Friday, December 21, 2018

JFK PTO Update – December 21, 2018


JFK PTO Update – December 21, 2018


Important Dates:
December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break
December 31 - Deadline to vote for JFK PTO at Florence Bank
January 2 - Back to School
January 8 - JFK PTO Meeting in JFK Library (6-7:30pm)
January 21 - MLK Day - No School
January 25 - Teacher Work Day - No School

Thanks for your Dessert Donations 🍰🍬🍮🥧🍧🍩🍪!
We’d like to give a big thank you to everyone who donated desserts for the  annual Open House for Faculty and Staff this past week. It was a lovely event very much appreciated by all our staff who work hard every day to educate and care for our students at JFK.

Vote for JFK PTO in Florence Savings Bank Customer Choice Awards by December 31
If you are a Florence Bank customer, vote for the JFK Middle School PTO as your favorite non-profit organization. Last year Florence Savings Bank donated $880 to JFK PTO, and we are grateful. Be sure to vote here before December 31st: https://www.florencebank.com/vote

Thanks to all who Make it Count 💯%!
As our year comes to a close, so too does our annual Make it Count fundraiser, where 100% of every dollar donated by JFK families and friends directly benefits our JFK students. If you want to make a tax-deductible donation before the end of 2018, click on our link to donate. Every dollar helps create unique programs at JFK and so far we have raised $8780! https://tinyurl.com/JFK-Make-It-Count-2018

The 2019 JFK Yearbook is available now for $27. Price increases to $29 on April 1. Order online at www.coffeepond.com or send in cash or check payable to JFK in an envelope with your student’s name and homeroom number.

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, January 8 (6-7:30pm)
The JFK PTO meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. Join us to help plan for the new year, including upcoming 6th and 7th grade school dances, teacher grants, and teacher appreciation events. All are welcome.

You can 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 and AmazonSmile donates to Parent-Teacher Organization of John F Kennedy Middle School Inc. We appreciate your support.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Massachusetts loves its public schools and colleges, but too many students are being left behind by inadequate state support. The MTA and it coalition partners are launching an ambitious campaign to win the funding that our students, educators, and communities deserve by May 1, 2019. Come to a Community Forum on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 from 6 to 7:30pm in the Community Room at Eastworks in Easthampton (116 Pleasant Street). We will discuss what it would mean to fully fund our school districts and colleges and how much is owed to YOUR city, town and/or campus. You will learn when and how this funding crisis began, and most importantly, what we can do about it now to invest in the schools and colleges our communities deserve. Free childcare and pizza dinner is available, bring your whole family. Meet your neighbors, your local educators and leaders, and your elected officials. Together, we can align public funding so our schools can continue to do work we are all proud of. To learn more, contact Brett Costello at bcostello@massteacher.org or visit:

On Monday, December 31, the Northampton Arts Council and PeoplesBank welcome you to the 34th edition of our city-wide New Year’s Eve party. Since 1985, First Night Northampton has filled the Paradise City with a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. The NHS Improv Troupe Funktionlust has been performing at First Night for over 12 years. This year they hit the big time, with two afternoon slots! 2 shows: 2:00-2:45pm and 3:00-3:45pm in Smith College Hallie Flanagan Theater in Mendenhall, 122 Green Street, Northampton. The Northamptones will be performing at the Academy of Music at 7pm and 8pm.

Resource For Massachusetts Parents Who Need Help
The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids launched this hotline specifically for the parents of youth and young adults in New England. This is not a referral service, but rather a resource for parents who would like support and guidance. We offer:
  • A dedicated phone and text Helpline for Massachusetts families (call 844-319-5999 or text HOPEMA to 55753), where parents can connect with master’s level specialists and be referred to parent coaches, who will listen to their challenges and help them develop an action plan toward their child’s recovery
  • A website at: www.graykenaddictionsupport.org  
  • Facebook messaging with parents who need it on the Partnership page: https://www.facebook.com/partnershipdrugfree/



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, December 14, 2018

JFK PTO Update – December 14, 2018

JFK PTO Update – December 14, 2018
Important Dates:
MONDAY: December 17 - Dessert Buffet for Faculty and Staff
December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break
December 31 - Deadline to vote for JFK PTO
January 2 - Back to School
January 8 - JFK PTO Meeting in JFK Library (6-7:30pm)

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. Turns out donuts, sweet rolls and yummy stuff for the morning is good, too. If refrigeration is needed, that’s not a problem. But, no desserts with nuts or peanut butter, thanks!

Vote for JFK PTO in Florence Savings Bank Customer Choice Awards by December 31
If you are a Florence Bank customer, vote for the JFK Middle School PTO as your favorite non-profit organization. Last year Florence Savings Bank donated $880 to JFK PTO, and we are grateful. Be sure to vote here before December 31st to make your vote count: https://www.florencebank.com/vote

Thanks to all who Make it Count 💯%!
Our annual Make it Count fundraiser, where 100% of every dollar donated by JFK families and friends directly benefits our JFK students, continues online through the end of the year. If you want to make a tax-deductible donation for 2018, click on our link to donate or send in a check to school made out to JFK PTO. Many thanks to all our JFK families! We truly appreciate your support. Every dollar helps create unique programs at JFK. https://tinyurl.com/JFK-Make-It-Count-2018

The 2019 JFK Yearbook is available now for $27. Price increases to $29 on April 1. Order online at www.coffeepond.com or send in cash or check payable to JFK in an envelope with your student’s name and homeroom number.

Calendar Updates for School Council, Health Advisory Council, After School and January’s Teacher Work Day
The Health Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, December 19 at 3:30pm. The School Council meets the third school day Thursday of each month at 5pm 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. And don’t forget to mark Friday, January 25 as a teacher work day (no school). We’ll be sending out information soon about the teacher appreciation lunch the PTO will host on this day and how to volunteer.

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, January 8 (6-7:30pm)
The JFK PTO meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. Join us to help plan for the new year, including upcoming 6th and 7th grade school dances, teacher grants, and teacher appreciation events. Happy 2019!

You can 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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Massachusetts loves its public schools and colleges, but too many students are being left behind by inadequate state support. The MTA and its coalition partners are launching an ambitious campaign to win the funding that our students, educators, and communities deserve by May 1, 2019. Come to a Community Forum on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 from 6 to 7:30pm in the Community Room at Eastworks in Easthampton (116 Pleasant Street). We will discuss what it would mean to fully fund our school districts and colleges and how much is owed to YOUR city, town and/or campus. You will learn when and how this funding crisis began, and most importantly, what we can do about it now to invest in the schools and colleges our communities deserve. Free childcare and pizza dinner is available; bring your whole family. Meet your neighbors, your local educators and leaders, and your elected officials. Together, we can align public funding so our schools can continue to do work we are all proud of. To learn more, contact Brett Costello at bcostello@massteacher.org
Or visit:

On Monday, December 31, the Northampton Arts Council and PeoplesBank welcome you to the 34th edition of our city-wide New Year’s Eve party. Since 1985, First Night Northampton has filled the Paradise City with a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts culminating in a traditional ball-raising from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. The NHS Improv Troupe Funktionlust has been performing at First Night for over 12 years. This year they hit the big time, with two afternoon slots! 2 shows: 2:00-2:45pm and 3:00-3:45pm in Smith College Hallie Flanagan Theater in Mendenhall, 122 Green Street, Northampton. The Northamptones will be performing at the Academy of Music at 7pm and 8pm.

Thank a Teacher with a Donation to NEF
Established in 1991, the Northampton Education Foundation 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 NEF awards small grants twice a year to encourage the development of creative and innovative teaching and learning initiatives for the Northampton Public Schools consistent with the district’s goals. To learn more how your gift can help the NEF Small Grants Program, click 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.

Friday, December 7, 2018

JFK PTO Update – December 7, 2018

JFK PTO Update – December 7, 2018
 
Important Dates:
TODAY! December 7 - JFKeys at Look Park
December 12 - JFK Band Concert
December 17 - PTO Dessert Buffet for Staff (Bakers Needed!)
December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break
December 31 - Deadline to vote for JFK PTO
January 2 - Back to School
January 8 - JFK PTO Meeting in JFK Library (6-7:30pm)

Thanks to all who Make it Count 💯%!
Our annual November Make it Count fundraiser, where 100% of every dollar donated by JFK families and friends directly benefits our JFK students, was a big success. Last year we raised $12,000 and this year we reached $8,230. If you have not had a chance to give, it is never too late to donate. Click on our link to give online or send in a check to school made out to JFK PTO. Many thanks to all our JFK families! We truly appreciate your support. Every dollar helps.

Wondering how the staff and students of JFK benefit from your tax-deductible donation? Here is a list of some of the amazing projects the JFK PTO has been able to help fund thanks to your generous contributions: 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 more!

Request for Community Assistance
Friends of Nancy Fanara Berrian, a single mom of two JFK students, have established a GoFundMe campaign to help with hospice and expenses, and to help ease the family's burden at this time. Unfortunately, her health is abruptly declining, and her friends are stepping in to ask for support. To contribute to her family and end of life expenses, visit this link: https://www.gofundme.com/6dshq00

Last Call for the JFK Book Fair Online
A big thank you as well to all our volunteers for this week’s annual Scholastic Book Fair and JFK Mall to benefit JFK After School. There is still an online shopping option: At this link, you can 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. This link will only be active through today.

Chorus Today and Band Next Week
The JFKeys will be leading Holiday Carols at Look Park's first evening of Santa's Train in the Garden House today, 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!

You can 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.

Vote for JFK PTO in Florence Savings Bank Customer Choice Awards by December 31
If you are a Florence Bank customer, you can vote for the JFK Middle School PTO as your favorite non-profit organization. Last year Florence Savings Bank donated $880 to JFK PTO, and we are grateful for this community support. Be sure to vote here before December 31st to make your vote count: https://www.florencebank.com/vote

Engineering the Future with Project Lead the Way
JFK 7th grade students in the Technology Exploratory course with Mr. Dembkowski are newly engaged in STEM education through Project Lead the Way. As part of the Automation and Robotics unit, students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. For more info, read the JFK News here.

Calendar Updates for School Council, Health Advisory Council, After School and January’s Teacher Work Day
The Health Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, December 19 at 3:30pm. The School Council meets the third school day Thursday of each month at 5pm 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. And don’t forget to mark Friday, January 25 as a teacher work day (no school). We’ll be sending out information about the teacher appreciation lunch the PTO will host on this day and how to volunteer.

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, January 8 (6-7:30pm)
The JFK PTO meets the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30pm in the JFK Library. Join us to help plan for the new year, including upcoming 6th and 7th grade school dances, teacher grants, and teacher appreciation events. All are welcome.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

TONIGHT: The NHS Improv Troupe Funktionlust at 7pm
On Friday, December 7 at 7pm, the NHS Improv troupe Funktionlust will perform in the NHS Black Box Theater. Proceeds from this show will benefit Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts, a HIAS refugee resettlement affiliate agency. Admission is $5 at the door and contributions to JFS are encouraged. Doors open at 6:45. Seating is limited. Funktionlust is now in its 14th year at NHS. The Funks have been entertaining their audiences at Northampton’s First Night, Smith College, Lathrop Community, Historic Northampton, Click Workspace, with UMass’ Mission IMPROVable and at NHS! They are spontaneous, creative and funny. But they take the refugee issue seriously and want to help. So they are using their humor to make a difference! Funktionlust supports Jewish Family Services of Western Mass., a HIAS refugee resettlement affiliate agency. Donations are welcome.

2018 Holiday Toy Exchange on Saturday, December 8 from 10-11am
Northampton ReUse will be accepting donations of gently used toys, musical instruments, today Friday, December 7 from 4-8pm at the Smith Vocational HS Cafeteria. This is a great way to Pay It Forward and help support our neighbors and it's a useful way for families to spread Holiday Cheer to their children. Please consider taking some time to collect some items and then bring them over to Smith Voc. More info on the event is here.

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/

Kid’s Fun and Culture Retreat (December 26-28)
Kidsafrik is providing a 3-day Cultural Retreat during the holiday school break this December 26-28, 8:30am-3pm, with the support of Allsport Soccer Arena. Limit: 50 students (Register soon as it fills quickly!). Cost: $165 (Scholarships are available for school lunch students). More info at: tinyurl.com/KACULSCH


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.