JFK Weekly Update
August 31, 2023
We Are Back!
It has been a great first two days! Despite the rain on Wednesday there were lots of smiles, excited learners and some pretty snazzy back-to-school outfits!
We practiced our first fire drill today. Students did a great job. Everyone was safely out of the building in 4 minutes.
Enjoy the long weekend. We are looking forward to welcoming Kindergarten students on Tuesday, September 5th.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Arrival:
Students should go to the grade level area. The faculty will be holding colorful signs with each grade level for the next week.
Given the short amount of time and various student arrivals we are asking for students to not play with equipment (i.e. soccer balls, tennis balls) so it is a safe AM recess.
Dismissal:
Walkers will exit the main gate or basketball gate
Car Pick up students will be met at the main gate and walked to car
Bus students will go to the appropriate Bus area
Please alert the classroom teacher and main office if a dismissal plan changes.
Gym Shorts
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! My name is Mr. Sasin and I am the Physical Education Teacher here at the Kennedy School. I look forward to seeing all our returning students as well as meeting our new students soon. The Kennedy Physical Education program will give your child the opportunity to participate in a variety of game, fitness, team-building, gymnastic, and movement activities this year. These activities will help your child gain a broader understanding of physical activity, improve a variety of his/ her individual skills, and encourage participation in movement activities to improve their health and wellness outside of physical education classes. The following guidelines will help your child have a successful physical education experience:
- Make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for activity on days that he/ she has physical education class. Tight clothing, blouses, and dresses may be difficult and uncomfortable for vigorous movement and should not be worn. Loose fitting clothing, such as sweat pants, wind pants, shorts, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, is more appropriate for physical education class. Jewelry is discouraged for it may get lost or broken.
- Have your child wear or bring sneakers to school on days of physical education class. DO NOT WEAR CROCS! Boots, sandals, crocs and dress shoes can be difficult to move in and mark up the gym floor. Students consistently not wearing sneakers will not be allowed to participate. Students can switch into sneakers before PE if needed.
- Please, write a note to the Nurse if your child is unable to participate in physical education class due to illness or injury. In most cases, activities can be modified so every student is able to participate in some way. Knowing about possible accommodations ahead of time allows me to make the best modifications for your child during physical education class. Please email me directly when possible as the nurse is busy and sometimes unable to communicate these situations to me as quickly as she’d like. Some situations may allow for minimal participation as opposed to no participation in the lesson, so please discuss this if you are seeing a doctor for an injury.
- Situations that may affect your child’s performance and/ or behavior during physical education class should also be made known to me as soon as possible. This will help your child have a more successful experience.
- Lastly, students will be graded based on the following expectations: overall effort and attitude during activities, cooperation with others, sportsmanship/ fair play, preparation for class, and understanding of skills and concepts. Please discuss these expectations with your child to ensure him/her the best possible experience in Physical Education.
Following these guidelines will help make the physical education experience a successful one for your child. I look forward to a great year ahead! Any questions or concerns that you might have are welcomed. I can be reached through the main school phone number at (781) 821-5080 ext. 5126 or by email at sasinm@cantonma.org.
Regards,
Mr. Sasin
Physical Educator
What's Coming Up?
- September 1, 2023: No School
- September 4, 2023: No School, Labor Day
- September 5, 2023: First Day of school Kindergarten, 8:20 AM
- September 15, 2023: Early Release, 11:55 AM Dismissal
- September 19, 2023: Grade 2-5 Open House for Students and Families, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
- September 25, 2023: No School, Yom Kippur
- Seotember 27, 2023: Picture Day
- October 9, 2023: Indigenous People's Day
A Few Reminders
Attendance
As you know, school attendance is a key factor in student success. Whether excused or unexcused, frequent absences can lead to academic difficulties and can negatively impact social-emotional development. Students who regularly attend school are more likely to read well by the end of elementary school, pass important courses in the upper grades, and stay on track for graduation. We ask that families set expectations for good attendance and monitor their children's absences. Students who accumulate at least 3 absences will receive an attendance letter. This letter, in accordance with our elementary school handbook, is to inform you that your child has accumulated at least 3 absences this school year. Of course, some students have been absent because of illness and those families should be especially cautious about any other unnecessary absences for the remainder of the year.
Spare Clothing
Having some spare clothing at school is a good idea. We see food and drink spills, wet clothing from playing on the wet playground equipment as well as bathroom accidents. There is a limited amount of spare clothing available in the health office so it is a good idea to put an extra outfit in a labeled zip lock bag to leave in backpacks or cubbies for emergencies. We highly recommend it for K-2 students.
Around Town Events
Canton Public Schools has a Community Resources and Information Page on its website titled Around Town. This page lists resources and events taking place in our community. To access the information on this webpage, use this link: About/Around Town.
New Event(s)
- Join Canton Scouting - September 9, 1-3 @ CHS
This webpage will be updated periodically.
School Info.
School Hours: 8:40 AM - 2:55 PM
Adult supervision provided at 8:20 AM for breakfast or morning recess
Breakfast: 8:20-8:35
Early Release: 11:50 AM (no lunch served)
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Alana Marino, Administrative Assistant
Kathryn Gallahue, Assistant Principal
Email: watsons@cantonma.org
Website: https://www.cantonma.org/kennedy/index
Location: 100 Dedham Street, Canton, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 821-5080
Twitter: @JFKGallahue