Friday, November 30, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 30, 2018


JFK PTO Update – November 30, 2018


Important Dates:
December 3-7 - Scholastic Book Fair at JFK (Volunteers Needed!)
December 4 - JFK PTO Meeting
December 5 - Half Day / Early Dismissal
December 6 - JFK Mall sponsored by JFK After School (Bakers Needed!)
December 7 - JFKeys at Look Park
December 12 - JFK Band Concert
December 17 - Open House Dessert Buffet for Faculty and Staff
December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break

Make it Count 💯% fundraising is (still) LIVE thru this weekend!
The JFK PTO is raising funds with our Make it Count fundraiser where 100% of every dollar donated by JFK families and friends will directly benefit our JFK students. There are no catalogs, no selling, no solicitation, just 100% benefit for JFK students! Last year we raised $12,000 with your generous donations! This year we set our goal at $13,000. To date we’ve raised $7425. Although we are down in terms of funds raised, we have only slightly lower participation then last year. Over 80 families have donated so far! If you have not had a chance to give please consider donating today.  Click on the link to donate online. Many thanks to all our JFK families! We truly appreciate your support. ️ 💯%

Wondering how the staff and students of JFK benefit from your donation? Here is a list of some of the amazing projects the JFK PTO is able to help fund thanks to your generous contributions: Day of Poetry, Public Arts Murals, Ancient Greece Interdisciplinary Arts Program, Zoo on the Go, JFK Day of Service, Video Production Software, Theater Workshop Visiting Artists, Visual Aids for GOALS Group, JFK Scrabble Club, Discovering Beowulf Artist Grant, trips to Quebec and NYC… and many more!

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, December 4 (6-7:30pm)
The JFK PTO meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30pm. Because of the book fair, this month we’ll be meeting in the community room. Join us to help close out our annual fundraising appeal, plan for school dances and assist with teacher appreciation events. All are welcome.

The Book Fair Is Coming! (Volunteers Needed)
The annual Scholastic Book Fair will take place December 3 through December 7. An evening event, open to the public, will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, December 6. The event will be in the cafeteria and will run alongside the craft and vendor fair at the JFK Mall (see below). There is also an online shopping option! Visit this link for more information and to shop a wide selection of books and other items from home. Proceeds from the book fair allow us to add to the library and classroom libraries.

We received an amazing response for our call for volunteers for the Scholastic Book Fair. We still have a few spots open to help run the register on Monday afternoon and Friday morning as well as set up and break down the Thursday event. It’s a great way to meet other JFK families and get a glimpse of student life at JFK. Click on the link below to sign up today. Thanks to everyone who has signed up to date.

JFK Mall Sponsored by JFK After School (Bakers Needed!)
On Thursday, December 6 from 6-8:30pm, the JFK After School Program is sponsoring the JFK Mall. This is an event with a wide variety of both crafters and vendors. The event will have a bake sale and raffle with prizes donated by crafters and vendors. This is a great chance to find the one of a kind holiday gift while supporting the JFK After School Program.

The JFK After School Program needs bakers! The Mall is a major fundraiser for the program. We usually do very well with the bake sale and raffle.  Finger foods are always a big seller. Every cookie, cupcake, and brownie helps us keep our program affordable and running. All bakers can volunteer by contacting Peggy Clapp at pclapp@northampton-k12.us. Thanks for your help!

Chorus and Band Events
The JFKeys will be leading Holiday Carols at Look Park's first evening of Santa's Train in the Garden House Friday, December 7 at 4pm. Then on Wednesday, December 12, join us in the High School Auditorium for the JFK Band Concert at 6:30pm.

We Need Desserts for the Annual Open House for Faculty and Staff on Monday, December 17
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 17. Just drop your dessert item in the office before lunchtime on Monday 12/17. If refrigeration is needed, that’s not a problem. But, no desserts with nuts or peanut butter, thanks!

Shop and Support JFK!
You can support JFK at Stop and Shop by clicking here. Big Y Express can be found at this link: https://www.bigy.com/rs/educationexpress. Be sure to share your Boxtops for Education with us by having your student drop them off in the JFK office. And be sure to link to JFK MS PTO through Amazon Smile. We appreciate your support.

Updates on School Council, Health Advisory Council and After School
The School Council meets the third school day Thursday of each month at 5 pm in the JFK Library. The next School Council meeting is December 20. The Health Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, December 19 at 3:30pm. The next After School session starts January 15. Registration forms will be sent home after the first of the year.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

After School Ski Program: Registration closing!
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 five weeks on Wednesdays starting January 9 and ending February 6. From beginners to experienced skiers or snowboarders, this convenient bus trip departing and arriving at JFK will be a great time! For more information or contact Rebecca Learnard at the Parks & Recreation office at rlearnard@northamptonma.gov  or call (413) 587-1040. Last day to register is today. Chaperones needed.

The 2018 Northampton Winter Craft Fair
The 2018 Northampton Winter Craft Fair will be held Saturday, December 1 from 9:30am-4:30pm and Sunday, December 2 from 9:30-4pm at the Northampton High School. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hampshire Country ($5 admission). For more info, click this link to flyer.

Registration for 2018 Boys Youth LaCrosse Is Starting
Register online at http://northamptonlacrosse.com/. For details, click this link to flyer. O en español aquí.

Cooley Dickinson/Mass General Lecture: Young Adults and Marijuana
Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, what does this mean for young adults in our community? James Morrill, MD, a primary care provider from Mass General's Charlestown Healthcare Center, will lead an informative discussion about marijuana and its impact on adolescents, Thursday, December 13, from 6 to 7pm in the Dakin Conference Room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Dr. Morrill will use case examples to address key questions about marijuana, including:
    •    How serious is it for adolescents and young adults to use cannabis?
    •    Cannabis is now legal in Massachusetts: Does this matter?
    •    What should parents do?
    •    Are there any treatments that can help?
This program, which is part of the Cooley Dickinson/Mass General lecture series, is free and open to all. Registration is required; seating is limited. To register, call 888-554-4234 (4CDH) or visit https://www.cooleydickinson.org/events/young-adults-and-marijuana/
 
Volunteer for First Night
The Northampton Arts Council is looking for volunteers for this year’s First Night celebration. First Night is Northampton's biggest party of the year and an important annual fundraiser for the Northampton Arts Council. We need your help to make it happen. To sign up to volunteer please visit http://firstnightnorthampton.org/volunteer/. As in past years, you will get a free First Night button.
 
Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/jfkmspto/
We like your Likes!

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

Friday, November 16, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 16, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 16, 2018

 
Important Dates:
November 21 - Half Day
November 22-23 - Thanksgiving Recess - No School
December 3-7 - Scholastic Book Fair at JFK
December 4 - JFK PTO Meeting
December 5 - Half Day / Early Dismissal
December 6 - JFK Mall sponsored by JFK After School
December 12 - JFK Band Concert

Donate today to the JFK PTO: Our Make it Count fundraising appeal is LIVE!
The JFK PTO is raising funds with our second annual Make it Count fundraiser where 100% of every dollar donated by JFK families and friends will directly benefit our JFK students. There are no catalogs, no selling, no solicitation, just 100% benefit for JFK students! Last year we raised $12,000 with your generous donations! This year we hope to raise $13,000 so we can continue to fund a wide variety of amazing programs for our students here at JFK. So far, we’ve raised $2030 and we’re at 15% of our goal. There are only 14 more days to go, so be sure to get your donation in before the holidays. Click on the link below to donate today! We truly appreciate your support. https://tinyurl.com/JFK-Make-It-Count-2018

Wondering how the staff and kids of JFK benefit from your donation? Here is a list of some of the amazing projects the JFK PTO was able to support last year thanks to your generous contributions: Day of Poetry, Public Arts Murals, Ancient Greece Interdisciplinary Arts Program, Zoo on the Go, JFK Day of Service, Video Production Software, Theater Workshop Visiting Artists, Visual Aids for GOALS Group, JFK Scrabble Club, Discovering Beowulf Artist Grant… and many more!

Lost Items Need to be Picked Up Before Wednesday, November 21
Lost and found items are on the stage till next Wednesday. The office would like parents and students to know that any lost items are on the stage and need to be picked up before next Wednesday, November 21.

JFK Spiritwear Sale: Orders due by November 26
This year, thanks to a fantastic group of volunteers, the JFK PTO hosted a spiritwear design contest and students voted on their favorite design winner. Flyers are going home for orders of the new JFK spiritwear at the totally affordable price of $20 for a sweatshirt and $10 for a t-shirt (click here for link). New colors this year include heather gray, medium pink and navy blue, and sizes from S to 3XL. Make sure to get your checks and order forms in on time and share in the spiritwear celebration just in time for winter sports and holiday fun. Thanks to all the students who submitted their amazing designs and congratulations to our winner!

Yearbook Orders Are Happening Now
The Super Special Discount for the 2019 JFK Yearbook is taking place from November 6 to November 26. Send cash or a check made out to JFK for $24 before the holidays. Prices increase to $27 on November 27. For more info, see this link.

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, December 4
The JFK PTO usually meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30pm. Join us for our December meeting to help close out annual fundraising, plan for school dances and assist with teacher appreciation events. All are welcome.

The Book Fair Is Coming!
The annual Scholastic Book Fair will take place December 3 through December 7. An evening event, open to the public, will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, December 6. The event will be in the cafeteria and will run alongside the craft and vendor fair (see below). There is also an online shopping option! Visit this link for more information and to shop a wide selection of books and other items from home. Proceeds from the book fair allow us to add to the library and classroom libraries.

We are also seeking volunteers to help run the register and set up and break down the Thursday event. It’s a great way to meet other JFK families and get a glimpse of student life at JFK. Click on the link below to sign up today.

JFK Mall Sponsored by JFK After School
On Thursday, December 6 from 6-8:30pm, the JFK After School Program is sponsoring the JFK Mall. This is an event with a wide variety of both crafters and vendors. The event will have a bake sale and raffle with prizes donated by crafters and vendors. This is a great chance to find the one of a kind holiday gift while supporting the JFK After School Program.

Shop and Support JFK!
You can support JFK at Stop and Shop by clicking here. Big Y Express can be found at this link: https://www.bigy.com/rs/educationexpress. Be sure to share your Boxtops for Education with us by having your student drop them off in the JFK office (we raised almost $60 from Boxtops this fall, thank you!). And be sure to link to JFK MS PTO through Amazon Smile. We appreciate your support.

Updates on School Council and After School
The School Council meets the third school day Thursday of each month at 5 pm in the JFK Library. The next School Council meeting is December 20. The next After School session starts January 15. Registration forms will be sent home after the first of the year.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

November 17 is Saturdoozy
Flyers went home about Saturdoozy, an arts-focused kids night out for ages 7 and up. For more info, see the link here.

After School Ski Program: Registration has started!
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 five weeks on Wednesdays starting January 9 and ending February 6. 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 & online registration is available! And this program fills up quick! Register by November 30. Chaperones needed.

Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Build
Saturday, December 1 from 12:30-3pm at Eastworks in Easthampton. Register your team today! Registration forms and minimum entry donation of $100 are due at the Habitat office by Wednesday, November 28. For more information, visit: https://www.pvhabitat.org/events/gingerbread-build/. To download a copy of the event flyer, click the link here.

 
Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/jfkmspto/
We like your Likes!

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

Monday, November 12, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 9, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 9, 2018

Dear JFK Families & Friends,

It’s time for our 2nd annual Make It Count fall fundraising campaign at JFK Middle School. 100% of your donations will directly benefit our JFK students. There are no catalogs, no selling, no solicitation, just 100% benefit for our students at JFK Middle School!

Last year, with your generous donations, the JFK PTO funded a lineup of field trips as well as a wide variety of programming including some highlights listed below.

* 6th Grade Zoo on the Go            * 7th Grade Ancient Greece Study
* 7th & 8th Public Arts Murals        * 8th Grade Student Day of Poetry
* Discovering Beowulf Program    * Day of Service funding
* Video Production Software        * Student Clubs funding

This year our goal is to raise $13,000 with your help! Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $35 per student so that we can continue the financial support of our students and the amazing teachers who work with them on these many programs.

Each and every one of your donations, large and small, make an impact on our ability to fund these vital educational opportunities for the coming year! Let’s make it count 100%

You can donate now at the link below.


Or, send a check to JFK PTO in an envelope via your student’s backpack or mailed to JFK PTO, 100 Bridge Rd. Florence, MA 01062

Thank you so much for your support.
~JFK PTO

Saturday, November 3, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 2, 2018

JFK PTO Update – November 2, 2018


Important Dates:
SUNDAY! November 4 - JFK Antique Sale & After School Fundraiser (Bakers Needed!)
November 5 - School Committee Meeting at JFK
November 6 - No School - Election Day
November 7 - JFK PTO Meeting
November 12 - No School - Veterans Day Observed
November 21 - Half Day
November 22-23 - Thanksgiving Recess - No School

Our annual Make it Count fundraising appeal is LIVE!
Once again the JFK PTO will be raising funds with our second annual Make it Count fundraiser where 100% of every dollar donated by JFK families and friends will directly benefit our JFK students.  There are no catalogs, no selling, no solicitation, just 100% benefit for JFK students! Last year we raised $12,000 with your generous donations! This year we hope to raise $13,000 so we can continue to fund a wide variety of amazing programs for our students here at JFK. Click on the link below to donate today! We truly appreciate your support.

Are you a Baker? The JFK After School program needs your sweet treats for their annual Antiques Show this Sunday, November 4.
Bakers are still needed for the bake sale! The Antique Show and Sale is organized by Pioneer Valley Antique Dealers Association but directly benefits the JFK After School Program. The annual bake sale is a big part of the event and bakers are needed to bake sweet treats for the sale. Note that we will not be holding an Election Day bake sale so all bakers can support after school fundraising on Sunday. The antique show will run from 9am to 3pm in the JFK Cafetorium. If you can bake for this event, please drop some goodies by this Sunday or contact Peggy Clapp at pclapp@northampton-k12.us.

Join us at the next JFK PTO Meeting (November 7 from 6-7:30pm)
Due to Election Day, our November PTO meeting will be held Wednesday, November 7 at 6pm in the JFK library. Mark your calendars and join us to help us review JFK PTO bylaws and plan for annual fundraising.

NPS School Committee Meeting
The next NPS School Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 5 at 7:15pm at JFK.

JFK After School and Clubs Have Started
JFK afterschool and clubs have started. This year's clubs include: Before School Program, Gay Straight Alliance, Geography Bee, School Newspaper, Student Council, Student of Color Alliance, Theater Workshop, Yearbook and Scrabble. If you need more info, reach out to the advisors here.

Have you tried the Northampton Public Schools App?
Download the Northampton Public Schools App free at Google Play and the App Store. It's your school at your fingertips.

Shop and Support JFK!
You can support JFK at Stop and Shop by clicking here. Big Y Express can be found at this link: https://www.bigy.com/rs/educationexpress. Be sure to share your Boxtops for Education with us by having your student drop them off in the JFK office. And be sure to link to JFK MS PTO through Amazon Smile. We appreciate your support.

Save the Dates!
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held from December 3-7 at JFK. Stay tuned for more info.

MLK Diversity Day/Black History Month JFK Celebration Day 2019
The School Council at JFK is seeking parents and caregivers who are open to working with the Council on facilitating the 2nd Annual MLK Diversity Day/Black History Month Celebration. This is a multicultural event that will focus on embracing transformative social change and social justice. If you are interested please feel free to contact: Asher Hamilton at Academichamilton@gmail.com or Meg Robbins at megrobb@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Open House
Sunday, November 4 from 11am-2pm. For info, click link here.

After School Ski Program Registration has started!
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 five weeks on Wednesdays starting January 9 and ending February 6. 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 & online registration is available! And this program fills up quick! Register by November 30. Chaperones needed.

The Northampton prevention Coalition will host its Annual Retreat on Thursday November 8 from 9am-1pm at Smith College. Please join us! We will have two presenters at this year's retreat: Aaron Pitrat, a current UMass student, and Diane Fedorchak, Director of the UMass BASICS program. There will be time for Q&A. We'd love to have as many parents and guardians attend as possible. Lunch will be provided by Bueno y Sano. Event is FREE. RSVP is required at: http://evite.me/s2CvMx96BC


Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/jfkmspto/
We like your Likes!


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