JFK Parent News

JFK Families,

We are quickly approaching the mid-point of the 2023-2024 school year. In fact, the end of the first semester is Thursday, January 11th! Teachers will be finalizing grades on Infinite Campus after the semester, and we encourage all families to review current grades and progress with each child. Report Cards can be accessed on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal: https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/siouxfalls.jsp

Kindergarten Registration will begin on February 1st through your Parent Portal app. To qualify for Kindergarten, students must be 5 years old on or before September 1st. For more information, please visit the Sioux Falls School District website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/kindergarten-registration

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for February 5th and February 8th as we will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences. Sign Up Genius links will be sent out again towards the end of January for you to select a time/day that works for each family to come to JFK. Conferences are a great time to celebrate the progress students have made as we strive for 100% participation!

To this point, winter has been fairly mild. However, as we know in South Dakota, snow always comes. It will be important for students to bring hats, gloves, jacket, snowpants, and snow boots to school to stay warm and dry when playing outside.

Thank you, parents/guardians, for partnering with JFK as we continue to help all students SOAR!

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.

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