Category: Principal’s Post

I hope you and your family are staying well.  Things are changing so fast that as you try to plan for one thing, it’s changed again.  At Our Lady of Victory and JFK,  we’ve been doing the same:  planning for the immediate changes while also keeping in the back of our minds what some of the next issues might be.  As a school, we are currently closed through April 12th and reopening on April 13th.  That may change.

Last weekend, our conversation was focused on cleaning/disinfecting, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.  (And, that was before the run on toiler paper began!)  What was our stock?  What is our daily usage?  What is happening along our supply chain?  One question at that time was if schools were still open, how long could JFK itself stay open if these supplies begin to run out?  That question changed dramatically on Sunday when Governor Reynolds recommended schools close until at least April 13th.  Since then, it’s been 24/7, what do we do during this interim closure while also keeping in the back of our minds that a closure could be longer.  While we don’t have answers to every question and scenario yet, the following are some of the things that we’ve been working on.  Some of the below is repeated from email messages sent earlier this week.

Changes to the School Calendar

While the governor and legislators are allowing schools to not make up lost instructional time, we recognize that the value of classroom education trumps all other means of instructional delivery.  Our current plan is to, therefore, make up six days.  We will return to classes on Monday, April 13^th, which had previously been a day off for Easter Monday, AND we will extend our school year by one week to June 12^th.  The Davenport Community School District is also planning on returning to classes on April 13^th so there will be bus transportation.  Unless the DCSD also extends the school year, however, there is no bus transportation for JFK students on June 8 – 12.  While we understand the challenges that many families will face without a week of busing, we believe that the value of classroom instruction at JFK provides a greater good during these times.

To give us greater flexibility with the use of time when we do return to classes this spring, the federal government has waived federal testing requirements, and we will will pick up instructional time that way.

I don’t know if we can go much longer into the summer.  There is some discussion in education circles to ask the governor and legislators to allow an earlier start date than August 23rd.  The state fair has been sacred in Iowa, but these are extraordinary times.  We used to start classes several days before August 23rd, and a few days earlier is probably about as far as we can go.  Air conditioning in the entire building would give us much more flexibility!

You may also be noticing that the parish and school calendars are “shrinking” as events are cancelled and removed from the calendar or marked as cancelled.

Educational Activities and Engagement During the Next Three Weeks

Some of the next big questions were how do we keep connecting with students and families over the next three weeks and how do we continue to provide guided educational activities that can be done by students.  Every “educational” business is pushing their products at this time.  (My email in-box is overflowing with offers at this time!)  Many of them have great benefits for students, and many of them can still be used at any time of the year as supplements to schools.  But how do we guide students and families through the smorgasbord and provide some focus to what JFK students need?

Beginning on Monday (technically after spring break), teachers will be identifying and sharing with families educational activities that can be done at home by students of each grade level and within each subject area.  We will have a template that will list goals and the options for religion, English/language arts (which includes reading), math, science, and social studies.  Art, music/band, and physical education will have activities by grade strand: K-2, 3-5, 6-8.  These activities will include online components and links to educational resources, project-based learning or hands-on activities, and other activities intended to keep students learning.  The template will also be organized with suggestions for five days during each week of our closure.

These activities will assembled in a .pdf format and emailed to families and posted on teachers’ pages of our website, www.olvjfk.com.  (Click on “contact us” and scroll down the pages.)  Please do not expect this information until at least late Monday or even Tuesday.  Although many teachers have begun to do this work during the spring break, it does take time to prepare.

These activities are not required to be done by students, and students do not need to do every option listed, but we believe the activities will allow students to continue to be engaged in learning during the upcoming school closure.  As the template is being prepared, I have viewed it on both my laptop and cell phone, and it seems to look good on both.  In fact, the .pdf file was looking better on my cell phone!  If, after receiving the information, you believe that your child absolutely needs a hard copy and you cannot print it yourself, please contact the school office so arrangements can be made for pick up.  Otherwise, we are attempting to avoid additional person-to-person contact and many different people coming to the school.  (We are also keeping in the back of our mind that we may be facing a “shelter in place” order like some states, including IL.)  The best way to contact someone in the office is via email:  angie.hillebrand@olvjfkmail.com and emily.sanderson@olvjfkmail.com.

Without question, any form of remote learning greatly benefits from digital tools, and equitable access becomes an issue.  Even as I’m preparing this Principal’s Post, I’ve experienced my own “spotty” internet connection at times and have cried out in frustration, “Now is not the time!”  I have to remind myself that if I’m having these issues, so are teachers, students, and families.  We will have some options that do not require online access more than looking at the .pdf file.

We are currently (as in over the weekend) trying to configure our Chromebooks so they can be used outside the school, if you believe it is absolutely necessary to use a school device.  The diocese requires that internet access be filtered for inappropriate content when using school machines  regardless of whether the machines are used inside our building or outside the school building.  Our filtering is currently done only through the school’s network, and we’re seeing what we can do to change that at an affordable cost.  We’ll have to inform you later if we’ve developed a solution.

We have also been looking at how we can continue to connect with students and families during our closure.  We have the option to give email access to students in the 3rd through 8th grades.  We will turn on email for student use, and more information on how students can access it will be available from teachers next week.  While we can access students’ accounts, we do not have real time monitoring software in place.  If you do not want the account turned on for your students’ use, please let us know.  Whether or not we continue to have them turned on once regular classes resume has yet to be determined.

We have also been determining what other platform we can use (and train staff on!) for remote meetings, including being able to have optional remote meetings with students.  We have settled on Zoom and will be rolling that out to staff on Monday, and they will be sharing details on how that can be accessed by students.  Please remember that staff members are learning as fast as they can too, and there will be hiccups along the way.  I was experimenting with my wife in one room and me in another room the other day.  We could not get the audio to work through the computers and our connection.  It was only after about 30 minutes of frustration that we realized that the sound was turned off on one of our computers!  Staff may also be able to record meetings or just themselves with a message and post them, but doing these types of things at a business/school level is different than taking a video on a personal cell phone and posting it to a personal Snapchat.  To do it easily at a business/school level often costs money and requires more time to set up than less than the week we’ve had.

Deserving of Special Recognition:  Dianne Siefers

We could not do any of this work at school, and some of the things at the parish level as well, without our amazing technology coordinator, Dianne Siefers.  She exemplifies all that is embodied in our slogan, “There is a difference in education.”  She is more than deserving of her own heading in the Principal’s Post!

Tuition Payments this Year and Registration for Next Year

We understand everyone’s financial concerns during a time of so much turmoil.  We have our own as a church and school.  We also have about 70 full-time and part-time employees about whom we are concerned.  Parish and school leadership members are continually assessing our situations.

Fr. Jake is working on more communication regarding this year’s tuition payments.  Flexibility in payments will be a key component.

Tuition Contracts for Next Year:  We still want to continue the registration process for next school year.  Returned tuition contracts helps us plan for next year as well.  Please return your tuition contract as soon as you can, even without paying the registration fee now.  That can be paid later, if necessary.  At the present time, we are extending the discounted registration fee (discounted to $100) until June 1st.

ECLC and Child Care

There are many behind-the-scenes discussions going on regarding child care, particularly focused on child care for those children whose parents are in “critical roles” that were identified by the State of Iowa and contained in an email to you earlier this week.  I provided information to the State again this morning, and things may change in this area as well as we go farther.

JFK’s ECLC is currently closed for three weeks.  By making up one week of school in June, there is a difference of two weeks.  We will not be charging for two weeks, and we will be refunding the amount for those who have already paid or are doing monthly ACH payments.

We also closed ECLC four days this past week.  We will only charge $40 for the week, regardless of parishioner or non-parishioner status.  Again, we will refund the difference for those who have already paid or are doing monthly ACH payments.

School Meals

Recognizing the need that some families have for meals, ANY child between the ages of 1-18 years old may receive a lunch and breakfast at no cost at one of the following locations beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  It is not a requirement that the child currently be receiving a free/reduced price lunch; it is available to any child.

• DLC/Keystone, located at 1002 W Kimberly Road
• Davenport Sudlow, located at 1414 East Locust Street
• Davenport Williams, located at 3040 North Division
• Davenport Frank L. Smart, located at 1934 West 5th Street
• Davenport Wood, located at 5701 North Division, Davenport

The child must be present to receive the free meal. A sack lunch and breakfast for the following morning will be handed out on Monday through Friday.

Cultivating Our Future Capital Campaign

While we, of course, are still accepting donations and pledges to the Cultivating Our Future capital campaign, and it is going remarkably well, it is on the “backburner.”  In other words, it is not receiving the public attention that one would normally expect of a capital campaign.  There are more important immediate concerns.  Any HVAC project we’d like to do this summer may be delayed.

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/1032800016A-032220.pdf

Once again, please remember that this information is relevant for where we are at right now.  As things change, I will continue to share as best as I can.

Stay well!  Our Lady of Victory,…pray for us.

Chad

Cultivating Our Future:  Pledge Weekend March 14/15

Pledge weekend for the Cultivating Our Future capital campaign is March 14/15.  A few moments from Mass will be taken to “give thanks to God for the commitments made to this campaign.  You can bring your pledge card to any of the Masses that weekend, mail them to the parish office or put them in the offertory.”

This $1.6 million dollar two-year campaign has three goals:

1. Provide for Our Children a physical environment conducive to student learning, with upgrades to the heating and cooling systems at our school.
2. Sustain Our Mission through ongoing facility upgrades to provide more hospitable and efficient spaces for our current parishioners and future families.
3. Build Our Community by expanding and supporting our ministries and missions in the Quad-Cities.

Brochures mailed to each household and available by clicking HERE  and pamphlets in the parish bulletin and sent home in backpack mail provide the details of each area.  The most critical and first area to be addressed is the heating and cooling systems at JFK, and we hope to have a new HVAC system in place for the older parts of the building by fall.

If you have questions about our projects or the campaign after receiving the information, please contact Fr. Jake,  any member of the Finance or Parish Councils, or me.  Pledges as of March 6th were already $250,000!

Thank you in advance for your financial support and prayers as we move together in Cultivating Our Future.

Plant Sale

JFK is partnering again with Janet’s Jungle to offer a way to beautify your yard all while supporting our JFK school.
We offer a beautiful selection of annuals, perennials, and vegetables, including several baskets and planters, at very reasonable prices! This is perfect timing for buying early for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and for getting all your flowers and vegetables for your garden, patio, or yard.  The sale runs through April 6th. Pickup will be April 30th and May 1st from 2pm-7pm in the Parish Center. Purchases can be made online by clicking PLANT SALE, using the link/url, or http://www.janetsjungle.com/davenport-jfkcatholicschool.html or via the order form that went home with students.  Extra forms are available in the school office.

COVID-19

With concerns about COVID-19 in the U.S. rising, we are working with the state and county health departments and diocese to review our plans.  Situations can change fairly rapidly as well so make sure you stay attuned to new information.  Between the time the diocese disseminated a bulletin insert for this past weekend outlining things that might change at Masses and the time of the actual weekend Masses, we were directed to actually implement some of the possible changes.

Prevention measures for COVID-19 are the same as for other influenza circulating currently:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an appropriate hand sanitizer, preferably one with a 60%-95% alcohol concentration.  (At school, we are working to increase the availability and use of hand sanitizer.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, and utensils.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.  (At school, we are examining if there are ways to increase our regular cleaning and disinfecting in both common and classroom areas.)
• Stay home when ill.  The following is from our handbook:  “Parents should keep their children at home if they are ill.  Students should be fever free for 24 hours and fully recovered from any illness before returning to school.  A fever is defined as a temperature at 100 degrees or above when not using medication to lower the temperature.  A student will be excluded from school when the student’s condition has been determined to be contagious to others or if the student is too ill to do his/her work.  These conditions would include fever, diarrhea, pink eye, rashes, vomiting, and non-allergy causing runny nose or coughing spasms prohibiting the child from being able to do his/her work, etc.”
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

It is important to prepare for the potential of COVID-19 as you would for severe weather or other events that could disrupt your normal routine.  What would you do if:

• you could not go to work due to your illness or if your workplace closed?
• your child is ill or becomes ill during the day?
• your daycare provider is ill or has to close?
• school is closed? Closed for a week or longer?
• you need to get groceries but are ill?

Changes to Mass have already begun, and these will continue with all school Masses.  The most noticeable change at school Masses is that the sign of peace will be omitted.

Routine use of prevention measures and preparing for some of the above possibilities will increase our readiness for any disease situation.

Tuition Contracts Mailed This Week

Tuition contracts for the 2020-21 school year will be mailed this week.  The sooner they, and the discounted registration fee, are returned, the better our planning for next school year will be.

Highlighted Upcoming Events

Mar 12:  Home & School Mtg

Mar 13:  Green/White Dress Day

Mar 14/15:  Cultivating Our Future Pledge Weekend

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

Mar 23:  Classes Resume

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/March-8-2020.pdf

And Then That One Time in Band Camp…

For the past week, I’ve been battling a flare up of bursitis in my shoulder.  Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa sac near the joint.  I had a twinge about ten days ago and then painted all last Saturday.  I think the painting did me in.  It also brought back memories of the first time I dealt with shoulder bursitis — during “marching band season” when I was in high school.

In South Milwaukee, WI, where I grew up, marching band was HUGE.  Every weekend during the summer, we would perform in one or two parades throughout southeast WI and northern IL.  We marched during Port Washington’s Fish Days, Sheboygan’s Bratwurst Festival, and the South Shore Water Frolics.  If July 4th was on a weekend, it wasn’t uncommon for us to march in five parades in three days.  We were also the WI state champion marching band several years in a row.  While I suppose it seems kind of cheesy, (yes, I also was in a trumpet trio that did fanfares for each winning type of cheese at the WI Cheese Festival), it led to some great experiences, including being at a football bowl game and marching in at least two locally televised and one nationally televised parade.  I have many great memories from marching band, and it was a great way to spend the summers.  I’d tell you what happened during band camp, but we were too busy to ever have camp!

Chad

Cultivating Our Future Capital Campaign Launched

This weekend Our Lady of Victory launched a capital campaign:  Cultivating Our Future.  This $1.6 million dollar two-year campaign has three goals:

1. Provide for Our Children a physical environment conducive to student learning, with upgrades to the heating and cooling systems at our school.
2. Sustain Our Mission through ongoing facility upgrades to provide more hospitable and efficient spaces for our current parishioners and future families.
3. Build Our Community by expanding and supporting our ministries and missions in the Quad-Cities.

Brochures mailed to each household and available by clicking HERE  and pamphlets in the parish bulletin and sent home in backpack mail provide the details of each area.  The most critical and first area to be addressed is the heating and cooling systems at JFK, and we hope to have a new HVAC system in place for the older parts of the building by fall.

If you have questions about our projects or the campaign after receiving the information, please contact Fr. Jake,  any member of the Finance or Parish Councils, or me.  We will also be hosting a special information session next Sunday, March 9th, in the parish center at 2:00 p.m.

Pledge cards will be mailed later this week, and parish members will be calling over the next few weeks to ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  Fr. Jake’s bulletin article explains that “on the weekend of March 14-15, we will have a special Pledge Sunday where we will take a few moments at each Mass to give thanks to God for the commitments made to this campaign. You can bring your pledge card to any of the Masses that weekend, mail them to the parish office or put them in the offertory.”

Thank you in advance for your financial support and prayers as we move together in Cultivating Our Future.

Plant Sale

JFK is partnering again with Janet’s Jungle to offer a way to beautify your yard all while supporting our JFK school.
We offer a beautiful selection of annuals, perennials, and vegetables, including several baskets and planters, at very reasonable prices! This is perfect timing for buying early for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and for getting all your flowers and vegetables for your garden, patio, or yard.  The sale runs through April 6th. Pickup will be April 30th and May 1st from 2pm-7pm in the Parish Center. Purchases can be made online by clicking PLANT SALE, using the link/url, or http://www.janetsjungle.com/davenport-jfkcatholicschool.html or via the order form that went home with students.  Extra forms are available in the school office.

COVID-19

With concerns about COVID-19 in the U.S. rising, we are working with the state and county health departments and diocese to review our plans.  Prevention measures for COVID-19 are the same as for other influenza circulating currently:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an appropriate hand sanitizer, preferably one with a 60%-95% alcohol concentration.  (At school, we are working to increase the availability and use of hand sanitizer.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, and utensils.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.  (At school, we are examining if there are ways to increase our regular cleaning and disinfecting in both common and classroom areas.)
• Stay home when ill.  The following is from our handbook:  “Parents should keep their children at home if they are ill.  Students should be fever free for 24 hours and fully recovered from any illness before returning to school.  A fever is defined as a temperature at 100 degrees or above when not using medication to lower the temperature.  A student will be excluded from school when the student’s condition has been determined to be contagious to others or if the student is too ill to do his/her work.  These conditions would include fever, diarrhea, pink eye, rashes, vomiting, and non-allergy causing runny nose or coughing spasms prohibiting the child from being able to do his/her work, etc.”
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

It is important to prepare for the potential of COVID-19 as you would for severe weather or other events that could disrupt your normal routine.  What would you do if:

• you could not go to work due to your illness or if your workplace closed?
• your child is ill or becomes ill during the day?
• your daycare provider is ill or has to close?
• school is closed? Closed for a week or longer?
• you need to get groceries but are ill?

Routine use of prevention measures and preparing for some of the above possibilities will increase our readiness for any disease situation.

Kindergarten Round-up Has Occurred. Tuition Contracts Being Prepared

If you missed kindergarten round-up, please contact the school office, (563) 391-3030.  Tuition contracts for the 2020-21 school year are being prepared for all students.  We hope to mail them next week.

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

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

Highlighted Upcoming Events

Mar 12:  Home & School Mtg

Mar 13:  Green/White Dress Day

Mar 14/15:  Cultivating Our Future Pledge Weekend

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

Mar 23:  Classes Resume

OLV parish bulletin:  Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/March-1-2020.pdf

Campus Improvements

Cultivating Our Future is the second capital campaign I’ve been through at JFK.  I’ve always been impressed with the way the OLV and JFK community has tackled large scale projects.  In many locations, there’s a lot of worrying and fretting, but nothing gets done because it’s too hard or it will cost too much.  At OLV, people do their research to determine what the wants and needs are.  They then do their due diligence in looking at the options and costs.  Finally, they decide and take action.  In 2008, we launched a $2.4 million dollar campaign and ended up with a $3.4 building project that was dedicated in 2011.  Since 2011, we’ve done well over $500,000 in campus improvements including heating and cooling work in the church, school, and rectory, new roofs on three buildings, safety improvements at the school and church, stained glass window repairs in the church, parish center kitchen renovations, and more.  Now, we are preparing for another $1.6 million in campus improvements and ministry enhancements.  OLV and JFK are, again, leading the way.  Please pray for our continued success.

Chad

Wave Two of Flu

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

Kindergarten Round-up Has Occurred

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

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

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

Policy Committee

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

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

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

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

Purpose of the fund-raising

Specific person in charge of the fund-raising

Duration of the fund-raising

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

Plan for disbursement of the funds

How Much Fund-Raising Do We Do?

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

Highlighted Upcoming Events

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

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

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

Feb 28:  JFK Reconciliation

Mar 12:  Home & School Mtg

Mar 13:  Green/White Dress Day

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

Mar 23:  Classes Resume

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

How Fast the Time Goes

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

Chad

Kindergarten Round-up Has Occurred

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

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

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

Policy Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

511 New Books at Book Fair

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

Highlighted Upcoming Events

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

Feb 21-23:  Men’s CEW

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

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

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

Feb 28:  JFK Reconciliation

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

When You Can’t Decide, Just Paint It

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

Chad

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up Last Week

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

AHS Production of Freaky Friday

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

Screenagers Movie

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

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

Policy Committee

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

Highlighted Upcoming Events

Feb 10:  JFK Skate Night at the Eldridge Skate Park

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

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

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

Feb 21-23:  Men’s CEW

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

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

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

Feb 28:  JFK Reconciliation

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

JFK Moms & Dads

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

Sleep Pattern Must Be Messed Up

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

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

Chad

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up This Week

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

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

Virtus Updates

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

8th Grade Career Fair

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

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

School Cancellations

Messages regarding cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals are shared with JFK families via phone, text, and email.  If you did not receive a text message two weeks ago, it is most likely because you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK.   (This primarily applies to families new to JFK in 2019 and/or new preschool families.)  To receive JFK text messages, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  You will not receive text messages from JFK if you do not take action yourself.  There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

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

YOLO — You Only Live Once

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

Chad

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up

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

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

Virtus Updates

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

Catholic Schools Week

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

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

Monday, Jan 27:

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

Tuesday, Jan 28:

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

Wednesday, Jan 29:

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

Thursday, Jan 30:

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

Friday, Jan 31:

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

Trivia Night

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

8th Grade Career Fair

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

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

School Cancellations

Messages regarding cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals are shared with JFK families via phone, text, and email.  If you did not receive a text message two weeks ago, it is most likely because you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK.   (This primarily applies to families new to JFK in 2019 and/or new preschool families.)  To receive JFK text messages, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  You will not receive text messages from JFK if you do not take action yourself.  There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

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

Math Rules/Procedures vs. Understanding Math

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

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

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

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

Talent Show Regrets

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

Chad

Virtus Updates

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

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

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

Catholic Schools Week

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

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

Monday, Jan 27:

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

Tuesday, Jan 28:

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

Wednesday, Jan 29:

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

Thursday, Jan 30:

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

Friday, Jan 31:

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

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up

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

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

Trivia Night

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

8th Grade Career Fair

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

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

School Cancellations

Thanks for hanging in there regarding last week’s school cancellation.  It was a fluid situation all morning that began around 5:30 a.m. with the message that we principals should stay tuned as a delay or cancellation was being considered.  Messages regarding cancellations, late starts, or early dismissals are shared with JFK families via phone, text, and email.  If you did not receive a text message last Wednesday, it is most likely because you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK.   (This primarily applies to families new to JFK in 2019 and/or new preschool families.)  To receive JFK text messages, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.  You will not receive text messages from JFK if you do not take action yourself.  There is no action required to receive email or phone messages.

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

I See

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

Chad

Special Dismissal This Week

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

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

Catholic Schools Week Preview

Below is a summary of events for Catholic Schools Week.

Saturday, Jan 25:

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

Monday, Jan 27:

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

Tuesday, Jan 28:

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

Wednesday, Jan 29:

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

Thursday, Jan 30:

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

Friday, Jan 31:

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

Kindergarten Informational Session and Round-up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trivia Night

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

Photos on Facebook

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

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

Baby Wolf Is Here

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

8th Grade Career Fair

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

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

Civic Oration Finals

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

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

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

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

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

Best Month?

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

Chad