The Fall Fest and Pumpkin Run is Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Run is at 5:30 in the back of the school. The new “Slurp-A-Worm” contest is at 6:30. Be the first to get all of the gummy worms out of the whipped cream using only your mouth. Prizes awarded for both events according to grade level.
Food is for sale by Nombos Food Truck. They specialize in mac and cheese varieties, hot dogs, and walking tacos. After dinner (it’s a “rule!”), have a snow cone from the Kona Snow Cone Truck or decorate a caramel apple or cookie.
Volunteers are still needed. Please direct questions regarding volunteering or other topics to jfk.homeandschool@outlook.com
Cracks/joints in the parking lot are being re-sealed on Friday , but the lot should be open again for evening activities.
Trunk or Treat Saturday
Come back Saturday for Trunk or Treat at 5:30 in the south part of our parking lot.
Oct 24 and 25
Oct 24: End of the quarter. Special dismissal at 12:40. (I think the paper lunch menu said no school. A corrected menu is online.) No PM preschool classes.
Oct 25: No classes. ECLC open. (Parking is on the street until the parking lot cracks are re-sealed.) Fall Fest, 5:00.
Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Prevention Month. Not only did preschoolers through fifth graders have a presentation from the fire department and get an up close look at a fire truck, but we had two fire drills to practice new attendance taking methods.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/October-20-2019.pdf
Butter Braid Bread Sale
Butter Braid Bread sales have begun. The JFK Music Boosters/students are selling Butter Braid Bread. This hand-braided pastry is a delicious addition to any holiday meal. There are a variety of fillings, and each includes a frosting packet: Apple, Cherry, Blueberry with Cream Cheese, Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry
with Cream Cheese, Caramel Rolls with Caramel Glaze. These are sold individually for $14/package. Also returning this year is the Four Cheese & Herb Bread for
$15/package. The bread comes to you frozen. When you’re ready to use it, just let it rise 8 – 12 hours and bake about 20 minutes. The sale ends November 4th with delivery on November 22nd. If you have any questions or would like to order, please call or text: Melanie Rubemeyer at 563-505-1080.
Student Hunger Drive
JFK’s participation in the Student Hunger Drive begins on Oct 21st and concludes Nov 1st. Canned/boxed food items are appreciated.
Flu Shots
Students registered to have a flu shot will receive them on Tuesday. I have yet to receive mine. Did you get your shot yet?
Blue Out Dress Day
Thursday, October 24th is Blue Out Dress Day in support of anti-bullying at JFK. Students may be out of uniform, if they are wearing blue. JFK’s Out of Uniform Guidelines in the parent and student handbook still apply.
Programming Rhythm
I’m out of the rhythm. When I was a high school student or when I worked at Assumption, there was a definite rhythm to the week, particularly in the fall and winter. Like it or not, everything seemed to revolve around “game day,” especially when the games were on Friday nights. There was a feeling in the air that built from the beginning of the week and reached its pinnacle on game day. Fine arts programs rhythms too. Their rhythms were usually longer but culminated in the big play or the big concert held a couple of times per year.
When my own children were growing up, I felt the rhythm in a different way. With four children, it seemed that there were practices or games nearly every evening or day: soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, spirit cheerleading, competitive cheerleading, softball, baseball, “fall ball,” golf, etc. My kids played on school teams, and a few played on more competitive mixed teams. Add in the mock trial, speech and debate tournaments, youth ministry activities, etc., and it seemed like there was always some kids’ programming. We wanted our kids to be involved in something, and, many times, the events also aided some good family times. Competing at Six Flags allowed for us to have a weekend together staying in a hotel, eating out, going on rides, and swimming in a hotel pool. Tournaments in Dewitt allowed us to check out Dewitt Dairy (now Cups and Cones) for special ice cream treats. We also, however, recognized that sometimes it was just too much, and we were all just stressed. Six people in a small hotel room doesn’t give anyone his/her own space. Sometimes the “divide and conquer” to make things work meant that we were not together as a family anyway.
It’s now been a few years since my family was in the thick of kids’ programming, and I feel a little out of the rhythm. When the diocesan superintendent, Lee Morrison, asked if there was an elementary school principal willing to volunteer to discuss diocesan concerns about keeping Sunday for worship and family rest, I didn’t know whether to be involved or not. On the one hand, I always want to be involved in something that may come back to affect us. On the other hand, I’m not sure where I am on this issue myself and where younger families are. What are your thoughts?
Seventh graders from JFK and other middle school students from the Diocese of Davenport, the Midwest, and the nation will be gathering in Chicago for Holy Fire on Friday. This remarkable experience combines powerful music, witness talks, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Adoration for young people to create, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime faith experience. Please pray for our 7th graders on their faith journey.
First Reconciliation Parent/Child Meeting
Monday, October 14th: 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Prevention Month. Preschoolers through fifth graders will have a presentation from the fire department and get an up close look at a fire truck on Thursday.
Oct 24 and 25
Oct 24: End of the quarter. Special dismissal at 12:40. (I think the paper lunch menu said no school. A corrected menu is online.) No PM preschool classes.
Oct 25: No classes. ECLC open. Pumpkin Run and activities in evening.
Sign up now to help with the Fall Fest/Pumpkin Run on the 25th: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4baaab28a2fa7-fall
It’s Catholic League girls’ basketball tournament time! Pictured above is JFK’s 8th grade team.
Welcome Alyssa Millard
We are pleased to welcome Alyssa Millard to the JFK staff. Mrs. Millard is starting on October 14th as our evening custodian.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/1032800046C-101319.pdf
Butter Braid Bread Sale
Butter Braid Bread sales have begun. The JFK Music Boosters/students are selling Butter Braid Bread. This hand-braided pastry is a delicious addition to any holiday meal. There are a variety of fillings, and each includes a frosting packet: Apple, Cherry, Blueberry with Cream Cheese, Cinnamon, Raspberry, Strawberry
with Cream Cheese, Caramel Rolls with Caramel Glaze. These are sold individually for $14/package. Also returning this year is the Four Cheese & Herb Bread for
$15/package. The bread comes to you frozen. When you’re ready to use it, just let it rise 8 – 12 hours and bake about 20 minutes. The sale ends November 4th with delivery on November 22nd. If you have any questions or would like to order, please call or text: Melanie Rubemeyer at 563-505-1080.
Fees Reduced?
The Catholic elementary school principals and their boards are discussing how we can reduce those back to school fees paid in late July or August. Those fees can be from about $150 to more than $600 depending upon how many students a family has, the grade levels of the students, and the activities in which the students participate. At JFK, families may be paying a lunchroom duty fee, technology fee, technology insurance fee, before/after school childcare registration fee, sports activities fee, and band fee. While each of the schools has different fees and amounts, we believe we can eliminate or reduce most fees at each school by having a larger than normal tuition increase. Blending fees into tuition would allow families to take advantage of the 10 month or 12 month tuition payment plan and avoid the August tuition bill AND fee bill due at the same time.
10-15 Seconds of the Iowa Wave is Not Enough
Last September, I wrote about having to hurry so I’d have my lawn work done in time to see the “Iowa Wave” at the end of the first quarter of the Iowa Hawkeye football game. The “Iowa Wave” is when all the fans, players and coaches of both teams, referees, and everyone in the stadium turn to wave to those watching the game from the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. It is a touching spectacle that reminds us that football is just a game, and other things are more important. This fall, I have been very disappointed. While the broadcasters describe what the Iowa Wave is and mention that it’s the best new tradition in football, the television stations break away for their full commercial break at the end of the quarter. When the game comes back on, there’s only about 10 – 15 seconds of the Iowa Wave replayed. It’s not the same!
Students and staff at JFK experienced another warm start to the school year. Prior to Oct 1st, there were already 36 cooling days, making the start of the 2019-20 school year one of the warmest ever. The number of cooling days is actually on an upward trend since JFK was built in the 1960s. During the last three school years of the 1960’s, there were 46 cooling days. By the last three years of the 2010s, there were 71.
In the fall of 2016, a complete Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) plan for JFK was developed. The boiler replacement aspect of the plan was completed in the summer of 2017. The remaining parts of the plan would address the heating issues associated with the hot water pipes, which are anywhere from five to 35 years past their life expectancy, ventilate the building using mechanical means, and allow for air conditioning. The remaining parts of the HVAC plan are currently being reviewed and updated. It sure would be nice to have them done before next school year!
Marching Bands at Assumption Thursday
The 7th/8th grade Catholic elementary bands will be marching with the Assumption band at Thursday’s football game at Brady Street. Come out for an enjoyable evening!
School Pictures
October 8th: Retakes and make-ups
Oct 24 and 25
Oct 24: End of the quarter. Special dismissal at 12:40. (I think the paper lunch menu said no school. A corrected menu is online.) No PM preschool classes.
Oct 25: No classes. ECLC open. Pumpkin Run and activities in evening.
Locals Love Us – Do You?
Vote for JFK on LocalsLoveUs.com. Preschool, childcare, and K-8 Private school categories.
Thank You, Jeff Edens
Jeff Edens will be concluding his second term as evening custodian with us on Friday. We have been blessed with about a year and a half of his service this time around. Not only is Jeff a good employee who takes pride in his work, but he’s an even better person, and we’re glad to have had him in our lives at JFK.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/October-6-2019.pdf
Read about the OLV Foundation reaching its $1,000,000 goal! With a $1,000,000 endowment, the foundation is able to donate nearly $50,000 per year to OLV and JFK.
The Unwritten Rules
Last weekend, as one of my daughters was getting ready for bed, she spotted a big spider near the bed in a room that she was sharing with her sister. She came downstairs and told us about it. Others of us then went upstairs to try to find the spider but were unsuccessful. That event has set off a little back and forth about “unwritten rules:”
Large spiders near beds must be killed.
It’s OK if you don’t kill it yourself, but you cannot let it out of your sight, and you must call out to have someone else come kill it.
During and after this event, the following types of phrases seemed very common: “Everyone knows these rules. How do you not know the spider rules?” I fed the sisterly back and forth again on Friday when I took a picture of the hallway at school with all of the paper spiders made by students on the walls and sent it to the two girls. That reignited the comments: “It’s OK not to kill paper spiders!” Apparently, there are just some rules that you’re supposed to know.
The older I’ve become, the more lenient I’ve become with “the rules.” I remember that when my kids were younger, we didn’t go down the back-to-school aisle in the store until August, the Halloween aisle until October, and the Christmas aisle until Thanksgiving. Everything needed its own special time; let’s not rush our lives away. Now, I’m a little more flexible. When Caitlin was bringing her roommate home for Thanksgiving and really wanted to show her how beautiful the house would look when we decorated for Christmas, what’s a week earlier?
“No desert unless you finish your supper” was another one of those rules. Now, once in a while, Whitey’s is supper. Perhaps it even tastes better because we all know that we’re really “breaking the rules.”
I hope you have your own special sets of family rules and can even enjoy breaking them once in a while!
September 30th: K-8, 4/5 yr old PS, MWF 3 yr old PS
October 1st: Make-ups and T/Th 3 yr old PS
October 8th: Retakes and make-ups
New Report Cards and Mid-Term Progress Reports
Beginning this fall, our report cards and mid-term progress reports will have a new look to them. The new reports will allow more feedback to be given. The first mid-term ended Wednesday, and progress reports will be sent home shortly. We’re discovering how much more work these report cards require!
“Magazine” Sale
Home & School’s “magazine” sale continues. This fund-raiser is the largest one by our Home & School. Home & School helps provide for the needs of all students. It is a major contributor toward the annual upkeep of the gym floor and the re-mulching of the two playgrounds. It provides each teacher with $300 toward the needs in their classrooms. (Did you know that teachers spend, on average nationally, about $500 of their own money each year on classroom supplies? I wonder if this is common in other professions.) Please support JFK’s Home & School Association.
Locals Love Us – Do You?
Vote for JFK on LocalsLoveUs.com. Preschool, childcare, and K-8 Private school categories.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/09/September-29-2019.pdf
Demographic Information
October 1st is the due date for some demographic reporting about the school. JFK continues its trend toward more diversity in ethnicity, race, financial means of families (indicated by free/reduced lunch participation), and disabilities of students. It also continues the same five year downward trend in K-8 enrollment that the other Catholic elementary schools in Davenport are facing. (Lourdes seems to be at about the same enrollment it was five years ago.)
Official Enrollment 2019
Budgeted 2019
Official Enrollment 2018
Official Enrollment 2017
Official Enrollment 2016
Official Enrollment 2015
3 yr old PS T/Th only
12
11
7
3 yr old PS MWF only
5
9
6
3 yr old PS and ECLC (M-F)
4
3
7
3 yr old PS (Total of TTh, MWF, and M-F)
21
23
20
22
18
20
4/5 yr old PS
55
64
74
80
80
80
ECLC (3, 4, or 5 yr olds)
18
14
21
22
24
24
K
43
42
32
39
1st
34
30
38
41
2nd
36
35
40
46
3rd
39
40
42
41
4th
41
39
38
33
5th
39
38
30
51
6th
25
28
46
46
7th
41
41
48
47
8th
46
47
41
51
Total K-8
344
340
355
395
409
418
Total PS-8
420
449
497
507
518
Free/reduced lunches, K-8
18.3%
17.8%
12.1%
14.2%
15.5%
Transportation services, registered
47.7%
40.7%
40.5%
43.3%
44%
4/5 yr PS-8 Enrollment by Ethnicity = Hispanic
18.0%
17.8%
16.4%
16%
18%
4 /5 yr PS-8 Enrollment by Race
Native American
0%
0%
0%
0.2%
0.2%
Asian
2.3%
1.6%
1.9%
2%
1.4%
Black
2.8%
2.3%
1.9%
2%
1.7%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
White
90.0%
89.9%
91.3%
91.9%
93.6%
Two or More Races
5%
6.1%
4.8%
3.9%
3.1%
Students with disabilities (IEPs or 504 plans)
6.7%
6.2%
6.1%
Enrollment by Percent Catholic
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
K-8
88%
88%
88%
88%
87%
PS – 4 yr old
49%
45%
55%
57%
61%+
Budgeted Cost per K-8 Student
2019
2018
2017
2016
Cost per pupil K-8
$5,828
$5,516
$5,087
$4,777
Just Being Near
On Thursday, my oldest daughter and her boyfriend made it to Davenport from North Carolina, and my youngest surprised us by arriving earlier from Kansas than we had thought she would. We went out to dinner, and the girls went to the AHS football game while the boys watched football on TV. When everyone was back together after the AHS game, I felt as if I didn’t want the evening to end.
On Friday, my other daughter timed it just right to make it to Davenport from Des Moines without driving through rain storms. We ate a good meal together at home, had a MarioCart tournament, and watched more football. When I stepped away for a bit, I almost had a tear in my eye as it was just such a pleasant time being together. The only piece that was missing was that Tom, our son, ended up having to work and couldn’t make it from South Carolina.
On Saturday, we kept splitting into smaller groups to run to the store or do this, that, and that other thing, but there always seemed to be at least two people together. We caught pieces of the games of people’s alma maters or of the favorite teams of those on TV: Iowa, Kansas, Iowa State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Ohio State (Big 10), and Cubs. An extended family dinner capped the evening off.
By Sunday, things were sadly coming to an end. Colleen and Justin left by 5:30 a.m. On the way home from the 9:00 a.m. Mass, the conversation drifted to return travel plans and the weather. Kirsten probably left before 11:30 a.m., and Caitlin, with a new travel route that would allow her to avoid the storms forecast to move across the I-80 corridor all afternoon and evening, left right at noon. By 1:00, Lynn and I were lamenting how quiet the house seemed. It’s not really that we always have to be doing something together with family members; it’s just being near enough to be able to do something that would be nice.
Vote for JFK on LocalsLoveUs.com. Preschool, childcare, and K-8 Private school categories.
Civic Oration Begins This Week
Can you believe we’re already going to start working on 5th-8th grade civic oration? One of the reasons we switched to the fall was to enable students to be using the skills learned in civic oration through the rest of the school year. This year’s topic deals with what freedom means.
JFK graduates in National Honor Society at Assumption.
New Report Cards and Mid-Term Progress Reports
Beginning this fall, our report cards and mid-term progress reports will have a new look to them. The new reports will allow more feedback to be given. The first mid-term ends Wednesday, and progress reports will be sent home the following Monday or Tuesday.
“Magazine” Sale
Home & School’s “magazine” sale continues. This fund-raiser is the largest one by our Home & School. Home & School helps provide for the needs of all students. It is a major contributor toward the annual upkeep of the gym floor and the re-mulching of the two playgrounds. It provides each teacher with $300 toward the needs in their classrooms. (Did you know that teachers spend, on average nationally, about $500 of their own money each year on classroom supplies? I wonder if this is common in other professions.) Please support JFK’s Home & School Association.
Communications
Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?
If you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK (primarily families new to JFK and/or preschool), 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.
Handbook Sign-Off
Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Handbook-2019-20.pdf. Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family. Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.
Open Position
We have an instructional aide position available to assist students and teachers in elementary classes and supervisory duties. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and references or stop in the school office for an application.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/09/1032800042C-091519.pdf
Will it sink or float? Sixth graders working in science class.
School Pictures:
September 30th: K-8, 4/5 yr old PS, MWF 3 yr old PS
October 1st: Make-ups and T/Th 3 yr old PS
How Busy Are You?
It almost seems as if one”measure of success” is how busy our lives are, especially as they relate to our children: this athletic practice, that extracurricular related to school, the other “club” sport or rehearsal. (Whether or not this busyness is really a “measure of success” might be a topic for another Post.) When Lynn and I were in the thick of it with four children, we were glad to just make it through the day, week, and season. In retrospect, maybe it wasn’t so bad. Loading everyone into the van for a weekend road trip and squeezing six people into a hotel room forced family time, which was also often without screen time. Huddling together under the blanket in the wind and cold was often the equivalent of “date night.” Giving the kids the money so they could make a “concession stand run” was a way for them to learn how to handle money and cooperate with each other. Collective memories were created in our busyness. As the kids grew older and became more independent with their activities, sometimes even driving themselves to/from practices and events, our lives probably became less hectic. But our lives also had less family time too. Yes, you, too can make it through the busyness, and don’t forget to remember to cherish the moments and memories too.
Catechetical Sunday — Thank You to Those with “Mass Parts”
Thank you to Elise B., Rylie D., Cleary C., Ryan B., Lauren L, Jadyn W., Maggie A., Quinn C., Dominic N., and Heath W. for volunteering to have leadership roles in this Mass. As the Mass attendance rate of school families seems to reflect that of the general Catholic and OLV community (32% at OLV during the last official attendance weekends last November), it is even sometimes difficult to find students who can volunteer for “Mass parts.” Thank you also to our altar servers.
Parish Picnic
The OLV parish picnic is Saturday, September 21st after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Golf carts will be available to take people from the parking lot to the school grounds and handicap seating will be available. Bring your lawn chairs and your appetite as we will be serving BBQ catered by Smokin’ Butt BBQ, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and water. Beer and wine coolers will be available for purchase. Music and fun for all! Tickets are $1 each and free for children 5 and under. (Children still need tickets so we can get an accurate attendance count.) Tickets will be sold each weekend until September 14 in the Gathering Space. Tickets may also be purchased at the parish and school offices. In addition to your ticket you are asked to bring a dish to share. Please bring a serving utensil and mark all dishes and utensils with your name for return:
Last name ending in:
A – H bring Desserts I – P bring Vegetables Q – Z bring Salads
Plenty of volunteers are also needed. Click HERE or use the following link/url to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4ca5a62da4fc1-parish1
Locals Love Us – Do You?
Vote for JFK on LocalsLoveUs.com. Preschool, childcare, and K-8 Private school categories.
Communications
Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?
If you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK (primarily families new to JFK and/or preschool), 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.
Handbook Sign-Off
Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Handbook-2019-20.pdf. Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family. Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.
I would like to thank the parents and staff who helped review parent/student handbook policies this spring or provided feedback on specific policies: Each year we review about 1/3 of the policies in our handbook, and every year the four dress code related policies are reviewed.
Reminder: Smart watches are in the same category as “cell phones and other electronic devices” and prohibited from use between 7:00 a.m. and until students leave the building. Because staff members are not able to tell which Smart Watches and FitBits are connected to data plans or phones in one’s locker, all such devices will be prohibited.
Open Position
We have an instructional aide position available to assist students and teachers in elementary classes and supervisory duties. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and references or stop in the school office for an application.
Welcome Emma Wolf
JFK is pleased to welcome Mrs. Emma Wolf to the staff as our new student support specialist, a position that will have many duties similar to a school counselor. Mrs. Wolf is a recent St. Ambrose University graduate with a master’s degree in social work. She has experience working with youth in several settings. Mrs. Wolf will be transitioning into the position while Mrs. Weiser transitions out of the position and back into the classroom full time. We expect to welcome another Wolf in January as Mrs. Wolf is due with their first child toward the beginning of the month.
Portable A/C Experiment
Our portable air conditioning experiment in a classroom yielded little benefit. Without someone full-time in one of our small interior offices, we utilized one of our portable air conditioning units down the hall in an experiment in Mrs. Kubalsky’s science room. Compared to Mrs. Whelchel’s and Mrs. Kuehn’s neighboring classrooms, we were only able to lower the temperature by about two degrees when running the portable air conditioning unit at least 9-10 hours per day and dismantling the ventilation at night so the building could be secured.
On another day last week, we experimented with operating our industrial dehumidifier in the science room. While we didn’t have measurement tools, the room felt no different than the neighboring classrooms.
So where are we with our major HVAC project? Last week, we also met with Derek Wilson of Ryan & Associates and Russ Meier of Mechanical Sales and parent of a current JFK student and graduates. They will be working together to update our A/C and ventilation plan. Now that we are setting aside funds toward this project, it is time to refresh the details.
Back in 2016, we explored a complete HVAC project for the school and looked at ten different options, including one that would “just” add window air conditioning units. A variable refrigerant flow system with a boiler was recommended. Heating was the first phase and was completed during the summer of 2017. We are now looking to see how the air conditioning and ventilation phase can be completed or even have phases itself that can be completed a little bit at a time.
“Magazine” Sale
Home & School’s “magazine” sale begins on Tuesday. This fund-raiser is the largest one by our Home & School. Home & School helps provide for the needs of all students. It is a major contributor toward the annual upkeep of the gym floor and the re-mulching of the two playgrounds. It provides each teacher with $300 toward the needs in their classrooms. (Did you know that teachers spend, on average nationally, about $500 of their own money each year on classroom supplies?) Please support JFK’s Home & School Association.
Provide input to Home & School by attending this Thursday’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center. All JFK families are automatically members of Home & School.
Future Lady Knights Basketball
Registration for Future Lady Knights Basketball is underway, and a special registration night is Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:45 at Assumption. FLK is fo girls in 3rd to 8th grade who are interested in attending AHS and who want to be part of the developmental and competitive basketball feeder program. Registration forms and fee information can be obtained by email if you contact OLV parishioner Joe Creen at Creenlaw@gmail.com. If you have questions, please call Debbie Giganti at 563-359-3085 or Joe Creen at 563-343-0781.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/09/1032800042C-091519.pdf
Makeshift Solution?
On Saturday, Lynn and I used some old pieces of railroad ties and 6 x 6 pieces of lumber we had around the yard to make a patch for the worst part of our failing retaining wall. We’ll see how well it works and how long it lasts as we save money for a more permanent solution. I think my kids would recognize and appreciate our ingenuity. Through every science or other school project, we were always trying to think of what could be done with what we had on hand without spending a lot of money. Growing up, I remember being a fan of the TV show, “MacGeyver.” I was always amazed at what could be done with a stick of gum, a piece of lint, and the lens from one’s eyeglasses.
Catechetical Sunday, and the first all school weekend Mass, is September 15th at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Please make arrangements to attend this Mass and show your children your commitment as parents and their first catechists to their faith formation through OLV and JFK.
Did you see the article in the parish bulletin regarding worshipping and resting on Sundays? Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/09/1032800041C-090819.pdf
Parish Picnic
The OLV parish picnic is Saturday, September 21st after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Golf carts will be available to take people from the parking lot to the school grounds and handicap seating will be available. Bring your lawn chairs and your appetite as we will be serving BBQ catered by Smokin’ Butt BBQ, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and water. Beer and wine coolers will be available for purchase. Music and fun for all! Tickets are $1 each and free for children 5 and under. (Children still need tickets so we can get an accurate attendance count.) Tickets will be sold each weekend until September 14 in the Gathering Space. Tickets may also be purchased at the parish and school offices. In addition to your ticket you are asked to bring a dish to share. Please bring a serving utensil and mark all dishes and utensils with your name for return:
Last name ending in:
A – H bring Desserts I – P bring Vegetables Q – Z bring Salads
Plenty of volunteers are also needed. Click HERE or use the following link/url to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4ca5a62da4fc1-parish1
Locals Love Us – Do You?
Vote for JFK on LocalsLoveUs.com. Preschool, childcare, and K-8 Private school categories.
Communications
Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?
If you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK (primarily families new to JFK and/or preschool), 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.
Principal’s Posts are written each weekend and posted on our website, available off the front page. I also send a link via email and post it to the school’s Facebook account. It then gets sent home via hard copy via “backpack mail” with the “youngest or only child” in a family at the beginning of each week. I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades. It does not replace the many communications you will receive from your children’s teachers.
We also utilize a JFK Facebook page, and there is a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group. JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website. If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email. Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means. Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families. Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted. Make sure you “like” us on both Facebook pages!
Take advantage of the calendars on our website. We have eight: School, Parish, Lunch Menu, Lunch Duty, Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, Gym & Athletic Fields, and Room Reservations.
Altar Server Trainings
All boys and girls of the parish in 4th grade and up who are interested in being an altar server are invited to attend training in the church on Saturday, September 14th from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. At least one parent is needed to complete the necessary paperwork. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish office at 563-391-4245.
Handbook Sign-Off
Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Handbook-2019-20.pdf. Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family. Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.
I would like to thank the parents and staff who helped review parent/student handbook policies this spring or provided feedback on specific policies: Each year we review about 1/3 of the policies in our handbook, and every year the four dress code related policies are reviewed.
Reminder: Smart watches are in the same category as “cell phones and other electronic devices” and prohibited from use between 7:00 a.m. and until students leave the building. Because staff members are not able to tell which Smart Watches and FitBits are connected to data plans or phones in one’s locker, all such devices will be prohibited.
Shiny Floors
Aren’t the floors beautiful? The shine on the school floors is incredible. Please thank our evening custodian, Jeff Edens, for the pride he takes in taking care of the school floors.
Open Positions
We have a 6-8 hours per week Title I funded interventionist position available to provide math support for elementary-age students. This position requires a K-6 IA license.
We also have additional instructional aide hours to assist students and teachers in elementary classes and supervisory duties. The aide hours can be combined with the teaching position.
At last week’s board meeting, the board created a new position: student support specialist. In next week’s Principal’s Post, I’ll introduce our new student support specialist. She will have many duties similar to a school counselor.
Familiar Dilemma?
Lynn and I are struggling with a project at our house. We have a 30+ year old retaining wall on three sides of our garage that is failing. I’ve replaced two sides over the years, but even these are starting to show signs of deterioration. We probably need a complete demolition and replacement. We’re running into a dilemma that many of you probably also face: we work too many hours to be doing the work effectively ourselves but don’t make enough money to be able to hire someone else to do the work!
Are You Registered to Receive Text Messages from JFK?
If you are not registered to receive text messages from JFK (primarily families new to JFK and/or preschool), 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.
Principal’s Posts are written each weekend and posted on our website, available off the front page. I also send a link via email and post it to the school’s Facebook account. It then gets sent home via hard copy via “backpack mail” with the “youngest or only child” in a family at the beginning of each week. I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades. It does not replace the many communications you will receive from your children’s teachers.
We also utilize a JFK Facebook page, and there is a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group. JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website. If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email. Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means. Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families. Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted. Make sure you “like” us on both Facebook pages!
Highlighted Events and Headlines on the front page of our website also tend to be updated each weekend.
Take advantage of the calendars on our website. We have eight: School, Parish, Lunch Menu, Lunch Duty, Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, Gym & Athletic Fields, and Room Reservations.
Enjoy the NCEA Parent News “Play Like a Champion” flyer. It seems appropriate as we gear up for fall sports.
Art Room Renovation:
Did you see the art room yet this year? Below are some before/after photos:
Altar Server Trainings
All boys and girls of the parish in 4th grade and up who are interested in being an altar server are invited to attend training in the church on Saturday, September 14th from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. At least one parent is needed to complete the necessary paperwork. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish office at 563-391-4245.
Confirmation Parent Meetings for 7th and 8th Graders
OLV’s Confirmation preparation is considered a two year process. The 7th grade parent meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on September 5th in the parish center. The 8th grade meeting follows at 7:00 p.m.
Parish Picnic
The OLV parish picnic is Saturday, September 21st after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Golf carts will be available to take people from the parking lot to the school grounds and handicap seating will be available. Bring your lawn chairs and your appetite as we will be serving BBQ catered by Smokin’ Butt BBQ, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and water. Beer and wine coolers will be available for purchase. Music and fun for all! Tickets are $1 each and free for children 5 and under. (Children still need tickets so we can get an accurate attendance count.) Tickets will be sold each weekend until September 14 in the Gathering Space. Tickets may also be purchased at the parish and school offices. In addition to your ticket you are asked to bring a dish to share. Please bring a serving utensil and mark all dishes and utensils with your name for return:
Last name ending in:
A – H bring Desserts I – P bring Vegetables Q – Z bring Salads
Plenty of volunteers are also needed. Click HERE or use the following link/url to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4ca5a62da4fc1-parish1
Handbook Sign-Off
Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Handbook-2019-20.pdf. Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family. Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.
I would like to thank the parents and staff who helped review parent/student handbook policies this spring or provided feedback on specific policies: Each year we review about 1/3 of the policies in our handbook, and every year the four dress code related policies are reviewed.
Reminder: Smart watches are in the same category as “cell phones and other electronic devices” and prohibited from use between 7:00 a.m. and until students leave the building. Because staff members are not able to tell which Smart Watches and FitBits are connected to data plans or phones in one’s locker, all such devices will be prohibited.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/1032800040C-090119.pdf
Open Positions
Due to the part time teaching position created by the open counseling position, we also have a part time teaching position available. This position is for 5th grade and/or as a reading interventionist.
We also have a 6-8 hours per week Title I funded interventionist position available to provide math support for elementary-age students. The teaching positions require K-6 IA licenses. Finally, JFK’s board of education authorized additional instructional aide hours to assist students and teachers in elementary classes and supervisory duties. All of the positions can be filled independently or combined.
Labor Day Weekend
I hope you enjoyed the long weekend. After gearing up for the start of a new school year, I am always relieved to have a little extra time to relax.
Lynn and I were able to visit my oldest sister, Dawn, and her daughter’s family in Argyle, WI on Sunday. Dawn’s four children are all exactly ten years older than my four. She had three boys and one girl, while we had three girls and one boy. The “singletons” are even in the same order in our families: the second child. Dawn has lived in northern Alabama for over 30 years. Her daughter, Bonnie, is a large animal veterinarian who specializes with dairy cows. With the focus on dairy cows, there were really three main states in which to have a career: Wisconsin, California, and New York. She chose to work in southwestern WI. While she didn’t know anyone in that area herself when she started, it didn’t take long for the farmers to realize that she was related to my mother who spent her earliest childhood years on various family members’ farms in that area. Bonnie and her husband now also operate an organic dairy farm themselves, and their two little boys, ages 3 1/2 and 1 1/2, show no fear!
Welcome to the 2019-20 school year and the first Principal’s Post of the year. We can’t wait to get started! Who wouldn’t want to be “under the sea” or gather around the campfire in Mrs. Motto’s and Mrs. Putnam’s kindergarten rooms!
It feels as if you’re under the sea in Mrs. Motto’s room.Let’s share a good story around the campfire in Mrs. Putnam’s room.
Communications
Principal’s Posts are written each weekend and posted on our website, available off the front page. I also send a link via email and post it to the school’s Facebook account. It then gets sent home via hard copy via “backpack mail” with the “youngest or only child” in a family at the beginning of each week. I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community and sometimes highlight happenings in particular grades. It does not replace the many communications you will receive from your children’s teachers.
We also utilize a JFK Facebook page, and there is a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group. JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website. If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email. Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means. Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families. Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted. Make sure you “like” us on both Facebook pages!
Highlighted Events and Headlines on the front page of our website also tend to be updated each weekend.
New Staff Members
JFK welcomes Norma Kuehn and Sara Nicoletto to the teaching staff. Mrs. Kuehn has previous teaching experience in the middle school grades at Prince of Peace in Clinton and a Florida Catholic school. She will be teaching in the 7th and 8th grades at JFK. Mrs. Nicoletto returns to our staff, this time as a “regular” teacher. Mrs. Nicoletto previously worked for us as an instructional aide and then as a substitute teacher. She teaches in the 6th grade, the middle school Spanish exploratory, and resource. Fr. Fortunatas is also spending some time in the building working with Ms. Siefers on his tech internship.
We are currently without a full-time counselor. The person we hired in May backed out to take a better paying position, and several others have declined the position when offered to them. As we continue our search, including meeting with someone this week, Jodi Weiser will provide students with counseling services. Mrs. Weiser, who utilized her M.A. in counseling to provide services at a prior school, will be teaching part time and providing services part time.
Due to the part time teaching position created by the open counseling position, we also have a part time teaching position available. This position is for 5th grade and/or as a reading interventionist.
We also have a 6-8 hours per week Title I funded interventionist position available to provide math support for elementary-age students. The teaching positions require K-6 IA licenses. Finally, JFK’s board of education authorized additional instructional aide hours to assist students and teachers in elementary classes and supervisory duties. All of the positions can be filled independently or combined.
Parent Meetings Different this Year
All K-8 parent meetings will be Thursday. Session I is from 6:00 – 6:30. It is then repeated for session II at 6:45 – 7:15. Come to the first session for your 2nd grader, and then stay for your 6th grader at session II. Have a busy night? Split duties with your spouse and simultaneously attend session I with one of you going to your 3rd grader’s meeting and one going to your 5th grader’s meeting. Parent meetings will be in one of the grade level homeroom classrooms with the exception of the 7th and 8th grade parent meetings. Because 7th and 8th graders share so many of the same teachers, the parent meetings will be combined and held in the parish center.
Altar Server Trainings
All boys and girls of the parish in 4th grade and up who are interested in being an altar server are invited to attend training in the church on Saturday, September 14th from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. At least one parent is needed to complete the necessary paperwork. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish office at 563-391-4245.
Confirmation Parent Meetings for 7th and 8th Graders
OLV’s Confirmation preparation is considered a two year process. The 7th grade parent meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on September 5th in the parish center. The 8th grade meeting follows at 7:00 p.m.
JFK/AHS Spirit Wear Day on Friday
Our first JFK/AHS Spirit Wear Day is Friday. Students may wear any JFK or AHS spirit wear along with uniform pants/skirts/bottoms.
Labor Day
Monday, September 2 is Labor Day. There are no classes, and ECLC is closed.
Parish Picnic
The OLV parish picnic is Saturday, September 21st after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Golf carts will be available to take people from the parking lot to the school grounds and handicap seating will be available. Bring your lawn chairs and your appetite as we will be serving BBQ catered by Smokin’ Butt BBQ, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and water. Beer and wine coolers will be available for purchase. Music and fun for all! Tickets are $1 each and free for children 5 and under. (Children still need tickets so we can get an accurate attendance count.) Tickets will be sold each weekend until September 14 in the Gathering Space. Tickets may also be purchased at the parish and school offices. In addition to your ticket you are asked to bring a dish to share. Please bring a serving utensil and mark all dishes and utensils with your name for return:
Last name ending in:
A – H bring Desserts I – P bring Vegetables Q – Z bring Salads
Plenty of volunteers are also needed. Click HERE or use the following link/url to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4ca5a62da4fc1-parish1
Handbook Sign-Off
Please read the parent and student handbook, available HERE, and on our website: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JFK-Parent-and-Student-Handbook-2019-20.pdf. Then, print off the last page, sign it, and return it to the school office — one per family. Thank you for helping us to reduce our printing costs.
School Policies Highlighted
I would like to thank the parents and staff who helped review parent/student handbook policies this spring or provided feedback on specific policies: Each year we review about 1/3 of the policies in our handbook, and every year the four dress code related policies are reviewed. Below are highlights of some of the changes:
The OLV/JFK campus is also a “vape-free” environment.
There are no grade level restrictions on the plaid uniform skirts or jumpers
In preparation for new mid-term progress reports and report cards, the grading marks were changed for “specials,” which are art, band, choir, general music, and PE.
The details of the 6th-8th grade athletic eligibility policy were tweaked.
Numerous changes were made to the wellness policy.
A new policy was written that shares the guidelines we use for physical activity and other issues that are affected by the temperature and weather.
Reminder: Smart watches are in the same category as “cell phones and other electronic devices” and prohibited from use between 7:00 a.m. and until students leave the building. Because staff members are not able to tell which Smart Watches and FitBits are connected to data plans or phones in one’s locker, all such devices will be prohibited.
OLV parish bulletin: Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/olv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/1032800039C-082519.pdf
An Update About Me and My Family
I am beginning my 19th year as principal at JFK. Each year brings new challenges and has its own excitement. I’ll share some of the good things we have going on at JFK in future Principal’s Posts. Prior to coming to JFK, I worked for ten years at Assumption High School where I taught religion for nine years and then worked in student services for one year. I grew up in South Milwaukee, WI, and attended Marquette University in Milwaukee for my bachelor’s degree in sociology and theology. I received a master’s degree in religion from the University of Chicago, and my master’s degree in education administration is from Western Illinois University. My superintendent’s certificate work was done through the University of Northern Iowa. I have additional coursework at the graduate and/or undergraduate level from St. Ambrose, the University of Iowa, and Drake University.
Lynn and I have been married for 24 years. She holds two degrees from St. Ambrose and one from Drake University. Together, we are cash poor but education rich! Lynn works in the student services office at Assumption High School, where we met. She is also a graduate of Assumption and St. Paul’s.
Our four children continue to scatter. Our oldest, Colleen, is in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m not quite sure what she does, but I think it’s in the financial sector. She has degrees from Ashford University and the University of Dubuque. Tom moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where he has returned to school to pursue his BA after receiving his Associates’ degree several years ago in Iowa. The part I find ironic though is he’s taking online classes, mostly through the University of Iowa! Kirsten graduated from St. Ambrose in December with a degree in elementary education and subbed during the second semester. She is entering her first year as a teacher in the Des Moines public schools. Caitlin is in her third year at the University of Kansas and has begun taking the LSAT, which is the entrance exam for law school. It’s getting harder and harder to have everyone together at one time. We managed one weekend right after Father’s Day this year!
Lynn and I visited my parents and one of my sisters in the Atlanta area this summer. I enjoyed doing some woodworking with my dad. At 83, he still spends about 3-4 hours a day in the workshop. My mom still keeps an immaculately clean home and makes dozens and dozens of hats, mittens, scarves and prayer shawls for their church. Being with family is always a good reminder of the need to maintain a healthy work/family balance.
I better sign off now, or my balance will be thrown off for the weekend. See you on Thursday!
This is our last week of classes. It’s been a great year, but we’re not quite done yet!
June 3: Silly Socks Dress Day (See below as well)
June 4: Sports Theme Dress Day (See below as well)
June 5:
All field day volunteers should park on the north side of the divider so we can have the gates closed in case we need to use the blacktop rather than the fields
No all school Mass
Last day of 3/4/5 year old preschool classes
4 year old PS programs
—Jordan/Blocker: 5:45, parish center
—Zeimet/Knox: 7:00, parish center
June 6:
All school Mass and altar server awards, 7:40
3 year old PS family activity, 8:00 a.m., parish center
Special dismissal, 12:50
After school care and bus transportation are available
June 7:
Last day of ECLC
All OLV/JFK staff luncheon provided by Home & School (thank you!)
Graduation Mass, 6:30
Summer Programming at JFK
Vacation Bible School: Our Lady of Victory invites Children to Roar VBS: Life is wild, God is good. At Roar VBS (Vacation Bible School), kids discover that even though life gets wild, God is good. Roar is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun-Gizmos™, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. Plus, we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life—something we call God Sightings.®
For more information, call Jennifer Wemhoff at 563-391-8384.
Leaps & Bounds: Summer sessions focusing on reading and math for students currently in kindergarten – 5th grade. Each two week session has a student to teacher ratio of 7:1 or lower. We will proceed with sessions II and III after cancelling session I due to lack of registrants. Session II is July 8 – 19, and Session III is July 29 – Aug 9. Sign up for one or two sessions. Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2018-19-Leaps-Bounds-Flyer-and-Registration.pdf
Instrumental Lessons: Don’t put away the musical instrument for the whole summer! Mr. Connors offers instrumental music lessons over the summer. Dates and times can be individually arranged. Click HERE or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Instrumental-Lessons-Registration-Form-2019.pdf
One-on-One Tutoring: Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Fox are offering one-on-one tutoring over this summer. Dates and times can be arranged individually during most mornings. Click HERE for more information or use the following link/url: https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Summer-Tutoring-Flyer-and-Registration-2018-19.pdf
Summer Book Club: Cancelled due to lack of registrants.
Special Dress Days
It seems as if this school year is going on forever. Let’s put a little fun into our days with some special theme days. (Tops will need to meet the out of uniform guidelines, and because it’s not fun when everyone is trying to determine whether one’s shorts are too short, we’ll stick with our uniform bottoms.)
Monday, June 3: Silly Socks. Wear silly socks along with your regular school uniform.
Tuesday, June 4: Sports Day. Wear a shirt, hat, and/or wrist band to support your favorite team. Regular uniform bottoms are required.
Wednesday, June 5: Field day. Homerooms/grade levels often have special themes themselves.
Thursday, June 6: Mass. Regular uniform dress day
Applications for Financial Assistance Due June 30th
The deadline for returning families to apply for financial assistance and receive consideration for full amounts is June 30th. Click HERE for the direct link for the online application.
Altar Server Training
Students going into 4th grade and up next year are invited to attend Altar Server training on Saturday, June 8th from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the church. At least one parent needs to attend as well to complete the necessary paperwork. If you have questions, please call the parish office at 391-4245.
Save the Dates
The detailed 2019-20 school calendar is on our website. Here’s a couple of dates to keep in mind:
July 28/29: Back to school registration. If you can’t make it, just return the paperwork that will mailed to you in mid/late July as soon as possible after July 28th.
August 5 – 10: Kindergarten Jumpstart
August 19: Parent meetings begin for 3/4/5 year old preschoolers
August 22: Unpack Your Backpack for PS – 8th grades
August 26: First day of school
Time to Return Library Books
As we approach the end of the school year, please have your students return their school library books. We will now no longer be checking out materials but trying to get them all back. Currently, there are about 140 or more books checked out of our library. At a conservative estimate of about $10 per book, we want to make sure they all come back to us!
