Dear Parents,

 The 2008-2009 school year is fast approaching and this summer newsletter is being sent to help you get ready. We sincerely hope that your summer is going well. As we all look forward to the start of school, we pray that the remaining vacation days are both relaxing and refreshing, both for you and your families.

 Our school theme for this year is “TO GOD BE THE GLORY”. This theme reminds us to each day thank and praise our Lord faithfully in all we think, say, and do both at school and in our homes. We welcome you back and also all new families whose children are joining us for the first time. May our year together be God-pleasing and a blessing to all of us.

There are a few items of information for all of us to know. Because the principal-ship has not been filled, I have accepted the one year call to fill in as an interim principal. I will be relieved of my regular morning classroom duties to be in the school office, but will keep my afternoon Gr. 7-8 duties. Mr. John Kanter, present 3^rd grade/computer ed teacher, has consented to take over the morning duties in my homeroom. The third grade classroom will be covered by Mrs. Becky Graumann. She will now be full time. Also, Mrs. Pat Zarnstorff will become fulltime and be in the school office all day. With the Lord’s guidance we pray that our school year goes well. “TO GOD BE THE GLORY”.

 Included in this newsletter is the class list for the upcoming school year. Please look carefully to see who your child’s teacher will be this year, especially if you have a child in first and second grade or seventh and eighth grade. Your child’s teacher will be contacting you before the start of the school year to set up a home visit. Please work with the teachers as they schedule these visits because they provide a chance for both you and your child to meet the teacher in a relaxed setting. Teachers will also have information to share about the upcoming school year.

 As you will read later in this newsletter, we will be changing the type of breakfast program offered at school. Items will be offered “a la carte” and students may purchase single items in the cafeteria from 7:15-7:50 each morning.

Many of you will be shopping for new clothes for your children as you prepare for the upcoming year. Our students (and the parents who help them) do a good job of dressing appropriately for school. Our dress code asks that students wear clothing that is clean and free from tears and holes. One area where we have an occasional problem concerns hip-hugger pants and short tops that together expose bare midriffs. Another potential problem involves spaghetti straps and low cut tops which may reveal undergarments or skin. Please take care if you are purchasing new clothes so that we can avoid any embarrassing moments. Modesty and common sense help guide us in choosing clothes to wear for school. As I said, this hasn’t been a big problem. It is something, however, of which we want parents to be aware. Thank you for your help and understanding.

 During the course of the school year, there is much communicating that goes on between home and school. In an effort to keep that communication clear, we will strive to let you know in a timely manner of upcoming events at school, as well as both positive and negative situations that develop concerning your child. If you have questions or concerns about your child, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. They are the key source of information concerning your child’s social, emotional, and academic progress. Good communication between home and school is essential in helping a child succeed in school. Parents and teachers working together through the Word of God will make all the difference.

 Finally, you will note that our school’s opening service will once again be held on Sunday afternoon, August 24^th. Parents and students may bring their school supplies and books to their classrooms from 1:00-2:00 that afternoon. The Opening service begins at approximately 2:30 at the Rock River Park Pavilion. The picnic will follow the service. All are invited to bring a dish to pass, lawn chairs, and any games your children would like to play. This opening service is not meant to take the place of your regular Sunday morning worship service. Instead it is an opportunity for our entire school family to seek God’s guidance as we grow in his Word of Truth. Please use the full page invitation in this newsletter to remind you of the service and picnic times.

 We are truly blessed to have such committed parents and dedicated teachers at St. Paul ’s Lutheran School . Together with our Lord, we can move forward with confidence and joy. We know who we are (God’s children), we know where we are going (to heaven), and we know how we will get there (through the blood of our Savior, Jesus). May our school continue to teach this message to our children and grandchildren for generations to come. God’s blessings to all of you!

Yours in Christ,

Harlan Pelischek, Interim Principal