11/22/2024

SOARing through the Week at JFK   

November 22, 2024 


Hello, JFK Families! 

This week, we SOARed together! As I’ve visited classrooms this week I’ve been impressed by the many acts of gratitude and kindness that our JFK students  have demonstrated. Students were seen soaring by lending a helping hand, sharing a kind word, creating projects that express thanks, or just showing appreciation to teachers and peers. It's inspiring to see our school values in action in our learning community!

As we continue fostering this positive environment, let’s also work together to ensure the safety of everyone on our school grounds. Parents, please remember to drive slowly and cautiously during drop-off and pick-up times. Your attention and care helps to keep our students and staff safe.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership, JFK families! Remember to take care of yourself, 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:

MPS School Calendar 2024-2025

November 27th- Early Dismissal (Thanksgiving Break)

November 28 & 29th- No School - Thanksgiving Recess

December 6th- JFK Spirit Day- Flannel Day!

December 11th- Early Dismissal for Students (Staff Professional Learning)

December 16-18th- JFK PTO Holiday Store

December 19th- JFK Chorus Concert (4th & 5th Grades @ Parsons 6:30pm)

December 23rd-January 1st- Winter Recess

January 2, 2025- School is back in session


📷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!

_____________________


Lockdown Drill:

Conducting emergency drills (fire, crisis, lockdown, etc.) is one of the most important ways we enhance our preparedness for students and staff during an emergency. Drills allow us to practice what we need to do when an emergency arises in our school. 

Yesterday, November 22nd, JFK conducted a lockdown drill. This was only a drill and was in accordance with the School Incident Management Protocols established by the district, in partnership with our local first responders. We are pleased to report that the drill was a success. It was efficient and timely.  If you have any feedback please reach out.  We want to thank our students and staff for their interest and participation in making our schools a safer place for learning.    





Specialist Spotlight - Art with Mrs. Benedetti

Hello JFK Families and Friends!


  • In PK and Kindergarten we have been exploring new materials and ways to use them! We have painted, learned how to use scissors correctly, and much more! Kindergarten just finished their collage rockstar inspired guitars! 


  • In first and second grade, we are learning about lines and shapes. First graders are making line rugs and animals, while second graders will be starting a new project creating trees inspired by Gustav Klimt.

 

  • In third, fourth, and fifth grade, we are practicing different techniques. We are learning about weaving and fiber art to create owls. Fourth graders are creating mythical creatures and learning about tints and shades . Fifth graders are creating “spacescapes” and using monochromatic colors to paint them! 


Have a great Thanksgiving and keep creating! 

~Ms. Benedetti 





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.  Please note that students are allowed to drink water during the school day.  Outside drinks (DD, Starbucks, etc are not encouraged)



Reminder!

Milford Public Schools policy is “No Food” for Celebrations.

Just a friendly reminder that Milford Public Schools has a no-food policy for special celebrations or classroom events. For the safety of our children, we ask that everyone adheres to this policy.  More information on the district’s policy can be found HERE.



Please label your child’s sweatshirts, jackets, lunch bag, and water bottle. Our Lost and Found continues to grow! Please review the pictures and email Mrs. Koosa (dkoosa@milforded.org) or your child’s classroom teacher if any of these items belong to your family. 




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! 






Attendance Reminder

A reminder that absences should be reported in PowerSchool.

Click HERE for instructions on how to report absences. Be sure to update the date on the top of the form each time you fill it out.




Arrival and Dismissal Information - Parents, please be sure to drive slowly and safely through our parking lot at drop off and pick up times.  We understand that mornings can be hectic getting students off to school and adults off to work, but please drive slowly and with caution on our school grounds.


Please do not leave students unattended at the school prior to 8:20am. 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.

❤️‍🩹News from the Nurse 

MPS Health Department Guidelines

Hearing and vision screenings are underway! Please make sure your student has their glasses with them.

With the weather getting colder please make sure your child has appropriate outdoor clothing for recess.  Additionally, we have many students with very chapped lips as the weather is getting colder. Please provide chapstick for your child as needed.

If clothing is borrowed from the school health office please wash and return :)

If possible, pack a spare set of clothes in your child's backpack. Accidents happen! Students can get wet on the playground or spill on themselves at lunch. It's always helpful to have extra clothing available

~Nurse Jacqueline Campbell


MPS Food Services

November Lunch Menu



Community Connections Center 

This week's CCC News contains information and links for a mix of resources & fun activities.   Featured this week :  The Elk's "American Essay Contest","Thankful Friday" at Sacred Heart University and Stamford's "Downtown Parade Spectacular".

Find these and more in our CCC Newsletter.  Looking for other community resources, visit the CCC Website.

Have a great weekend! 

Mary-Kate Williams & Cara Dascenzo



Milford Community Connection Centers

203-882-6094 

Mwilliams@milforded.org

        The CCC honors all family inquiries as private and confidential unless parent permission is given or Connecticut mandated reporting applies







PTO News 11.20.24


JFK PTO Fall Calendar of Events



Join the JFK PTO! It’s not too late and our PTO supports so many of our wonderful school community events.  Your membership matters!

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/


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




Have a great weekend, JFK!




 

JFK: A Community Where

ALL

Learners SOAR!