JFK PTO Update – January 26, 2018

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.

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.

JFK PTO Update – January 19, 2018

JFK PTO Update – January 19, 2018

Important Dates:

January 24 - Teacher Appreciation Lunch for Teacher Work Day (No School)

February 2 - JFK Day of Diversity

February 19-23 - No School - Winter Recess

Tonight (1/19): The Teen Brain and Risk Taking, Northampton High School Auditorium (6:30-8:30pm)
With Dr. Ruth Potee and a special guest appearance by Officer Adam VanBuskirk from NPD to address "Dabbing.” Why exactly are teens and pre-teens at a greater risk for developing an addiction to anything? How can you guide your pre-teens and teens to making healthy decisions? How can you help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic? And what is dabbing and why should you be concerned? Learn all of this and more from speakers Dr. Ruth Potee and Officer VanBuskirk. Parents/Guardians and encouraged to bring their preteens/teenagers. Free and open to the public.

http://www.northamptonschools.org/2017/12/20/teen-brain-risk-taking-dr-ruth-potee/

The JFK Staff Appreciation Luncheon is next Wednesday (1/24/18)

-Please consider signing up today. Our sign up sheet is less than 1/2 full and we need more people to bring delicious dishes and store bought foods for the lunch.

This is a great chance to let our talented teachers and staff know how much we appreciate them. Sign up to cook something, pick up something quick at the store or help on the day of the luncheon. All dishes must be NUT FREE. Click on the link below and see all the details of how, where, and when you can help.

Our teachers really look forward to this event and we need your help to make it happen! If you have any questions, contact Darla Gormley at joedargorm@gmail.com. She makes the whole luncheon come together and we are very grateful for all her time and hard work over the past several years! We will need someone to step into her shoes next year; if this could be you, contact the PTO at jfkmspto@gmail.com to volunteer.

DROP OFF YOUR DISH on either Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm in the school Office or on Wednesday morning between 7:30am and 10:30am. From 7:30am to 9am, leave your dish in the office, and after 9am, please bring it to the school Cafeteria. Label your containers with your name if you would like them back. You can pick up your containers in the school office or ask your child bring them home.

Sign up to bring a luncheon dish here:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4ea9aa2aabff2-jfkstaff1

Northampton Public Schools Budget Survey

Parents and guardians are encouraged to complete the Superintendent's Budget Survey on the district website www.northamptonschools.org. We value 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 towards 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.

Weekday Volunteers Needed to Staff the JFK Store

The week of the JFK Store was a big success 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 (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.

Join Us at Our Next PTO Meeting on Tuesday, February 6 (6-7:30 pm)

Attend our next JFK PTO meeting on Tuesday, February 6 from 6-7:30 pm 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.

Upcoming Community Event:

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.

JFK PTO Update – January 5, 2018

Important Dates:
January 9 - JFK PTO Meeting (6-7:30pm)
January 9 - Rosalind Wiseman and Rachel Simmons Talk
January 15 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19 -The Teen Brain and Risk Taking
January 24 - Teacher Appreciation Lunch & No School - Teacher  Work Day
February 2 - JFK Day of Diversity
February 19-23 - No School: Winter Recess

Happy New Year JFK families. Welcome back to school! We hope you’re staying warm and safe in this very cold weather. A big thanks to all of YOU who help support our teachers and staff here at JFK Middle School! We are proud to have such a generous community. Best wishes to you and your students in 2018. ~JFK PTO

Calling all Cooks! JFK Staff Appreciation Luncheon is Wednesday January 24
This is a great chance to let our talented teachers and staff know how much we appreciate them. Sign up to cook something, pick up something quick at the store or help out on the day of the luncheon. Click on the link below and see all the details of how, where and when you can help. Our teachers really look forward to this event and we need your help to make it happen! If you have any questions please contact Darla Gormley at joedargorm@gmail.com. She makes the whole luncheon come together and we are very grateful for all her time and hard work over the past several years! We will need someone to step into her shoes next year,  if you are interested in learning more please contact the PTO at jfkmspto@gmail.com.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4ea9aa2aabff2-jfkstaff1

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 towards 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, January 9 (6-7:30 pm)
All are welcome at our next JFK PTO meeting on Tuesday, January 9 from 6-7:30 pm in the JFK Library. Be a part of the planning and lend your expertise to special projects at JFK. PTO Meetings are usually the first Tuesday of every month, except in January when we’ve moved to date to January 9. Future dates are February 6 and March 6. The more, the merrier!

The Teen Brain and Risk Taking
 - January 19th, 2018 Friday 6:30pm -8:30pm
With Dr. Ruth Potee and a special guest appearance by Officer Adam VanBuskirk from NPD to address "Dabbing" in the Northampton High School Auditorium. Why exactly are teens and pre-teens at a greater risk for developing an addiction to anything? How can you guide your pre-teens and teens to making healthy decisions? How can you help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic? And what the heck is dabbing and why should you be concerned? Learn all of this and more from a dynamic and compelling speaker, Dr. Ruth Potee and Officer VanBuskirk. Parents/Guardians and encouraged to bring their preteens/teenagers. This events are free and are open to the public.

Shall We Dance?
This year the JFK PTO is partnering with the Student Council to put together student dances. So far, we’ve secured events insurance and a dj. Watch for upcoming announcements regarding dates, decorating, and volunteering the night of the dance. Or, email us and let us know if you can help: 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. It lasts for 3 years, and is needed for any in-school or field trip volunteering. 

 

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.

JFK PTO Update – December 15, 2017

 

JFK PTO Update – December 15, 2017

Important Dates:

December 18 - Annual Open House for Faculty and Staff (Desserts & Sweets Needed!)

December 18-21 - JFK Store Open for Holiday Sales (Lunchtime Shopping for Students)

December 20 - JFK Band Winter Concert

December 22 - No School, Start of Winter Break

January 2 - Back to School

January 9 - JFK PTO Meeting (6-7:30pm)

We Need Desserts for the Annual Open House for Faculty and Staff on Monday, December 18

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 18. Just drop your dessert item in the office before lunchtime on Monday 12/18. If refrigeration is needed, that’s not a problem. But, no desserts with nuts, thanks!

The JFK Store is Coming to Town! (December 18-21)

The JFK Store will be opening for student shopping every day next week from 10:45am to 12:45pm. JFK sweatshirts and shirts will be on sale, as well as school supplies, locker decorations, and fun items for stocking stuffers. Let your student know about this in-house shopping option. All proceeds will benefit the JFK PTO and help us help students.

Volunteer to make the store a success! If you can help from 10:30am to 12:30pm or so, sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4eadad23abfa7-jfkstudent

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. It lasts for 3 years, and is needed for any in-school or field trip volunteering.

The JFK Band Winter Concert (December 20)

The JFK Band Winter Concert is Wednesday, December 20 at 6:30pm in the Northampton High School auditorium. Suggested donation is $3 at the door. Band students should arrive by 6pm to check in at the band room. All JFK families are invited to celebrate our students as they play. Baked goods are needed for the bake sale and volunteer slots are still open. Sign up here to help: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090845a5ac2ba02-jfkconcert2

Box Tops 4 Education Collection in JFK Main Office

Send in your Box Tops for Education by December 21 (last day of school in 2017) and we will redeem them for our school. No collection sheet needed, just send in Box Tops in a baggie or small envelope and leave them in the box in the office. https://www.boxtops4education.com/about

Notice from the Health Office: Annual Health Screenings for All Students

In December, the JFK nursing staff is conducting annual health screenings for 6th and 7th grade students. Letters went home in backpack mail. 8th grade screenings will be held after the first of the new year. A separate mailing will be sent home at that time.

These screenings consist of checking backs for 6th graders and checking backs, height, and weight for 7th graders. If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified. Otherwise, you will not hear from the Health Office. If your child has had a physical within the last six months and the provider has documented these exams, your student can be excused from the screening. Please provide a copy of this physical as soon as possible.

You also have the right to opt your child out of this screening. If you prefer to do this, contact Karen Schiaffo, JFK School Nurse, phone: 587-1488, fax: 587-1566 or email: kschiaffo@northampton-k12.us

Looking for a new and exciting YA book?

Ms. Mack (grade 7 Social Studies teacher on the Green Rev) recently published a YA novel called The Pirates of Cologne. You can get a copy locally at Broadside Books or on Amazon in paperback or for a Kindle.

The novel is based on real adolescents who were living in Cologne, Germany during WWII. “The Pirates of Cologne is a book for our times: a gripping, inspirational story about youth and resistance that asks all the hard questions about what it means to do the right thing. What would you have done, if you'd been German under Hitler? And what will you do now? You won't be able to finish this book without wondering." --Catherine Newman, author of One Mixed Up Night and Catastrophic Happiness

Make it Count 100% - Last Chance for Your Tax-Deductible Contribution for 2017

Thanks to everyone who participated in our fall fundraising campaign. You can still make a 2017 tax-deductible contribution to the JFK PTO. Donate at the link below, or, checks are always welcome in the office in an envelope addressed to JFK PTO:

https://www.razoo.com/organization/Parent-Teacher-Organization-Of-John-F-Kennedy-Middle-School

And thank you to everyone who helped JFK in 2017! We wish our families a very happy new year. Here are some voices of thanks from our community:

• Dear PTO Members: I want to thank all of you for the wonderful work you do for our JFK community, including the recent book fair! Many thanks as well for the terrific books that will augment my classroom library and be available to students to borrow for our upcoming nonfiction unit. Students enjoy borrowing books from the classroom shelf and especially appreciate new additions from the book fair.
• From the Reading Specialists: Thank you so much. The bean bags will encourage students to relax and focus on reading at the same time. We are truly grateful.
• Grade 8 students went to UMASS for a day of poetry. Students took workshops while at UMASS where they were able to explore different types of poetry, eventually writing their own prose! In the afternoon, there was a poetry slam, where many JFK students shared their work with other middle school students from across the valley. We are grateful to the PTO for this opportunity! http://www.masspoetry.org/studentdayofpoetry/

Join Us at Our Next PTO Meeting on Tuesday, January 9 (6-7:30 pm)

All are welcome at our next JFK PTO meeting on Tuesday, January 9 from 6-7:30 pm in the JFK Library. Be a part of the planning and lend your expertise to special projects at JFK. PTO Meetings are usually the first Tuesday of every month, except in January when we’ve moved to date to January 9. Future dates are February 6 and March 6. The more, the merrier!

 
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.