JFK PTO Update – December 6th, 2016

 

Bad Rap Contest and Book Launch Party:

Do you have a son or daughter who won't stop talking?  Or likes to rhyme?  Or likes rap, or just likes comedy?  Then you need to take them to Northampton's first-ever Bad Rap Contest at the Parlor Room on Masonic Street, on Friday, December 9.

 

The event is organized by Henry Reade, a former JFK student who is releasing his first novel, called The Pencil Bandits.  In it one character thinks he's a rapper, but isn't very good at it.  Henry thought it'd be fun at his book launch party to let anyone who wants to get up on stage and try their hand at rap, rhyme, or whatever they like, with no pressure to be good.  It's hosted by NHS student Zion Barbour, aka Zodd the M.C., who will provide the beats.  The winners will be decided by the audience.  And to make sure it's friendly to middle-school kids, there's an under-15 division.  Prizes include a bag of money worth over $50, iTunes gift cards, and copies of Henry's book.  There will also be dramatic readings, snacks, and Henry signing copies of his Pencil Bandits book.

 

This is also part of a fun, family-friendly event going on that night in downtown Northampton called the Holiday Stroll.  Main Street will be blocked off to traffic from 5 to 8 pm so folks can stroll around enjoying the entertainment, hay rides, and make s'mores over a bonfire in front of Thornes.

 

The First Ever Bad Rap Contest and Book Launch Party is at the Parlor Room, 32 Masonic Street, Friday, December 9th from 6 to 8.  It's free, and ten percent of the proceeds will go to the JFK PTO. For more information call 587-0713 or visit pencilbandits.com.  CLICK HERE for flyer.

 

Holiday Bakers Needed!

JFK PTO is seeking dessert donations for the Teacher and Staff Holiday Open House on Monday, December 19^th.  Bakers can drop off desserts on the morning of the 19^th in the JFK office.  Please use the following link to sign up.  Thank you!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b48abab2aa5fb6-teacher

 

JFK School Store – the kids are waiting!  We Need You!

The JFK School Store sells things kids love for school – cool pencils, erasers, pens, paper, bookmarks, sharpeners, folders, rulers, stickers, little toys, magnets, and more.  This year, we do not have a coordinator so the store has not been running – and the kids are anxious for it to start up.  Can you help by coordinating volunteers or by working a regular or occasional shift during lunch 10:30-11:45 any day of the week?  It is fun, easy, and you may even get to say hello to your kid as they go to lunch or come by to shop.  Please email jfkmspto@gmail.com.  

 

Northampton Parks & Recreation After School Ski Program:

Northampton Parks & Recreation will once again be running our After School Ski program at Berkshire East for students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. The program will run for four weeks on Wednesdays starting January 11th and ending February 1st. From beginners to experienced skiers or snowboarders, this convenient bus trip departing and arriving at JFK will be a great time! Feel free check out this link for more information or contact Rebecca Learnard at the Parks & Recreation office at rlearnard@northamptonma.gov or call 413-587-1040. Registration has already started!

 

NEF Seeks Development Coordinator:

The Northampton Education Foundation is seeking a part-time coordinator to work with its Development Committee. Please see posting CLICK HERE. Applications are due December 23, 2016, and the committee hopes to hire for the position in January.

 

Letter to Parents from the Tobacco Free Community Partnership for Hampshire and Franklin Counties:

Please CLICK HERE for a letter on tobacco products and health issues for children and adolescents from the Hampshire Council of Government's Tobacco Free Community Partnership for Hampshire and Franklin Counties.

 

Stop & Shop Support for JFK:

Please support our school by directing your Stop and Shop points to JFK.  It does not cost anything extra for you – just shop as you normally do. So easy.  (This does not affect gas points or any other S&S promotion.)  Please note that you must sign up each year and choose your schools to support.

Sign up online at:

http://stopandshop.com/aplus/register-card/

Just enter ALL 13 numbers on the back and the first three letters of your LAST name.  JFK School ID:  05378 (it's listed under Florence, MA)

 

Upcoming JFK Events:

December 7, District Two Hour Delay – Professional Development

December 23-January 2, Holiday Recess – No School

JFK PTO Update – November 15th, 2016

Scholastic Book Fair - November 28 - December 2:

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2016 JFK Scholastic Book Fair!

The fair will take place November 28 through December 2. We will be open from 7:30am to 3:00pm every day with a special evening event on Thursday December 1^st (see below for information on the vendor/craft fair and bake sale the same evening). 

 

Our students love buying and reading new books. Plus, proceeds from sales go directly towards building the JFK Library collection for our students and teachers. The more books we sell the more our library grows! 

 

If you are interested in volunteering for the Book Fair we need your help as a cashier during business hours. Volunteering for this event is an easy fun way to help get books into the hands of our students and teachers. Please click on the link below to sign up for a shift.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4eadad23abfa7-2016

It's not just our students who buy books at the Scholastic Book Fair. Did you know you can purchase books for teachers too? Select a title from a teacher's wish list and your purchase will include a name plate inside the book. It's a great way for teachers to get even more books into their classrooms.

Thanks for your support. Hope to see you at JFK Scholastic Book Fair.

NOTE:  If you plan to volunteer please remember you need to have a current CORI, you can check the JFK front office or VINS if you need to apply.  It last for 3 years, and is needed for any in school or field trip volunteering.  

 

Vendor/Craft Show - December 1^st:

The Vendor/Craft show will be held on Thursday December 1st from 6pm till 8pm. Bakers are needed for a bake sale that evening.  Please contact Jennifer Hayden at 413-824-9998.

 

7^th Grade Dance – Friday, November 18^th:

7th Grade dance is this coming Friday, November 18th 2016, from 6:30 – 8:30pm.  We need more parents to help chaperone!! As of right now we only have 3 parents, in order to go ahead with the dance we need at least 7/8 parents to help out. We must have appropriate supervision for the dance.

If you'd like to chaperone, please email Darla at joedargorm@gmail.com. In order to volunteer/chaperone you must be CORI checked by the Northampton Public schools.

Selling tickets to the dance!

Students, please bring $5.00 to school to purchase a ticket, on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (November 16^th, 17^th and 18^th) at lunch time.

No tickets will be sold at the door.

Along with the photo booth there will be snacks and drinks for the students to purchase at the dance.

PLEASE NOTE: All students must stay at the dance; once you leave you may NOT return back to the dance.  Please make sure you have a ride home by 8:30pm.

 

 

Health Office News:  Annual Health Screenings

Starting mid-November, the JFK nursing staff will be conducting annual health screenings for 6th and 7th grade students.  Letters will go home in backpack mail on November 3rd.  

 

These screenings consist of checking backs for 6th graders and checking backs, heights and weights for 7th graders.  If you child has any unusual findings, you will be notified.  Otherwise, do not expect to hear from the Health Office.  If your child has had a physical within the last 6 months and the provider has documented these exams, your student can be excused from the screening.  Please provide a copy of this physical as soon as possible.  

 

You also have the right to opt your child out of this screening.  If you prefer to do this, please contact Karen Schiaffo, JFK School Nurse via phone- 587-1488, fax-587-1566 or email @ kschiaffo@northampton-k12.us.

 

Northampton Prevention Coaltion Parent Cafes – Nov. 21^st and 28th

JFK parents and caregivers are invited to join us on Mondays, November 21st and 28^th 6-7:30 pm for a pizza dinner and conversation on the topic of talking to our kids about healthy relationships. These cafes are relaxed affairs where parents and caregivers can gather to talk about their hopes and concerns about raising kids who respect themselves and others. Staff from the Northampton Prevention Coalition will facilitate the conversation. In Room 112 at JFK.  Childcare Available. Event is FREE. RSVP required to arrange childcare; contact Ananda Lennox at alennox@northmapton-k12.us 

Click for details.

 

JFK School Store – the kids are waiting!  We Need You!

The JFK School Store sells things kids love for school – cool pencils, erasers, pens, paper, bookmarks, sharpeners, folders, rulers, stickers, little toys, magnets, and more.  This year, we do not have a coordinator so the store has not been running – and the kids are anxious for it to start up.  Can you help by coordinating volunteers or by working a regular or occasional shift during lunch 10:30-11:45 any day of the week?  It is fun, easy, and you may even get to say hello to your kid as they go to lunch or come by to shop.  Please email jfkmspto@gmail.com.  

 

Stop & Shop Support for JFK:

Please support our school by directing your Stop and Shop points to JFK.  It does not cost anything extra for you – just shop as you normally do. So easy.  (This does not affect gas points or any other S&S promotion.)  Please note that you must sign up each year and choose your schools to support.

 

Sign up online at:

http://stopandshop.com/aplus/register-card/

Just enter ALL 13 numbers on the back and the first three letters of your LAST name.  JFK School ID:  05378 (it's listed under Florence, MA)

 

Blue and Yellow HAMP Scarves & Texting Gloves at Cedar Chest:

Buy a HAMP scarf or texting gloves for $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the NHS and JFK PTO's and Northampton Athletic Booster Club.  Only at Cedar Chest!  Click here for pics of these great items!

 

Upcoming JFK Events:

November 28^th - December 2^nd - Book Fair

December 1^st Craft/Vendor Fair 

November 23^rd – Half Day, Thanksgiving Holiday

November 24-25 – Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

 

JFK PTO Update – November 2nd, 2016

 

Can you help?  Election Day Bake Sale – November 8^th at JFK

The JFK PTO will host a bake sale on Election Day, November 8^th at JFK.  We need your help!  Please use the following link to sign up for to volunteer or to bake.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F49ACAD29A31-election

Baked items can be dropped off on Monday the 7^th by 4 pm in the office, or brought to the sale in the morning by 8 a.m.  If you forget to sign up, come on by anyway and bring what you can!  Questions?  Email Molly at mollybb@comcast.net.  Thank you!

 

Scholastic Book Fair - November 28 - December 2:

More details coming soon.  If you are interested in volunteering to assist at the Book Fair please contact Cyndi Stein at cyndistein@me.com.

 

Health Office News:  Annual Health Screenings

Starting mid-November, the JFK nursing staff will be conducting annual health screenings for 6th and 7th grade students.  Letters will go home in backpack mail on November 3rd.  

 

These screenings consist of checking backs for 6th graders and checking backs, heights and weights for 7th graders.  If you child has any unusual findings, you will be notified.  Otherwise, do not expect to hear from the Health Office.  If your child has had a physical within the last 6 months and the provider has documented these exams, your student can be excused from the screening.  Please provide a copy of this physical as soon as possible.  

 

You also have the right to opt your child out of this screening.  If you prefer to do this, please contact Karen Schiaffo, JFK School Nurse via phone- 587-1488, fax-587-1566 or email @ kschiaffo@northampton-k12.us.

 

Can you help?  JFK School Store – the kids are waiting!

The JFK School Store sells things kids love for school – cool pencils, erasers, pens, paper, bookmarks, sharpeners, folders, rulers, stickers, little toys, magnets, and more.  This year, we do not have a coordinator so the store has not been running – and the kids are anxious for it to start up.  Can you help by coordinating volunteers or by working a regular or occasional shift during lunch 10:30-11:45 any day of the week?  It is fun, easy, and you may even get to say hello to your kid as they go to lunch or come by to shop.  Please email jfkmspto@gmail.com.  

 

Stop & Shop Support for JFK:

Please support our school by directing your Stop and Shop points to JFK.  It does not cost anything extra for you – just shop as you normally do. So easy.  (This does not affect gas points or any other S&S promotion.)  Please note that you must sign up each year and choose your schools to support.

 

Sign up online at:

http://stopandshop.com/aplus/register-card/

Just enter ALL 13 numbers on the back and the first three letters of your LAST name.  JFK School ID:  05378 (it's listed under Florence, MA)

 

Blue and Yellow HAMP Scarves & Texting Gloves at Cedar Chest:

Buy a HAMP scarf or texting gloves for $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the NHS and JFK PTO's and Northampton Athletic Booster Club.  Only at Cedar Chest!  Click here for pics of these great items!

 

Special Thanks:

Thank you to all who helped with the electronics recycling day – we raised over $2000. The PTO would like to thank Lisa McCutcheon for chairing this event, along with: Scott Biddell, Phil Mathews, Heidi and Dave Renauld, Randy Sherman, David McCutcheon and 7^th grader Jackson Greene).

 

Upcoming JFK Events:

Next PTO Meeting:  Monday, November 7th at 6 pm at JFK

No School – Election Day/Professional Dev. Day – Tuesday, November 8^th

PTO Bake Sale – Election Day – Tuesday, November 8^th

No School – Veterans' Day – Friday, November 11^th

Book Fair – November 28^th - December 2^nd

THIS WEEKEND!  Oct. 15^th Electronics Recycling Event:

Feeling ready for fall cleanup?  Recycle your old electronics and help our school earn money.  Bring your electronics to JFK on Saturday, October 15^th from 9-12.  Click here for details on fees for large electronics – no charge for ink cartridges or cell phones.  Contact Lisa McCutcheon at djmccutcheon@comcast.net or call 387-9851.

 

JFK Directory – Opt Out Form Coming Home

The JFK Directory is being published soon, with student names, addresses, and phone numbers.  It's a big hit with students and a great way to find and connect with other families.  This year you do not need to fill out any forms – all students will be listed unless you complete and return the Opt Out form coming home this week.  The form will be included with progress reports and the PTO letter.

 

Can you help?  Election Day Bake Sale – November 8^th at JFK

The JFK PTO would like to hold a bake sale at JFK on election day, November 8^th, but we need your help.  We need someone to coordinate volunteers and we need bakers.  Please email jfkmspto@gmail.com if you can help.  Teachers will be at school for professional day, and would love to come and buy snacks or even lunch.

 

Can you help?  JFK School Store – the kids are waiting!

The JFK School Store sells things kids love for school – cool pencils, erasers, pens, paper, bookmarks, sharpeners, folders, rulers, stickers, little toys, magnets, and more.  This year, we do not have a coordinator so the store has not been running – and the kids are anxious for it to start up.  Can you help by coordinating volunteers or by working a regular or occasional shift during lunch 10:30-11:45 any day of the week?  It is fun, easy, and you may even get to say hello to your kid as they go to lunch or come by to shop.  Please email jfkmspto@gmail.com.  

 

Blue and Yellow HAMP Scarves & Texting Gloves at Cedar Chest:

Buy a HAMP scarf or texting gloves for $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the NHS and JFK PTO's and Northampton Athletic Booster Club.  Only at Cedar Chest!  Click here for pics of these great items!

 

Got Box Tops?

JFK accepts Box Tops for Education from various popular products, and redeems them for money to support the school.  Please send in any box tops you have for fall collection on November 1^st to homeroom or the office.

 

Northampton Prevention Coalition Invitation:

The Massachusetts Youth Summit on Opioid Awareness

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Tsongas Arena, Lowell, MA
Doors Open at 8:30 AM and Program: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Registration: FREE

Event Features:
- Showing of the film: "If Only"
- Guest speakers sharing their stories of addiction and recovery 
- Resource Area featuring local organizations offering assistance and information to those impacted by addiction

 

Drug Collection Day – Saturday, October 22^nd

Do you have old or unwanted medications in your medicine cabinet?  Bring them to this drug collection day to remove them from your home for safe disposal.  Help keep them out of our waterways and protect children and elders from the possibility of misuse.  9-2 at Smith Vocational School in Northampton, and many other sites in area communities. Click here for details.

 

Upcoming JFK Events:

Next PTO Meeting:  Monday, November 7th at 6 pm at JFK

No School – Election Day/Professional Dev. Day – Tuesday, November 8th

No School – Veterans' Day – Friday, November 11th

Welcome to the JFK Middle School PTO!

Our Mission: We support our teachers and students through grants to enrich the classroom experience, support events connecting to the community, and provide information about school events.

·         PTO Website:  We maintain a website which contains useful links for navigating JFK, a Google calendar, and news updates. Bookmark on your computer: jfkmspto.blogspot.com

·         PTO Meetings and Volunteer Opportunities:  The next PTO meeting is Monday, Oct. 3rd at 6:00 in the JFK Library.

We understand that not everyone can make PTO meetings however there are additional opportunities to volunteer:
Ÿ Baking for Teacher Appreciation Days and other events Ÿ Book Fair
Ÿ Communications (newsletters, directory, website) Ÿ Dances
Ÿ Electronic Recycling Ÿ Fundraising (Annual appeal, Catalog sales)
Ÿ Ice cream social Ÿ School Photo Day Ÿ PTO Board Ÿ School store Ÿ

Teacher Appreciation Days Ÿ Teacher Grants Ÿ and more!

Ÿ Afterschool program fundraising (Holiday fair, Student-Faculty basketball)

To volunteer and keep up with what is going on, subscribe to our JFK News emails at: jfkmspto@gmail.com

·         Florence Bank Customers!

Please complete this Customer Choice Community Grant form and return to JFK, your local Florence Bank, or vote online at florencesavings.com.  Be sure to vote before December 31!

News and Upcoming Events:

Electronics Recycling Event: Saturday, October 15^th from 9 am to 12 pm at JFK. Get ready to clean out your old electronics for a cause, and keep them out of the landfill.  Watch for details to follow on items we can accept.  2-3 volunteers are needed for this event – please contact Lisa McCutcheon at djmccutcheon@comcast.net.

JFK School Council Open Seats

The JFK School Council is hoping to add two new members this year. The
council is an advisory group to the Principal with responsibilities that include helping with the budget, identifying needs of students and the school community, and developing the School Improvement Plan. The group includes teachers, parents, and a community member. The council meets on the third Thursday of the month from 5 - 6:30. Please notify the JFK Main Office by September 27th if you are interested. An election will take place at Open House if necessary to fill the seats.

HAMP Scarves & Texting Gloves at Cedar Chest

Buy a HAMP scarf or texting gloves for $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the NHS and JFK PTO's and Northampton Athletic Booster Club.  Only at Cedar Chest!

Northampton Prevention Coalition Event:

A Taste of Motivational Interviewing @ Northampton Survival Center

Oct 30th @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

This brief Motivational Interviewing (MI) training for parents of teens/tweens teaches MI as a goal-directed, youth-centered conversation style for eliciting behavioral change by helping your child to explore and resolve ambivalence. Lunch will be provided.  RSVP to alennox@northampton-k12.us or 413-587-1365.  Top of Formhttp://northamptonprevents.org/events/

NEF Event:

Mark your calendar for the Northampton Education Foundation's 25^th Anniversary celebration ADULT RE-PROM on Saturday, November 12 and the Cancer Connection Thrift Shop's PROM DRESS & SUIT SALE on Saturday, October 1.  The Northampton Education Foundation (NEF) is a non-profit organization created to fund projects and programs that expand educational opportunities, foster creativity, and enhance academic experiences in Northampton's public schools. 

The Cancer Connection Thrift Shop has a terrific selection of fancy and fab prom dresses, suits, shoes, costume jewelry, accessories, and more.  Or stop by before October 1 if you have dresses or suits to donate.

Prom Dress & Suit Sale 
Saturday, October 1 - 4:00-6:00 pm (special extended hours)

Cancer Connection Thrift Shop, 375 South St., Northampton, MA -587-9999. Light refreshments. Proceeds from the sale benefit Cancer Connection, Inc.

NEF's 25^th Anniversary Adult Re-Prom

Then, don't miss NEF's 25^th Anniversary "Adult ReProm" on Saturday, November 12 at the Florence VFW.  Dance to the Mike Hooker Experience, enjoy light hors d'oeuvres from Seth Mias Catering and mix and mingle with friends at this 21+ event.  Cash Bar.  Attire is tuxedos to tennis shoes – anything goes.  Tickets are now on sale at www.nefreprom.brownpapertickets.com. Get your tickets early, space is limited!

Saturday, November 12, 7:30-11:00 pm Florence VFW, 18 Meadow Street, Florence.  Tickets $25-$50-$75 www.nefreprom.brownpapertickets.com

Transperformance

http://northamptonartscouncil.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=17bb46fe24861f137663b3d8d&id=e9c4a38e13&e=b960943429

PTO updates

School updates:

 

The Science Fair will be on Thursday, June 2, 2016 from 6:00-7:30. Thank you Ms. Parrott!

 

7^th grade dance will be Friday, June 10^th 6:30-8:30 pm, tickets must be purchased in advance, they will be sold at lunch a few days prior for $5.  Snacks, drinks and photo booth will be sold at the dance,  more info here     We are looking for volunteers to bake goodies.  We are also looking for five - six chaperons (photo booth, food/activity ticket sales, etc..)  

 

JFK Day of Service was Thursday, May 26^th.    The school was buzzing with great projects, congratulations to the many teams that contributed to our community!  Thank you to Ms. Mallory who led a team painting the Transperformance sets, helping to raise money, which the PTO uses to fund enrichment for our school!

 

Yearbooks can still be reserved; they will be passed out the last day of school.  There are less than 100 left, which can be purchased for $27.  Parents can send a check made out to JFK Middle School OR Cash with their child's name and homeroom on the envelope and put it in Todd DiGeronimo's mailbox for deposit, until they are gone!

 

The 4th Annual K-8 Art Show at JFK will stay up until June 10^th.

 

PTO updates:

 

Last PTO meeting of the year is Monday, June 6^th, 6 pm, in the JFK Library.  All parents and guardians of current and incoming middle school students are welcome, see  flyer here

A Grand Merci to Mme. James, who is the Teacher Representative, and whose wisdom, grace and elegance are appreciated!

 

Volunteers needed for the Ice Cream Social, happening during lunches on Monday, June 13. Sign up genius here, you need to have current CORI. Thank you!

 

 

8th grade Upcoming Events:

 

A Midsummer Night's Dream will be presented Friday, June 10^th 8:15 am.   

 

The annual 8th Grade Picnic at Look Park is coming up on Thursday June 16th

A flyer came home last week about this fun and exciting event to mark the completion of our children's middle school years. Please consider donating to this event, any amount would be greatly appreciated!! Make checks payable to JFK PTO and be sure to write 8th grade picnic in memo line. We also need volunteers to help at the food table and chaperoning. Any question please contact Darla Gormley.  Thank you in advance!!  

Picnic donation / volunteer forms !  

 

 

Community:

 

Happier FAMILY Comedy Show on June 16 at 4pm at The Community Room (Suite 160, 116 Pleasant St) at Eastworks in Easthampton. Tickets: $5/Kids, $10/Adults, $30/Family Max.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

May 30 No School Memorial Day

June 2 Science Fair 6:30 pm

June 6 6 pm PTO Meeting JFK Library

June 8 Band Concert Academy of Music 

June 10 8:15am A Midsummer Night Dream

June 10 6:30-8:30 7^th grade Dance

June 13 Ice Cream Social

June 16 8^th Grade Picnic

June 21 Last day of school, half day

 

Aug 23 Transperformance

Sept 6 First day of School

 

Communications Chair is graduating in June!  We need you to continue this outreach.   Volunteer(s) needed to take over email list and website - make it what you want it to be, on your time, at home.  Reply to Tina at this email. 

 

 

Need to find out about school lunches? Want to do some easy, at home fundraising for JFK PTO?  Need more information about JFK? Links, calendar and PTO meeting minutes are at jfkmspto.blogspot.com.   jfk school council meeting minutes are posted on the website.