JFK Weekly Update
December 23, 2022
I was so lucky to create my own Houle Yule log today! What a great tradition that Mr. Houle's parents help him facilitate. It was fun to work with some fifth graders to see their creations.
It has been a busy few days. We have had a fun spirit week- great hats, mismatched outfits and of course pajamas! There have also been lots of class parties, book buddy meetings and a third grade play.
Congratulations to our wonderful librarian! Mrs. Bayliss has been selected to the 2023 Mock Newbery Heavy Medal Award Committee. She will be a wonderful addition and we can't wait to hear about all the books she will review. https://heavymedal.slj.com/2022/12/21/meet-the-2023-mock-newbery-heavy-medal-award-committee/
I can’t believe we are saying goodbye to 2022! It has been a fantastic year and I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings! Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Math Tutor
The John F. Kennedy Elementary School is looking for a part-time math tutor to work with K-5 elementary students in need of math intervention. The tutor schedule is anticipated to be 4 days/week totaling between 16-19.5 total hours per week beginning in mid-January.Tutors plan for small group instruction using district provided high quality materials. Tutors will be required to keep notes on student progress and will participate in writing brief progress reports for students on their caseload. Tutors will work collaboratively with classroom teachers, math specialists, principals, and the PreK-5 STEM Coordinator. If you know anyone who is interested please encourage them to apply using the link below.
Wake Up Call
K & 4th Traditions Project Share
K & 4th Traditions Project Share
K & 4th Traditions Project Share
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. If those items are in backpacks they are easily accessible if students get cold.
Mrs. Moore's Class Play
Mrs. Moore's Class Play
Mrs. Moore's Class Play
What's Coming Up?
- 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
Gym Shorts
Thank you to all the parents who came out and helped on this year’s 5th grade Ice Skating trip. The trip was a HUGE success. We had many beginner skaters on the ice. Parent volunteers, teachers, and advanced students did an excellent job of helping everyone experience skating as a life-long skill. Thanks to the Metropolis Skating Rink (Ponky) and its staff for accommodating us. Students interested in skating more can check the Canton Parks and Recreation (CantonParksandRecx) for public skating times. Skating is an outstanding winter fitness activity and can be learned by all!
In December, Grades K-2 worked on a variety of throwing and catching games. They learned the basic fundamentals of catching and overhand throwing. Grade 3 worked on hand-eye coordination. My favorite was a game called Group Juggle. In this game, students work in groups at creating a pattern for passing a ball, then try to repeat the pattern without dropping the ball. When they master 1 ball, they are given a second ball. If they master 2 balls, then they try 3, etc. This was a challenge of coordination and teamwork but students did an excellent job at it! Grades 4-5 worked on volleyball strikes by using the overhead set and bump. They worked on volleying in a variety of volleyball skill games and challenges. In game play, students had to work together to defend their space while using strategies to attack their opponents space.
In January, all grades will be working on body skills, tumbling, and basic gymnastics.
Grade 5 students participating in the “Get Fit” calendar program should hand in their December calendar ASAP after vacation. It should have their name on it, be signed by an adult, and have a minimum of 16 days of activity filled in. January calendars are now available in the file outside the gym. Completed calendars should be turned in during the first week or two of the next month.
Monthly PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Tie, Mr. Houle’s Class and Mrs Earle’s Class
Silver Sneaker- Tie, Mrs. MacKay’s Class and Ms. McNamara’s Class
PE Students of the Week for December
Quinn Picozzi (1st Grade)
Justin Zeng (2nd Grade)
Isabelle Ortiz (4th Grade)
Liana Seegert (5th Grade)
Lastly, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year. I look forward to the 2023 year to come.
STEAM Connection
The December issue of the STEAM Connection is now available! This newsletter provides fun information, resources, and activities to engage families in conversations about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math at home. Be sure to check out the CPS STEAM for Students website for more resources and past issues of The STEAM Connection.
Universal Screening Assessments
We will be using the STAR 360 universal screener this year as our universal screener. This assessment is designed to help us identify students who may need additional support and/or intervention in reading and math. Students will be assessed three times this year: Fall, Winter and Spring. The next assessment window for grades K-5 is January 3 - January 13. This will be the first universal screening with STAR Early Literacy for Kindergarten.
Students will need to bring their school issued iPad or Chromebook to school on days that they are testing. Parents should expect an email from their teacher with more specifics on the dates for their class.
Teachers will also be using the STAR Curriculum Based Measures to monitor progress.
More information is available on the Renaissance parent page: Parent Resources
This video contains additional information:Universal Screening
Winter Break Sports Camp
The Canton Recreation Department is conducting a sports camp over winter break.
Canton Recreation Department Multi Sports Camp December Break
CAPT Corner
Kids are off to school doing their thing to get ready for Annie - now it's our turn!
Attached you will find a Google Form with various information about the play - although the teachers are in charge of the practices the parents are the ones that make everything else happen! And, as we know, many hands make less work.
So, when you get a chance, please take a look!
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Nikki Gallagher (Lui's mom) at nicholajlg@gmail.com or Danielle Ripple (Lila's mom) at danielleripple@gmail.com. We are the ones spearheading the play from the parents' side!
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)
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