JFK Weekly Update
December 22, 2023
It has been a busy few weeks. There have been many holiday celebrations, the annual Houle Yule Log event, a Winter Solstice play, first grade visit to the Food Pantry and 15 days of winter cheer, which of course ended with pajama day.
2023 has been a wonderful year and I can't wait to see what 2024 brings! Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!
See everyone on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Holiday Sing-A-Long.
Holiday Sing-A-Long.
Holiday Sing-A-Long.
Parking Lot Safety
In the last few weeks I have received many complaints about unsafe situations in the parking lot at arrival and dismissal. Unfortunately our lot has not grown as our school has, which has led to haphazard parking and a few near misses. Please be mindful of the following practices.
In the morning:
-Enter the lot at a slower pace and stay to the right.
-Be cognizant of the cones. There have been many instances where cones have been clipped or run over and dragged underneath a car.
-Watch for families walking through the parking lot on the side closest to the building.
In the afternoon:
-Enter the lot at a slow pace and stay to the right only. Exit on the side of the parking lot by the building.
-If you see a spot on the side of the lot by the building please stay to the right and go all the way around.
-Watch for families walking through the parking lot.
-Do not park in a handicapped spot if you do not have a handicapped parking permit.
We realize everyone is trying to drop off an doick up in a timely manner, but it is important that unsafe situations are not created. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
K-2 Family Learning Night
On January 11, 2024 JFK will hold a K-2 Family Learning Night. Parents and Caregivers are invited to school to learn about all things literacy and math by creating math games to take home, sight word activities and book walks. Join Erin Aylward, Literacy Specialist and Kerri Falzone, Math Specialist to learn about the curriculum your students are engaging in. Please click on the pdf below for details regarding the time and to RSVP.
There will be a 3-5 Family Night in February. More info to come.
The Annual Houle Yule Log Event
The Annual Houle Yule Log Event
The Annual Houle Yule Log Event
Gym Shorts
Happy Holidays! In December, Grades K-2 worked on a variety of throwing and catching games. They learned the basic fundamentals for catching high and low objects as well as the basic Overhand Throw. Grade 3 worked on hand-eye coordination challenges and games. My favorite one 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. The 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. We have some terrific volleyball players at the Kennedy!
In January, students in all grades will be participating in educational gymnastic/ tumbling activities during Physical Education. The activities have been developed to suit all skill levels. Skills will be age appropriate, carefully explained, and monitored during each class period. Students will be learning about the basic skills and concepts used in gymnastics, fitness benefits, as well as general safety in movement.
Safety will be a central theme of the unit. There are several issues that I would appreciate your assistance with to ensure the safety of your child. Please have students leave jewelry, large hair clips, and large belt buckles at home on the day of physical education, especially long neck chains. Hoop earrings can be very dangerous if they get caught on something while the student is moving. If a student must wear earrings, they should be smaller stud earrings, which are less likely to get caught on something. Students with long hair should have something to tie their hair up, so it won’t be in their face. Lastly, students should try not to wear extremely long pants that may cover over their feet. They will be in bare feet and longer pants may cause them to trip or slide. Shorter pants (ones that stop at the ankle when standing upright) or pants with a cuff on the bottom would be better for gymnastic activities.
Also, students will be in bare feet during gymnastic activities. Sneakers are not used in gymnastics because they don’t allow students to build the muscles in their feet and don’t allow the foot a full range of motion. It is difficult to grip beams, climb bars, and other apparatus with sneakers on. Students should be able to feel their feet grip onto apparatus and their toes point during step-like actions. I assure you that the floor is swept daily and that it is as clean as possible. Students will put their sneakers back on if they need to leave the gym to go to the bathroom, get a drink, etc. Students that do not feel comfortable in bare feet may wear a dance shoe or “fingered” shoes. These shoes allow for almost as much movement as bare feet. These students will be responsible for bringing their own alternative shoes as the school will not supply them.
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.
Lastly, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year. I look forward to the 2024 year to come.
Monthly PE Sneaker Award Winners for Excellence in PE
Gold Sneaker- Tie, Mrs. Groody’s Class (3rd) & Mrs. Ngo’s Class (5th)
Silver Sneaker- Ms. Eckler’s Class (K)
PE Students of the Week for December
Ryne Cotter (5th Grade)
William McGinnis (1st Grade)
Jason Lam (4th Grade)
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.
Family Resources
The Food Pantry has moved to 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard’s).
The Canton Farmers Market also accepts SNAP and HIP
Mrs. Moore's Class Celebrates Winter Solstice
Mrs. Moore's Class Celebrates Winter Solstice
Mrs. Moore's Class Celebrates Winter Solstice
CAPT Corner
Join the JFK for a day with the Providence Bruins! January 7th at 3:05 pm vs. Springfield at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI. Everyone's ticket for this event is just $30 per person with a portion of every ticket going back to the JFK! You will receive great seats together as a group and all kids will receive a FREE P-BRUINS HAT! All students, family members, and friends receive this exclusive discounted offer! PURCHASE ONLINE NOW AT: WWW.PROVIDENCEBRUINS.COM/JFKC
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?
- December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024: No School, Holiday Break
- January 2, 2024: School Resumes
- January 5, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- January 15, 2024: No School, Martin Luther King Day
- January 16, 2024: Grades 4 & 5 Concert for Families, 9:30-10:30 AM
- February 9, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- February 19 - 23, 2024: No School, Winter Break
- March 15, 2024: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- March 29, 2024: No School, Good Friday
- April 4 & 5, 2023: Conferences
- April 15 - 19, 2024: No School, Spring Break
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 Unified Basketball Program
- Canton Youth Basketball Sign-Ups
- Holiday Helpers
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