Pre-Registration Process for 2023-24 Begins February 6th
A new registration process for JFK and Scott County Catholic Schools begins February 6th when the pre-registration/application link is released.
- All preschool, kindergarten, and returning families will need to enter information through the pre-registration/application survey. A QR Code and link/url will be distributed/posted on February 6th. Submissions are time/date stamped. For those unable to complete the pre-registration/application survey online, physical copies will be available at school.
- Pay the registration fee for K-8, three year old preschool, or “non-qualifying” four/five year old preschool OR the extra time fee for an “IA preschool” four year old preschool. The registration fee is regularly $125 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $375 per family. If paid prior to April 1st, the early bird amount is $100 per PK-12 student for a maximum of $300 per family. The extra time fee for four year old preschoolers is $250 per child. These fees can be paid online by following the link in the pre-registration/application survey. Checks can also be made payable to JFK and sent to the school office.
- A non-qualifying preschooler is a non-Iowa resident or student who turns 5 on or before Sept 15th. Tuition is charged for this student, and there is a registration fee. There is no extra time fee.
- Complete a more detailed online process. This process will most likely be available in March.
As we move through the registration process, it is important that families be up-to-date in their payments of tuition and ECLC and other fees. Families who are not up-to-date will not be in the highest priority enrollment group and may not even be able to finalize their registration.
Tuition rates for K-12 have not yet been finalized for 2023-24. (See the below information regarding ESAs.)
Scott County Catholic School tuition rates for preschool, with or without wraparound care, are in the linked document: Preschool Tuition Rates JFK
Note that there are now more options at JFK for preschool and wraparound care options. Taking account of all of the wraparound care offered, there are at least 17 preschool options available at JFK next year, including some new ones. Also note that ECLC is now considered wraparound care in SCCS and not billed separately from tuition.
In Person Events for Kindergarten Round-Up and Preschool Open House and Pre-Registration
With so many changes with ESAs and SCCS, the in person events for kindergarten round-up and preschool open house and pre-registration may be even more important. Below is a link to the flyer for these events. Please note that the pre-school event is a drop in anytime event rather than a scheduled program. Both students and parents should attend. Please share the flyer/link with other families who may be considering JFK!
JFK Kindergarten and Preschool Flyer, 2023
Kindergarten Information Session and Round-Up
February 16th: 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parent and student event
Preschool Open House and Pre-Registration
February 13th: 5:30-7:00 pm. Enter door 3W under the canopy (the PS entrance). Parent and student event — drop in any time between 5:30-7:00
JFK offers several preschool options all of which can be combined with partial or full-time wraparound care:
3 year olds: MWF a.m., T/Th a.m., or M-F a.m.
4/5 year olds: M-F a.m., or M-F p.m.
JFK Accounting Shifting to SCCS Business Office
As the regionalization of the Catholic schools into one system continues, much of JFK’s accounting work will move away from the JFK school office to the SCCS business office located at Assumption High School. Megan Masterson will be starting her days at JFK and then traveling to the SCCS business office to continue work. Early in the morning, she can still be reached at JFK. Later in the day, she can be reached through Assumption, 563-326-5313. She will retain a JFK email address. Payments should still be sent to the JFK school office. Eventually, a new office position will be open at JFK.
Middle School Position, with Math Emphasis, Open for 2023-24
JFK is seeking a middle school, primarily math, teacher for 2023-24. Mrs. Clark will be moving back to Utah where family resides. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, copy/link of one’s Iowa license, and list of references to chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com. More information is on TeachIowa.gov
JFK GROWS Students of the Month
Each morning, students and teachers at JFK recite the JFK Difference: JFK GROWS. We put God first, use Respectful behaviors, find Opportunities to serve, are Welcoming to all, and make Safe choices. Below are the students being recognized at each grade level who have exhibited these traits particularly well in January:
- Kindergarten: Everly T.
- Everly always has a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She is kind and respectful toward her peers and teachers and always looks for ways to help out in the classroom. She is eager to learn and is a hard worker.
- 1st Grade: Collyns H.
- Collyns is a kind friend, hard worker, and has a positive attitude!
- 2nd Grade: Hazel H.
- Hazel is a giving, kind and loving friend to all. She is willing to be there for her friends no matter what they need. Hazel gives 150% each and every day. She shines bright in 2P.
- 3rd Grade: Aaron T.
- Aaron displays excellent character by being respectful, responsible, and kind to all his classmates. He listens, stays on task, participates in class work by raising his hand to speak, and recognizes other students’ accomplishments as well as his own. He makes our classroom a better place!
- 4th Grade: Maverick K.
- Maverick is a great friend. He is patient and caring. Everything he does is quiet and unassuming. He does not like to be the center of attention, but is always doing things that help others. He is a great role model for his classmates.
- 5th Grade: Marshall N.
- Marshall has been very polite and patient. He has treated his hi peers with kindness and respect. He does a nice job following the rules and takes responsibility for his school work by turning it in on time.
- 6th Grade: Kenya H.
- Kenya is always so polite and kind. She strives to do well in her school work and is willing to help out a friend.
- 7th Grade: Riley M.
- Riley was nominated by his classmates as they have witnessed him really come out of his shell this year. He has been an asset to the classroom by making sure the room is tidy, checking on people’s happiness or sadness, and offering a laugh when one is most needed.
- 8th Grade: Aiden N.
- Aiden comes to class prepared and is always on task. He works equally well with all students and gives his best effort. He makes sure to ask clarifying questions when he is unsure and is always in a positive mood.
Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)
As I mentioned in Tuesday evening’s email to families, the “Student First Act” passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Reynolds. The following is a general summary of the bill:
Education Savings Accounts
Parents who choose to enroll their children in an accredited private school will receive the amount of per pupil funds allocated annually by the state to use for tuition, fees, and other qualified expenses. Funds are deposited into an education savings account (ESA) each year until students graduate or complete high school or turn 20 years of age. Educational Savings Accounts will be phased in over three years.
Effective for the 2023-24 school year, state per pupil funding will be $7,598 per student, and ESAs will be available based on the following eligibility:
Year 1: School Year 2023-24
- All kindergarten students
- All students who were not in a non-public school the year prior
- Private school students with a household income at or below 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), currently at about about $83,250 for a family of four but subject to change
Year 2: School Year 2024-25
- All kindergarten students (and first graders)
- All students who were not in a non-public school the year prior
- Private school students with a household income at or below 400% FPL, currently about $111,000 for a family of four but subject to change
Year 3: School Year 2025-26
- All K-12 students in Iowa regardless of income
Other student funding generated by categorical funding formulas will remain with public school districts even for students who are not attending public schools any more. This amount is about $1,202 per pupil for each student who will be attending a private school.
Public School Teacher Salaries
The Student First Act also allows public school districts the flexibility to use unspent funding from certain categorical/restricted funds to supplement teacher salaries.
Next steps include the writing of the Administrative Rules at the state level and the development of processes to then be used in Scott County Catholic Schools. As you can imagine, there is a lot of work being done rapidly as enrollment processes for 2023-24 are set to begin sometime in February. Here are just a few of the questions that are being raised:
- What will tuition be in the future? Should it more reflect the true cost of education? At JFK, the cost of education, depending upon what is included in the calculations, is upwards of $7,400. At some of our Catholic schools, the figure is considerably higher given fixed costs but fewer students. Should tuition rates reflect long-term planning with better salaries/benefits for staff? (JFK teachers’ salaries are, on average, about $20,000 less than in the Davenport schools.) Should tuition rates reflect funds available for regular replacement cycles for window coverings, flooring, technology, books, desks, and chairs? Should they reflect savings so that big capital projects, like new playground equipment at JFK to replace 25+ year old equipment, don’t depend upon a capital campaign or an unexpected $10,000 water heater repair/replacement bill at a school doesn’t cause other budget cuts?
- How is current financial assistance through the Family Tuition Plan and Student Tuition Organizations impacted? Will STOs even still be around in the next 3-5 years if ESAs are here to stay?
- Will there be legal challenges to ESAs? Will there be an injunction prohibiting implementation until legal issues are resolved? (ESAs have a good track record of withstanding legal challenges in other states.)
- Will enrollment grow in our Catholic schools? If yes, by how much? Is there a limit? Do we have admissions guidelines in place to handle increased inquires?
- How can ESAs benefit families, parishes, staff and our educational product so our Catholic schools can be viable for all in the long-term?
More information will be made available when we have it.
JFK Preschool Facebook Page
JFK launched a new Facebook page, JFK Preschool, devoted exclusively to 3-5 year old preschool: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063830626686. Look for more information from your child’s preschool teacher.
I was at Assumption the other day for a SCCS meeting and heard their announcements, which included information regarding the length of girls’ skirts, the tightness/type of girls’ pants, and various sweatshirt issues. Hmmm. Those are almost the exact same things that we have to tighten up at JFK. Expect a renewed effort to make sure we are abiding by our uniform policy, including the issuance of dress code demerits which lead to detentions in the upper grades.
Catholic Schools Week
Wasn’t it fun?! There are many photos and videos on our closed JFK Facebook group called “JFK Moms and Dads.” Send a request to be member.
Highlighted Events
See the calendars on our website for more complete information as the below are only some of the highlights.
- Feb 6: 2nd Grade Sacrament Preparation Event. SCCS Parent University (Zoom event)
- Feb 8: Kids Heart Challenge Kick Off for K-5
- Feb 10: Band/Music Scratch Cupcake Sales End
- Feb 12: Ignite Sunday
- Feb 13: Pre-school Open House and Pre-Registration Event
- Feb 14: Red, White, & Pink Dress Day
- Feb 16: End of 3rd Mid-Qtr. Kindergarten Round-Up
- Feb 20: President’s Day-No Classes. ECLC Open
- Feb 22: Ash Wednesday
Chad
