I’m So Blessed!
I have been at JFK for quite a while now and have been blessed to work with so many people. They have become my “work children” or “work siblings.” Like one’s own family members, I am proud to see them grow and have fulfilling lives and families of their own. A part of me is torn though each time they move on from JFK.
Text Message Communications with SchoolMessenger
SchoolMessenger requires families to “opt in” to receive text messages. All families who want to receive text messages will need to “opt in.” Three weeks ago a flyer was sent that directed families to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.
You will not receive text messages any more unless you take the initiative yourself to type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.
While we don’t do mass “text blasts” often, you don’t want to miss a message from JFK! Take action now.
School Calendar for 2024-25
The academic calendar for the Davenport SCCS elementary schools for 2024-25 has been linked on the front page of our website. It is also available here: SCCS – Davenport Elementary School 2024-2025 Academic Calendar
Registration Letters Have Now All Been Emailed
Registration acceptance or waiting list letters have now been emailed to all families who have children who will be in 3 YO PS through 8th grade at JFK next school year. This letter is another point of confirmation that your registration was received. Communication will now begin for those who have not paid the registration and/or 4 YO PS extra time fees. The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website.
The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The registration fee should be paid at the time of registration/application. The link also allows new families the options for paying the extra time fee for 4 YO preschools and the wraparound registration/deposit fee. The K-8 registration fee button can also be used to pay for 3 YO preschool registration and 4 YO Non-qualifying preschool registration.
ESAs: The target date for ESA applications to become available for the 2024-25 school year is April 16th. Even if you received an ESA in 2023-24, you have to apply again.
- Families must apply each year! The application is through Odyssey, the state’s vendor.
- Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
- All kindergartners and first graders
- New transfer students
- Students who already received an ESA this year due to transferring to JFK for 2023-24
- Families whose income is less than 400% of poverty, which is just over $120,000 for a family of four
- (In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs)
School Libraries
Growing up, my elementary school library was also instrumental in encouraging me to read. I remember reading many non-fiction, history type books from that library. Space wise, it was about half to three-quarter the size of one of our classrooms at JFK and not very appealing. We are so blessed to have such an open and inviting library at JFK!
JFK Open Positions for 2024-25
At the present time, there are several open positions at JFK for the 2024-25 school year. This list could become longer and/or different as we internally move people around as well. If you are interested in a position at JFK, please contact me.
- K-8 music position. An Iowa teaching license with K-8 and 5-12 music endorsements or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required.
- K-5 teaching position. An Iowa teaching license with a K-6 elementary endorsement or willingness to pursue/obtain them is required. We haven’t decided what grade level we are looking for yet.
- Aide positions. SCCS has approved 1st grade aides for all elementary buildings for next school year. Interested candidates will also have to be able to work one or more evenings per week on a rotational basis until 5:30 in after school care for 3-5 year olds or 5-12 year olds. Recess duties during the day are also included.
- Lunch program. Our lunch program will need someone to help probably about 3-5 hours per day. Lunch program employees have also often worked to help supervise recesses, to assist teachers in preschool classrooms, and/or to supervise after school care programs.
Volunteers
While volunteers are always welcome, those who work with children/students must participate in the diocesan safe environment program, which includes online training and background checks. These requirements apply to those who are not the leaders but are “helpers” as well. Coaches, including those for Parks & Rec’s teams using our building/property, scout participants, and many other volunteers must participate in the safe environment program. Adults going on field trips with students may also be subject to these requirements. For more information, please contact the school office.
ISASP Testing
The Iowa Statewide Assessments of Student Progress will be administered to all 3rd-8th grade students on April 22-26. Students should make sure they arrive to school on time, have a good breakfast, and get plenty of rest the night before.
Calendar Highlights
Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:
- Apr 16: Ned Show Assembly
- Apr 17: 6th to AHS
- Apr 19: Kickball Tournament
- Apr 21: Ignite Sunday
- Apr 22: ISASP
- Apr 25: 7th Relationship Talks
- Apr 26: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No afternoon PS classes
- Apr 28: First Communion
