Dear Parents,

At our Back to School night last week, I shared some information about the Young Peacemakers program that we are implementing at St. John's this year. I wanted to once again give you a resource for this program so that you can be more informed about what we are doing. I you go to www.hispeace.org, you will see a description of what Peacemaker Ministries is all about. You will also note that there are resources there for families as well. As I mentioned before, we are focusing on the 12 principles of Peacemakers at the first chapel of the month. Our next chapel on this will be on Wednesday, October 6 at 8:40 a.m. I realize that many of you cannot make this time, but you are welcome to attend if you can!

As you know by the calendar, there is no school on Monday due to a faculty in-service day. The purpose of this in-service is to allow our teaching staff to review and revise different areas of our curriculum. As a staff, we are developing a written curriculum that is designed to meet the expectations of our school and allow more effective integration throughout our grades.

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: Get On Track planning meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 2:15 pm in the Fireside Room. Attention all Room Coordinators: Please bring the T-Shirt order forms from your class as well as the name of your sponsoring non-profit organization. Thank you! See you then! Liz Schrette and Jan Van Roekel.
2. 8th Grade Gift Wrap Fundraiser: Please continue to bring in your orders for qall the gift-wrap sales to your child's classroom, the 8th grade room or to the school office. All orders need to be turned in by Monday, September 27th. It may seem early to plan for gift giving for the holidays, but it is right around the corner. What a great way to support the 8th grade class. If you need an additional brochure, stop by the school office.
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. It's not too late to turn in applications for PS - 5th grade. Return applications to either your teacher or to the school office. All the projects are to be done individally. No partners!
   
   If you need help coming up with an idea, call Vicky Bartelt at 258-1451 or email her.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Target Take Charge of Education: Twice a year, Target donates up to 1% of purchases made using the Target Visa and Target Guest Card. There are three ways to designate St. John's as your supporting school: 1. Go online to target.com/tcoe 2. Stop by the kiosk at Target. 3. Call 1-800-316-6142. This past week we received a check for $187.34. Thank you for your support!
7. APT: Reminder for Room Parents - one parent from each class is required to attend all General APT meetings to be your classroom liaison. We were missing a few class representatives at our last meeting (4th, 5th, and 6th grades). Please note upcoming APT meetings and plan to attend - it's important!
   
   

   Mark your calendar for future APT Meetings

   November 9, 2004

   January 18, 2005

   March 15, 2005

   May 17, 2005

8. 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, May 1, 2003 - April 30, 2004, we earned just over $14,000.
9. Sunday School & Bible Study: Rally Day is this Sunday, September 19th, at 9:30 am. Classes are available for everyone, toddlers to adults. Please join us. If you have questions, please contact Penni Cremen at 257-7548.
10. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
    
    4th, 5th and 6th Graders: We meet again this Sunday, September 19th for our monthly meeting of "TGIS"! We go from 1-3 pm in the gym as we play some fun games. We'll have a snack and a devotion too, so make sure you invite your friends to join us this Sunday!.
    
    7th and 8th Graders: Don't forget to join us tonight for a "Mexican Fiesta"! We'll meet from 7-9 pm in the gym and we'll play a bunch of games based on the Mexican theme. If you come dressed in Mexican clothes, you'll score some extra points for your team. It's sure to be a fun party, so make sure you bring your friends!
    
    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.
    
11. Nutrition and Health: What is the right level of activity? Be sure that your children do less sitting around and more stretching & building up muscles. Encourage them to go outside and ride a bike or shoot hoops instead of watching TV or using the computer. Children should aim to get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days.