Category: Principal’s Post

September 1, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

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!

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!

Chad

August 25, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Welcome

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!

Chad

June 2, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Last Week

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.®

Roar is for kids entering kindergarten to those entering 5th grade.   Roar VBS will be held July 22-26 and will run from 8:30 am to 11:30 am each day. Cost to attend is $25.  Click HERE for the registration form or us the following link/url:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VBS-flyer-for-2019-20.pdf

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!

Bulletin Link:   June 2, 2019

Chad

May 26, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

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.®

Roar is for kids entering kindergarten to those entering 5th grade.   Roar VBS will be held July 22-26 and will run from 8:30 am to 11:30 am each day. Cost to attend is $25.  Click HERE for the registration form or us the following link/url:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VBS-flyer-for-2019-20.pdf

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.  Student to teacher ratio is 7:1 or lower.  There are three two-week sessions available.  Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.  A minimum number of students is needed to financially support each session so sign up now.  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

Summer Book Club:  Does your child love to read? Is he/she looking for a great book to read this summer?  Are you looking for that book to inspire your child to love reading? Maybe you want your child to have some scheduled reading time and group discussion.  The summer book club options are open to students entering 3rd-8th grade in the fall.  Option one is twice a week for four weeks, and option two meets every day for one week.  Click HERE for more information or use the following link/url:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2018-19-JFK-Summer-Book-Club-Flyer-and-Registration.pdf.  A minimum of three students is needed for each grade level time slot.

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

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.)

Tuesday, May 28:  Regular uniform dress day.  We don’t want to leave anyone out that didn’t get the message!

Wednesday, May 29:  Mass.  Regular uniform dress day

Thursday, May 30:  Lollipop Day.  Wear a uniform or non-uniform shirt in a color that matches your favorite color of lollipop.  Regular uniform bottoms are required.  Eighth graders will not participate in this theme day as they already have a special dress day for their time at the Outing Club.

Friday, May 31:  Sunglasses.  The sun will be bright (we hope!).  Wear your sunglasses along with your regular school uniform.

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

Candy Bar Sale Makes About $5,000

Whoops!  I reported the expenses figure rather than the net income figure last week for the candy bar sales.  Our gross revenue was about $14,000.  Expenses were about $9,000, leaving about $5,000 as the net earned.  That’s still amazing, especially at this time of year!  Thanks to all of our sellers and Angie Hillebrand for organizing this sale for us.

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.

One Last Home & School Activity

Family Movie Night:  Friday, May 31st.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the movie will start around 7:00 p.m.  Featured movie: LEGO MOVIE 2.  Cost:  $5 per person (age 3 and under is free) for the hotdog, chips, drink, and bag of popcorn.  We will also have an ice cream sundae bar available, face painting and a few games.  Come join us for one last night of family fun before we leave for the summer!!!

6th and 7th Grade Science News

Seventh graders learned about migration and the importance of wetlands through a unique version of hopscotch!

 

6th graders learned about physical science/physics.  Who needs to use a virtual reality headset to learn

about an egg drop when you can just do it yourself?

Calendar Gets Full in the Spring

As we get closer to the summer, the school calendar seems to get fuller!  Please stay tuned in to building wide news and grade/homeroom news from the teachers.  You don’t want to miss anything!

Our last day of preschool classes is June 5th.

Our last day of K-8 classes is June 6th.  Dismissal time is at 12:50.  There is after school care available.

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!

Bulletin Link:   May 26, 2019

Chad

May 19, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

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.®

Roar is for kids entering kindergarten to those entering 5th grade.   Roar VBS will be held July 22-26 and will run from 8:30 am to 11:30 am each day. Cost to attend is $25.  Click HERE for the registration form or us the following link/url:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/VBS-flyer-for-2019-20.pdf

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.  Student to teacher ratio is 7:1 or lower.  There are three two-week sessions available.  Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.  A minimum number of students is needed to financially support each session so sign up now.  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

Summer Book Club:  Does your child love to read? Is he/she looking for a great book to read this summer?  Are you looking for that book to inspire your child to love reading? Maybe you want your child to have some scheduled reading time and group discussion.  The summer book club options are open to students entering 3rd-8th grade in the fall.  Option one is twice a week for four weeks, and option two meets every day for one week.  Click HERE for more information or use the following link/url:  https://www.olvjfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2018-19-JFK-Summer-Book-Club-Flyer-and-Registration.pdf.  A minimum of three students is needed for each grade level time slot.

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

Candy Bar Sale Makes About $9,000

Wow!  The candy bar sale looks like it will net about $9,000 for the school.  That’s amazing!  Thanks to all of our sellers and Angie Hillebrand for organizing this sale for us.

Thanks for Serving on the Board of Education and Parish Council

I’d like to thank our outgoing Board of Education members:  Pat Archer and Sara Langrehr.  Pat served two full terms (six years) and was board president for a number of those years.  Sara served since 2016 as a fill in twice for other members who were not able to fulfill full terms.

New members or re-appointed members to the board of education are Ann Craig (first term), Chad Hagerman (first term), Lucas Roth (second term), and Lisa Snider (second term).

New parish council members are Shawn Atwater, Amanda Clarke, Denny Prior, and Brian Rappel.

Thank you all for serving.

Additional Holy Fire 6th Grade Parent Meeting

We had an amazing experience with 7th grade students last year at Holy Fire-Chicago.  Holy Fire is a day long mini-NCYC experience for middle school youth.  We will again be using this awesome retreat experience for 7th graders next fall.  Evan Brankin is hosting an additional information meetings for 6th grade parents:  May 21st at 5:15 in the youth room in the rectory basement.

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.

Home & School News

Home & School board members are needed for next school year.  Andrea Schuster would be glad to answer any of your questions.

Our last H & S meeting is May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Share your thoughts about this past year, brainstorm ideas for the future, and prepare the budget for next year.

Family Movie Night: May 31st, time TBA.  Lego Movie 2 will be the featured show.

Amazing Band Concert

The band concert was amazing.  It’s always a treat to hear how far the 5th graders progress in a year and how far students can progress from 5th grade to the 7th/8th grade spring concert.  Judging from the sound of the 4th graders playing their recorders, there’s another group of hard-working musicians ready to step into the program next year!

Field Day Volunteers

We are in need of field day volunteers!  If you can help on June 5, please contact Sara Tilkens.

Calendar Gets Full in the Spring

As we get closer to the summer, the school calendar seems to get fuller!  Please stay tuned in to building wide news and grade/homeroom news from the teachers.  You don’t want to miss anything!

Our last day of preschool classes is June 5th.

Our last day of K-8 classes is June 6th.  Dismissal time is at 12:50.  There is after school care available.

Position Open at JFK

School Counselor:  We will have a full-time school counselor position available for the 2019-20 school year.   Iowa licensure is required.  To apply for this position, please send a copy of one’s license, resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Bulletin Link:   May 19, 2019

Chad

May 12, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Candy Bar Sale — Last Day is May 14

Candy bar money is due May 14.  It is $60 per box.  There are two options if you haven’t sold your last full box:

  1. Turn in the $60 and keep the remaining candy bars.  You can continue to sell them on your own, or, my favorite, keep them as treats for yourself!
  2. Turn in the money for what you have sold ($1 per candy bar) and return the remaining candy bars to us as well.

Thank you for your help with this fundraiser.  It seems as if it’s been a pretty easy and successful fundraiser!

Additional Holy Fire 6th Grade Parent Meetings

We had an amazing experience with 7th grade students last year at Holy Fire-Chicago.  Holy Fire is a day long mini-NCYC experience for middle school youth.  We will again be using this awesome retreat experience for 7th graders next fall.  Evan Brankin is hosting two additional information meetings for 6th grade parents:  May 16th and May 21st at 5:15 in the youth room in the rectory basement.

Assessment Results Reminder

As was stated in the letter than accompanied the reading screening and Iowa Assessment scores that were recently mailed, results for 3rd-5th graders are not expected until late summer or early fall.  The state has switched to the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for 3rd-11th graders for public schools.  Most of our diocesan schools are transitioning to these tests as well.  JFK used them for grades 3-5 this year.  Next year, we will use them for grades 3-8.  As a new test and with open-ended written responses, the ISASP will take longer to score than the traditional Iowa Assessments.

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.

OLV/JFK Campus Expanded with Donation

OLV/JFK’s campus was expanded with the donation of two lots just to the south of the drive by the ball field.  KwikTrip, Inc., owner of KwikStar, added these two lots to their donation of land to OLV.  Our southern property line is now a straight line that backs up to KwikStar and extends from Division to Sturdevant.    (OLV owns and rents out the white house and brown house on Division.)  Volunteers have already begun the process of cleaning up the properties so we can better maintain the land in the future, and they made great progress again this weekend!

Scott County Catholic Schools Strategic Plan Draft Meetings

About a year ago, Meitler was hired by the Assumption Foundation to examine how Catholic school education is provided in Scott County and provide suggestions on how we might continue to improve in the future.  The executive summary was presented to administrators on April 26th and will be presented to pastors on May 13th.  From there, the draft will be presented to the staffs of our Catholic schools and then to boards of education, finance councils, and other parish leadership organizations.  From there, the executive summary will be shared with the larger community of parents, stakeholders, and other interested parties.  It is an exciting time in Catholic school education in Scott County!

How I Met Your Mummy — Hilarious

Wasn’t I right?  The 8th grade play, “How I Met Your Mummy,” was hilarious!  The results of dedicated students on stage crew, set design, and on stage was amazing.  Many thanks to the adults too:  Mrs. Bauer, Ms. Burken, Ms. Siefers, Mrs. Woerdehoff, Mr. Ryan, and the parents and supporters of JFK drama.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health affects many families.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness, 20% of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition, and depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.  Fifty percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and there is an 8-10 year gap between the onset of symptoms and intervention.  Recognizing these issues, major legislation was passed this spring in Iowa that will establish a Children’s Behavioral Health System State Board that will guide age-appropriate universal screening and help provide services in the areas of prevention, early identification, early intervention, community prevention, and comprehensive crisis services.

Home & School News

Home & School board members are needed for next school year.  Andrea Schuster would be glad to answer any of your questions.

Our last H & S meeting is May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Share your thoughts about this past year, brainstorm ideas for the future, and prepare the budget for next year.

Family Movie Night: May 31st, time TBA.  Lego Movie 2 will be the featured show.

Band Concert

The band concert is Thursday at 9:15 in the gym and 6:30 in Assumption’s auditorium.  Fourth graders will play their recorders at the morning concert.

Field Day Volunteers

We are in need of field day volunteers!  If you can help on June 5, please contact Sara Tilkens.

Calendar Gets Full in the Spring

As we get closer to the summer, the school calendar seems to get fuller!  Please stay tuned in to building wide news and grade/homeroom news from the teachers.  You don’t want to miss anything!

Position Open at JFK

School Counselor:  We will have a full-time school counselor position available for the 2019-20 school year.   Iowa licensure is required.  To apply for this position, please send a copy of one’s license, resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

That Someone Else Is Us

I have to share my Mass experience on Saturday because it reminds me of a lesson for all of us.  My wife, Lynn, was out of town, and I attended the 4:30 Mass by myself.  Attendance seemed just a little lower than usual.  As we sat in silence waiting for Mass to begin, it seemed too quiet.  How can we be the most vibrant and welcoming faith community in the Diocese (our vision statement), when there’s so much silence?  When one goes to the best basketball game, concert, or family gathering, do we quietly enter and wait for it to begin in silence, or does the anticipation of the event flow out of us with energy?  At Mass, I thought we needed at least some pre-Mass music to help us set the stage and help us with the anticipation for the highlight of the week, which is coming together to worship.  We needed, however, someone there to lead the music.

At the beginning of Mass, there was no one to welcome us, no one to lead us in song, and no one to play the piano/organ.  Fr. Jake welcomed us from the back and led us in the processional song a cappella.  I then also noted that there was no deacon.  Deacon Al was there but he wasn’t scheduled for this Mass.  Where will we be when there is not someone to step forward to be our deacons, our cantors, our organ players?

I quickly scanned the church to identify the number of parishioners who are commissioned to be Extraordinary Eucharistic ministers.  Would someone be there, or should I take my coat off to be able to help, if needed?  Because I have plenty of opportunities to be an Extraordinary Eucharistic minister at school and special liturgies, I typically do not do this ministry on the weekends, but, if there is not someone else to do it, I certainly can step forward.  I counted at least twelve parishioners who could do it, more than enough to help that day.

As Mass continued, Mrs. Jevyak did the first reading.  She stepped back from the microphone for the responsorial psalm, but quickly realized that there was no one to sing it, so she read it.  Then, she did the second reading as well, and I thought back to my mother-in-law’s funeral.  I think Lynn and I did all the lay person Mass parts at that Mass as there was not someone else to do them.

When Mass on Saturday proceeded to the presentation of the gifts, we did it in silence, which just didn’t seem right for the 4:30 Mass.  Mass seemed rather “dead.”  When I talk to new families who are looking for a church and a school, we sometimes talk about the Masses, and I encourage families to try each of our four Masses.  Each Mass has a different “feel” to it, and, if one doesn’t appeal to them, perhaps another one will.  On Saturday, however, I began to wonder, “What will we do if Shirley cannot play the organ any more?  Where is the music book kept for the organist?  What if someone is not there who can do it?  Should we have a recording ready to pump into the church?  Can we find someone who can at least play the melody on the piano?  Wouldn’t that at least be better than sitting in silence?”

Just as we were about to go up for Communion, Rose Haas (former JFK parent and parish council member and active in several committee areas) slipped into the pew next to me, and said they’d like to sing a Communion song.  She had one picked out.  They just needed someone to go up to the microphone and announce it, and they didn’t feel comfortable doing that so they were asking me to do it.  I asked who would lead it.  She said they would.  So, I crossed over to the organ side of the church and introduced the song.  When they began singing, I could barely hear it, and it seemed to be faltering.  I was standing in front of a microphone so I did what I never expected I would do — I attempted to lead us in singing the hymn a cappella.  Now, if you heard me at the Catholic schools week Mass talk about being a croaking frog often caught between women singing like angels, you know that I was definitely out of my comfort zone.  I don’t think my heart stopped racing for an hour after Mass, and I’m glad I didn’t have to think about doing it beforehand, or I would have been a nervous wreck!  But there wasn’t someone else there doing it; it was just me. I probably would have led us in a recessional song too, if someone had picked it out, but, by then, I was on the other side of the church from Rose and still reeling from the realization of what I had just done with the offertory song.  Fr. Jake said we would just leave Mass in silence.

Often times, we can find ourselves in similar situations thinking, “There’s someone else who is more worthy or better.”  Sometimes when I go to educational workshops, I find myself thinking, however, “This is not earth shattering stuff.  I could be presenting it.”  But I’m not.  In these situations, someone else is.  Are the presenters more worthy or better?  Not necessarily.  But when there wasn’t someone else, they stepped forward and did it.

If we want a vibrant parish, if we want an active Home & School with family events for our kids, if we want field day, if we want school-based athletic events and after school activities, if we want successful band, music, and drama programs, if we want a great community, …, that someone else is us.

Bulletin Link:   May 12, 2019

Chad

May 5, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

OLV/JFK Campus Expanded with Donation

OLV/JFK’s campus was expanded with the donation of two lots just to the south of the drive by the ball field.  KwikTrip, Inc., owner of KwikStar, added these two lots to their donation of land to OLV.  Our southern property line is now a straight line that backs up to KwikStar and extends from Division to Sturdevant.    (OLV owns and rents out the white house and brown house on Division.)  Volunteers have already begun the process of cleaning up the properties so we can better maintain the land in the future.

Rosary Themed Project by Playground – Fully Funded

Thank you to everyone who donated to the rosary themed project to be put in by the playground.  The project is now fully funded.  We are currently waiting for a dump truck of dirt to be spread and final grading to take place after the winter settling of the ground.

Scott County Catholic Schools Strategic Plan Draft Meetings

About a year ago, Meitler was hired by the Assumption Foundation to examine how Catholic school education is provided in Scott County and provide suggestions on how we might continue to improve in the future.  The executive summary was presented to administrators about ten days ago and will be presented to pastors on May 13th.  From there, the draft will be presented to the staffs of our Catholic schools and then to boards of education, finance councils, and other parish leadership organizations.  From there, the executive summary will be shared with the larger community of parents, stakeholders, and other interested parties.

Holy Fire 6th Grade Parent Meetings

We had an amazing experience with 7th grade students last year at Holy Fire-Chicago.  Holy Fire is a day long mini-NCYC experience for middle school youth.  We will again be using this awesome retreat experience for 7th graders next fall.  Evan Brankin is hosting two information meetings for 6th grade parents:  May 5th at 12:00 in the parish center (carpeted side) and May 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the parish center.

Gala:  What an Enjoyable Evening

The Gala is always a major undertaking that yields such a wonderful evening!  Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Candy Bar Sale

With the loss of fundraisers over the last few years or the reduction in revenue, we thought we would try a low key candy bar sale with World’s Finest Chocolate.  The candy bar sale is very popular at Regina and some of the other Catholic schools in our diocese.  We’ve been doing so well that the company sent us more boxes.  If you need another box, please send in the $60 for the first box, and let Angie H. know in the office.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health affects many families.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness, 20% of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition, and depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.  Fifty percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and there is an 8-10 year gap between the onset of symptoms and intervention.  Recognizing these issues, major legislation was passed this spring in Iowa that will establish a Children’s Behavioral Health System State Board that will guide age-appropriate universal screening and help provide services in the areas of prevention, early identification, early intervention, community prevention, and comprehensive crisis services.

To draw attention to mental health, we will have an out of uniform day on May 10th if students wear green and/or the green ribbon provided by student council.

Home & School News

Home & School board members are needed for next school year.  Andrea Schuster would be glad to answer any of your questions.

Wasn’t the plant sale a smooth operation?!  Please thank the Schusters, Gerlachs, Millers, Wichelmanns, and others that I’m sure I missed.

Our last H & S meeting is May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Share your thoughts about this past year, brainstorm ideas for the future, and prepare the budget for next year.

Family Movie Night: May 31st, time TBA.  Lego Movie 2 will be the featured show.

Crusader Theater on May 10 and 11

“How I Met Your Mummy” will be performed by JFK’s 8th grade Crusader Theater on May 10 and 11.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  with the play beginning at 7:00. Tickets are available now.  Please contact the school, Mrs. Bauer, or an 8th grade theater member for more information.  It’s always great to see the student actors/actresses, set design, stage crew, parents, and staff pull together for such a great activity.  This year’s play is hilarious!

Five Year Employment Recognition

On Sunday, we recognized several employees for their five year employment increments with OLV/JFK.

5 years:  Meredith Ash, Kayelyn Blake, Kim Burken, Angie Hillebrand, Kathy Knox, Sasha Lundquist, and Jodi Weiser

10 years:  Julie Baker, Sara Tilkens, and Alicia Turnquist

15 years:  Michelle Jordan

30 years:  Shelly Furlong

May God bless all who do the service of the Lord through their employment in the ministries of Our Lady of Victory.

End of 4th Mid-Quarter May 8

May 8th is the end of the 4th mid-quarter.  Since the Easter break, we are actually in one of the longest uninterrupted periods of school.  We have a lot of school left.  Don’t let your students drift!

Field Day Volunteers

We are in need of field day volunteers!  If you can help on June 5, please contact Sara Tilkens.

Position Open at JFK

School Counselor:  We will have a full-time school counselor position available for the 2019-20 school year.   Iowa licensure is required.  To apply for this position, please send a copy of one’s license, resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Bulletin Link:   May 5, 2019

Chad

 

 

 

April 28, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Two Days Remaining for Discounted Registration and Priority Registration

There are only two days remaining to return your K-8 tuition contract for next school year and receive the discounted registration fee.  On May 1st, the discount no longer applies.  May 1st also marks the end of priority registration for parishioners and those already enrolled in JFK or Guardian Angel Preschool.  At that time, all registration is first come, first served, and we may be looking at a waiting list in at least one grade and some preschool classes.

Rosary Themed Project by Playground

We need about $300 more for a rosary themed area behind the school near the playground.  The labor, mulch, bench, and about $800 has already been donated.  We need about $1,100 for the plants and stone.  If interested in helping fund this special project, please put your donation in an envelope marked “Rosary Themed Project” and send it to the school office.  Thank you to everyone who has already donated!

Board of Education and Parish Council

The board of education has three spots open each year, and parish council has four spots.  The terms are for three years.  For more information, please contact me.

Gala on May 3rd

The Gala is on Friday.  Buy your tickets now!  Did you purchase a raffle ticket for $1,000 off your 2019-20 tuition?  Contact Angie H. in the school office for information.

Candy Bar Sale

With the loss of fundraisers over the last few years or the reduction in revenue, we thought we would try a low key candy bar sale with World’s Finest Chocolate.  The candy bar sale is very popular at Regina and some of the other Catholic schools in our diocese.  Students who have signed permission slips to sell the candy bars will receive them this week.  If you need another box, please send in the $60 and let Angie H. know in the office.  They shipped plenty of boxes!

First Communion on Sunday.  Out of Uniform on Monday

Congratulations to the second graders who received their First Communion on Sunday.  They can be out of uniform on Monday.

Home & School News

The last JFK Skate Night of the school year is Monday, April 29th at the Eldridge Skate Park.  The costume theme is disco.

The plant sale pickup is in the parish center from 2:00 – 7:00 on Wednesday and Thursday.  Please enter the doors near the playground and stop at the check-in table.  There will also be extra items available for purchase.

On the carpeted side of the parish center during the plant sale pickup is a USED uniform sale.

7/8 Spring Showcase

The 7th/8th grade spring showcase is on Tuesday.  We’ll have boomwhackers, bucket drumming, the choir, and the 8th grade class song.  Performances are at 1:15 and 7:00 p.m. in the gym.

Crusader Theater on May 10 and 11

“How I Met Your Mummy” will be performed by JFK’s 8th grade Crusader Theater on May 10 and 11.  Tickets are available now.  Please contact the school, Mrs. Bauer, or an 8th grade theater member for more information.

End of 4th Mid-Quarter May 8

May 8th is the end of the 4th mid-quarter.  Since the Easter break, we are actually in one of the longest uninterrupted periods of school.  We have a lot of school left.  Don’t let your students drift!

Project Jack

Fourth and 5th graders made fleece tie blankets last week to be donated to those in need.  The funds came from Project Jack, a pay-it-forward initiative started in honor of Jack Lindaman. He was a student at Alan Shepherd Elementary School who had spinal muscular atrophy. Thank you to the parents who came to help with this project and to Father Jake who blessed the blankets for us.

Position Open at JFK

School Counselor:  We will have a full-time school counselor position available for the 2019-20 school year.   Iowa licensure is required.  To apply for this position, please send a copy of one’s license, resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Bulletin Link: April 28, 2019

Chad

April 21, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Eight Days Remaining for Discounted Registration and Priority Registration

There are only eight days remaining to return your K-8 tuition contract for next school year and receive the discounted registration fee.  On May 1st, the discount no longer applies.  May 1st also marks the end of priority registration for parishioners and those already enrolled in JFK or Guardian Angel Preschool.  At that time, all registration is first come, first served, and we may be looking at a waiting list in at least one grade and some preschool classes.

Rosary Themed Project by Playground

We are about half way to the funding needed for a rosary themed area behind the school near the playground.  The labor, mulch, and bench have already been donated.  We need about $1,100 for the plants and stone.  If interested in helping fund this special project, please put your donation in an envelope marked “Rosary Themed Project” and send it to the school office.  Thank you to everyone who has already donated!

Board of Education and Parish Council

The board of education has three spots open each year, and parish council has four spots.  The terms are for three years.  For more information, please contact me.

Action Alert for Increase in STO Tax Credits

The Iowa Catholic Conference put out an action alert in support of an increase in the School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credits.  Donations to STOs fund our tuition assistance in the Family Tuition Plan.  More tax credits available will translate into more donations and, thus, more financial assistance available.

Here’s the alert: https://www.votervoice.net/ICC/campaigns/65475/respond.

Make Gala Reservations Now

The Gala is only a few weeks away, Friday, May 3rd.  Buy your tickets now!  Contact Angie H. in the school office for information on the following:

  • How to help with setup, etc.
  • How to be an “underwriter” to pay for the costs of the Gala so that all sales go to the educational needs of OLV/JFK
  • How to contribute toward a “class” package
  • How to be a donor of an item for the auction(s)
  • How to purchase raffle tickets for $1,000 off your 2019-20 tuition
  • How to purchase tickets to attend

Candy Bar Sale

With the loss of fundraisers over the last few years or the reduction in revenue, we thought we would try a low key candy bar sale with World’s Finest Chocolate.  The candy bar sale is very popular at Regina and some of the other Catholic schools in our diocese.  Students who have signed permission slips to sell the candy bars will receive them this week.  If you need another box, please send in the $60 and let Angie H. know in the office.  They shipped plenty of boxes!

First Communion on Sunday

On Sunday, we will be celebrating First Communion with our second graders at a 1:30 p.m. Mass.  I can’t wait for the to be at the table with us!

Holy Thursday Musical Stations

We would like to thank the 8th graders for their wonderful selections of music and video for our Stations of the Cross on Holy Thursday.  If that wasn’t enough, you should have seen 380 students and staff leave the gym in absolute silence without needing any reminder.  It was amazing!

Campus Clean Up

A spring campus clean up is taking place.  Most noticeable are the bushes around the parish center and along the cafeteria wall.  This past weekend, a better drainage system for the sump pump by the north stairs was installed.  There is another date scheduled for more work:  Saturday, April 27th at 8:30 a.m.  Tasks include reseeding behind the school, cleaning up the white and brick house yards, and removing tree limbs and brush from our property south of the school.  If you have a pick-up truck or trailer, please bring it along so it can be used to haul away the debris.

Position Open at JFK

School Counselor:  We will have a full-time school counselor position available for the 2019-20 school year.   Iowa licensure is required.  To apply for this position, please send a copy of one’s license, resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Bulletin Link:  April 21, 2019

Chad

April 14, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

No Classes on Good Friday and Easter Monday

JFK will not have classes on Good Friday (April 19) and Easter Monday (April 22).  This schedule differs from the DCSD.  ECLC is closed on Good Friday but open on Easter Monday this year.

Holy Thursday Musical Stations in the Gym

On Holy Thursday (April 18th), we will have a stations of the cross using video and song.  It will be in the gym at 1:55.

Let’s Celebrate with Out of Uniform – Iowa Assessments and Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress Completed

It’s always a big task for the annual Iowa Assessments and now the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress.  There are special schedules, special room and seating arrangements, makeups, etc.  It takes all of the students and staff to make it work in such a brief period of time.  Thank you for all your help.  Let’s celebrate with an out of uniform day on Monday, April 15th.

Welcome Emily Sanderson

Please join me in welcoming  Emily Sanderson to the JFK staff.  Mrs. Sanderson will be coming from a medical office background and has formally held a certified nursing assistant license.  The Sandersons have two children at JFK, a 6th grader and a 3 yr old in PS.
With so many good candidates who were parishioners, parents of current students, relatives of staff, JFK graduates, etc., it was tough to make a decision for the school secretary position.  Many thanks to Angie Hillebrand, Kitty Temming, and David Mattke for their time and insights.

Return Tuition Contracts. Register for Preschool and Childcare

Tuition contracts for next year’s K-8 students should be returned before the end of April in order to receive the discount.  Please return them with the registration fee as soon as possible so we can make plans for next year.

Some of our classes for 3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare already have waiting lists forming for next school year.  Register now while the classes that meet your family’s schedule still have openings.

Rosary Themed Project by Playground

After the fall drainage work behind the school and near the playground, we are ready for spring planting.  Rather than just planting grass, a rosary themed area has been designed to fit into the corner where the big tree was removed.  Centered in the plantings and looking over the playground will be the memorial bench for Peg Gooder.  Around the perimeter will be stones in the form a rosary.  I would like to thank everyone who offered suggestions and insights to this project.  While not all elements could be incorporated into this design, the inspiration and encouragement from people was amazing.  In particular, I’d like to thank Julie Baker, who initiated our thinking about such a project, Chris Guinn, Joe Hillebrand, Jimmy Holt, Tammy Nagle, and the families of Chad Newton and Peg Gooder.  Finally, we would not be able to move ahead on this project without the final design work and project management of Drew Schmitt.

The labor, mulch, and bench have already been donated.  We need about $1,100 for the plants and stone.  If interested in helping fund this special project, please put your donation in an envelope marked “Rosary Themed Project” and send it to the school office.  Thank you to everyone who has already donated!

Board of Education and Parish Council

The board of education has three spots open each year, and parish council has four spots.  The terms are for three years.  For more information, please contact me.

OLV Knights of Columbus

OLV’s Knights of Columbus Council is a men’s group organized to help people live out their faith in the spirit of charity by helping others.  For more information, please contact Rick Willows 563-570-0476.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20th starting at 11:00 a.m. on the soccer field behind JFK.  There will be three age groups:  5 & under, 6 to 10, and  10 and over.

For those participating in Adoration on Good Friday night, the Knights will also serve as escorts.

Gala Friday May 3rd

The Gala is less than a month away!  Look for separate communications:

  • How to help with setup, etc.
  • How to be an “underwriter” to pay for the costs of the Gala so that all sales go to the educational needs of OLV/JFK
  • How to contribute toward a “class” package
  • How to be a donor of an item for the auction(s)
  • How to purchase raffle tickets for $1,000 off your 2019-20 tuition
  • How to purchase tickets to attend

Position Open at JFK

School Counselor:  We will have a full-time school counselor position available for the 2019-20 school year.   Iowa licensure is required.  To apply for this position, please send a copy of one’s license, resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Bulletin Link:  April 14, 2019

Chad