JFK Weekly Update
December 10, 2023
It was fun to see the holiday socks, Canton gear and candy cane outfits as well as hearing what kids learned about Hanukkah last week. This week we have some good themes- warm winter hats & scarfs, flannel or plaid. Don’t forget to check the calendar. 15 Days of Winter Cheer
The weather is getting cold and we have had two indoor morning recesses. Canton Public Schools doesn't use a specific temperature to make the decision to have indoor recess. Many factors regarding weather are taken into consideration such as wind chill factor, precipitation, etc. The decision to have outdoor recess is made daily by Mrs. Gallahue and I. Our goal is to have outdoor recess. As only inclement weather will keep the children inside, please be sure that your child is dressed for outdoor play. Recess lasts 20 minutes and students are strongly encouraged to wear hats, gloves and scarves in addition to winter coats during the cold winter months. Thank you for your support.
Many members of our community began the celebration of Hanukkah last night and kids have begun to learn about what a wonderful holiday it is. Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate and may we all be inspired by the light of the menorah to remember the power of hope and possibility.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Kindergarten learns about holidays around the world
Kindergarten learns about holidays around the world
Kindergarten learns about holidays around the world
Canton Parent Advisory Committee for Student Services Information
Please see flyer below regarding a virtual information night to discuss the new Individualized Education Plan.
Fourth Grade Plays the Dreidel Game
Myerson/Horyn Book Buddies
Myerson/Houle Book Buddies
Book Drive
A Note from Ms. MacLea, School Psychologist
If you have a child with ADHD and you are seeking practical, applicable advice to help your children enhance focus and reduce inattention this upcoming webinar provided by Child Mind Institute may be a support for you.
Family Resources
The Food Pantry has moved to 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard’s).
The Canton Farmers Market also accepts SNAP and HIP
Gym Shorts
In November, students in Grades K-2 worked on a variety of jumping activities and foot skill games to improve balance, strength, and overall coordination. Grades 3-4 worked with Frisbee discs for a variety of throwing and catching challenges and target games. Grade 5 began the PE Central Skill Challenge. 5th grade students will seek to complete as many of the six skill challenges as possible by the end of the year. Challenges include balancing, striking a tennis ball, hula hooping, jumping rope, volleying, and throwing/catching. Grade 5 students should practice challenges outside of PE to improve their skills.
The Grade 5 Ice Skating trip took place on Friday, December 1st. The students got 2 hours of fitness! They worked on learning/enhancing skating skills, leadership skills, understanding differences, and other important social skills. Our beginner skaters did a great job of being safe and trying to learn something new. Our advanced skaters were great leaders for their classmates. Parent volunteers and the Grade 5 team did an outstanding job making it a rewarding experience for all. Anyone interested in extra ice time should check out the Canton Recreation website (Click Here). They offer public skating on both Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Grade 5 students participating in the “Get Fit” calendar program should hand in their November calendar ASAP. It should have their name on it, be signed by an adult, and have a minimum of 16 days of activity filled in. December calendars are now available in the file outside the gym.
Lastly, Physical Education grades will be out on the next report card. PE is graded on 4 different aspects of our class. The first two aspects are content standards. They are: Demonstrates Age Appropriate Skills and Actively Participates in Physical Education Activities. These standards have to do with how they are participating with the physical activities we worked on the first half of the year. We strive for all students to develop a base level of skills and engage in the activities as much as possible. The other two are standards are 21st Century Skills. They are: Follows Classroom Rules and Procedures and Demonstrates Sportsmanship and Fair Play. These are based more on how students do with their participation in class. It is important that all students develop an awareness of how to move their body and interact with others in an age appropriate way. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these standards and your child’s progress as it is my goal for all students to meet or exceed these standards by the end of the school year!
November PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Mrs. Rabe’s Class (4th)
Silver Sneaker- Tie, Ms. Horyn’s Class (4th) and Mrs. Sylvia’s Class (3rd)
PE Students of the Week for November
Elli Gatlin (Grade 5)
Barrett Colasante (Grade 3)
Shelby Boucher (Grade 2)
CAPT Corner
Join the JFK for a day with the Providence Bruins! January 7th at 3:05 pm vs. Springfield at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI. Everyone's ticket for this event is just $30 per person with a portion of every ticket going back to the JFK! You will receive great seats together as a group and all kids will receive a FREE P-BRUINS HAT! All students, family members, and friends receive this exclusive discounted offer! PURCHASE ONLINE NOW AT: WWW.PROVIDENCEBRUINS.COM/JFKC
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
What's Coming Up?
- December 22, 2023: Early Release, Break
- December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024: No School, Holiday Break
- January 2, 2024: School Resumes
- January 5, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- January 15, 2024: No School, Martin Luther King Day
- February 9, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- February 19 - 23, 2024: No School, Winter Break
- March 15, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- March 29, 2024: No School, Good Friday
- April 4 & 5, 2023: Conferences
- April 15 - 19, 2024: No School, Spring Break
Things You May Want to Come Back To
Please see this brief video giving a Fall Update on kindergarten literacy instruction.
The recording of Wayfinder Parent/Guardian Information Session can be accessed here. Additional information can be found at the Wayfinder Parent Information Hub.
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 includes 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.
*If your family chooses to go on vacation during the school year teachers will not be expected to provide work to be completed while your student is away.
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.
- CPACSS Event - IEP Improvement Virtual Parent Information Night - 12/12 @ 6:00 PM
- Canton Unified Basketball Program
- Canton Youth Basketball Sign-Ups
- Holiday Helpers
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