SOARing through the Week at JFK
November 27, 2024
Hello, JFK Families!
As we wrap up a short but fantastic week at JFK Elementary, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Hawk families, staff, and students. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and at the top of my list is being a part of this wonderful community. Thank you families for partnering with us and for entrusting us with the care and education of your amazing children.
This week, the JFK staff added a little extra fun to our days by hosting a "Secret Spirit Week!" From Black Out Day to "Anything But a Mug" and JFK/Backwards Spiritwear, our playful shenanigans brought plenty of smiles and giggles to the halls. It was heartwarming to see the joy and connection that these moments brought to our school.
On behalf of the entire JFK Elementary team, I wish you and your family a warm and Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. We are so thankful to have you as part of our community.
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
Thanksgiving Gratitude Activities for Home:
With Thanksgiving tomorrow, it seems appropriate to pause and practice gratitude. When we practice gratitude and focus on what we do have, it brings us happiness. Some resources from PBS.org for families that include some gratitude based activities that are sorted by age can be found here.
Important Dates:
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 18th - 5th Grade DARE Graduation (More details on page 2)
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!
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DARE Graduation: On Wednesday, December 18th at 2pm, 5th-grade families are invited to attend an in-school graduation event to celebrate our 5th graders' completion of the DARE Program.
Please note there is a maximum of 2 guests per student.
Kindly complete this form by Monday, December 9th.
If you wish to take your 5th grader home after graduation, please complete this separate form which will serve as your written notice to school.
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 -
Please do not leave students unattended at the school prior to 8:20am.
Please note that our Walker Pick Up should be utilized for families who are walking to the building. If you are driving to JFK to pick up your child, please use our car pick up procedure. Families of students who are being dismissed as walkers should not be parking in our parking lot and then picking up at the walker door. Doing this interferes with the flow of traffic in our car pick up line. Thank you for adhering to our dismissal procedures.
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.
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
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
The CCC honors all family inquiries as private and confidential unless parent permission is given or Connecticut mandated reporting applies
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!
