JFK Parent News

JFK Families,

Today, each grade level spent 15 minutes dancing their hearts out in celebration of reaching our 2000 SOAR slip goal for January. We are very proud of the work students are doing to show Safe, Always Kind, On Task and Respectful behaviors throughout the day at JFK.

Kindergarten Registration began 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

We have a busy month ahead. Next week, we have Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, February 5th from 12:30 - 7 pm. and Thursday, February 8th from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. You should have received a Sign-Up Genius from your child's teacher. If you have not yet signed up for a time, we encourage all families to do so. On-going communication between school and home remains an important part of supporting students to SOAR.

Additionally, when you are at JFK for conferences, please stop by the Book Fair in the library to see the great selection of books available for purchase.

As a reminder, there is no school on the following days:

Monday, February 5th

Monday, February 19th

Tuesday, February 20th

While it may seem early, we are in the beginning stages of planning for next school year. For current KG-4th grade families, if you know that your child will not return to JFK next year, please let the Office know as soon as possible. You can send a message to the office by e-mailing SFSDJFKOffice@k12.sd.us.

The Groundhog did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring. Our temperatures next week will be unseasonably warm, however, as we know in South Dakota, that can change in an instant. Morning temperatures are still quite cool, so 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, for partnering with us as we continue the important work of educating all students who come to JFK. Your partnership is appreciated and valued.

Sincerely,

Mr. Wright, Principal

Dear Parents and Families:

Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.

Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place in the JFK Library during conferences on February 5th (12:30 – 7:00 pm) and 8th (3:00 – 7:00 pm).

This year, say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy. At the Fair, we take credit cards or checks, exact cash only please.

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. Online ordering will be available February 5th to the 18th. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/johnfkennedyelemschool

The countdown to more Book joy is on! Catch you at the Fair!

Happy reading,

Ms. Mary Fink, Librarian

Mrs. Krystine Reavis, Librarian

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

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