Monday, November 1st

Parents,

I hope to see you at Buffalo Wild Wings tonight.  I hope that we gather as a Trinity family to enjoy time together first and foremost.  The fundraising part will be a bonus to our evening.

We are all set to begin using Fast Direct to process all payments for our hot lunch program.  We will no longer sell lunch tickets beginning November 1st.  Watch your Fast Direct acocunt next week to see your balance.  We'll credit you for all the lunch tickets your child(ren) has next week, so don't be surprised to see a negative balance on Monday.

School ends at 3:15pm beginning Monday, November 1st.  Don't forget!!!!

In Chrsit,

Julian Petzold

Partners in Parenting!

Oct. 25, 2010

I was reading in 2 Timothy the other morning, and I thought to myself:  Parents need to be preachers.  You might wonder how I arrived at that thought, so let me explain.  Paul is telling Timothy to “Preach the Word” to those around him.  He wants Timothy to share the truth of scripture to those who need to hear it.  That is true for every Christian.  We should be sharing the word with others at every opportunity.  We have so many opportunities to do that in our homes with family members, and I pray that each parent will embrace the chance to read Scripture and talk about its truth with their children.  Right now is a great time to start if you need material because Pastor Hoft has written devotions for each day of the week based upon the sermon theme for the week.  Ask me for a copy if you want one, and they are available on our website (www.trinityct.org).  It is so important to do that with “great patience and careful instruction.”  In other words, be patient with your children when they don’t seem to be learning what you are teaching them and continue to diligently teach them the truth of His Word.    Don’t give up on this task, and I highly recommend also going to church together as a family.  Parents can “preach” of God’s love during the week, and Pastor can preach of God’s love at church.  It is a great combination.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Family Discussion Points

Talk about your child’s memory verse with them (if they have memory).  Make sure they understand its meaning – not just the words.

Use the daily devotions we have right now with your family a few times each week.

Plan for a time to read a chapter of the Bible together one night each week (or more).

Talk about Pastor’s sermon on your way home from church every week so it carries beyond the walls of the church.

Maybe go shopping for a family devotion book – there are plenty to choose from.

Partners in Parenting and November 1st Changes!!!

Partners in Parenting!

Winning the Prize!

On Saturday, I had a chance to see the 5th and 6th Grade Volleyball team play for the championship of the tournament.  With each point scored, the tension grew.  With every serve, the crowd became silent.  With each great play, the crowd cheered in appreciation.  And in the end, our team won 1st place!  The team was jumping up and down, hugging, and squealing like I've not seen in a long time.  The team and parents were all happy and excited because of what they had accomplished.  All that enthusiastic tension got released in an instant when the final point was scored.  I was reminded afterward of how much rejoicing there is in heaven when a sinner repents and is forgiven; when a believer enters eternity with God; when a person who was "lost" comes to faith...  The volleyball rejoicing was based upon what the team had accomplished - 1st place!  The heavenly rejoicing is based upon what Jesus has accomplished for us - eternal life!  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  Luke 15:10  Congratulations, volleyball team!

School Day Extended - Beginning November 1st!

On Monday, November 1st, we will end school at 3:15pm instead of 3:00pm.  This will continue for the remainder of the school year.  I discussed this at the last Coffee with the Principal, and the feedback I received was to add minutes to the end of the day instead of the beginning.  We (the faculty and I) pledge to be outside for dismissal by 3:20pm every day.  This will allow us to meet the required number of hours of instruction for the school year.  We will still end half days at 11:30am as before.  On occasion, athletic teams may need to leave at 3pm to arrive at games on time, but that will be rare.

No More Lunch Tickets - Beginning November 1st!

Beginning November 1st, we will only utilize our Fast Direct system to process our hot lunch accounting.  We will automatically deduct from each family account what the child actually purchased during lunch.  We will be able to utilize this for extra pizza, bagels on Thursday, and other lunchtime "extras."  This will be helpful with cutting down time in the morning for teachers and keeping your hot lunch account known to you through Fast Direct at any time.  I will explain this more next week.

This is directly from the school newsletter today. 

In Christ,

Julian

Michigan vs Michigan State and other stuff

Dear parents,

We had a wonderful day today with our dress down day for the game tomorrow, but I originally planned to have this for the Red Wings opening game tonight at the Joe.  Great how that worked out. 

I want to reiterate the invitation to Bible Study on Sunday at 9:30am in the 7th grade room.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Next week Tuesday, we will have a professional video team here doing many live shots of the school for a promotional video that will be on the front of the Macomb County website soon.  That will be a great way to promote our church, school, and early childhood center!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Julian Petzold

Coffee with the Principal Agenda

In case you weren't able to attned today, here is the agenda!!

Coffee with the Principal

Trinity Lutheran Church, School, and Early Childhood Center

October 4, 2010

1.      Refreshments:  Chris Kasper, Theresa Asoklis, Aimee Kilcher, others??

2.  Devotion:     Trouble source and Peace source

Worst punishment you ever got from your parents from getting into "trouble."  Cutting wood!

John 16:33

Jesus is speaking: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

Faith is supposed to give us peace.

What is the opposite of peace?

What can we expect in this world?

Is Jesus contradicting himself?

3.       Prayers:

1. That we might enjoy peace in our hearts despite circumstances.
2. That we would be effective witnesses so others can enjoy God’s peace.
3. That individuals would “take heart” and have troubles lessoned.

4.                  Setting the framework for this and future "Coffees"

1. Open sharing time
2. Honest feedback but with respect to others
3. Distribution of volunteers to utilize gifts and avoid burnout - enjoy your service
4. Help be supportive and knowledgeable of issues
5. Make this a better and better place for Christian education to occur
6. Kind of "replace" PTL or do PTL differently

5.                  Calendar

1. Picture Day - October 5th
2. NO SCHOOL – October 22nd - District Teacher's Conference
3. W  October 27 - Buffalo Wild Wings Night Fellowship and Fundraiser
4. W, Th  November 10,11 - Half Day
5. F  November 12 - NO SCHOOL

6.                  Future plans / Vision

1. Lunch tickets and Fast Direct
2. One uniform turn in day for all fall, winter, spring sports - need volunteers (beginning or end of day best?)
3. Dress Down Days for missions or others instead of for here
4. Detention Policy and other School Handbook changes coming
5. Hour of instruction for this year and the future need to be increased - any preferences and reasons for your preference
6. After school clubs - see me if interested in offering something
7. I have a LONG list if little things to accomplish
8. 5th grade teacher for next year and the process I'll take

7.                  Events:

1. Entertainment Book Fundraiser - need coordinator, we are on the "hook"
2. Open House/Ice Cream social - cancelled for a later date volunteer
3. Others to discuss and prioritize from PTL list
4. Have the kids been involved in choosing events?

8.                  Assessment

1. How do you like all the Half Days of school?  There are 10 this year!
2. What kind of bible study would you like to have/attend on Sunday morning? Other time of the week?

9.                  Refreshments for the next Coffee with the Principal – Thursday, November 18, 2010

1. ?
2. ?

10.              SCRIP and/or CEF Program Questions

11.              Feedback/Comments/Concerns/Ideas etc.

12.              Closing Prayer

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