Volume
V11 Issue VII
Newsletter
February 25, 2010
A New Playground is in Our Future
We've got more children than we had a
few years ago. Therefore, we need additional playground equipment. The
present climber is a wooden structure built twenty years ago. It won't last
much longer. Those are some of the main reasons behind the drive for a new
playground structure.
When fifty children descend upon the
playground, they can take over a lot of equipment quickly. That's a good
thing. That's why we have the structures. Two full classes going out for
recess together could bring that many children. And they love the play
equipment.
The wooden climber was built on a
volunteer day in May, 1990. Lots of parents got together and put it
together on a Saturday. Some of those parents are now grandparents. Wood
splinters and cracks. The slide is pulling away from the structure. The
climber was moved from one place to another when the parking lot was added
onto, so the original piece had to be cut down. It's time for a new piece.
Our metal pieces last for generations
without much wear. The swings, merry-go-round, and two of the climbers were
moved from the Chicago Avenue school when Immanuel moved in 1984. The
swings were moved again and another bank was added when the parking lot was
reconfigured. Metal pieces are sturdier and last longer, and that lends to
greater safety.
The play piece that is being considered
will be like the ones in many city parks and school play lots. It will have
multiple play forms in an expansive design. It will be tubular metal with
some plastic pieces. The whole playground may move again, this time near
the new shed east of the parking lot. Immanuel owns the corn field
surrounding the school, so we have the room. Traffic will not be allowed in
the east lot when children will be at play.
A committee made up of PTL officers and
interested persons is collecting ideas and working on funding. Some
memorial gifts have been designated. A spring ice cream social or outdoor
fair is being planned.
The general community is sure to hear
more about this project. Many families have commented on their desire for
this structure. It will be exciting to watch it happen.
Immanuel Families are
Generous Givers
Between chapel offerings and special
collections, Immanuel families give thousands of dollars to the needy each
year.
Those chapel offerings add up. The
pennies, quarters, and occasionally dollars add up to several hundred
dollars each month. A committee of teachers, headed by Miss Glandorf,
research charities and designate the offerings each month. Miss Glandorf
explains where the student gifts go. The committee tries to include local,
national, and international charities. Some of the charities are affiliated
with the Lutheran Church denomination, and some are not. Some are strictly
humanitarian, and some are primarily mission; some are a mixture of both.
Discussing these charities at chapel
and in the classrooms really opens up the eyes of the children to the needs
of others. Many of the organizations that we support send media that
explains their group. "Groundwork Guatemala" was our December mission.
Former Immanuel kindergarten teacher Mrs. Ginny Holmes is there working with
this group. She emailed us a PowerPoint presentation that the kids saw.
They were amazed that children were actually living in and off of the dumps
in Central America. Our January offerings went to "Smile Train." Their
YouTube feature was very moving. Inexpensive operations to fix cleft
palates change lives. Children become more grateful for what they have, and
they learn empathy for others through the education that goes with these
collections.
Special item collections take place
from time to time. On our 100th Day of School, non-perishable food items
were collected for the Freeport Salvation Army. We were hoping for 100
items, but we got closer to 150. Immanuel Church and School, as well as
many Freeport residents not affiliated with Immanuel, collected so many
items for Haiti relief that a truck had to be hired. Lutheran Church
Charities sent a small truck to pick up the thousands of items collected.
Cases of water, food, and medical supplies were among the items collected.
We've heard that the items have already arrived in Haiti. A "socks and
undies" collection for the local needy is expected this spring. The
Math-a-thon is an event that raises money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital
in Memphis.
These charities are so worthy. The
change adds up. The dollars make huge impacts. The children learn
empathy. Hopefully they learn to appreciate what they have. Most
importantly, the gifts have such an impact that they change lives and save
lives.
2009-2010
Chapel Offerings
September
$444.20 Biloxi trip
October
$300.07 FACC –local food pantry
November
$610.76 Bible Sticks/Faith Comes by Hearing – 24 sticks
December
$399.23 Ginny Holmes/Groundwork Guatemala
January
$375.00 Smile Train (amount triple because of coupon $1,125)
February
$1265.88 Hearts for Jesus
Classroom News
Preschool
3 – The 3 year olds
have been so busy learning about Day 5 of Creation, when God created sea
creatures and birds. They learned many facts about both. They enjoyed
having a Valentine’s Day Party! They ate lots of good snacks as well as
handed out their Valentines. They were all so excited to open their own
bags to find the goodies their friends had left them. It sure has been a
busy month!
Preschool
4 – The 4 year olds
were disappointed the groundhog saw his shadow, even though none of them
could find shadows outside on that day. The children compared basketballs
and footballs and played games with both of them. The boys and girls had
their own Superbowl game between the Saints and the Colts and they tied!
The children made a graph of their guesses about which team would really
win, and most of the boys and girls picked the Saints. The children choose
a new letter to learn about each week and they are close to knowing all of
the letters. The boys and girls have also been learning about famous
Americans, especially presidents.
Kindergarten –It was
incredible to see 100 people in the kindergarten classroom!! The
kindergarteners had a lot of fun hosting the 100th day of school
party, and collecting more than 100 items to send to the Salvation Army.
The class also enjoyed celebrating Ground Hog’s Day, learning about shadows,
and President’s Day. They thought George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
were very interesting presidents, and wanted to learn more about the others.
The class has been doing a great job telling time on the hour and half
hour. Now they know when it is time for gym, music, and computer! The
kindergarteners have done a super job learning to read, and enjoy working in
their reading groups. The children look forward to listening and discussing
the book What Would Jesus Do? each day.
Grade 1 –
In math, the first graders are working on skip counting by
2’s, 5’s and 10’s. They are also working on ones and tens place value. Our
new English unit is on adjectives. Our theme in religion is on “changes”.
This unit reminds us of the changes God makes in our lives. Daily our lives
are changed by the many blessings God pours on us, spiritually and
physically.
Grade 2 -
The second-graders are learning about this great big earth that God made.
They are learning about the north and south poles, the equator, the
continents and the oceans. The students are learning about some of the
miracles that Jesus did while he was living on earth. They have learned
that the first miracle that Jesus performed was turning water into wine.
Many people were able to see God’s glory that day and strengthen their faith
in Jesus as God’s son! The students have also read about Jesus feeding
5,000 people with a little boy’s lunch and the calming of a giant storm at
sea. Many students have been successfully reading and completing
Accelerated Reader tests! Good job!
Grade 3 –Kudos
to the third graders for increasing their reading of books due to the
Accelerated Reading testing program the school is involved in this month!
With all the students help our total points for the month have increased
significantly. It has also been fun to join the second graders in a
mini-unit on the Olympics. First they learned the history of the games and
then concentrated on Team USA’s and Team Canada’s flags, national anthem,
and some of the Olympians representing their countries in the various
events. In math the class continues to add on factors to our multiplication
books and are currently up to the times sevens. Young Author stories have
also been started using brainstorming and character sketches. Next will be
the first drafts that show our creative ideas.
Grade 4 –
The fourth graders continue to study the miracles of Jesus in religion. The
class is learning about matter and weather in science and the Northeast
Region in social studies. In math the students are working hard to
understand division of larger numbers. This is a tough concept for many
students. Please encourage a fourth grader if you see one. The class has
been working hard to earn points for the Accelerated Reader Challenge. They
are exploring a variety of books and authors as they word toward each week’s
goal. The students have begun discussing Young Author and will be working
on their stories very soon.
Grade 5
– In religion class, the students are learning about King David and how he
became king. Friendship, trust, and faithfulness to God are characteristics
of David, and the students are learning how to apply that to their lives.
In math the students are finishing the chapter on geometry. They have done
a great job learning all of the new terms and applying all of them to
shapes. The students have enjoyed the break from normal calculations in
math. In reading the current theme is One Land, Many Trails. The students
are reading stories about Sitting Bull, cowboys, and pioneers. The students
are starting their Young Author stories. They have practiced story prompts
and will now get a picture prompt and write a story based on the picture.
It will be exciting to read their creative stories. The events leading up
to the Revolutionary War are the topics for social studies. The students
have learned about the French and Indian War, the Proclamation of 1763, and
the taxes King George created to pay for the war. In science the students
are learning about the earth. They have made volcanoes and are very excited
to watch them erupt. They will also learn about rocks, minerals, and fossil
fuels. The fifth graders continue to be great readers! It is so exciting
to discuss new books and new characters with them!
Grade 6
– The students are studying ratios, proportions, and scale in math class.
“Weather” is the topic in earth science class. The students have built
barometers, constructed snowflakes, and worked with pH in conjunction with
this topic. In Language Arts the students have been challenging various
classes to see who can get the most Accelerated Reader points. They lost to
the fifth graders. They beat the seventh graders, and they were beaten by
the eighth graders. This week they challenged themselves to see if they
could get seventy-five points in a week. They lost. They also read
Island of the Blue Dolphin, so that they would have more points. In
English they just finished a chapter on capitalizations. They all have
started their Young Author’s stories that are due in a week. It’s Olympic
time, and the 6th grade history students are studying the Ancient
Greeks, the originators of our Olympics.
Grade 7—
The students are studying percentages including discounts, simple interest,
and percent of change. The “cell in action” is the topic in life science
class. The students have examined plant and animal cells using microscopes
and will be constructing a three dimensional model of an animal cell soon.
In literature, the students are finishing up their novel study: Johnny
Tremain. Their next lit unit will focus on poetry. In English they
continue with their study of grammar focusing on nouns and pronouns. In
history class, the students are finishing a unit of the American Revolution,
which coincides with their novel study.
Grade 8—
In physical science, the students are studying the “nature of light”. They
are learning about the electromagnetic spectrum and refraction and
diffraction of light. In pre-algebra class, they are working with polygons
and parallel and perpendicular lines. In literature, the students are
finishing up their novel study: Across Five Aprils. Poetry will be
the focus of their next unit. In English, they continue with their study of
grammar focusing on nouns and 5 different types of pronouns. The 8th
graders are amazing! Every one of them passed the state mandated
Constitution Test on their first try. The test includes 100 questions about
the Declaration of Independence, the Seven Original Articles of the
Constitution, plus the 27 Amendments, the Illinois Constitution, and the
Flag Code. Presently, they are writing letters to their congressmen about
issues that concern them. A study of the US Civil War will coincide with
their novel study.
RUMMAGE
SALE: Have you been
looking at your children’s clothes and noting that many are getting too
small? or you find ‘stuff’ you no longer need or want??? Remember Immanuel
holds a rummage sale each June. The profits go to help those who are in
need. Keep the week June 7-12 open to donate, set up or work the sale.
News
Worth Noting!
Registration:
Currently enrolled families have been mailed registration packets for the
upcoming school year. The forms and $55 registration fees are due by
March 15 before new children are accepted. Families must be current in
their tuition payments to re-register.
Sock Hop:
Tuesday, March 9th, the
PTL will hold its Sock Hop from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Kick off your shoes and
bop the night away. The Chicken Dance, the Hokey Pokey, and Twist are the
favorites that night. Families are asked to bring a 2 liter bottle of punch
or pop, or a bag of chips to hare. Special thanks to parent Ron Halter for
serving as disc jockey.
IMMANUEL
collects General Mills
“Box Tops for Education” (we need that particular part), Campbell Soup
product UPC symbols, and Kemp bottle lids to help with education
opportunities for our students. Please deposit these items in the drawer
stand near the pop dispenser or in the collection box in the church.
Market
Day:
Orders are due March 19th. Forms are in a drawer located near the pop
dispenser or order on line at their web site, www.marketday.com.
Delivery is on March 23 from 3-5 pm in the school cafeteria.
SCRIP
is simply a word that
means “Substitute money.” They are gift certificates to national and local
businesses, purchased at face value and used at face value. Get a credit
towards your tuition.
Children
Singing at Lenten Services:
The children of Immanuel School
are asked (not required) to sing at the Thursday, 6:30, services at Immanuel
Lutheran Church according to the following schedule: February 25:
Kindergarten; March 4: 1st and 2nd; March 11th : 3rd
and 4th; March 18th: 5th, 6th,
and 7th; and March 25th: 8th grade drama
presentation. There will be a time of fellowship in the narthex after the
services. The children will also perform the Wednesday prior during the
12:15 services.
Culver’s
Night: On Monday,
March 1, the 8th graders will be working at Culver’s. 10% of the
profits for that day and night will go to the 8th graders for
their class trip.
Diamond
Dave’ Night:
Wednesday, March 10, starting at 5 PM, the 8th graders will be
working at Diamond Dave’s Restaurant. 10% of the profits for that evening
will go to the 8th graders for their class trip.
MEMBERSHIP
CLASS: A new
membership class for Immanuel Lutheran Church is beginning in pastor’s
office on Sunday mornings from 9:15 – 10:15 am. The title of the booklet, a
basic Bible and doctrine study, is “I Have Good News for You.”
Completion of this class could lead to adult membership at Immanuel Church.
Call 235-1993 (Pastor Schwichtenberg) for more information. Alice
Schwichtenberg is the teacher.
Parenting: The Early Years:
Your children have more energy than you do. How do you guide that energy?
Meet other parents with young children and discover God’s way of parenting.
The group is meeting the 4th Wed from 6-8 pm in the fellowship
hall. Contact Brian Elmer (815-233-5631)
Parenting: The Teenage Years:
They are growing up and getting older…now what do you do? Walk with other
parents who are facing some of the same issues in parenting teenagers. They
meet the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6 – 8 pm. Contact John
Wichmann (815-233-0881) if you wish to join this study.
TRI-STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The weekend
on March 12, 13, and 14 is the 48th Annual Tri-State Basketball
Tournament. Come to the school and enjoy watching our Lancers. Game times
will be posted on the Immanuel web site. A cheerleading showing will take
place in the gym at 4:30. A special worship service for the teams and fans
will take place at 5:30. Delicious food will be served throughout the
weekend. All are welcome.
During the
week the students and staff will be participating in Spirit Week. Spirit
Week will involve dressing to a different theme each day. The themes are;
Monday – Hat and Shades
Day,
Tuesday
– Crazy Day,
Wednesday
– Dress Up Day (good clothes),
Thursday – Pajama Day
Friday
– Blue and Gold Day. The students will be given a coupon for each day of
participation. These coupons will be good for Free items at the concession
stand during the tournament.
Come join the fun and fellowship
Bitty
Basketball: The
kindergarten through 4th grade children will be playing
basketball on Sunday afternoon, March 21, starting at 1 PM. They’ll
practice during gym class, and on Saturday, March 20, before their big games
on Sunday. If you can help coach or organize, please contact Athletic
Director Larry Tigges by email (ltigges@immanuellutheranfreeport.com)
or call 815-232-3511. Come and watch the play. You’ll have as much fun as
the kids.
Alumni
Game: Are you a former
Lancer? Alumni basketball is being planned for Friday, March 19. If you
are interested, please contact Athletic Director, Larry Tigges (ltigges@immanuellutheranfreeport.com)
or Principal Mike Welton (mwelton@immanuellutheranfreeport.com)
by email or at 815-232-3511. It was so much fun last year. Let’s do it
again!
OUR
CENTRAL PURPOSE
"Immanuel Lutheran School, a ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church, exists to
call students into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to move them
into active discipleship in a Christian congregation, and equip them to be
effective witnesses in the community. Immanuel Lutheran School strives to
direct the educational experiences of its students, while developing their
talents to their greatest potentials, so that they may fulfill God's plan
for service in our world."
Board
Meetings: The Board of
Christian Day School Education will meet on Wednesday, March 11th
at 5:00, in the library. Dan Medler is the Board of Ed director. The Board
of Christian Child Development Center will meet on Wednesday, March 17th at
6:00 p.m., also in the library. John Wichmann is CCDC director.