Monday, June 26, 2017

JFK PTO Update – June 26, 2017

 

School's out for Summer!

 

 

 

The JFK PTO would like to thank all of our families and friends who gave their time and resources this school year!  With your financial donations, we were able to fund 20 Teacher Grants! These made possible things like the Traveling Science Program, 7th grade podcasts, the Axis International Dance Troupe performance, and the purchase of document cameras for classrooms, to name only a few. These grants allow teachers to greatly enhance the middle school experience for our students through fun activities and dynamic programming, and the students and teachers thank you sincerely for your generous support.

Also, a special thanks to those of you who donated your time to organize, chaperone, or attend one of our many events and programs. Because of your involvement, we were able to sponsor events like the book fair, the electronics recycling event, two teacher appreciation days, the 8th grade picnic, 6th and 7th grade dances, and other community-building events for students, staff, and families. Your time and energy makes these great events happen. We quite literally couldn't do it without you.

 

The PTO would also like to thank our dedicated outgoing 8th grade PTO board members Libby Arny, Sheryl Civjan, Sharon Kubin, and Lauren Rollins for all their hard work and service. In addition, we wish to thank Rebecca Busansky, Lisa Clauson, Darla Gormley, Phil Mathews and Cyndi Stein for their service. We also extend special appreciation to our teacher representative Andrea James and her substitute, Michael Murphy, and to Principal Lesley Wilson for their help and support of our PTO.

 

Many of our officers will be leaving next year or stepping down after several years of service. We are looking for new parents and guardians to serve on the PTO and to shape its direction going forward. We have a very strong foundation and wish to continue supporting our students and teachers through active parent engagement. Currently, we are seeking a Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications/Social Media Chair. If you are interested in assisting us in any capacity, or would like more information about any of the available positions, please contact us at jfkmspto@gmail.com

 

One last thing… We have launched a NEW JFK PTO Facebook Page! Please follow us for updates. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/jfkmspto/

 

All of the information in this email is also viewable on our blog at any time at the link below. Please subscribe and follow for all the latest JFK news and buzz.

 

Need to leave this list?

If your child is graduating from JFK and you no longer wish to receive these updates, please email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com.  We do not have any way to know who is staying and who is not – so let us know!  (I've you've already emailed us, your name will be removed after this last post).

 

Important Dates:

 

August 22nd – Transperformance Concert (Pines Theater, Look Park)

August 30th – First day of school 2017-2018

Sept. 5th – First JFK PTO Meeting, 6 pm at JFK

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

JFK PTO Update – June 13, 2017

 

Can you scoop?  SIX MORE Ice Cream Social Volunteers Needed:

 

Please help with the easiest and most enjoyable task of the year – six more scoopers, servers, and cleanup crew volunteers are still needed to help with the annual ice cream social on Thursday, June 15th between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  Shifts from 8:30-10:30 and 10:30-12:30 would be great; but even an hour would help!  Please email Libby at libbyca51@yahoo.com.  Special thanks to Herrell's for supporting this fun event!

 

Reminder:  Honor Thy Teacher:

 

Has a JFK teacher or staff member made a difference in your student's life this year?  Thank them by making a gift to the 2017 HONOR THY TEACHER campaign. Your gift honors a professional at our school, and will provide tangible support in JFK classrooms.  To donate online, please visit https://www.razoo.com/story/Parent-Teacher-Organization-Of-John-F-Kennedy-Middle-School.  Or, you can access the donation form HERE (or in Spanish, click HERE).  Drop your completed form at JFK with your check, or mail to the address on the form, by June 19th.  Donations will support the JFK PTO's grants for teachers. Questions? Email lisa.clauson21@gmail.com. Thank you!

 

Need to leave this list?

If your child is graduating from JFK and you no longer wish to receive these updates, please email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com.  We do not have any way to know who is staying and who is not – so let us know!

 

Important Dates:

 

June 15th – Ice Cream Social

June 19th – 8th Grade Visit to NHS

June 26th – Last day of school!

August 22nd – Transperformance Concert (Pines Theater, Look Park)

August 30th – First day of School 2017-2018

 

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

JFK PTO Update – June 7, 2017

 

Ice Cream Social Volunteers Needed:

 

Scoopers, servers, and cleanup crew volunteers are needed to help with the annual ice cream social on June 15th between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  Shifts from 8:30-10:30 and 10:30-12:30 would be great; but even an hour would help!  Please email Libby at libbyca51@yahoo.com.  Special thanks to Herrell's for supporting this fun event!

 

Honor Thy Teacher:

 

Has a JFK teacher or staff member made a difference in your student's life this year?  Thank them by making a gift to the 2017 HONOR THY TEACHER campaign. Your gift honors a professional at our school, and will provide tangible support in JFK classrooms.  To donate online, please visit https://www.razoo.com/story/Parent-Teacher-Organization-Of-John-F-Kennedy-Middle-School.  Or, you can access the donation form HERE (or in Spanish, click HERE).  Drop your completed form at JFK with your check, or mail to the address on the form, by June 19th.  Donations will support the JFK PTO's grants for teachers. Questions? Email lisa.clauson21@gmail.com. Thank you!

 

PTO Board Openings for Next Year:

 

Several board members from this year's PTO will be graduating along with their 8th graders, and this leaves a spot for YOU to join the PTO.  The JFK PTO is an active group with a successful fundraising operation, which funds projects, equipment, and supplies for teachers across grade levels at JFK.  All officer positions are open (President or Co-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications Chair).  For more information please email jfkmspto@gmail.com.

 

The Northampton Education Foundation Showcase

 

Friday, June 9 (During Northampton's Arts Night Out)

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Click Workspace, 9 ½ Market Street

 

Celebrate with us as we showcase the projects that Northampton's public school teachers and students create with NEF grants and thank the donors who contribute to our exciting programs.  The 2017 Showcase will feature various projects, including:

 

·         3-D Printing (NHS)

·         Red-backed Salamander Study (Leeds)

·         Enchanted Circle Theater Residency with students in the Language Learning

·         Disabilities Program (all elementary schools)

·         Folk Tales and Puppets (Bridge Street)

·         Garden Club (Smith Voke)

·         Schools Summer Reading Program (Ryan Road and Leeds)

·         Florence Heights Community Engagement (Ryan Road)

·         Sojourner Truth's Florence: A Walking Tour (Bridge Street, Jackson Street, Leeds, NHS)

 

NHS Teen Advocacy Group Exhibit:

 

The Northampton Prevention Coalition is proud to announce the latest photo voice exhibit of the NHS Teen Advocacy Group. Through interviews, photographs, and portraits, we share the immigration experiences of American immigrants, refugees, and citizens. We explore the significance of Northampton's designation as a sanctuary city with advocates and public officials and the impact of local and national policy on our documented and undocumented community members. June 2-30, Hosmer Gallery – Forbes Library.

 

FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Workshops:

 

DATE: Saturday June 10, 2017 8:00am - 4:00pm 

LOCATION: Deliso Conference Center, Mercy Medical Center 271 Carew Street, Springfield, MA

or

DATE: Friday, July 7, 2017 from 8:00am to 4:00pm 

LOCATION: Clinical Support Options 8 Atwood Drive, Northampton, MA

 

REGISTER AT: www.collaborative.org/YMHFA

 

A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. Learn an action plan to help. Anyone 18 or older can take

Youth Mental Health First Aid, but it is recommended for those who regularly have contact with young people ages 12-18 - teachers, coaches, social workers, faith leaders and other caring citizens.  This event is provided free of cost by the Coalition of Western Massachusetts Hospitals.

 

Need to leave this list?

If your child is graduating from JFK and you no longer wish to receive these updates, please email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com.  We do not have any way to know who is staying and who is not – so let us know!

 

Important Dates:

 

June 7th – JFK 8th Grade Picnic (during school hours)

June 8th – Chorus Concert

June 15th – Ice Cream Social

June 19th – 8th Grade Visit to NHS

June 26th – Last day of school!

August 22nd – Transperformance Concert (Pines Theater, Look Park)

August 30th – First day of School 2017-2018