New/Updated Information
No Classes, ECLC Closed on April 6
April 6th is an in-service day. There are no classes. ECLC is closed.
Video Explaining the Mass
Need an explanation of the Mass? Fr. Mike Schmitz takes you through the Mass and talks about each part and what it means in this video.
Holy Week – Belonging Week
This holy week we also described as belonging week. On Monday, we talked about belonging because we are created in God’s image. We discussed the difference between fitting in, which often comes from fear, and truly belonging, which comes from love and being accepted as God created us. On Tuesday, we focused on respect and the power of our words. We talked about the difference between a bystander and an upstander and how we want to be better upstanders. On Wednesday, we focused on service to others with older and younger kids paring together. On Thursday, we reflected upon how Jesus welcomed people who were often ignored. Our Thursday afternoon program emphasized that we all below and that having “No Fear” leads to loving and accepting one another.
I-Ready Math Requirements
I-Ready use can help your child’s math skills.
I-Ready Math is an online program we use to better understand each student’s math strengths and learning needs. It begins with a short diagnostic/screener that helps identify what skills a student has mastered and where additional support or challenge is needed. Based on those results, i-Ready provides personalized math lessons that adjust to each child’s level, allowing students to work at an appropriate pace while building confidence and understanding. At school, students use i-Ready Math for at least 30 minutes per week as part of their regularly scheduled instructional time. That should be enough time to at least do one i-Ready lesson per week. Students not finishing the lesson at school will have it assigned as homework. In addition, students who scored below benchmark in math at both the fall and winter screenings will be required to work with i-Ready outside of school hours, reinforcing the school/home partnership. Upper grades are having the greatest challenges in completing their minutes, and we would really like to prevent large numbers of students having to stay after school. Students may always voluntarily do i-Ready lessons at home as well.
Leaps & Bounds Summer 2026
Leaps & Bounds focuses on reading and math for students currently in K-5th grade. About two hours is used for reading, one hour for math, and 30 minutes for recess/snack. Space is limited, and a minimum number of students is also needed in order for it to be viable. Currently, ESA funds are not able to be used for it. Registration materials will be available soon.
No Parking on Drive by the Ball Field
There is to be no parking on both sides of the drive by the fall field. Both sides should be open for entering and exiting traffic.
Still Relevant
ISASPs
ISASP tests are right around the corner: the week of April 20th for students in grades 3-8. If your child has an appointment for that week, and it can be moved, please do so. We’d really like everyone to complete the testing with their class. Eighth graders who go to AHS for Algebra will report to JFK instead on April 21st and 23rd so they have fewer “make-ups” and special scheduling. We also want to emphasize that students should be on time during ISASP week. Once we start testing in the morning, students are not allowed to interupt their class. School starts at 7:25 a.m.
Teaching Jobs Open at JFK for 2026-27
There are two teaching positions now open at JFK for 2026-27. Adjustments of teaching assignments will take place so we are currently looking for anything between 1st – 5th grades and a reading interventionist. To apply for a teaching position at JFK, please submit your resume and transcripts to Logan Ahnquist at logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org. You can find more information and the online application that needs to be completed at the following website https://davenportdiocese.schoolspring.com/
Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work
Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.
Important notes:
- There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
- There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.
📚Learning Habits Matter
Daily Math Practice
If we want kids’ math scores to be better, they need to do more math.
Math isn’t something students improve at by listening or watching—it improves through doing. The good news is that it doesn’t require long sessions. Short, consistent daily practice makes a real difference.
What this can look like at home:
PK–2
- Count everyday objects (toys, steps, snacks)
- Practice simple addition and subtraction
Grades 3–5
- Review multiplication and division facts
- Solve a few quick word problems
Grades 6–8
- Rework problems from class notes
- Solve 1–2 short multi-step problems
Even 5–10 minutes a day builds fluency, confidence, and problem-solving ability over time.
Highlighted Events
Multiple calendars are available on our website, www.olvjfk.com. On the school side of the website, a one-page summary calendar is on the front page. Detailed calendars can also be reached by clicking on the calendars heading toward the upper right corner of the website. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:
- Apr 6: In-service. No Classes. ECLC Closed.
- Apr 7: 3rd Field Trip. 5/6 to JA BizTown.
- Apr 9: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate.
- Apr 13: Butter Braid/Cookie Dough Pickup
- Apr 14: 6th Field Trip. Coffee & Crumble Truck
- Apr 15: Fr. Andrew at OLV/JFK
- Apr 16: Papa Murphy’s Dine & Donate
- Apr 17: 2 Hr Early Dismissal. No 4/5 YO PS Classes. Kickball tournament and dance
- Apr 20 : ISASPs begin
Personal Sharing
Hard choice for Easter tradition – the original 1973 Jesus Christ Superstar or the 2018 live one with John Legend? Somehow, I still have difficulty picturing that my mother purchased the two record Jesus Christ Superstar album and played it loudly in the house as we were growing up! After all, my mother probably wore out the Sound of Music and Mary Poppins soundtracks.
Chad
