JFK Weekly Update
November 19, 2023
Congratulations to Girls on the Run! For the last two months Mrs. Huffstutler, Mrs. Tourgee and Ms. Pallotto facilitated lessons that blended physical activity with life skill development in order to help students recognize their unique strengths, while building a sense of connection in a team setting. The season culminated yesterday with the team joining many other teams in the Greater Boston area at Suffolk Downs, in East Boston, to complete a 5K. Kudos!
If you have been keeping up with the happenings on the field you know that construction is happening to get the field ready for the spring baseball season. We are moving into the second phase of construction which will require the field to be closed. Beginning Monday, November 20 - Friday, December 8th students will not be allowed on the field. I am sure that it will be sad for some, but on Monday will let the students know and give them other options for the next few weeks.
If you have leftover Halloween candy that you are looking to get out of the house CAPT will take it! They hope to gather a bunch of candy to create goodie bags that can be sold as concessions at the play. There is a box in the lobby at JFK where the candy can be dropped off.
November is National Native American Heritage Month. During this Month, we recognize the invaluable contributions of Native peoples that have shaped our country. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities who have passed down rich cultures, knowledge, traditions, and ways of life. For thousands of years the land we now call Canton was inhabited by the Neponset band of the Ponkapoag tribe, who changed their name to the place of their relocation. Their territory extended down into the area they knew as Ponkapoag (today Canton, Stoughton, Sharon, Dedham, and Randolph).
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Runners, Buddies and Coaches.
Super Runners!
Thank you Mrs. Huffstutler, Mrs. Tourgee & Ms. Pallotto for a great season!
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.
A Note from Student Council
The Grade Five Student Council is holding a food drive for the Canton Food Pantry. Donations of nonperishable foods are greatly appreciated. Some much needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, canned pasta, evaporated milk, juice, spaghetti sauce, dry pasta, toilet paper, bars of soap and shampoo. We will be collecting food through Friday, December 1st. There is a bin in the front foyer. Students can drop food there anytime, and families are welcome to drop food next week during parent/teacher conferences.
Thanks for supporting our food drive.
Thank you CAPT for the snack break on Wednesday!
Grade 3 visits the Canton Public Library.
Brian Lies annual Grade 2 visit.
2024 MCAS Dates
The MCAS assessments will be given in grades 3-8 in Reading/English Language Arts and Math and in grades 5 and 8 in Science. Each student will take two sessions of ELA and two sessions of Math. Grade 5 & 8 students will take two sessions of science.
Student attendance in school on testing dates will be important, as we have limited time available for make ups. Please make note of these dates for your child’s grade.
Grade 3
English Language Arts: March 26th & 27th
Mathematics: May 6th & May 7th
Grade 4
English Language Arts: April 1st & 2nd
Mathematics: May 13th & 14th
Grade 5
English Language Arts: April 3rd & 4th
Mathematics: May 8th & 9th
Science: May 15th & 16th
Family Resources
The Food Pantry has moved to 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard’s).
The Canton Farmers Market also accepts SNAP and HIP
News from the Wellness Department to Grade 4 & 5 Families
Please see the below link regarding the parent information webinar for this year's puberty education unit. The letter in the link has the with the pre-registration link and the agenda for the evening. Parent Puberty Information Letter
CAPT Corner
Next CAPT Meeting: Tuesday January 9, 2024. The January the meeting will be at GMS 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
What's Coming Up?
- 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
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.
- Canton Youth Basketball Sign-Ups
- Holiday Helpers
- CDEI Event - Transgender Day of Remembrance - 11/19/23 @ 5:30 pm in the CHS Cafeteria
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