I’m So Blessed!
The kickball tournament was such a fun event. There was plenty of space outside for six grades of participants, dancers, hotdogs and shaved ice, families and kids of all ages. Now, if it had just been a bit warmer!
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.
Registration Fees
Registration fees have been received for 75% of next year’s K-8 students. The 4 YO preschool extra time fee or registration fee for “non-qualifying” students has been received for about 68% of students. We have registration fees for 100% of the students registered for 3 YO preschool! The link to pay the fees is available on the front page of our website. 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.
The registration fee, except for those Iowa residents applying for four year old preschool, is now $125 per child. The extra time fee for Iowa residents registering for 4 YO preschool is $250.
Educational Savings Accounts Applications Being Accepted
The application process for the Educational Savings Account program opened on April 16th and will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 30th. Families must apply each year through the state’s vendor, Odyssey, even if you received an ESA this year or if you are not required to verify your income.
Eligible families in 2024-25 are the following:
- Anyone who received an ESA this year (but you must apply again for next year)
- If you received an ESA this year based upon income, you will not have to verify your income again, BUT you will need to apply
- All kindergartners and first graders
- New transfer students
- Families whose income is at or below 400% of poverty, which is about $124,800 for a family of four
The Students First ESA Application is available in English and Spanish. Apply Now
Returning applicants: Parents/guardians with an existing Odyssey portal account will log in to the existing account to begin the application for the 2024-25 school year.
Applying for the first time: Parents/guardians who do not have an Odyssey portal account will first be directed to sign up with an email and password. Parents/guardians will receive a message from Odyssey asking them to confirm their email address. After the email is confirmed, the parent/guardian can sign in to the Odyssey portal to begin their application.
In 2025-26, all families, regardless of income will be eligible for ESAs.
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 This Week
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. Chromebooks should be charged each evening.
Early Dismissal on Friday
There is a 2 hour early dismissal on Friday, April 26th (12:40 p.m.) There are no afternoon preschool classes. ECLC and aftercare are open.
Altar Server Training
Saturday, June 1, 9:30-11:30am in the church.
Children and other parishioners, 4th grade and up, who are interested in altar serving at Mass are invited to attend this training.
One parent/adult should attend with the student. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at #563-391-4245.
Calendar Highlights
Here are just a few items highlighted from the detailed online school calendar:
- Apr 25: 7th Relationship Talks. First Communion practice.
- Apr 26: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No afternoon PS classes
- Apr 28: First Communion
- Apr 29: 2nd Grade Out of Uniform
- Apr 30: One Color Dress Day
- May 1: Stuntmasters Assembly. AHS Info Knight.
- May 2: 5/6 Spring Program
- May 3: 2nd Grade Field Trip. Moe’s Taco Kit Pick up
- May 6: No classes. Music Boosters.
- May 9/10: 5th Grade Golfing. 7/8 Choir Performance
- May 10: 8th to Outing Club for Manners Unit
