Dear Parents,

I want to thank and congratulate all those who were involved in the NIT Basketball tournament this past weekend. Congratulations to our boys' team for their close second place finish, and to the girls' team for their third place finish. I was very proud of our girls' team for being awarded the Sportsmanship Award as well. Thank you to all the parents and teachers that helped out. A special thank you goes out to Bob Hauch for the hard work and organization he put into overseeing the whole tournament. Way to go, Eagles!

Starting next Wednesday, we will have Lunch Coupon books available for all those of you who are tired of writing so many lunch checks. These will be in books of ten and will be $40 for K-8 and $35 for Preschool. To purchase a book, you need to buy them in the School Office. These are only to be used for the Kinyon Hot Lunches on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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. The first group that will be Geselled is our currently enrolled four-year-old students. If you are on the wait list and wish to attend, you are more than welcome. We will not know until after Spring Break if we need to go to the wait list. If we do, we will have another Gesell meeting.
2. Crab Feed: Be sure to save Saturday, February 11th for St. John's annual Crab Feed with the Crustaceans. Tickets are selling quickly. Please call Cindy Stade at 258-1636 to reserve your spot for this fun evening. You can drop off your check at the school office. Tickets are $45.00 and will be available until we sale out or February 1st whichever comes first.
3. N.I.T.: Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the players, fans, and parent volunteers who made our 17th annual tournament another great success. We also want to congratulate our St. John's teams for their outstanding performance over the weekend.
   
   St. John's girls captured third place in the tournament by defeating Zion Lutheran of Piedmont. The team was also chosen to receive the Paul Gillies Team Sportsmanship Award. Katrina Husted and Olivia Barker were named to the All-Tournament team.
   
   St. John's boys finished in second place, losing 44-43 to Zion, Piedmont, in an exciting championship game. Jordan Grubbs and Tyler Imhoff were All-Tournament team selections.
   
   We wish the best to both teams as the regular season begins next week.
   Congratulations Eagles!
4. PALS: PALS billing went out the week of January 9th and are due no later than Friday, January 27th. Those accounts which are not paid in full by that date will receive a $25.00 late fee.
   
   Parents please remember an adult needs to sign your child out of PALS, either yourself or an adult on your pick up list. If someone other than the above is going to pick up please be sure to send an authorization note or contact the school office ahead of time.
5. Lost & Found: The number of items in Lost & Found so far this school year has been overwhelming. Starting this month, we will be donating all items on a monthly basis. Please label your children's items so we can try to return them.
6. 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.
7. After School Music: After School Music is accepting registration on Wednesday, January 25th at Vintage High School Cafeteria from 6:30-7:30 PM. Director is Sharon Olson. Flyers are available in the School Office.
8. The Scoop From Scrip: Letters went out to those families who have yet to meet their commitment. Commitments do not need to be fulfilled until April 30th, but please remember the school doesn't start earning profits until you exceed your commitment.
   
   Whether or not you are signed up for a discount on tuition with Scrip, you can always help the school by signing up and using your Safeway and Albertsons Card. Simply bring the information into the school office and we will make sure you are enrolled. Friends and families cards are always welcomed.
   
   Safeway: Earn 1-1/2 times the normal scrip donation value for your Safeway purchase by enrolling your Safeway card to St. John's Lutheran. You can also purchase Safeway debit cards in the School Office. It's quick and easy and can help you and the school at the same time.
   
   Raleys/Nob Hill: If you shop here and have not received your quality of life card, come into the School Office and get enrolled. Raleys/Nob Hill also helps toward your commitment.
   
   Scrip is always available in the School Office all day long Monday thru Friday. Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Sees Candy is always a treat or how about dinner out at Zinsvalley, Compadres or Amigos Bar & Grill. And for all those new iPods, don't forget iTunes gift certificates: $15.00 for 15 downloads.
9. 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. this 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 tonight, 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!