Category: Principal’s Post

April 2, 2017

Posted on by csteimle

Re-Designed Website

Welcome to our redesigned website!  We hope you enjoy your experience on both sides of the new website.  Please practice a little bit of patience as you become used to the new site.  I know that I sometimes get a little baffled when I try to find something on the new site as I’m still in the mindset of the old site.  If you notice glitches or errors, however, please send us a message.  I’m sure there will be some little quirks and trouble-shooting to do!

Tuition Contracts Should Be Returned Now

Tuition contracts for next school year were mailed before spring break, and we hope you returned yours right away.  If you have not yet returned your tuition contract, please do so now.  There are multiple grades on the edge of waiting lists, and we have families inquiring about JFK all the time.  For questions bout your tuition contract, or if you have not yet received yours, please contact Rita Nagle in the parish office (391-4245).

Preschool and ECLC Registration Continues

Registration for preschool and ECLC continues in the parish office.  JFK has several options for three and four year olds:

  • T/Th morning 3 year olds
  • MWF morning 3 year olds
    • Both of the 3 year old programs can be combined with full day childcare.
  • M-F morning 4-5 year olds.  This program can be combined with full day childcare.
  • M-F afternoon 4-5 year olds

Did you know that Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of families with children under the age of six in which both parents work?  Iowa is around 75%.  Access to quality preschool and childcare programs is a must for Iowa families.  JFK is proud to help families and prepare students for school.

Register now as waiting lists will start forming.

Iowa Assessments Begin April 4

Students in grades K-8 will begin taking the Iowa Assessments, our statewide assessments, on April 4th.  Please make sure your children are well rested and have a good breakfast each day.  Students who are late to school will be restricted from entering classrooms during the testing period so make sure everyone’s here on time too!

Gala Donations Can Still Be Made

Even though the OLV/JFK gala is this Saturday, you can still make a donation.  Funds received now and not used for putting together auction items or packages are used for underwriting the costs of conducting the Gala.  Once those costs are covered, everything else is profit!  A $10 donation from each family at JFK would yield more than $2,000.

Drop Off on 42nd Street

Only buses are designated to drop off in front of the school on 42nd Street.  Personal cars should use one of the two drop off lanes near the school.  The main drop off lane is at the north and approaches the building from the church.  The second drop off lane approaches the building from the south along the parish center and ends up with vehicles facing the church.

No Parking by Ball Field

JFK’s drive off of Sturdevant Street by the ball field is marked “No Parking” on both sides of the lane.  This restriction includes pulling up onto the grass.  The “no parking” applies to all times of the day, evening, and night, even when school is not in session or has been dismissed for the day.

Welcome to a New Position, Mrs. Weiser

Jodi Weiser will be taking over for Amy Lippert in 5th grade on April 10th as Mrs. Lippert will be joining her husband who has already relocated to Atlanta.  Mrs. Weiser has been working for JFK since 2014 as an instructional aide at a variety of grade levels, including some periods during 5th grade this year.  Mrs. Weiser has education degrees from Iowa State Univeristy.

Welcome to a More Regular Position, Mrs. Serrano

Emily Serrano, another JFK parent with a teaching license who has been a substitute teacher for us this year, will be assuming Mrs. Weiser’s aide duties for the remainder of the school year.  We welcome her to a more regular position on the JFK staff.

Policy Committee Members Sought for Spring 2017

Each year we examine about 1/3 of the policies contained in the Parent & Student Handbook.  We have also been looking at the four policies relating to dress code on an annual basis.  We can usually accomplish our work for the year in 2-3 spring meetings.  If interested in serving on the policy committee this spring, please contact me via email.

Classes over the Easter Holiday

There are no PS – 8 classes at JFK on Good Friday, April 14th.  ECLC is also closed that day.  Services at OLV are at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

There are also no classes on Easter Monday, April 17th.  ECLC, however, is open.

 

Chad

March 12, 2017

Posted on by dsiefers

Tuition Contracts for Returning Students and New Kindergartners
Tuition contracts for next school year were mailed late last week.  Take care of it before spring break so you don’t forget!  There are multiple grades on the edge of waiting lists, and we have families inquiring about JFK all the time!  For questions about your tuition contract or if you have not yet received yours, please contact Rita Nagle in the parish office (391-4245).

Preschool and ECLC Registration
Preschool and ECLC/daycare registration has begun.  JFK has several options for three and four year olds:
T/Th morning 3 year olds
MWF morning 3 year olds
Both of these can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F morning 4/5 year olds.  This program can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F afternoon 4/5 year olds

Did you know that Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of families with children under the age of six in which both parents work?  Iowa is around 75%.  Access to quality preschool and childcare programs is a must for Iowa families.  JFK is proud to be able to help families and prepare students for school.

Register now as waiting lists will start forming.

Kindergarten Round-Up Was Feb 16
Kindergarten Round-Up was February 16th.  Please contact the school office as soon as possible, if you missed it.  Beginning this pre-registration process is the first step in ensuring your child a spot for next year.  Last year we had 60 families that wanted kindergarten spots, and we had to use a waiting list and refer to our enrollment policy to limit class sizes.  Do not delay!

Registration for other students will begin in the next few weeks.

How Much Reading Will Your Student Do Over Spring Break?

A third grader reading 20 minutes per day outside of school on Friday, March 17 – Sunday, March 26 at the benchmark of 116 words per minute will be exposed to nearly 23,200 words.  Thirty minutes per day will yield exposure to nearly 35,000!
A 6th grader reading 20 minutes per day at the benchmark of 159 will be exposed to 32,000 words.

Don’t forget math automaticity either.  Math automaticity refers to the instant, seemingly effortless recall of math facts.  When students become automatic with math facts, the cognitive processing parts of the brain can focus on other aspects of math problems.  (Similarly, when students are fluent and accurate readers, their brains are freed up for comprehension and more deeper understanding of what they read.)  Math automaticity is achieved when the response time is somewhere between 250 mili-seconds and 1 second.  For an interesting 3 1/2 minute video of math automaticity and the brain, enter the following address into your browser or click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_kbbVB4CM

Gala Donation?
Have you made a donation yet to this year’s Gala?  A $10 donation from each family at JFK will yield more than $2,000 in “seed money.”  This $2,000 can then be used to underwrite the Gala.  A small amount can then be leveraged into something tenfold or more!

Re-Designed Website 
We are in the final phases of a complete re-design of the parish and school’s website, www.olvjfk.com.  We hope to launch on April 1st!

Road Construction — Intersection Work Begins March 13th
A redesign of the intersection of Kimberly and Division is set to begin March 13th.  Please be aware of the disruption to normal traffic flow while they redesign the intersection and work on the roads.  For more information follow the link here or enter the following url into your browser:  https://www.facebook.com/cityofdavenportiowa/posts/1351953684868411:0

H & S Fundraiser
Chipotle:  3/15/2017, 4:00-8:00 p.m.  5270 Elmore Avenue
The flyer will be emailed and sent home.  You’ll need to show the official flyer (in hard copy or on your cell phone) or tell the cashier that you are there for a fundraiser.  JFK’s H & S receives 50% of the proceeds!

H & S Officer Nominations
Look for a nomination form for H & S officers to come home this week and to be emailed to you.  Keep the H & S working for your child!  Nomination forms will be due back by March 16th.

Keep Your Eye on the Calendar — Highlighted Events
There are many activities in spring.  Please keep your eye open to the calendar on our website, emails, and hard copy documents.  You don’t want to miss anything!  Below are a few highlighted events:

  • March 13:  5-8 C.O. speeches begin.  Band boosters at 6:30 in the library
  • March 14:  3/4 spring show in gym (1:45, 6:30)
  • March 15:  H & S Chipotle Fundraiser, 4-8 p.m.
  • March 16:  3/4 out of uniform.  C.O. round two speeches.  H & S at 7:30 in PC
  • March 17:  End of 3rd qtr.  1:00 special dismissal.  No afternoon preschool classes.  Green/white out of uniform dress day
  • March 20-24:  Spring Break.  Heating work at JFK begins.
  • March 27:  Classes begin again.  Work on A/C in church begins.

Chad

March 5, 2017

Posted on by dsiefers

Preschool and ECLC Registration
Preschool and ECLC/daycare registration has begun.  JFK has several options for three and four year olds:
T/Th morning 3 year olds
MWF morning 3 year olds
Both of these can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F morning 4/5 year olds.  This program can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F afternoon 4/5 year olds

Did you know that Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of families with children under the age of six in which both parents work?  Iowa is around 75%.  Access to quality preschool and childcare programs is a must for Iowa families.  JFK is proud to be able to help families and prepare students for school.

Register now as waiting lists will start forming.

Kindergarten Round-Up Was Feb 16
Kindergarten Round-Up was February 16th.  Please contact the school office as soon as possible, if you missed it.  Beginning this pre-registration process is the first step in ensuring your child a spot for next year.  Last year we had 60 families that wanted kindergarten spots, and we had to use a waiting list and refer to our enrollment policy to limit class sizes.  Do not delay!

Registration for other students will begin in the next few weeks.

JFK Students Receive Sacrament of Reconciliation
Nearly 280 2nd-8th graders will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday.  When was the last time you received this Sacrament?

Tuition Contracts for Returning Students
Tuition contracts for next school year should be mailed this week.  Take care of it before spring break so you don’t forget!  There are multiple grades on the edge of waiting lists, and we have families inquiring about JFK all the time!  For questions about your tuition contract, please contact Rita Nagle in the parish office (391-4245).

How Much Reading Did Your Student Do this Weekend?

A fourth grader reading 20 minutes per day outside of school on Friday – Sunday at the benchmark of 136 words per minute was exposed to nearly 8,160 words this weekend.  Thirty minutes per day would have made over 12,240!

Don’t forget math automaticity either.  Math automaticity refers to the instant, seemingly effortless recall of math facts.  When students become automatic with math facts, the cognitive processing parts of the brain can focus on other aspects of math problems.  (Similarly, when students are fluent and accurate readers, their brains are freed up for comprehension and more deeper understanding of what they read.)  Math automaticity is achieved when the response time is somewhere between 250 mili-seconds and 1 second.  For an interesting 3 1/2 minute video of math automaticity and the brain, enter the following address into your browser or click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_kbbVB4CM

Gala Donation?
Have you made a donation yet to this year’s Gala?  A $10 donation from each family at JFK will yield more than $2,000 in “seed money.”  This $2,000 can then be used to underwrite the Gala.  A small amount can then be leveraged into something tenfold or more!

AHS Musical March 10-12 
One of my favorite musicals, The Sound of Music, will be presented at Assumption on March 10th and 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sunderbruch Auditorium.  The performance on the 12th is at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door: adults $10, students and seniors $8.

JFK on Facebook 
Did you Like us on Facebook this week?  Ask to be part of the JFK Moms & Dads and see all the pictures from this week’s music and athletic events.

Re-Designed Website 
We are in the final phases of a complete re-design of the parish and school’s website, www.olvjfk.com.  We hope to launch in late March or early April as we migrate and finish writing content for the new site.

Janitor Position
We are seeking a full-time, 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. janitor/custodian.  Interested persons can contact the school office for an application or email me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Road Construction — Intersection Work Begins March 13th
A redesign of the intersection of Kimberly and Division is set to begin March 13th.  Please be aware of the disruption to normal traffic flow while they redesign the intersection and work on the roads.  For more information follow the link here or enter the following url into your browser:  https://www.facebook.com/cityofdavenportiowa/posts/1351953684868411:0

JFK Grads National Bound
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Ballinger and Caitlin Steimle, JFK graduates and Assumption students, who qualified for the national level of speech competition.  This year’s competition is in Birmingham, AL.  Kaitlyn, a junior, has qualified for “Nats” the last two years, and Caitlin, a senior, has qualified three times.  Way to use those Civic Oration skills!
JFK 5th-8th graders begin Civic Oration speeches on March 13th.

H & S Fundraiser
Chipotle:  3/15/2017, 4:00-8:00 p.m.  5270 Elmore Avenue
The flyer will be emailed and sent home.  You’ll need to show the official flyer (in hard copy or on your cell phone) or tell the cashier that you are there for a fundraiser.  JFK’s H & S receives 50% of the proceeds!

H & S Officer Nominations
Look for a nomination form for H & S officers to come home this week and to be emailed to you.  Keep the H & S working for your child!  Nomination forms will be due back by March 16th.

Keep Your Eye on the Calendar
There are many activities in March and before spring break!  Please keep your eye open to the calendar on our website, emails, and hard copy documents.  You don’t want to miss anything!

Chad

February 27, 2017

Posted on by dsiefers

Ash Wednesday March 1st
Ash Wednesday is March 1st.  Masses are at 7:00 and 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Preschool and ECLC Registration
Preschool and ECLC/daycare registration has begun.  JFK has several options for three and four year olds:
T/Th morning 3 year olds
MWF morning 3 year olds
Both of these can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F morning 4/5 year olds.  This program can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F afternoon 4/5 year olds

Did you know that Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of families with children under the age of six in which both parents work?  Iowa is around 75%.  Access to quality preschool and childcare programs is a must for Iowa families.  JFK is proud to be able to help families and prepare students for school.

Register now as waiting lists will start forming.

Kindergarten Round-Up Was Feb 16
Kindergarten Round-Up was February 16th.  Please contact the school office as soon as possible, if you missed it.  Beginning this pre-registration process is the first step in ensuring your child a spot for next year.  Last year we had 60 families that wanted kindergarten spots, and we had to use a waiting list and refer to our enrollment policy to limit class sizes.  Do not delay!Registration for other students will begin in the next few weeks.

Make Sure Your Payments Are Current
As we prepare to issue tuition contracts for next school year, please make sure your tuition and various fee payments for this year are current.  If you are having difficulty with tuition payments, please contact Dave Mattke in the parish office (391-4245) so arrangements can be made.  For difficulty with any other fees, contact the school office.  We understand that families can run into difficulties; it’s when there is no communication that we don’t know what to do.

Second semester band fees ($75 per child) are now overdue.  Please take care of those fees so your child won’t have to miss any band time.

“Day of Diversity” 
Students in grades 6-8 will participate in our annual “Day of Diversity,” during which time we supplement classroom lessons about stereotypes and perceptions by inviting in outside presenters.  We are honored to have the following join us on February 27th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the parish center.  Parents are welcome to attend.

  • Helen Phan, who will address immigration and entrepreneurship
  • Imam Saad, from the Quad Cities Islamic Center
  • Lisa Willows, who will be speaking about having a special needs family member
How Much Reading Did Your Student Do this Weekend?

A fourth grader reading 20 minutes per day outside of school on Friday – Sunday at the benchmark of 136 words per minute was exposed to nearly 8,160 words this weekend.  Thirty minutes per day would have made over 12,240!

Don’t forget math automaticity either.  Math automaticity refers to the instant, seemingly effortless recall of math facts.  When students become automatic with math facts, the cognitive processing parts of the brain can focus on other aspects of math problems.  (Similarly, when students are fluent and accurate readers, their brains are freed up for comprehension and more deeper understanding of what they read.)  Math automaticity is achieved when the response time is somewhere between 250 mili-seconds and 1 second.  For an interesting 3 1/2 minute video of math automaticity and the brain, enter the following address into your browser or click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_kbbVB4CM

Red Out Day for Jump/Hoops for Heart
With a $1 donation to the American Heart Association, students may be out of uniform if wearing red on Tuesday, February 28th.  If you can’t make the $1 donation, consider being in uniform code wearing a red uniform shirt.

Gala Donation?
Have you made a donation yet to this year’s Gala?  A $10 donation from each family at JFK will yield more than $2,000 in “seed money.”  This $2,000 can then be used to underwrite the Gala.  A small amount can then be leveraged into something tenfold or more!

Hearing Screenings – Grades PS, K, 1, 2, 5
Hearing screenings will be conducted on Thursday for students in grades PS, K, 1, 2, and 5.  Parents will only receive something from the Health Department if a full hearing test is recommended as a follow up to the screening.

AHS Musical March 10-12 
One of my favorite musicals, The Sound of Music, will be presented at Assumption on March 10th and 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sunderbruch Auditorium.  The performance on the 12th is at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door: adults $10, students and seniors $8.

JFK on Facebook 
Did you Like us on Facebook this week?  Ask to be part of the JFK Moms & Dads and see all the pictures from this week’s music and athletic events.

Re-Designed Website 
We are in the final phases of a complete re-design of the parish and school’s website, www.olvjfk.com.  We hope to launch in mid to late March as we migrate and finish writing content for the new site.

Janitor Position
We are seeking a full-time, 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. janitor/custodian.  Interested persons can contact the school office for an application or email me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Chad

February 20, 2017

Posted on by dsiefers

Preschool and ECLC Registration
Preschool and ECLC/daycare registration has begun.  JFK has several options for three and four year olds:
T/Th morning 3 year olds
MWF morning 3 year olds
Both of these can be combined with full day childcare.
M-F morning 4/5 year olds
M-F afternoon 4/5 year olds
Both of these can also be combined with full day childcare.

Did you know that Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of families with children under the age of six in which both parents work?  Iowa is around 75%.  Access to quality preschool and childcare programs is a must for Iowa families.  JFK is proud to be able to help families and prepare students for school.

Register now as waiting lists will start forming.

Kindergarten Round-Up Last Week
Kindergarten Round-Up was last week.  Please contact the school office as soon as possible, if you missed it.  Beginning this pre-registration process is the first step in ensuring your child a spot for next year.  Last year we had 60 families that wanted kindergarten spots, and we had to use a waiting list and refer to our enrollment policy to limit class sizes.  Do not delay!Registration for other students will begin in the next few weeks.Make Sure Your Payments Are Current
As we prepare to issue tuition contracts for next school year, please make sure your tuition and various fee payments for this year are current.  If you are having difficulty with tuition payments, please contact Dave Mattke in the parish office (391-4245) so arrangements can be made.  For difficulty with any other fees, contact the school office.  We understand that families can run into difficulties; it’s when there is no communication that we don’t know what to do.Second semester band fees ($75 per child) are now overdue.  Please take care of those fees so your child won’t have to miss any band time.Donations for Mrs. Gooder
Thank you for your donations to help with Mrs. Gooder’s medical expenses.  There’s been more than $2,000 raised so far.

Girl Scout Winter Weekend
Girl Scout Winter Weekend begins February 25th.  Adults staying overnight must complete the diocese’s Protecting God’s Children program requirements prior to the event.  Contact Dawn Henning for PGC details now so you don’t disappoint your daughter later!

First Communion Meeting
The First Communion meeting is February 26th from 1:00-3:30 in the cafeteria/gym.  First Communion is right around the corner.

Ash Wednesday March 1st
Ash Wednesday is March 1st.  Masses are at 7:00 and 8:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

How Much Reading Did Your Student Do this Weekend?

Even though the weather is nice, students still need to read outside of school.  A fourth grader reading 20 minutes per day outside of school on Friday – Monday at the benchmark of 136 words per minute was exposed to nearly 11,000 words this weekend.  Thirty minutes per day would have made over 16,000!

Don’t forget math automaticity either.  Math automaticity refers to the instant, seemingly effortless recall of math facts.  When students become automatic with math facts, the cognitive processing parts of the brain can focus on other aspects of math problems.  (Similarly, when students are fluent and accurate readers, their brains are freed up for comprehension and more deeper understanding of what they read.)  Math automaticity is achieved when the response time is somewhere between 250 mili-seconds and 1 second.  For an interesting 3 1/2 minute video of math automaticity and the brain, enter the following address into your browser or click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_kbbVB4CM

Box Tops In — Campbell’s Labels Out
Please turn in any unexpired Box Tops you may have by mid-February.  We need to submit them by March 1st for this school year.  Box Tops turned in after March 1st are applied to next school year.  Many thanks to Julie Brownell, who is coordinating our collection of Box Tops for JFK.
Campbell’s “Labels for Education” program has ended, and they are no longer accepting labels.  Thanks for your past help.

Janitor Position
We are seeking a full-time, 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. janitor/custodian.  Interested persons can contact the school office for an application or email me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Chad