Dear Parents, 
 
We hope you are enjoying your summer.  We are thankful to God for all of His wonderful blessings for St. John’s Church and School.  At this time, our enrollment of K3 thru Grade 8 students is at about 225 students and we are looking forward to the new year.    
 
Welcome Back Ice Cream Social and Parent Meeting – We are excited to be announcing that the 2020-21 Parent Orientation Meeting will take place on the evening of Monday, August 24th and is accompanied by an Ice Cream Social for parents, students and staff. More details to follow about time and location.   
 
School Begins – The first day of school for ALL St. John’s students will be Wednesday, August 26th.  (2-day K3 students will be starting on Thursday, August 27th.)  The day will begin at 8:00 AM.  St. John’s students will watch the Opening Worship Service at 8:30 AM. from their classroom. We will follow a regular schedule for this first day of school.  
 
St. John’s is in our third year of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) for grades K5-8.  This curricular adaptation will continue to teach the Science information that allows us success in the MAP testing program and will also give the small group, hands-on, problem-solving experience that STEM offers. 
 
St. John’s is also continuing to offer an Extended K4 Program.  This program will offer afternoon 4-year-old students learning opportunities taught by school teachers to supplement the morning programs for K4. 
 
Please review and complete the following forms which will be included in the summer packet:

1. Emergency Contact Card (one per student) – to be completed in pencil and brought to Registration.  Please make sure that PARENT CONTACT INFO IS INCLUDED UNDER PRIORITY CONTACTS on the cards.  

2. Internet Acceptable Use Policy / Social Media Form (one per student) – to be completed and signed by parent and student and brought to Registration.

3. Student Immunization Record Form – for new students only.  For returning students, please provide dates of any immunizations received during this past year.  

4. “Health Concern Plan” Form – to be completed and returned by Registration Day for those students who have allergies/asthma/or other health concerns.  

5. Worker and Parent/Guardian Application – one per parent/guardian who plans to be involved with school activities, field trips, etc.  Please see the “Background Checks at St. John’s Lutheran School” insert for more information.  

6. Family Picture Form (for those families new to St. John’s School) – please read and email a picture and information as directed.  Thank you. 7. Business/Service Directory and Babysitter Directory information, if interested  
 
Registration/Information Day 
 
It is important that at least one parent from each family attend Registration Day.  If you will be out of town and unable to attend, it is important that you contact the school office to make alternate arrangements. School Registration Day for ALL St. John’s School families (with K3 thru grade 8 students) will take place on: 

• Sunday, August 2nd, from 9:30 AM – Noon
• Monday, August 3rd, from 5-7:30 PM: 

5:00-5:45 PM  - Families with last names beginning with M-Z

5:45-6:30 PM  --  Families with last names beginning with I-L

6:30-7:15 PM  --  Families with last names beginning with A-H 

In an effort to alleviate congestion we ask you to follow the above Monday evening schedule and keep in mind that students do not need to attend Registration Day.  (If the suggested time does not work for you, you may arrive anytime between 5:00 and 7:15 PM, but your consideration is greatly appreciated.)   
 
For Registration Day: • Complete and return any applicable forms which are attached.   • Check accuracy of all email addresses, phone numbers and all emergency contact information, including current employers and work phone numbers.  (These can be extremely important in the event of an emergency.)   • For returning students, bring the dates of any immunizations received during this past year.  Keep in mind that changes to any of this information should always be reported to the school office in a timely manner.    

Tuition Registration – This is where you will set up payment arrangements for your 2020-21 tuition and fees.  You can avoid the tuition line at Registration by completing the on-line Tuition Registration questionnaire.  See the attached “2020-21 School Tuition” Form for details about tuition and optional items which you may include in your tuition/fees payment arrangements.

Go to:  http://www.sjtosa.org/site/questionnaire.asp?q_id=180007660&sec_id=180018777

Complete and submit the questionnaire 

Upon submission of the online form, a tuition coordinator, will provide you with the details of the options selected, establish your payment schedule/method of payment, and answer any questions you may have.  
 
In an effort to make Registration Day (August 2nd & 3rd) more efficient and timely, please take advantage of the online tuition registration.  (Keep in mind that using the on-line tuition registration does not require a payment before August 15th.)   
 
Hot Lunch Program – The cost of lunches will be $3.25 per lunch and $1 for an extra entrée.  Payments to Hot Lunch will be deposited into your Family Lunch Account, and the cost of lunches consumed by all children in your family will be deducted from that one account.  We ask that all families maintain a positive balance in their accounts.  Any balances from the 2019-2020 school year will be applied to your 2020-21 Family Lunch Account.  You can make a deposit to your Family Lunch Account during Tuition Registration.  This initial deposit for school year is one of the optional “fees” which may be included in your payment arrangements for your 2020-21 Tuition/Fees.  Thereafter, deposits may be made online using EFT, or by check/cash using the Lunch Deposit Envelopes and drop-boxes which can found in the School Office as well as the Childcare Room on the lower level. 
 
Lunchtime Milk – Lunchtime milks are provided at St. John’s for all children.  We will attempt to give all students in K5 thru 8th grade their choice of chocolate or white milk at lunchtime.  Students will be allowed to have a 2nd carton of milk if they so choose.  Due to special funding for the 2020-21 school year, there will be no additional out-of-pocket cost for student milks.  As in the past, white milk is provided for Childcare children, and those students in our K3 and K4 programs. 
 
St. John’s Childcare Program – St. John’s Childcare Program is offered year-round at St. John’s School to children who are at least 2 years of age and toilet trained.  The purpose of this self-supported program is to provide organized adult supervision for your children from 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM.  You must register in advance to use this program. Additionally, all students arriving at school prior to 7:40 AM as well as all students remaining on the school grounds after 3:15 PM will be directed to the Childcare area and the parents will be billed accordingly.  Childcare rates are available in the childcare office. Childcare uses an automated computer attendance/billing system.  (ID numbers and check-in/check-out instructions will be provided at the start of school.)  Bills will be emailed after the 1st and 15th of each month and payments are due upon receipt.  Snacks and beverages (including lunchtime milk) will be provided at no additional charge.  If your child is attending Childcare over the lunch hour, you may send a bag lunch or participate in the Hot Lunch Program (see details above).   
 
Childcare is offered on a space-available basis.  If you are in need of childcare on a regular basis, contact the Childcare office as soon as possible to reserve your spot.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the Childcare Director, Miss Rachel Wendland at (414) 258-4214 ext. 81 or email childcare@sjtosa.org.   
 
If you have any questions regarding registration or any of the above information, please contact the school office at (414) 258-4214 or email school@sjtosa.org.  The staff and I are looking forward to working with you and having a great school year.  May the Lord bless all of our efforts as we seek to do His will. 
 
Yours in Christ, 
Dan 

     Are you getting used to seeing the lead paragraph about teachers with calls?  It continues.  This week Miss Treder received a call to teach music at Peace Lutheran in Hartford.  Please share your support for her ministry with a few words of encouragement and your prayers.

     On Monday, we will host the visitation team of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation (WELSSA) for three days.  Every five years we review our ministry based on 15 national standards.  Our review this time began last March and will conclude with the recommendations of this visiting committee.  These recommendations will form the core of our long-range plan for the next 5 years.  If you are approached by one of our visitors, please share your thoughts.

     COVID-19 precautions for St. John’s is a topic addressed at length in an article attached to this CC.  Briefly, we are following the health department recommendations and supervising the washing of hands and the use of sanitizer and sanitizer sheets.  We are not aware of any contact with people infected.

     Tomorrow is Discovery Day, a day when students can explore a variety of occupations and activities in a fun, exciting venue.  Thank you to the volunteers that make this happen.

     We continue to accept applications for our sessions for K5, a class about 17 students for next year.  We do have slots open in our K4 and K3 programs.  We are sending letters confirming the individual applications that have been accepted. 

     The state of Wisconsin allows those who itemize to deduct your tuition for our school.  The Federal ID number of St. John’s is 39-0986622.  For tuition numbers contact school@sjtosa.org and for Childcare contact childcare@sjtosa.org.

     Could you use any scrip gift cards?  Kohls, Target, Amazon, Starbucks . . . at the school office.  Help support our school programs!

Praise God for His Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO WORSHIP IN A FULL CHURCH LAST NIGHT!

    What a different a week makes!!  On Saturday, we received the news that WE HAVE A NEW PRINCIPAL FOR NEXT YEAR!  Mr. Dan Markgraf accepted the call to be principal.  Mr. Markgraf has served as principal of Beautiful Savior Lutheran School in Cincinnati, Ohio for 18 years.  He has been a principal in three schools, Valentine NE, Mayville WI, and Cincinnati OH, since graduation from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1986.  He has a Master’s Degree in Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm.  He and his wife, Carol, who is also a teacher at Beautiful Savior, have four children ranging in age from 31 to 19.  Mr. Markgraf also serves on several synod boards and commissions.

     Also Saturday, Mr. Leyrer announced his decision to continue his service at St. John’s.  He returned the call to Huron Valley Lutheran High School.  A blessing for us.  Our call to Miss Megan Bauer as a 4^th grade teacher with piano keyboard assistance for school music is still being considered.  Miss Bauer currently teaches gr. 3-5 in Howard’s Grove, OH.  She graduated from MLC in 2013.  Mrs. Carrie Henning and her husband, Mike, have returned the call to serve at Peshtigo, WI.  Your prayers of thanks for these called workers and for God’s guidance for Miss Bauer are needed.  God has blessed us, filling our needs as He promised.

     Next week Thursday and Friday there will be no school as faculty will attend the WELS Metro Teachers Conference at St Paul’s Muskego.  The emphasis of the conference will be on developing teacher portfolios for professional growth.

     We continue to accept applications for our sessions for K5, a class about 17 students for next year.  We do have slots open in our K4 and K3 programs.  We are sending letters confirming the individual applications that have been accepted. 

     The state of Wisconsin allows those who itemize to deduct your tuition for our school.  The Federal ID number of St. John’s is 39-0986622.  For tuition numbers contact school@sjtosa.org and for Childcare contact childcare@sjtosa.org.

        Could you use any scrip gift cards?  Stop by the school office before or after school. 

Praise God for His Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

Greetings,

    This year is turning out to be a year of potential change beyond previous years that I can remember.  Teacher and pastor calls are extended in quantity not seen in the past.  Our congregation called for two positions, principal and a teacher for 4^th grade.  A number of staff have had the chance to speak with Mr. Dan Markgraf who has the call to be principal.  Mr. Markgraf has served as principal of Beautiful Savior Lutheran School in Cincinnati, Ohio for 18 years.  He has a Master’s Degree in Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm.  His wife currently also serves as a teacher at Beautiful Savior.  Our congregation also called Miss Megan Bauer as a 4^th grade teacher with piano keyboard assistance for school music.  Miss Bauer currently teaches gr. 3-5 in Howard’s Grove, OH.  She graduated from MLC in 2013.  Mr. Dave Leyrer continues to deliberate a call to be Athletic Director of Huron Valley Lutheran High School located by Detroit, Michigan.  Mrs. Carrie Henning received a call to teach with her husband, Mike, at Peshtigo, WI.  Mr. Henning would serve as principal and she would teach the upper grades if they accept this call.  Your prayers for these called workers and our educational ministry are significant, please ask God for guidance for these workers and blessing on our ministry.

     Congratulations to Eva Kuehn for receiving the Drost Scholarship for WISCO.  This scholarship pays 50% of the tuition for four years ($16k+) and is based on high academic and social accomplishments as a Christian student.

     We continue to accept applications for our sessions for K5, a class about 17 students for next year.  We do have slots open in our K4 and K3 programs.  We are sending letters confirming the individual applications that have been accepted. 

     Have you started your taxes yet?  The state of Wisconsin allows those who itemize to deduct your tuition for our school.  To make use of this deduction you will need the Federal ID number of St. John’s is 39-0986622.  For tuition contact school@sjtosa.org and for Childcare contact childcare@sjtosa.org.      

Could you use any scrip gift cards?  Stop by the school office before or after school. 

Praise God for His Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

No School on Monday, February 17, 2020, Presidents' Day

Greetings,

    On Tuesday, Feb. 11 our congregation called for two positions, principal and a teacher for 4^th grade.  Mr. Dan Markgraf was called as principal.  He is 55 years old and for 18 years has served as principal of Beautiful Savior Lutheran School in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He has a Master’s Degree in Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm.  He is married with four adult children.  Congregation also called Miss Megan Bauer as a 4^th grade teacher with piano keyboard assistance for school music.  Miss Bauer currently teaches gr. 3-5 in Howard’s Grove, OH.  She graduated from MLC in 2013.  Mr. Dave Leyrer continues to deliberate a call to be Athletic Director of Huron Valley Lutheran High School located by Detroit, Michigan.  Pastor Bitter returned the call he received from Sparta, WI.

     We continue to accept applications for our sessions for K5, a class about 17 students for next year.  We do have slots open in our K4 and K3 programs.  We are sending letters confirming the individual applications that have been accepted.  It is exciting for us to begin the planning for next year.  We are happy to be part of a ministry that works with you!

     Friday night our CES hosted a Daddy-Daughter Dance!  Thanks to all who planned to make this a great time.

     Have you started your taxes yet?  The state of Wisconsin allows those who itemize to deduct your tuition for our school.  To make use of this deduction you will need the Federal ID number of St. John’s is 39-0986622.  For tuition contact school@sjtosa.org and for Childcare contact childcare@sjtosa.org.

     Please pray for God’s guidance for Miss Bauer, Mr. Leyrer and for Mr. Markgraf as they consider serving the Lord here at St. John’s or at a different congregation.  There are many ministry vacancies in our synod this year, teacher and pastor.  We hope these workers will continue to use their talents here with us.

 Could you use any scrip gift cards?  Stop by the school office before or after school. 

Praise God for His Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

Congratulations to Ian Beck, WLHS Christian Leader of the Month!

Congratulations to Julia Treichel, one of the top 10 Seniors of WLHS for 2020!

Greetings,

    Next Tuesday, Feb. 11 @ 6:30 pm.  is the date and time for our next call meeting.  At that meeting we will call for two positions, principal and a teacher for 4^th grade.  Also, Mr. Dave Leyrer has received a call to be Athletic Director of Huron Valley Lutheran High School located by Detroit, Michigan.  Pastor Bitter also continues to consider the call he received to Sparta, WI.  Watch for more information and please include both men in your prayers.

     Friday night our CES is hosting a Daddy-Daughter Dance!  Dads, polish up your dancing shoes!  Music and crafts were ordered for 80 daughters and about 60 dads who plan to “move with the music”.  It should be a great time!

     This past week families have had students out with sickness.  PLEASE KEEP CHILDREN HOME UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MEDICATION AND A FEVER FOR 24 HOURS.  This is the best way to make sure that all students stay healthy.

     Our Childcare and Preschool and Kindergarten Open House is scheduled for Sunday, February 9^th from 11:30-1:00pm.  This is an opportunity for parents and children to visit the school and meet the staff.  If you know of anyone interested in our preschool programs, please share this information.
    At 1:30pm, following the Open House, we will host a Kindergarten Parent Orientation meeting for parents who have expressed an interest in enrolling their child in our Kindergarten program, and have not previously attended this meeting. This meeting will be held in the school lecture room on the lower level. Detailed letters were sent home.  If you did not receive this information, please contact the school office.
     Though this Open House is planned for families with younger children, it is also the perfect time for families with students in any grade to visit and gather information regarding St. John’s educational programs.

     Pay school tuition with money that is free of state taxes!  Check out the information later in this newsletter.

Praise God for His Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

Congratulations to Finley Buege, winner of our Geography Bee!

Congratulations to Logan Rindleisch, winner of the Spelling Bee!

Greetings,

    Mr. Ben Rank has returned our call to be principal so please put this date on your calendar, February 11 at 6:30 pm.  This is the date and time for our next call meeting.  At that meeting, we will call for two positions, principal and a teacher for 4^th grade.  Also, Mr. Dave Leyrer has received a call to be Athletic Director of Huron Valley Lutheran High School located by Detroit, Michigan.  Pastor Bitter also continues to consider the call he received to Sparta, WI.  Watch for more information and please include both men in your prayers.

     This past week families have had students out with sickness.  PLEASE KEEP CHILDREN HOME UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MEDICATION AND A FEVER FOR 24 HOURS.  This is the best way to make sure that all students stay healthy.

DID YOU RECEIVE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR K3, K4 AND K5?

     Our Childcare and Preschool and Kindergarten Open House is scheduled for Sunday, February 9^th from 11:30-1:00pm.  This is an opportunity for parents with children who will be 3, 4 or 5 by September 1, 2020 to visit the school and meet the staff.  If you know of anyone interested in our preschool programs, please check with the office for more details.
    At 1:30pm, following the Open House, we will host a Kindergarten Parent Orientation meeting for parents who have expressed an interest in enrolling their child in our Kindergarten program, and have not previously attended this meeting. This meeting will be held in the school lecture room on the lower level. Detailed letters were sent home.  If you did not receive this information, please contact the school office.
     Though this Open House is geared toward our families with younger children, it is also the perfect time for families with potential students in any grade to visit and gather information regarding St. John’s educational programs.

     Pay school tuition with money that is free of state taxes!  Check out the information later in this newsletter.

Praise God for His Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

Greetings,

    Report Cards come home today!  Please take time to discuss your child’s report card with them.  It is important for you to share their success and to encourage them.  If your child is doing great, can they help another child in the classroom?  Do they see God as the provider of every good and perfect gift, even report cards?  With the end of the quarter comes Parent Teacher Conferences!  Remember, these conferences are optional and are intended to allow you time with only the teacher you may want to communicate.  Teacher’s too, will schedule conferences with parents they would like to communicate, so, please click on the link to our schedule for next Wednesday and Thursday.

    On Jan. 7^th congregation extended a call to a new principal for next year, Mr. Ben Rank. Mr. Rank is currently the Principal at Madison Eastside.  Mr. Rank continues to consider our call.  Please ask the Lord to guide Mr. Rank and to provide leadership for St. John’s into the future.  Pastor Bitter also continues to consider the call he received to Sparta, WI.  Watch for more information and please include both men in your prayers.

     Tomorrow afternoon, we will have our school competition for the National Geography Bee.  We took a placement test and the top 34 students in grades 5-8 will face off tomorrow at 1pm.  Want to see how you would do?  Come and have a seat on the bleachers with the students and enjoy the competition.  The winner will then compete through an online test for a seat at the state GeoBee.

     Monday, we have a Spelldown for placement at the Regional Spelling competition.  We will post the results of both academic competitions next week.

DID YOU RECEIVE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR K3, K4 AND K5?

      Members of St. John’s have preference over all other applicants until the Open House scheduled for February 9^th.  Members of Grace and currently enrolled families also receive preference.  Families for K5 next year should also receive information and a return post card by next week.  Please contact the office if we somehow missed you.

     If you are a member of Grace, please help us make sure we get information to all your church families.  We are continuing our K4 Extension program this year.  Students in the three-day or five-day program can extend into the afternoon with a K4 teacher.  We have also added a STEM curriculum, check us out!

     Pay school tuition with money that is free of state taxes!  Check out the information later in this newsletter.

Praise God for His Epiphany Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

Greetings,

    Tomorrow is the end of the 2^nd Quarter so report cards will come out next Thursday. With the end of the quarter comes Parent Teacher Conferences!  Remember, these conferences are optional and are intended to allow you time with only the teacher you may want to communicate.  Teacher’s too, will schedule conferences with parents they would like to communicate, so, please check the schedule after it is published.

    On Jan. 7^th congregation extended a call to a new principal for next year, Mr. Ben Rank. Mr. Rank is currently the Principal at Madison Eastside.  He has served there for six years and before that he was principal at Kiel, WI.  He is 42 years old, married and has four school age children.  His wife is also a teacher at Eastside.  Mr. Rank has a Master’s Degree in educational school leadership.  Please ask the Lord to guide Mr. Rank and to provide leadership for St. John’s into the future.  This week Pastor Bitter received a call to Sparta, WI.  Watch for more information and please include both men in your prayers.

     This is the time of the year for academic competition as well as sports competition.  We will participate in a Conference Spelling Bee, Forensics competition, a Math Track Meet and a Geography Bee.  Stay tuned for our school winners who will represent us in the next step up!

DID YOU RECEIVE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR K3, K4 AND K5?

      Members of St. John’s have preference over all other applicants until the Open House scheduled for February 9^th.  Members of Grace and currently enrolled families also receive preference.  We send this information now, so current students may enroll before we add new families.  Families for K5 next year should also receive information and a return post card by next week.  Please contact the office if we somehow missed you.

     If you are a member of Grace, please help us make sure we get information to all your church families.  We rely on word-of-mouth to help assure we contact all who are interested     We are continuing our K4 Extension program this year.  Students in the three-day or five-day program can extend into the afternoon with a K4 teacher.  Information will be included in the mailings.  We have also added a STEM curriculum, check us out!

     Pay school tuition with money that is free of state taxes!  Check out the information later in this newsletter.

Praise God for His Epiphany Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~

Greetings,

     On Jan. 7^th the congregation extended a call to a new principal for next year, Mr. Ben Rank. Mr. Rank is currently the Principal at Madison Eastside.  He has served there for six years and before that he was principal at Kiel, WI.  He is 42 years old, married and has four school age children.  His wife is also a teacher at Eastside.  Mr. Rank has a Master’s Degree in educational school leadership.  Please ask the Lord to guide Mr. Rank and to provide leadership for St. John’s into the future.  Also, Pastor Schroeder has returned his call to serve as the President of Crown of Life Christian Academy in Fort Atkinson. 

  We are a week away from the end of the quarter and we have a new way to schedule Parent Teacher Conferences!  I am sure you have all done something like this for other activities in your life.  Please read below for instructions and the link.  Remember, these conferences are optional and are intended to allow you time with only the teacher you may want to communicate.  Teacher’s too, will schedule conferences with parents they would like to communicate, so, please check the schedule after it is published.

DID YOU RECEIVE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR K3, K4 AND K5?

     The enrollment information should arrive this week.  Please talk with those you know who might be interested in attending St. John’s Childcare, Preschool or Kindergarten and make sure they have the paperwork to enroll.  Members of St. John’s have preference over all other applicants until the Open House scheduled for February 9^th.  Members of Grace and currently enrolled families also receive preference.  We send this information now, so current students may enroll before we add new families.  Families for K5 next year should also receive information and a return post card by next week.  Please contact the office if we somehow missed you.

     If you are a member of Grace, please help us make sure we get information to all your church families.  We rely on word-of-mouth to help assure we contact all who are interested. We have a K4 Extension program this year.  Students in the three-day or five-day program can extend into the afternoon with a K4 teacher.  Information will be included in the mailings.  We have also added a STEM curriculum, check us out!

     Pay school tuition with money that is free of state taxes!  Check out the information later in this newsletter.

Praise God for His Epiphany Blessings!

~Mr. Uecker~