Friday, May 4, 2018

JFK PTO Update – May 4, 2018


 
JFK PTO Update – May 4, 2018

Important Dates:
TODAY May 4 - Northampton Public Schools K-8 Art Show Opening Reception (4-6pm)
May 8 - Start of MCAS Testing
May 9 - Teacher Appreciation Lunch (New Date and Volunteers Needed!)
May 18 - Half Day of School
May 19 - JFK Jazz Band plays at the Academy of Music with Jamie Kent
May 20 - Eighth Grade Mayor’s Dance
May 28 - No School (Memorial Day)
May 29 - JFK MS PTO Meeting in JFK Library (New Date!)

TODAY! K-8 Art Show & Opening Reception, May 4 from 4-6pm
The art teachers from the elementary schools and the middle school cordially invite students and their families to JFK Middle School on Friday, May 4 from 4-6pm for an opening reception. The art exhibition will host selected original artwork by students from Leeds, Ryan Road, Jackson Street, Bridge Street and JFK Middle Schools. There will be light refreshments served and beautiful 2D and 3D artwork. The show will run from May 4 through May 24. Please join us for this wonderful event! Thanks so much! JFK Middle School Art Teachers: Michelle Mallory and Emma Mendoker; Leeds and Ryan Road Art Teacher: Leslie Macutkiewicz; Jackson Street and Bridge Street Art Teacher: Brenda Lilly.

TODAY! Last Day to Buy JFK Yearbooks Online
The last day to order the yearbook online at coffeepond.com is today, May 4. After that, from May 5th to June 20th, the yearbook can be ordered by check or cash for $28. All yearbooks will be issued in homeroom on the last day of school. For any student who will not be at school on the last day, arrangements can be made.

VOLUNTEER! Teacher Appreciation Brunch on Wednesday, May 9 at JFK (New Date!)

Calling All Cooks! JFK Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day is Wednesday May 9
. This is the perfect chance to let our talented teachers and staff know how much we appreciate their hard work. Sign up to cook something, pick up something at the store, or help out on the day of the brunch. Click on the link below and see all the details of how, where, and when you can help. If you have any questions, contact the PTO at jfkmspto@gmail.com.
We need food and drinks to be served for around 100 faculty and staff. DROP OFF YOUR DISH either on Tuesday, May 8 between 2-4pm in the school office or on Wednesday morning, May 9 between 7:30-10:30am. Label your containers with your name if you would like them returned. You can pick up your containers in the school office or ask your child bring them home. You can also drop any packaged items that don't need refrigeration in the office any time on Monday, May 7 or Tuesday, May 8. But, please, no food with nuts, thanks!

If you prefer to donate funds to the purchase of food and drink, you can send a check made out to JFK PTO to be delivered to the main office.

New Items on Sale--JFK Food Services Update
Last week we ran the information from NPS Food Services as sent home on a flyer to parents. The list showing the new items being sold at JFK is published on the Northampton Public Schools Food Services web site. Parents need to visit the web site to find information for the following items on sale daily as of April 24: Crumbled Cookie Cone, Chocolate Shortcake, Vanilla Sandwich, Goody Man WG Crispy Squares, Baked Cheetos, Smartfood Popcorn, Strawberry Shortcake, Baked Lay’s Chips, Reduced Fat Doritos, and Reduced Fat Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili flavor. Contact Food Services for any questions or to make changes to your student’s account.

May MCAS Testing (Updated Dates)
May 8-9: Grade 8 Math
May 10-11: Grades 6 and 7 Math
May 14-15: Grade 8 Science and Technology
May 12-25: Make-up Testing

The testing will begin promptly each day at 7:55am. Please encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep, to have breakfast, and to do his or her very best each day. It is also particularly important that your student arrive at school on time. Students are asked to bring a book to read in the event they complete their testing before the end of the scheduled time. For more info, refer to the letter sent home from school.

Special Event: JFK Jazz Band with Jamie Kent at the Academy of Music on May 19
All ages. Tickets are on sale for $20. Doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8pm. Congrats to all our musicians and we wish them a great show. For tickets or more info, check out the link: https://www.aomtheatre.com/event/jamie-kent-friends-feat-the-j-f-k-jazz-band/

May 25 is the Last Day to Request Tickets to the JFK MS Spring Band Concert
The tickets for the Academy of Music Spring Concert will be sold only in advance. No tickets will be available at the door. To request up to 4 tickets, don’t forget to return the form sent home or contact Mrs Williams before May 25.

Valley Gives Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2018 Making Middle School Mobile Valley Gives campaign on May 1. Together we raised nearly $2500 for programs and trips. Our students and teachers appreciate your support!

Mark Your Calendars!
June 5 - JFK MS Chorus Concert
June 6 - JFK MS Band Concert
June 11 - Eighth Grade Picnic
June 20 - Last Day of School (Half Day)
Aug 30 - First Day of School
For more info, see the Northampton Public Schools Calendar online: http://www.northamptonschools.org/district-calendar/

Upcoming Community Events:

22nd Annual Plant and Garden Market on Saturday, May 12 from 9am-1pm
The Northampton Education Foundation and Support Our Schools Plant and Garden Market will be held on Saturday, May 12 on the front lawn of Smith Vocational School from 9am to 1pm. Proceeds benefit Support our Schools – SOS Book Fund. If you have plants to donate please bring them to Smith Vocational School on, Friday, May 11 from 4-7pm. For more information, see the flyer here.

Northampton Parks & Recreation for your JFK Middle School Student!
Enroll in Teen Expeditions, for kids entering grades 7-10, for any one week session beginning June 25 all the way through August 10. This unique day camp program is our adventure based trip camp! Each day is filled with exciting experiences. Your teen might be hiking around the Pioneer Valley, swimming at a beach, biking along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, reaching great heights at a ropes course, exploring Brownstone Adventure Park (a water based adventure park), and much more! Experienced staff lead our unique trips & adventures. We also offer different summer sports program to help develop skills and confidence! Throughout the summer there will be one week sessions for Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Soccer. Tennis skills and drills sessions are offered all summer long. Find information about our programs at this link, http://www.northamptonma.gov/902/Summer-Day-Camps and explore all the programs we offer for kids of all ages!

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

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

JFK PTO Update – April 25, 2018


 
JFK PTO Update – April 25, 2018

Important Dates:
May 1 - JFK MS PTO Meeting in JFK Library (6-7:30pm) and Valley Gives
May 4 - Northampton Public Schools K-8 Art Show Opening Reception (4-6pm)
May 9 - Teacher Appreciation Lunch (New Date and Volunteers Needed!)
May 8-25 - MCAS Testing
May 18 - Half Day of School
May 20 - Eighth Grade Mayor’s Dance
May 28 - No School (Memorial Day)
May 29 - JFK MS PTO Meeting in JFK Library (New Date!)

May 1 is Valley Gives Day

 
Valley Gives Day is Tuesday, May 1. This 24-hour online giving event is an opportunity for people who care about the quality of life in the Pioneer Valley to make a difference. Our JFK PTO will be raising funds with our annual Making Middle School Mobile campaign. This raises much needed funds for field trips for all students at JFK. You can donate starting as soon as Thursday, April 26 at the link below. This year our goal is to raise $4000. We hope you can help. Every donation makes a difference, thank you!


Join Us at Our Next PTO Meeting on Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7:30pm
Our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. Our last meeting of the year has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 29 so as not to conflict with the chorus concert. Come let us know your thoughts about ending the school year strong!

Northampton Public Schools’ K-8 Art Show Opening Reception, May 4 from 4-6pm
The art teachers from the elementary schools and the middle school cordially invite students and their families to JFK Middle School on Friday, May 4 from 4-6pm for an opening reception. The art exhibition will host selected original artwork by students from Leeds, Ryan Road, Jackson Street, Bridge Street and JFK Middle Schools. There will be light refreshments served and beautiful 2D and 3D artwork. The show will run from May 4 through May 24. Please join us for this wonderful event! Thanks so much! JFK Middle School Art Teachers: Michelle Mallory and Emma Mendoker; Leeds and Ryan Road Art Teacher: Leslie Macutkiewicz; Jackson Street and Bridge Street Art Teacher: Brenda Lilly.

Teacher Appreciation Brunch on Wednesday, May 9 at JFK--We Need an Organizer!
Mark your calendars: We’ll be celebrating National Teacher Day and Teacher Appreciation Week with a Teacher Appreciation Brunch on Wednesday, May 9. We’re looking for someone to coordinate volunteers via Sign-Up Genius. Please email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com if you can help! Stay tuned for sign up information and to donate food and drinks and show our teachers how much you appreciate their hard work at JFK.

News from JFK Food Service (Corrected)
Beginning on Tuesday, April 24 students will have the opportunity to purchase pre-packaged items. All items will be $1. Please refer to the letter sent home from JFK for more info or contact the Food Service Office if you need to increase or decrease your student’s spending cap per day or have any questions.

May MCAS Testing (New Dates)
Please refer to the latest edition of JFK News for the MCAS Testing schedule, which runs May 8-12 with make-up testing through May 25. Note: Grade 6 & 7 Math testing is May 10-11.

Mark Your Calendars!
June 1 - JFK Day of Service (pending)
June 5 - JFK MS Chorus Concert
June 6 - JFK MS Band Concert
June 11 - Eighth Grade Picnic
June 20 - Last Day of School (Half Day)
Aug 30 - First Day of School
For more info, see the Northampton Public Schools Calendar online: http://www.northamptonschools.org/district-calendar/

Upcoming Community Events:

Hatfield HEADS-UP presents "RESILIENCE" Wednesday, May 2 from 6-8pm
"RESILIENCE" is a documentary film about childhood trauma and the adverse effects on health, and the role that everyone in the community can play in reversing them. Located at the Hatfield Elementary School. Childcare provided: Call 247-5641 to reserve a spot. Free and open to the public: 1-hour documentary screening followed by a presentation and community discussion led by Kristal Cleaver, LICSW, Director of Community Education for Clinical & Support Options practices. See trailer here: http://kpjrfilms.co/resilience/

22nd Annual Plant and Garden Market on Saturday, May 12 from 9am-1pm
The Northampton Education Foundation and Support Our Schools Plant and Garden Market will be held on Saturday, May 12 on the front lawn of Smith Vocational School from 9am to 1pm. Proceeds benefit Support our Schools – SOS Book Fund. If you have plants to donate please bring them to Smith Vocational School on, Friday, May 11 from 4-7pm. For more information, see the flyer here.

Northampton Parks & Recreation for your JFK Middle School Student!
Enroll in Teen Expeditions, for kids entering grades 7-10, for any one week session beginning June 25 all the way through August 10. This unique day camp program is our adventure based trip camp! Each day is filled with exciting experiences. Your teen might be hiking around the Pioneer Valley, swimming at a beach, biking along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, reaching great heights at a ropes course, exploring Brownstone Adventure Park (a water based adventure park), and much more! Experienced staff lead our unique trips & adventures. We also offer different summer sports program to help develop skills and confidence! Throughout the summer there will be one week sessions for Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Soccer. Tennis skills and drills sessions are offered all summer long. Find information about our programs at this link, http://www.northamptonma.gov/902/Summer-Day-Camps and explore all the programs we offer for kids of all ages!

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Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page at
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Si desea recibir esta información en español, envíenos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.

Friday, April 13, 2018

JFK PTO Update – April 13, 2018

 
JFK PTO Update – April 13, 2018

Important Dates:
April 16-20 - School Closed (Spring Break)
May 1 - JFK MS PTO Meeting in JFK Library (6-7:30pm) and Valley Gives
May 4 - Northampton Public Schools K-8 Art Show Opening Reception (4-6pm)
May 8 - National Teacher Day and Teacher Appreciation Lunch (Volunteers Needed)
May 28 - School Closed (Memorial Day)
June 6 - JFK MS Band Concert
June 11 - Eighth Grade Picnic

Thank You! Seventh Grade Masquerade Ball
Our seventh grade students had a great time at the masquerade ball. Thanks to everyone who helped us with our dances, especially to the teachers and chaperones who stayed late so the kids could have fun.

JFK Global STEM Club Floats a Boat!
The JFK Global STEM Program seeks to build global partnerships while working on STEM-based projects. Students from JFK Middle School are partnering with students from Finham Park School in Coventry, England. This year students are collaborating with research scientists who have launched our mini-boat off of the Eastern coast of the United States. This mini-boat will drift across the Atlantic and hopefully be picked up by a ship off of the Western coast of Europe or Africa. Our mini-boat will collect data on Ocean Surface Temperatures and report this data back to a satellite every 12 hours. Students are, therefore, able to follow the pathway of our mini-boat in real time. To build a foundation of knowledge, students are working on a variety of projects related to the study of oceans, marine technology, and the effects of humans on our environment. Please follow these links to find out more about our mini-boat, Northampton and Coventry, student projects, and our Global STEM Program: https://sites.google.com/northampton-k12.us/7thgradescience/home/global-stem

Join Us at Our Next PTO Meeting on Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7:30pm
Our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. Our last meeting of the year is scheduled for June 5. Come let us know your thoughts about the school year.

May 1 is Valley Gives Day
Valley Gives Day is Tuesday, May 1. This 24-hour online giving event is an opportunity for people who care about the quality of life in the Pioneer Valley to make a difference. Our JFK PTO will be raising funds with our annual Making Middle School Mobile campaign. This raises much needed funds for field trips for all students at JFK. Stay tuned for more details and a new URL link.

Northampton Public Schools’ K-8 Art Show & Opening Reception, May 4 from 4-6pm
The art teachers from the elementary schools and the middle school cordially invite students and their families to JFK Middle School on Friday, May 4 from 4-6pm for an opening reception. The art exhibition will host selected original artwork by students from Leeds, Ryan Road, Jackson Street, Bridge Street and JFK. Middle Schools. There will be light refreshments served and beautiful 2D and 3D artwork. The show will run from May 4 through May 24. Please join us for this wonderful event! Thanks so much! JFK Middle School Art Teachers: Michelle Mallory and Emma Mendoker; Leeds and Ryan Road Art Teacher: Leslie Macutkiewicz; Jackson Street and Bridge Street Art Teacher: Brenda Lilly.

Teacher Appreciation Brunch on Tuesday, May 8 at JFK
Mark your calendars: We’ll be celebrating National Teacher Day with a Teacher Appreciation Brunch on Tuesday, May 8. Stay tuned for sign up information to donate food and drinks and show our teachers how much you appreciate their hard work at JFK.

Upcoming Community Events:

Active Bystander Training at Cooley Dickinson on Tuesday, April 24 from 6:30-8:30pm
Cooley Dickinson is sponsoring an active bystander training on Tuesday, April 24, from 6:30-8:30pm for people age 12 and up at JFK Middle School. Northampton Prevention Coalition and Cooley Dickinson Hospital are co-sponsors. Space is limited to 50 participants, so if you wish to attend, RSVP at your earliest convenience: http://evite.me/TtHpaJe1Q2.

Hatfield HEADS-UP presents "RESILIENCE" Wednesday, May 2 from 6-8pm
"RESILIENCE" is a documentary film about childhood trauma and the adverse effects on health, and the role that everyone in the community can play in reversing them. Located at the Hatfield Elementary School. Childcare provided: Call 247-5641 to reserve a spot. Free and open to the public: 1-hour documentary screening followed by a presentation and community discussion led by Kristal Cleaver, LICSW, Director of Community Education for Clinical & Support Options practices. See trailer here: http://kpjrfilms.co/resilience/

22nd Annual Plant and Garden Market on Saturday, May 12 from 9am-1pm
The Northampton Education Foundation and Support Our Schools Plant and Garden Market will be held on Saturday, May 12 on the front lawn of Smith Vocational School from 9am to 1pm. Proceeds benefit Support our Schools – SOS Book Fund. If you have plants to donate please bring them to Smith Vocational School on, Friday, May 11 from 4-7pm. For more information, see the flyer here.

Northampton Parks & Recreation for your JFK Middle School Student!
Enroll in Teen Expeditions, for kids entering grades 7-10, for any one week session beginning June 25 all the way through August 10. This unique day camp program is our adventure based trip camp! Each day is filled with exciting experiences. Your teen might be hiking around the Pioneer Valley, swimming at a beach, biking along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, reaching great heights at a ropes course, exploring Brownstone Adventure Park (a water based adventure park), and much more! Experienced staff lead our unique trips & adventures. We also offer different summer sports program to help develop skills and confidence! Throughout the summer there will be one week sessions for Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Soccer. Tennis skills and drills sessions are offered all summer long. Find information about our programs at this link, http://www.northamptonma.gov/902/Summer-Day-Camps and explore all the programs we offer for kids of all ages!
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Si desea recibir esta información en español, envíenos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.

Friday, April 6, 2018

JFK PTO Update – April 6, 2018



JFK PTO Update – April 6, 2018

Important Dates:
TONIGHT! April 6 - Seventh Grade Dance 6:30pm-8pm
April 16-20 - School Closed (Spring Break)

TONIGHT: Seventh Grade Masquerade Ball
The Seventh Grade Dance is tonight from 6:30 to 8pm in the JFK Cafeteria (enter through the back entrance). Dress comfy or dress fun. There will be music, dj, photobooth, mask decorating and snacks. All students must be picked up at 8pm sharp.

NOTE: ALL TICKETS MUST HAVE BEEN PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

Important Details for Students & Families regarding the Seventh Grade Dance:
  • Bring your Student ID & Ticket to the dance.
  • All students must STAY at the dance.
  • Once you leave you may NOT return to the dance.
  • Please pick up students promptly at 8:00pm.
  • No full-face masks.
  • Questions? Contact us at jfkmspto@gmail.com

For more information and to see the flyer fro the dance, click here.

Join Us at Our Next PTO Meeting on Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7:30pm
Our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, April 6 from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. Only two more chance to participate this school year and let us know your thoughts. Our last meeting of the year is scheduled for June 5.

Upcoming Community Events:

Save the Date! Eat for Education is Tuesday, April 10
On April 10, a number of Northampton restaurants will be donating 10% of their profits made that day to Northampton High School. It’s at any point during the day and evening, so breakfast and lunch count too. Stay tuned for more delicious details!

Active Bystander Training at Cooley Dickinson on Tuesday, April 24
Cooley Dickinson is sponsoring an active bystander training on Tuesday, April 24, from 6:30-8:30pm for people age 12 and up at JFK Middle School. Northampton Prevention Coalition and Cooley Dickinson Hospital are co-sponsors. Space is limited to 50 participants, so if you do wish to attend please RSVP here at your earliest convenience: http://evite.me/TtHpaJe1Q2.

Sing This Summer Welcoming Campers Grades 2-12
Sing This Summer offers exceptional week-long programs for young singers grades 2-12. This summer we'll be welcoming new and returning campers to the beautiful Amherst College campus (in Amherst, MA) from June 24-29 and the wonderful Bowdoin College campus (in Brunswick, ME) from July 22-27. Students can now register online at www.singthissummer.com/register-now

Hatfield HEADS-UP presents "RESILIENCE" Wednesday, May 2
"RESILIENCE" is a documentary film about childhood trauma and the adverse effects on health--and the role that everyone in the community can play in reversing them.

Hatfield Elementary School
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 6-8 p.m.

Childcare provided: Call 247-5641 to reserve a spot.

Free and open to the public: 1-hour documentary screening followed by a presentation and community discussion led by Kristal Cleaver, LICSW, Director of Community Education for Clinical & Support Options practices. (See Flyer!)
.

RESILIENCE chronicles a new movement among pediatricians, therapists, educators and communities, who are using cutting-edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease. “The child may not remember, but the body remembers.”

Sponsored by
Hatfield HEADS-Up, Hatfield Public Schools
Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and
Clinical & Support Options


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

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