🆕New/Updated Information
First Day Tomorrow!
PS-8 classes start tomorrow. ECLC and aftercare also start tomorrow. Students should not arrive before 7:10. K-5 students should enter the northwest doors (2W) where a staff member will let them into the building. Students in grades 6-8 can enter the 2W or 3W doors. Bus riders enter the front doors (1N). Students being dropped off by parents should not be dropped off on 42nd Street; parents should pull through the parking lot. Students should proceed to their homerooms upn arrival.
Please follow the drop off and dismissal procedures outlined below and in the linked document/map. Procedures have changed since last year!
Be careful in the parking lot and the streets. A minute saved by speeding through the parking lot or multi-tasking while driving can quickly become a lifelong tragedy.
School Times
K-8 classes are 7:25-2:40.
Preschool class time:
4/5 YO am PS: 7:25-10:25
4/5 YO pm PS: 11:40-2:40
3 YO PS: 7:25-9:55
ECLC/wraparound care: 7:00-5:30
Aftercare: 2:40-5:30
- Additional registration and paperwork is required as aftercare is considered to be “childcare” and licensed separately from education.
Weekly Principal’s Posts
Principal’s Posts are written each weekend and posted on our website, available off the front page. I also send a link via email and post it to the school’s Facebook accounts in the late afternoon or early evening on Sundays. I use the Principal’s Post to reach the whole school community. You will also receive numerous email communications from teachers. Email is the number one form of communication in schools.
We also utilize our main JFK Facebook page, a JFK preschool Facebook page, and a closed Facebook group, JFK Moms & Dads, where people can post to others in the group. JFK’s Facebook page can be accessed from the front page of our website. If you’d like to be a member of the JFK Moms & Dads group, please let Angie Hillebrand, in the school office know via a Facebook request or even via email.
Social media is not the best venue for voicing a concern, and posts that appear to do so will be removed while we try to reach out to address the concern through a better means. Social media, including our Facebook pages, are great ways to share your photos and connect with other JFK families. Photos from an event are often posted to these pages by families before we can even get photos taken by staff posted. Please remember, however, that not all parents are comfortable with photos of their children being on social media.
Busing
It always takes a while for the bus company to get everything worked out and to have fairly accurate times. We don’t yet know how many buses are serving JFK students this year, but, last year, there were eleven buses serving Trinity Lutheran, All Saints, Assumption, and JFK. Before most of our buses leave in the afternoon, they pick up All Saints students and Trinity students before coming to JFK. Then, they wait for the “transfer” bus with Assumption students to disburse onto the other buses while at JFK.
Information seems particularly error-prone or confusing this year. We will pass along information as we receive it. If you would like to try to reach the bus company, their phone number is 563-306-2040. JFK employees can help as liaisons with the bus company, but we have no better access to them than parents.
Please have back up plans for both morning and afternoon bus transportation in case it takes a while to straighten things out for your child.
Unpack Your Backpack/Meet Your Teacher Thanks
We would like to thank Home & School and the Knights of Columbus for supporting our event last week!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
There are new drop-off and pick-up procedures this school year. Last year’s safety committee of law enforcement and other safety/security professionals (who are also parents) helped us draft this document. We vetted it with several parents without any safety/security credentials as well. The big push is to separate those who are pulling up to drop-off and pick-up, which will be done on the north side of the parking lot, and those who are parking and walking their children to or from the school, which will be done on the south side of the parking lot. Entrances/exits to the parking lot will also be restricted to allow better traffic flow.
There is no parking along the barriers or along the school. There are three pull up spots for the quick loading/unloading of students. If you need to wait for your child/children, find a parking spot, and then enter the pick up lane when your child/children exit the building.
In addition to these new safety procedures, we also added additional barriers and planters at various locations around campus to better separate vehicles from pedestrians. Finally, you will notice at pick-up time, we’ve moved as many buses as possible onto Sturdevant Street rather than having them all on 42nd Street. This should make sight lines and traffic flow easier in front of the school at pick-up time.
A few additional reminders are below:
- Proceed SLOWLY and cautiously through every location. Little kids are hard to see by cars. What one makes up in time by speeding through the lot will matter little if someone is hit by a car!
- Be attentive to your driving. Talking on a cell phone, even handsfree, can be a distraction when one’s attention is needed most to watch for kids and pedestrians.
- Only use handicapped parking spots if qualified. Handicapped parking spots are reserved for those who need them throughout the entire day, including morning drop off, mid-day pre-school pick up and drop off, and pick up at the end of the day. We reserve one of our handicapped spots, in particular, for wheelchair access for a student.
- Parents who are standing and waiting for their little ones should stand on the school side of the barriers. All children should be supervised. Pets should not be among the children and stay in cars.
- Students, even with their parents, should not be crossing 42nd Street. With buses, parked cars, and moving traffic, it is just too dangerous!
One of the most consistent themes brought up in discussions about parking lot safety is that no matter what we do and what procedures and patterns we put into place, it depends upon parents. Please join together to make the parking lot safe.
PS-8 Immunization Records
Preschoolers, kindergartners and other students new to JFK need to provide evidence of immunizations prior to school beginning. There are also two boosters, TDaP and meningococcal conjugate vaccine, required for 7th graders prior to school beginning. We can accept faxed or emailed copies. Iowa law says that students cannot be enrolled without up-to-date immunization information provided to the school, and schools must exclude students without proper immunizations. Although minimal in number, there are exceptions. Those interested in religious exemptions should note that because the Catholic Church does not object to immunizations, a religious exemption for Catholics should not be possible.
More information about immunizations and exemptions can be found on our website: immunizations
I would also like to mention that we receive regular updates from the health department. While still small in total number, the number of measles cases in Iowa in 2026 is already almost double what it was in all of 2025. Recent cases in southern Iowa can affect people in the regular places they visit: Pizza Ranch, Office Depot, Menard’s, etc.
Supply List and Dress Code
It’s a good time to review the supply list and dress code. Make sure the shorts/skirts/jumpers have all been adjusted to the correct lengths. I’ve never seen an “off the rack” skirt that’s too short.
Fifth-8th graders need to wear the school approved PE uniforms. The elementary schools are using Empowering Abilities as our vendor. JFK is transitioning from the grey cotton t-shirts to a dri-FIT colored shirt. Both will be acceptable for PE. The colored shirt will be needed as the uniform for cross country and track. Orders must be placed online: https://www.empoweringabilities.org/stores/jfk-gym-uniforms/. Make sure you use the sizing chart available on the website. Sizes tend to run big.
Smart watches and/or other devices that we use to know where our children are these days will be kept in students’ backpacks while kids are at school. Fitness trackers fall into this same category as one cannot expect staff to know the capabilities of every device that on the market. Students can put them on/take them out when they are dismissed from school.
Cell Phones and Smart Watches
Students’ cell phones should be turned off and unavailable in a student’s bookbag in their locker from 7:00 a.m. until they leave the building. Texting your child about a change in their afternoon transportation method may not work very well as they may not receive it soon enough. Those changes should be communicated through the office.
Smart watches and/or other devices that we use to know where our children are these days will be kept in students’ backpacks in their lockers while kids are at school. Students can put them on/take them out when they are dismissed from school. Staff members are not knowledgable about every device on the market and will not be making determinations of what is a communication device and what is just some other form of tracker, for example.
Approved Snack List
Snacks must be from the approved snack list. The updated list also shares some of the criteria used to determine the snack list.
OLV Parish Picnic
The OLV Parish Picnic is coming up on August 29th at 4:30. The first 400 to sign up receive a free meal.
Mock Trial Coach Needed
Students in grades 6-8 can participate in Mock Trial, if we have a coach. Our long-time coach, Districtt Associate Judge Mike Motto, has kids already in high school. Please let us know if you would like more information about coaching or helping to coach.
Mock trial is designed to introduce students to our legal system by providing a challenging, academic competition. The program offers students an opportunity for personal growth and achievement, emphasizing the importance of research, presentation and teamwork.
📌Still Relevant
Text Message Communications
If you would like to receive text messages from JFK, type “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. While we don’t use “bulk” text messages often, you don’t want to miss them for a snow day, for example. Families must opt in to receive text messages.
5th-8th Band and 7/8 General Music or Choir
Band: Use this link to let us know whether or not your 5th-8th grader will be in band. There is no additional band fee aside from instrument rental.
General Music/Choir: Use this link to let us know if your 7th/8th grader will be in general music or choir.
PS Through Age 12 Aftercare and Wraparound Care
After school care and wrap around care are licensed by the Department of Health & Human Services and provide supervised activities for students who have not yet turned thirteen. The preschool wrap around rate is included in your tuition bill for either full-time (20 hours or more) or part-time care (less than 20 hours). There is an hourly rate for K through age 12, and the registration fee can be paid through Blackbaud. A childcare registration form is required for each student. Below are the links to the forms needed:
Wrap Around Childcare Registration For Preschool Age Students 2026-27
After Care Registration for K-8 School Age Students 2026-27
Students cannot attend aftercare or wrap around care without the DHHS program paper/pencil forms complete.
Water Bottles Must Be Able to be Sealed/Closed
Students are encouraged to have appropriate water bottles throughout the day. Due to how often students move about the building and classrooms, as well as other issues that can arise, students’ water bottles must be able to be sealed/closed. Large mugs with straws sticking out are not water bottles and should be left home. We have four bottle filling stations throughout the building.
ALICE/Run-Hide-Fight Training for Kids
As part of our regular safety procedures, teachers talk to students about ALICE, which is an acronym used to help people remember what to do in the event of a violent situation in a school. We also use the Run-Hide-Fight phrasing. The materials we’ve used/developed over the years and the approaches we take are targeted for specific grade strands as what one says and does with three-year-olds in preschool is entirely different than with 13-year-olds in 8th grade. Our work with ALICE complements our other conversations and drills, such as those for fire or tornado/inclement weather.
Gun Safety
Our safety committee also felt it important to remind families about gun safety as this is no different than other safety reminders we give children like wearing a helmet, buckling one’s seat, etc. If there are firearms in your home, please make sure they are stored securely: unloaded, locked, and inaccessible to children, with ammunition stored separately. Secure storage significantly reduces the risk of shootings involving children.
Gun safety also matters when our children are away from home. Before your child spends time at a friend’s or relative’s house, it is entirely appropriate to ask, “Are there any guns in the home, and if so, are they securely stored?” It may feel like an awkward question, but we routinely ask other questions to keep our children safe—who will be supervising, whether there is a pool, or how they will be transported. This is no different. Whether or not we personally own firearms, we can all agree on the goal: children should never have access to an unsecured, unsupervised gun.
National School Lunch Program
JFK participates in the NSLP. Below are two links for more information and to apply for free/reduced lunches:
Free and Reduced Lunch Parent Letter 2026-27
Free and Reduced Lunch Application 2026-27
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online or from any USDA office by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA.
The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: [email protected]. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website https://icrc.iowa.gov.
I-Ready Math Requirements
I-Ready use can help your child’s math skills.
I-Ready Math is an online program we use to better understand each student’s math strengths and learning needs. It begins with a short diagnostic/screener that helps identify what skills a student has mastered and where additional support or challenge is needed. Based on those results, i-Ready provides personalized math lessons that adjust to each child’s level, allowing students to work at an appropriate pace while building confidence and understanding. At school, students use i-Ready Math for at least 30 minutes per week as part of their regularly scheduled instructional time. That should be enough time to at least do one i-Ready lesson per week. Students not finishing the lesson at school will have it assigned as homework. In addition, students who are not proficient in math based upon screeners or ISASPs will be required to work with i-Ready outside of school hours, reinforcing the school/home partnership. Students may always voluntarily do i-Ready lessons at home as well.
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.
📚Learning Habits Matter
Mental Math
No pencil. No paper. Just think.
Mental math isn’t just about answering basic facts quickly. It helps students become flexible thinkers who can play with numbers, estimate, and find different ways to solve a problem.
Try questions like these in everyday conversation:
PK–2
• We need 10 plates and have 6. How many more do we need?
• Do you think there are more than 20 cars in this parking lot?
Grades 3–5
• If something costs $19, about how much would three cost?
• We’re 35 miles away. About how long do you think it will take us to get there?
Grades 6–8
• This $60 item is 30% off. About what will it cost?
• Which is the better deal: 3 for $10 or $4 each?
🗓️ Highlighted Events
Multiple calendars are available on our website, www.jfkcatholic.org/. 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:
- Aug 24: School starts!
- Aug 27: 5th Gr Band Parent Mtg (cafe)
- Aug 28: JFK Spirit Wear/Green/White out of uniform dress day (Students can be out of uniform if wearing JFK spirit wear and/or green/white. Out of uniform dress guidelines apply.)
- Aug 29: OLV Parish Fall Festival
- Aug 31: Reading and math screenings begin
- Sept 3 & 10: Papa Murphy’s Dine and Donate event
- Sept 7: Labor Day. No Classes. ECLC Closed.
- Sept 14: No bus service
- Sept 15: Home & School Mtg. Picture Day
- Sept 16: Picture day for T/Th 3 YO and make-up day
- Sept 17: Constitution Day. Papa Murphy Dine & Donate
- Sept 18: Candy Bar Sale Begins. H & S Outdoor Movie Night
💭Personal Sharing
Problem solved!
Shortly after a couple of teachers mentioned in passing that the staff restrooms seemed pretty far from some of the classrooms, I came across this in the hallway downstairs. Apparently, staff members downstairs figured out a solution.
We can now have toilets by every classroom! (Ok, maybe not – but the photo was worth a lighthearted laugh on long week of meetings!)
Chad