JFK WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Week of February 14, 2022
Greetings, JFK Families!
What a big weekend for out community with the 5th grade musical, Moana, Jr.! It was an amazing show and everyone involved should be super proud. After two years of pandemic life, it was incredible to be together in community again to celebrate hard work and share some joy. A huge shout out to our 5th grade students, family volunteers, CHS volunteers and especially Kim Barron and our directors, Ms. McNamara, Ms. Carlson & Ms. Akan! Bravo to all!!!
This evening brings more excitement with the Super Bowl and tomorrow's Valentine's Day is sure to also bring a ton of excitement as we celebrate friendship and kindness at the Kennedy. In addition, we will celebrate the last Friday of the month (and last day before vacation) with a pajama/comfy clothes day to keep up with Spirit Fridays!
We look forward to a great last week before break, with tons of learning and joy in classrooms across the building. We wish you all a wonderful week ahead!
The weather this week will be highly variable, so please dress students accordingly. We will continue to get outside as much as possible and keep windows open for fresh air.
5th Grade Musical Moana, Jr.!
Mr. Folan's Update From Thursday (Repost)
February 10, 2022
Dear Canton Families and Staff,
As you likely know, Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley announced that the state mask mandate for schools will be lifted on Feb. 28. Please click on this LINK for the exact language in the DESE memo. I am highly encouraged by yesterday's announcement, as we progress toward normalcy, address student and staff well being, and remain focused on strong and safe learning conditions.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as a District, we have continued to carefully and actively monitor and respond to the latest guidance from Federal, State and local safety officials, quickly evolving and adapting our approach based on high-level medical advice.
In partnership with our larger Canton community, we are fortunate to have had the resources and capacity to invest in robust and highly-effective risk mitigation strategies, layering measures such as upgraded building ventilation systems, physical distancing where possible, robust in-school and at-home testing programs, well-attended vaccination clinics, etc., in addition to masking. These strategies have helped keep our schools open and students learning. We are very proud of the work of our staff, students, families, and community. We are extremely well-positioned for the future.
I'm writing tonight to acknowledge the news and to review the decision-making process that we use for policy decisions in Canton, as prescribed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC).
Generally speaking, the District and School Committee, when recommending policy changes adhere to the following procedures:
Give primacy to the application of the rule of law.
Ensure that mandates from the federal and state government and DESE are adhered to.
When relevant, rely on guidance from global, federal, state, and/or local agencies for decisions that require external expertise.
Work in concert with our administration and educators to arrive at the best solution for our entire student population and their families.
Consider input from all CPS stakeholders, including staff, parents/guardians, and students.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canton Public Schools have consistently followed DESE and the state Department of Public Health (DPH) COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. I believe that has served our community well. We have consistently made swift decisions for the benefit of our students and staff, without delay -- and will again on this matter.
At the next scheduled Canton School Committee meeting on Thursday, February 17, 2022, together with the policy subcommittee, I will bring a recommendation forward to the School Committee, so that it may be discussed and voted upon in public session, as required by law.
I want to thank the entire community for your continued support of our schools.
Sincerely,
Derek Folan
Interim Superintendent
RESHARE: 2022-23 Kindergarten Registration Information
Please click here for the Kindergarten Registration Information Flyer, which contains all that you need to know if you have an incoming Kindergarten student for 2022-23.
The information is also linked on the registration website.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Hansen Office if you have any questions!
Friendly Reminders for Valentine's Day
RESHARE: Spring MCAS Testing Dates
RESHARE: February STEAM Connection
This newsletter provides fun information, resources, and activities to engage families in conversations about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math at home. Be sure to check out the CPS STEAM for Students website for more resources and past issues of The STEAM Connection
RESHARE: Gym Shorts- February 2022
All classes worked on tumbling and gymnastic movements both with and without gymnastic apparatus in January. Students were creative by moving their bodies in different ways to improve their fitness! All students strived to learn and practice ways to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.
As a friendly reminder, students are expected to wear sneakers to PE classes. During the winter many students wear boots due to the snowy conditions outside. In this case, students should be prepared for PE class by bringing in a pair of sneakers to change into on days they have PE. Boots are difficult to run in and mark the floor. I appreciate your attention in helping the students to be prepared on PE days. Gymnastics will end in early February, and they will need sneakers in PE for the rest of the year.
Lastly, as a reminder, please have Grade 5 students participating in the “Get Fit” program turn in any missing calendars ASAP. Unfortunately, I was out with an illness for a few days and haven’t gotten to remind the students as much as I typically do. February calendars are now available in the file outside the gym. Have a great month!
Monthly PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Mrs. Sylvia’s Class (3rd Grade)
Silver Sneaker- Mrs. MacKay’s Class (1st Grade)
PE Students of the Week for January
Zoe Adams Martin (5th Grade)
Caroline Regan (4th Grade)
Emily Joyce (2nd Grade)
RESHARE: 5th Grade Families: Photos Needed!
RESHARE: Community Connections
Canton Public Schools has a new Community Resources and Information Page on its website titled Around Town. This page lists resources that are available in our community for families and students. Information on this page will be updated periodically.
This site can be reached at this link: About/Around Town.
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We invite you to visit our website for access to the At-Home Antigen Testing FAQ, and information related to our recently approved substitute and bus driver pay increases.
Please access our website here: website
The FAQ's are on the homepage in the COVID-19 box. The Sub and Bus Driver pay increase information can be accessed on both the homepage AND the Human Resources Page (Under Administration).
Absence Hotline
Daily attendance for all students is a critical element of their learning, though we understand that absences sometimes occur. As a friendly reminder, if your child will be absent from school, please call the JFK Absence Hotline at 781-821-5080, Option 1.
What's Coming Up?
- Tuesday, February 15 - CAPT Meeting, 7:00 @ Zoom
- Friday, February 18 - Pajama/Comfy Clothes Spirit Day!
- Monday, February 21 - Friday, February 25 - No School (February Vacation)
Contact Info
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Kate Gallahue, Team Chair/Administrator
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Instagram: @jfk_elementary
Twitter: @JFKGallahue
Email: didonnae@cantonma.org
Website: https://www.cantonma.org/kennedy
Location: 100 Dedham Street, Canton, MA, USA
Phone: 781-821-5080
Twitter: @JFKGallahue