JFK Weekly Update
December 4, 2022
Happy December!
I can't believe that the holiday season is upon us. There are so many wonderful things happing at JFK in the next few weeks. While we are celebrating all the exciting parts of the holiday season it is also important to remember that this time of year can be challenging for some. If you or someone you know needs assistance please reach out to myself, Jen MacLea, School Psychologist or Molly Piaseczny, School Adjustment Counselor.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
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 after Thanksgiving break. 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 coming! 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.
What's Coming Up?
- December 8th & 9th: Holiday Shop
- December 9th: Early Release
- December 23rd: Early Release (Winter Break)
- December 26-30 & January 2nd: No School
- January 3, 2023: School Resumes
- January 16, 2023: No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
- January 27, 2023: Early Release
Puberty Education Webinar For 4th/5th Grade Families
Adam Hughes, our Pre-K-12 Wellness Coordinator, will be hosting a puberty education webinar for families of 4th/5th Grade students on December 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Please see the flyer below.
Gym Shorts
In November, students in Grade K & 2 worked on a variety of jumping activities to improve balance, strength, and overall coordination. Grades 3 & 4 worked with Frisbees for a variety of throwing and catching challenges and games. Grade 5 started the PE Central Skills Challenge. 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 Skating Trip:
We are looking forward to the grade 5 ice skating trip on December 16th. Students will get 2 hours of fitness while working on learning/enhancing skating skills, leadership skills, understanding differences, and other important social skills. Volunteers must be CORI checked/fingerprinted with the main office. Volunteers will help with on-ice skating skills, tying skates, and supervision both on and off of the ice. We are looking forward to a safe and rewarding experience for the students.
Get Fit:
Grade 5 students participating in the “Get Fit” calendar program should hand in their November calendar ASAP. The calendar should include their name, adult signature, and a minimum of 16 days of activity filled in. The December calendars are now available in the file outside the gym.
Report Cards:
Physical Education grades will on the upcoming report card. PE is graded on 4 different aspects. Two content standards that have been worked on the first half of this year focus on students demonstrating age appropriate skills and actively participating in Physical Education activities. Two 21st Century Skills standards focus on class participation, such as following classroom rules and procedures and demonstrating Sportsmanship and Fair Play. It is important that all students develop an awareness of how to move their body and interact with others in age appropriate ways. Please feel free to Mr. Sassin you have any questions about these standards or your child’s progress.
November PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Ms. Horyn’s Class (4th Grade)
Silver Sneaker- Tie: Mrs. Banks’ Class (5th) and Mrs. Feigleman’s Class (3rd)
PE Students of the Week for November
Quinn Picozzi (1st Grade)
Alex O’Brien (3rd Grade)
Drew MacIsaac (4th Grade)
Azlan Syed (5th Grade)
CAPT Corner
It is time for the JFK Annual Holiday Shoppe! Each year, students are able to shop for the special people in their lives, at school! This year the Holiday Shop will be held on Thursday and Friday, December 8th & 9th, 2022. The room parent from your child(ren)'s class will be sending you an email with more information about shopping.
We could use some help on Friday after the shopping is done, to help pack up and bring the items to storage for next year. Please sign up using the link below if you have a big car and/or big muscles and can offer some help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b094ca5ab29a6f49-holiday3
If you're interested in helping to run the Holiday Shoppe next year, please contact Julie Brodney at j_mo71@hotmail.com
Wellness Newsletter
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)
- CPACSS Coffee Night
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