THE ST. JOHN EAGLE
The Bimonthly Newsletter of
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church & School
6950 Ward Road
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
October/November 2011
From Our Pastor
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The three ecumenical (world-wide) creeds, the Apostles, the Nicene, and the Athanasian,
have been accepted by Christians through the centuries as being the correct explication of
and the very heart of Christian, Biblical teaching. They appear in the Book of Concord of
1580, statements of the articles of faith confessed by Lutherans.
We use them in the liturgy, and with good reason. Pastor William Cwirla, a minister of the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, gives a number of reasons(10 in all-a good, Biblical number!) why
we use the order of service that we do. Among them he lists the fact that parts of the liturgy go back
to the apostolic period and have their roots in the liturgies of the synagogue and the Sabbath, that the
liturgy is both God- and Christ-centered, that it teaches the whole counsel of God, that it is
transcultural, that it rescues us from the tyranny of the “here and now,” it is repetitive in a good way
and corporate, external and objective(involves everyone and can be applied to everyone), and, last
but certainly not least, it is the Word of God.
So the creeds are part of the liturgy and they are valuable because the liturgy GIVES what it
PROMISES! Do you want forgiveness of your sins, a stronger faith? Do you want to know WHAT to
believe? The liturgy gives you all that. You may not feel it. Faith/trust in Jesus Christ as our God
and Savior is NOT A FEELING. It is certainty. It is truth. It is not wishy-washy, does not change with
every wind of teaching. It is lost with falsehood and lies. Faith KNOWS what it believes and holds
fast to the truth of the Word of God under any and all circumstances, because all people, who are
sinners, can mislead. But God cannot and does not lie.
Come to liturgy! Come expecting your faith to be fed on GOD’S WORD!
Yours in Jesus,
Pastor Ron Oravec
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Lessons
Oct.2
Duet. 3:1-29
Matt. 7:1-12
Nov. 6
Jer. 8:18-9:12
Matt. 23:13-39
Oct. 9
Duet. 8:1-20
Matt. 10:24-42
Nov. 13
Jer. 26:1-19
Rev. 13:1-18
Matt. 26:20-35
Oct. 16
Duet. 14:1-2, 22-23,
14:28- 15:15
Matt. 13:24-43
Nov. 20
Dan. 1:1-21
Matt. 28:1-20
Oct. 23
Duet. 24:10-25:10
Matt. 16:13-28
Nov. 27
Is. 1:1-28
1 Peter 1:1-12
Oct. 30
Deut. 31:30-32:27
Matt. 20:1-16
From Our Board of Stewardship
Winston Moeller
STEWARDSHIP - A SPIRITUAL ISSUE
Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God
and God’s family, the Church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes.
The above definition of Christian stewardship emphasizes the broad scope of what Biblical
stewardship is all about. Unfortunately, stewardship is often held hostage by a villain named “Paying
the Bills.”
God’s word tells us in Gen.2:15 “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it.” In 1 Peter 4:10 we read “Each one should use whatever gift he has
received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
God’s stewards live with an awareness of the PRESENT and the FUTURE, of TIME and
ETERNITY.
God’s word tells us in 1 Tim.6:17-19 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly
provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
We are rich for He was poor; is not this a wonder?
Therefore praise God evermore, here on earth and yonder.
Take your STEWARDSHIP seriously!
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From Our Board of Evangelism
Jill Rogers
You will hear many people say things like “Where did the summer go?”, or “I can’t believe
that the kids are back in school already!” It’s true that time can seem to move so
quickly that we just can’t keep track of it. We have to work at enjoying the
moments that we are given and living the time that we have. Experience the
time, don’t just get through it.
When we look at what matters to us, our faith, our relationship with our
families, kids, career, we hopefully realize that out of all of this, our faith and
where we will spend eternity is the most important. When we realize this,
hopefully this will embolden us to make sure that those who matter in our lives also
know about their Savior Jesus Christ and where they will spend their eternity. Although it may be
uncomfortable at times, it is so important to have that conversation with those people. Pray, and then
take a step outside your comfort zone and make yourself have that conversation; I am sure that you
will feel better knowing you shared Christ’s saving grace with that person. After all, what is more
important in the “big scheme of things?”
I pray that we all try to “live in the moments” and really experience the wonderful gifts that the Lord
gives us each and every day. Don’t just get through the day, LIVE IT!
In Christ,
Evangelism Committee
2011 “Buy A Brick” Program
44 Bricks Have Already Been Pledged
We are on our way to meeting our goal of 74 bricks for 2011.
(April 1st 2011 to April 1st 2012)
The “Buy-A-Brick” program is the pledging and giving
program we have to pay-off our mortgage for the Capital Campaign
Building Expansion/Renovation Program.
“$1.00 A Day Pledge”
With a donation, your name will be added to the number of bricks you are donating on the picture of the building
that is displayed in the narthex. You can pay in one payment of $365.00 or on a monthly basis. Pledge forms and
electronic giving forms are in the wall-mounted holders in the Narthex. Thank you for supporting St. John’s
renovation and expansion program.
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Reminder – Electronic Giving
Barbara Manning – Board of Finance
Electronic giving is a simple and convenient way to contribute your weekly offering. It can be
deducted from your checking account or charged to your credit card on a weekly,
biweekly, or monthly basis. This fall, consider signing up for electronic giving. St. John
relies on the financial support of the congregation and electronic giving offers an easy
way to give on a recurring basis. Forms are available in the narthex. You contact the
church office or a member of the Board of Finance for further details.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Barbara Manning – Board of Finance
Thank you to all the Thrivent members who have donated their Choice Dollars to St. John. The
total donations received during the 2010-2011 fiscal year were $6,338 for the church and
$1,036 for the school. These donations are greatly appreciated and it is easy to
designate your Choice Dollars to be donated to St. John. For information on how you
can donate to St. John using your Thrivent Choice Dollars, contact Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans at 1-800-847-4836 or the local Thrivent office at 695-2200.
Adult Choir
Karen Foote
Our adult choir has begun rehearsing on Sundays after the 10:30
service. Please consider joining us as we prepare to lead God's people in
song. Our rehearsals are short, fun, and uplifting. See Karen Foote or a
choir member if you are interested.
Lutheran Women In Mission are looking for new members to join them in their “Good
Shepherd’s work”. There are only three sessions a year that consist of a very brief
meeting, light entertainment, lunch, and a speaker. The fall gathering is Saturday,
October 8, 10 am–2pm at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Oliver and East Felton Sts. in North
Tonawanda. Mission project is “Jammies for Gls.”
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Lutheran Campus Ministry’s annual Reformation Celebration for WNY Lutherans will be held on
Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 453 Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda at 3
p.m. The Rev. Robert Rickus will be the speaker. He teaches a course in UB’s Religious Studies
program and is a former Chair of the Inter-Lutheran Commission for Campus Ministry on the Niagara
Frontier. A reception will follow. Supported in part by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Luther’s Small Catechism (with explanation), will be available through the office.
It
contains: Luther’s preface to the Small Catechism, Books of the bible, creeds and
confessions, an explanation of Luther’s seal, a “salvation outline”, the church year, 50
terms about worship & God’s house, intertestamental time symbols & their meanings, and
indices of bible quotes and topics. If you would like to purchase a catechism, please
include name and a check made out to St. John Lutheran Church for $12.00 in an
envelope and leave in the “inbox” located on the counter in the office.
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From Our Ladies’ Group
Lana Oravec
Greetings to Everyone.
Fall is now here. Hope everyone enjoyed their warm summer days.
Our next fundraiser will be a new outside door for the altar guild room which is needed very
much and will probably cost around three thousand dollars. Wow!!!!!
Donations are always welcome and appreciated. Anyone wishing to make a donation, please
make your check payable to St. John Lutheran Church Women.
Give the check to our church secretary, Judy Murray or Lana Oravec.
Ladies’ Group Coming Events
1. Rummage Sale will be October 14 and 15th
Set-up on October 13th at 3:15 p.m. Please bring items
Wednesday evening (Oct. 12) and Thursday ( Oct 13th) and
if need be - Friday morning (Oct. 14)
2. Keep saving items for our Holiday Boutique. Save all holiday items and
nice things that we can sell at our next Election Day ham dinner. Any
questions concerning the boutique, please call Barb (Elzer) Michno at
731-2533.
3. Election Day Ham Dinner is November 8, 2011. Tickets will be $9.00
for adults. Children $5.00 (ages 5 to 12) and children under 5 are free.
It’s a great meal. Come one come all!!!!!!!
Sorry to say, The Ladies Group will no longer be able to supply food and beverages for funeral
lunches. If families are willing to supply their own food and beverages, our Ladies Group will still set
up and serve the meal.
Hope to see you at our next meeting on October 18th, 2011 at 7 p.m.at the church. All women of
the congregation and school are welcomed.
God’s blessings…
Directory Update
Baptisms
Camryn Ameila Fontana
Daughter of Craig & Katelyn Fontana
7/3/11
Deaths
Leona Doebler, 6/11/11
Transfers
Michael & Callum Beutel
Transferred to Grace Lutheran in
Alabama
Charles Weir
Son of William & Lorrie Weir
7/6/11
New Address
Carl & Sharon Wolff
1019 Outen Pond Road
Mt. Croghan, SC 29727
Merle Roger Law
7/20/11
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Memorials
Leona Doebler
September 16, 1917 - June 11, 2011
St. John Lutheran Church – Women’s Group - $1,090.00
Diane & Harold Running
Ellie Jablonowski
Winston Moeller
Beverly Harder
Judy Murray
Ann & Ed Weaver
Allene Horack
Margaret & Butch Failing
Fred & Betty Wurl
Gail Tumia
Barb Stones
Carole Doebler
Jim & Ann Schnell & Family
Carol Foshee & Family
Cheryl Tumia & Henry
Jane & Dave Tober
Dana Waselus
Jeff & Ellen Brock & Family
Karen & Tom Beiersdorf & Family
Joan Taylor
Dave & Faye Schnell & Family
Lorelei Luther
William Andrees
Robert Schnell Family
Frank & Donna Cornell
Frank & Gaynel Flay
The Milne Family
JoAnn & Eldon Meyer
GOD’S BLESSINGS of comfort to the family of Eunice Foote, who fell asleep in
Jesus on Friday, September 9, 2011.
HENRY AND KAREN FOOTE AND
FAMILY would like to thank all their friends and family for the prayers, cards,
food, and support during this difficult time.
ST. JOHN will once again be selling the Entertainment 2012 books this year.
Books are only $30 and will be available though the office. AVAILABLE NOW!
THE WHEATFIELD FARM MARKET at the Wheatfield Town Hall provides a
source for local specialty food items, produce and some crafts. It is open each
Wednesday from 3-7 pm through the end of October. The Market’s goal is to both
promote our local farming community, businesses as well as a gathering place for
residents.
BOTTLE & CAN INFORMATION! Our bottle and can drive continues and with the
return of school, we hope that it will pick up again. Some changes have
been made to make it easier for everyone to contribute. We are now
registered at the BOTTLE JUNCTION which is located on Niagara Falls
Blvd. in the plaza that also has Bridges Chiropractic. When you drop off
your bottles at BOTTLE JUNCTION, all you have to do is take them in
and tell them that it is for St. John Lutheran Church and School. You do
not have to count them and if you need help getting them out of the car,
they will do that too. Once the bottles and cans are counted they will go onto the St.
John account. This is a much easier way to contribute to the church and school and it is
quick and easy. We will still have a container here at the church for anyone to put their
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cans and bottles in. There will be a container/crate located in the back of the building
by the garages or back door, that you can put your cans or bottles in also. These
changes will begin in Sept. Please consider supporting the church and school by your
contribution of bottles and cans. The proceeds will go directly to either a need or a
mission for the church and school.
From Our Principal
Mr. Herb Meissner
My daughter Kelly and her husband Bill live in
Pennsylvania where their three children attend a
Lutheran School. Because their school begins a week earlier then ours I was able to
attend my grandchildren’s opening chapel service. The pastor of the church, who had
the opening service, posed the question, “How can you love someone you don’t know?”
After discussing the answers with the students it became obvious that one can’t. He
followed with the question, “How can we love God if we don’t know Him?” Again the
answers were we can’t.
There is only one way to know God and that is through His Word. We cannot love
God if we don’t hear the Word of God or we don’t read it and study it; we cannot love
one we don’t know. Our desire for ourselves and our children is to worship the God we
love. We desire Bible study for ourselves and our children because we desire to know
God more.
There is a lesson for all of us to learn in this message. God reveals himself to us
only through the Word. We may say we love God, but we cannot if we don’t study His
Word, or listen to the preaching and teaching of it. Coming to worship and bringing our
children to God’s House is preparing the next generation of Christians. He has given us
the responsibility to spread the Gospel message to the world. If we say we love God,
how can we avoid the study of His Word? The answer is we can’t.
Our churches have statistically lost 2/3 of their young people in their benches, and
about as many of their parents. My prayer is to have church benches filled with caring,
concerned parents teaching the children to know and love the Lord through weekly
attendance at worship and sincere study of His Word.
This summer we had a number of people work on various projects
throughout the church and school. From painting the classrooms, to working
on the church grounds (gardening and mowing lawns. etc.). The trustees have
been very active and faithful in working on projects throughout the building.
School and church families have spent time organizing and painting. Teachers
have given of their time in church projects, in addition to their classroom duties.
The church needs many more volunteers to serve on committee, boards or
offer services and outreach. If you are not involved in this way please
consider offering your service and respond affirmatively when called upon to
help.
Last school year we began in September with 28 students in Pre-K 3 and
4 and 129 K-8 students. This year the school opened with 24 students in
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Pre-K 3 and 4 and 152 students K-8. The overall increase is 20 new students being
added with 23 additional in K-8. With so many K-8 students, we increased the hours of
one of our part time teachers to full time to accommodate the need.
Jane Schulz is our PK3 and PK4 teacher and Lori Argo is her
aid. Heidi Sue McCormick teaches Kindergarten. With 21 students
Mrs. McCormick has Kathy D’Angelis as her aid and Julie Hanes an
aid to a special needs child in the class paid by the NFCSD. The
following are other full time teachers and the grade levels they teach: Edie Gath- grade
1, Katie Gundell- grade 3, Karen Foote- grade 4, Jodi Meissne r- grade 5 homeroom,
religion, literature and grades 5-8 math and computer, Henry Foote- grade 6 homeroom,
religion, literature and grades 5-8 social studies, and grades 5-8 boys gym, Rick Lyonsgrade 7 homeroom, grades 5-8 science and grade 2 social studies,
environmental studies, and gym in the afternoon, and Jan Werth- grade 8
homeroom, literature and ELA in the afternoon. I teach 7th grade advanced
math and cover several study halls for the 5-8 students and am the
administrator for the building.
Our part time teachers are Kathleen Ward who teaches grade 2 in the
morning, Wendy Rasch- our grades 7&8 Spanish teacher and 5-6, 7-8 girls
P.E., Jerry Truesdell- teaches grade 8 advanced regents Integrated Algebra, Estella
Bullwinkle our resource room teacher, and Dave Tripiciano our instrumental teacher and
band director.
We have an excellent staff who prepare our students for the present life in Christ and
for eternity. We ask for your prayerful support throughout this school year.
I would be remiss if I did not include our secretary and administrative
assistant Terrie Licht. She is a tireless worker giving of herself
continuously throughout the day and often taking work home with her.
The church and school is very fortunate to have her services.
Two other staff members who give much of their time are Michelle Campbelldirector of food services and has served us for over 10 years, as well as our janitor,
Sherrie Stacey, who is responsible for the clean building. Many volunteers (lunch,
library, etc.) are responsible for assisting in the Christian education all students
receive at St. John.
On October 4th the PTL will have its first meeting of the year. The topic of this
meeting is “Peer Bullying.” We expect a large crowd. Parents of the church,
school and friends of families are invited to attend. Jon Manth of Pro Active
Solution will be our speaker for the evening. Jon, an educator who has
done extensive research on this problem will share types of bullying and
ways to deal with it. Please encourage all to attend. It will be enlightening.
On October 21st beginning at 6:30 in the evening we are having a Science
Exposition. Students in grades 5-8 will be displaying a science project that
they have worked on from the beginning of the school year. They are using
the scientific method to develop this project. Students in grades 1-4 are
developing their own class project and display. An independent panel of
judges will judge the projects based on set criteria. That evening will also
include science family night where mom, dad and student will perform at least
a dozen different experiments at stations throughout the gym.
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The PTL is planning a spaghetti dinner on October 23 from 4-6 p.m.
The bulletin and school newsletter will have more information on ticket prices
and times within the next few weeks.
I had the privilege of attending the Creation Conference at Niagara Falls
Convention Center. It was outstanding! There are books in the library that
may be checked out on the questions most asked on evolutionary theory and
answered with scientific evidence pointing to the facts contained already in the
Word of God. May God be with us and bless us as we refute man’s word and
uphold God’s Word as the authority concerning creationism. May God richly
bless this church as it upholds the importance of this Lutheran School.
From Our Teachers
From The Learning Center (TLC)…
Mrs. Bullwinkle, Resource Teacher
Can you believe it! Here we are at the start of another school year.
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer, and is ready to get back into
the swing of things. St. John has truly been blessed this year, as our
enrollment is up to 151 students and 19 of those students are brand
new to our school. By the grace of God, our enrollment has increased, because without
Him this would not be at all possible. Our school theme this year is Sing for Joy to God
Our Strength, Psalm 81:1.
The Learning Center (TLC) had a terrific school year last year, and I am excited and
looking forward to starting another wonderful year. My theme for The Learning Center
(TLC) this year is “Bee” the Best That You Can Be!” “Bee” a Star Student! This means
we will work hard and strive to do our best. St. John has certainly proved that we are
the best elementary and middle school in Niagara County. Just look at our rankings
and you will see why our enrollment has increased.
The Learning Center (TLC) is a great place for students to come and receive extra
help that they need. We work hard. We often review during the first quarter, and as the
school year marches on, we learn new strategies. I collaborate with the classroom
teachers each week, and talk with them to find out what the students are
learning in class. As the resource teacher, I use that information and
prepare my lesson plans accordingly. I use a lot of hands-on materials; I
reinforce what they’ve learned through educational activities, games, and
websites. The students enjoy coming to The Learning Center (TLC) where
they have the opportunity to work one on one with me.
Separate from The Learning Center (TLC), I offer Tuesday Tutorials for
students who need a little extra help from time to time on any of their academic
subjects, as well as provide some challenging work for advanced students. I also offer
after school tutoring Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00.
If you feel your child would benefit from TLC or Tuesday Tutorials please speak to
your child’s classroom teacher first; they will give me their recommendations and your
permission. If you feel your child will benefit from after school tutoring, you are more
than welcome to come and speak to me directly. I will be happy to provide your child
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with extra assistance. In the mornings you will usually find me in the school office, so
feel free to contact me with any questions, or information about the program at 6939677 and you can always call me on my cell at 345-1979.
God’s Blessings to you and your family and have a terrific school year.
From Pre School…
Mrs. Schulz
At this writing we are in our second week of school. We had a very busy and
successful first week. We welcome our new classroom teacher aide,
Mrs. Lori Argo. We have 12 students in our 3 yr. old class and 13 in our
4 yr. old class with room for three more.
We have been learning our schedule, classroom routine, how to work
and play together, to share and take turns, and to listen and follow
directions. That's a lot to learn in two weeks.
We have been working on special classroom projects, mostly dealing
with apples. The calendar and weather are done each morning at Circle
Time, and we also sing, pray, go to the playground, eat snack, listen to
stories . . . never a dull moment in Pre School. We are looking forward to our
field trip to the Pumpkin Farm on Nash Rd. and all our special fall projects.
Kindergarten Kaleidoscope…
Mrs. McCormick
We have had a wonderful start to Kindergarten. This year we have 21 little ones
eager to learn and grow in their faith. We are so glad that Mrs.
D'Angelis has joined us as a teacher aide and is teaching Science.
Each day we work on Reading, Math, Phonics, Science and
Social Studies. In Math we are focusing on positional words like:
in, out, under etc., while in English/Language Arts, we are
reviewing our alphabet and starting to work on the sounds
that letters make. Community Helpers is our Social
Studies topic and the Five Senses is our focus in Science.
We are looking forward to our fall activities: Christian Education Sunday,
Fall Festival and our field trip to Kelkenberg Farms.
Happy Fall from the Kinder Kids!
From First Grade…
Mrs. Gath
We have been enjoying the wonderful weather out on our
playground. We have been reviewing all our kindergarten skills. We
have been working hard on learning new routines. We are learning
some new songs and hope to praise God with our voices in church
soon. We are looking forward to the changes that will be
taking place as fall settles in and the crisper temperatures to
bring out jackets. We will be going to Kelkenberg Farm to see
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the animals, have duck races, make rope, and get a pumpkin. We will be learning how
to read and spell. We are very excited about science and cannot wait until the Science
Expo. We will enjoy all the harvests and blessings that God has provided for us here at
St. John. We thank you for your support and prayers.
From Second Grade…
Mrs. Ward
Second grade has blasted off into learning. We have spent much of our
time exploring our classroom and learning our new routines and
procedures. We have also ventured out of our classroom through our
reading unit on Exploration. We have walked through the desert, visited
space through the eyes of an astronaut, and went camping with
Henry and Mudge. We are exploring new friendships and are
learning how to be a kind, trusting friend.
This year's school theme is “The Joy of the Lord is our Strength.” We will
explore what this means and how to apply this truth to our lives through songs
and Scripture. May the joy of the Lord be your strength as well.
From Third Grade…
Mrs. Gundell
Greetings from 3rd grade! We are off to a busy and exciting school year. There are
17 students in 3rd grade... and what a fantastic group!
On the first Friday of the school year, we were able to go to the Niagara
Falls Air Base for the air show. It was a memorable day. Mr. and Mrs.
Annunziato made this possible, and we are so grateful for that experience.
In math, we are making tally charts, pictographs, bar graphs, and line
graphs. Our "Walk the Plank" game has been a great way for the
students to review the basic addition facts.
The students have displayed beautiful posters of communities. They
worked in groups to show the differences of rural, suburban, and urban
communities. Check them out in the hallway downstairs.
Thank you for the prayers and support that you offer. I am excited to
begin this school year.
In Christ,
Katie Gundell
From Fourth Grade…
Mrs. Foote
Fourth grade has begun with such enthusiasm! The students are eager to learn new
things. We have two new boys in our class and are getting to know them as well as
catch up with our old friends.
The first few months of school will be spent with graphing, place value,
problem solving and mental math. On Wednesdays we will challenge ourselves
with the "Mad Minute." We seem to have so much vocabulary in fourth grade!
Just about every science, social and reading lesson gives us terms and
definitions to discuss and remember.
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We also have a brand new religion series this year. It has just been published by
Concordia Publishing House. The colorful illustrations and real life applications are a
welcome addition to what we are learning. Every morning we begin by studying God's
Word and what it means for us. We are forgiven sinners! We also spend time singing
and praying together. Please pray for us as we learn and grow.
From Fifth Grade…
Mrs. Jodi Meissner
We are off to a great start this year in fifth grade. St. John is at its all
time high in enrollment and with that comes an abundance of new
students joining our family. Fifth grade is lucky enough to welcome
three new students to our class, Luke, Michael and Jonathan! The fifth graders began
this year with loads of excitement and a bit of nerves while they were learning the
procedures of middle school.
We launched our new website with the start of the school year and
we are excited about all the new things we have available because of
it. Our new website allows the teachers to post homework, tests, and
upcoming field trips daily. This is a great way to help communicate
with our parents.
Our potluck/open house was a great success. It was a great time
for fellowship, as well as an instructional time for parents to learn how to use our new
website.
The middle school is planning a field trip to the Naval Park in Buffalo at the end of
September. We are excited to view the ships, learn something new and have time
shopping at the gift shop.
I thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we begin this year.
From Social Studies – Fifth, Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades…
Mr. Foote
Well here we go! A new year stretches out before us full of hopes and
promises. We are geared up to have a great year. One of the
exciting events of the Fall will be a field trip to the Naval & Military Park on
Sept. 30. This fits in very nicely with our study of American history. Our
room is full of artifacts from the past. Mr. Foote has even more interesting
items to come as the year moves along. Items that tie in with what we will be studying
throughout the year. It helps to foster the imagination and make connections to the
past.
We welcome four new students into the sixth grade this year. It is always a
nice experience to get to know new people among us. It makes for a wellrounded educational experience.
Just about everyone is looking forward to the soccer season. We will have
another strong team to compete with other Lutheran schools in the area. With
hard work we should be competing for another title again this year.
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From Science – Fifth, Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades…
Mr. Lyons
Well, we have had a fun first few weeks. This year I will be teaching Science to 5-8
grades in the morning and teaching the 2nd grade in the
afternoon.
The 5-8 grades are learning all about
the Scientific Method.
They have all started a six week science investigation project
which will be displayed at the Science Expo/ Family Science
Night on October 21 at 6:30 PM. I am looking forward to having a great and fun year.
From English/Language Arts – Fifth, Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades…
Mrs. Werth
What an awesome beginning to a new year! The 8th grade has 16 great kids in its
class who are all anxious to get learning! The reality of being at the top of the ladder is
sinking in to them and being leaders and good role models will be first on
their priority lists.
Al l students in grades 5 through 8 started the year off in English by writing
about a favorite vacation spot, and then in art, drawing a
t-shirt to represent it. Be sure to check the display out in
the hallway downstairs. The 7th and 8th grade literature
classes will begin the year with reading novels in class. Upon
completion we will move into our textbooks.
As with any year, we begin with Jesus as our leader and we will spend it
“Singing for Joy to God our Strength.”
From Spanish 8…
Ms. Wendy Rasch (Señora Mercedes)
Welcome Back! I hope all of my students are well rested and ready to learn
Spanish. I am eager to teach the eighth grade class many new things about both the
Spanish language (my passion) as well as the unique culture.
Students have learned both definite and indefinite articles in Spanish, as
well as how to form plural words. They have also been putting all of those
index cards to use and by now have learned approximately 250 new
Spanish vocabulary words. The vocabulary has included
expressions, family members and items which may be found in a
classroom. Each week we will be learning approximately 40 new vocabulary words, so I
encourage parents to quiz their son/daughter using the index cards.
In this upcoming month we will review the use ARverbs. Spanish verbs are very
different from English verbs since they change according to the person that is
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performing the action. Although this topic is very long and challenging, it is necessary in
order to have the students form actual sentences in Spanish.
Students will also expand their knowledge of Mexican culture through studying the “Dia
de los Muertos” otherwise known as The Day of the Dead. The Day of the
Dead is one of the most famous Mexican holidays. November 2 nd is the
official date for the Day of the Dead, although it is celebrated between
October 31rst and November 2nd. This celebration is not portrayed as a
morbid time, but rather a period full of life and excitement. On this feast,
families celebrate the deaths of their family members/friends. They hold special
ceremonies and feasts devoted to their deceased loved ones and make objects to
commemorate their lives. Today, the Day of the Dead is a cherished, complex
celebration where death is seen as life. The common principle for this holiday is,
whatever pleased the dead in life they are to have again. It is the holiday when the
whole family comes together- both living and dead. Mexicans believe it is a time for the
departed to join the living in the celebrations of the “continuum of life”.
If any student or parent ever has a question or concern, I encourage you to please
contact me at anytime at [email protected].
Again I am looking forward to meeting each parent very soon and I thank you all for
your ongoing support!
4th Annual St. John’s
SILENT & LIVE DINNER
AUCTION
Save The Date
March 24, 2012
Our 3rd annual dinner auction was a huge success and we are
staring to plan for next year’s dinner auction. To make the next
auction even more successful we need your help. The main area we need help
is in getting donations of large valued items for the live auction. Other areas
are getting items for the theme baskets, obtaining ads for the program, ticket
sales, decorations, setting up on the day of the auction, and making desserts.
If anyone would like to help with the auction or have any comments about
last year’s auction and ideas where we can improve, please contact Karin
Rogers at 731-4311 or [email protected].
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