JFK Weekly Update
June 14, 2024
There has been excitement, concerts and end-of-year celebrations that have filled the calendar over the last few weeks. This time can be a whirlwind for all – a bittersweet blend of pride, anticipation for the adventures to come and goodbyes.
Today we officially said farewell to the fifth graders at the Grade 5 Promotion Ceremony. Several inspiring speakers shared what JFK has meant to them. Congratulations to our incredible fifth graders! We'll miss your vibrant energy and enthusiasm, but we know you'll do amazing things in middle school.
As we close the curtains on another school year, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate all that we've accomplished together. This year has been filled with learning, laughter, and challenge. Through it all, our students have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a true spirit of collaboration. This is the JFK community at it's finest! I am incredibly grateful for your support throughout the year. Your partnership in volunteering, attending events, and fostering a love of learning at home has been instrumental in our success.
Now, it's time for our students and staff to unwind, recharge, and explore new interests during their well-deserved summer break. Spend quality time together, explore new hobbies, and continue fostering a love of reading.
I want to share a heartfelt thank you to our CAPT board. While much of their hard work happens behind the scenes, the impact on our school community is undeniable. Their dedication has helped us continue being the strong, enriched community we are today. Thank you!
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting year of learning and growth in August!
What's Coming Up
- August 28, 2024: First Day for Students: Grades 1-5
- August 30, 2024: No School
- September 2, 2024: No School, Labor Day
- ASeptember 3, 2024: First Day for Kindergarten
Summer Reading K-5
Summer Reading Grade 6
CAPT Corner
Family Resources
The Food Pantry has moved to 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard’s).
The Canton Farmers Market also accepts SNAP and HIP
Things You May Want To Come Back To
The recording of Wayfinder Parent/Guardian Information Session can be accessed here. Additional information can be found at the Wayfinder Parent Information Hub.
Elementary Curriculum Overviews: Curriculum Overviews.
UFLI Home Practice Pages and a youtube video that helps explain what to do to can be accessed at the preceeding link. Click the following link to find a copy of UFLI Parent Letter, which tells more about the phonics program.
Important Safety Reminders
One of the things we do before the start of every school year is to review the opening school protocols with members of the Fire and Police Departments. I am sharing three key updates that will impact those in our community.
Locked Doors -- As school employees we will continue to be vigilant about keeping exterior doors closed and locked at all times.
Buzz In -- When we buzz in a visitor, we will say, "Welcome to JFK. What is your name and how can we help you?" If the office staff has any concerns about the visitor, they will not let them in.
School Grounds --School campuses are closed to the general public during school hours (including playgrounds, fields, basketball courts, walkways near and around our buildings). There are signs on the basketball and playground fences. If a non-school person is on the grounds during the school day they will be asked to leave.
If you have any questions regarding safety, please contact me.
CPS Device Policy
Reminder: The Canton Elementary schools are Away-For-the-Day schools. All cell phones and other electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, music players, smart devices (including smartwatches), airpods, video-game systems, laser pointers, voice or video recorders, must be off and in backpacks, unless authorized to be used for medical situations. Students will be reminded to put devices away. If the rule is ignored the device will be confiscated. Students are not allowed to take pictures or video or audio record students or staff when on school property, inclusive of the bus. Cell phones will be confiscated, and parents/guardians will be notified if that occurs. If an issue persists, parents/guardians may be required to pick the device up from the school. Thank you for your help enforcing this rule.
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Arrival:
Students should go to the grade level area. The faculty will be holding colorful signs with each grade level for the next week. Given the short amount of time and various student arrivals we are asking for students to not play with equipment (i.e. soccer balls, tennis balls) so it is a safe AM recess.
- Do not get out of the car, school staff are there to help students who arrive via the car line.
- If possible, put car seats on the passenger side of the backseat. That makes for an easy exit.
Dismissal:
Walkers will exit the main gate or basketball gate.
- Car Pick up students will be met at the main gate and walked to car.
- When driving through the parking lot to enter and exit, please be aware of others walking. Do not drive close to the cones and roped off area.
Bus students will go to the appropriate bus area.
*Please alert the classroom teacher and main office if a dismissal plan changes.
Join the Canton Public School celebrations and highlights by following our social media platforms! #CantonBulldogs #ChampionsofExcellence
CORI Forms & Fingerprinting
-Fingerprinting IS required if you are interested in volunteering with direct and unmomitored interactions with students. This includes chaperoning field trips.
-Fingerprinting is NOT required if you are volunteering under supervision of a school staff member. This includes room parents, guest speakers and volunteers at field day events.
*They can take awhile to porcess so please fill them out early so they have enough time to be returned prior to a field trip.
-Please provide a copy of your fingerprinting receipt to the school office, or send them an email to marinoa@cantonma.org to let us know you completed fingerprinting.
A Few Reminders
Attendance
As you know, school attendance is a key factor in student success. Whether excused or unexcused, frequent absences can lead to academic difficulties and can negatively impact social-emotional development. Students who regularly attend school are more likely to read well by the end of elementary school, pass important courses in the upper grades, and stay on track for graduation. We ask that families set expectations for good attendance and monitor their children's absences. Students who accumulate at least 3 absences will receive an attendance letter. This letter, in accordance with our elementary school handbook, is to inform you that your child has accumulated at least 3 absences this school year. Of course, some students have been absent because of illness and those families should be especially cautious about any other unnecessary absences for the remainder of the year.
*If your family chooses to go on vacation during the school year teachers will not be expected to provide work to be completed while your student is away.
Extra Clothing
Having some spare clothing at school is a good idea. We see food and drink spills, wet clothing from playing on the wet playground equipment as well as bathroom accidents. There is a limited amount of spare clothing available in the health office so it is a good idea to put an extra outfit in a labeled zip lock bag to leave in backpacks or cubbies for emergencies. We highly recommend it for K-2 students.
Around Town Events
Canton Public Schools has a Community Resources and Information Page on its website titled Around Town. This page lists resources and events taking place in our community. To access the information on this webpage, use this link: About/Around Town.
This webpage will be updated periodically.
School Info.
School Hours: 9:10 AM - 3:25 PM
Adult supervision provided at 8:50 AM for breakfast or morning recess
Breakfast: 8:50 - 9:05 AM
Early Release: 12:20 AM (no lunch served)
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Alana Marino, Administrative Assistant
Kathryn Gallahue, Assistant Principal
Email: watsons@cantonma.org
Website: https://www.cantonma.org/kennedy/index
Location: 100 Dedham Street, Canton, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 821-5080
Twitter: @JFKGallahue
Office hours will be 8:30 AM - 3:45 PM.