JFK Weekly Update
January 29, 20223
It has been a great week at JFK. We had our first All School Meeting of the year and fifth grade presented Annie Jr. Congratulation to to Ms. McNamara, Ms. Aken and Ms. Carlson for leading these talented group of students. All the performers, crew members and ushers did a fantastic job!
STAR reports were sent home on Friday, please check backpacks for them.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Gym Shorts
All classes worked on Tumbling and gymnastic movements both with and without gymnastic apparatus in January. Students were creative by moving their bodies in different ways to improve their fitness! All students strived to learn and practice ways to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.
As a friendly reminder, students are expected to wear sneakers to PE classes. During the winter many students wear boots due to the snowy conditions outside. In this case, students should be prepared for PE class by bringing in a pair of sneakers to change into on days they have PE. Boots are difficult to run in and mark the floor. I appreciate your attention in helping the students to be prepared on PE days. Gymnastics will end in early February, and they will need sneakers in PE for the rest of the year.
Lastly, as a reminder, please have Grade 5 students participating in the “Get Fit” program turn in any missing calendars ASAP. February calendars are now available in the file outside the gym. Have a great month!
Monthly PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Mr. Houle’s Class (5th Grade)
Silver Sneaker- Mrs. Dunlap's Class (2nd Grade) & Booth’s Class (3rd Grade)
PE Students of the Week for January
Olivia Raffetto (4th Grade)
Amelia Nowakowski (4th Grade)
Johan Erilus (3rd Grade)
Spark for German
We are pleased to work with UMASS/Boston again this winter/spring term to offer German to our students in grades K-8. The 8-week Zoom program starts on February 6 and is from 5:30-6:15 pm. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Please see link below for more information and registration documents.
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 1, 2023: World Read Aloud Day
- February 2, 2023: Janet Costa Bates visits Grade 3
- February 10, 2023: Early Release
- 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