Dear Parents,

This week, 53 of our upper grade students are at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon participating in the Lutheran Elementary School Tournament. This is a special kind of tournament where students participate in a wide variety of events. We are participating in basketball, swimming, knowledge bowl, science, math, spelling, chess, handbells, vocal ensembles, vocal solos, piano, and cello. It is a great experience for our kids as they join students from 25 schools all over the Northwest. Please keep them in your prayers as they participate and travel this weekend.

Next Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. is our annual Open House. It will start in the gym with a short presentation by our Taiko Drummers, and then you will be free to tour the campus. This is a great opportunity to come visit the classrooms and see what is going on. We also highly encourage you to visit the classroom your child will be in next year. Children are welcome to attend.

Thank you to all who participated in the latest Zoomerang Parent Survey. The results are available to look at in the school office. I know there are some who are having trouble receiving these surveys. We are trying to ensure we have correct e-mail addresses. Also, check your junk mail. Your computer may have sent it there.

1. Re-Enrollment Application Form: Application forms are due back to the school office no later than Tuesday, February 28th. You must return the form with a $50.00 application fee for each student. These forms will not be accepted without the fee. Extra forms are available in the school office.
   
   If you have a child going into the Pre-4 program please complete the blue form. Those students entering grades K-8 need to complete the salmon color form.
   
   Kindergarten Entrance: Those students in our Pre-4 class wishing to enter Kindergarten in the fall need to also include an additional $50.00 Gesell Screening fee. This should be paid along with the enrollment fee. No child will be Geselled without this fee being paid.
2. PALS: Parents please remember that only those adults authorized to pick up your children may sign them out of PALS unless you have sent authorization in writing. Please do not send another child in (under 18) to sign your child out. It is for their protection and security for the school.
   
   Hours: PALS opens no earlier than 7:30 am and closes at 6:00 pm. We will not allow your child to come into PALS before 7:30! You will be charged $1.00 per minute per child if they are picked up after 6:00 pm.
3. Box Tops for Education: Please turn in all Box Tops for Education by February 24th. They will be submitted for a bonus check at that time.
4. Lost & Found: The number of items in Lost & Found is overwhelming. Stop by room 10 and see if there is anything that belongs to your children. Please label your children's items so we can try to return them. Items not claimed will be donated on a monthly basis.
5. Napa Valley Water Polo: Spring Water Polo and Stingrays Camp is being offered to all students 14 & under. This camp is for beginning and intermediate players. The season is on Tuesday & Thursday evenings beginning March 28th thru May 18th at Napa High School. For registration information, you may pick up a flyer in our school office or go to nvwp.net.
6. Wine Country Aquatics: Wine Country Aquatics of Napa is now accepting new swimmers! All ages welcome. For more information, you may call Jess Rennie at 226-2882 or pick up a flyer in the school office.
7. The Scoop From Scrip: The Learning Fair has reopened at 1460 First Street, located at the old Cribs & Bibs next to Exertec. Plenty of two-hour parking with three-hour parking around the corner in the parking garage. Stop by and pick up Scrip before you shop. Let's support one of our locals who were so devastated by our recent flood.
   
   With spring sports beginning, remember we carry Big 5 Scrip in denominations of $25.00, to purchase all of your sporting goods. Then, after the games, don't forget Scrip for Jamba Juice, Applebee's, Monticello Deli, McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box and Quiznos.
   
   If you have been watching the Olympics, you might have seen the snowboarders listening to their iPods. You too can have your favorite tunes ready at the press of a button by downloading them using iTunes certificates; $15.00 for 15 downloads.
8. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
   
   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.
   
   The Souper Bowl of Caring: Thanks again to all of you that gave to the Souper Bowl of Caring after the chapel. As of Wednesday, the new total collected all across the United States is $3,476,509.12 and all of that was donated to help feed poor people! So thanks again, for caring!
   
   7th and 8th Grade Ministry: If you are involved in Confirmation, don't forget to get your retreat permission form and parental consent form signed and turned in to Christy in the Church Office. The retreat happens Friday, February 24-26, 2006. Any questions, contact your adult guide.
   
   8th Graders: Don't forget to talk to your parents about the High School Houseboat trip that is coming up this summer. Spaces are going fast, so if you are thinking about attending, make sure to talk to your parents today! Any questions, contact Steve at 255-7451.