Dear Parents,

I want to wish blessings and thanks to all who are part of the NIT Tournament this weekend. I pray it is a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.

I want to once again thank all who participated in the Dress Code survey last month. As a result of Staff and Board discussion, and review of those survey results, the Board has determined the need for a significant change in the dress code that will make it more specific and enforceable. We are forming a task force to look at a wide variety of options that will meet that directive. Once those options are determined, parents and students will have a chance to give additional feedback. Also, there will be a new zoomerang survey coming out soon that is our annual general parent survey. Please take the time once again to fill this out.

1. Kindergarten Readiness Meeting: On Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30pm, there is a mandatory Kindergarten Readiness meeting for all parents who are planning on having their children attend Kindergarten at St. John's Lutheran this coming fall. This meeting is for parents only. If you have attended a Gesell meeting with us in the last two years you do not need to attend. If not, you MUST attend in February or your child will not be allowed to be Geselled.
2. Crab Feed: Be sure to save Saturday, February 11th for St. John's annual Crab Feed. Those interested in helping out on a committee or donating auction items may contact Cindy Stade at 258-1636. Tickets are $45.00 each. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to reserve your spot by calling Cindy Stade at 258-1636. You can drop off your check at the School Office. Tickets will be available until we sell out or until February 1st, whichever comes first.
   
   "Corporate Sponsorships" help support our school and raise awareness of your organization among the SJL school families and friends. Participating sponsors will be named not only on our event banner but on the raffle tickets and at the event on Feb. 11th. Deadline to become a sponsor is January 11th when raffle tickets go on sale. Please call Diana Lyons for details at 252-4708.
3. Engineering FUNdamentals Class: There are a couple of openings left for this class, which begins January 19th. The fee is $104.00 for 8 classes. This is an after-school program offered to our 1st-5th graders. Flyers were attached to their blue notes last week. If you want to enroll your child, you must enroll by the 19th.
4. N.I.T.: Please join us for a weekend of basketball, fellowship, food and fun at the 17th annual St. John's Napa Invitational Tournament. Games begin Thursday, Jan. 12th, at 3:45 (4 games) and continue Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Teams from San Francisco, Livermore, Anaheim, Piedmont, Santa Rosa, and Napa are Participating. St. John's girls and boys teams play their first games on Friday, January 13th at 3:45 and 5:00 pm. Admission to the games is $4.00 for adults and $1.00 for students. Tournament passes are available for $10.00 (adult) and $2.50 (student).
5. Napa Valley Music Associates: Napa Valley Music Associates is currently accepting registration for interested music students in the following programs: Guitar, Violin/Viola, Piano, voice, drums/percussion, flute, clarinet, Brass (Trumpet, Tuba, Trombone, French Horn), ensembles with 2-4 students, cello, string bass. For more information please contact Napa Valley Music Associates at 252-8671 or 322-8402.
6. Spiritleader Cheer and Dance Youth Clinic: Napa High School Spiritleader Cheer and Dance Youth Clinic will be held on Friday, January 20th from 3:00 pm-6:45 pm for students in K-8th grade. Flyers were given to the classes and are available in the school office. For more information please contact Karen Smarker at 290-5330.
7. The Scoop From Scrip: Your commitment numbers will be available Monday on your individual Scrip sales thru December 2005. Safeway and Albertson's receipts for November and December have not yet been received. If you have not yet met your commitment, which is needed by April 30th, we will be mailing a letter to you next week.
   
   If you have family and friends that shop at Safeway and/or Albertson's, please ask if they would like to help St. John's and you please get their card numbers, address, and phone number. Turn them into the School Office and we will do the rest.
   
   Now that the holidays are over and life has returned a little bit back to normal, remember to stop by and pick up Scrip for Browns Valley Market, Vallergas, Applebees, Chevron. Shell, Zinsvalley, KFC, Jamba Juice, Home Depot, Sears/Orchard Supply, Jack in the Box, Starbucks, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Quiznos Sub, Waldenbooks/Borders, Longs, iTunes, Amazon.com, and much more.
   
   Valentine's Day is only a month away. Nothing is sweeter than chocolates from See's Candies. Remember to get your See's Scrip - $13.60 per certificate.
8. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
   
   For all parents: A weekly forum on Relationship Solutions is being led by Penni Cremen and Ron Bauer who work at the Christian Counseling Center in Napa. The forum is part of a six-week series that explores relationships and intimacy. It is held every Monday evening from 6:30-8:00 pm at First Christian Church in Napa. This Monday will be the second session, but you can still be a part of the group. The cost is $15 for the entire six-week session. For more information, contact Ron or Penni at 255-8823.
   
   Summer Camp Information: It's never too early to start planning for summer camp and to get the special "early bird" rates. Mt. Cross, located in the Santa Cruz mountains is a great place for camp. Check out all their programs for 2nd graders all the way through High School age youth. They even have a great "Family Camp," too. It's all available on their web site at www.mtcross.org or, for a brochure, stop by Steve's office.
   
   4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Ministry: We meet again for our monthly meeting of T.G.I.S. next Sunday, January 22nd. We'll be in the gym from 1-3 pm to play some fun games. So bring your friends and don't forget to wear your tennis shoes! Hope to see you next Sunday!
   
   7th and 8th Graders: Don't forget that we meet next Friday, January 20th, for our next Jr. High Night. Our theme will be, "Pirates of the Caribbean," so don’t forget to come dressed in Pirate gear. We'll be meeting in the Gym from 7-9 pm and don't forget to invite your friends, arghh!