JFK Weekly Update
March 10, 2024
We would like to extend our warmest wishes to our Muslim families who will be observing Ramadan starting this Sunday at sundown. We believe fostering a diverse and inclusive school environment is crucial. By learning about and celebrating each other's cultures and traditions, we create a stronger, more understanding community for all.
Friday March 8th was International Women’s Day. It is a day to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. There are so many leaders, activists, and role models—both past and present—who have risked their lives fighting justice and equality. Lilly Ledbetter, women’s pay activist; Ida B. Wells, investigative journalists and civil rights activist; Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Supreme Court Justice; Gloria Steinem, feminist and political activist; Greta Thunberg, environmental activist. And the list goes on.
CORI Update: Family members coming to classroom events (shares, guest reader) or large school events (concerts, grade 5 graduation ceremony) DO NOT need a CORI on file.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
*Snow Day/School Year Calendar Update: As a result of the snow day on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the last day of school is currently Friday, June 14. This will be an early release day for grades 1-5. Kindergarten's last day is now Monday, June 10. This will be a full day of school.
*JFK will be the "late" school beginning the 2024-2025 school year. The student school day will be 9:10 AM - 3:25 PM.
What's Coming Up?
- March 15, 2024: March Madness Friday- Lucky Day (green, orange, white. clothes or hair accessories)
- March 15, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- March 22, 2024: March Madness Friday- Pajama Day
- March 29, 2024: No School, Good Friday
- April 4 & 5, 2023: Conferences
- April 8-12, 2004: Raise Craze
- April 15 - 19, 2024: No School, Spring Break
CAPT Corner
Take a break from cooking dinner and help out the JFK at the same time! CAPT's March dine-out will be Tuesday, March 19th at Chipotle (University Ave, Westwood) from 5 pm - 9 pm! Order online for pickup using code Q2K86RK or show this flyer in restaurant!
80's Siblings
March Madness: 80's Day
March Madness: 80's Day
Oliva Feldman, a current 8th grader at the Galvin Middle School and this year’s Project 351 Ambassador for Canton is hosting a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons, https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/. The goal of this drive is to secure unused resources and redistribute them to the places they are needed the most. Items being accepted include: new and/or gently used clothing suitable for children ages 0 -12. The collection will be from Monday, March 25, 2024 through Friday, April 5, 2024. Any donations would be greatly appreciated! A donation bin will be located in the JFK lobby.
Pizza, Luau & Moana at CHS
Looking for a fun Friday activity? Come to CHS on Friday, March 22nd for a Pizza Party and Luau!
5:00-6:00 PM pizza and luau, 6:15-7:45 viewing of Moana
Robotics Club
We have been working hard to re-establish the Elementary Robotics Club after some staffing changes impacted our ability to offer the club. This spring, we will offer an Afterschool Robotics Club for students in grades 4 & 5. This 10-week program will be facilitated by Jamie McGibbon, a member of the Canton Public Schools Technology Department. This afterschool program will focus on skills associated with Robotics, Computer Science, and Coding. Registration is now open and will close March 8, 2024. Students will be selected by lottery and notified the week of March 11th. Clubs will start the week of March 18th. The program at JFK will run on Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:00 pm.
We will also have space for one parent volunteer each week to help facilitate the organization of activities for each session. All volunteers must be cleared for both CORI and fingerprinting. follow Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Please RSVP by completing this form.
CPACSS Information
1. Canton Parent Advisory Council Student Services Meeting CPACSS
"Come be a part of the SEPAC Community, where we can share resources, ideas and form relationships with other parents to support one another."
Monday April 8, 2024 at 7 - 8 pm
Virtual Meeting
Time zone: America/New York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: Google Meet Video Link
2. Canton Parent Advisory Council Student Services presents:
Practical Strategies to Boost Executive Functioning Skills
Speaker: Sarah Ward, an internationally recognized expert in executive functioning skills.
Rainbow Fish visits Kindergarten
Rainbow Fish visits Kindergarten
Rainbow Fish visits Kindergarten
CPS Device Policy
Reminder: The Canton Elementary schools are Away-For-the-Day schools. All cell phones and other electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, music players, smart devices (including smartwatches), airpods, video-game systems, laser pointers, voice or video recorders, must be off and in backpacks, unless authorized to be used for medical situations. Students will be reminded to put devices away. If the rule is ignored the device will be confiscated. Students are not allowed to take pictures or video or audio record students or staff when on school property, inclusive of the bus. Cell phones will be confiscated, and parents/guardians will be notified if that occurs. If an issue persists, parents/guardians may be required to pick the device up from the school. Thank you for your help enforcing this rule.
Gym Shorts
In February, Grades 3-5 participated in games and activities using different game implements to improve control and accuracy while shooting. Another goal was for students to understand a variety of team game strategies. Grades K-2 worked on throwing and catching games and activities.
As a reminder, please be sure that your child is prepared to move with sneakers on the day they have Physical Education. Boots are not ideal for movement and can scuff up the floor. If the weather is not great and they need to wear boots, please send a pair of sneakers in your child’s bag. Thanks for your attention to this.
SAVE THE DATE: The Kennedy Olympics (AKA- Field Day) will be on Friday, May 31st (Rain Date 6/3). There will be an online signup for volunteers in next month’s newsletter. Please consider volunteering as there will be many activities offered for the students to participate in. It should be fun day for both students and parents!
Monthly PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Tie, Mrs. Griffin’s Class (5th) and Mrs. Sylvia’s Class (3rd)
Silver Sneaker- Mrs. Mourad’s Class (1st)
PE Students of the Week for February
Colin MacDonald (1st Grade)
George Gheller (3rd Grade)
Jack Melin (4th Grade)
Canton Writes
Canton Writes is a town-wide writing contest, sponsored by Friends of the Canton Public Library and the Canton Citizen. 2024 marks the 15th consecutive year of this terrific program! The Canton Writes program kicks off in early February each year.
Last year, there were 97 contributing authors: 49 elementary school, 9 middle school, 8 high school, and 31 adult participants. We are hoping that with your help in promoting this program we will see even more students participate this year!
All authors must be Canton residents and may submit a short story, poem, or non-fiction/memoir and are entered into one of four age groups: elementary school, middle school, high school, and adult.
First, second, and third-place prizes are awarded for each age group and genre. Winners are notified by email and announced in the Canton Citizen in May. All winners will have the opportunity to read their work to an audience at an awards night. Winning entries are also printed in the Canton Citizen and in a printed book (which may be purchased for a nominal fee).
Canton Writes is a great community program that encourages young authors. They get to see their work published!
Keep Canton Beautiful Committee
For the past two years, the Walk, Bike & Hike Committee has organized a town wide litter clean up event, focusing on our schools, neighborhoods, town center, and waterways. The committee has worked with the Luce community to come out and remove a significant amount of waste from the school and the Senior Center properties two years in a row. It is so impactful for kids and adults alike to see first-hand the impact that a team working together can have on the community.
The Keep Canton Beautiful event was started during COVID to help bring the community together and create a greater sense of ownership of our public spaces in Canton. It is our hope that the JFK community will also champion this worthy cause to beautify and clean the school grounds.
This year the Walk, Bike and Hike Committee is partnering with the Parks and Recreation Department and CAASA to bring this event to life. They will be hosting a barbeque following the event for all volunteers. We will be distributing posters and fliers through the district in the beginning of March for visible placement on school grounds. Please visit www.keepcantonbeautiful.org for signups and more information.
With gratitude,
Jeffrey Sullivan
MCAS Dates
Please mark your calendars with the following spring MCAS testing dates. We have restricted testing windows so if there will be an absence during the time your student will be taking MCAS please let the classroom teacher know as soon as possible so we can account for make-up testing.
Grade 3
-March 26 & 27: English Language Arts
-May 6 & 7: Math
Grade 4
-April 1 & 2: English Language Arts
-May 13 & 14: Math
Grade 5
-April 3 & 4: English Language Arts
-May 8 & 9: Math
-May 15 & 16: Science
CAPT has a great opportunity for a super cool coding workshop for kids at Code Ninjas in Canton! It's all about fun and learning. The workshop is specially designed to make learning coding fun, interactive, and accessible for kids in grades 2-5. Whether they are beginners or already have some coding experience, this workshop will cater to all skill levels. Bring your little tech whiz and let's code some awesome adventures together!
To secure a spot for your child in this exciting workshop, please visit the link or use the QR code on the attached flyer to complete the registration process. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon! Code Ninja's will donate 50% of the proceeds back to the JFK CAPT!
Join the Canton Public School celebrations and highlights by following our social media platforms! #CantonBulldogs #ChampionsofExcellence
Family Resources
The Food Pantry has moved to 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard’s).
The Canton Farmers Market also accepts SNAP and HIP
Things You May Want to Come Back To
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.
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.
Please be mindful of the following practices in order for us to have a safe parking lot.
In the morning:
-Enter the lot at a slower pace and stay to the right.
-Be cognizant of the cones. There have been many instances where cones have been clipped or run over and dragged underneath a car.
-Watch for families walking through the parking lot on the side closest to the building.
In the afternoon:
-Enter the lot at a slow pace and stay to the right only. Exit on the side of the parking lot by the building.
-If you see a spot on the side of the lot by the building please stay to the right and go all the way around.
-Watch for families walking through the parking lot.
-Do not park in a handicapped spot if you do not have a handicapped parking permit.
We realize everyone is trying to drop off an doick up in a timely manner, but it is important that unsafe situations are not created. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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 field trips.
Fingerprinting is NOT required if you are volunteering under supervision of a school staff member. This includes 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.
- Canton Youth Basketball Sign-Ups
- Canton Writes
- Canton Farmers Market Fundraiser
- Race & Song Community Concert
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
*JFK will be the "late" school beginning the 2024-2025 school year. The student school day will be 9:10 AM - 3:25 PM. Early Dismissal will be 12:20 PM. Office hours will be 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM.