8/30/2024

SOARing through the Week at JFK   


August 30, 2024 


Hello, Hawk Families!


Welcome back, JFK families! As we wrap up our first week of school, it's heartwarming to see so many smiles and to feel the joy of being together again. The sense of community and togetherness that fills our halls is truly special, and we can all take pride in how we've started this new school year. We value the partnership of the home and school connection, so please reach out to your classroom teacher or the JFK office staff with any questions so that we can best support our learning community. Let's carry this positivity forward as we continue to learn, grow, and support one another throughout the year! 


In partnership,


Amy E. Rizzo


Amy E. Rizzo, Principal 

Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @JFKPrincipalRIz


Important Dates:

  • MPS School Calendar 2024-2025

  • September 2nd Labor Day- No School

  • September 4th- JFK PTO Meeting 6:30pm (Join in person or via Meet)

  • September 5th- 4th & 5th Grade Instrument Information Night (see below)

  • September 6th JFK PTO Back to School Family Picnic 6-7:30pm

  • September 12th JFK Open House

  • September 18th- Early Dismissal for Students

Please join us in welcoming some new staff members to our Hawk community:

  • Joe Messina - STEM

  • Marisa Gjuraj- Kitchen Manager

  • Madison Sosa - .2 Speech & Language

  • Susan Cameron- PreK Paraprofessional

  • Julia Lagoutis- Building Intern

  • Chris Brewster- Student Teacher, Grade 2

  • Karina Santoya- Speech Intern

  • Heidi Ghebretzadick- Teacher In Residence, Grade 3

  • Dolly Byrne, Lunch Aide

  • Virgina Krumweide- Lunch Aide

  • Mary Firimonte- Substitute Para






  • Save the Date:  JFK Open House will be held Thursday, September 12th 



  • Please remember to send in a reusable water bottle with your child.  Students have access to our water stations and can refill as necessary throughout the day.


  • Attention 4th & 5th Grade Families:  MPS is holding an informational session on Thursday, September 5th at 6:30pm via Zoom.  Please see the attached letter for more information and the Zoom link.



  • Hawks SOAR Awards - Our JFK Hawks SOAR award is designed to recognize student and staff behaviors and actions that enhance our school community and those individuals who exemplify citizenship within this community beyond the expected norms. When your child comes home with a sticker, please ask them how they SOARED that day! 






  • Arrival and Dismissal Information Please read the linked arrival and dismissal information that was sent out via mail and linked here.  If you are dropping off your child please pull all the way forward in line and remain in the car for safety.  If you wish to get out of the car, please park in a designated parking spot and walk your child to the parking lot crosswalk. Mr. Kee will assist your child in crossing safely. 

  • Dismissal Car Tags should be placed on your dashboard/mirror when lining up for pick up.  We ask that you please do not line up in the parking lot prior to 3pm.


  • MPS Food Services- Click for information on breakfast and lunch offerings.  We are pleased to welcome a new Kitchen Manager to JFK this year.  Marisa Gjuraj will be leading our food services team and can be reached at mgjuraj@milforded.org


  • ❤️‍🩹News from the Nurse 

Be sure to send in updated health forms!

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 younger students to pack a change of clothes in their child’s backpack as accidents do happen. 


  • Join us for the first JFK PTO Meeting of the 24-25 school year on Wednesday, September 4th 6:30pm in the JFK Media Center!  We encourage you to attend either in person or via this Meet Link


  • The PTO Family Picnic will be held on Friday, September 6th.  We hope to see you there!


  • JFK PTO’s After School Theater Program:  The Alice in Wonderland Show

Registration Flier  Registration closes on Wednesday, September 11th


Join the JFK PTO!

We welcome and encourage everyone to join the JFK PTO. Membership is simple and in no way commits you to volunteer and/or attend meetings (although we would love to have you). Simply click the link below and submit your dues/donation. Don't forget to fill out the membership form as well. Once both steps are complete you are able to join our PTO Membership page which has all upcoming events and updates!

https://john-f-kennedy-elem-pto.square.site/

Mum Sale

The JFK PTO online store is now open for the purchase of beautiful locally grown mums! These mums are absolutely amazing every year and come in an array of colors to choose from in either 8" or 12" pots. Orders are due by September 12th and will be picked up on October 2nd. 

Click here to see our flier and visit our online store to place your orders at https://john-f-kennedy-elem-pto.square.site/





Additional MPS information  can be accessed through the district website at www.milforded.org.  


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!




Enjoy the long weekend, JFK!




 JFK: A Community Where ALL Learners SOAR!