No Buses on November 11th
There no are buses before or after school on Monday, November 11th. The public schools are not in session.
Remaining Report Cards to be Mailed
Report cards for children of families who were unable to attend conferences will be mailed this week.
Veterans’ Day Event at JFK
All students will be involved in a special Veterans’ Day program on Monday, November 11th at 1:30, in the gym. Guests, particularly veterans, are invited to attend.
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 over the weekend. It is also available below:
Here, again, is the link to the 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.
Substitutes Needed at JFK and SCCS
Are you looking for a way to make a meaningful impact at JFK? Becoming a substitute teacher is a powerful opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation! As a substitute, you play a key role in keeping classrooms engaged, helping students stay on track, and supporting full-time teachers. It’s flexible, rewarding, and allows you to connect with young minds, all while keeping control of your own schedule. Whether you’re passionate about education or simply want to make a difference, being a substitute teacher lets you step into a role where you can shape the future.
Substitutes are needed for both long-term assignments (like maternity leaves) and short-term assignments (like when a teacher needs to stay home with his/her own sick child). Although a teaching degree is the most ideal qualification, you do not need one to work as a substitute. A bachelor’s/associate’s/60 hrs of college course work meets the educational qualifications. The process to become a substitute teacher includes completion of a 15-20 hour workshop, multiple background checks, and applications with the Iowa Board of Education Examiners and JFK. The easiest way to progress toward the teaching authorization license is to take the self-paced online course. Substitutes are needed in all of our Catholic schools, especially at the elementary school level. You can agree to work at just one building or multiple buildings. We have also had people who requested only certain grade levels.
Annual Progress Report to the Community
JFK’s Annual Progress Report to the Community, summarizing the 2023-24 school year, has been posted to our website. Many thanks to Emma Wolf for her design work.
Highlighted Events
The following events are highlighted. For all of our events and more information, please see the calendars on our website and communications from individual teachers:
- Nov 11: No buses. Red, White, Blue Out of Uniform Day. Veterans’ Day Event at JFK, 1:30.
- Nov 12: H & S. 8th to AHS
- Nov 14: Civic Oration Final Copy Due. Jump for JFK at FunStation
- Nov 15: H & S Ladies Bingo Night
- Nov 22: Mock Trial
- Nov 25: Nothing Bundt Cakes Pop Up Sale
- Nov 27-29: Thanksgiving Break. ECLC is open on the 27th.
- Dec 4: 1st Reconciliation “retreat”
- Dec 5: First Reconciliation. H & S.
- Dec 6: 1st/2nd Field trip
- Dec 20: 12:40 Dismissal. No PM PS. ECLC/Aftercare available
- Dec 23-Jan 2: Christmas break. ECLC also closed
- Jan 3: Staff in-service, no classes. ECLC closed
- Jan 6: Classes/ECLC resume
Making Memories
I wonder to what extent we are aware sometimes that we are in the process of “making memories.” This past summer/fall, for example, my son and I have played golf or gone to the driving range nearly every weekend. The last time I played golf more than twice per year was probably 15 years ago. While my older two children were off working or in their sporting activities years ago, I would alternate with my youngest two daughters at the golf course, sneakily letting them drive the golf cart or buying them a frozen Snickers bar and hitting the ball from the spot of whoever had made the better previous shot. (It wasn’t always me!) I wasn’t aware that what we were really doing was making memories that we would look back on so fondly years later.
The same can be said for many other activities. For me, for example, cramming everyone into the minivan, sleeping six to a small hotel room, and doing a lot of “hurry up and wait” at cheerleading competitions was something to be endured, not necessarily enjoyed, when my oldest daughter was involved in competitive cheerleading. Now, however, it’s memories of those family times that bring back the most positive feelings. Being able to take my kids to school and home from school each day, building “Viking” chairs out of scrap wood, playing card games, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and integer War, watching Disney and so-called comedies from Blockbuster, etc. all contributed to the fond memories that we now all share.
As you raise your children, remember to enjoy (and even endure) all of life’s moments as you never know which will turn into the best memories. As for me, I’m going to especially mark these opportunities to play golf regularly with my son this year as a special time in our lives.
Chad
