Thursday, September 26, 2019

JFK PTO Update – September 27, 2019


 JFK PTO Update – September 27, 2019

 
IMPORTANT DATES:
October 1 - JFK PTO Meeting in JFK Library (6-7pm)
October 4 - Half Day
October 5 - JFK PTO Electronics & Clothing Fundraiser (Volunteers Needed!)
October 25 - Fall Boxtops Deadline

JFK PTO Electronics Recycling and Clothing Collection Fundraiser (Saturday, October 5)
On Saturday, October 5, from 9am-12pm, the JFK PTO will be hosting an Electronics Recycling and Clothing Collection Fundraiser in the parking circle at the school (100 Bridge Road). Stop by with your old electronics and clothing and help us raise funds for student activities. No registration required. Open to all members of the community. Proceeds benefit the JFK PTO. For more information, please visit the JFK PTO Facebook page

Recycling services courtesy of Gold Circuit E-Cycling, Ludlow, MA and Savers, West Springfield, MA. Thank you to the Northampton Department of Public Works and Gold Circuit E-Cycling for their generous support of this event. NO CHARGE to recycle Printer Cartridges & Cell Phones! For recycling donation costs for other items, see our flyer here.

Please note that we need volunteers for this family-friendly volunteer opportunity!  Sign up here to help our team recycle and raise funds for our community: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-electronics

Our Fall Fundraising Campaign Has Begun!
Here at JFK PTO our mission is to enrich a student’s academic experience by providing additional funding for a variety of programming. To kick off the school year, we are asking families to donate to our PTO so that we can support three unique cultural academic programs that make our school special:

● 8th Grade Scholastic Writing Program ● 
● 7th Grade Ancient Greece Program ● 
● 6th Grade Hero’s Journey ●

Our goal is attainable if every family donates $35. 
JFK PTO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Gifts of any amount are deeply appreciated.

100% of every dollar donated directly benefits our students. Here’s how:

Scholastic Writing Program: This eighth grade program is a national writing program, administered by dedicated JFK faculty, to support students who are passionate about writing. Students work for several weeks to develop writing samples that are sent to the Scholastic competition and have included award-winning submissions in past years. 

Ancient Greece Program: This seventh grade program immerses students in the world of ancient Greece. A local artist-in-residence delivers lessons in a variety of formats for a unique and robust experience that students remember well beyond seventh grade, culminating in a showcase of student work including projects, skits, poetry recitations, and original music performed.

Hero’s Journey: Sixth graders at JFK work to understand the story arc of the Hero’s Journey. In addition to their work through reading and writing, students are given the opportunity to go out into the community to participate in events that help demonstrate and conceptualize a hero’s journey through art and media. 

DONATE to support special programs at JFK (2 ways to donate!):
Write a check payable to JFK PTO. Add “Cultural Arts” to the memo line. 
o   Mail the check to: JFK PTO, 100 Bridge Road, Florence, MA 01062. OR
o   Send the check to school with your student to drop off in the office. 

Look for our online donation site at Mighty Cause: https://tinyurl.com/y529vnzp 

Our PTO Survey
We want as many parents as possible to participate in PTO. Thanks for taking a minute to give us your feedback! Click here to respond.

School Council Election
On behalf of the JFK PTO, our thanks to everyone who submitted nominations and participated in the elections process for 2019 JFK School Council. Please Join us in welcoming our new members Bill Brown and Megan Jewett. Note that the PTO is seeking parent volunteers to serve as president and secretary. Please help so we can continue to make JFK a great place to learn.

JFK PTO Meeting in the JFK Library
Our next JFK PTO Meeting will be held in the JFK Library on Tuesday, October 1 from 6-7pm. Join us as we plan for a great year at JFK. Specifically, we need admin help for the PTO. If you can’t attend the meeting but can help via email, sign up at the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-jfkmspto 

We’re still looking for volunteers! 
Do you have a great idea for JFK? Come meet faculty and staff at our PTO meetings and let us know. Email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com. In general, PTO meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7pm, but in November, because of Election Day, we’ll meet on Wednesday, November 6. 

Boxtops for Education Has a New App!
Box Tops is going digital! Don't miss out on earnings for our school – make sure you've got the new Box Tops mobile app on your phone. For more info, click here: https://www.boxtops4education.com/en/How%20To%20Earn 

But, we’ll still be collecting Boxtops the old fashioned way, too. Send in your Boxtops with your student to the JFK main office. The deadline for fall Boxtops is October 25. Online we are: JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL| School ID: 573700.

Amazon Smile Has a New App Too
If you are an AmazonSmile customer, you can now support Parent-Teacher Organization of John F Kennedy Middle School Inc in the Amazon shopping app on your Android device! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
  1. If you have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping App, open the App on your Android device.
  2. View Settings and select AmazonSmile.
  3. Follow the in-App instructions to complete the process.
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping App, update your App. Click here for instructions. Note: AmazonSmile is not currently available for iOS users.

Easy Ways to Support JFK All Year Long

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Northampton Prevention Coalition Health Expo (October 2)
Food- Prizes- Interactive Displays- Scavenger Hunt- ADULTS ONLY!! Northampton works very hard to support youth in achieving their goals and values all efforts to reduce barriers to their success. In support of this work, the Northampton Prevention Coalition is hosting a Health Expo focused on how Northampton adults can all work together to reduce youth substance use. This eye-opening expo will both inform and instill hope on all of the ways we can come together to keep youth happy, safe, and reaching without the detrimental impact of drugs or alcohol. https://www.facebook.com/events/472116280301354/ 

Child Safety in Today’s World (10/2, 10/22 or 11/7)
Facilitated by Jackie Humphreys, LICSW & Joanne Leonard, CSEC Coordinator of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, Inc. Register with Joanne Leonard at 413-475-3401 or Jleonard@cacfranklinnq.org This event is free, made possible by a grant from the Bete Family Foundation. For more info, see the flyer here.

Strengthening Families Program (Starts 10/3)
A 7-week program for parents/caregivers and their 5-8th graders. Weekly 6-8pm (dinner at 5:30pm) at White Brook Middle School. Free & open to all communities. Next session: THURSDAYS starting Oct. 3-Nov. 21 (skip 10/31). To Register, Click here. For the flyer, click here.

Drug Take Back Day (10/26)
Do you or your relatives have unwanted or expired prescription drugs in the house? Drop them off between 10am and 2pm at many locations in Hampshire and Franklin County. Or take them to a permanent drop box any time. See flyer for details and locations.

 
Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page
We like your Likes!

Volunteer with us! Sign up here if you can help the JFK PTO this year: 

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


Friday, September 20, 2019

JFK PTO Update – September 20, 2019



 

IMPORTANT DATES:
September 26 - School Picture Day
October 4 - Half Day
October 5 - JFK PTO Electronics & Clothing Fundraiser (Volunteers Needed!)

School Picture Day (Thursday, September 26, 8-11am)
Thank you, parent volunteers! Our volunteer list is complete and located here. School picture order info went home this week.

JFK PTO Electronics Recycling and Clothing Collection Fundraiser
On Saturday, October 5, from 9am-12pm, the JFK PTO will be hosting an Electronics Recycling and Clothing Collection Fundraiser in the parking circle at school (100 Bridge Road). Stop by with your old electronics and clothing and help us raise funds for student activities. Please note that this is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity! Sign up here to help our team recycle and raise funds for our community: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-electronics

Our Fall Fundraising Campaign Has Begun!
Here at JFK PTO our mission is to enrich a student’s academic experience by providing additional funding for a variety of programming. To kick off the school year, we are asking families to donate to our PTO so that we can support three unique cultural academic programs that make our school special:

● 8th Grade Scholastic Writing Program ● 
● 7th Grade Ancient Greece Program ● 
● 6th Grade Hero’s Journey ●

Our goal is attainable if every family donates $35. 
JFK PTO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Gifts of any amount are deeply appreciated.

100% of every dollar donated directly benefits our students. Here’s how:

Scholastic Writing Program: This eighth grade program is a national writing program, administered by dedicated JFK faculty, to support students who are passionate about writing. Students work for several weeks to develop writing samples that are sent to the Scholastic competition and have included award-winning submissions in past years. 

Ancient Greece Program: This seventh grade program immerses students in the world of ancient Greece. A local artist-in-residence delivers lessons in a variety of formats for a unique and robust experience that students remember well beyond seventh grade, culminating in a showcase of student work including projects, skits, poetry recitations, and original music performed.

Hero’s Journey: Sixth graders at JFK work to understand the story arc of the Hero’s Journey. In addition to their work through reading and writing, students are given the opportunity to go out into the community to participate in events that help demonstrate and conceptualize a hero’s journey through art and media. 

DONATE to support special programs at JFK (2 ways to donate!):

Write a check payable to JFK PTO. Add “Cultural Arts” to the memo line. 
o   Mail to: JFK PTO, 100 Bridge Road, Florence, MA 01062. OR
o   Send the check to school with your student to drop off in the office. 

Look for our online donation site at Mighty Cause: https://tinyurl.com/y529vnzp 

Our PTO Survey
We want as many parents as possible to participate in PTO. Thanks for taking a minute to give us your feedback! Click here to respond.

JFK PTO Meeting in the JFK Library
Our next JFK PTO Meeting will be held in the JFK Library on Tuesday, October 1 from 6-7pm. Join us as we plan for a great year at JFK. Specifically, we need volunteers for fall fundraising such as our electronics recycling event, annual appeal, new calendar art contest, and our December book fair. If you can’t attend the meeting but can help via email, sign up at the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-jfkmspto 

We’re looking for volunteers! 

Do you have a great idea for JFK? Come meet faculty and staff at our PTO meetings and let us know. Email us at jfkmspto@gmail.comIn general, PTO meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7pm, but in November, because of Election Day, we’ll meet on Wednesday, November 6. 

Boxtops for Education Has a New App!
Box Tops is going digital! Don't miss out on earnings for our school – make sure you've got the new Box Tops mobile app on your phone. For more info, click here: https://www.boxtops4education.com/en/How%20To%20Earn 

But, we’ll still be collecting Boxtops the old fashioned way, too. Send in your Boxtops with your student to the JFK main office. The deadline for fall Boxtops is October 25. Online we are: JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL| School ID: 573700.

Easy Ways to Support JFK All Year Long

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Northampton Prevention Coalition Health Expo (October 2)
Food- Prizes- Interactive Displays- Scavenger Hunt- ADULTS ONLY!! Northampton works very hard to support youth in achieving their goals and values all efforts to reduce barriers to their success. In support of this work, the Northampton Prevention Coalition is hosting a Health Expo focused on how Northampton adults can all work together to reduce youth substance use. This eye-opening expo will both inform and instill hope on all of the ways we can come together to keep youth happy, safe, and reaching without the detrimental impact of drugs or alcohol. https://www.facebook.com/events/472116280301354/ 

Child Safety in Today’s World (10/2, 10/22 or 11/7)
Facilitated by Jackie Humphreys, LICSW & Joanne Leonard, CSEC Coordinator of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, Inc. Register with Joanne Leonard at 413-475-3401 or Jleonard@cacfranklinnq.org This event is free, made possible by a grant from the Bete Family Foundation. For more info, see the flyer here.

Follow us on our JFK PTO Facebook Page
We like your Likes!

Volunteer with us! Sign up here if you can help the JFK PTO this year: 

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


Friday, September 13, 2019

JFK PTO Update – September 13, 2019


 JFK PTO Update – September 13, 2019
 
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 18 - No School (PD Day)
September 19 - JFK Open House and School Council Election
September 26 - School Picture Day (Volunteers Needed!)
October 4 - Half Day
October 5 - JFK PTO Electronics & Clothing Fundraiser (Volunteers Needed!)
December 9-13 - Scholastic Book Fair in the JFK Library (Save the Dates!)

JFK Open House
The JFK Open House will be held at 6:30pm on Thursday, September 19. Stop by our PTO table to say hi and get your Florence Savings Bank Customer Choice ballot and some school spirit wear (t-shirts $12 and sweatshirts $20). The JFK Library will be collecting donations if you’d like to donate the purchase of a book for the library in honor of someone.

Call for JFK School Council Parent Representatives (Grades 6 or 7)
The School Council is an advisory group co-chaired by Principal Wilson and a parent/guardian. Members include parents, guardians, community members, and teachers. The council meets monthly to discuss ways to strengthen JFK, exchange ideas, and share school information. Dates for each meeting are posted on the school calendar. The council meets the third Thursday of the month unless the day is a vacation or non-school day. In that case, the meeting is the following Thursday. The responsibilities of the School Council (as outlined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) are to:
  • Adopt educational goals for the school that are consistent with local and educational policies and statewide student performance standards
  • Identify the educational needs of students attending the school
  • Review the annual school budget
  • Help formulate a School Improvement Plan

We are able to have two new parent/guardian members on the JFK School Council this year. The new members must have a student in grades 6 or 7 based on the parents currently on the council. Parents and guardians of students in grade 6 or 7 should email jfkmspto@gmail.com if they are willing to serve on School Council. Include a brief bio statement. Deadline is September 18. If we have more than two parents interested, the PTO is responsible for running an election at the Open House and the bio statements will be shared so that parents can choose candidates. Email if you have any questions.

School Picture Day: Volunteers Needed!
We are seeking one more volunteer for JFK's upcoming School Picture Day on Thursday, September 26 between the hours of 8-11am. This task involves directing students in lines to the photographers and helping maintain the traffic flow in the room. You can sign up for 1-hour shifts but feel free to stay if you can help for longer. Any help is always greatly appreciated! Sign up to volunteer here.

JFK PTO Electronics Recycling and Clothing Collection Fundraiser
On Saturday, October 5, from 9am-12pm the JFK PTO will be hosting an Electronics Recycling and Clothing Collection Fundraiser in the parking circle at school (100 Bridge Road). Stop by with your old electronics and clothing and help us raise funds for student activities. Please note that this is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity! 

Sign up here to help our team recycle and raise funds for our community: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-electronics

Our PTO Survey
We want as many parents as possible to participate in PTO. Thanks for taking a minute to give us your feedback! Click here to respond.

Northampton Prevention Coalition Parent Survey
From NPC: Parents and Guardians of students in grades 6-12. Take our short 5 minutes survey and be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. Your info is important and essential: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019BPS

JFK PTO Meeting in the JFK Library
Our next JFK PTO Meeting will be held in the JFK Library on Tuesday, October 1 from 6-7pm. Join us as we plan for a great year at JFK. Specifically, we need volunteers for fall fundraising such as our electronics recycling event, annual appeal, new calendar art contest, and our December book fair. If you can’t attend the meeting but can help via email, sign up at the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949AEAA2BA75-jfkmspto 

We’re looking for volunteers! Do you have a great idea for JFK? Come meet faculty and staff at our PTO meetings and let us know. Email us at jfkmspto@gmail.com. In general, PTO meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month from 6-7pm, but in November, because of Election Day, we’ll meet on Wednesday, November 6.

Boxtops for Education Has a New App!
Box Tops is going digital! Don't miss out on earnings for our school – make sure you've got the new Box Tops mobile app on your phone. For more info, click here: https://www.boxtops4education.com/en/How%20To%20Earn 

But, we’ll still be collecting Boxtops the old fashioned way, too. Send in your Boxtops with your student to the JFK main office. The deadline for fall Boxtops funds is October 25. Online we are: JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL| School ID: 573700.

Easy Ways to Support JFK All Year Long

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Grow Food Northampton Farm to School Updates
  • Grow Food Northampton, in partnership with Northampton Public Schools, was awarded a 2-year USDA grant to support our farm to school efforts! It provides funds for equipment and training for NPS Food Service, cooking programs and field trips, expansion of programming into the middle and high schools, season extension for school gardens, and coordination of this network of stakeholders. Check out this recent article in the Gazette about the grant. 
  • A team from NPS will be attending the MA Farm to School Institute in October. We will use the input gathered at the April Summit to develop an action plan for the upcoming school year. 
  • Further funding for school gardens and Grow Food Kids programs has been secured from the District budget, a grant from the NEF, and State funding, thanks to Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Comerford.

League of Women Voters Book Fair (September 14)
The League of Women Voters of the Northampton Area will be hosting a book sale at Smith Voke from 9am-4pm. More info here: http://lwvnorthamptonarea.org/ 

Northampton Area Pediatrics Free Workshop (September 15)
From 4-5:30pm. Free and open to the public. Catherine Bartlett, MD will share important information about childhood safety, including tips on car seats and choking. https://www.facebook.com/events/867564130303802/ 

Northampton Prevention Coalition Health Expo (October 2)
Food- Prizes- Interactive Displays- Scavenger Hunt- ADULTS ONLY!! Northampton works very hard to support youth in achieving their goals and values all efforts to reduce barriers to their success. In support of this work, the Northampton Prevention Coalition is hosting a Health Expo focused on how Northampton adults can all work together to reduce youth substance use. This eye-opening expo will both inform and instill hope on all of the ways we can come together to keep youth happy, safe, and reaching without the detrimental impact of drugs or alcohol. https://www.facebook.com/events/472116280301354/ 

Child Safety in Today’s World (10/2, 10/22 or 11/7)
Facilitated by Jackie Humphreys, LICSW & Joanne Leonard, CSEC Coordinator of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, Inc. Register with Joanne Leonard at 413-475-3401 or Jleonard@cacfranklinnq.org. This event is free, made possible by a grant from the Bete Family Foundation. For more info, see the flyer here.

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

Volunteer with us! Sign up here if you can help the JFK PTO this year: 

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