Dear Parents,

We are in the process of assessing and tightening up our safety procedures with respect to releasing students from school. The main focus is the pick up of students at the end of the day. First of all, if you plan to have someone else pick up your child at the end of the day who is not listed on the emergency release form, you need to call us or send a note to the school office, so that we can inform one of our supervising teachers at the end of the day pick up. Also, it is very important for us to properly supervise students that all elementary school students get picked up in the main (south) parking lot. If you are picking up a preschooler and an elementary student, please pick up the preschooler in the preschool (north) parking lot, and then go and pick up your elementary school student in the main lot. I know this may take a little longer, but it will allow us to ensure students are safe.

This year we are recognizing our eighth grade teacher, Mark Kusel, for his 15 years of service to Lutheran education. We also recognize our first grade teacher, Ellen Burmester, fifth grade teacher, Mike Newton, and our sixth grade teacher, Debbie Stanhope for their 30 years of service to St. John's and the Lutheran Church in the teaching ministry. Congratulations to all of these outstanding teachers. On October 15 at 12:30 p.m., we will be honoring Ellen, Mike, and Debbie at a luncheon in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in attending, please contact the church or school office for tickets ($5).

1. From Mr. Hauch: I want all of you to know how much I appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and support at this time. I'm still in the "prep" stages, with chemo and radiation set to begin in October. My plan (God willing) is to maintain as regular a routine as possible, one day at a time.
2. Annual 8th grade Gift Wrap Sale: Today, Friday, was to be the final day to turn in your gift wrap orders. If you have yet to turn your orders in please get them to your child's teacher on Monday, September 25th. There are lots of cute items in this year's brochure. Deliveries should be before Thanksgiving.
3. Get On Track: Get on Track is officially underway! Time to start calling Grandparents, friends and co-workers for pledges. Orders for shirts and hats are due today. The next planning meeting will be Tuesday, after drop off in the gym (hopefully). If you are unable to make the meeting, but will be able to help the day of the event, October 13, please call Suzzette Heathcote at 287-5467. We are in need of people for water stops, first aid, set up, clean up. A few strong dads would be great!
4. APT Meeting: We will have our first APT meeting Tuesday evening at 6:30 in the library. Help us storm up ideas on how we can enrich our school. Babysitting will be provided.
5. Harvest Event: Thank you to all who are working so hard to make the Harvest Event another huge success. Each Friday we are looking for people to help solicit donations. Downtown Napa will be our focus for the next four weeks. We will meet at Napa Valley Roasting Co. on 1st & Main at 9:00 am.
   
   We still need help with restaurant donations, and we need donations of lumber, paint & manual labor for architecturally designed "live auction" playhouse. Tickets are on sale in the office. Don't miss this awesome evening at Silverado Country Club. For information contact Nancy Draeger at 258-5599.
6. Attention Room Moms: We are having a meeting on Sept. 28th at 8:30-9:30 am in the gym. We will be putting together the class projects for Harvest Event… We need you Help. Thank you, Amy Hebert 226-6194.
7. 5-6 LSAA Basketball: Sign-up forms for the 5th & 6th grade boys and girls Lutheran Schools Athletic Association basketball season were sent home last week. Forms need to be returned no later than Tuesday, Sept. 28th, so that team rosters can be set and practice schedules determined.
8. Book Fair: A big "Thank You!" to all of you who made purchases at our annual Scholastic Book Fair. We made just over $1,000 in profit for the Athletic Department, which will be going toward the cost of a new Eagle on our new gym floor. Again, thank you for your support and, as always, keep reading
9. Health Alert: As with every year, the start of school brings many pesky germs. We have had students out with step throat and the flu. Please remind your children to wash their hands often and not to share drinks, spoons, straws, etc. If your child is complaining of a severe sore throat, it may be wise to have their doctor check for strep.
10. St. John's Lutheran Church Commemorative Ornament: St. John's Church is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2007 and will be publishing a Commemorative Book next year. In order to help defray the cost of the book, we are presently selling a commemorative gold-plated brass ornament with an etching of the church. The ornaments are available for $15 in the School or Church Offices. There are a limited number of ornaments available, and when they're gone, they're gone. We will not be re-ordering. See Cindy Zeller or Christy Kramer to purchase yours today.
11. The Scoop From Scrip: Scrip is available to everyone Monday through Friday in the School Office. You can also call in your order to 226-7970 or fax it to 226.7974. Stop by and pick up your scrip for Safeway, Vallerga's, Browns Valley Market, Starbucks, Peet's Coffee or any of our many vendors.
12. From the Minister to Youth and Children:
    
    For all families: The "Rock of Ages" music festival is happening on Saturday, October 7th, from 11 am 'til 7 pm at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga. This FREE event features Christian musicians, rock climbing walls, inflatable fun rides, a skateboard park with professional skaters, information tables and food booths. Check out http://www.rockofagesfestival.com/ for all the activities. This is a great place for the entire family and it's FREE! Parking at the fairgrounds will cost some money, but there are a lot of free street parking spaces too. If you need more information, contact Steve at 255-7451. Hope to see you at the Rock of Ages!
    
    7th and 8th Grade Ministry: Join us tonight, September 22nd as we watch a movie called, "The Moment of Truth: Take a Stand." It's a funny movie about extreme sports that I'm sure you will enjoy. If you have seen the video, "Extreme Days" and liked it, you will want to be sure and see, "The Moment of Truth!" We’ll also be showing some of the video and pictures from our Jr. High District Youth Gathering that happened this past summer. We meet in Room 10 from 7-9 pm so come on down and enjoy the movie! FREE snacks and drinks provided!
    
    If you are involved in Confirmation this year, don't forget that the Confirmation Retreat happens next Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, 2006. We meet in the big parking lot at 5:00 pm. If you have not turned in your money or your parent consent form, you need to get that to Christy in the Church office before Thursday afternoon. Any questions, contact your adult guide.