JFK Parent News

JFK Families,

During the final month of 2023, we reflect on how grateful we are for JFK students, staff, and families. As we wrap up the end of the month, students are finalizing Winter MAP Assessments prior to break, and we are excited to see the tremendous progress students have made. Scores will be shared with families during Parent-Teacher Conferences in February.

JFK students continue to SOAR daily by demonstrating Safe, On-Task, Always Kind, and Respectful behavior while at school. We celebrated as a school on December 1st with Turkey BINGO and we look forward to the many more celebrations as we turn our calendars.

As a JFK Staff, we wish you a relaxing break and we are excited for all of the great things coming in 2024!

Sincerely,

Mr. Wright, Principal

In a world marred by the stark realities of war, unrest, and relentless exposure to mean-spirited interactions, the need to safeguard and nurture the innocence of our children becomes an urgent call to action.

The words of the late actor Angela Lansbury, spoken just after 9/11, echo the collective responsibility we all share in creating a haven for the youngest members of our society. "All of us, grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles, we all have to try to do everything that we possibly can to show them that they are safe and loved and that good will triumph over evil and right will prevail."

As we witness the disheartening events unfolding around the globe in real-time, it becomes increasingly clear that the impact on our children is profound. Their tender minds absorb the images and narratives of conflict, shaping their perceptions of the world and influencing their understanding of right and wrong.

In this tumultuous landscape, it is crucial for each one of us to actively engage in the emotional and psychological well-being of our children. We are all custodians of their future, charged with the responsibility of instilling hope, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity.

By fostering a sense of safety, we enable them to navigate the challenges that arise in their lives with greater confidence and emotional stability. Engage in open conversations, actively listen to their concerns, and reassure them that, no matter the circumstances, they are loved.

In a world where hatred can permeate even the most sacred spaces, we must teach children about empathy and the value of differences. Help them understand that, despite the darkness, there is always the potential for goodness to prevail.

Empower children by modeling the transformative power of kindness. Encourage them to engage in acts of compassion, no matter how small. Whether it's helping a friend in need, participating in community service, or simply spreading joy through kind words, these actions contribute to building a better world.

In a world where darkness tries to overshadow the light, let us unite in our commitment to nurture a generation that believes in the triumph of good over evil. May the joys of the holiday season strengthen our resolve to protect childhood innocence and sow seeds of hope for their bright futures.

Our second family event of the year, Family Movie Night, had a great turn out! Many families were able to enjoy the movie Small Foot while munching on popcorn and lounging on the gym floor and seated on the new bleachers. Mr. Wright and Miss Hoekstra were very appreciative of the help of the following parents who served on the planning committee: Jami Dalchow, Sarah Bryant, Bridget Story, Bobby Cook, DeAnna Dreesman, Abbie Jones, Diana Turner, and Katie Beauchman.

Thank you to each of you!

The 23-24 JFK Parent Handbook is filled with information about daily routines, general school rules and expectations, as well as the required annual policy notifications.

It is imperative that families who MAY qualify for free/reduced meal prices complete the application each year.

Parents/Guardians will incur meal costs in the 2023-24 school year, unless the Free/Reduced Application is approved based on income guidelines.

Beginning December 4th, the District will be enforcing school board policy. When an account has any amount of negative balance, breakfast will not be able to be charged. Once an account reaches a negative (-)$20 balance, the student will be offered a Smart Snack and a milk rather than a hot lunch and $1 will be charged each time to the student account. Once an account reaches a negative (-)$75 balance, no Smart Snack or meal can be served.

Any student who qualifies for Free/Reduced Meals because of limited family income IS and WILL CONTINUE to receive hot meals. The debt, in question, is accruing because those who earn more than the federally identified income – and/or have not filled out a Free/Reduced Meal Application - are not paying for meals eaten by their child(ren).

https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Please see the linked document above if you have a student who is receiving special education services through an IEP.

JFK School Hours are 7:40am-2:25pm

The JFK office is open from 7am-3:45pm Monday-Friday.

Email: joseph.wright@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.jkes.sf.k12.sd.us/o/jkes
Location: 4501 South Holbrook Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-362-2784
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfkelementaryschool/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel