Dear Parents,

Thank you to all parents who attended our Back to School Night yesterday! I appreciate having the opportunity to share with you some important information about some exciting things that are happening at St. John's this year. I want you to know how much I appreciate it when you take time out of your busy lives to be a part of what is happening at your child's school. If you were not able to make it, please stop by the school office to pick up information handed out last night.

As I shared with parents last night, we have begun the accreditation process. We will be asking some of you to serve on accreditation focus groups. Please prayerfully consider getting involved in this process if you are asked. Also, if there is anyone who is interested to being a part of this process, please let me know!

We need your help! We are in desperate need of individuals who can work in our PALS (after school child care) program. If you are able, or if you know of someone who may be interested, please let us know!

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is issuing a challenge: Raise $2 million to assist those who survived the recent Hurricane Charley, and they will add $1 million in additional support. Charley struck Florida on August 13, killing 20 and causing upwards of $14 billion in damage. Millions of homes and churches were damaged or destroyed, lengthy power outages caused food to spoil and become unusable, and many find themselves unemployed after their workplaces closed down following the hurricane. The need is great!

If you are able and willing to make a donation, please make checks payable to Napa County Chapter of Thrivent Financial. Write Hurricane on the memo line and bring it to the school office. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Schmid.

1. Get On Track: We're off to a good start…but we still need volunteers to help us on October 15th, Get on Track Day. We have several opportunities for you to help out. We need help with decorations, clean up, Thrivent Financial Matching table as well as classroom distribution of certificates, hats, and water bottles. These time spots are only for 1/2 hour increments. Please call Jan Van Roekel, Liz Schrette at or stop by the school office.
   Our next meeting will be on September 21st at 2:15 in the Fireside Room.
2. 8th Grade Gift Wrap Fundraiser: Attached to this week's Eagles' Wings are the order forms for our annual gift-wrap fundraiser for the 8th grade class. Please enjoy browsing through the packet, order what you want and return the order to your child's class no later then September 27th. We hope to have delivery before the Thanksgiving break. The 8th grade class will keep nearly 50% of the profit so please have fun supporting the 8th grade!
3. Science Fair: Which type of animal manure will grow the tallest bean plant? Does a heavier person swing higher than a lighter person on a swing set? Find the answers you've been looking for at this year's Science Fair. The dates are December 3rd-5th. Extra applications are avilable at the school office. Applications were due today. Don't forget 6th, 7th & 8th grade are required to do a project. If you have not turned in your application, there is still time, but you are reducing the amount of time you can work on your project. For 6th-8th grade, you will be docked points for every day you are late. All the projects are to be done individally. No partners! Please turn in your application to your classroom or the school office.
   
   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.
4. PALS Sign-out: Please be sure to provide the PALS supervisor with a signed permission slip allowing your child(ren) to be released early from PALS to go to sports practice, music, or to be released to another parent. Please also inform them if your child(ren) will be returning to PALS that day. Your child(ren) will not be allowed to leave without a signed permission slip.
5. 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. 16th 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.
6. Moms in Touch: Moms in Touch will meet Monday mornings in the Fireside Room beginning September 13th at 8:30. All are invited to come and pray for our students, teachers, staff and school. Please contact Alice Piper if you have any questions.
7. Box Tops for Education: Please turn in your Box Tops to the school office as soon as possible. The next redemption is early October. Last school year, over $300 was earned
8. APT 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:The first annual Back 2 School BBQ needs a chairperson to help organize this event with our Get on Track co-chairs Jan Van Roekel and Liz Schrette. If you can help with this event, please call Liz at 255-0740 or Jan at 254-9228 ASAP!
   
   

   Mark your calendar for future APT Meetings

   September 14, 2004

   November 9, 2004

   January 18, 2005

   March 15, 2005

   May 17, 2005

9. The Scoop From Scrip: New Arrivals! Applebees $20, Big 5 Sports $25, Jamba Juice $25, Petco $25, and Sears/Orchard Supply $25.00. Thank you to everyone who is supporting this program! What a quick and easy way to support your children's school. All monies go directly to A.P.T. and help fund St. John's programs. Since May 1st we have earned a profit of nearly $3,000.00. Last year we earned just over $14,000.
10. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
    
    4th, 5th and 6th Graders: We meet again next Sunday for "TGIS"! Don't forget to join us on Sunday, September 19th, from 1-3 pm in the gym. We'll be playing some fun games, so make sure you invite your friends! See you next Sunday!.
    
    7th and 8th Graders: There is still time to join us if you want to go to the Jr. High Youth Quake! The dates of the Quake are November 12-14, 2004 and we'll be staying at the Sheraton Hotel in Concord. Check out the web site at www.youthencounter.org and click on the links to find answers to your questions. Don't forget, you only have until September 28th! Any questions call or email Steve.
    
    Don't forget to join us next 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 bring your friends!