JFK Weekly Update
October 15, 2023
This has been a challenging week for some members of our large community. Our school community has made an effort to continue with routines in order to instill a sense of calm and normalcy throughout the building. Please know that we will continue to support all of our students and families, especially those with a direct religious connection to the terrible world events. We will continue to do what we need to in order to make all of our students feel safe.
Every year we are required to conduct safety drills. Last month we completed a Shelter in Place drill. Friday we had our first round of bus evacuation drills. The purpose of the drill is to remind students what safe behavior looks like and practice how to exit the bus through the back door in case of an emergency. Grades K-3 participated in the drill on Friday, grades 4 & 5 will participate next Friday.
Congratulations to Mrs. Dixon's kindergarten class for winning the pumpkin guessing contest! As a class they guessed that Shelby (their name for the pumpkin) weighed 15 pounds, had 600 pumpkin seeds and 20 siblings! Shelby will now be part of the JFK community.
Sincerely,
Saundra Watson, M.Ed
JFK Principal
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
The JFK Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee went through reconstruction last year and re-launched in January 2023. The committee is made up of building administrators, teachers and family members actively engaged in conversations around how to grow engagement of our school community around DEI topics. As presented by the School Committee, last spring, the Canton Equity Audit showed the importance and necessity of deeper works in our school community. We are hopeful that this school based committee will be a resource to influence positive outcomes and highlight the identities of our community. In order to continue the work we are interested in adding members to the committee. As members of the committee we value your input, participation, and contributions to our mission, which is to create a school environment that is inclusive and equitable through celebration of diversity in partnership with our community.
If you are interested in hearing more about the committee and ways to get involved please reach out to me or Adrienne Barnard at adriennekbarnard@gmail.com.
Title I Information Night
Title I Information Night is on Thursday, October 19th 2023 at Rodman in Room 33A, 5:30-6:30pm. Join us for light refreshments and some information about literacy and math interventions. We hope to see you there!
Parent Demographic Forms in Rediker
Families are asked to login into their Rediker family portal to submit annual permissions, verify contact information for each student, and confirm parent/guardian contact information. This task is required annually, even if no information has changed from last year, as the process includes the student handbook acknowledgement, media permissions, permission to be included in the school directory, and other questions. Please make sure you log in as soon as possible to review the forms, sign and submit. It is extremely important that we have update permissions and student information.
2023 STEAM Week: October 16-20
MA STEM/STEAM Week Theme: Your STEAM future is our STEAM future.
“The visual arts help make information understandable. So much is said about the need for good STEM education, but STEAM education is even more important. By incorporating art, students of all ages can more easily grasp difficult concepts.”
—Ingrid Hess ingrid-hess.squarespace.com
This year’s theme is “See yourself in STEM”. Students will engage in learning opportunities that help them learn about STEM related careers, and experience the engineering design process through a Mystery Science lesson. Mrs. Eaton will also support STEAM week with activities that include color mixing, shape collages, and learning about anatomy, reflections and symmetry through art work. We are excited to see the great experiences classes will share!
BOOK FAIR!
The JFK Fall Book Fair will be held October 23rd - 27th. Family Night will be be Wednesday October 25th 3:00 - 7:00 PM. More Info: HERE.
Social Emotional Learning: Wayfinder Webinar Recording
The recording of this week’s Wayfinder Parent/Guardian Information Session can be accessed here. Additional information can be found at the Wayfinder Parent Information Hub and in our grade level Curriculum Overviews.
Fifth Grade Play
The production this year will be The Lion King Jr. Please see important informtaion below from Ms. McNamara, Play Director. Earlier this week fifth graders received a form to bring home to fill out to declare their interest.
The Lion King Jr Audition Announcement
Garden Club
*Garden Club is for 4th and 5th graders only. Those who returned the interest form and registered have been notified which session they’ll attend. Please do not send younger students, siblings or studnets who do not have a confirmed registration. Thank you.
CHS Halloween Costume Party and Movie
On October 27th, Canton High School class of 2025 is hosting an elementary age Halloween costume party and movie night. I was hoping to enlist your help in spreading the word about the event.
Date: 10/27/23
Location: CHS Cafeteria/Auditorium
Time: Costume party 5:00-6:00 in the cafeteria, movie @ 6:15 in the Auditorium
Movie Title: Coco
CAPT Corner
Start lining up your sitters because we are bringing Music Bingo BACK for JFK Parent’s Night! Join us for a night (Cctober 27th) filled with great music, games, prizes and fun! Buy your tickets now at https://bit.ly/jfkparentsnight or by scanning the QR Code. All profits will go to JFK CAPT which funds our school programming, field trips, supplies and so much more!
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors Needham Mechanical, Arrow Sports Group, Gillespie Management Group, and Donahue Real Estate for making this great event happen!
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!
A Note from the Humanities Coordinator, Jackie Abrams
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, which presents an opportunity for us to recognize some of the many myths and misunderstandings related to dyslexia.
Here are a few myths:
1. Students grow out of dyslexia.
2. The direct, explicit instruction that is essential for students with dyslexia isn’t necessary or recommended for typical readers.
3. All students with dyslexia have the same needs.
4. Dyslexia is related to vision issues.
Here are some facts:
1. While students never grow out of dyslexia, most students with dyslexia can learn to read fluently with the right combination of supports.
2. Explicit and systematic instruction develops sound-letter awareness and an understanding of how written language works and it is an effective way to help children with dyslexia learn to read. In Canton, we use the UFLI Foundations phonics program in grades K-2 to teach this explicitly.
3. Each student with dyslexia may present differently. By using diagnostic data, we can determine exactly what instructional areas to focus on to close gaps in achievement.
4. Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference, not a problem with the eyes. Eye and vision problems do not cause dyslexia, but they can co-occur in the same person.
Cantonstock 2023
MUSICCOUNTS! and the Canton Performing Arts Department proudly present Cantonstock 2023 on November 4th 12-4pm.
- Cantonstock is the annual music extravaganza that showcases hundreds of student musicians representing all performing ensembles in the Canton schools, and is the primary fundraiser for MusicCounts, the volunteer, non-profit group dedicated to supporting all music programs in all the Canton Public Schools!
- The mission is to raise funds for music programming for all students! Visit our website at: www.MusicCountsinCanton.org
Here are several ways you can help:
Sponsor a Student for Cantonstock (https://donorbox.org/musiccounts-sponsorstudentcantonstock-2-2-2)
T-shirt orders must be received by October 16th! Each student who receives $50 in sponsors will receive this year’s version of the popular Cantonstock T-Shirt! Shirts are 100% Cotton and the colors change each year so students enjoy collecting them as they progress through the schools! (Additional students in the same household only need to raise $15 each to qualify for a shirt too!)
Be an Individual Sponsor (https://donorbox.org/musiccounts-individual-sponsors-2021-2-2)
This option gives you different donation levels to select from and isn't tied to a specific student or deadline. We'll be happy to recognize your contribution on our website, social media, and other channels too!
Be a Business or Organizational Sponsor (https://donorbox.org/musiccounts-business-sponsors-2021-2-2)
We’re so grateful to the businesses and organizations for their past support, and hope they continue again this year. We’d really love to add new business and organizational sponsors too! Please view our current and previous list of sponsors and be sure to support them!
• Learn More & Get Involved (https://www.musiccountsincanton.org/contactus.html)
Visit our website to learn more about MusicCounts and all the great things we’ve funded the past few years. Contact Us to Donate an Item for Raffle and Silent Auction, become a volunteer and more!
MusicCounts in Canton! • P.O. Box 182 • Canton, MA 02021 • CantonMusicCounts@gmail.com
What's Coming Up?
- October 16-20, 2023: MA STEM/STEAM Week
- October 27, 2023: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- November 7, 2023: No School
- November 10, 2023: No School, Veteran’s Day
- November 15, 2023: Picture Retake Day
- November 16 & 17, 2023: Conferences
- November 22, 2023: Early Release, Thanksgiving Break
- November 23 & 24, 2023: No School, Thanksgiving Break
- December 1, 2023: Grade 5 Skating Party 9:00-11:30
- December 8, 2023: Early Release, 11:50 AM Dismissal
- December 22, 2023: Early Release, Break
- December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024: No School, Holiday Break
- January 2, 2024: School Resumes
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 included 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.
Construction on the Baseball Field
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.
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.
Curriculum Overviews
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 Public Library Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
- Canton Public Library Jack-o-Lantern Carving
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