Principal’s Post for November 21, 2021

Short Week

There are no classes at JFK beginning this week on Wednesday, except for those 8th graders taking Algebra at Assumption.  ECLC will be open on Wednesday but will also be closed on Thursday and Friday.

Survey

We have begun working with Marzano Resources on the national High Reliability Schools framework.  There are five levels in which schools or districts can be involved.  The first level examines a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture.  To help us explore Level I at JFK, we are conducting a survey of JFK’s older students, parents, and staff.  Please respond to the survey between November 14 and December 4.  High Reliability Schools Survey

5 Levels of the High Reliability Framework

 

Highlighted Events

Both a summary and detailed school calendars for JFK are available on our website.  Highlighted events are below:

  • Nov 23:  Thanksgiving Food Color Day:  Students should dress in the color of their favorite Thanksgiving food.  Students may be out of uniform on this day if they participate in the special theme but need to follow the out of uniform guidelines. No costumes are allowed as it is also an all school Mass day.
  • Nov 24:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC open.
  • Nov 25-26:  Thanksgiving break.  ECLC closed.
  • Nov 30:  End of 2nd mid-qtr.  Skate Night.
  • Dec 2:  First Reconciliation
  • Dec 9:  3/4 Christmas concert
  • Dec 10: 4/5 yr old PS parent/child events.  JFK 3rd-8th grade Reconciliation during the day.
  • Dec 14:  Band concert
  • Dec 15:  3 yr old PS parent/child event
  • Dec 16:  K-2 Christmas concert
  • Dec 17:  Last day of school before Christmas break begins.  Red/Green/White/Christmas attire.  Special dismissal at 12:40.  No pm PS classes.
  • Jan 3:  Classes resume after Christmas break

Ignite Sundays

See below for the list of IGNITE Sundays.  There is no cost or registration required to participate. Come to as many of the opportunities listed below as you are able on IGNITE Sundays.  Families are encouraged to participate together.  There are small group activities and family activities at each session.

Typical schedule for IGNITE Sundays:

  • 4:30-5:30pm Mass
  • 5:35-6:05pm Meal in the Parish Center
  • 6:10-7:15pm Group Gatherings

Ignite Sundays:

  • Dec 12:  Finding your place in the Advent story
  • Feb 13:  Anawim (Hebrew word meaning “poor one”)  Poverty and the dignity of work
  • March 6:  “I thirst” Lent
  • March 20:  “I hunger” Eucharist
  • April 10:  Family: The foundation of society
  • April 24: What does God want me to do?

COVID Guidance for 2021-22

Click on the JFK COVID FAQ, 2021-22 to have your questions answered.  Please note that the information is, however, subject to change.

COVID Data and Comments

Below is a link to a .pdf file that shows several graphs for Scott County and JFK.  Below are also some comments related to the pandemic.

COVID Data, Nov 19, 2021

  • COVID shots are now available for the 5-11 year old age group.  They now join those aged 12 and up who can receive the COVID vaccination.
  • Here is a link to the Scott County Health Department.  On its website is a link to a conversation among area pediatricians: Area Pediatricians Discuss COVID Vaccination
  • While COVID numbers are rising in Scott County, we still haven’t seen that at JFK yet.
  • Expect the absence rates to be rather high for this short week.  Many families start to travel early for Thanksgiving.

I’m Going Remote?

I am hoping to return to the building regularly after Thanksgiving after being out of the building for non-COVID related reasons.  Education, including administration, is not the same when done remotely!

Chad