JFK PTO Update – January 26, 2018
Important
Dates:
February
2 - JFK Day of Diversity
February
6 - JFK MS PTO Meeting (6-7:30pm) in the JFK Library
February
12-16 - Volunteers needed for JFK Store (10:45am-12:45pm)
February
19-23 - No School - Winter Recess
Northampton Public Schools
Budget Survey
Parents and guardians are
encouraged to complete the Superintendent's Budget Survey on the district
website www.northamptonschools.org. It only takes a few
minutes, and NPS values your input regarding the Northampton Public Schools
budget.
JFK Day of Diversity
On Friday, February 2, JFK
is celebrating its own diverse community in a Day of Diversity, with special
attention to Northampton's legacy as an historic stronghold of both the
Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. We will be celebrating the
legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and the Civil Rights movement and looking
forward to building a more inclusive school. There will be special programming
in the morning with preparations during Forums leading up to the event itself.
On Friday, there will be two assemblies featuring Ousmane Power-Greene, the
Amherst Area Gospel Choir, and other special guests. JFK musicians will
perform, and Nerissa Nields will lead the school in "We Shall
Overcome." Forum groups will watch a video on the Children's March of 1963
with discussion on how kids can be Upstanders to follow.
Join Us at Our Next PTO
Meeting on Tuesday, February 6 (6-7:30pm)
Attend our next JFK PTO
meeting on Tuesday, February 6 from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. PTO Meetings
are usually the first Tuesday of the month. Future dates are March 6 and April
3. Yes, you need more meetings in your life (!) and we stay on time and on
task. Join us!
Weekday Volunteers Needed
to Staff the JFK Store
The JFK Store was a big
success in December and a lot of fun for students. We’d like to do it again,
but we need volunteers who can help staff the store weekdays between 10:45am
and 12:45pm. We are looking to open the store again the week before winter
break (days of February 12-16). If you can help, please email us at: jfkmspto@gmail.com
NOTE: If you plan to
volunteer, please remember you need to have a current CORI. Ask at the JFK front
office if you need to apply.
JFK PTO Teacher Grant Update
The PTO recently voted to
fund a new Teacher Grant that serves the 6th Grade Recyclones ELA team. This is
a creative learning grant that involves a resident artist educator working with
the ELA teacher to teach content. The lessons will be centered on the novel Beowulf.
They will utilize Educational Theater techniques to create interactive learning
experiences that will engage students in different elements of the novel. This
program is six weeks long and the students will experience puppetry-making, storytelling,
interacting with characters, setting visualization activities, and more. This
is a pilot program that could potentially be offered to more 6th grade students
in the years ahead.
Teacher Appreciation Lunch
Thank You!
JFK teachers and staff
loved January 24th’s appreciation luncheon. Big thanks to all our JFK families
who cooked, shopped, and contributed to make this event special. Thank you
especially to Darla and her daughter Amber who staffed the event and made sure it
ran smoothly.
Upcoming Community Events:
CISV Interchange (ages 12
or 13), July 15-August 17, exchange program with the Netherlands
The only family-based CISV
program, Interchange encourages a deeper encounter between two cultures. Taking
place in two phases, one delegation is hosted by local families, and then, the
local delegation is hosted by the foreign delegation in their country. During
the two weeks, there is family time, group activities, and mini-camp. We need 1
more girl and 3 boys to complete the delegation. Visit the website at http://www.cisvspringfield.org/ or http://www.cisvspringfield.org/applications/. For more information,
email Jennifer Hall-Witt at jhallwit@smith.edu.
Northampton Prevention
Coalition and SPIFFY
Northampton Prevention
Coalition and SPIFFY (Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth)
have been invited to the February 1st City Council Meeting to present briefly
on the Cannabis Control Commission's Draft Regulations for retail sales of
recreational marijuana in Massachusetts. Public comment starts at 7pm. NPC and
SPIFFY will present soon after. The public is invited to attend. Meeting will
be held in the City Council Chambers 212 Main Street Northampton, MA.
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