Dear Parents,

Congratulations to Bob Hauch, our seventh grade teacher, who was honored with a special award from Molly's Angels for Leadership in Education and Athletics. He was presented the award at a recent charity event for Molly's Angels along side former Mayor Henderson and Judge Snowden. We are so blessed at St. John's to have some wonderful teachers, and it is nice when they are also recognized by the community as a whole.

Congratulations also to our new Student Council officers. Our new Student Body President is Katrina Husted, and our new Student Body Secretary is Gabriella Salva. All of the students who ran for office this year did a great job in their campaigning and their preparation for their speeches last Wednesday. Classroom representatives will be chosen soon and our student council will be up and running!

1. We've Got Your Back: We are collecting school supplies for students who have been left homeless by the recent hurricanes. A note went home yesterday, Thursday, with information on what we are asking from each class to complete these backpacks. Items need to be in by next Friday, October 7th.
2. Buy Scrip for Hurricane Victims: Thank you to the 7th grade class for raising $200.00 and to the Athletic Department for matching that amount for a total of $400.00. Scrip was purchased to aide the hurricane victims. The 7th Grade has been collecting loose change in their classroom since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf States. Way to go 7th Grade! If you are interested in purchasing Scrip to help these families, please stop by the school office.
3. 5-6 Basketball: We are still in need of one more 5th & 6th grade coach for the boys. Please contact Mr. Hauch ASAP. We'd like to send rosters and practice schedules home next week.
4. Mom's Basketball: Mom’s basketball is back. No experience needed! Come join other moms for fun, fellowship and a little exercise! You've watched your kids play; now it’s your turn. Whatever your level, WNBA or never played, come by and check it out. October 4th 5:30-6:30 p.m. & October 11th 5:30-6:30 p.m. More times to follow. All played in the school gym.
5. Get on Track: We need a few more volunteers for water stops, decorations and fruit prep. October 4th and the 11th are the last meeting times. Please attend or call Natalie Bouchet at 224-1021 if you can't make the meetings.
   
   Room coordinators – please do your best to attend. We only have a few weeks of preparation remaining
   
   Each class will also receive $500 from the Napa County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Of that money, $250 will go to the non-profit organization and $250 will go to the school. In addition, members of Thrivent can pick up a Giving Plus form in the school office to have more money matched at 50 cents on the dollar.
   
   The nonprofit organizations for each class are: Preschool – Bethlehem Project, Kindergarten – Samaritan's Purse, 1st Grade – Samaritan's Purse, 2nd Grade – Red Cross, 3rd Grade – Bethlehem Project, 4th Grade – Volunteer Center of Napa, 5th Grade – Cope Family Center, 6th Grade- 6th grade class at St. John Lutheran School, New Orleans, 7th Grade – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 8th Grade – Make-A-Wish Foundation.
6. Harvest Dinner Update: Thank you to everyone who responded to the donation pledges in the parking lot this week. Donations will continue to be accepted thru October 14th. We still have some tickets available. Stop by the school office and purchase yours ASAP. You don't want to miss out on a great evening!
7. Spanish Teachers: As some of you may have heard, we had hired two Spanish teachers for this year, but just this week we received word that neither one was going to be able to work here. If you know of anyone who might be interested in teaching Spanish at St. John's, please contact Mr. Wahlers.
8. Thank You: The eighth grade class would like to thank Carmen Morneault, Tina Imhoff, Lois Husted, and Elaine Hoff for doing the three Tuesday hot lunches that raised money for those suffering in the Gulf States from Hurricane Katrina. Your help was much appreciated.
9. The Scoop From Scrip: We will be getting in new SCRIP Vendors! Shortly we will be receiving Scrip for Best Buy, Nordstrom, Jack in the Box, Jamba Juice ($10 denominations), Peet's Coffee & Chevron. We have nearly 50 vendors to choose from in the school office PLUS eScrip, and all the grocery stores. What an easy way to support St. John's APT.
   
   We are now approaching the half way mark of the Scrip year. So stop by the school office for your numbers thru August... Reaching your Scrip commitment pays for your tuition discount, exceeding your commitment supports APT. Buy Scrip Today!!!
10. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
    
    7th and 8th Grade Ministry: Just a reminder, if you are part of the Confirmation program, don't forget to join us this Wednesday, October 5th for our Learning Event. We meet in the gym from 6:30-8:30 pm. So don’t forget to bring your Bible, binder and Catechism. Any questions, contact your adult guide.
    
    If you are coming with us on the "Youth Quake", we will be having a meeting during your lunch break this Friday, October 7th in Room 10. Bring your lunch and join us as we give you some more information about this great trip.
    
    Coming on Saturday, October 8th, is the annual "Rock of Ages" Christian Music Festival. Playing this year is: Newsboys, Barlow Girl, Paul Wright, Skillet, L.G. Wise, Stellar Kart, and the SFCC Gospel Choir. All of this is FREE! As well as there will be a skate board park, so bring your skate boards, helmet and pads. There will also be a bunch of the inflatable games and a rock climbing wall, all FREE. There will be different types of food for purchase as well as t-shirts, hats, pins, posters, etc. For more information, check out the web site at: http://www.rockofagesfestival.com/ If you need a ride, contact Steve at 255-7451.