Tuesday, January 18, 2022

JFK Middle School

2021-2022 School Year

January 2022

Please email the JFK PTO anytime at: jfkmspto@gmail.com

You can also reach out by phone or text to PTO members Liz Horn at 646-234-8805 

and Lisa Clauson at 617-429-1677

We typically meet the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm

Our next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 6:00 pm via Zoom (link tba)

All caregivers and staff warmly welcome!

Thank you for supporting JFK.


Donations to JFK PTO provide items and opportunities that are not in the tight school budget – and which help make JFK a great experience for all our kids and our amazing staff!

 

In the past year contributions have helped provide:

§  Art supplies for in-school and at-home use

§  Support for cultural and community celebrations and game nights

§  Starting funds for the after school program

§  T-shirts for all students

§  Book Fair

§  8th grade celebration

§  Field trips

§  Staff appreciation goodies

§  Items for families in need:  school supplies, winter clothing, holiday gifts

§  Disinfecting wipes for classrooms

§  And much more!


You can give online:

https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Parent-Teacher-Organization-Of-John-F-Kennedy-Middle-School

Or bring in or mail in a check, made out to JFK PTO

Address: JFK Middle School, 100 Bridge Rd., Florence, MA 01062

 

More, easy ways you can also support JFK Middle School:

Shopping on Amazon Smile and choosing Parent-Teacher Organization of John F Kennedy Middle School 

 

Vote for JFK Middle School PTO in the Florence Bank Community Choice Awards.

Please vote by Dec. 31 to help JFK PTO earn a grant!  Every Florence Bank account holder can vote, so please encourage your family, friends and neighbors to write in JFK Middle School!  You can vote 

in person at any branch, or online at https://www.florencebank.com/customers-choice-community-grants (choose JFK Middle School from the Education drop-down menu)



Some other useful sites for the JFK community:


https://northamptonschools.org/project/jfk-middle-school/


https://northamptoneducation.org



 

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

JFK PTO Update – June 9, 2020


JFK PTO Update – June 9, 2020
 
Dear JFK Families,
At the request of NPS, we wanted to share the following updates with you:

Please find below links to the Community Needs Survey and letter from the Superintendent. These links can also be found on the District Website. 
  • Northampton Community Needs Survey: To access the survey, please click THIS LINK
  • Encuesta de Necesidades Comunitarias de NPS. To access this survey in SPANISH, click THIS LINK.

To read the Letter to the Community from Superintendent Dr. Provost, please click HERE.  Mensaje del Superintendente Escolar en espaƱol: To view this letter in SPANISH, please click HERE...

To see the new video from Superintendent Dr. Provost about classroom considerations for reopening in the 2020-21 school year, click here.
JFK Middle School Student Item Pick Up 
A schedule for returning student belongings from lockers and classrooms and for students to drop off school-issued supplies and materials can be found on the district website. The schedule is organized by homeroom on the following dates:
    • 7th grade: Thursday, June 11
    • 6th grade: Friday, June 12 
    • 8th grade: Monday, June 15 (last day of school)

Chromebook information: Only grade 8 students will return Chromebooks on their designated drop-off day. Grade 6 and 7 students will keep Chromebooks over the summer. Please see link for information from the online copy of Northampton Public Schools Students’ Belongings Cleanup & Chromebook Drop Off Plan.

Free & Reduced School Meals Applications
You are encouraged to complete a Free/Reduced School Meals Application for the 2019-2020 school year. Free/Reduced meal status carries over for the first 30 days of the upcoming school year, at which time a new application will be required. If you feel as though your families’ financial circumstances have changed, you are encouraged to complete a form. Applications will be available at each school when students’ belongings are picked-up. These should be completed by 6/30/2020 and returned to JFK Middle School. Applications are also available online:

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mistelle Hannah, Food Service Director, at (413) 587-1487 or mhannah@northampton-k12.us

ACTIVITIES & INFO ONLINE 

8th Grade Student Celebration (Wednesday, June 10)
In order to celebrate JFK's eighth graders, JFK will be hosting a drive thru celebration on June 10, 2020 for our grade eight students! Attached are the details of this celebration. Social Distancing Expectations:
  • Individuals will be expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Please remain in your car. Your swag bag will be picked up off a table from your car window.

8th Grade Families: A Note about Our JFK PTO List-Serve
Dear 8th Grade Families, if you would like to be removed from the JFK PTO email updates, send us an “unsubscribe” email to jfkmspto@gmail.com. The Northampton High School PTO welcomes incoming families to subscribe to their weekly e-newsletter. Visit hamphigh-nhspto.org and click the subscribe button in the right navigation.

ASPEN Update Emails from JFK
If you are not receiving JFK emails from Principal Wilson and the admin team via ASPEN, contact Tammy Cook at tcook@northampton-k12.us. The team has been updating the system so families receive school communications.

The JFK Yearbook Is Still On Sale!
Stay tuned for the details on pick up time and day. We will have extra yearbooks available for purchase on pick-up day for $29 cash, or, by check made out to JFK Middle School.

2020-2021 School Calendar Posted
You can find the link to the NPS School Calendar online.

Volunteer with the JFK PTO in 2021!
The JFK PTO seeks parent volunteers to help with tasks for the unique upcoming school year. We will focus our efforts on fundraising support for teachers as they strive to meet the needs posed by changes in response to COVID-19. 

If you can help, send us an email at jfkmspto@gmail.com or sign up online at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-jfkmspto1 

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK MS PTO
  • Donate online. Your donations are tax-deductible and help fund special programs and teacher grants at JFK. We accept donations year-round!
  • Link to JFK MS PTO through Amazon Smile and donate to Parent-Teacher Organization of John F Kennedy Middle School Inc. Click here for instructions on how to use the app.
  • Save your Boxtops! Boxtops also has an online app for donations. Online we are: JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL| School ID: 573700. 
  • Register your Stop and Shop card to benefit JFK Middle School using ID#05378. Call 1-877-275-2758 to register or log on to www.stopandshop.com
  • Be sure to vote for us in the Florence Savings Bank Customers’ Choice Awards of 2020. Thank you, FSB, for your generous support of our programs!

Additional News and Updates
Please continue to check the NPS site online for the latest updates or visit https://twitter.com/npsdistrict

COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Northampton Parks & Recreation: No Summer Day Camp 
Northampton Parks & Recreation has announced that summer day camps will not be running in 2020. To view the announcement, click here. Staff will be working on smaller, modified outdoor recreational programs. For further summer information, visit www.northamptonma.gov/recreation. If you have any questions, email recreation@northamptonma.gov

Salud y Bienestar en Pioneer Valley
Un sitio para promover y compartir informaciĆ³n y actividades locales de salud y bienestar en espaƱol: https://blogs.umass.edu/bienestar/ 

Valley Book Rally Seeks Donations
With schools and libraries closed, we're rallying to put books into the hands of young Pioneer Valley readers in need during the stay-at-home advisory. We strongly believe that in times of hardship, books are an important resource that help lift up, educate, and inspire children. Titles will include those by local authors and illustrators, in addition to those published by Interlink Publishing and hand-picked by High Five Books. We are working directly with resident services coordinators at the various housing sites across the Pioneer Valley to match participating children’s ages with high-interest books that offer entertainment, education, and parental relief during this crisis. Donate at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/valley-book-rally 

Hamp Rec Virtual 50K Challenge: FREE to ALL AGES!
You must submit your miles by June 12, 2020. Many things may be closed or modified, but the sidewalks, bike paths and parks are still open! There’s no better way to social distance you or your family than going for a walk or hike around the neighborhood, following along to a workout video, going for a bike ride, and receive a medal or certificate! Start anytime but complete by June 12! More info here

Northampton Family Fourth POSTPONED
The Northampton Family Fourth Celebration, scheduled for June 27, 2020 at Look Memorial Park, has officially been rescheduled to next year on June 26, 2021. The Northampton Family Fourth Celebration Committee hopes that families and community members are staying safe during this difficult time. We look forward to celebrating our 10th anniversary together next June. For updates, please visit our website at northamptonfamilyfourth.com or email us at info@northamptonfamilyfourth.com 

Look Park Is Open Again
Visit the website for details. 2020 Vehicle Entry Season Passes Available-Tennis and pickleball courts to reopen-Look Park Turns 90!

2020 Census Count: Everyone Counts 
The census is online at: https://2020census.gov. By law, your responses cannot be used against you. Your census responses are safe and secure. See our community’s response rate so far at: https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html 

Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page
We like your Likes!

Si desea recibir esta informaciĆ³n en espaƱol, envĆ­enos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.

Friday, June 5, 2020

JFK PTO Update – June 5, 2020

JFK PTO Update – June 5, 2020
 
Dear JFK Families,
A schedule for returning student belongings from lockers and classrooms and for students to drop off school-issued supplies and materials can be found on the district website. The schedule is organized by homeroom on the following dates:
    • 7th grade: Thursday, June 11
    • 6th grade: Friday, June 12 
    • 8th grade: Monday, June 15 (last day of school)

Chromebook information: Only grade 8 students will return Chromebooks on their designated drop-off day. Grade 6 and 7 students will keep Chromebooks over the summer. Please see below for information from the online copy of Northampton Public Schools Students’ Belongings Cleanup & Chromebook Drop Off Plan.

JFK Middle School Chromebook Return
Sixth and seventh grade students will maintain their chromebook throughout the summer. During the first few days back to school, chromebooks will be examined for damage and functionality and caregivers may elect to enroll in the protection plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The student will use the same chromebook they have now throughout their time at JFK.

Eighth grade students will return their chromebook June 15th.
Instructions for dropoff: Make sure your chromebook is charged and able to turn on before your scheduled drop off time. Bring both your chromebook and the charger that goes with it. Please bring your own pen to sign off when the chromebook is submitted. This will be happening at the middle school. You will also need to stay 6ft apart from any other people while dropping off your chromebook. Please wear a face mask as well. Once you arrive an IT staff member will look over the chromebook to verify it is in the same condition for which it went out using a checklist and have you sign off afterwards to verify it has been submitted. Missing adapters, damage or loss of case will cost $25 each item; physical damage to the chromebook costs $89 without insurance. You will need to plan to pay for any of these conditions at the time of drop off. Write your checks out to Northampton Public Schools. Missing payments will result in us holding your report card. If you cannot make the time assigned to you, then you need to coordinate a meeting time for Tues, June 16th. Please email npsit@northampton-k12.us. Once you arrive an IT staff member will look over the chromebook using a checklist and have you sign off afterwards to verify it has been submitted.

They will follow this schedule:
Oceans 8:
Bisbee 8-8:30
Costello 8:30-9
Rossman 9-9:30
Usted 9:30-10
Spencer-Bunch 10-10:30
Carbon Knights:
Soucy 10:30-11:00
Andrew 11:00-11:30 
Martinez 11:30-12:00
Picard/Way 12:00-12:30 
Graham 12:30-1:00 

Extras (students who couldn’t make their slot) 12:30-1:30
JFK Middle School Student Item Pick Up 
  • Specific details on item pick-up will be shared by the building principal.
  • Medications will be available for pick-up on the date/time listed for each grade; medications must be picked by a caregiver.
  • If you have students in multiple grades and plan on picking up items on one day, please contact the Associate Principals.


June 11
June 12
June 15

Green Revolution
Mack
8:00-8:30
Pearl
8:30-9:00
Levy
9:00-9:30
Masenior
9:30-10:00
Bartlett
10:00-10:30

Green Monsters
Walden
10:30-11:00
N. Smith
11:00-11:30
Schlichting/Urbank
11:30-12:00
Parrott
12:00-12:30
Dawson-Greene
12:30-1:00

Extras (students who couldn’t make their slot) 1:00-2:00
Sun Devils
Hodgdon
8:00-8:30
Frappier
8:30-9:00
Bangs
9:00-9:30

Hybrid Huskies
Arabian
9:30-10:00
Chandler
10:00-10:30
Gallant
10:30-11:00

Recyclones
Martin
11:00-11:30
Myers
11:30-12:00
St. Pierre
12:00-12:30

Extras (students who couldn’t make their slot) 12:30-2:00
Oceans 8
Bisbee
8:00-8:30
Costello
8:30-9:00
Rossman
9:00-9:30
Usted
9:30-10:00
Spencer-Bunch
10:00-10:30

Carbon Knights
Soucy
10:30-11:00
Andrew
11:00-11:30 
Martinez 
11:30-12:00
Picard/Way
12:00-12:30 
Graham
12:30-1:00 

Extras (students who couldn’t make their slot) 1:00-2:00

Free & Reduced School Meals Applications
You are encouraged to complete a Free/Reduced School Meals Application for the 2019-2020 school year. Free/Reduced meal status carries over for the first 30 days of the upcoming school year, at which time a new application will be required. If you feel as though your families’ financial circumstances have changed, you are encouraged to complete a form. Applications will be available at each school when students’ belongings are picked-up. These should be completed by 6/30/2020 and returned to JFK Middle School. Applications are also available online:
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mistelle Hannah, Food Service Director, at (413) 587-1487 or mhannah@northampton-k12.us

ACTIVITIES & INFO ONLINE 

8th Grade Student Celebration (Wednesday, June 10, 3pm start)
In order to celebrate JFK's eighth graders, JFK will be hosting a drive thru celebration on June 10, 2020 for our grade eight students! Attached are the details of this celebration. Social Distancing Expectations:
  • Individuals will be expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Please remain in your car. Your swag bag will be picked up off a table from your car window.

8th Grade Families: A Note about Our JFK PTO List-Serve
Dear 8th Grade Families, if you would like to be removed from the JFK PTO email updates, send us an “unsubscribe” email to jfkmspto@gmail.com. The Northampton High School PTO welcomes incoming families to subscribe to their weekly e-newsletter. Visit the NHS PTO website at hamphigh-nhspto.org and click the subscribe button in the right navigation.

ASPEN Update Emails from JFK
If you are not receiving JFK emails from Principal Wilson and the admin team via ASPEN, contact Tammy Cook at tcook@northampton-k12.us. The team has been updating the system so families receive school communications.

The JFK Yearbook Is Still On Sale!
Stay tuned for the details on pick up time and day. We will have extra yearbooks available for purchase on pick-up day for $29 cash, or, by check made out to JFK Middle School.

2020-2021 School Calendar Posted
You can find the link to the NPS School Calendar online.

Volunteer with us in 2021!
The JFK PTO seeks parent volunteers to help with tasks for the unique upcoming school year. We will focus our efforts on fundraising support for teachers as they strive to meet the needs posed by changes in response to COVID-19. If you can help, send us an email at jfkmspto@gmail.com or sign up online at: 

JFK Student Competes in Online Scrabble Finals
Jack Carpenter, a seventh grade student at JFK, made it to the final match of an annual Scrabble tournament for players across North America in grades 3 to 8 on May 31. Be sure to read the Gazette coverage here. Congrats!

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK MS PTO
  • Donate online. Your donations are tax-deductible and help fund special programs and teacher grants at JFK. We accept donations year-round!
  • Link to JFK MS PTO through Amazon Smile and donate to Parent-Teacher Organization of John F Kennedy Middle School Inc. Click here for instructions on how to use the app.
  • Save your Boxtops! Boxtops also has an online app for donations. Online we are: JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL| School ID: 573700. 
  • Register your Stop and Shop card to benefit JFK Middle School using ID#05378. Call 1-877-275-2758 to register or log on to www.stopandshop.com
  • Be sure to vote for us in the Florence Savings Bank Customers’ Choice Awards of 2020. Thank you, FSB, for your generous support of our programs!

Additional News and Updates
Please continue to check the NPS site online for the latest updates or visit https://twitter.com/npsdistrict

COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Leeds Elementary School PTO Online Auction (May 29-June 5)
The Leeds Elementary School PTO Online Auction is hosting an online auction. This week-long event will allow you to bid on items from home.

Salud y Bienestar en Pioneer Valley
Un sitio para promover y compartir informaciĆ³n y actividades locales de salud y bienestar en espaƱol: https://blogs.umass.edu/bienestar/ 

Valley Book Rally Seeks Donations
With schools and libraries closed, we're rallying to put books into the hands of young Pioneer Valley readers in need during the stay-at-home advisory. We strongly believe that in times of hardship, books are an important resource that help lift up, educate, and inspire children. Titles will include those by local authors and illustrators, in addition to those published by Interlink Publishing and hand-picked by High Five Books. We are working directly with resident services coordinators at the various housing sites across the Pioneer Valley to match participating children’s ages with high-interest books that offer entertainment, education, and parental relief during this crisis. Donate at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/valley-book-rally 

COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund
The Northampton Arts Council is administering a COVID-19 Artist Relief Grant for all artists and cultural producers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Northampton, Florence, and Leeds. We invite members of the community to donate to our artist relief fund via this GoFundMe campaign. Donate here.

Hamp Rec Virtual 50K Challenge: FREE to ALL AGES!
Begins May 14 and you must submit your miles by June 12, 2020. Many things may be closed or modified, but the sidewalks, bike paths and parks are still open! There’s no better way to social distance you or your family than going for a walk or hike around the neighborhood, following along to a workout video, going for a bike ride, and receive a medal or certificate! Start anytime but complete by June 12! More info here

Northampton Family Fourth POSTPONED
The Northampton Family Fourth Celebration, scheduled for June 27, 2020 at Look Memorial Park, has officially been rescheduled to next year on June 26, 2021. The Northampton Family Fourth Celebration Committee hopes that families and community members are staying safe during this difficult time. We look forward to celebrating our 10th anniversary together next June. For updates, please visit our website at northamptonfamilyfourth.com or email us at info@northamptonfamilyfourth.com 

Look Park Is Open Again
Visit the website for details. 2020 Vehicle Entry Season Passes Available-Tennis and pickleball courts to reopen-Look Park Turns 90!

2020 Census Count: Everyone Counts 
The census is online at: https://2020census.gov. By law, your responses cannot be used against you. Your census responses are safe and secure. See our community’s response rate so far at: https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html 

 
Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page
We like your Likes!

Si desea recibir esta informaciĆ³n en espaƱol, envĆ­enos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.