- 1 - Growing up Into Jesus, Reaching Out with Jesus, Walking Together in Jesus

Jeremy May, Pastor David Birnbaum, Principal Sunday Services: 8:30, 11:00 School: 580-762-9950 Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. website: flspc.org Church: 580-762-1111 E-mail: lutheransecretary@yahoo.com www.flcspc.com Child Care: 580-762-1124 FastDirect: fastdir.com/flcspc

April 6, 2016

CARDINAL CHATTER

4/8 8th Grade Graduation pics 4/9 Ponca City 5K Kolor Run, 9:00; flyers in office 4/11-15 Iowa Basic Skills Tests; 2nd – 8th grades 4/13 7:15 a.m. = Chess Club FLC Fellowship Hall 4/14 ECE to Steven Fite Concert

4/19 Teacher/Volunteer Appreciation Day 4/20 Support Staff Appreciation Day 4/20 Mid-Quarter Reports 4/22 Middle School Musical 4/30 Auction

NEXT WEEK we will be having ITBS testing for students in grades 2-8 in the morning’s

only. Going to bed early, eating a good breakfast, and being at school on time is a great

way to start testing week. In an attempt to avoid distractions during testing, if you can

avoid morning appointments for students next week, we would appreciate it!

There are only 30 slots open for summer day camp. Please stop by daycare or the school office to pick up an application! We will need the enrollment pack and the

$200 deposit to hold your child’s spot.

JANET GOLL'S RETIREMENT - After 44 years of serving First Lutheran School, Mrs. Goll has decided to retire. We hope that she will be able to assist us in a various capacity in the years to come, but she is officially retiring May 31st of this year. We are looking to celebrate her in the month to come, but if you would like to help financially towards a big gift, come by and send it to the school office by the end of this month. We (and she) will GREATLY appreciate it. (Besides money, we are also collecting letters from former/current parents/-students that we can compile into a scrap book. Please consider getting us a letter or two to add to our collection.)

STUDENT COUNCIL: It’s not too late to contribute to the “Tape the Principal to the Wall” fund. We’re also still collecting BoxTops and Soup Labels. We’ll do a count at the end of next week to see which class brings in the most. Thanks for supporting these efforts.

Would you like to see Mr. Birnbaum duct taped to the gym wall? (I know I would!!) Student

council is hosting a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and the FLS Scholarship Fund. We’re selling duct tape for $1 a foot; money should be turned in to your teachers. If we raise $400, Mr. Birnbaum will stand still while we tape him to the wall. If we raise $1000, we get to tape both Mr. Birnbaum and Coach Redwine to the wall. So far, the sixth grade is leading the effort with 20 feet of tape!

COLLECTING AUCTION ITEMS! Please consider donating an item to be auctioned off. It could be something you make and donate like a blanket or pie or something you do like an oil change or painting a room in a house. If you own a business, consider donating a service or a product that your business sells. If your hobby is baking, fishing, boating, or something else a kid would enjoy, then you could auction off your time to teach a kid how to do that hobby. Get your kids involved by having your teenager offer a free evening of babysitting or lawn mowing. Re-gifted items are encouraged and accepted. Contact the office to sign up! Most of all, plan to attend, and bring a friend! The annual FLS PTL Fundraising Auction will be held April 30; check back here next week for details on purchasing your tickets!

GYM WALL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Tired of seeing the old blue wall tile in the gym? A project is being started to improve the aesthetics of our gym walls. We are open to any ideas including painting, removing the blue tiles, putting up Cardinal-themed wall mats, changing the colors to Cardinal colors (red, black, white), changing the tile on the outside of the gym in the entrance way, etc. All of these ideas have

different costs associated with them depending on which options are selected. If you feel called to make a donation to this project, please contact the school office. Your donation would be tax deductible. For questions or suggestions, contact Principal Birnbaum, Bruce Fuller (Property Chairman), or Tim Burden (School Board President).

PAST DUE ACCOUNTS: Some families are getting a bit behind on their breakfast and lunch bills. Be sure to check FastDirect or stop in the office and check your balance, so that you don’t get a surprise when you come to pick up your student(s) report cards!

TALENT SHOW WRAP-UP: What a great talent show we had! Thanks, Mrs. Sibley & Mrs. Hanson, for your help. Thanks, Parents, for all your cooperation. A special shout out to those parents who worked with extra students to help them participate. And a big Thank You to our very talented students and our Student Council and Cheer MC’s.

CAMPBELL’S SOUP LABELS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAM IS ENDING…We have until the end of this school year to finish collecting labels and get them sent in before the program is discontinued. If you have any Labels for Education, please cut off the rectangle like the picture to the right, and send it to school with your student. We can use these labels to purchase p.e./recess/classroom supplies for our school!

ENROLLMENT reminders have been sent home. If you have not re-enrolled yet, you should have received one yesterday or today. We have one class full, and several classes with just a few spots left. If you plan to return next year, please let us know as soon as possible so that we don’t give away your spot!

If you refer a new family with a new student in 1st – 5th grades, and they remain enrolled through the first semester, in January of 2017 you will receive a $200 credit towards your tuition account! Tell your referred family to be sure and list your name as the referring family on the enrollment sheet. Three families earned a $200 credit this school year just by referring friends!

GYM RESTROOM REMODEL - We are beginning the fundraising process to remodel the School gym restrooms. We would like to convert the two small restrooms on the South into one large girl’s restroom and the other two on the North to Boys only. The expected cost is $125,000. $7,500 has been given and will be matched by Phillips 66. If you, or a person or business you know could contribute, we would greatly appreciate it. (These are tax-deductible gifts.)

OFFICE WISH LIST: If you have any extra little medicine-measuring cups laying around the house, I could use some for the sick room. Also, if you pay your bills electronically, I use those large white envelopes for the inter-school mail items and would appreciate you donating them to the office. (Note, I would only like the blank ones, not the ones that are pre-addressed to somewhere.) Drop any donations by the office or your classroom. Thanks!

PRINCIPAL - Mr. Birnbaum: In the following weeks I hope to include "Short & Sweet" best lines from Lutheran pastor's sermons on marriage and love. Here is the longest "Secular marriage involves two sinners making promises to each other they cannot possibly keep. Christian marriage is two sinners bonded by Christ and His forgiveness, where He does the keeping."

LIBRARY – Mrs. Ware: April is School Library Month! We will have a poster contest this month for a prize. Our theme will be, "Love your Library!" I want to know what students appreciate about their school library and what their favorite part about being here is! Please come see me if you need supplies. We are also observing National Poetry Month by reading and discussing poems before we check out books this month.

PRE-SCHOOL – Mrs. Herard: We are thankful for the beautiful weather and spending some time outdoors! The Wondertorium trip was a blast! It was fun getting to watch "my kids" and their parents playing together. SHOW and TELL is this Friday (Thurs. for Hadley). Stephen Fite concert is next Thursday. His theme this year is "Oceans" and he loves to see us dress up. Let's get creative and make a splash! This week our theme is "Ladybugs" and our letter is "U". God bless your week!

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - Mrs. Kelly: We had a wonderful time at the Wondertorium Friday! Thank you parents that drove and chaperoned other students! There is a note in backpacks today about our field trip to the Ponca City Library. Please sign and return the permission slip to me by Friday, April 15th. Show and Tell is on Friday. Book orders are due to me or online by Friday. We still have a couple of report cards and picture money out. Please return those tomorrow. Our Stephen Fite field trip is next Thursday; there is a reminder note in backpacks today. Our bible words this week are, We believe that Jesus died and rose again. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 We are learning the letter "U" and the number "19". Have a blessed week!

PRE-KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Flaherty: I would like to thank all the families that helped out with our field trip last week. This week we are working on the Letter "Nn" and it's sound. Bible Words "We believe that Jesus died and rose again." 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Look in backpacks for upcoming field trip information.

KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Miller: Thank you parents for the great time at the Wondertorium last Friday! The kids had a great time. Show and tell will be this Friday, the 8th. Please, bring something that fits in your child's backpack. Our kindergarten will sing with first grade in church at First Lutheran on Sunday, April 17th at the 11:00 service and we hope to see everyone, so mark your calendar. Next week on April 14th will be our Stephen Fite concert field trip. Today (Wed.) a picture note was sent home and if you have brought your pictures back or paid for them please ignore the note. Thank you, and have a sensational week!

FIRST GRADE – Mrs. Birnbaum: Memory verse for Friday is the 6th Commandment - You shall not commit adultery. I still need a few more report cards that need to be signed and returned. Pictures need to be returned back to me if you are not purchasing them or payment if you are keeping them. Jennifer Heitman is working on our auction project. If you have not done so yet, please turn in $2 to help with the cost. We are having one last collection of box tops for the year - please turn them into me by next week. 1st grade and Kindergarten will be singing in chapel next Wednesday, April 13. You are welcome to join us at 8:30. They will also sing in church on Sunday, April 17 at the 11:00 service - please make plans to join us! Just a reminder that next Thursday is the Stephen Fite concert. Blessings on your week!

SECOND GRADE – Mrs. Powell: We continue to celebrate the Easter joy! What a blessing to be a redeemed child of God! Mrs. Patterson has begun a chick unit with our class. We're turning eggs every day and anticipate the arrival of our baby chicks. Next week we will be testing each day. Keep us in your prayers as we do our best. Help your child by being sure they have a good night's rest and a good breakfast each day. See the special note coming home today regarding our cloud project. As always, let me know if you have questions or concerns. These will be due April 15. Next Thursday, April 14, our memory work will be Psalm 23. Start working on one verse each evening and it'll be less stressful. Book orders are due April 15. Happy April Birthday to Cash! God's Blessings, dear friend!

THIRD GRADE - Mrs. Steichen: This weather is beautiful!! This week: Spelling and Reading Test on Friday. Memory (Numbers 6:24-26) due on Friday. Notes went home yesterday about information about testing week, please get back with me with any questions or concerns. Book Report: please be on the lookout for our next book report, information will be going home this week.

FOURTH GRADE - Mrs. Sibley: ITBS testing is next week. I encourage you to send in healthy nutritious snacks for students to enjoy during the breaks of testing. We have had our eggs in the incubator for just over a week now. The kids are so excited. Chickens should hatch around the 19th of the month. We will be having a math and social studies test this Thursday. Book orders that were sent home yesterday are due the 14th. Help the kids so they do not go to summer break early. Remember that school is still in session until summer break. Continue to help the kids be diligent and read to make their AR goal. Blessings on your week.

FIFTH GRADE - Mrs. Schatte: Today fifth graders are nearly being blown away at recess by the wind! I'm sure some of them wouldn't mind one bit. :} Tests this week include spelling and reading on Friday. Monday we took Benchmark test 4 in math. Within the next several weeks we're going to do a unit on positive energy, designed by OG&E to teach the children the value of water and energy. You will receive a kit which includes free high quality energy and water saving products that utilize the latest efficiency technology. This kit will provide you with the ability to make energy-wise changes in your home. I hope you will find it valuable for you and your family. Blessings!

MIDDLE SCHOOL 4/6 Po-Hi Cheer Tryouts – TONIGHT! 4/8 8th Grade Graduation Pictures 4/15 Middle School Spring Dance; Gym, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

4/21-29 Po-Hi Colorguard Tryouts (Current 8th – 11th Grades), East Middle School Gym, 4 - 6:00 p.m.

5/18 8th Grade Graduation, 7:30 p.m.

8TH GRADE GIRLS! Po-Hi Cheer tryouts are TONIGHT! Good luck girls! MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE: Mark your calendars. The spring dance will be Friday, April 15, 6:30 – 9:00 GRADUATION PICTURES: 8TH Grade Graduation pictures will be taken THIS FRIDAY, April 8th. Pose and

background preference forms have been handed out; if you didn’t receive yours, please ask your 8th grader

about it. The office has a few extras if yours cannot be found. Send no money now; money will be collected at a later time.

VOCAL CLUB: Come to our vocal club! We meet every Wednesday after school until 4:30 p.m. Anyone (boys or girls) in middle school who wants to join is welcome; please notify Jayna Johnson or Gabby Costello.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Your teacher has information on the radio contest sponsored by Team Radio. This is a chance for you to write a Public Service Announcement and present it on the radio.

8th GRADE FLS AUCTION BASKET: The 8th Grade will be auctioning off a “Made in Oklahoma” Basket at this years’ PTL Auction on April 30. Each 8th grade student should bring a “Made in Oklahoma” item to contribute to the basket to Mr. Covert by Thursday, April 21. The item can be purchased or made by you or someone you know (cash donations are welcome, also). If you have questions, please contact Martha Long at 580-716-0686.

Mrs. Goll: Next week is our ITBS testing week. Please remember: a rested, well-fed student will be at his best for testing. Most of our math work will be done in class next week; there will be very little math homework.

Mrs. Harbeson: Busy, busy, busy! That's what we are in middle school! Track meets, cheer tryouts, musicals, school work...it seems like there's just not enough time during the day to get everything done! I know that's how I'm feeling, and I'm sure many of you are in the same boat. Just remember that God will get us all through the in's and out's of our busy days. Just a few things coming up...ITBS testing is next week. The very best way to prepare for your tests is to get good sleep and eat a good breakfast. I encourage you all to do this! 8th grade is beginning on their final project for me - their college reports and presentations. Information on that will come home this week. Keep us all in your prayers as we head in to the final weeks of school! Blessings to you all!

Mrs. Hanson: We are in the final stretch to summer! Keep the momentum and let's finish the year off with a bang!

Lots of things going on this month. In chronological order; Cheer clinic is next week every day except Friday, after school till 5:30 pm. With tryouts the next Monday and Tuesday till about 4:30. Then that Friday is the musical production of Dr. Newheart's Neck up Check up, with day and evening performances in which all middle school students will participate. And finally the following Saturday, April 30, is the school auction, for which the 7th grade is making a money tree for which all 7th graders need to bring a $20 gift card or $20 cash. And that's just the next few weeks! There is so much more before the end of the year so stay tuned!

Mr. Covert: The 4th quarter is well underway here! I hope everybody is doing well as we move toward our Iowa test next week.

In 8th grade, we’re wrapping up the Progressive Era this week, and next week we’ll start looking at World War I. 7th grade is finishing up East Asia, and will start on Southeast Asia next week. In 6th grade, we’re still working our way through the Medieval Period in Europe, specifically the rise of kingdoms and the impact religion made on the world during that time period.

7th grade parents, if you weren’t able to attend the meeting Tuesday night, please send me a note on Fast Direct so I can get you the information you missed.

I pray that God continues to bless us all as we continue to celebrate His victory for us in this Easter season!

First Lutheran Church & School—Growing up into Jesus, Reaching out

with Jesus, Walking together in Jesus

In case you missed it above—8th Grade Graduation pics are this

Friday morning! Come in Sunday dress. Pictures will also be taken in

cap and gown (caps and gowns are red).