News from the Principal

February 20112

 

 

During these winter months when it is often cold and night falls early, you may have experienced the hibernation effect.  I know I have.  After coming home, there are many evenings that it is comforting to relax and snuggle in for the night to enjoy family time together. 

 

In today’s age of technology there are a multitude of activities to engage in while spending time together - television, movies, video games, computers, I-pods, etc.   Sometimes we forget to take this opportunity to READ!!!!!! Recreational reading has almost become a lost art. 

 

For younger children who have not yet learned to read, it is extremely important to read to them daily.  Studies have shown that children who have been read to daily perform better in school and are better readers.  Read stories together, talk about what happens, play games with the repetition, rhythm, and rhymes of a story.  Have fun with reading adventures.  You do not have to teach your child to read before school, but enjoy reading to your child. Not only will this be a special togetherness time, but you are setting the foundation for building a more successful reader.

 

Strong reading skills benefit students in every aspect of their learning.  As adults, we need to ensure that school age children actively read - to read not just the reading assignment for homework, but to read books for fun and enjoyment. 

 

One of the programs we use for our students in the elementary and middle school grade levels to help foster and strengthen reading skills is Accelerated Reader. 

 

The goals of this web based program are to: 

            Promote Reading – Reading more books and developing a lifelong love for reading are important to a child’s success.  

            Improve Test Scores – Independent reading has a positive impact on a student’s achievement, which has even been demonstrated on certain standardized tests.  The more your child reads, the better your child is likely to perform.

Develop Language Arts Skills – Reading develops and promotes comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and writing skills that students will use in all subject areas.

 

To maximize the benefits of the program, students are assessed to determine their current reading levels.  They then select a book from the AR list within their reading level.  Students take computerized quizzes which evaluate whether they comprehended the books read.  Students may complete quizzes in their classrooms, in the Harris Creek Library, or in the Computer Lab.  When a child passes a quiz, he/she accumulates points.  As students accumulate points, they are awarded prizes such as bookmarks, pencils, erasers, books, and ice cream parties.

 

Researchers of the AR program have developed a formula which when used helps foster the greatest reading growth.  Three things need to occur – 35 Z 90%. 

 

35        Children should read at least 35 minutes a day.

Z          Students must read within their zone (reading level).

90%    Students ideally should be scoring at least 90% on quizzes.

When students read 35 Z 90%, reading growth is occurring.

 

Parents, I encourage you to make time for your child’s reading and as he/she reads, periodically check to see if he/she is within the 35 Z 90%.  Make reading a family experience. Happy Reading!

 

God Bless, Linda K. Robinson

 

 

 

 

January 2012

 

As we begin our New Year, it is a time for reflection and of course making our New Year’s resolutions – a new beginning, a chance to improve ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, an opportunity to make things better.  It is so much easier to make our resolutions than to keep them throughout the year.  I think we all start with the best of intentions, but as the year progresses, we find that we have fallen short of fulfilling our goals. Sometimes in frustration or disappointment, we mentally cross off a particular resolution that has gone by the wayside and vow to try again to be more successful or maybe better luck next year.

 

During the school year in chapel and in daily devotions, our students in our day school program learn that each and every day is a new beginning.  Just as we think of the New Year as a clean slate, each day, God gives us a fresh start to become who he would have us be. He knows that we are a work in progress, and he continues to care and love us in spite of our failures and mistakes.  He doesn’t give up on us. So this year instead of our pages of New Year’s resolutions, each morning when we wake, remember Matthew 22.

 

            Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.     This is the greatest commandment.

 

            The second most important commandment is like it:

            Love your neighbor as your love yourself.  Matthew 22:37-39

 

 If we strive to follow this message, everything else is covered.  We don’t need any other resolutions – each day is like a new year in the eyes of God.

 

Best wishes to you and your family for the New Year.

 

God Bless,

Linda K. Robinson

 

December 2011

Our first quarter has been a fast paced one.  Parent teacher conferences are over, grades have been averaged, and the report cards have been sent home for our kindergarten – middle school students.  Be sure to check out the Honor Roll listing at the conclusion of this article. 149 students in our first – seventh grades earned Honor Roll recognition.  WOW!!!!

 

A special thanks to all our parents who have helped with activities and events over the last several weeks. From chaperoning field trips, helping with our Book Fair, baking cookies for Outback Night, providing snacks for the soccer team, assisting with the coaching of sports activities, participating in various fundraising endeavors, etc., we appreciate your support and partnership.

 

The pace will not wane in December.  On December 3, please plan on attending our Barnes and Noble Day.  During the weeks of December 5th and 12th, all grades levels will share the Christmas story with family and friends in special Christmas programs.  Please see our website for the specific day and time of your child’s program.  You don’t want to miss it.  Santa is busy getting ready for his workshop which will be held at the Fox Hill Campus.  New for this year, the middle school students will be sponsoring a Snowflake Shop for the students at the Harris Creek Campus.  On December 16, elementary students will have an opportunity to shop for family and friends. Gifts will range from $1.00 - $5.00.  More information will be coming home after Thanksgiving.  We will be together for all school Chapel on Thursday, December 16, at 9:00.  Then Friday, December 17, will be our last day of school before Christmas break. 

 

Remember you are always welcome to worship with us at Gloria Dei.  We have three services on Christmas Eve – 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 11:00 pm.  The 5:00 pm service is especially designed for families with young children.  Please join us if you are able. 

 

May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and many blessings.   

 

God Bless,

Linda K. Robinson

 

Gloria Dei Lutheran School

Honor Roll – First Quarter 2011-2012

Congratulations to the following students who achieved honor roll recognition for the first quarter.  To qualify for the honor roll, students must earn A’s and/or B’s in every subject and satisfactory or above in resource classes and work habits.  Keep up the great work.  You are off to a fantastic beginning for the school year.

 

Mrs. Allen

Gabrielle Alberg

Kaileigh Archer-Wright

Hunter Bynum

Sam Drewry

Claire Garner

Jordan Gaston

Carter Gilbert

Dylan Leonard

Lee Logan

Alyssa Mechling

Sheyenne Pierce

Jenna Sadowski

Joe Summerfield

Kaetlyn Wiltz

Devon Young

 

Mrs. Collins

Zachary Adams

Isabel Brink

Isabella Butler

Peyton DeCourcey

Mia Fuentes

Joshua Green

Audrey Ronsonet

Gabrielle Sadowski

Alisha Welton

 

Mrs. Maguire

Matthew Abdel-Sayed

Haley Berland

Julia Brady

Clark Chisman

Bayden Dadez

Evie Gaffney

Isabella Hill

Mitchell Hudnall

Emma Lauzon

Caleb Miller

Patrick Pearson

Pace Peterson

Megan Watson

 

Mrs. Grubb

Alexis Adams

Layla Baudanza

Umut Ceribasi

Jake Davis

Eric Eidenberger

Whitney Elam

Gage Glenn

Reagan Haddix

Joshua Herring

Ellie Hopkins

Lydia Hughes

Emma Lanier

Kristina Mitchell

Marina Pennington

Kelly Sinclair

 

Mrs. Watterton

Hannah Breedlove

Luke DeConcini

Tyson Denton

Ruth Douglas

Kendall Grace Etheridge

Rowan Etheridge

Lauren Fyfe

Brian Gilles

Alexis Harris

Madison Haynes

Kate Holloway

Jakob Juhl

Mycole McNair

Trevor Moyer

Kelly Parker

Abigail Ronsonet

Melissa Russo

Jackson Smith

Christopher Sparks

Kimberly Stierhoff

Bo Walter

Megan Yoakum

Ethan Zollmann

 

Mrs. Stook

Kaela Butler

Brandi Chandler

Jazzlyn Childs

Alex Eidenberger

James Green

Riley Hylton

Kate Jett

Samanta Lindborg-Rodriquez

Olivia Malone

Matthew Morales

Gabriella Newsome

Joshua Rice

Morgan Riggins

Elizabeth Robertson

Peyton Stewart

Rachael Waldmiller

Matthew Zorumski

 

Mrs. Wiggins

Mikaela Campbell

Ryan Carroll

Jermiah Chatman

Fletcher Chisman

Tess DeConcini

Kayla Gaddy

Kaylin House

Ben Melson

Margaret Russo

Matthew Tucker

Gabrielle West

 

Mrs. Putnam

Jalyn Anderson

Katelynne Berland

William Bertoline

Travis Boyd

Madeleine Etheridge

Haley Kramer

Madyson Merson

Rose Pearson

Natalie Pfahl

Teddy Sadowski

Janae Sayler

Joshua Schoorens

Anni Wang

 

Mrs. Dadez

Miriam Abdel-Sayed

Tyris Beason

Ethan Bennett

Ethan Boardman

Nickolas Childs

Elizabeth Clark

Kyle Egan

Ian Gehris

Luke Glaab

Zada Grandberry

Trey Hylton

Raegan Johnson

Dimir Kupke

Alexis Morales

Madison Terry

Regan Walter

Amanda Wells

 

Mrs. Ryan

Briana Barnett

Holland Bogedain

Courtney Francis

Joshua Glaab

Anna Junkins

Marissa Martin

Rebeka Petrick

Keresa Wells

Julia Whalen

 

 

November 2011

As we move into November, the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. The sounds of Christmas are already echoing at Gloria Dei Lutheran School as our students prepare for their Christmas programs which are scheduled before the Christmas holidays.  Through songs, carols, and plays/programs, our students are learning the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth.  They are also sharing this message with family and friends.

 

Since many parents and friends need to know as early as possible to request leave, our program schedule is listed below.  Please mark your calendars so that you will be able to share and enjoy this special occasion with your child.  Times like these are truly Mommy, Daddy, and Grandparent memories. 

 

School Christmas Programs will be held as follows:

 

 

Tuesday, December 6             9:00 a.m.       Preschool classes (Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Cole,

                                                                        and Mrs. Geith’s 2-day class)

                                                10:30 a.m.       Kindergarten classes (Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Yarrington, and

                                                                        Mrs. Junio)

 

Wednesday, December 7        9:00 a.m.       Preschool classes (Mrs. Nolte, Mrs. Cole, and

                                                                        Mrs. Geith’s 3-day class)

                                                10:30 a.m.       Prekindergarten classes (Mrs. Canfield, Mrs. Finch, and

                                                                        Mrs. Scherrer)

 

Thursday, December 8           9:00 a.m.       Two-Year Old Program (Mrs. Elberfeld)

10:30 a.m.       Prekindergarten classes (Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Gibson, and

                                                                        Mrs. Waldschmidt)

 

Monday, December 12            7:00 p.m.       Sixth and Seventh Grades, The Master’s Singers, & Band 

 

                                                  

Tuesday, December 13           1:00 p.m.       First grade classes

 

 

Wednesday, December 14      1:00 p.m.       Second and Third grade classes

  7:00 p.m.       Fourth and Fifth grade classes

 

Thursday, December 15         9:00 a.m.       All School Chapel

           

 

See you there.

God Bless,

Linda K. Robinson

 

October 2011

 

Our new school year is off to a great start.  Students, parents, and teachers are settling into new routines and schedules.  At this time of year, parents frequently ask the question, “What can I do to help my child succeed in school?”  Often parents are expecting a specific resource of factual information to impart to their child, so that the child will know the correct answers and information that will put them ahead of the game.  For example preschool parents often have taught their children a wealth of information – colors, shapes, letters, phonics, reading, addition facts, etc. These children know a lot of factual information.  While this knowledge is important and children do need to learn this information at some point in their lives, parents are sometimes amazed when educators respond - we need children to come to school prepared and ready to learn.  A young child who can recite the states and capitals, but can not pay attention in class, listen and obey his teacher, follow directions, sit down and behave will not gain full benefit of his/her school experience.

 

During the year, work with and support your child’s teacher.  There is a greater likelihood that your child will have a successful school experience when teachers and parents team together for the benefit of the student.  It is also helpful for parents and guardians to help with the following suggestions. 

 

  • Pray for and with your child each and everyday.  Pray for your family, your child’s teacher, and classmates. If you are not plugged into a community of faith, worshipping regularly, get plugged in.  And remember, if you do not have a church home, you are always welcome to join us for Sunday services and Sunday School. 
  • Enjoy your child and spend time with him/her. Talk to your child and let your child talk to you. Make sure your child uses words and sentences to express wants and needs.  The more your child learns to express him/herself verbally, the more advanced speech development will become.
  • Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and comes to school rested and ready to learn.
  • Make sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast and has a nutritious snack/lunch. You are what you eat.  Limit sugar and teach your child to make healthy food choices.
  • Teach your child proper table manners.  Have family dinners together at the table.
  • Make sure your child gets enough exercise. (Running, riding a bike, playing soccer)
  • Set realistic guidelines and expectations of behavior for your child and stick with them. 
  • Expect your child to listen and obey you, the teacher, and other authority figures.
  • Teach your child to follow basic directions.  Teach your child to be a good listener.
  • Teach your child that NO means NO.
  • Give your child responsibilities and chores appropriate for his/her age level.  Even preschoolers can be given simple tasks to accomplish.
  • By preschool, children should come to school knowing how to wash their hands properly, wipe their nose, take care of basic bathroom needs, put on their jackets, etc.  (Self help skills)
  • Limit the amount of time your child spends viewing television/movies, working on the computer, and playing video games.  If you child has a television in his/her room – TAKE IT OUT.  Research has shown that excessive viewing of television, playing of video games, etc. adversely affects development.  So turn off the television, play games, read, play outside, have your younger child draw, color, cut with scissors, etc. And remember to monitor the television/movies that your child does view. 
  • Read to your child or have your child read each and every day.
  • Teach your child to respect others.  Do not accept rude, disrespectful behavior.
  • Balance outside activities.  Choose one or two activities that your child enjoys and do not over extend him/her. Everyone including your child needs some down time.

 

Needless to say the list could go on and on, but I think you get the general idea. Many of these suggestions seen simple, common sense, everyday, routine reminders.  But sometimes in the hustle and bustle of our lives, we sometimes forget the basics which form the solid foundation of our being.  We sometimes need to slow down and remember that we want to raise our children to be “Children of God” with values, manners, and high expectations - children who will exhibit the Fruit or Gifts of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness.

 

Thank you for the trust you have placed in us with your most precious gift – your child.  We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding year together.

 

God Bless,

Linda K. Robinson

September 2011

Ways You Can Help!!!!!!

 

This school year, we have several easy ways you can help support Gloria Dei.  Whether it’s saving receipts, labels, boxtops, or shopping at the stores listed below, or joining us for School Spirit Nights, we appreciate your participation.

 

·         Farm Fresh - 1 2 3 4 the Community Program – When you shop at Farm Fresh, send your cash register receipts to school.  Farm Fresh will contribute a portion of the sales to our school for the purchase of books, audiovisual equipment, computer programs, etc.  This also includes receipts for gas purchases.  You can send in the entire receipt or cut the bottom section.

 

·         Campbell’s Labels for Education Program – When you buy Campbell’s products, save and send in the labels.  Labels can be redeemed for needed school supplies.

 

·         General Mills Box Tops for Education – Buy General Mills products, cut out the “Box Tops for Education” coupons, and send them into school.  We receive 10˘ for each label.

 

·         Target School Program – If you have a Target/VISA charge card, you can designate Gloria Dei as your sponsored school.  Gloria Dei will receive a percentage of each sale.

 

·         The Funding Factory – Gloria Dei participates in the Funding Factory Cartridge and Cell Phone Recycling Programs.  These programs are FREE and easy but will not work without your support.  Simply donate your empty printer cartridges and used cell phones to Gloria Dei Lutheran School, and we will take it from there.  We will recycle the cartridges and cell phones through The Funding Factory to earn points which we can exchange for new technological and/or recreational equipment.  Did you know that over 300 million printer cartridges were thrown away last year alone?  We also replaced or threw away over 30,000,000 cell phones!  Help us turn this waste into valuable school equipment.  Donate your used cell phones and empty laser and inkjet printer cartridges by bringing them to the school offices.  For additional information, please visit the Funding Factory web site at http://www.FundingFactory.com .

 

·         Office Depot – Gloria Dei receives credit for FREE SUPPLIES through Office Depot’s “5% Back to Schools” Program all year long.  Just use the Program ID number 70103897 when purchasing school supplies at any Office Depot location, online at www.officedepot.com, or by calling 1-800-GO-DEPOT and our school will receive credits equal to 5% of the qualifying purchases to use for free supplies.

 

·         Food Lion - Register your MVP Card and Food Lion will donate the amount you spend on qualified items to Gloria Dei School. To register: Go to the Food Lion website:  http://www.foodlion.com.  Click on the Community Outreach tab on the left of the webpage.  Click on - Register Your MVP Card.  Register your card and then each time you shop and buy the items that qualify, Gloria Dei School will reap the benefits.

 

 

·         Chili’s Night – The first Wednesday of each month is Gloria Dei night at Chili’s.  Dine at the Chili’s on Mercury Blvd. and Gloria Dei will receive 10% of the sales.  When you order and then when you pay the server remind him/her that you are from Gloria Dei. 

 

·         Chick-fil-A Night – The second Wednesday of each month is Gloria Dei Night at the Chick-fil-A on Coliseum Drive which is located in the shopping center where Sports Authority is located. Gloria Dei will receive a percentage of the sales for the evening from Gloria Dei patrons.  Be sure that you place your receipt in the receipt box on the counter.  If you use drive through, please remember to tell the cashier when you pay and pick up your order that your receipt goes toward the School Spirit Night.

 

·         Capri Restaurant Night – The third Wednesday of each month is Gloria Dei night at Capri Restaurant, Willow Oaks Shopping Center.  When you pay at the register, you need to mention that you are from Gloria Dei.

 

·         Fourth Wednesday of the month:

                        Sept. 28         Yogurt Vi – Peninsula Town Center

                        Oct. & Nov & Dec - None

                        Jan. 25           BD’s Mongolian BBQ – Peninsula Town Center

                        Feb. 22           Jason’s Deli

                        Mar.  28          BD’s Mongolian BBQ – Peninsula Town Center

                        April 25          Yogurt Vi – Peninsula Town Center

                        May 23           Jason’s Deli

 

Additional Dates:

 

October 27, Thursday          Outback Dinner at GDLS Beginning at 6:00 PM

December 3, Saturday      Barnes and Noble Day 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Feb. 9 - 27                             Classic Cookie Sales

June 2, Saturday                School Carnival 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

 

Save the designated labels and receipts and mark your calendars for our special events. If you are able to participate, we appreciate your help.  Thanks for your cooperation and support!  We are looking forward to an exciting school year.

 

Linda K. Robinson, Principal

 

August 2011

Summer is passing quickly and the beginning of our 39th school year is rapidly approaching.  We are excited about the many opportunities ahead.  I am pleased to announce that our new Senior Pastor/Headmaster, Pastor Bang, has arrived from Buffalo, New York and is settling into his Virginia home. What a wonderful addition Pastor Bang and his wife Debby are to our church and school family.  You will have an opportunity to meet Pastor Bang at our upcoming Open Houses, and of course you are always invited to attend our weekly chapel services.

 

Parents that have previously registered should soon receive a parent information packet.  If you have not had a chance to register and plan to join us in the fall, please call or stop by the Fox Hill Campus, and we will begin the registration process.

 

School will begin on Tuesday, September 6.  Before Open Houses, teachers will contact parents to introduce themselves and to extend an invitation to our Open Houses. Open House gives children and parents the opportunity to meet teachers and to learn the goals and objectives for the school year.  Open House can alleviate a lot of first day jitters for parents and students.  Listed below are the times and dates.

 

* Toddler: Two-Year- Old Program – Tuesday, August 30 - 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

 

* Preschool - 5-day (M-F), 3-day (M,W,F) and 2-day (T&Th) classes – Tuesday, August 30

5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

 

* Prekindergarten - Thursday, September 1 - 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

 

* Kindergarten – Wednesday, August 31- 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

 

* Second and Fourth Grades - Wednesday, August 31

(Parents and students may attend any time between 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.)

 

* Third and Fifth Grades – Thursday, September 1

(Parents and students may attend any time between 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.)

 

*First, Sixth, and Seventh Grades – Tuesday, August 30

(Parents and students may attend any time between 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.)

 

There will be two Open House events for first – seventh grades.  The first Open House will be held according to the above schedule.  Parents and students may visit the classroom.  First through seventh grade students may arrive anytime between 7:00 and 7:45.  Students will have a chance to meet their teacher, visit the resource classes, visit with classmates, and unpack bookbags and school supplies.  Parents will receive class schedules and other pertinent information for the school year.  There will be another open house meeting for parents only in which teachers will review the curriculum, explain goals and objectives for the year, and answer questions.   

 

Parents Night:

Seventh Grade: Monday, September 19, at 7:00 p.m.

Sixth Grade:  Monday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m.

Fifth Grade:  Thursday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m.

Fourth Grade:  Thursday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m.

Third Grade:  Monday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m.

Second Grade:  Monday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m.

First Grade:  Monday, September 19, at 7:00 p.m.

 

Please mark your calendars so that you can attend your child’s Open House.  We look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks.  We value the support and trust which you place in Gloria Dei Lutheran School.  We, as a dedicated faculty and staff, continually strive to provide quality learning experiences in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment for your child.

 

God Bless, Linda K. Robinson

 

July 2011

On June 16, twenty-six students graduated from our fifth grade program.  Teachers, pastors, staff members, and parents have worked together to mentor, nurture, and guide these graduates over the years, so that they can make a positive difference.  Congratulations Graduates!!!!!   We are appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their educational journey and ministry.  Gloria Dei’s first class graduated in 1988.  Since then we have had a total of 910 graduates!  We are also excited that many of these students will be returning for our 6th grade program, as we continue with the development of our middle school.  For the 2011-2012 school year, we will have sixth and seventh grades.

 

I am pleased to announce that five of our fifth graders earned the Presidential Academic Excellence Award this year.  This is a national achievement awarded at three points in a student’s academic career – at the end of elementary, middle, and high school.  To qualify at the elementary level, students must maintain an A average for 4th and 5th grades and at the 4th grade level score at least an 85% or above on a national achievement test in reading or math.  Congratulations!!!!!!

 

Our Presidential Scholars for this year are:

Whiting Chisman                    Zada Grandberry                    Isaac Huggins

Trey Hylton                             Regan Walter                         

 

I would also like to congratulate our staff members who celebrated special milestones in their service and ministry at Gloria Dei.  Thank you for your dedication and contributions to our program. 

10th Anniversary – Sharon Bennett, Kathy Gibson, Laura Ann Madott, Vickie Canfield

                                 Kelly Newsome

15th Anniversary – Jennifer Mitchell, Deb Long, Peggy Sipes

20th Anniversary – Mary Austin, Susan Smith

25th Anniversary – Ann Marie Batten, Sheila May Louise Stewart

30th Anniversary – Gloria Bowen

35th Anniversary – Diana Finch

 

One of the exceptional highlights of our spring was our School Carnival.  What an awesome day. We were blessed with beautiful weather and wonderful attendance.  I think everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun while raising money for our school. I would like to extend a special thank you to the many staff members, parents, grandparents, and students who helped with the event.  Your help and assistance with planning, donation of raffle prizes, donation of baked goods and books, set-up, game/activities, and clean-up were instrumental in the success.  We couldn’t have done it without the positive responses to our needs. We have already set our date for next year’s carnival, so mark your calendars for Saturday, June 2, 2012.  If you have any input you would like to provide for our planning for next year, please email me at lrobinson@gloriadei.net.

 

We have had a busy productive year, and we are looking forward to our 2011-2012 school year and the opportunities to work with children and families as we partner together to mentor and guide the children in our care. 

 

God Bless, Linda K. Robinson

June

June is here and students, parents, and teachers are counting down the days to summer break and summer vacations.  No more classwork, homework, or tests – well at least for a short while.  As you plan your summer, remember that Gloria Dei Lutheran School offers a summer child care program for those parents who are looking for activities and fun experiences for their children.  Mrs. Riley, our Child Care Director, and Mrs. Scherrer, our Grades Program Coordinator, have been busy planning and scheduling events, field trips, programs, and activities for our Summer Adventures program.  Children who participate are sure to have a fun, action-packed summer. 

            Our program is open to children ages two to twelve years of age.  Our toddler program is new for this year. Toddlers should be two by December 31 of 2011.  Toddlers do not need to be potty trained.  Starting at the preschool level, children do need to be potty trained.  We open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm.  Your child may participate on a full-time basis, 20 hours per week, or on an hourly basis.  (Our toddler program is a full-day program.)  Pick for the month, the program that best meets your child’s needs. Children may also enter the program at any time during the summer.  So as the summer progresses and boredom sets in, let your child join us for activities with friends. 

            Various projects, plans, and activities will correlate with weekly themes such as:  Under the Big Top, Party in the USA, Fun & Fitness, Dinosaur Dig, Where the Wild Things Are, Hullabaloo, and more.  During the week, children will also enjoy weekly field trips, music, arts & crafts projects, computer games, organized games, physical activities, Chapel, and special presentations. Our older children love swimming, the game room, and Fabulous Fridays.  Our younger children enjoy the Tumble Bus, Jelly Bean the Magician, and Balloon Creatures. 

            For more details or information, you may stop by our school offices or call us at 851-6292.  Come join us!

 

God Bless,

Linda K. Robinson

Principal

 

May

 

On March 16, students in our first through sixth grades participated in our annual Jump Rope for Heart event at the Hampton Coliseum.  Our school raised $19,575.00 for the American Heart Association.  What a successful event! 

 

A special thank you goes to all those who helped with this event by contributing, helping with set-up, jumping, or clean-up.  Mrs. Austin and her team of staff members and parents helped make this a fun event for the students while they learned about helping others. 

 

This was Gloria Dei’s 28th year of participation.  Since the American Heart Association has kept computerized records, Gloria Dei has contributed approximately $296,465.00.  WOW!! Thrivent partnered with us this year and matched $1,250.00 of the monies collected. 

 

Our event this year was held in memory of Art Batten, Mrs. Batten’s husband, and in honor of Bethany Hackett. Bethany, one of our kindergarten students, had heart surgery this past summer for a heart defect.  Bethany a bright, energetic, happy, young lady has made a wonderful recovery.

 

Mark your calendars for May 9-13.  During this week, we will have our spring Book Fair.    Our theme, Carnival-Your Ticket to Read, will highlight a wide variety of reading materials for students and parents.  This is a perfect time to select and purchase books for summer reading.  You will find additional information about our Book Fair in this month’s newsletter.

 

The carnival theme will also be expanded as we celebrate with a school carnival on Saturday, June 4.  Our carnival will be held on the Fox Hill Campus, from 11a.m.-3p.m., rain or shine.  All are invited to attend.

 

Special activities planned include an inflatable slide, Bingo, a bake sale, face painting, a spin art station, and a cake walk.  Carnival games such as Duck Pond, Treasure Dig, String Pull, Lollipop Pull, and Water Balloon Toss will be set up across the campus.  Popcorn, cotton candy, candied apples, Chick-fil-A sandwiches and hot dogs will be available as well. 

 

We are also planning a used book sale.  If you have adult or children’s books in good condition that you would like to donate, please bring them to the offices at the Fox Hill or Harris Creek Campuses.

 

Vendor spaces will be available for a fee of $25.  If you are an artist, crafter, or own a small business, this is a great opportunity!  For more information in reference to vendor spaces, please email Linda Robinson, lrobinson@gloriadei.net or Mary Capone, mcapone@gloriadei.net.  We will also have raffle prizes, so if you would like to donate a raffle prize please let me know.

 

With the support of our school, church, and community families, we look forward to an exciting, successful event.   We hope to see you there for a fun family day.

 

 

God Bless,

Linda K. Robinson

 

April

 

Daylight saving time has begun, and hopefully we will soon enjoy the warm, sunny days of spring.  After an extremely cold, long winter, I think we are welcoming the change.  It is hard to believe that we only have one more grading period for this school term. 

 

This is the time of the year when we also finalize plans for our summer and fall programs.  We are excited about several new opportunities being offered for our parents and students. 

 

We have had numerous requests to add a toddler program to our curriculum.  So beginning with our Summer Adventures program, we are opening enrollment for two-year olds for the summer and the fall.  Children who will be two years old by September 30, 2011 will be able to enroll for a full-day program.  Our program will offer a nurturing environment for children to learn socialization skills, self-help and independence, communication skills, language and vocabulary development, and gross/fine motor development. They will have fun and learn with music, children’s literature, arts and crafts, and interactive learning games.  They also will have time to PLAY.  Toddlers do not need to be potty trained. 

 

Another first is a full-day prekindergarten program from 8:45 am until 3:00 pm with before and after school child care if needed.  This program offers extended activities to our students who enroll.  Children would have lunch, a short rest/children’s literature period, (no nap), and reinforcement and enrichment activities for the afternoon.  The extra time would allow for additional learning games, pre-reading activities, art projects, phonics, math games, etc.  This program would be ideal for children who are outgrowing their nap, older preschoolers, or those who are not quite ready for the kindergarten program.

 

We are continuing to expand our middle school by adding seventh grade.  Our sixth grade program has been a successful endeavor, and we will continue to build on the program’s momentum.  Eighth grade will be added for the 2012 -2013 school year. 

 

We are most appreciative of the support of our parents as we move into the implementation of these programs.  If you should have any questions about any of our programs, please email me at lrobinson@gloriadei.net or call at 851-6292.  I will be glad to give you an over view of the curriculum and schedule a tour if you are new to Gloria Dei.

 

God Bless, Linda K. Robinson

 

Special Recognition

 

Congratulations to Anni Wang, a fourth grader in Mrs. Wiggins’ class. Anni won first place in the Finish Our Story Page of the Kidsville Fun Family Newspaper.  She won breakfast for her class.

 

Job well done to Luke Glaab, Alexis Morales, and Raegan Johnson.  These fifth graders competed in the Hampton Sport’s Festival Chess Competition and won second place for their division.

 

 

 

March

Soon we will begin registration for our 39th school year.  By the end of the first week of March, you should have received your registration packet for next year.  If you do not receive registration information, please call our school office at 851-6292, and we will be happy to mail you a packet.  I would like to remind you that all students who are returning to Gloria Dei for the 2011-2012 school year need to re-register, as this is a yearly process.  

 

Registration for current school students and our congregation members begins on Saturday, March 12, 2011.  Open registration begins on Monday, March 21. If your child currently attends and you plan for your child to return next year, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the advance registration during the week of March 12-18 to reserve placement for your child.

 

We are excited to be able to continue our middle school expansion to include seventh grade for the fall.  We have had a very successful sixth grade year, and we are looking forward to the addition of seventh.  We are currently accepting registrations for sixth and seventh grades.  If you would like more information about the middle school program and curriculum, please let me know and I will be glad to talk with you.   

 

Each year’s program builds a foundation to enable students to grow with sequential skill development to the next grade level.  As a child moves from one grade level to another, the programs expand to offer a broader base of activities and enriching experiences.

 

Students moving from preschool to prekindergarten experience pre-reading activities with Handwriting Without Tears, Word - a language development program, and Mortimer Moose - an alphabet and beginning phonics program. Along with many classroom activities, they enjoy weekly P.E., music, Chapel, and library.  Every other week, prekindergarten students learn about nutrition with Chef Combo, visit the computer lab to work with educational software, and participate in a hands-on science experience in their science class. 

           

Students at the kindergarten level have the choice of a half-day or full-day program.  We are one of the few schools on the peninsula who offer a half-day program as an option for parents.  All kindergarten classes are taught reading with a phonetic program, Beginning to Read, Write and Listen by Macmillan/McGraw-Hill.  What an exciting time when your kindergartener reads to you for the first time.  Students enjoy the weekly resource classes they enjoyed in prekindergarten with science and computers becoming weekly classes. Students in the full-day classes will also have a weekly Spanish program.

           

Our first – fifth grade levels are located at our Harris Creek Campus.  This campus has all the essentials needed for our students - computer lab, library, art/music room, science room, P.E. area, playground, infirmary, and offices.  The grades’ program builds strong academic skills in phonetics and reading  comprehension, spelling, math, and writing while offering an enriching resource schedule -  weekly art classes, extended computer time, P.E., Spanish, along with weekly Chapel services, daily devotions, library, music, chorus, and science lab.

 

Sixth and seventh grades will also be located at our Harris Creek Campus.  We will continue with our strong tradition of academic excellence in a Christian environment with an emphasis on the mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of students.  Students will change classes with the core subjects of literature, grammar, composition, math, science, and social studies being taught daily.  In addition, a well-rounded program of resources/electives will provide enrichment.  Tentative resources, depending on grade level, include health, first aid, P.E. – yoga, skating, bowling, line dancing, soccer, art – drawing and painting, drama, public speaking, computers, Robotics, Chapel, library, music – hand bells and choral, and MORE. For after school athletics, we will have a soccer team, and if there is enough interest, we will also form a cross country team.  

 

It is amazing what our students can accomplish with a strong academic curriculum, enriching resource classes, a spiritual foundation which reinforces values and morals, and a nurturing, caring environment.

           

This is an abbreviated summary of what is offered for our students as they progress from one level to the next.  As you prepare to register for next year, if you have questions about our curriculum or need more information, please call, and I will be glad to talk with you.  We are excited and appreciative of the opportunity to work in partnership with you in educating your child.

 

God Bless, Linda K. Robinson