Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school! It is always exciting to start a new school year as we look forward to the many opportunities and activities that lie ahead of us. My prayer is that this year will be a blessing to you and your family. Our theme this year is "Blessed are the Peacemakers", based on Matthew 5:9. We are making the topic of Peacemaking a major topic of our year. We will be implementing a conflict resolution program called "The Young Peacemakers" throughout all grades. More information on this program will be sent home and shared with parents at Back to School Night.

I want to welcome one new staff member. Jill Kusel is our new resource teacher. This position is new at St. John's and is designed for students who need additional help in school. If you have concerns about your child, Jill can answer any general questions, but if you feel your child needs resource services, please meet with your child's classroom teacher. Ultimately, the teacher will make the referral. More information on the resource program can be picked up in the office.

Please take the time to read through the 2004-2005 Parent Handbook. There are a few changes and additions. When you have had a chance to read through it, sign and tear out the last sheet and turn it in to your child's teacher. This handbook is intended to share with you policies and procedures at St. John's Lutheran School.

1. New Web Site: The school has a new website (stjohnsnapa.org). The intent of this website is to publicize information about the school and be a source of communication and resource for our school and church families. Our weekly newsletter, "On Eagles Wings" will be posted each week. The school calendar on the website will be updates as changes or additions occur. If you have a chance, take a look!
2. Tuition: Tuition is due on the 1st of the month and delinquent on the 10th. If tuition is not received by the 10th of each month, a $25.00 late fee will be charged. If you would like to have your tuition automatically deducted from your checking account each month, please stop by the school office.
3. School Sportswear: If you would like to order school sweatshirts, tee shirts, etc., please have your order in by Tuesday, August 31st. You can place your orders in the school office. Stop by room 7 to see styles and sizes. Any questions please contact Mr. Hauch, room 7.
4. School Supplies: Should you need to purchase school supplies there are two great ways to help St. John's. First, if you shop at Staples, stop in the office and purchase some Staples Scrip. They come in $25.00 denominations. Second, if you shop at Office Depot, be sure to tell them you go to St. John's Lutheran and the school will receive 5% of your purchase amount.
5. Yearbook: If you have not ordered your yearbook for this school year, stop by the school office and prepay your $22.00 fee. We will be ordering soon and can't guarantee you will receive one if not purchased by 9-15-2004. Don't be left out of some terrific memories.
6. Cub Scouts: If you have a 1st-5th-grade son and are interested in Cub Scouts, don't miss the fun. Our first Pack meeting is Sept. 1st at 7 pm here at St. John's in the gym. Boy's will learn skills and have all kinds of fund and adventure, learn leadership and enjoy the outdoors. For more info. Contact Vicky Bartelt at 258-1451.
7. Science Fair: This year's Science Fair will be earlier than last year. The dates are December 3rd-5th. Applications went home during registration. If we missed you at registration they will go home with your child on Friday, 8-27-04. Don't forget 7th & 8th grade are required to do a project, and 6th grade might use this as a practice year. If you need help coming up with an idea, call Vicky Bartelt at 258-1451 or email her. Applications must be turned in by Sept. 10th to allow for plenty of time to complete a project.
8. PALS & Yard Duty: We are in need of someone to work Preschool PALS on Tuesday and Thursdays from 1:30-6:00. This is a paid position. If interested please see Janis King in the Preschool room. If you are interested in working yard duty any or all days from 11:45 until 1:00, please contact Cindy Zeller in the school office. This is also a paid position. Please help out and give our teachers a much-needed break.
   
   K-8 PALS: If you would like to work K-8 PALS please contact Julia Mahoney at 738-6444
9. APT: There has been a last minute resignation creating a vacancy on the APT Executive Board. We are looking for a committed, detail minded person to serve as APT Secretary for the 2004-2005 school year. Please contact Vickie Lancaster at 328-7754 or 258-1218. This important position MUST be filled ASAP!
   
   Meeting: The 1st general membership meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 14th at 6:30pm in room 10. All Get on Track and Back 2 School BBQ chairpersons and interested volunteers need to attend this meeting. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Babysitting will be provided.
   
   Get on Track & Back 2 School BBQ: This year Get on Track will be held on Friday, Oct. 15th (note change from purple school calendar) immediately followed by our 1st annual Back 2 School BBQ with great food, games for the kids and a raffle. Don't miss out on our first school fundraiser and great chance to get re-acquainted with all your SJLS friends and make new ones! Tickets for the BBQ will go on sale at Back to School night, September 9th. After that, they will be available for purchase in the school office.
   
   

   Mark your calendar for future APT Meetings

   September 14, 2004

   November 9, 2004

   January 18, 2005

   March 15, 2005

   May 17, 2005

10. Mosaic Help! Due to one family emergency after the next, I have gotten painfully little done with the mosaic project for the Faith Chapel. I am now returning to school and I'd really like to see this project completed before winter. I am asking for help from any of you out there who may be interested. Experience is not necessary. Honest!! If you can do a jigsaw puzzle, you can help with this!!
    
    I will be at home in my shop from 10-3 every Tuesday and Thursday beginning on August 31st until it's done. Please call me at 255-6996 or 337-2663 if you can be part of this project in any way. I will welcome any amount of time you can offer.

    Thank you,

    Francesca Kirkpatrick 1350 Hestia Way, Napa

11. After School Music: Sharon Olson and Bill Gantt will be offering chorus and band classes to students in grades 2 and up. Registration night will be on Thursday, September 9th at the Vintage High School Cafeteria from 6:30-7:30. For more info, you may pick up a flyer in the school office.
12. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
    
    4th, 5th and 6th Graders: We meet this Sunday, August 29th for "Water Wars!" We'll be meeting at 1pm out on the school's blacktop to play lots of fun games with water. You may bring your squirt guns but if you don't have one, we'll have one for you. We'll also have hundreds of water balloons, so you won't need to bring any. But make sure you wear something you can get wet in and don't forget a towel. We'll finish up at 3 pm, out on the playground. Hope to see you on Sunday and don't forget to bring your friends who are in the 4th, 5th or 6th Grade! Any questions, call Steve Dierker at 290-7980.
    
    7th and 8th Graders: Don't forget to talk to you parents this weekend about the "Youth Quake"! You need to get your $99 in by this Monday, August 30th otherwise the cost goes up to $115. The dates of the Quake are November 12-14, 2004 and we'll be staying at the Sheraton Hotel in Concord. Any questions call or email Steve.
    
    And don't forget that our next Jr. High Night happens on Friday, September 17th. We'll meet from 7-9 pm in the gym for a "Mexican Fiesta"! We'll have a bunch of fun games to play, based on the Mexican theme. So come dressed in Mexican clothes and you'll score some extra points for your team. It's sure to be a fun party, so make sure you save the date!