Principal’s Post for March 9, 2025

Shark Tank 

Seventh graders had their “Shark Tank” experience last week. Modeled after the television show, JFK’s 7th graders identified a problem and developed a product to solve it. Then, they pitched it to the sharks, played by five Assumption High School students. This STEM project, combined with ELA, is an amazing educational experience for students, and it’s fun!

The third place group, with the Reel-in Remote, was Grant S. and Keaton F. Their product makes it difficult to lose the remote control. In second place was Connor S. and Anthony S. with The Bright Bella, a lighted umbrella that also came with a flashlight. The first place group was Laney G. and Corinne N. with The Delicious Distractor, which helps you keep your dog distracted with a treat while you can trim its toenails.

We’d also like to congratulate the following groups that advanced to the final round of competition:

• Claire A. and Madison H.
• Morgan F. and Brooklyn S.
• Lilly S. and Audrey J.
• Trace M. and Greyson C.
• Natalie R. and Elliana S.

Lunch Program Audit 

A shout out goes to Meredith Ash for successfully leading SCCS schools through an Iowa Department of Education audit of lunch programs. Mrs. Ash has been working on coordinating the National School Lunch Programs of JFK and All Saints and the lunch program at Assumption. Next year, the new St. Joan of Arc Catholic School will also join the NSLP.

Acceptance Letters All Sent Via Email

The big project last week was the review of student applications and re-enrollments for 2025-26. Kindergarten led to the greatest discussions. After speaking with multiple parties, it was determined that we could do three sections of kindergarten next year and have a way to sustain that cohort as three sections throughout their time at JFK. Currently, there are 450 K-8 students registered for JFK for 2025-26. That is the most that have ever been at JFK.

Our preschool numbers are low, however. If you know of families with three or four year olds, send them our way.

Acceptance letters were emailed to all families now. If you have not received yours, please contact the school office.  If you have not finished the registration process by paying the registration fee, please do so as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, we do not have “on demand” access to financial information at JFK. My last update, which is now about two weeks old, had registration fees paid for about 58% of the students. Directions for paying the registration fee are on the front page of our website, www.olvjfk.com.

Teaching Positions Open Now

JFK has several teaching positions open now:

Long-term and short-term substitutes: Through February, we have been short about one substitute teacher per day. Persons with teaching licenses, substitute licenses, and/or a substitute authorization are encouraged to apply.

Reading interventionist: We have been authorized to hire a full-time teacher immediately to work as a reading interventionist for the rest of the school year. A person in this position would likely be offered a job in an SCCS elementary building next school year regardless of whether or not there was a position to be filled at JFK next year. An Iowa teaching license is required.

K-6 teacher: With the addition of a third section of kindergarten, JFK will be looking for an additional licensed teacher. The exact grade level may depend upon reassignment of current staff and/or qualifications and interests of new candidates.

Instructional aide: JFK is seeking at least one additional instructional aide for the 2025-26 school year.

For more information, please contact me at chad.steimle@olvjfkmail.com.

Standards/Evidence-Based Assessment and Reporting

A letter regarding the next step in the diocesan and SCCS elementary schools’ transition to more standard/evidence-based assessment and reporting was emailed around the beginning of November. It is also available below:

SBAR Letter

Here, again, is the link to the UPDATED instructions for parents to check their 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.

Instructions 

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