New/Updated Information

No Buses on November 11th

The public schools are not in session on November 11th. There is no bus service for SCCS schools (except for the AHS bus that brings the algebra students back from AHS in the morning).

Veterans Day Program

All veterans are invited to attend our Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11th at 1:30 p.m. in the gym/cafeteria. Kindergartners will sing a patriotic medley, scouts will help with the flag, a guest speaker will share his reflections, several 5th graders will read their flag essays, 3rd/4th graders will sing an armed forces medley, 1st/2nd graders will sing a thank you, and more. It is a red/white/blue out of uniform day for JFK.

OLV Strategic Planning

Earlier I shared OLV’s strengths. There are also areas for growth and improvement. Below are the major areas for growth and improvement, and here is the link for the details, draft recommendations, and means to provide feedback.

Major Areas for Growth:

Communication & Connection
Welcoming & Hospitality
Volunteerism, Leadership & Accountability
Youth & Family Engagement
Parish-School Relationship
Faith Formation & Evangelization
Outreach & Service to the Community
Campus, Facilities, and Safety
Pastoral, Staff & Operations Support

Lunch Program Welcomes Mary Lucas

JFK welcomes Mary Lucas to a position in our lunch program. We look forward to her presence at JFK.

ESA and School Choice

It is likely that ESAs will be a “hot topic” during the next election cycle in Iowa. The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education has prepared the following article that you may find helpful: 10 Objections to Education Savings Accounts (and How You Can Respond). Here’s the 8th objection and response.

8. “ESAs will just cause private schools to raise tuition.”

Response: Some worry that ESAs give schools an excuse to hike prices. But tuition decisions depend on many factors—staffing, facilities, and local demand. In practice, competition among schools keeps tuition in check, since families can walk away if prices get too high. ESAs actually increase market pressure on schools to remain affordable and attractive to families, not less. Moreover, as more private schools open in response to demand, increased supply makes tuition inflation less likely, not more.

Still Relevant

Music Department Poinsettia Fundraiser

JFK’s music and band programs are sponsoring a poinsettia fundraiser. Students received an order form to take home. Completed forms, along with cash or check, should be returned to Cris in the office by Thursday, November 14th.

Poinsettias will be delivered from Wallace’s Garden Center on the day of each Christmas program. Parents will select their preferred program for pickup directly on the order form—don’t skip that detail!

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.

Instructions

Afternoon/evening Custodian Position Still Open

We still have our afternoon/evening custodian position open. This full-time, year round position is responsible for cleaning the upper level of the building during the school year. The hours are approximately 12:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. See the following link for more information: job description.

POP-UP Conversations for Parents

Need some help talking to your children about any of the following real-life topics?

My Kid is Struggling with Anxiety
My Kid Is Always on Their Phone
My Kid is Unmotivated & Unfocused
My Kid is Struggling with Friendships
My Kid is Confused and Anxious about Our Polarized Culture
My Kid Feels Pressure to Be Perfect
My Kid Doesn’t Want to Go to Church Anymore

Try utilizing POP-UP Conversations for Parents (Downloadable Videos & Leader Guides). Each topic includes a 10–13 minute video “onramp” from a trusted voice to spark discussion, and an easy-to-use Leader’s Guide. These one – hour sessions are designed to help parents/caregivers recognize God’s presence and calling as they care for their kids, and can be used in a variety of in person or online formats.

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:

Nov 12: 8th to AHS field trip.
Nov 14: Middle School Youth Night. Home & School Wicked Musical Bingo.
Nov 18: Crumb & Coffee Truck at JFK. Student Council Supply Store.
Nov 20: Mock Trial at SAU. Skate Night
Nov 21: Fundraiser Out of Uniform.
Nov 24: H & S Nothing Bundt Cake Sale. College Care Package Assembly
Nov 25: Mad Science Show
Nov 26: ECLC Open
Nov 26-28: No Classes-Thanksgiving Break
Dec 1: No Buses
Dec 21-Jan 2: Christmas Break for Students. ECLC Closed.

Personal Sharing

Lynn and I went to visit our youngest daughter in the Kansas City area this weekend. We helped with some finishing touches to setting up the nursery as she’s in her final trimester. Then, on our way back, we stopped to see Kirsten in Des Moines. Except for the driving, it was quite a relaxing weekend. I’m looking forward to being able to see everyone in our family at our house at Thanksgiving and everyone joining in KC for Christmas!

Chad