December 5th Newsletter

December 5, 2016

PRAYER FAMILIES
In our prayers this week, we remember the following school families: Steve & Dawn Jurgens, Nick & Lacey Jurgens, Ron & Abby Kassmeier, and Brent & Kathryn Katz.

CHAPEL OFFERINGS FOR NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
In November and December we will be collecting money for Mercy Meals. This program packs nutrition meals to help fight world hunger and the effects of Malnutrition globally.  We are planning to pack meals again in January, but first we are working to raise funds for our packing.  Martin Seckel, a member of St. Paul’s, has donated $500 for a matching gift for this project.  I have challenged the students to reach the goal of $500 raised for this project. So far we have collected $211.40.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The date has been set: We will be packing Mercy Meals at St. Paul’s on Monday, January 9th! Mark your calendar and please plan to come help if you can. We will need many parent volunteers.

DECEMBER CALENDAR & LUNCH MENU
The December calendar was sent home last week. Please save it for reference during the month of December. After printing, the lunch menu was changed. The 13th and 20th menus are switched, so the Christmas meal is on Tuesday, the 13th.

ADVENT
Advent began on Sunday, November 27th. We will again have the opportunity to prepare ourselves for Christmas by attending the midweek Advent Services: Dec. 7th, Dec. 14th, and Dec. 21st beginning at 7:00 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Plan now to worship on these Wednesday evenings and invite a friend or relative to join you. A supper will be served beginning at 5:30 PM on these Wednesdays before the evening service. A free will offering will be taken for the meals. This week the St. Paul’s Board for Parish Education will be serving Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and Salad.

UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
The 2nd Grade will make their monthly visit to Mosaic on Friday, December 9th.

LUNCH AND TUITION BILLS
December tuition is now due. November lunch bills will be sent home this week.

TESTING
The students in Grades K-5 are taking easyCBM progress tests last week and this week. Thank you to Bev Duensing for volunteering to administer these tests.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE
Saturday, December 17th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is the only Saturday practice scheduled. It is very important for all children in Pre-School through 5th Grade who will be participating in the program to be at this rehearsal. Please make every effort to have your child at church on time for the rehearsal and to pick your child up at the time rehearsal will be over. Rehearsal times are:
Grades 1-5: 3:00 PM Program—Practice from 8:30-10:00 AM
Pre-School, Pre-Kindergarten, & Kindergarten: Both 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM Programs—Practice from 10:00-10:30 AM
Grades 1-5: 5:00 PM Program—Practice from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM

BOOK FAIR WRAP-UP
Our book fair was a huge success, and we want to thank all the volunteers and shoppers who made it possible. We sold 654 books, which is 117,720 minutes of reading!

COAT DRIVE
The LYF is again collecting items for the local Coat Pantry.  This is a service to members of our community who are not fortunate enough to have items to get them through the cold weather. We have a container available for you to drop off your coats, stocking caps, scarves, gloves, and mittens. The Pantry is especially in need of children’s items.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!! If you have anything to donate, please send it in to the school.

LIBRARY CHECK-OUTS
All library check-outs will be due Monday, December 19th. Because of the long Christmas holiday, all library books, DVD’s, videos, and magazines are to be returned by Monday, December 14th, and there will be no new check-outs until after Christmas vacation.

5TH GRADE CLASS CHAPEL
The 5th grade class will present their Class Chapel on Wednesday, December 21st at 8:30 Am. Parents are invited to worship with us at this special Chapel, as well as any Wednesday.

CHRISTMAS VACATION
Christmas vacation for students in Grades K-5 begins with the dismissal of class at 11:45 AM on Wednesday, December 21st. Classes resume again on Wednesday, January 4th at the regular time. The last class before Christmas for the Pre-School students is Tuesday, December 20th. Pre-School classes resume on Thursday, January 5th at regular times. The last class before Christmas for the Pre-Kindergarten students is Monday, December 19th. Pre-Kindergarten classes resume again on Wednesday, January 4th at regular times.

SECRETARY POSITION
St. Paul’s Lutheran School will need a new secretary beginning in January. Necessary skills for the position include: knowledge of computer programs for word-processing and record-keeping, strong organizational skills, and the ability to use office equipment including copiers and fax machines. This is a part-time, paid position. For more information or to apply, please contact Mrs. Duever at 402-223-3414 or drop by the school office in the mornings. Deadline to apply is December 31st, 2016.

SCRIP CARDS
Giving Gift Cards for Christmas this year? Order your gift cards through our St. Paul Lutheran School “Scrip Card” program and our school automatically gets money in return at no extra cost to you! Order forms are located in the narthex, church office, school office, and on the school’s website. Orders will be placed on December 12th. Order forms can be turned in to the church or school office.

SUNMART RECEIPTS
SunMart cash register receipts update: Our total is $41,572. Thanks to everyone who helps us collect these receipts, every receipt helps.

In Christ,

Amy Duever