Monday, April 20, 2020

JFK PTO Update – April 20, 2020


JFK PTO Update – April 20, 2020

Dear JFK Families,

At the request of NPS, we’d like to share with you an updated letter from JFK on the Remote Learning Plan, including the Spanish language version (Las recomendaciones de aprendizaje remoto).

You should have received a call from the Superintendent last week that everyone will be working through the April vacation and taking Monday (4/20) as a holiday. The last day of school will now be June 15, 2020.

Please continue to check the NPS site online for the latest updates or visit https://twitter.com/npsdistrict

Letter from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: 
  • Read the 3/30/20 DESE updates here.
  • Pasos que tomamos para apoyar a los estudiantes mientras las escuelas están cerradas (carta de DESE de 3/30/20)

The Student Services department has compiled a number of resources during this challenging time. Please see the link to learn about options for medical and mental health emergencies, transportation, and food and housing concerns.

Meals for Children 18 or Younger
Northampton Public Schools is providing meals to school-aged children ages 18 or younger two days per week to limit the number of days families have to leave their homes. You do not need to be a student from the Northampton Public Schools district to participate. We are going to provide meals:
Tuesdays: 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts
Thursdays: 3 lunches and 3 breakfasts
11am-12pm at the following sites: Hampshire Heights * Florence Heights * Meadowbrook Apartments

A comenzar el martes, el 26 de marzo, 2020 las escuelas públicas de Northampton les darán alimentos a los niños menores de 18 años 2 veces por semana para limitar el número de días las familias necesitan salir sus casas. No necesitas ser estudiante de las escuelas públicas de Northampton para participar. Vamos a hacer alimentos disponibles 2 días por semana:
Los martes: 2 almuerzos y 2 desayunos
Los jueves: 3 almuerzos y 3 desayunos 
Serán disponibles a las 11 de la mañana hasta el mediodía en los siguientes lugares: Hampshire Heights * Florence Heights * Meadowbrook Apartments

Pre-bagged packages of food will be made for you by staff and volunteers using rigorous health precautions. Bags will include shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce, much purchased from local farms with dairy and meat options to be included as soon as possible. Your two options for getting this food:
  1. ‘Drive-up’ at Jackson Street School, 120 Jackson Street, Northampton BEST FOR people who don’t live at one of the housing sites listed below, including Northampton Survival Center clients from outside of Northampton. Bags will be distributed to clients directly outside the school cafeteria Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-3pm.
  2. Pick-up in Northampton at Hampshire Heights, Florence Heights, Meadowbrook Apartments, and 236 Pleasant St. (The Lumber Yard building) BEST FOR those who live in or near these housing communities. Bags will be available for pickup at the school meal distribution site Tuesdays from 11am–12pm. Doorstep delivery is also available at Hampshire Heights, Florence Heights and Meadowbrook. Signup is required for doorstep delivery and recommended for all who would like a Tuesday delivery. For more info, visit: COVID-19 Emergency Food Project 

ACTIVITIES & INFO ONLINE 

The JFK Yearbook Is Still On Sale!
The 2020 JFK Yearbook is on sale. To place an order, go to www.coffeepond.com and click “place an order” then “yearbook”. The last day to order is 4/26. $29 check or cash will also be accepted until June 1st.

Teacher Appreciation Day is May 5
We are looking for a couple of parent volunteers to help us host an awesome virtual teacher appreciation day. Email us at jffmspto@gmail.com. The JFK teachers say “hi” to you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPkPB4vibE8&feature=youtu.be 

5 Easy Ways to Support JFK MS PTO
·       Donate online. Your donations are tax-deductible and help fund special programs at JFK. We accept donations year-round!
·       Link to JFK MS PTO through Amazon Smile and donate to Parent-Teacher Organization of John F Kennedy Middle School Inc. Click here for instructions on how to use the app.
·       Save your Boxtops! We can accept Boxtop donations year-round in the office as long as they are not expired. Online we are: JOHN F KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL| School ID: 573700. 
·       Register your Stop and Shop card to benefit JFK Middle School using ID#05378. Call 1-877-275-2758 to register or log on to www.stopandshop.com
·       Be sure to vote for us in the Florence Savings Bank Customers’ Choice Awards of 2020. This year we’re hoping to get above 50 votes to receive support for our teacher grant programs.

COMMUNITY EVENTS 

FREE WEBINAR: “Teens, Tweens & Quarantines” (Tuesday, April 21, 7pm)
“Teens, Tweens & Quarantines” is a presentation for parents and caregivers, focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on our children. In a dynamic fashion, this talk will address:
·       the teen/tween brain
·       explain why this pandemic is so difficult for this age group
·       survey the process of loss
·       discuss issues related to independence, autonomy, and privacy
·       offer perspectives and suggestions that parents and caregivers can implement immediately
In addition, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get concrete answers for practical steps they can take in real time—who has time to wait? Join Us Live On Zoom Tuesday, April 21 @ 7pm-8pm EDT. Can't make it? No problem, register anyway! We believe this information is so important to share that we are sending a recording to all registrants. www.mindingyourmind.org 

EMERGENCY SHELTER: Volunteers, Donations & Staff Needed!
Volunteers are needed for 6-8 hour shifts to support ServiceNet shelter staff.
If you are unable to volunteer, consider making a donation to support supplies, meals, and other shelter needs. Donate online at: "northamptonma.gov/COVID19” or make checks payable to the City of Northampton with “COVID-19 Emergency Fund” in the memo line and place in the Drop Box located outside the Municipal Office Building behind City Hall or mail to:
City of Northampton
Attn: COVID-19 Emergency Fund
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060

Emergency Task Force on Coronavirus & Equity

Northampton Recovery Center Online Resources
The Northampton Recovery Center has closed its doors for face to face meetings, but is still offering all of their support groups via ZOOM. See schedule below and call, 413-834-4127, or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NRCrecovery/ for additional schedules and updates. www.northamptonrecoverycenter.org

Remote Recovery and Wellness Support Resources 
Alcoholics Anonymous -
Narcotics Anonymous - https://virtual-na.org/
Smart Recovery -
SAMHSA National Helpline 800-662-4357
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Local Crisis Hotlines - Northampton CSO 413-586-5555. Greenfield CSO 413-774-5411. Holyoke BHN 413-532-8016. Springfield BHN 413-733-6661
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 

2020 Census Count: Everyone Counts 
In mid March households received materials from the U.S. Census Bureau in the mail. It’s your choice: you can respond securely online, by mail, or by phone. By law, your responses cannot be used against you. Your census responses are safe and secure. https://2020census.gov

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