JFK Weekly Update
February 12, 20223
This past week was School Counselors week and I wanted to say how much Mrs. MacLea and Mrs. Piaseczny mean to us. They do so many things in our school that help make our community positive. They are the epitome of kindness, which we value at JFK. Thank you Mrs. MacLea and Mrs. Piaseczny!
This week is Spirit Week-
Monday: Mismatched Monday
Tuesday: Top Hat Tuesday (any hat)
Wednesday: Western Wednesday
Thursday: Throwback Thursday
Friday: Pajama Day
Galvin Middle School is actively seeking candidates for a Math Tutor position. If anyone in our community knows someone who might be interested in applying, please feel free to share the job posting. All qualified candidates are welcome!
It's time for Canton Writes! Canton Writes is a town wide writing contest, sponsored by the Friends of the Canton Library. This is a great opportunity for students to share their voices in an authentic way. This year there are age groups for K-2, 3-5, middle school, high school, and adults. Information will be displayed in the library and Maura will start to spread the word. Entries are due April 12th. If you could find some time this month to talk this up to classes, that would be really helpful. We know we have some talented writers in our schools and hope to see their incredible work published in Canton Writes! Information docs about this year's contest are below.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
2/10 All School Meeting
2/10 All School Meeting
Ms. Hjerpe's 100 year old students
Mrs. MacKay's class celebrating 100 days of school
Mrs. MacKay's class celebrating 100 days of school
Mrs. MacKay's class celebrating 100 days of school
Kindergarten Portraits
Kindergarten Friends
Happy Valentine's Day!
CAPT Corner
CPACSS Resource Fair information and Flyer
On March 8, 2023 6-8pm - Canton Parent Advisory Committee to Student Services will be hosting their very first resource fair for families. This event will showcase local and regional services available to children with special needs and their families. Families will be able to speak directly with representatives from a variety of state agencies, recreational opportunities and support programs that are available to them and their children. This event is free for families and will include a raffle for all who attend. A sample list of organizations attending is included on the flyer below.
Preschool Information
The Rodman Early Childhood Program is now accepting applications for the community peer lottery for the 2023-2024 school year. This district preschool is an integrated preschool servicing students with and without disabilities. For more information visit their web page at https://www.cantonma.org/preschool/index or reach out to our Early Childhood Coordinator, Donna Kilday at kildayd@cantonma.org. Applications are due by February 27th. The preschool will host an open house on Thursday, February 9th from 6-7.
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.
Recess
Winter is here! We believe that students should get outside as much as possible to get fresh air and exercise. Please send your student to school with the appropriate clothing for the weather- sweatshirts, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. If those items are in backpacks they are easily accessible if students get cold.
Spare 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 may be a good idea to put an extra outfit in a labeled zip lock bag to leave in backpacks or cubbies for emergencies.
What's Coming Up?
- February 13, 2023: Dunkin the Service Dog Assembly
- February 15, 2023: Rob Buyla visits Grade 5
- February 20-24: No School- Vacation Week
Note from the Health Office
Please see the attached note below from Nurse Stenmon regarding communicable diseases guidelines.
* Good hand washing will help prevent illness and the spread of it to others. At JFK we are working hard to practice good hygiene by washing our hands before snack and lunch.
MCAS Testing Schedule
Around Town
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.
At a Glance - New Event(s)
- Special Olympics - 2023 Winter Session for Young Athletes
This webpage will be updated periodically.
Morning Recess
Morning recess is a great way for students to socialize and burn some energy before the day begins. If your student is coming to morning recess they are to be dropped off at the gate and they will walk themselves to their designated spots, which are listed below. There are plenty of adults outside supervising so family members do not need to walk students to their spots.
K: Playground
1 & 2: Basketball court
3: Courtyard
4: Blacktop behind basketball court
5: Blacktop by the recess door
School Info.
School Hours: 8:40 - 2:55; Adult supervision provided at 8:20 for breakfast or morning recess.
Breakfast: 8:20-8:35
Early Release: 11:50 (no lunch served)
JFK Bus Routes:
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Cathy Spera, Administrative Assistant
Kathryn Gallahue, Special Education Team Chair
Email: watsons@cantonma.org
Website: https://www.cantonma.org/kennedy/index
Location: 100 Dedham Street, Canton, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 821-5080
Twitter: @JFKGallahue