JFK GROWS Students of the Month for August/September
Each morning, students and teachers at JFK recite the JFK Difference: JFK GROWS. We put God first, use Respectful behaviors, find Opportunities to serve, are Welcoming to all, and make Safe choices. Each month, we recognize one student at each grade level, alternating each month between the two homerooms, whose teachers have observed exhibiting these traits particularly well at school during the past month:
- Kindergarten: Addilyn B.
- Addilyn is a role model student in and out of the classroom. She makes good choices and leads by example each day.
- 1st Grade: Rory V.
- Rory comes to school everyday with a smile on her face. She is willing to help anyone in need.
- 2nd Grade: Clare H.
- Clare is helpful in the classroom. She can always be counted upon to be on task and participate. She is a great friend to all and shows constant perseverance.
- 3rd Grade: Brecken B.
- Brecken is always willing to help out and support a friend in need. He enjoys helping the teacher keep the classroom space neat and organized.
- 4th Grade: Lucas K.
- Lucas is a quiet leader and a great role model in the classroom. He works hard and strives to do his best. He is very compassionate and doesn’t like to see others hurting. He is a great example of the JFK Difference.
- 5th Grade: Cooper T.
- Cooper is a really hard worker and continues to do the right thing. He makes sure all of his work is done, and, even on days he misses, he makes sure his work is complete and done correctly.
- 6th Grade: Levi F.
- Levi is a hard worker and kind to all.
- 7th Grade: Travis N.
- Travis has really been trying to be the best version of himself. He has searched for an organization system that will help him be more successful, and he has worked on his focus in class. He has been awesome about asking questions for clarification.
- 8th Grade: Kolton W.
- Kolton stays on track, has a positive attitude, and is willing to work with all of his peers.
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.
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.
Love Us
Vote for JFK on Locals Love Us for Private schools, preschools, and childcare: https://localsloveus.com/quad-cities/
Viewing Grades in PowerSchool
Information regarding grades and new instructions for parents to view their students’ grades in PowerSchool were sent via email on September 10th. The link is repeated here: Instructions
Diocesan Work on Report Cards and Grading Scales
As the transition to more standards-referenced report cards and grading continues to occur across the Diocese of Davenport, there is still work being done on report cards and diocesan-wide grading scales for K-8. Corralling all of the schools together, getting the technology pieces/settings in place, and seeking/responding to feedback from across the schools in the diocese is keeping diocesan staff busy! Look for more communication in the near future.
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.
Open Support Position at JFK
Every time we think we have the position filled, it falls through at the last minute. We still have an open position at JFK:
Instructional aide/support position: Working primarily with preschool children in wraparound care and/or kindergarten through age 12 students in aftercare. About 37 hours per week, $13.50 per hour.
- 10:25-5:30 on Mondays and Fridays
- 7:10-4:30 on Tuesdays
- 9:15-5:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays
If interested, please send me a cover letter, resume, and references, and/or stop by the school office for an application. If you are interested in working in a different type of position but for SCCS, please contact me or Logan Ahnquist in the SCCS business office. All of our SCCS schools still have openings.
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 7: Lions Vision Screening for PS and K begins
- Oct 8: H & S meeting (6:30 parish center)
- Oct 14: In-service. No classes. ECLC closed
- Oct 15: JFK Skate Night
- Oct 16: OLV Youth & Family Engagement Kick Off Event
- Oct 18: Confirmation Retreat
- Oct 19: Trunk or Treat and H & S Fall Event
- 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
- Nov 1: All Saints Day Masses
- Nov 11: No buses
- Nov 27-29: Thanksgiving Break. ECLC is open on the 27th.
Chad
