Friday, December 13, 2019

JFK PTO Update – December 13, 2019


JFK PTO Update – December 13, 2019
 
IMPORTANT DATES:
December 16 - Desert Donations Needed for JFK Teachers and Staff!
December 19 - JFK School Council Meets
December 23 - January 1 - Winter Break (No School)
January 2 - Back to School

🎂

We Need Desserts for the Annual JFK Open House for Faculty and Staff on Monday, December 16
It’s a great time to say thank you to the staff and teachers of JFK who make a difference in our students’ lives. We need lots of desserts (just desserts!) to be served at the annual open house for around 100 faculty and staff on Monday, December 16. Just drop your dessert item in the office any time before 10am on Monday 12/16. Turns out donuts, sweet rolls and yummy stuff for the morning is good, too. If refrigeration is needed, that’s not a problem. But, no desserts with nuts or peanut butter, thanks!


JFK PTO Fundraising: Teachers are our Shining Stars!
Here at JFK PTO our mission is to enrich a student’s academic experience by providing additional funding for a variety of programming. We send thanks to all our PTO families who have donated to our PTO so that we can support unique cultural academic programs that make our school special.

Our goal is still attainable if every family donates $35. 
JFK PTO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Gifts of any amount are deeply appreciated. 100% of every dollar donated directly benefits our students.

DONATE to support special programs at JFK (2 ways to donate!):
Write a check payable to JFK PTO. Add “Cultural Arts” to the memo line. 
Mail the check to: JFK PTO, 100 Bridge Road, Florence, MA 01062. 
OR: Send the check to school with your student to drop off in the office. 
Look for our online donation site at Mighty Cause: https://tinyurl.com/y529vnzp 

Would you like to donate in honor of a teacher or staff member at JFK? Just add a note to your donation check and we will make sure the teacher of your choice receives a certificate of appreciation noting the donation in their honor. Your donations help us help teachers, and we are so grateful for all the donations we have received so far. Be sure to get your tax-deductible donation in before the year is over.


JFK School Council
The School Council meets the third school day Thursday of each month at 5pm in the JFK Library. The next meeting is December 19.

The JFK Yearbook Is On Sale
The 2020 JFK Yearbook is on sale for $27. To place an order, send a cash or check made out to JFK Middle School in an envelope to school with your student’s name and homeroom number and “yearbook” in the notes. Or go to www.coffeepond.com and click “place an order” then “yearbook”. Be sure to order before 3/29/2020 as the price will be $29 each if ordered after that date. The last day to order your school yearbook is 4/26/20.

JFK PTO Meetings in 2020
Our PTO meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting will be held on January 7. If you can’t attend the meeting but can help via email, sign up at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-jfkmspto 

We’re still looking for volunteers! Want to help organize the 7th grade dance? Come meet faculty and staff at our PTO meetings and let us know, or email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK This Holiday Season
·       Donate online. Our fall annual appeal is happening! Donate before December 31st.
·       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.
·       Be sure to vote for us in the Florence Savings Bank Customers’ Choice Awards before December 31.
·       Send in your Boxtops with your student to the JFK main office; we can accept Boxtop donations year round. 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 

JFK Silverware Drive
JFK is organizing a silverware collection to reduce plastic use. You can donate your extra items in the JFK office any time this year. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

NHS Funktionlust + UMass Mission Improvable! (TONIGHT at 7pm) 
Don’t miss the 4th annual improv alliance between UMass’s Mission Improvable, the elite short form troupe at UMass, and Funktionlust, Northampton High School’s premiere troupe, now in its 15th season. The all-ages, family-friendly show is Friday Dec. 13 at 7pm in the Northampton High School auditorium. Each troupe specializes in delighting their audience with original spontaneous material created like magic! All of their scenes burst from their enthusiasm and the audience’s offers! Bring your ideas and objects for props! Then enjoy what these talented improvers can do. Tickets are $5 and sold only at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm. Bake sale too!

Upcoming Racial Equity and Learning Meeting
Racial Equity and Learning (REAL) is hosting a meeting for new members on January 14 from 7:30-9pm, location TBD. ALL are welcome! This will be an opportunity to learn about REAL’s mission and work in the district; to meet others who are interested in working toward equity and inclusion; to reflect, ask questions, share ideas or simply listen. In the meantime, if you have questions about or would like a one-on-one conversation about REAL, please do not hesitate to reach out to a co-leader:
Deborah Keisch - deborahmdk2@gmail.com 
Jenny Bender - jennybinhbender@gmail.com 
Tom Chang - kleechez@gmail.com 

New Tobacco Control Law 
Beginning June 1, 2020, the sale of flavored combustible cigarettes and other tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored chewing tobacco, will be restricted to licensed smoking bars where they may be sold only for on-site consumption. Also taking effect on June 1st is the addition of a 75 percent excise tax on the wholesale price of nicotine vaping products, in addition to the state’s 6.75 percent sales tax. To learn more, view the DPH press release: Public Health Council Approves Regulations Restricting Access to Vaping and Tobacco Products.

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

Volunteer with us! Sign up here if you can help the JFK PTO this year: 

Si desea recibir esta información en español, envíenos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.

Friday, December 6, 2019

JFK PTO Update – December 6, 2019


JFK PTO Update – December 6, 2019
 
IMPORTANT DATES:
December 10 - New Start Date for Scholastic Book Fair at JFK 
December 11 - JFK Band Concert at NHS
December 12 - JFK Arts Night Out and Book Fair in the JFK Library
December 16 - Desert Donations Needed for JFK Teachers and Staff
December 19 - JFK School Council Meets
December 23 - January 1 - Winter Break (No School)
  
December Book Fair at JFK (Parent Cashier Volunteers Needed)
The annual Scholastic book fair will take place December 10-13 (note new start date due to a delivery delay for books). Students will be able to come to, and shop at, the book fair during the day. An evening event, open to the public, will be held from 5:30-7:30pm on Thursday, December 12. 

To make the book fair a success, we need parent volunteers to help run the cash register, especially during priority times. Training is provided (it’s easy), but all volunteers should have a CORI background check on file with the school. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949aeaa2ba75-book

New this year for the evening event: Arts Night Out. The book fair is joining forces with the art department! During our open-to-the-public book fair event on December 12, there will be an art show displaying wonderful works of art by our students, including some which will be available for purchase! This event will feature artwork displayed in the lobby from 6th-8th students that have had art exploratory/art enrichment so far this year PLUS include some students from science classes that turned trash into treasure! The Scholastic Book Fair will be running in the Library during this event! The cafeteria will feature soloists from the Chorus and Band! There will be light refreshments served, artwork for sale, bake sale, and more! Please put this date on your calendar and thanks for all of your support!!! 

For the book fair, there is also an online shopping option. Visit http://www.scholastic.com/bf/jfknorthampton for more information (including information on the new eWallet system) and to shop a wide selection of books and other items from the comfort of your home! Proceeds from the book fair allow us to add to the library and classroom libraries.


JFK PTO Fundraising: Teachers are our Shining Stars!
Here at JFK PTO our mission is to enrich a student’s academic experience by providing additional funding for a variety of programming. For the fall session, we are asking families to donate to our PTO so that we can support unique cultural academic programs that make our school special.

Our goal is attainable if every family donates $35. 
JFK PTO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Gifts of any amount are deeply appreciated. 100% of every dollar donated directly benefits our students.

DONATE to support special programs at JFK (2 ways to donate!):
Write a check payable to JFK PTO. Add “Cultural Arts” to the memo line. 
Mail the check to: JFK PTO, 100 Bridge Road, Florence, MA 01062. 
OR: Send the check to school with your student to drop off in the office. 
Look for our online donation site at Mighty Cause: https://tinyurl.com/y529vnzp 

Would you like to donate in honor of a teacher or staff member at JFK? Just add a note to your donation check and we will make sure the teacher of your choice receives a certificate of appreciation noting the donation in their honor. Your donations help us help teachers, and we are so grateful for all the donations we have received so far.


We Need Desserts for the Annual JFK Open House for Faculty and Staff on Monday, December 16
It’s a great time to say thank you to the staff and teachers of JFK who make a difference in our students’ lives. We need lots of desserts (just desserts!) to be served at the annual open house for around 100 faculty and staff on Monday, December 16. Just drop your dessert item in the office any time before 10am on Monday 12/16. Turns out donuts, sweet rolls and yummy stuff for the morning is good, too. If refrigeration is needed, that’s not a problem. But, no desserts with nuts or peanut butter, thanks!

JFK Silverware Drive
JFK is organizing a silverware collection to reduce plastic use. You can donate your items in the JFK office. 

The JFK Yearbook Is On Sale
The 2020 JFK Yearbook is on sale for $27. To place an order, send a cash or check made out to JFK Middle School in an envelope to school with your student’s name and homeroom number and “yearbook” in the notes. Or go to www.coffeepond.com and click “place an order” then “yearbook”. Be sure to order before 03/29/2020 as the price will be $29 each if ordered after 03/29/20. The last day to order your school yearbook is 04/26/20.

JFK School Council
The School Council meets the third school day Thursday of each month at 5pm in the JFK Library. The next meeting is December 19.

JFK PTO Meetings in 2020
Our PTO meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting will be held on January 7. If you can’t attend the meeting but can help via email, sign up at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-jfkmspto 

We’re still looking for volunteers! Want to help organize the 7th grade dance? Come meet faculty and staff at our PTO meetings and let us know, or email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK This Holiday Season
·       Donate online. Our fall annual appeal is happening! This year, Giving Tuesday is December 3rd.
·       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.
·       Be sure to vote for us in the Florence Savings Bank Customers’ Choice Awards before December 31.
·       Send in your Boxtops with your student to the JFK main office; we can accept Boxtop donations year round. 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 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Circuits & Code is Here Again!!! (Saturday, December 7 from 1-4pm)
Circuits & Code is the all-ages end-of-semester student project showcase at M5, the UMass Amherst Makerspace for Solid-State Electronics and Computing Machinery. Kids love this expo! Some come every December and every April… learning something new each time. Students will be demonstrating many different types of projects they created this semester. Bring yourself, your friends, and your family to interact with all manner of tech projects. It looks we’ll also have community member Karen Pava Randall demonstrating her Leyden Jar Poetry Project! Very cool. M5 is located on the lower level of Marcus Hall, 100 Natural Resources Road, UMass Amherst. If you are driving to M5, there are multiple parking lots near Marcus Hall that are available and free on the weekends. The lots that comprise the so-called Lot 65 are nearest M5. Google maps:

Calling All Youth Artists!
Want to create an original dance, song, play, poem, or video? Join us for the YOUTH PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL coming to the Northampton Center for the Arts. The inaugural Youth Performance Festival (YPF) will showcase the work of young artists (8-18 yrs old) in the disciplines of theater, dance, music, poetry, and video. Young artists will be paired with mentor artists in their field, and over the course of 6 weekends, the mentor artists will help to guide the young artists in the creation of original work to be shared with the greater community. Co-sponsored by the Center for the Arts and Valley Performance Playground, the Festival will be held February 8-9, 2020. There is an upcoming orientation on Sunday, December 8, 2:30-4pm at the Northampton Center for the Arts (33 Hawley St) for anyone who is interested.

NHS Funktionlust + UMass Mission Improvable! (Fri. Dec. 13 at 7pm) 
Don’t miss the 4th annual improv alliance between UMass’s Mission Improvable, the elite short form troupe at UMass, and Funktionlust, Northampton High School’s premiere troupe, now in its 15th season. The all-ages, family-friendly show is Friday Dec. 13 at 7pm in the Northampton High School auditorium. Each troupe specializes in delighting their audience with original spontaneous material created like magic! All of their scenes burst from their enthusiasm and the audience’s offers! Bring your ideas and objects for props! Then enjoy what these talented improvers can do. Tickets are $5 and sold only at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm. Bake sale too!

Upcoming Racial Equity and Learning Meeting
Racial Equity and Learning (REAL) is hosting a meeting for new members on January 14 from 7:30-9pm, location TBD. ALL are welcome! This will be an opportunity to learn about REAL’s mission and work in the district; to meet others who are interested in working toward equity and inclusion; to reflect, ask questions, share ideas or simply listen. In the meantime, if you have questions about or would like a one-on-one conversation about REAL, please do not hesitate to reach out to a co-leader:
Deborah Keisch - deborahmdk2@gmail.com 
Jenny Bender - jennybinhbender@gmail.com 
Tom Chang - kleechez@gmail.com 

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

Volunteer with us! Sign up here if you can help the JFK PTO this year: 

Si desea recibir esta información en español, envíenos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.