Category: Principal’s Post

April 7, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Children’s Author Julia Cook at Catholic Schools Last Week

Julia Cook was amazing last week!  Check out the photos on our Facebook page.  See the recording of her time on Paula Sands Live.

The author of 90 children’s book, former school counselor and nationally recognized award-winning author, Julia Cook shared her insights with students, staff, and parents in Scott County Catholic elementary schools.  Her books include the following:

  • I Just Don’t Like the Sound of NO!
  • My Mouth is a Volcano
  • Making Friends is an Art!
  • The PROcrastinator
  • I Can’t Believe You SAID that!

 

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.

Spring Cleaning Outside JFK

Thank you to those who helped with the cleaning outside around JFK on Saturday.  It’s nice to be able to start tackling those outside jobs!

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.  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.

Stewardship of Treasure Campaign

Joyful Living, Grateful Giving: This year’s Stewardship of Treasure renewal is underway, and families should have received a letter from Fr. Greiner.  By letting us know your intentions, the parish can better plan for the future and continue to place Catholic school education at JFK and Assumption in a prioritized role.  Please complete the intention envelope and place it in the collection basket, mail it to the parish office, or send it through backpack mail.

You may also want to consider registering for on-line giving.  This option can be found on the parish website by clicking on the “E-Giving” button, and this feature allows you to donate with whatever amount or frequency you desire.

Ad Hoc Policy Committee Invite

Each year the board of education reviews about 1/3 of the policies contained in the Parent and Student Handbook.  Dress code policies are reviewed every year.  If you would like to be involved this spring, please send me an email.

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.

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.

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:  1-3 years old, 4-6, and 7-10.

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

Preschool Vision Screening

Preschoolers have vision screenings on April 8th and 9th at school.

Confirmation on Saturday

Congratulations to our 8th graders and others who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday!

Stage Setup April 14

Set up of the stage will begin after the 9:00 Mass on April 14th.  Extra hands are always appreciated.  A few people with cordless power drills/drivers would also be helpful.

Iowa Assessments and Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress

Students in grades K-2 and 6-8 will take the Iowa Assessments beginning April 8th.  Third through 5th graders will take the new Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress also beginning on April 8th.  Make sure students get plenty of sleep and have a good breakfast!

Blood Drive

The spring Blood Drive is here.  April 11th from 2-6 p.m. in the parish center.  Contact Mrs. Whelchel (rachael.whelchel@olvjfkmail.com) to set up a time or feel free to walk in!

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 7, 2019

Chad

March 31, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Children’s Author Julia Cook at Catholic Schools in April

The author of more than 50 children’s book, former school counselor and nationally recognized award-winning author, Julia Cook will be in Scott County Catholic elementary schools the week of April 1st.  Her books include the following:

  • I Just Don’t Like the Sound of NO!
  • My Mouth is a Volcano
  • Making Friends is an Art!
  • The PROcrastinator
  • I Can’t Believe You SAID that!

Ms. Cook will be at JFK on April 3rd and 5th.  An evening session for parents is on April 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart.

For $1 or more, students may wear a hat to school with their uniform on Friday. Funds raised will be used to buy clothes, shoes, and school supplies for the kids in Fremont, NE, home of Julia Cook. Fremont experienced terrible flooding this spring.

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.

Spring Cleaning Outside JFK

After a long, snowy winter, our school grounds are ready for a spring cleaning spruce up! We are looking for volunteers to join us on Saturday, April 6 beginning at 8:30 AM to show our JFK pride and get some much needed yardwork done around our school and church campus. This is also a great opportunity for students to earn Christian Service hours! Our goals will be to remove some damaged trees and bushes as well as collecting leaves and debris. We will need rakes, leafblowers, brush trimmers, shovels, wheelbarrows and pick up trucks to haul everything off to the compost facility. We look forward to your help!

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.  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.

Stewardship of Treasure Campaign

Joyful Living, Grateful Giving: This year’s Stewardship of Treasure renewal is underway, and families should have received a letter from Fr. Greiner.  By letting us know your intentions, the parish can better plan for the future and continue to place Catholic school education at JFK and Assumption in a prioritized role.  Please complete the intention envelope and place it in the collection basket, mail it to the parish office, or send it through backpack mail.

You may also want to consider registering for on-line giving.  This option can be found on the parish website by clicking on the “E-Giving” button, and this feature allows you to donate with whatever amount or frequency you desire.  Lynn and I use this feature, and it was handy this past weekend when we attended Mass with extended family members elsewhere this weekend.  OLV still receives our regular donation.

Mrs. Lundquist Welcomes Daughter

We can’t wait for the first school visit of Mrs. Lundquist’s daughter, Annika!  I don’t know who gets more excited to see a new baby, the staff or students.  (Of course, with all of the illnesses going around at school lately, it may be a while before any of us see her!)

Ad Hoc Policy Committee Invite

Each year the board of education reviews about 1/3 of the policies contained in the Parent and Student Handbook.  Dress code policies are reviewed every year.  If you would like to be involved this spring, please send me an email.

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.

Student Wins Third Place in Essay Contest

Congratulations to Mary R (8B) for winning 3rd place in the Ida S. Kramer Essay Contest with her paper titled “Hidden Children” (The Story of Edith Swalb). Mary’s essay and the catalyst for her entry should be highlighted in a coming issue of The Catholic Messenger.

Hearing Screening

Students in grades K, 1, 2, and 5 will have hearing screenings on April 2nd.

Early Dismissal on Friday

There is a two hour early dismissal on Friday for the end of the 3rd quarter.  Dismissal is at 12:50.  There are no afternoon preschool classes.

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.

Iowa Assessments and Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress

Students in grades K-2 and 6-8 will take the Iowa Assessments beginning April 8th.  Third through 5th graders will take the new Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress also beginning on April 8th.  Make sure students get plenty of sleep and have a good breakfast!

Positions 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.
School Secretary:  We are searching for a full-time year round school secretary with excellent accounting skills.  This position is open immediately.  To apply for this position, please send a resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Plant Orders Due April 3rd

Plant orders are due April 3rd.  Color brochures were sent home before spring break.  One can also order online at Janet’s Jungle.  Pick up is at JFK on May 1st and 2nd. Last year’s flowers looked amazing in my back yard!

Bulletin Link: March 31, 2019

Chad

March 24, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Tuition Contracts for K-8 Were Mailed Last Week, Preschool and Childcare Registration Underway

Tuition contracts for next year’s K-8 students were mailed last week.  Please return them with the registration fee as soon as possible so we can make plans for next year, and you can have the advantage of the discounted registration fee.

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.

Communal Penance Service

The Diocese of Davenport will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation through a communal penance service held at Our Lady of Victory at 6:30 p.m on March 25th.  Nearly a dozen priests will be available.

Stewardship of Treasure Campaign

Joyful Living, Grateful Giving: This year’s Stewardship of Treasure renewal is underway, and families should have received a letter from Fr. Greiner.  By letting us know your intentions, the parish can better plan for the future and continue to place Catholic school education at JFK and Assumption in a prioritized role.  Please complete the intention envelope and place it in the collection basket, mail it to the parish office, or send it through backpack mail.

You may also want to consider registering for on-line giving.  This option can be found on the parish website by clicking on the “E-Giving” button, and this feature allows you to donate with whatever amount or frequency you desire.  Lynn and I use this feature, and it was handy this past weekend when we attended Mass with extended family members elsewhere this weekend.  OLV still receives our regular donation.

3rd/4th Grade Spring Show

The school performance of the 3rd/4th grade show is at 1:15 on Thursday.  The evening performance for guests is at 6:30 p.m.  Third and fourth graders can be out of uniform on March 29th.

Hearing Screening

Students in grades K, 1, 2, and 5 will have hearing screenings on April 2nd.

Children’s Author Julia Cook at Catholic Schools in April

The author of more than 25 children’s book, former school counselor, Julia Cook will be in Scott County Catholic elementary schools the week of April 1st.  Her books include the following:

  • I Just Don’t Like the Sound of NO!
  • My Mouth is a Volcano
  • Making Friends is an Art!
  • The PROcrastinator
  • I Can’t Believe You SAID that!

An evening session for parents is also being arranged.

Positions 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.
School Secretary:  We are searching for a full-time year round school secretary with excellent accounting skills.  This position is open immediately.  To apply for this position, please send a resume, letter of interest, and references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Plant Sale

It’s time to get your plants ordered through the JFK/OLV plant sale.  Last year’s flowers looked amazing in my back yard, and this photo was early in the growing season!

Color brochures were sent home before spring break.  One can also order online at Janet’s Jungle.  Orders are due by April 3rd.  Pick up is at JFK on May 1st and 2nd.

Bulletin Link: March 24, 2019

Chad

March 17, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Scott County Catholic Schools Mass for 2nd-12th Graders Thursday

Thursday is the Scott County Catholic Schools Mass for 2nd-12th graders.  The Mass is at 9:30 in Assumption’s gym.  Please return the permission slip so your child may attend.  Parents are welcome to attend as well.

Tuition Contracts for K-8 to be Mailed this Week, Preschool and Childcare Registration Underway

Tuition contracts for next year’s K-8 students will be mailed this week.  Please return them with the registration fee as soon as possible so we can make plans for next year, and you can have the advantage of the discounted registration fee.

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.

New Schedules Going Well

One week of the new schedules seems to have gone well.  More proximate changes to the remainder of our school year calendar are summarized below, and our website calendar has been updated with these and the remaining changes.

K-8

  • Starting Monday, March 4th, the JFK K-8 student day will be 10 minutes longer in the afternoon with bus transportation.  Our bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  This schedule is DIFFERENT than the DCSD, which is also adding 10 minutes at the front of the day.  For those students who ride the bus in the morning, expect a 10 minute earlier pick up time as we cannot control the bus times.  We will supervise bus riders at JFK at the earlier time but not start classes for everyone until 7:25.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th there will be no early release on Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year.  The K-8 bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  There will be bus transportation.  Again, morning bus riders should expect the bus route to be 10 minutes earlier.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.

Preschool

  • Starting Monday, Marth 4th, preschool morning classes for four year olds will change to 7:25-10:30 a.m.  Afternoon classes will change to 11:45-2:50.  Each class is 3:05 in length, and morning drop off and afternoon pick up will still match K-8.  There are no changes for 3 year old preschool classes.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th the Wednesday schedule will be the same as the other days of the week.  Preschool classes for four year olds will be 7:25-10:30 a.m., and afternoon classes will be 11:45-2:50.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.  For this year only, ECLC is open on Easter Monday.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  Due to the two hour early dismissal for K-8, there are no afternoon preschool classes.

Green/White Out of Uniform Dress Day

Friday, March 22nd is Green/White Out of Uniform Day.  Usually we have a green out of dress day in relation to St. Patrick’s Day, but with it being on the weekend, we’ll have a green/white out of uniform day on Friday.

Did you catch a leprechaun at your house?  We tried several times at our house but were never successful.  The leprechaun was always too wily!

New JFK Video

Our first draft of a new video highlighting the JFK Difference is available:  JFK Difference.  The video is available through multiple routes on our website.  The easiest one is under the “JFK Difference” tab.

Tuition Tax Credit

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that the tax/calendar year actually splits two different school years with different tuition rates.

Staff Leaving JFK

It’s getting to be the time of year when more formal announcements of staff leaving take place.  We wish these staff members well in their futures:
Michelle Jordan:  For 16 years, Mrs. Jordan has been one of the first faces our families have seen at JFK.  She made them feel welcome and the children feel loved.  When she started at JFK, she taught both the 3 year old and 4/5 year old classes, and preschool classes were located in a different location within the building.  Over the years, Mrs. Jordan has been instrumental in the various transformations that seem to have taken place in early childhood education in content and focus as well as in physical location at JFK.  Mrs. Jordan’s duties will be absorbed by our current preschool staff as we restructure.
Anna Schott:  Mrs. Schott has been at JFK since 2011.  With JFK being the first Catholic elementary school in the area to have a school counselor and to make the position full-time, we were still trying to put things together when Mrs. Schott began.  With her leadership and vision we have been developing a real “counseling program” with a three tier system of support for the social/emotional/behavioral well-being of students, student career counseling and a Scott County Catholic Schools and St. Ambrose 8th grade career fair, parent education events, and numerous special events.  Mrs. Schott has a unique way of connecting with students of all nine ages (or more) in the building that will be missed.  A search for a new school counselor has begun.
Jennifer Wemhoff (sort of):  For the last two years, Mrs. Wemhoff has been teaching a section of religion in the school.  As her other faith formation duties are expanding, she will no longer be able to dedicate the needed time for teaching every day in the school.  She will still be intimately involved, however, with the students and staff of JFK.
Dawn Henning:  Mrs. Henning has been in the school office since 2014 and will be leaving us to join the staff of St. Ambrose.  Everyone knows that it’s really the school secretaries that keep schools running.  We will miss her dearly and try not to falter too much when she leaves at the end of March.  Since coming to JFK, Mrs. Henning’s position has evolved as well.  We are now not quite sure if we need a school secretary with excellent accounting skills or a bookkeeper with excellent secretarial skills.
     If you are interested and qualified for a year-round office position at JFK, please contact me.  A small tuition benefit is included in the compensation package.

Plant Sale

It was hard to think about plants when I woke up this morning, and snow was covering the ground.  However, by the end of the day, the ground was starting to be seen again.  It really must be spring!  It’s time, then, to get my plants ordered through the JFK/OLV plant sale.

Last year’s flowers looked amazing in my back yard, and this photo was early in the growing season!

Color brochures were sent home before spring break.  One can also order online at Janet’s Jungle.  Orders are due by April 3rd.  Pick up is at JFK on May 1st and 2nd.

Bulletin Link: March 17, 2019

March 3, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

New Schedules Start March 4

The changes to the remainder of our school year calendar are summarized below, and our website calendar has been updated.  Changes to our schedule start on Monday, March 4th:

K-8

  • Starting Monday, March 4th, the JFK K-8 student day will be 10 minutes longer in the afternoon with bus transportation.  Our bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  This schedule is DIFFERENT than the DCSD, which is also adding 10 minutes at the front of the day.  For those students who ride the bus in the morning, expect a 10 minute earlier pick up time as we cannot control the bus times.  We will supervise bus riders at JFK at the earlier time but not start classes for everyone until 7:25.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th there will be no early release on Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year.  The K-8 bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  There will be bus transportation.  Again, morning bus riders should expect the bus route to be 10 minutes earlier.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.
  • March 7th is drop-in parent/teacher conferences for K-8.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.
  • Thursday, June 6th is the last day of K-8 classes.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.
  • Field day for K-8 is now Wednesday, June 5th.  There is no Mass this Wednesday.
  • Our last all school Mass is Thursday, June 6th.
  • 8th grade graduation is Friday, June 7th.

Preschool

  • Starting Monday, Marth 4th, preschool morning classes for four year olds will change to 7:25-10:30 a.m.  Afternoon classes will change to 11:45-2:50.  Each class is 3:05 in length, and morning drop off and afternoon pick up will still match K-8.  There are no changes for 3 year old preschool classes.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th the Wednesday schedule will be the same as the other days of the week.  Preschool classes for four year olds will be 7:25-10:30 a.m., and afternoon classes will be 11:45-2:50.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.  For this year only, ECLC is open on Easter Monday.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  Due to the two hour early dismissal for K-8, there are no afternoon preschool classes.
  • The last day of 4 yr old PS and 3 yr old PS classes is Wednesday, June 5th.
  • The 4 yr old PS programs are in evening of June 5th.
  • The 3 yr old PS family activity is June 6th.
  • The last day of ECLC is June 7th.

Spring Break

With all of the focus on special schedules, please don’t forget that the week of March 10th is spring break.  There are no PS or K-8 classes.  ECLC is open.

Ash Wednesday: March 6

Ash Wednesday Mass times are 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Yellow Out Dress Day

Thursday, March 7th is Yellow Out of Uniform Day.  Yellow is the color associated with the fight against childhood cancer, and our out of uniform day is a follow up to our Pennies for Patients week.  Students may be out of uniform, if they are wearing some yellow.  (Good luck — I know I may have to look long and hard in my closet!)

Kindergarten Round-Up and Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2019-20

If you missed the Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up, please contact the school office as soon as possible.  You don’t want to miss being put on our list 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.

New JFK Video

Our first draft of a new video highlighting the JFK Difference is available:  JFK Difference.  The video is available through multiple routes on our website.  The easiest one is under the “JFK Difference” tab.

Tuition Tax Credit

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that the tax/calendar year actually splits two different school years with different tuition rates.

Bulletin Link:  March 3, 2019

Boxtops Deadline for Spring Submission

The Boxtops deadline for our spring submission will be in mid-March.  We’ll do the actual submission in April but volunteer Katrina Andybur needs time to trim and count the tabs.  Boxtops that come in after mid-March will be held until the fall submission.

Protecting God’s Children and Virtus Training for Volunteers

Lisa Willows, OLV/JFK’s coordinator for staff and volunteers adhering to the diocese’s Protecting God’s Children program, has been sending emails to several people listed as volunteers for OLV and JFK.  These emails are to advise people that they are registered as volunteers with us and out of compliance with the diocesan guidelines for trainings and/or background checks.  Although there are not many on this short list, if you do receive an email from her about not being in compliance, please act immediately so your role as a volunteer can continue.  We always need all the volunteers we can get!

February 24, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Two Special Dress Days This Week; One the Following

Monday is Red Out Dress Day.  For $1, students and staff can be out of uniform if they wear red for the American Heart Association’s Healthy Heart Challenge.  Students need to adhere to the Out of Uniform Guidelines in our handbook.  If students purchased a Healthy Heart Challenge shirt, they do not need to donate the $1; they can just wear their new shirt.  Students can, of course, also show their support as well by wearing red according to the regular uniform policy.

Friday is JFK/AHS Spirit Day.  Students may wear any JFK or AHS spirit wear top along with uniform pants/skirts/bottoms.

Thursday, March 7th is Yellow Out of Uniform Day.  Yellow is the color associated with the fight against childhood cancer, and our out of uniform day is a follow up to our Pennies for Patients week.  Students may be out of uniform, if they are wearing some yellow.  (Good luck — I know I may have to look long and hard in my closet!)

Ash Wednesday: March 6

Ash Wednesday Mass times are 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up for 2019-20 Last Week

If you missed the Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up last week, please contact the school office as soon as possible.  You don’t want to miss being put on our list for next year!

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2019-20

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.

New JFK Video

Our first draft of a new video highlighting the JFK Difference is available:  JFK Difference.  The video is available through multiple routes on our website.  The easiest one is under the “JFK Difference” tab.

Tuition Tax Credit

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that the tax/calendar year actually splits two different school years with different tuition rates.

Bulletin Link:  February 24, 2019

Assumption Musical:  March 1-3

Join the Assumption Knight Players March 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m. and March 3 at 2:00 p.m. for The Drowsy Chaperone! With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage, puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of the fictitious 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone, and watches as the recording comes to life in his apartment. The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful meta-musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another!

Tickets ($10 adult, $8 student/senior) will be available at the door.  Free Admission to students with Assumption Activity Pass. (Must be accompanied by an adult)
Reserved seating for The Drowsy Chaperone is now available:  https://www.showtix4u.com/events/78

Instrumental Solo Contest

JFK students did an outstanding job at the instrumental solo contest last week.  We had 82% of our band students receive the highest “Division 1” rating.  There were also 16 students who received perfect ballots:  Allie A., Sophia M., Michael L., Ava S., Helen S., Jay W.T., Molly R., Kyle B., Ryan B., Sean B., Matthew M., Macie R., McKay D., Lucy N., Alexis M., and Braeden M.

My personal stories about being a soloist continue.  My high school experiences centered around music:  concert band, marching band, jazz band, dixie land band, brass ensemble, full orchestra, etc.  I spent my summers in marching band going to parades around southeast WI and IL.  We even performed in a college bowl game/parade and several televised parades.  We had many interesting experiences, including, I kid you not, playing trumpet fanfares as each winning cheese was announced at the Wisconsin Cheese Festival.  By the time I was a senior, I had been a featured soloist several times.  I still remember, however ,when our jazz band did a Chuck Mangione song where I was up front through the whole thing.  I remember telling our band teacher that we needed to build in a break somewhere in the piece as I just knew I would need one.  She kept telling me I’d be fine.  On the night of the big concert, I was proven right.  At right about the point where I thought I’d need a break, my lips dried up, and I started to have difficulty making the buzz for the trumpet.  I had to stop.  As I stepped back to take a sip of water, everyone started to clap as if the solo was done, and I remember asking my friend, “Why are they clapping?  I’m not done.  There’s more of this disaster.”  Of course, everyone said that they really didn’t notice a problem, and I never had a problem in any other concert or venue in which we played that song again.  But I knew both the “agony of defeat and the triumph of victory” or however that ABC Wide World of Sports commercial went.

Boxtops Deadline for Spring Submission

The Boxtops deadline for our spring submission will be in mid-March.  We’ll do the actual submission in April but volunteer Katrina Andybur needs time to trim and count the tabs.  Boxtops that come in after mid-March will be held until the fall submission.

Wellness Policy Review

We recently completed the latest review of our Wellness Policy.  The “strength” of the policy itself is analyzed, and the implementation is reviewed.  Below is a table that shows our “strength” analysis in 2018 and 2015.  It also shows how JFK’s policy is “stronger” than the national average.  To access the complete documents, follow two separate links:  Strength Analysis and Implementation.

Area

 

 2018 2015
Comprehensiveness Score Strength Score Comprehensiveness Score Strength Score
Nutrition Education 86 71 100 17
Standards for USDA Child Nutrition Programs and School Meals 70

 

 30 50 43
Nutrition Standards for Competitive and Other Foods and Beverages 92

 

 25 56 33
Physical Education and Physical Activity 100 40 11 0
Wellness Promotion and Marketing 67 42 13 7
Implementation, Evaluation & Communication 75

 

 50 64 45
Overall Policy Score 82 43 49 24
National Averages 54 33

 

Changes to JFK’s 2018-19 School Calendar Repeated Below

The changes to the remainder of our school year calendar are summarized below.  I will update everything on our website calendar as soon.

K-8

  • Starting Monday, March 4th, the JFK K-8 student day will be 10 minutes longer in the afternoon with bus transportation.  Our bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  This schedule is DIFFERENT than the DCSD, which is also adding 10 minutes at the front of the day.  For those students who ride the bus in the morning, expect a 10 minute earlier pick up time as we cannot control the bus times.  We will supervise bus riders at JFK at the earlier time but not start classes for everyone until 7:25.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th there will be no early release on Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year.  The K-8 bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  There will be bus transportation.  Again, morning bus riders should expect the bus route to be 10 minutes earlier.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.
  • March 7th is drop-in parent/teacher conferences for K-8.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.
  • Thursday, June 6th is the last day of K-8 classes.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.
  • Field day for K-8 is now Wednesday, June 5th.  There is no Mass this Wednesday.
  • Our last all school Mass is Thursday, June 6th.
  • 8th grade graduation is Friday, June 7th.

Preschool

  • Starting Monday, Marth 4th, preschool morning classes for four year olds will change to 7:25-10:30 a.m.  Afternoon classes will change to 11:45-2:50.  Each class is 3:05 in length, and morning drop off and afternoon pick up will still match K-8.  There are no changes for 3 year old preschool classes.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th the Wednesday schedule will be the same as the other days of the week.  Preschool classes for four year olds will be 7:25-10:30 a.m., and afternoon classes will be 11:45-2:50.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.  For this year only, ECLC is open on Easter Monday.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  Due to the two hour early dismissal for K-8, there are no afternoon preschool classes.
  • The last day of 4 yr old PS and 3 yr old PS classes is Wednesday, June 5th.
  • The 4 yr old PS programs are in evening of June 5th.
  • The 3 yr old PS family activity is June 6th.
  • The last day of ECLC is June 7th.

 

February 20, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Changes to JFK’s 2018-19 School Calendar

I would like to thank OLV/JFK’s board of education, which spent several hours discussing our missed time due to the weather this winter and the possible scenarios the DCSD might consider.  Because JFK regularly has more instructional hours than the DCSD, we do have some additional flexibility in our make up schedule, and this year is proving to be the exceptional year where we exercise that flexibility.  Below are the changes to our school calendar:

K-8

  • Starting Monday, March 4th, the JFK K-8 student day will be 10 minutes longer in the afternoon with bus transportation.  Our bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  This schedule is DIFFERENT than the DCSD, which is also adding 10 minutes at the front of the day.  For those students who ride the bus in the morning, expect a 10 minute earlier pick up time as we cannot control the bus times.  We will supervise bus riders at JFK at the earlier time but not start classes for everyone until 7:25.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th there will be no early release on Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year.  The K-8 bell time will be 7:25-2:50.  There will be bus transportation.  Again, morning bus riders should expect the bus route to be 10 minutes earlier.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.
  • March 7th is drop-in parent/teacher conferences for K-8.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.
  • Thursday, June 6th is the last day of K-8 classes.  There is a two hour early dismissal for K-8.  JFK’s bell time will be 7:25-12:50 with bus transportation.
  • Field day for K-8 is now Wednesday, June 5th.  There is no Mass this Wednesday.
  • Our last all school Mass is Thursday, June 6th.
  • 8th grade graduation is Friday, June 7th.

 

Preschool

  • Starting Monday, Marth 4th, preschool morning classes for four year olds will change to 7:25-10:30 a.m.  Afternoon classes will change to 11:45-2:50.  Each class is 3:05 in length, and morning drop off and afternoon pick up will still match K-8.  There are no changes for 3 year old preschool classes.
  • Beginning Wednesday, March 6th the Wednesday schedule will be the same as the other days of the week.  Preschool classes for four year olds will be 7:25-10:30 a.m., and afternoon classes will be 11:45-2:50.
  • JFK will not have classes on Good Friday or Easter Monday.  This is DIFFERENT than the DCSD ,which is going to school on Easter Monday.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school and allow ample time for families to gather to celebrate the Resurrection.  JFK will not have classes on either Good Friday or Easter Monday.  For this year only, ECLC is open on Easter Monday.
  • April 5th is the new end of the 3rd quarter.  Due to the two hour early dismissal for K-8, there are no afternoon preschool classes.
  • The last day of 4 yr old PS and 3 yr old PS classes is Wednesday, June 5th.
  • The 4 yr old PS programs are in evening of June 5th.
  • The 3 yr old PS family activity is June 6th.
  • The last day of ECLC is June 7th.
The calendar on our website will be adjusted to reflect these changes as soon as possible.  Thanks for your flexibility and patience.
Chad

February 18, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up for 2019-20 on Tuesday, Feb 19th

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up are on February 19th.  Two sessions are available:  8:00 – 9:30 a.m. in the parish center and 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Please call ahead so we can have a special package ready for your child.

All Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2019-20 Is Open on Tuesday, Feb 19th

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration opens for all families on February 19th at 7:30 a.m.  Please enter through the main doors.

New JFK Video

Our first draft of a new video highlighting the JFK Difference is available:  JFK Difference.  The video is available through multiple routes on our website.  The easiest one is under the “JFK Difference” tab.

Tuition Tax Credit

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that the tax/calendar year actually splits two different school years with different tuition rates.

Out of Uniform Dress Day Guidelines:  Last Week’s Observations

As I previewed last week, I was able to get through a number of homerooms on last week’s out of uniform day on Thursday to help to see how well we are doing with the policy for out of uniform days.  I was able to try to look inconspicuously at dress code in grades 4-8.  Overall, students were well dressed and within the out of uniform day guidelines.  In fact, 7th and 8th graders, on the whole, were particularly well within the guidelines.  (I almost gave a shout out to 6th graders that day too until I realized that the reason there were no questions about 6th graders’ attire was that they were all in uniform to go to Ridgecrest and didn’t have their out of uniform day until Friday!  That tells you something about my real awareness of attire!)  After I had a list of thirteen students whose attire about which I had questions, I asked Mrs. Temming to look them during lunch time.
My greatest struggle was in trying to make a split second determination of “loose fitting” vs. “tightly fitted.”  Sometimes it’s tough to do with the lighting of the room, the movement/sitting of students, etc.  Once that determination is made, however, then one looks at the length of the top — is it mid-thigh?  I would say that there were a few 4th/5th graders whose tops (often t-shirts) were too short.  “Everything” was covered, but the t-shirts/tops were probably not mid-thigh.
Bulletin Link:   February 17, 2019

Where Are We With a Schedule for Make Up Days?

The DCSD teachers’ union vote on Friday was in favor of a modified school calendar for the remainder of the year.  (See the Feb 13th Principal’s Post.)  It now goes to the DCSD board, and there is currently no non-disciplinary meeting scheduled until February 25.  JFK’s board is meeting in the evening of February 18th.  The 20 minute extension of the school day will likely be the main topic of our conversation.  Everything that we have seen in writing just says the 20 minutes is “added.”  Our teacher friends in the DCSD are telling us that the 20 minutes is earlier, but no DCSD administrator will yet commit to how the 20 minutes will be added.

Because JFK regularly has more instructional hours than the DCSD, we do have some additional flexibility in our make up schedule, and this year may prove to be the exceptional year where we exercise that flexibility.

Parent University:  Forming Faithful Families

Marie Ripslinger Atwater will offer a presentation and lead discussion regarding how to raise disciples who are grounded in the church’s teaching and practical life experiences.

Tuesday, February 19th at 6:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Cathedral’s gathering space.  Open to families of all our Catholic schools.  Jeans day passes for students whose parents can attend and for staff members who attend.

Save the date for the next Parent University:  Thursday, April 4th, children’s author Julie Cook.

Assumption Musical:  March 1-3

Join the Assumption Knight Players March 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m. and March 3 at 2:00 p.m. for The Drowsy Chaperone! With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage, puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of the fictitious 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone, and watches as the recording comes to life in his apartment. The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful meta-musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another!

Tickets ($10 adult, $8 student/senior) will be available at the door.  Free Admission to students with Assumption Activity Pass. (Must be accompanied by an adult)
Reserved seating for The Drowsy Chaperone is now available:  https://www.showtix4u.com/events/78

Instrumental Solo Contest

Good luck to all of the 6th-8th graders participating in the instrumental solo contest on Thursday.  I can still remember my first one in 7th grade.  I was so nervous I could hardly make a sound!  Every year after that I only did ensembles!  By the time I did my last trumpet duet in high school, I had been playing contest duets with the same person for five years.  We were so “in tune” with one another that the judge told us there was no need to hear the whole song!

Wellness Policy Review

We recently completed the latest review of our Wellness Policy.  The “strength” of the policy itself is analyzed, and the implementation is reviewed.  Below is a table that shows our “strength” analysis in 2018 and 2015.  It also shows how JFK’s policy is “stronger” than the national average.  To access the complete documents, follow two separate links:  Strength Analysis and Implementation.

Area

 

 2018 2015
  Comprehensiveness Score Strength Score Comprehensiveness Score Strength Score
Nutrition Education 86 71 100 17
Standards for USDA Child Nutrition Programs and School Meals 70

 

 30 50 43
Nutrition Standards for Competitive and Other Foods and Beverages 92

 

 25 56 33
Physical Education and Physical Activity 100 40 11 0
Wellness Promotion and Marketing 67 42 13 7
Implementation, Evaluation & Communication 75

 

 50 64 45
Overall Policy Score 82 43 49 24
National Averages 54 33    

 

February 13, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Where Are We With a Schedule for Make Up Days?

This winter is taking its toll on all of us!  Our regular February board meeting was cancelled at the beginning of the month, and a makeup meeting was held Monday.  During that meeting, we discussed a makeup schedule and used the most recent information from the DCSD.  Of course, while we were meeting on Monday, the DCSD teachers’ union was also meeting, and there is a new plan that they will vote upon on Friday.  It contained a new aspect that our board had not fully considered.  JFK’s board will meet again on Presidents’ Day.

Here’s where we are at so far, pending, of course, the DCSD vote on Friday:

  • The DCSD is planning to eliminate early outs on Wednesdays, beginning March 6.  JFK would do the same.  There would be bus transportation.
  • The DCSD is planning to have school on Good Friday and Easter Monday.  JFK will not.  The Triduum is the most important part of the liturgical year in the Church.  It ought to be recognized as such in a Catholic school.
  • The DCSD is planning to have June 5th as the last day, which is the same as currently scheduled.  JFK will do the same.  (JFK’s board could have also accepted going through June 7th, if the DCSD did.)
  • The DCSD is planning on extending the school day by 20 minutes beginning March 4th.  Everything that we have seen in writing just says the 20 minutes is “added.”  Our teacher friends in the DCSD are telling us that the 20 minutes is earlier.  The Catholic schools are reaching out to the DCSD administration to clarify that they really expect the private schools, like JFK, to start as early as 7:05 with bus drop offs beginning at 6:45.  It is this issue that seemed to come out of nowhere, and our board needs to discuss it.  It may come down to starting 20 minutes early or not having morning bus transportation.

Because JFK regularly has more instructional hours that the DCSD, we do have some additional flexibility in our make up schedule, and this year may prove to be the exceptional year where we exercise that flexibility.

I’ll provide another update as soon as I know more.
Chad

 

 

February 10, 2019

Posted on by csteimle

Preschool and Childcare Registration for 2019-20 Begins on WEDNESDAY

3, 4, and 5 year old preschool and/or childcare registration for parishioners and families with siblings already at JFK begins on February 13th at 7:30 a.m.  Open registration for all others begins on February 19th at 7:30 a.m.  Please enter through the main doors.

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up for 2019-20

Kindergarten Informational Sessions and Round-Up are on February 19th.  Two sessions are available:  8:00 – 9:30 a.m. in the parish center and 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Please call ahead so we can have a special package ready for your child.

New JFK Video

Our first draft of a new video highlighting the JFK Difference is available:  JFK Difference.  We are working to get the video distributed and up on our website.

Make-Up 4 Year Old Preschool Conferences

Make-up four year preschool parent/teacher conferences are in the evening on February 12th.  Use the link that was emailed to you to sign up for a time.  Preschool classes will continue as normal on the 12th.

Re-Scheduled Mass for 2nd-12th Grade Catholic School Students

The all Catholic schools Mass with the Bishop at Assumption for students in grades 2-12 has been re-scheduled for March 21st.  Hopefully, we won’t have any snow then!

How Many Days Will We Make Up and When?

So far, we’ve cancelled seven school days and have had two  early dismissal days and two late start days due to the weather.  Every area district is adjusting its school calendar differently, and our Catholic schools are in the process of adjusting ours as well.  It would be great, however, if the weather would stop creating problems for us.  Just as soon as the DCSD published a new calendar, we had weather issues on two more days!  We have not seen yet how the DCSD will adjust things again.  We have also heard that there now may be discussions about other changes that may affect us.  One of the factors for us is bus transportation; our Catholic schools  don’t control our own busing.  Given various factors and perspectives at each of our Catholic schools and the fact that we do not have a system to make timely unified decisions, it is likely that each Catholic will have a different adjusted school calendar.  JFK’s board will be discussing it Monday night.

About two weeks ago, the DCSD’s board passed August 26th as the first day of school.  Last week, legislation in Iowa was introduced to allow more flexibility for schools to start before August 23rd.  We’ll see what happens to this legislation and how the DCSD responds.

Tuition Tax Credit

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Iowa “tuition tax credit.”  For the first $1,000 spent on each dependent’s education, $250 in tax credits are available on your Iowa taxes.  No special forms are required any more.  Please remember when doing the calculations, however, that the tax/calendar year actually splits two different school years with different tuition rates.

Skate Night

Skate Night is February 11th at 6:00 – 8:00 at the Eldridge Skate Park.  The theme is “80’s Era.”

Catholic School Counselors on TV

Did you see two of our Catholic school counselors, including our own Anna Schott, on TV last week:  National School Counseling Week.

Doing Science vs. Being Scientists:  Does Language Makes a Difference, Particularly for Girls?

In a recent study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that girls between the ages of 4 and 9 remained more engaged in a game about the scientific method when the game was described as “doing science” rather than as “being scientists.”  Summarizing the study in a February 7, 2019 article in Education Week, “To Encourage Girls in Science, Talk Action, Not Identity,” Sarah Sparks indicates that the identity language of “being scientists” may be problematic to encouraging girls to pursue STEM education and careers.  For boys, the language differences were related to age:  younger boys stayed more engaged when the activity was “doing science,” and the older boys were more engaged when the activity was “being scientists.”

Out of Uniform Dress Day Guidelines Checked on Thursday

With so many days off, it’s been hard to get into any sort of rhythm, including with our dress code, particularly our Out of Uniform Dress Day Guidelines.  Challenges seemed to appear in our scattered out of uniform days for Catholic Schools Week.  This week we have another out of uniform day on Thursday; it’s red, white, and pink dress day.  Students can be out of uniform if they are wearing red, white, or pink attire.  The Out of Uniform Dress Day Guidelines from our handbook are copied below.  To aid in the interpretation, Mrs. Temming and/or I will be making our way through several grade levels.
Out of Uniform Dress Day Guidelines
Even when there is an out of uniform dress day, certain guidelines are appropriate for the modesty expected in a Catholic school. These guidelines are not intended to limit the fun of theme days, but they are intended to provide a minimum standard.
Tops: Modest tops without holes, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or visible undergarment straps.
Pants/shorts/skirts: Lengths of shorts/skirts must meet the requirements of the above uniform policy [no shorter than 2″ above the knee]. Loose fitting jeans and loose fitting pants may be worn. If wearing tightly fitted jeans/pants/leggings, one’s top (shirt, sweater, etc.) must be mid-thigh or longer.
Socks must be worn unless formal attire is worn.
Footwear must be worn.
If a student’s attire is not within these guidelines, the student will be asked to change his/her clothing. If the clothing cannot be changed, a dress code demerit will be issued, and the student will not be allowed to participate in the next out of uniform day.
Policy Adopted: May 7, 2013
Policy Reviewed: May 5, 2015; April 5, 2016
Policy Revised: June 6, 2017; June 14, 2018
Bulletin Link:  February 10, 2019

Chad