Dear Parents,

Today was Get On Track day at St. John's. I want to thank APT for another great event. Special thanks go to Liz Schrette, Jan Van Roekel, and their committee for their hard work on this event. I also thank our teachers for their work in putting on the lunch barbeque. It was a great day of fun, fellowship, and fundraising.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work of our Board of Day School Ministry. This is a group of 8 individuals who develop and review policy for the school and help ensure that we are fulfilling our mission and goals at St. John's Lutheran School. Seven of the individuals are members of our church and one is appointed by the APT. All of the board members this year are also parents in the school. They are Bill Cremen (Chairman), Missy Loban, Karen Zachry, Beth Pratt, Kendall Bicknell, Sharon Telle, Corin Kennedy, and Tom Schrette. I want to thank them for their important role in the ministry of our school.

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!

The Church donations to date are $3,522.41
The school, through chapel offerings, has raised an additional $854.18. Contributions through chapel offerings will continue through November 10th. Thank you for your continued support!

1. 8th Grade Vallerga's Fundraiser: On Thursday, October 21st, between 4pm-8pm, the 8th graders will bag groceries and serve food at Vallergas on Solano Avenue. 5% of all proceeds will go to the 8th grade graduation fund. Spread the word to neighbors, friends and relatives to be sure to shop at this time. And don't forget to stop by the school office and purchase some Vallerga's Scrip.
2. Science Adventures After School Science Club: This week we start our new after school club at St. John's. This is a science club for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. The purpose of this club is to have fun learning about science and the scientific method. The fee is $65 for a 4 or 5-week session. The first session starts October 20th in Room 8. Additional sessions will be available throughout the year. Fliers are available in the school office. Please call Science Adventures at 1-888-458-1812 for questions and to register your child(ren).
3. 7th/8th Boys Volleyball: Congratulations to both St. John's boys' volleyball teams for a great showing at the 19th annual LSAA Volleyball Tournament last weekend. St. John's A went unbeaten in pool play, then defeated Prince of Peace 2-1 and Zion, Piedmont 2-0 to capture 1st place in the Gold Division.
   
   St. John's B took 2nd place in the Silver Division, defeating Prince of Peace B and Grace San Mateo before falling 25-21 to Our Savior, Livermore in the third game of their championship match.
4. Adult Basketball or Volleyball: Every Tuesday evening from 6pm-7pm we will be getting together to play either basketball or volleyball. All levels are welcome!! Hope to see you there.
5. 5th & 6th Grade Basketball: Practices are underway for our two girls' teams (Blue/White) and one boys' team. Permission forms and emergency consent forms must be tuned in prior to the first game.
   
   Parents volunteering to drive for away games must have proof of insurance (with required minimums) on file with the school. We are also looking for a couple of parents to organize the snack bar for home games. Please talk to Mr. Hauch.
6. Oktoberfest, The Great Party: Justin-Siena High School will be hosting their Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 23rd, from 5:30-11:00. There will be a silent and live auction, dinner, dancing. Dress is casual. You can purchase tickets by calling the Oktoberfest Hotline at 255-0950, ext. 606. Bring your friends-This event is going to be fun!
7. Lost & Found: Parents please go to room 10 and check for lost clothing. It is amazing how full the bins are. All items left unclaimed at our Thanksgiving break will be turned over to charity. Also, please remember to place your child's name on all jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc. If we can locate a name, we will return it to your child.
8. The Scoop From Scrip: What an easy way to support your school! Either sign up for e-scrip or stop by the school office to buy Scrip for the places you are going to shop. Why write a check to Macy's when you can write the check to St. John's, get your Macy's Scrip and have 8% donated to our school. Bath & Body contributes 5%, Kaybee Toys 7%, Toys R Us 3%, Jamba Juice 7%, Petco 13%, Applebees 8%, and Compadres 25%. Stop by the school office and help support St. John's Lutheran.
9. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
   
   7th and 8th Graders: Don't forget to join us tonight, Friday, for "Sports Spectacular". We will be meeting in the gym from 7-9 pm to play some wild and wacky sport games. Come dressed in your favorite sport attire and receive extra points for your team. Hope to see you tonight and don't forget to bring your friends!
   
   If you are involved in the Confirmation program this year, don't forget that we meet this Wednesday, October 20th from 6:30-8:30 pm in the gym. Please remember to bring your Bibles and binders.