
JFK is so very fortunate to have amazing staff. Our teachers work in a variety of ways to promote learning and success while meeting the needs of students. Along with this they are committed to improving their practice and positively impacting the lives of our students.
The Sioux Falls School District has Instructional Coaches to support teachers and enhance student success. Krista Peterka has served as the Instructional Coach at JFK for the past eight years. When teachers are eager to grow in their knowledge and practice, they can sign up to participate in coaching cycles and professional learning opportunities with Krista. Student-Centered Coaching is an approach that uses data to inform teaching and learning. This approach boosts the effectiveness of teachers, coaches, and most importantly, students. Krista’s greatest passion is to be in classrooms alongside students and teachers fostering growth and achievement.
In the first semester of the 24-25 School Year, we had several teachers that participated in Coaching Cycle's or Opportunities. Congratulations to Ms. Matia, Ms. Muhs, Ms. Mellegaard, Mr. Thorson, Ms. Lenz, Ms. Baker, Ms. Powell, Ms. Leininger, Ms. Tribble, Ms. Ekholm, Mr. Benda and Ms. Johnson for participating this semester. These teachers are exemplifying Lesson #3 from Jon Gordon’s The Hard Hat; “Choose to Be Humble and Hungry”. He writes: “The key to success is to be a lifelong learner who continuously works hard to improve. When you stay humble and hungry and focus on the process, you will love what the process produces.” - Pg 51.
At JFK Elementary, partnership, progress and creating a lasting impact on student learning is a focus. Thank you to each of these staff members for demonstrating that you are committed to improving your practices and positively impacting the students at JFK!











Congratulations to CLC on a successful Health and Wellness Fair held at JFK last night! We are thankful for your partnership and for all you do to support our community.
If you missed this event, there will be one more CLC Health & Wellness Fair at Anne Sullivan Elementary on March 25, from 4:30-7:00pm.


Reminder - there is No School on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025


Please use the attached link for the January 2025 JFK Newsletter.
https://secure.smore.com/n/zrc2v

Save the date!
JFK Family Literacy Night
Jan 21, 2025
6:00-7:30pm


Start 2025 with great habits! Being on time to school is important for students to get the most out of their day.
At JFK school starts at 7:40am. Students should be in class ready to work at that time to be considered ON TIME for school.
Dismissal is at 2:25pm.
Soar Eagles Soar!


Happy New Year from everybody at SFSD! Here's to another year of opportunities and possibilities. We are excited to welcome back students and staff TOMORROW, January 2nd, 2025! We can’t wait to see everyone!


Upcoming Community Health and Wellness Fair
Hosted by Community Learning Centers
Jan 16th 4:30-7:00PM at JFK Elementary
Please see attached fliers for more information.




There will be no school from Monday, December 23rd, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. We look forward to seeing you again on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025!
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!


Oh What Fun - A Sing Along!
JFK Specials Teachers Hosted Sing a Long time for students to attend today! Students and staff enjoyed this larger group time with holiday songs and cheer!
THANK YOU to our Specials Teachers for helping "Making Spirits Bright" at JFK today!




The Hot Cocoa Hall Walk was a great success at JFK. Students and Families were able to enjoy cocoa and stroll the halls to view and enjoy all of the Merry and Bright decorations. Thank you to everyone who came and participated. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Holiday Break!








Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond to inspire their students? Now is the time to make sure they get the recognition they deserve!
The Sioux Falls School District’s Teacher of the Year program celebrates outstanding educators who make a lasting impact in and out of the classroom. Applications are open through Monday, January 13, at 5 pm, and we want to hear about the amazing teachers who make our schools shine.
Visit: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/teacher-of-the-year-program to learn more and submit your application!
Help us celebrate the incredible work our educators do to shape the future. Tag a teacher or share this post to spread the word!


JFK November / December News:
Please use the link to view our recent newsletter.
https://secure.smore.com/n/rgxv6


JFK 5th graders are working at being leaders at school. They are asked to collaborate with younger students on occasion. Here 5th graders are helping 1st graders in small groups or one on one. Great job SOARing as leaders 5th Grade - and 1st grade staying On Task and Being Kind!





Thanksgiving Break:


A reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, November 27th, through Friday, November 29th. This season reminds us how much we have to be grateful for, especially our amazing students, staff, and families! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving break!


Help shape the future of the Sioux Falls School District by completing a survey about the most desired qualities of the next superintendent. The SFSD School Board is using an educational leadership search firm to gather input. https://hyasurvey.com/SiouxFalls


John F Kennedy Elementary 5th Graders
2024-2025
Present a Musical Program
“On the Radio”
By John Jacobson and John Higgins
Tuesday, November 19th, 6:30 PM


The first week of November, JFK had a Collection Drive to give back to our community. Students were asked to bring nonperishable food items - like Tuna, Helper Box meals & Peanut Butter and personal care items - toothpaste, soap, shampoo and more. With the help of our families and friends, 35 large boxes of items were collected. These were taken to Peace Lutherans Necessities for Neighbors and the Mobile Food to You Program to support the needs of others in our community.
Thank you to all of the JFK students, families and friends for your support and helping us to give back to the community.






JFK Fall Band and Orchestra Concert
