Physical distancing and masking are important here too as they are, or perhaps should be, for any other airborne illness
  • Close contacts taking precautions, including some physical distancing and masking, to not only protect themselves but also so they do not become asymptomatic spreaders

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

• 4:30-5:30pm Mass
• 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
• 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

• March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
• April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
• April 24: What does God want me to do?

Chad