Principal's Update
Some Important News from JFK
Hello JFK Families –
An important note about fidgets…While we recognize that some students have learning plans that allow for the accommodation of a fidget to support their attention and self-regulation during the school day, we have noticed an increase in students bringing toys to school which have caused some classroom disruptions.
Appropriate fidgets are soft items that can be held discreetly in a student’s hand while they work. They should be specifically designed to support focus and should not make noise or be visually distracting.
If your child has a plan that allows for this accommodation, please support us in helping create a productive classroom environment for all students by providing an appropriate fidget.
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IMPORTANT!!! SBA testing begins next week. Students must come to school with a fully charged laptop every day. Please remind your child.
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Staff Appreciation Week is NEXT WEEK! Last call for gift cards!
The PTO is coordinating a gift card donation drive and has created a Sign Up Genius link 2026 Staff Appreciation Sign Ups for gift card donations for staff members. We are accepting donations as well. All donations will support staff appreciation treats, gifts and activities. Please send the gift cards to the main office by Wednesday, May 3rd.
Thank you to the Gorski, Munson, Mahoney, Testa, Leland, Meiners, Toce, O’Rourke, Fields, Tushe, Wang/Dimond, Liebler, Mitchell, Pisano, Porteus, Piurkowski and Lopa families for their donations. We appreciate you!
Thank you, also, to Dairy Queen, Lowe’s, Divine Rose and Aroma Joe’s for their staff appreciation donations! We are thankful for our community partners.
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The PTO is hosting an Appreciation Luncheon for Our Amazing Teachers & Staff
The PTO will be hosting a catered staff luncheon on Friday, May 8th. They’re looking for donations of desserts, drinks, and paper goods to help make this event extra special.
If you’d like to contribute, please sign up Staff Luncheon Sign Up
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LOST AND FOUND! Is your child missing anything? Our Lost and Found is filled to capacity! Please ask your child to check the Lost and Found rack or feel free to stop by after school (3:00-3:45pm) to see if any of the items belong to your child.
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IMPORTANT DATES FOR 8th GRADE FAMILIES:
The 8th grade carnival is Friday, June 12th from 5:30-8:30pm.
There will be 8th grade promotion events on Wednesday, June 17th at the following times:
Team 8A 8:30-9:30
Team 8B 9:45-10:45
Team 8C 12:30-1:30
More information to follow.
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E.C. Goodwin will be offering a 4-day Techno Camp this summer in conjunction with The Center For Justice. The program is for students who are currently in 6th & 7th grade (who will be entering 7th and 8th grade in the fall) and are interested in learning more about their trade technologies.
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Southington Middle School Athletics Association has partnered with the Hartford Athletic with a group of tickets for the upcoming May 9th game. Come support the Athletic as they play Detroit City FC. A portion of all tickets purchased will be donated back to SMSAA for middle school sports in Southington.
Tickets can be purchased here - Hartford Athletic tickets - May 9, 2026 at 7:00pm
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
The Town of Southington Veterans Committee and the American Legion Auxiliary are sponsoring an ongoing care package event for our Southington Army troops that have been deployed to the Middle East for 6 to 12 months. Please help us support them with items most wanted and needed. Donations can be dropped off in the main hallway.
Items needed are: protein powder and drinks, K-Kups (coffee or tea), packets of tuna or chicken, beef jerky, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, granola or cereal bars, gum, hard candy, trail mix, raisins, cookies, peanut butter crackers, ZipLock bags, lip balm, hand and body lotion, eye drops, travel size shampoo and conditioner, crossword or word search books, Yatzee, dominoes, yoyos, dice, playing cards, Nerf balls, Frisbees
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As a reminder, the SPS BOE Dress Code policy can be found here: (Southington Public Schools Dress Code). Clothing should cover all undergarments and not expose a bare midriff. Please be mindful that crop tops are not allowed.
It is the prerogative of the administration to determine if student attire is conducive to the learning environment. Therefore, please use a conservative approach when discussing appropriate attire for school with your child.
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Chromebook charges must be paid for your child to attend a field trip. Notices are sent home on a regular basis from the technology department.
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Ask the Admins! Do you have a question or something to share with me or Mr. Halloran? If so, we encourage you to use the link below to submit any questions you may have. The link will be open all year long. Please use this link to submit a question or share something with us: Ask the Admins
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Follow us on Instagram @jfkms06479!
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FROM THE PTO:
Celebrate Your 8th Grader in Style!
Show your pride and cheer on your 8th grader with a custom 8th grade lawn
sign! Order Online: Lawn sign
Cost is $25 each. Pay by cash or check. If you prefer, you may send in payment to the main office.
Signs will also be available for purchase (with same day pick up) on each of the concert nights.
If not ordering online, in an envelope, please include the following and send the envelope to the office:
Cash or check (JFK PTO)
A note labeled “8th Grade Lawn Sign Order”
Your student’s name clearly written
Lawn sign pickup is Friday, May 8
Time: 2:30–4:30 PM
Location: 128 Milldale Ave, Plantsville
Contact: Angela - 203.213.7355
Our 8th graders are getting ready for a BIG milestone!
To celebrate their middle school journey, JFK PTO is planning a special 8th Grade Carnival on June 12th — and we need your help!
Donate by:
• Sending a check (memo: “8th Grade Carnival”), or
• Clicking this link to give electronically: 8th Grade Carnival Donations
Who Needs to Purchase Gift Cards?
All school year long, when you purchase gift cards from RaiseRight, a percentage back goes to our PTO!
How it works:
• Buy gift cards at full value from 750+ brands. Pick from eGift cards and physical gift cards.
• Earn up to 20% on every gift card you buy.
• Use gift cards at full value for your everyday purchases.
• Watch your fundraising account grow throughout the year, thanks to the brands that give back to support your community! Get started today!
Create a free fundraising account on the RaiseRight mobile app or at Raise Right.
Have questions or need our organization’s enrollment code? Contact: Jessica Springer-Cap at southingtonjfkpto@gmail.com - Enrollment code: Q33LHZN8RZLK
The Box Tops program is digital!
No more clipping! The new Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase, find participating products, and instantly add earnings to our school's earnings online. Participating brands have changed their packaging to a new Box Tops label.
It's as easy as 1,2, 3!
1- Download the mobile app
2- Scan your store receipt
3- Earn money for JFK!
Mobile app information can be found on Box Tops along with participating products, Bonus Box Tops and Sweepstakes opportunities. Any questions, please email Jessica Springer-Cap at southingtonjfkpto@gmail.com
Have a nice weekend,
Sue Vitcavage