No School & No ECLC on Monday, Oct 14th
There is no school and no ECLC on Monday, October 14th. Teachers and staff have professional development and meetings.
Grading and Report Cards
As I communicated in September, the Diocese of Davenport and Scott County Catholic Schools are continuing to transition to more standards-referenced grading and report cards. Instead of having an overall grade for each subject and grades for specific skills or standards of the subject, students will now only receive grades for the specific skills or “standards.” For example, students will receive grades for things like Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Place Value, and Measurement and Data but not one overall Math grade. Last year, having both overall and standards grades was confusing, and the calculations were even somewhat different. This year, only the detailed standards grades will be used in the diocesan elementary schools, including Scott County Catholic elementary schools.
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.
As the transition continues to take place, Lynne Devaney, superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Davenport, after feedback from administrators across the entire diocese, is pushing out updated diocesan grading scales. Assignments will be adjusted to reflect the below scales shortly.
| Grades K-5, K-8 Specials (Art, Music, PE, Band, Choir, Technology Applications), K-8 Faith Formation | Grades 6-8 all other subjects | ||
| E – Exceeds | 90-100% | A | 90-100% |
| M – Meets | 80-89% | B | 80-89% |
| Dev – Developing | 70-79% | C | 70-79% |
| Beg – Beginning | 60-69% | D | 60-69% |
| IE – Insufficient Evidence | 0-59% | F | 0-59% |
OLV Youth + Family Engagement Kick Off Event: Let’s Connect
The second goal coming out of the diocesan synodal listening process is Youth and Family Engagement. OLV has a number of representatives working on several strategies. Representatives include Jammie Jamieson, Lisa Willows, Dan & Lisa Havercamp, Michael Clarke, Allison Arlt, Jen Kira, Jeremy Siebler, Stephanie Hintermeister, and Becky Avise. The first Let’s Connect event is Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the parish center, followed by dessert, fellowship, and resource access:
- Intro to Youth + Family Engagement at OLV
- Celebration of Blessed Carlo Acutis, patron saint of the internet
- Digital resources for adults and teens
- Guest presenter from the Davenport Police Department to speak about internet, phone and social media safety
Given the nature of some of the content of the featured presentation, the 6:00-7:00 presentation is not appropriate for children below middle school but is open to all OLV and JFK parents and middle school and high school students. All ages are welcome at 7:00 for Italian desserts, fellowship, and free resources for all ages.
Repeated Content Regarding Cell Phones and Social Media
Over the years, I have done several postings regarding cell phone usage and social media. They are still relevant today, and nearly every significant issue at school seems to somehow be tied into social media, either because it happens through social media, or it is discussed and persists through comments on social media. So far, the youngest students at JFK we have seen with issues regarding cell phone use have been eight years old. Will you be ready?
Back in February 2017, a Nielsen report indicated that about 45% of 10 to 12 year olds in the US having not only their own smartphones but smartphones with a service plan. I imagine that figure has only increased. Do you know what kids are doing with their phones?
- What apps are they using? Have you tried them yourself?
- What social media accounts are they using, how are they using them, and how often do you monitor their activity? Just because a social media company says that no one under a certain age can have an account doesn’t mean kids don’t fudge on their age.
- Are they “roasting” each other or doing “burns?” How should they respond when they are the target of the burns?
- How are they “talking” to one another or posting online? You’d be shocked at the vulgar and vile language that students will use in the “anonymity” of the electronic age. Even when kids are friends, their online/texted language is often shocking. It gets worse when they are on the “outs” with someone, even if only temporarily.
- What will they (and you) do when they receive inappropriate pictures taken off the Internet and/or from people they actually know? The average age of first exposure to pornography is around eleven. If eleven is average, what will they and you do if they are even younger?
- What shows are they watching in an era when family members are watching more and more shows independently on their own Internet connected devices than gathered around a television as a family? What are the ratings on the shows they watch? Are they just “Youtubing” random videos? How is TikTok’s algorithm sending them more and more content of a similar nature without any conscious decision on their part?
- What group chats are they in? Who monitors them? What will they (and you) do when the chat turns ugly?
- Do you know how to block things on phones or restrict settings?
- Do you know how to not only “delete” but then to empty the “trash” on phones?
- How much time do they spend on their phones? How long can they go before they have to pick up their phones again? How can you help them deal with the anxiousness of missing something?
- Are you modeling good use of your cell phone and social media? How are you communicating with your cell phone? How much time do you spend on your phone? How long can you go before you have to pick up your phone again?
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.
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:
- Oct 14: In-service. No classes. ECLC closed
- Oct 15: JFK Skate Night. AHS Pack the Gym for VB.
- Oct 16: OLV Youth & Family Engagement Kick Off Event
- Oct 19: Trunk or Treat and H & S Fall Event
- Oct 22: 7th to AHS
- Oct 23: AHS Fall Info Knight
- Oct 25: End of 1st Qtr. No 4/5 YO am or pm PS Classes. 12:40 Dismissal. Jersey Day.
- Oct 31: Black/Orange Dress Day for Student Hunger Drive. All Saints Holy Day Vigil Mass
- Nov 1: All Saints Day Masses
- Nov 3: “Fall back” time change.
- Nov 4: Evening parent/teacher conferences
- Nov 5: 8th to AHS
- Nov 7: Day/Evening parent/teacher conferences. No Classes. ECLC open.
- Nov 8: No classes. ECLC open
- Nov 9/10: Bazaar
- Nov 11: No buses. Red, White, Blue Out of Uniform Day. Veterans’ Day Event at JFK, 1:30
- Nov 27-29: Thanksgiving Break. ECLC is open on the 27th.
Chad
