New/Updated Information
SCCS Updated Mission Statement
The Mission and Governance Committee of Scott County Catholic Schools is looking at several aspects of the original strategic plan. Much of the original plan just dealt with creating SCCS. This next examination will look at things like mission success and experiences at the middle school level. In preparation, the committee is recommending a more succinct SCCS mission statement:
Our schools will be distinctively Catholic, partnering with our parishes to connect kids with Christ through a unified system that forms disciples and pursues excellence in a welcoming and supportive environment.
One Church. One system. One child at a time.
Ad Hoc Safety Meeting
This ad hoc committee meets on Monday night. The agenda is below:
- Tour of the building (A couple of our law enforcement “friends” haven’t been in the building for a while or are only familiar with part of the building – like in/out of preschool, for example.)
- Review of staff members’ concerns. Meeting attendees wanted those broken out specifically from the survey as it was mentioned that those who deal with things on an everyday basis and know the details probably have good insights.
- Law enforcement friends’ opinions and concerns. We have feedback from parents, students, and staff. Everyone at the meeting was interested in knowing the “professionals'” opinions.
- Continued discussion of survey results. We discussed about six of the 18 main areas at our last meeting.
Welcome Jillian Maxwell – Head Custodian/Maintenance Position
JFK and SCCS welcome Jillian Maxwell to the head custodian/maintenance position at JFK. Ms. Maxwell is a graduate of JFK and related to Angie Maxwell. Please make her feel welcome by students and parents as well.
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 that encompasses both custodian/maintenance positions.
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 second objection and response:
2. “Private schools aren’t accountable like public schools are.”
Response: Accredited private schools must meet state standards, including testing and accreditation requirements. Many also use national assessments to track growth. Real accountability comes from parents: if a school doesn’t serve families well, they can take their child—and ESA funds—elsewhere.
Cross Country at JFK and Athletic Policy
JFK hosted its first cross country meet this past weekend. What a great way to use our 13-15 acre campus!
JFK’s athletic policy was revised by the board last week. Changes include the following:
- Allowing one missing assignment
- Ineligibility impacts games but not practices
- Misbehavior/detentions impact eligibility
- No extra athletic fee is charged
Still Relevant
October 13th In-Service
There are no PS-8 classes on Monday, October 13th. (Algebra students need to check the AHS schedule.) ECLC is closed. SCCS elementary staff members have an in-service.
OLV Focus Group and Survey Results – Strengths of OLV Released
OLV’s strategic planning ad hoc committee is releasing the strengths of Our Lady of Victory as identified through focus groups and a survey: OLV is a parish that is welcoming, faith-filled, generous, and vibrant.
Welcoming, Caring Community
OLV’s most frequently mentioned strength is its family-like atmosphere. OLV is our spiritual home, where we are known to one another and feel supported.
Vibrant Ministries & Adult Faith Formation
OLV’s wide range of ministries and adult faith formation opportunities invite people into deeper discipleship. Music/choir enrich worship. CEW, That Man Is You (TMIY), SHE, Grief Share, Bible studies, etc. provide ongoing spiritual nourishment.
JFK Catholic School
JFK is a source of vitality, with strong leadership, dedicated staff, and engaged priests. Parents express pride in the school, noting that it keeps the parish young and draws families to OLV.
Generosity & Stewardship
OLV is a giving community with strong outreach and financial stability. Parishioners’ generosity sustains ministries and ensures parish needs are met.
Beautiful Campus & Facilities
OLV has a beautiful, well-kept campus. The grounds, cleanliness, and physical environment are a source of pride.
Dedicated Priests & Sacramental Life
OLV has approachable, caring priests. Liturgies, daily Mass, the variety of weekend Masses, adoration, and reconciliation are cited as core strengths.
The next communication form the committee will summarize how OLV can continue to grow and improve.
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.
Lunch Program Position
We now have an opening in our lunch program for a 4-5 hour per day position during the school year. The hours are approximately 9:00/10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please contact Meredith Ash or me at JFK or Logan Ahnquist in the SCCS main offices for more information.
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:
- Oct 13: No PS-8 Classes. ECLC Closed.
- Oct 14: Picture retakes
- Oct 16: Jump for JFK at Funstation.
- Oct 17: Middle School Youth Night. Hawaiian Dress day fundraiser
- Oct 21: Supply store
- Oct 24: End of 1st Qtr. 2 Hr Early Dismissal (12:40). No 4/5 YO PS am or pm classes.
- Oct 25: Trunk or Treat and H & S Fall Event
- Oct 28: Volleyball and Cross Country Pictures. 8th Grade Pumpkin Drop
- Oct 30: Black/Orange Student Hunger Drive Dress Day. H & S mtg.
- Oct 31: Middle School Youth Night.
- Nov 1/2: OLV Bazaar
- Nov 6/7: No classes (8th graders in Algebra should check with AHS)
- Nov 11: No bus transportation. Red/White/Blue out of Uniform Day. Veterans’ Day Event.
Personal Sharing
My wife and I stopped at Menards on the way home from Mass on Sunday. We couldn’t resist walking through the Christmas area. It was like driving around town looking at Christmas decorations in December!
Chad
