JFK Weekly Update
October 29, 2023
It is hard to believe we are turning the page of another calendar month. The last few days have had a summer feel although the fall events and holidays are upon us. During this time of year I try to resist the urge to overschedule my family because there are so many fun things to do. There are so many great activities happening at school- field trips, author visits and class parties. It is wonderful to see students participating in so many activities that enhance the curriculum.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
A Note from the Humanities Coordinator, Jackie Abrams
Hi Kindergarten Families!
Please see this brief video giving a Fall Update on literacy instruction.
Gym Shorts
In November, all students will work on coordination and manipulative skills in a variety of ways. Grade 5 will begin the PE Central skill challenge. This is a challenge done all over the country to test students’ skill in a variety of ways. The challenges can be viewed at www.pecentral.org. Grades 3-4 will do a variety of challenges and games using frisbees. Grades K-2 will be working with the jump ropes as well as doing a variety of jumping games and challenges, as well as work on their foot skills. All students should practice different manipulative skills at home, such as catching and throwing. The more repetitions they receive, the better their skill and coordination will become. These are essential skills that will be needed more and more as they grow!
We completed the 5th grade basketball “Knockout” Tournament in October. We had many students do well with their shooting. Ultimately the top four finalists were:
1st Place Champion: Jordan Blair
2nd Place: Cameron Le
3rd Place:Ryan Crowe
4th Place: Matthew Dutkiewicz.
Congrats to all that particpated and made the final round!
The 5th Grade skating trip is scheduled for Friday, December 1st from 9:00-11:15 at the Metropolitan Skating Rink (aka- Ponky). Permission slips were sent home and need to be returned ASAP. This is typically a great experience for our 5th Grade students. Students will get 2 hours of ice time to work on learning/ enhancing skating skills, leadership skills, understanding differences, and other important social skills. 5th Grade parents interested in helping out should check the box on the permission slip or contact me (sasinm@cantonma.org) as soon as possible. Volunteers must be CORI checked with the main office, which should be done ASAP. Volunteers will meet us at the rink that day to help with on-ice skating skills, tying skates, and supervision both on and off the ice. We are looking forward to another great trip this year!
Grade 5 students participating in the “Get Fit” calendar program should hand in their first calendar for October ASAP. It should have their name on it, be signed by an adult, and have a minimum of 16 days of activity filled in. November calendars are now available in the file outside the gym. Calendars are accepted up to two weeks into the next month!
Lastly, as a reminder, students are expected to follow our “Golden Rules” every time they come to the gymnasium. They are to play safe, play fair, play hard (best effort), and be respectful. Please review this with your student as we are now almost 2 months into the year and students are expected to follow the golden rules each class. Also, please have your child wear sneakers on the day they have Physical Education. Crocs, boots, and flip flops are not good for movement activities and dress shoes mark up the gym floor. If it is rainy or snowy and they need to wear boots, then please pack a pair of sneakers in their bag. Students are expected to be prepared for class and ready to move their body. My goal is for all students to participate fully and improve their skills each week.
Monthly PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Mrs. Hershman’s Class (Kindergarten)
Silver Sneaker- Mrs. Groody’s Class (3rd Grade)
PE Students of the Week for October
Matthew Dutkiewicz (5th Grade)
Connor Antoine (4th Grade)
Alisha Anton (3rd Grade)
Nate Mach (2nd Grade)
CAPT Corner
Next CAPT Meeting: Tuesday November 14, 2023 in the GMS Library. Superintendent Folan will discuss the GMS building project.
We are still looking for Sponsors! If your business is looking to get some great exposure while supporting the JFK students, please reach out to us at at jfkcapt@gmail.com.
Looking to stay up to date with CAPT? Opt into the CAPT Directory here to receive reminder emails about CAPT meetings and events like, Homecoming, Dine Out, Parents Night, Raise Craze, The Holiday Shop, Teacher Appreciation, Spirit Wear, and so much more!
Looking for a rewarding opportunity?
Canton Public Schools is looking for substitutes. If you are interested, or know someone who is, please share this information. CPS Substitute Flyer
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, which presents an opportunity for us to recognize some of the many myths and misunderstandings related to dyslexia.
Here are a few myths:
1. Students grow out of dyslexia.
2. The direct, explicit instruction that is essential for students with dyslexia isn’t necessary or recommended for typical readers.
3. All students with dyslexia have the same needs.
4. Dyslexia is related to vision issues.
Here are some facts:
1. While students never grow out of dyslexia, most students with dyslexia can learn to read fluently with the right combination of supports.
2. Explicit and systematic instruction develops sound-letter awareness and an understanding of how written language works and it is an effective way to help children with dyslexia learn to read. In Canton, we use the UFLI Foundations phonics program in grades K-2 to teach this explicitly.
3. Each student with dyslexia may present differently. By using diagnostic data, we can determine exactly what instructional areas to focus on to close gaps in achievement.
4. Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference, not a problem with the eyes. Eye and vision problems do not cause dyslexia, but they can co-occur in the same person.
Cantonstock 2023
MUSICCOUNTS! and the Canton Performing Arts Department proudly present Cantonstock 2023 on November 4th 12-4pm.
- Cantonstock is the annual music extravaganza that showcases hundreds of student musicians representing all performing ensembles in the Canton schools, and is the primary fundraiser for MusicCounts, the volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to supporting all music programs in all the Canton Public Schools!
- The mission is to raise funds for music programming for all students! Visit our website at: www.MusicCountsinCanton.org
Here are several ways you can help:
Sponsor a Student for Cantonstock (https://donorbox.org/musiccounts-sponsorstudentcantonstock-2-2-2)
T-shirt orders must be received by October 16th! Each student who receives $50 in sponsors will receive this year’s version of the popular Cantonstock T-Shirt! Shirts are 100% Cotton and the colors change each year so students enjoy collecting them as they progress through the schools! (Additional students in the same household only need to raise $15 each to qualify for a shirt too!)
Be an Individual Sponsor (https://donorbox.org/musiccounts-individual-sponsors-2021-2-2)
This option gives you different donation levels to select from and isn't tied to a specific student or deadline. We'll be happy to recognize your contribution on our website, social media, and other channels too!
Be a Business or Organizational Sponsor (https://donorbox.org/musiccounts-business-sponsors-2021-2-2)
We’re so grateful to the businesses and organizations for their past support, and hope they continue again this year. We’d really love to add new business and organizational sponsors too! Please view our current and previous list of sponsors and be sure to support them!
• Learn More & Get Involved (https://www.musiccountsincanton.org/contactus.html)
Visit our website to learn more about MusicCounts and all the great things we’ve funded the past few years. Contact Us to Donate an Item for Raffle and Silent Auction, become a volunteer and more!
MusicCounts in Canton! • P.O. Box 182 • Canton, MA 02021 • CantonMusicCounts@gmail.com
What's Coming Up?
- November 7, 2023: No School
- November 10, 2023: No School, Veteran’s Day
- November 15, 2023: Picture Retake Day
- November 16 & 17, 2023: Conferences
- November 22, 2023: Early Release, Thanksgiving Break
- November 23 & 24, 2023: No School, Thanksgiving Break
- December 1, 2023: Grade 5 Skating Party 9:00-11:30
- December 8, 2023: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- December 22, 2023: Early Release, Break
- December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024: No School, Holiday Break
- January 2, 2024: School Resumes
Things You May Want to Come Back To
Elementary Curriculum Overviews: Curriculum Overviews.
The slides from the Title 1 Information Night can be accessed here and in our Title 1 Frequently Asked Questions.
We ask that all parents and guardians please take a moment to review our Home School Compact.
UFLI Home Practice Pages and a youtube video that helps explain what to do to can be accessed at the preceeding link. Click the following link to find a copy of UFLI Parent Letter, which tells more about the phonics program.
Important Safety Reminders
One of the things we do before the start of every school year is to review the opening school protocols with members of the Fire and Police Departments. I am sharing three key updates that will impact those in our community.
Locked Doors -- As school employees we will continue to be vigilant about keeping exterior doors closed and locked at all times.
Buzz In -- When we buzz in a visitor, we will say, "Welcome to JFK. What is your name and how can we help you?" If the office staff has any concerns about the visitor, they will not let them in.
School Grounds --School campuses are closed to the general public during school hours (including playgrounds, fields, basketball courts, walkways near and around our buildings). There are signs on the basketball and playground fences. If a non-school person is on the grounds during the school day they will be asked to leave.
If you have any questions regarding safety, please contact me.
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.
- Do not get out of the car, school staff are there to help students who arrive via the car line.
- If possible, put car seats on the passenger side of the backseat. That makes for an easy exit.
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.
- When driving through the parking lot to enter and exit, please be aware of others walking. Do not drive close to the cones and roped off area.
Bus students will go to the appropriate bus area.
Please alert the classroom teacher and main office if a dismissal plan changes.
CORI Forms & Fingerprinting
A CORI check IS required for all volunteers.
Fingerprinting IS required if you are interested in voluntering with direct and unmomitored interactions with students. This included chaperoning fieild trips
Fingerprinting is NOT required if you are volunteering under supervision of a school staff member. This included room parents, guest speakers and volunteers at field day events.
*They can take awhile to porcess so please fill them out early so they have enough time to be returned prior to a field trip.
Please provide a copy of your fingerprinting receipt to the school office, or send them an email to marinoa@cantonma.org to let us know you completed fingerprinting.
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.
Extra 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.
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