Dear Parents,

After much input and deliberation over what would be the most appropriate and enforceable dress code for St. John's Lutheran School, the board has decided on a modified uniform dress code starting during the 2006-07 school year. The decision for a uniform type dress code was made based on what was felt to best represent the mission, goals, and values of St. John's. In order to make the dress code flexible and affordable, it was decided that alternatives could be purchased from other stores as long as they are of the type and style of the final uniform standards. As principal, I will be working on developing the specifics of the final dress code. I am committed to making sure there is variety in style and color within the uniform standard. The final version of the dress code will come out as soon as possible. Thank you again to the many individuals who have contributed to this process. I would like to ask all of you as parents, whether you agree with the final decision or not, to support our implementation of this dress code. It is imperative that our faculty and staff have your support in all that we do as a school for our kids, regardless of how you may feel on any individual matter.

Congratulations to our Knowledge Bowl teams! The 7th & 8th grade team came in first place and the 5th & 6th grade team came in second place. Way to go Joshua Heine, Alex Power, Sarah Francke, Reed Gordon, Aaron Rubin, Lexie Martin, David Hoff, Vladimir Jefferson, Jack Huber, and Griffin Abernethy.

Keep you eyes out for a new zoomerang regarding our PALS program. It should be available on Tuesday of next week (April 18).

May you all have a blessed Easter as we celebrate our risen Savior. He is risen indeed! Please remember that there is no school on Monday in honor of our risen Lord!

1. ITBS Achievement Testing: Our annual achievement testing will take place during the week of April 24-28. Please make sure that your children eat well and get plenty of rest. Also it is very important that appointments are not made during this week which would take your child from class.
2. Summer Camp Sign-Ups: You can now sign up for Summer Camp by picking up an application in the school office. There are two separate camps being held. One camp is for current pre-school students. The second camp is for current kindergarten through fourth grade students. Spaces are limited so sign up soon!
3. St. John's Summer Basketball Camps: Brochures and registration forms are now available for boys and girls who are entering grades 5-8 this fall. Both the boys' camp (June 19th-23rd) and the girls' camp (June 26th-30th) are limited in number, so early registration is encouraged.
4. Country Fair: Country Fair Reminder: The preparations are in full swing for another fun filled day. You should have received your Shift Schedule on Wednesday. Please look it over and arrange to trade with another family if you need to. Thank you to all who are offering help to make this fair day a success.
   
   Our Auction Committee is still looking for family oriented items, theme dinners, vacation rentals, or any items for the Children's Raffle (older kid's items are lacking) Don't forget to bring in a bottle of your favorite wine for the Parent Instant Wine Cellar. Our last meeting is Tuesday April 18th at 8:30, immediately after drop-off, in the gym. Call Wendy Randolph or Jennifer McCulloch with any questions. Thank You!
5. LSAA Track Meet: This year's Lutheran Schools Athletic Association (LSAA) Track Meet is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th, at Newark Memorial High School. This annual day-long Meet brings together the best athletes from Lutheran Schools throughout the Bay Area. Here at St. John's, we’re just beginning the process of determining which students in grades K-8 will have an opportunity to represent our school at this event. Students in all grades will be times and tested in the events their specific age group is eligible for and parents will be notified if their child qualifies for a given event(s). If your child is invited to participate, please return the form promptly so that our roster can be set. If you already know that your child cannot participate in the Meet due to a prior conflict, a note to Mr. Hauch or your child's teacher will enable us to more efficiently determine qualifiers.
   
   While we generally test our students in grade groups to lessen the impact on classroom schedules, please be aware that track meet classification is determined by age as of March 1st and is set up in 6 month increments. As such, your child may be competing against students in other grades, not just classmates.
6. Pizza Helpers Needed: If you would like to help serve pizzas for our Thursday hot lunch program next year, please contact Lori Haugen at 255-7670.
7. 7th/8th Grade Basketball Pictures: Order forms for the 7th & 8th grade basketball pictures need to be turned in no later than Friday morning, April 21st.
8. The Scoop From Scrip: Two weeks left to meet your Scrip Tuition Commitment. Stop by the school office Monday-Friday during school hours to purchase your Scrip. You do not need to be part of the Scrip commitment plan to participate. Scrip is simply gift cards which the school purchases at a discount. The discount is the earnings which APT receives. There is not an easier fundraiser around. So stop going to the store for gift certificates, stop by the office and see if Scrip can help you out.
9. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
   
   Everyone is invited! This Sunday is Easter, and we want to invite all of you to join us in worship. The services are at 8 am and 10:45 am. From 9:00-10:30 am in the gym, the youth of St. John's will be serving an Easter Breakfast. On the menu will be scrambled eggs, sausage, bagels, pancakes, fresh fruit, assorted juices, coffee, hot chocolate and milk. A donation will be taken at the door with the suggestion of $5 per person or $15 per family. All profits will be divided between the youth that have helped prepare the breakfast and will be used for the summer trips. We thank Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for supporting us with matching money. We hope you will join us for worship and breakfast!
   
   7th and 8th Grade Ministry: We meet next Friday, April 21st, for the "Great Escape" night. Our theme will be centered on "Cops and Robbers" so, if you want, you can come dressed as either one of these but you don't have to dress up. Just come on down to the gym from 7-9 pm and we'll have a fun night, centered around the theme. Hope to see you on Friday!
   
   Don't forget about helping with the Easter Breakfast. The times that we need help with are this Saturday night from 5-7 pm and on Sunday morning from 7am till 12 noon, in the gym. If you work, you will get a portion of the money we earn.
   
   8th Graders: There are still a few spots open for the High School Houseboat trip this summer. If you are interested, and have not yet reserved your spot, talk to Steve right away. If you are going, your next $100 is due on April 30. You should have paid $200 by that date. Once again, the dates of the trip are July 10-15, 2006. Any questions, please contact Steve at 255-7451.