September 29, 2010 letter

This is coming via regular mail as well!!

September 29, 2010

Dear Parents,

I am writing to all the school families of Trinity today in order to communicate some things that I think are pretty critical.  I don't want to just put them in the Leader for fear that some things will be missed.  Please read this entire letter carefully, and I'll do my best to keep it short for you.  I will also post it on my blog today.  Thanks.

Please come to my Bible Study class!  I am really trying to meet (and remember your names) all of you.  One way to foster that would be to attend the Bible study I'll be leading this Sunday, October 3rd and each Sunday for the 7 weeks following.  Our fall sermon focus here at Trinity is "Fateful or Faithful Attraction" that discusses sin like anger, greed, sloth, etc. as well as the Godly flipside to those sins.  I love to teach children and adults, so I'd love to have you there.  It is from 9:30-10:30 on Sunday morning.  You can just show up or email me to notify me.  We'll meet in 7th Grade classroom!  If you can't make it to this week, just come whenever you can.  Missing one won't put you "behind" for the next week.

Coffee with the Principal!  On Monday, October 4th, I will have the first open forum meeting with any and all parents interested in attending.  I promise to do my best to make it fun, informative, and interactive.  I hope you'll plan to be there!  Here's what I've had in the Leader the last few weeks: 

I want to invite any and all parents to a special meeting with me on Monday, October 4th at 8:10am, 2:00pm, or 5:00pm in the lobby.  I want to meet with all interested parents for a time of sharing about the school's mission and future direction as well as allowing people to volunteer for leading (or helping) with upcoming events. You will also have a time to ask questions, provide input, and share about the school.  It should be fun, informative, and a great way to stay involved in your child's education.  Attendance is optional, of course, so don't feel guilty if you can't make it.  I plan to have more meetings like this throughout the school year. 

Walk-a-thon 2010 Update!  I learned that you had a Walk-a-thon on May 14, 2010 to raise money for a number of needed items in the school.  I heard that it was a great time for everyone involved and that you raised $15,600.  That is outstanding.  It was communicated to you that the money was to be used for these items:  Lego Science Kits, food warmer for the kitchen, assemblies set by the PTL, software for the Smart Boards and other technology needs, and to pay a portion of the digital electronic sign.  I'm happy to report that the Lego Science Kits, assemblies for 2010-11, Type 2 Learn 4 software for keyboarding, up-to-date online map software, color laser printer for the computer lab, Smart Board with a projector and mount, and the digital sign have all been purchased.  A food warmer will not be purchased, but a freezer that is greatly needed will be purchased instead.  Thank you for making these things possible through your efforts with the Walk-a-thon.  It is greatly appreciated, and I wanted you to know the impact you helped make here at Trinity Lutheran School.

Thanks for your continued support!

In Christ,

Julian Petzold

Principal

Fateful vs Faithful Attraction

Our church's fall series "Fateful vs Faithful Attraction" begins this weekend.  I have had a number of families sign up to attend the Bible Study based on the sermon series that I am leading, but I'd love to get to 20 families total.  Please let me know if you'd like to come by calling me or emailing me.  I promise to make it fun as we learn together!!  If you don't come every week, it won't put you "behind" at all.  You'll be able to just pick up with each lesson, each week!

In Christ,

Julian Petzold
jpetzold@trinityct.org
586-468-8511 x131

Picture Day and Yearbook

Parents,
Please remember that Tuesday, October 5th is Picture Day!  Better get those haircuts, etc. this week or weekend:)  I know that I will be doing that.

I want you to be aware that the order forms are a bit different in the past.  Lifetouch will be doing our pictures once again this year, but they will take two pictures instead of one of each child.  From those two pictures, they will be able to create multiple options for you as you choose to make your purchases.  It is a new system that really provides you with lots of choices.  The yearbook picture will be a head and shoulders picture like it has been in the past, but your options for purchasing are greatly expanded.  You have the ability to view all your options online - that information is on your order form that was sent home last week.  If you have any questions, you may call the office for clarification or you may call our Lifetouch representative, Dennis Lewis at 517-582-2410.

Another order form came home yesterday for ordering a yearbook.  You may write one check for both pictures and a yearbook, BUT YOU MUST HAND IN BOTH FORMS.  Just put a note in the envelope for the yearbook indecating that you paid with one check if you decide to do this.  Thanks.

Finally, thanks for a great beginning to the school year, and I am thankful to be able to serve here at Trinity.  Keep me informed if I can help in any way.

In Christ,

Julian Petzold

Awesome Experiences

Parents,
I've had some awesome experiences over the past week.  I got to attend 6th grade camp, attend my first Parent Advisory Committee meeting, have our first after school faculty meeting, watch some very close volleyball games, learn how to put information on our new electronic sign, and eat lots of birthday treats from students.  All of this, and more, reminds me of the great school that we have here.  As I consider the awesome things, I'm reminded that it is the students, faculty, and parents that I've had a chance to be with that makes this place so special. 
My prayer is that you feel that too!!
Some things to note:

• If you have a 2nd grader, ask them about the chapter book I am reading with them.  It's called "Runaway Ralph" by Beverly Cleary.
• I am going to be teaching a Sunday morning Bible Study beginning October 3rd.  The study runs for 8 weeks, but you DO NOT need to be at every one since they are all independent.  I have 4 families signed up, and my goal is to have 20!!  Please talk to me if you are interested.
• Monday, October 4th will be Coffee with the Principal at 8:10am, 2:00pm, and 5:00pm.  They are all the same content, so just pick one if you'd like to come.  I'd love to have a big turnout.  ALL PARENTS ARE INVITED!  Check out the Leader for details.
• Friday, September 24th is a Dress Down Day!  Sports theme this time!!

Have a fantastic day in the Lord!

Julian Petzold

Thank you!!!

Parents,

Thank you so much for your outstanding participation on Curriculum Night.  It was great to have all of you here.  On Friday this week, I am having an ice cream party for the 2nd, 5th, and 8th grade for having the highest percetage of parents present.  2nd and 5th had 92% and 8th had 100%!!!

Also, I want to thank you for the great cooperation with the dismissal.  It seems to have ironed itself out well, and I credit all of you for that!!

It's been a great school year so far, and I am very happy to be here.  Please let me know if I can help you in any way!

In Christ,

Julian Petzold

Curriculum Night

Parents,

I am looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday evening, September 7th at 6:30pm for Curriculum Night.  We'll meet in the church and begin right at 6:30pm.  I have so many things to share with you about the school year that has just begun, and I'm excited to be a part of such a wonderful school. 

I know the teachers are looking forward to having you here as well so that they can familiarize you with their classroom.

This is not my school or the teacher's classroom as I see it.  It is ours to share as we partner in the ministry of Christian education.  Tuesday night is just one of many examples of how we will be partnering together in the months ahead.

See you there!

Oh yeah, have the kids mentioned that I'll provide ice cream sundaes for the class with the highest percentage participation by parents on Tuesday night?  That might be why they are asking you to come if they have done that already!!!!

In Christ,

Julian Petzold