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 información y actividades locales de salud y bienestar en español: 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 información en español, envíenos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

JFK PTO Update – May 26, 2020


JFK PTO Update – May 26, 2020
 
Dear JFK Families,

At the request of NPS, we’d like to share this May 25 letter from JFK.

Dear Caregivers,

We hope this email finds you and your family well. We continue to prioritize the well-being of our students and families, while providing learning opportunities aligned with the state power standards and the JFK Remote Learning Plan. Please let us know, or connect with your child’s school counselor if there is anything we can do to help.

We would like to provide you with some updates and important information:

  • As a district, the return to school working groups continue to meet. The focus of these teams is described in the NPS Reopening Framework Video recently shared by the Superintendent.
  • 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. We will also share the detailed information through the PTO and team emails. The schedule is organized by homeroom on the following dates:
    • 7th grade June 11th
    • 6th grade June 12th 
    • 8th grade June 15th
  • 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.
  • We are currently planning ways to celebrate the end of the year for our fantastic students, with a little something special for those amazing eighth graders! More information to follow.
  • This week, May 26–May 29, is remote Husky Spirit Week! Please be sure to ask your student about the activities and join in the fun. There will be prizes drawn daily from those who participate and shout outs on our newly launched social media pages: LINK To our New JFK Facebook Page / Follow us at @jfkmsnorthampton on our new Instagram page.

We miss our wonderful students. You are all in our hearts. Be well and stay safe.

Take good care,
Ms. Wilson, Ms. Manfredi, and Mr. Napoli

Additional News and Updates:
An updated letter from JFK as well as the letter in Spanish sobre nuestro plan de aprendizaje remoto (April 28). The last day of school will be June 15, 2020.

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

The Student Services department has compiled a number of resources during this challenging time. Please see the link to learn about options for medical and mental health emergencies, transportation, and food and housing concerns.

Meals for Children 18 or Younger
Northampton Public Schools is providing meals to school-aged children ages 18 or younger two days per week to limit the number of days families have to leave their homes. You do not need to be a student from the Northampton Public Schools district to participate. We are going to provide meals:
Tuesdays: 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts
Thursdays: 3 lunches and 3 breakfasts
11am-12pm at the following sites: Hampshire Heights * Florence Heights * Meadowbrook Apartments

Las escuelas públicas de Northampton les darán alimentos a los niños menores de 18 años 2 veces por semana para limitar el número de días las familias necesitan salir sus casas. No necesitas ser estudiante de las escuelas públicas de Northampton para participar. Vamos a hacer alimentos disponibles 2 días por semana:
Los martes: 2 almuerzos y 2 desayunos
Los jueves: 3 almuerzos y 3 desayunos 
Serán disponibles a las 11 de la mañana hasta el mediodía en los siguientes lugares: Hampshire Heights * Florence Heights * Meadowbrook Apartments

Pre-bagged packages of food will be made for you by staff and volunteers using rigorous health precautions. Bags will include shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce, much purchased from local farms with dairy and meat options to be included as soon as possible. For more info, visit: COVID-19 Emergency Food Project 

ACTIVITIES & INFO ONLINE 

JFK PTO Zoom Meeting (Tuesday, June 2)
Our next meeting will be held by Zoom on Tuesday, June 2 from 6-7pm. Email jfkmspto@gmail.com for the link to join. This is the final meeting of the year!

The JFK Yearbook Is Still On Sale!
$29 check or cash will be accepted until June 1st. Email Michelle Mallory to reserve your copy: mmallory@northampton-k12.us The books will be delivered to JFK in June, and we plan to have a pick up time and day.

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

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK MS PTO
  • Donate online. Your donations are tax-deductible and help fund special programs 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! We can accept Boxtop donations year-round in the office as long as they are not expired. 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!

COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Valley ADHD Parent Support Group (June 1)
The Valley ADHD Parent Support Group will be meeting virtually on Monday, June 1 from 6:30-8pm. Our guest speaker this month is Rachael Goren, MPH,PsyD, clinical psychologist from Learning Solutions, who will be joining us to speak about neuropsychological testing and assessment and at-home accommodations. Please bring your questions! For Zoom meeting link or more information, please contact valleyadhdfamilies@gmail.com or visit https://www.valleyadhd.org/  

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 your favorite items from home.

Northampton Prevention Coalition Survey Needs Your Input!
The Northampton Prevention Coalition has been a local youth substance abuse prevention agency for over 10 years and we are at the end of our federal grant. As we look to continue our work within the community it is important for us to evaluate ourselves and see where we are succeeding and where we need to improve. NPC has contracted with the Collaborative for Educational Services to create a program evaluation for NPC. We first distributed this survey in 2015 at the end of our first federal Drug Free Communities grant cycle. As we near the end of our second and final DFC grant, the time has come to re-evaluate where we are and how we are doing. Please take a moment to complete and submit this survey. Answers from parents, caregivers, students, teachers, administrators, or any person or sector who we have ever collaborated with or offered an event or training to are encouraged to participate. Include your email if you want a chance to win a Big Y gift card. Some questions may not apply to you; for those, reply “No opinion.” For all others tell us what you think.

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 here: 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

EMERGENCY SHELTER: Volunteers, Donations & Staff Needed!
Volunteers are needed for 6-8 hour shifts to support ServiceNet shelter staff.
If you are unable to volunteer, consider making a donation to support supplies, meals, and other shelter needs. Donate online at: "northamptonma.gov/COVID19” or make checks payable to the City of Northampton with “COVID-19 Emergency Fund” in the memo line and place in the Drop Box located outside the Municipal Office Building behind City Hall or mail to: City of Northampton / Attn: COVID-19 Emergency Fund / 212 Main Street/ Northampton, MA 01060

Emergency Task Force on Coronavirus & Equity

Northampton Recovery Center Online Resources
The Northampton Recovery Center is hosting meetings online. Call 413-834-4127 or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NRCrecovery/ for additional schedules and updates. www.northamptonrecoverycenter.org

Remote Recovery and Wellness Support Resources 
Alcoholics Anonymous - https://aa-intergroup.org/directory_telephone.php for telephone meetings; http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php for online meetings 
Narcotics Anonymous - https://virtual-na.org/
SAMHSA National Helpline 800-662-4357 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Local Crisis Hotlines - Northampton CSO 413-586-5555. Greenfield CSO 413-774-5411. Holyoke BHN 413-532-8016. Springfield BHN 413-733-6661. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255. 

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 información en español, envíenos un mensaje a jfkmspto@gmail.com.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

JFK PTO Update – May 5, 2020


JFK PTO Update – May 5, 2020
 
Dear JFK Caregivers, 

Today’s the day! Not only is today #GivingTuesday as well as Cinco de Mayo, it’s also National Teacher Day and we are honoring our amazing team of JFK teachers and staff with a special photo montage. Please have your students submit a thank you image to the Google form link that we sent out.

Here are a few ideas they might choose to include in their pictures:
  • Artwork, poems, props and/or personal messages of appreciation to celebrate their teachers (individual and/or Teams)
  • Students should feel free to include this hashtag: #ThankJFKTeachers
The deadline for submissions to the photo montage is today Tuesday, May 5th. Students can only submit ONE image. They will not be able to access the form more than once. 

Some other ideas that you or your student may want to consider as an additional way to celebrate their teachers are:
  • Send heartfelt letters, cards, and messages of appreciation via email 
  • Send a teacher a virtual award 
  • On Thursday, your student can upload a #TBT of their favorite teacher and thank them using #ThankJFKTeachers to social media including our own JFK Middle School PTO. Here is a LINK to our Facebook page.
  • Don’t forget: May 4th-8th is National Teacher Appreciation Week

Thank you so much for participating in this collaboration to appreciate our wonderful JFK faculty and staff!

Sincerely,
JFK ASK Student Ambassadors, JFK Administration, and the JFK PTO

P.S. All of the links you need are the blue and underlined hyperlinks in the message above. If you need any help, please reach out to jmanfredi@northampton-k12.us (Ms. Manfredi)

News and Updates:
At the request of NPS, we’d like to share with you an updated letter from JFK as well as the letter in Spanish sobre nuestro plan de aprendizaje remoto

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

Happy Lunch Hero Day! (May 1)
A very special proclamation for the School Lunch Heroes who have been supporting so many families through this health crisis. https://youtu.be/FbKaeIIU5ZQ

Reminder: Meals for Children 18 or Younger
Northampton Public Schools is providing meals to school-aged children ages 18 or younger two days per week to limit the number of days families have to leave their homes. You do not need to be a student from the Northampton Public Schools district to participate. We are going to provide meals: Tuesdays: 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts, Thursdays: 3 lunches and 3 breakfasts, 11am-12pm at the following sites: Hampshire Heights * Florence Heights * Meadowbrook Apartments.

Las escuelas públicas de Northampton les darán alimentos a los niños menores de 18 años 2 veces por semana para limitar el número de días las familias necesitan salir sus casas. No necesitas ser estudiante de las escuelas públicas de Northampton para participar. Vamos a hacer alimentos disponibles 2 días por semana: Los martes: 2 almuerzos y 2 desayunos; Los jueves: 3 almuerzos y 3 desayunos. Serán disponibles a las 11 de la mañana hasta el mediodía en los siguientes lugares: Hampshire Heights * Florence Heights * Meadowbrook Apartments.

The JFK Yearbook Is Still On Sale!
$29 check or cash will be accepted until June 1st. Email Michelle Mallory to reserve your copy: mmallory@northampton-k12.us The books will be delivered to JFK in June, and we plan to have a pick up time and day.

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK MS PTO
  • Donate online. Your donations are tax-deductible and help fund special programs 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! We can accept Boxtop donations year-round in the office as long as they are not expired. 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!