Dear Parents,

Happy New Year! I hope all of you had an enjoyable and restful Christmas Break! The recent earthquake and tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia is requiring a massive response in the way of support. There are a number of avenues for people to give financially to the relief efforts in the countries affected. I would like to give yet one more option to you. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Lutheran World Relief are combining to give individuals an opportunity to give to a very reputable and efficient organization (Lutheran World Relief) and have that gift matched dollar for dollar. If you are a member of Thrivent and are interested in doubling your donation, please come by the school office, fill out a form, and write a check to Lutheran World Relief. We are also working on a program to get the students in each of the classroom involved in an ongoing support of the relief effort. I would also encourage you to remember those affected by this disaster and those involved in the relief effort in your prayers. Prayer is a powerful way to support those in need!

Attached to this week's newsletter is a Math Curriculum Questionnaire. Next Friday we will have a faculty in-service to work on our Math Curriculum. As we review our math program, we would appreciate your input. So, please take some time to fill out this questionnaire and return in to the school office, or your child's teacher, by Thursday, January 13.

1. Napa Invitational Tournament: The N.I.T. basketball tournament began Thursday here at St. John's. Please come this weekend and support the teams and Athletic Department. Great eats to be had at the Eagle Café. Plan on staying for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Games begin on Friday at 3:45, Saturday at 9:00 am and Sunday at noon.
2. Crab Feed: Currently the Crab Feed is sold out. Thank you so much for your support!! If you still want to attend, please call Cindy Zeller and we will put your name on the wait list.
   
   Times: Doors will open at 5:00 pm with dinner beginning at 5:30 pm. Dancing until 10:00 pm to our very own Crustaceans.
   
   Raffle items: Thank you to those who have donated to the raffle. We have some great items. If you have something you would like to donate, please bring it into the school office.
   
   $$Tuition Raffle: Starting Monday, we will be selling tickets for the tuition raffle. You do not need to be present to win. As of now we have $1,000.00 donated to raffle off. Tickets will be $10.00 each. Stop by the school office and purchse yours. They will also be sold the night of the Crab Feed.
3. Art Club: It's not too late to sign up to the St. John's Lutheran School Art Club! Classes start January 13th and will be every Thursday after school from 3:15-4:15 in the fifth grade room. Cost is $45 per month which includes supplies. Any remaining proceeds will be donated to Save the Children Foundation relief program for the tsunami victims in Asia. To sign up, or for more information, please call Carol Scherner at 226-2244.
4. Group Pictures: Yearbook will be taking group pictures on Tuesday, January 18th. Student Council, Yard Duty, and PALS will be taken at 1:15pm. Music pictures will begin at 1:45 pm - Handbells, Choraliers, Praise Choir, Tone Chimes and Drama.
5. 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.
6. Thank you: A special thanks to the First, Third and Fifth grade students, staff and families for collecting over 75 comfort kits this Christmas season. The kits were given to the homeless at the Hope Center.
7. N.C.R. D. Youth Basketball: If you are signing up your son or daughter for the upcoming season, or if you plan to coach a team in the N.C.R.D. Youth League this year, please do so with the understanding that there will be very limited, and probably very irregular practice times available at St. John's. N.C.R.D. provides practice times at Harvest Middle School or other available city sites. Our gym schedule is pretty well filled between our 7-8 school teams and other church and school related activities.
8. The Scoop From Scrip: We are now accepting Visa & MasterCard as payment for your scrip purchases. Stop by and add to your air miles or car points.
   
   We have two new vendors: Shell $25 debit cards which give us 3% and Albertson's, which now has $25 debit cards. The slight "catch" is to NOT use your Community Partners card when using your debit card. Have the cashier use their card. (They don't want us to double dip!) When you buy the debit card you will get full credit toward your scrip commitment. When you use your Community Partners card you get 1/2 credit.
   
   Don't forget your Starbucks card for these cold mornings!!
9. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
   
   4th, 5th and 6th Graders: We meet on Sunday, January 23rd for a fun afternoon of games in the gym. Plan ahead and bring your friends as we gather together for some fun. Hope you can make it on the 23rd!
   
   7th and 8th Graders: Don't forget to join us on Friday, January 21st from 7-9 pm for "The Christmas Party" Night. Yes, I know it's a little late, but who says you can't celebrate Christmas in January? Anyway, we'll be celebrating Christmas by playing some weird and wild games around the theme of Christmas. So invite your friends and come celebrate with us!