JFK Elementary School
February 23, 2024
Hawks’ Herald
SOARing through the Week at JFK
Hello, JFK Families!
We have had another Hawk-mazing week of learning here at JFK! This week I have been particularly impressed with how much our students are taking ownership over their learning in the classroom. As I visited classrooms this week, students were so excited to show me what they are working on and to explain their ideas. It was impressive to see many student-led discussions and collaborative work abound! Students are working hard to explain their thinking and to make their thinking visible (or audible) Our JFK learners are SOARING!
As you know from the past two newsletters, each week we are spotlighting a different strategy for parents to support our learners in “Making Thinking Visible” at home. This week our focus is on Challenge but Don’t Rescue. One way that you can help your child to develop problem solving skills and resilience is to let them productively struggle. Challenging opportunities, or “points of difficulty,” allow for deeper thinking and for learners to figure out things on their own. As adults we sometimes are quick to do things for our children to “help” them or because we are simply rushing and don’t have the time to let them figure it out. Life is fast and we are on to the next thing. I encourage you to slow down! Allow your child opportunities to problem solve and “figure things out.” Being challenged is when learning happens! Next time your child is working through something, pause and observe them and their thought process, give them some time rather than swooping in to assist them. You will be building their ability to think and problem solve which are such important life skills.
As always, JFK families, have a wonderful weekend! Take care of yourselves, our community, and most of all BE KIND!
In partnership,
Amy E. Rizzo
Amy E. Rizzo, Principal
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @JFKPrincipalRIz
Important Dates & Information:
February 29th-Leap Day- An Extra Day for Kindness! 🐸
February 29th- Ben’s Bells Kindness Night Sponsored by the PTO-sign up
March 1st- Spirit Day- Tie Dye Day
March 4th- Author Visit, Alicia Klepeis, Sponsored by the PTO
March 4-8th- Read Across America Week
March 6th- No School (Professional Learning for Staff)
March 13th - Early Release Day - 1:25 PM & PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
March 20th, 21st and 22nd - Spring Conferences - Early Dismissal 1:15pm
March 27th - Spring Photos
❄️ In the case of inclement weather please check the MPS website and your email for delays, cancellations, or early dismissals.
Spring Conference Information
Greetings, MPS Families!
We are pleased to announce our Spring 2024 Elementary Conference Schedule:
Wednesday, March 20th 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 21st 1:45-3:45 p.m.
Friday, March 22nd 1:45-3:45 p.m.
*Please note that we will have a modified early dismissal time on the conference days to accommodate the conference schedule. Therefore, students will be dismissed on March 20th, March 21st, and March 22nd at 1:15pm.
Parents/guardians will once again have the opportunity to select a conference time through My Conference Time. All conferences will be in person unless a parent/guardian requests a Google Meet link directly from the teacher. Spring conference sign up information will be live on our school website from Friday, March 4th, at 9:00 a.m. through Monday, March 18th, at 12:00 p.m. If you prefer a virtual session, please contact the teacher to request a Google Meet link to conduct your conference virtually after you have confirmed your conference time through My Conference Time Online Scheduler. We are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s learning!
Read Across America Week-
March 4th-8th
Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading.
Would you like to be a Guest Reader for Read Across America Week (March 4th-8th) ? Can’t make it into school? Want to set up a Google Meet or send a recording?
Thank you in advance!
Elise Rosengrant & Gina DePuma
JFK Instructional Coaches
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
Kindergarten registration is available online for the 2024-2025 school year.
❤️🩹News from the Nurse
Hello families!
With cold/flu season upon us please remember to be diligent with handwashing. There is a copy of the illness guidelines on the MPS JFK website under the nurse's office tab.
Remember to make sure your student has a winter coat for outdoor recess.
Change of Clothes - If your child comes home with clothing from the Nurse’s Office, please wash the item and return it to school as soon as possible. We do encourage parents of our students to pack a change of clothes in their child’s backpack.
Community Connections News
This week's CCC News contains information and links for a mix of resources & fun activities. Among the community services you will find links for "Adams House", that supports grieving families through free programs. Foodshare Mobile Pantry date and additional food resources.
For Family fun you'll find information for programs about a New Haven scavenger hunt and the CT Flower & Garden Show. Clifford Beers's Walk and Resources Fair to support Autism. There is also information about Milford's YMCA's summer camps.
Remember that the CCC Website is updated with links to community resources.
To locate the CCC’s web page go to Milford’s main page and click on the Menu tab & scroll down under district Information to find the Community Connections Centers!
Have a great week!
Mary-Kathryn Williams, Coordinator
Milford Community Connection Centers
203-882-6094
Learn more about our Hawk-some 2nd Grade Team!
Specialist Spotlight - Art
Happy February JFK families!
The art room has been full of lots of creations these last few months! Kinder students have been working on their painting techniques to create a rainforest full of toucans. First graders are creating Faith Ringgold inspired quilts using collage materials. Students in second grade are making an under the sea artwork full of their favorite sea animals. Third graders are beginning their sculpture relief project with model magic and collage to make 3d flower pots. Fourth will be creating planets using wet-on-wet watercolor techniques! Fifth graders are working on paper mache cakes!
Also, be on the lookout for lots of artwork coming home!
I hope everyone has a great break! Keep creating!
Ms. Benedetti
News from the JFK PTO
Be sure to check out the Newsletter from the JFK PTO this week that includes important information on upcoming events, programming and fundraisers! When you support the PTO you are directly supporting our school community.
Spring Chess Club!!
Get ready for the return of our exciting after-school chess program! We're thrilled to offer your child another chance to be coached in the game of chess by a local resident and Chess Olympiad participant. Our program caters to children at every level, from novice to seasoned players. We aim to equip your child with the fundamentals of chess and foster lifelong strategic thinking abilities. This after-school chess program provides a convenient platform for your child to strengthen friendships, both new and existing, while having fun and acquiring a valuable skill. Any new children who are beginners will get the beginner training, while those who already got the beginner training and come again will receive more advanced training.
Don't miss out on securing a spot for your child in our sought-after program. The program will run Fridays April 12-May 31st from 3:25-4:45 and the price is $240. Spaces are limited. Register here: https://keap.page/fu903/after-school-chess-program-apr-2024.html
A Glimpse at the Week:
Click here to view pictures of some of the HAWK-SOME learning and events that happened at JFK this week!
JFK: A Community Where ALL Learners SOAR!