Dear Parents,

I want to thank all of you who recently completed our parent survey. We had 126 surveys turned in, which represented over 180 students. These surveys are being used as part of our self-study process for accreditation. The surveys generally were very positive and indicate a real love for this school by so many parents. Although this survey didn't allow for a lot of written feedback, the comments we did receive are very constructive and helpful. We will be doing at least one more survey this spring that is more open-ended and is designed for more written responses.

This past week, we finished 5th & 6th grade basketball. I want to thank our coaches for their contribution of time and talent for the benefit of our kids. Thank you to our girls' coaches, Steve Cardey, Doug Braddock, Eric Grigsby, and Jerry Snorek. Thank you to our boys' coaches, J.T. Mason and Marc Anderson. I also want to thank their wives for giving them up for the past two months. These volunteers have made a tremendous contribution to our kids.

Blessings to all of you as we enter this last week of school before Christmas Break. May the hopeful message of Advent give you joy!

Wednesday Chapel offerings in the amount of $231.75 have been collected since the beginning of the second trimester. We will continue throughout this trimester to donate to the Napa Food Bank. Thank you to everyone for supporting this local cause.

1. Hot Chocolate and Doughnuts: Hot Chocolate and Doughnuts will be served by the student council for grades K-8 on Tuesday, December 14th at morning break. Hot chocolate will be 50 cents and doughnuts will be 50 cents. Stop by and say "Happy Holidays" to your student council this Tuesday morning!
2.  

   	The Students and Staff of St. John’s Lutheran Church & School Present:
   	"Blessed Are The Peacemakers"
   	Sunday: December 12, 2004
   	2:30 p.m.	Preschool, 1st & 2nd grade, Tone Chimes Praise Choir
   	3:15 p.m.	Fellowship in Parish Hall
   	4:00 p.m.	Kindergarten, Handbells, Choraliers 3rd & 4th grade
   Please bring a dozen cookies and place them on the tables set up in the parish hall prior to the 2:30 service or when you come to the 3:15 fellowship.

3. Crab Feed: Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, January 22nd, for our annual crab feed. The Crustaceans will be playing. Price will hold at $35.00 per person this year. Sign-ups will begin on Monday, December 13th in the school office. To reserve an entire table you must have a party of 10 people. Sign-up early, spaces fill up fast.
   
   

   $35.00 per person. Crab, pasta, salad, bread & wine!! Come and enjoy the fellowship!

4. Yearbook: Please turn in your class activity pictures, sporting events, holiday school parties, school community service and anything else, which relates to your child's class to the school office. We would love to get as many events and students included in this year’s yearbook.
   If you are interested in taking pictures for the yearbook, please contact Jill Kusel or put a note in the yearbook box located in the school office. The yearbook committee can provide you with 35mm film.
5. The Scoop From Scrip: Before you do all of your holiday shopping, stop by the school office and pick up Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, JC Penney, McCaulou's, Pier 1 Imports, See's Candies, The Learning Faire, Toys R Us, Napa Valley Lavender, Walden Books, Barnes & Noble, Big 5, Blockbuster, Petco, Ross, Sears/Orchard Supply, Starbucks and much more. Help your holiday shopping to be easy this year. The school office will close at 12:30 on Friday, December 17th and will remain closed until January 3rd.
6. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
   
   7th and 8th Graders: Just a reminder that if you are involved in Confirmation this year, there are no meetings in December. Your next Confirmation learning event happens on Wednesday, January 5th, 2005! But don’t forget to attend the Advent Worship Services on Wednesday nights at 7 pm.