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LION’S ROARZion Lutheran School’s Monthly Newsletter - November 2015

Founded in 1861Zion Lutheran School provides a Christ centered approach to education. This education nurtures the child’s faith, equipping him/her to use and share that faith on a daily basis. Our Vision: That every child knows Jesus as his/her personal Savior.

Zion Lutheran School - Voted #1 Elementary School 2015 Belleville News Democrat’s Readers’ Choice Awards1810 McClintock Ave. Belleville, IL 62221 Ph: 618-234-0275 zionoffice@zionschoolbelleville.org

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS 10 Family Table Night @ Panera Bread Co. Shiloh Veterans Day Chapel

11 NO SCHOOL VETERANS DAY

13 Group Picture Day

13-14 7th Grade Retreat @ Camp Wartburg

15 1st & 2nd Graders sing at worship 10:45 a.m. 17 Kindergarten Readiness Night

20 Pajama Day @ School EARLY DISMISSAL (1:15 p.m.)

24 Classroom Harvest Parties

25-27 NO SCHOOL THANKSGIVING BREAK

26 Belleville Santa Parade

CHAPELDuring the 2015-16 school year, our weekly chapel services will take place on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Parents and families are welcome to join us!CHAPEL LEADERS: 10 - Pastor Downs/ Veterans Day Chapel8 - 6th Grade 24 - Primary POD

CHOIR & WORSHIP Nov. 15 - 1st & 2nd Graders sings at 10:45 a.m. worship service at Zion Lutheran Church

BIRTHDAYS 11 – Ananda Baron - Principal 24 – Frederick Hasstedt - First Grade Teacher29 – Jamie Lewis - Preschool Teacher

“HUMILITY” This word has taken on new meaning for me as I prepared to share it with our students for this month’s character trait. In order to better understand humility, I also needed to take a closer look at its opposite: pride.

This week in our chapel service, we saw pride and humility as two different people. Pride said, “Give me what I think I deserve.” Humility said, “What can I do for you?” Pride said, “Look at me.” Humility said, “Wow! Look at you!” Pride said, “I’m better than you.” Humility said, “Praise God! His grace abounds to all of us equally.”

In 1 Peter chapter 5, we see that, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I don’t know about you, but I do not want God to oppose me; I would much rather receive the grace that He holds out to me. My pride sometimes prevents me from recognizing that I need His grace every single day. So, what can I do to silence the pride and humble myself?

First, look to God and acknowledge my dependence on Him. I am a sinner, saved by His grace, and loved by Him. I know that what I think of myself (especially in comparison with others) doesn’t matter nearly as much as what God thinks of me and how He can use me to grow His kingdom on earth. I am humbled to know that God doesn’t need me to get things done, but that He can and will use me in spite of my sin when I lessen myself so that He can become greater.

Second, as I look at others, recalling the words in Philippians 2. “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Whether I am willing to acknowledge it or not, God has made each of us, offers us all the same grace, and loves us all the same.

As we focus on humility this month at school, we pray that God would gently humble us all allowing us to lift Him higher and opening our eyes to the blessings He is showering upon us. May God give you grace as you serve as the #1 example of humility for your children.

Humbly submitted by Mrs. Ananda Baron, principal

Volunteers Needed

ZLS Dinner Auction...Mouse House...Nativity Project...Santa Parade.

Please prayerfully consider giving of your time and talents to these

amazing activities. More info inside Lion’s Roar!

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PASTOR CHRIS SPELBRING ACCEPTS ZION’S CALL

NOVEMBER CHARACTER TRAIT: HUMILITY

Dear Members of Zion Lutheran Church and School:The evening of September 14, I was notified via a phone call from Randall Hahn that our Lord, working through His church, had guided you to call me as Associate Pastor. That Divine Call made me the bearer of two Calls – one to serve the people of First Lutheran Church and School of Venice, CA, and one to serve you in Belleville.

During the last month, I have given both Calls considerable thought and prayerful deliberation.

I have had numerous conversations with my wife, Faith, with my colleagues in ministry here in California, and with members of both congregations. I was also blessed with the opportunity to visit Zion two weekends ago. After much discussion and prayer, I have been led to accept the Call to serve as your Associate Pastor at Zion.

Over the next several weeks, I will be working with the leadership at both churches to ensure a smooth transition and set a date for my installation as pastor at Zion. I kindly

request your prayers and patience as we work through the details of my departure as sole pastor at Venice, the sale of our home here in Los Angeles, the transition of our children to a new school mid-year, and a cross-country move.

In the midst of all these changes, I also ask that you keep the First-Venice church and school community in your prayers. I have come to cherish this ministry and the people whom I have served here over the last 5 years. Pastoral vacancies present unique challenges and opportunities, and I hope you will join me in praying for them as they work through this transition and identify the man that God is preparing to be their next pastor.

During my visit to Zion two weeks ago, I was impressed and encouraged by all the work that our Lord is doing among you. I am excited to be part of Zion’s ministry, and honored that you have called me to serve as your pastor. I, Faith, Anna, Lily, Lucas, and Abigail look forward to greeting you in person soon.

Your servant in Jesus Christ,Pastor Chris Spelbring

SchoolStore.netMAKING RAISING MONEY FOR ZLS IS EASY!

After much discussion and prayer, I have

been led to accept the Call to serve as your Associate Pastor at

Zion.

Pastor Spelbring and his wife, Faith

Did you fill out the form sent home with your kids this past week? If so, you are now also the proud owners of a cookie keychain!

There is still time to register and encourage your friends, families and neighbors to shop at schoolstore.net this holiday season. Each email sent is another chance at winning a state-of-the-art playground for our school, plus fun cash and prizes.

Email abaron@zionschoolbelleville.org for more info!

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MOUSE HOUSE IS COMING!DECEMBER 7-11

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL ALUMNI

We want to hear from you! Click here and fill out our Alumni Information Form.Our goal: Create a database of alumni to keep former Zion Lions informed of all the happenings at Zion Lutheran School. Click above or go to our homepage and click the Alumni button to get started!

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself. Philippians: 2:3

It’s that time of year… leaves are falling, turkeys are trembling, and before we know it, we will be decking the halls with boughs of holly!... and decking OUR halls with the sounds of MOUSE HOUSE!

For those of you who are new to Mouse House, this is a Christmas gift shopping experience for our Zion students. This year’s event will take place during the week of December 7-11.

Donation bins have been placed in the school!We ask each family to donate 12 new store bought or hand crafted items of any type.

A flyer outlining Mouse House - what it is, how you can help - was sent home last week. Take a look and thank you in advance for your support of this beloved Zion tradition!

Blessings, Jessica Baack

NATIVITY KEEPSAKE PROJECT FOR 4TH, 5TH & 6TH GRADE

Each year students are given the opportunity to paint (bronze rub) ceramic pieces for a nativity scene. This is a project that begins in 4th grade with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, continues in 5th grade with a camel & 3 wise men and comes to a completion in 6th grade with

an angel & 2 shepherds (If your child was not here for one or two of those grades, they will be given a chance to create the missing pieces this year.) It is a wonderful keepsake to remember the true meaning of Christmas and reflect on the biblical base they were given here at Zion Lutheran School.

This project is facilitated through the Art program using project volunteers. It is funded through the PTL Auction, Box Tops for Education, and last year’s Parents Club.

If you are interested in being involved with this project as a parent volunteer, please contact Dawn Gray 406-4962 or on Fast Direct.

HELP NEEDED ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12TH AT 11:00AM. If you can spare an hour or two, we will gladly take your helping hands. We could also use old rags and shoeboxes.

Please send to the office.

AUCTION2016 ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

DINNER AUCTION SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016

REGENCY CONFERENCE CENTER O’FALLON, IL

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we are in need of volunteers to make it all happen. There are multiple volunteer opportunities for parents who have a little, and a lot, of time to give. If you can help in some way, please sign up and the steering committee with follow up with more information. Thank you!

SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER

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SCHOOL THEME: ONE TOGETHER BASED ON EPHESIANS 4:1-6

EARN MONEY OFF YOUR TUITION & MAKE MONEY FOR ZION!The Scrip Program is a fundraising program for the school and a method of deferring tuition payments for families. The program works by simply purchasing gift certificates to buy items that you would normally buy from your favorite merchants. Each merchant listed earns a certain percentage and that percentage will be split between you and the school. Some merchants included in the Scrip Program include: Shop-N-Save, Kohl’s, Chick-Fil-A, Wal-Mart, Panera Bread Co., Applebees and Olive Garden/Red Lobster/Longhorn.

Orders are on sale in the school office daily. 618-234-0275

Contact Kathy Rudolph for more information: krudolph@zionschoolbelleville.orgSCRIP

OCTOBER CHARACTER AWARD WINNERS

Our character award winners for October “Shining Light” are pictured. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see

your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 16-18

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As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be pa-tient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is

over all and through all and in all.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS & STAFFEach month in the Lion’s Roar, we will highlight teachers and school staff members so you can get to know them better. Each one is unique in his/her own way - take a moment to learn something new about the amazing people that interact with your child(ren) on a daily basis at Zion Lutheran School.

Mrs. Kris AlthoffScience Teacher

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Restaurant: Scape

Favorite Snack: Pie with ice cream

Favorite Sports Team: St. Louis Cardinals

If I could trade places with any-one for a day, it would be...a surgical nurse. I would love to see an open heart surgery.

Three words to describe ZLS...Spiritual, academic, loving

What do you do in your free time? Attend my kids’ ex-tra-curricular activities, spend time with family, read and plan.

If I was not a teacher, I’d be...a nurse.

Something about myself you may not know...my family traveled to Banff, Canada this summer.

Mr. Fred Hasstedt 1st Grade Teacher

Favorite Color: Red/Blue

Favorite Restaurant: Applebees and 5 Guys Burgers & Fries Favorite Snack: Trail Mix

Favorite Bible Story: Moses/Egypt

My favorite memory of ZLS is...when former students stop in to see me and say “I remember when.”

In my free time, I...love wood-working, building, climbing and biking.

If I was not a teacher, I’d be...a firefighter.

Favorite Bible Verse: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Three words to describe ZLS...Caring, dedicated, educated

Something about myself you may not know...I like to jump from rocks that are really high!

Mrs. Darby Jameson Resource Teacher

Favorite Snack: Popcorn & Chocolate

Favorite Restaurant: Panera Bread, Co.

Favorite Bible Story: Moses, because he was a reluctant but great leader.

My favorite story of ZLS is... National Lutheran Schools Week.

Favorite Bible Verse: Numbers 24-26

If I was not a teacher, I’d be...a nurse.

In my free time, I enjoy... geocaching and reading.

Something about myself you may not know...I have parachuted and scuba dived before.

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DEADLINE FOR NEXT LION’S ROAR: MON., NOV. 30 Please send all materials for the Lion’s Roar to Terri Marino - tmarino@zionschoolbelleville.org

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

ONLINEGet your spirit wear

by ordering online at ZionLutheranGear.

com - Wear your spirit

gear every Friday and show your school spirit!

SEND IN BOX TOPS Classroom Competitions Have Started!

Bring in those box tops - mark your baggies, and let’s earn some $ for

Zion! Send in those box tops today!

Questions? FastDirect Lisa Peters or call 618-558-3317

CROSS COUNTRY Both the boys and girls won the Conference titles - The boys finished 7th at state, girls took 9th.

Four athletes qualified for the National Lutheran Cross Country Championships in Mequon, WI.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Finished 3rd in the Conference Championship!

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Finished 1st and was crowned Conference Champions!

CELEBRATING A GREAT FALL SEASON OF SPORTS AT ZLS!

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SPORTSCLICK HERE FOR ZION SPORTS CALENDAR - NOVEMBER

Please send all materials for the Lion’s Roar to Terri Marino - tmarino@zionschoolbelleville.org

LUNCHCLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES - NOVEMBER

NEW ITEMS ADDED!!! The Giving Tree was created to provide Zion teachers with desired classroom needs; items they would otherwise do without, or have to purchase on their own. Teachers request certain materials, and we ask our awesome families for support Thank you for giving!

GIVING TREE NEEDS:Mrs. Call’s Preschool:1) Boxes of pasta for the sensory tableMrs. Ziegler’s Preschool:1) New or gently used Legos for her building centerMrs. Haynes 2nd Grade:1) New or gently used, age-appropriate books for the classroom reading nook2) New or gently used board games to be played in the classroom/during indoor recess (with all game pieces included, please)Mrs. Althoff Science Class:1) Five (5) boxes of kleenex2) Cereal boxes3) 2 liter bottles

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FAMILY TABLE NIGHT

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FAMILY TABLE NIGHT

Next Meeting: Thursday, Nov. 19 - 6:30 -8 p.m. Fellowship Hall at Zion Lutheran ChurchLooking for support and encouragement as a mom? Join us at Where Moms Connect for conversation, laughter and friendship as you’re supported on your journey through momhood.

-------Child care is available on a limited basis for moms who could not otherwise participate (single moms, deployed spouses, spouses who work evenings etc.) It’s not too late to join us!

JOIN US AT WHERE MOMS CONNECT

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

WEIGHT WATCHERSWhat’s it like to lose weight and keep it off? Visit a meeting with no obligation to “join” and hare about real Success Stories? Bring a friend and join a group committed to healthy stewardship of self. They meet every Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church. (Enter by the bell tower.)

INSTALLATION FOR PASTOR SPELBRINGOn Sunday, December 6 the Zion Faith Family and assorted friends will be joining in a special worship

service to mark the Installation of Pastor Chris Spelbring as Associate Pastor and to welcome the Spelbring

family! You are invited to join us!

REGISTER HERE FOR THE INSTALLATION

HOLIDAY WORSHIP @ ZION LUTHERAN CHURCHThanksgiving Eve WorshipNovember 25 @ 6:30 pm

Advent Worship Services 8:30 am, 6:30 pmDecember 2Daytime Advent Service and School chapel 8:30 amEvening Advent Service 6:30 PM (ZLS School Band playing)

Advent Worship Services 8:30 am, 6:30 pmDecember 9Daytime Advent Service and School chapel 8:30 amEvening Advent Service 6:30 PM

Sunday School Children’s Christmas ServiceDecember 13 @ 10:45 am - 11:45 am

Advent Worship Services 8:30 am, 6:30 pmDecember 16Daytime Advent Service and School chapel 8:30 amEvening Advent Service 6:30 PM

Christmas Eve Worship 5,7, and 9:00 pmDecember 245:00 PM Family Worship: JOY! 7: 00 PM Contemporary Christmas Day Worship 10 amDecember 25 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

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AROUND ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Belleville Fire Department came for a visit in October, talking about fire safety at school and at home.

Mr. Hasstedt’s first graders enjoyed some nice weather, going outside to “measure” the size of one of the ships used by Christopher Columbus.

On October 31st, the entire

school body wore pink in

honor of breast cancer

awareness month.

Mr. Schmid dressed up and “broke bread” with his class to help them learn fractions!

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AROUND ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Eighth graders led Faith

Family activities for the month of November as the

students learned about humility.

The Kindergarten classes enjoyed a day on the farm - Eckert’s Farm in Millstadt - at their annual pumpkin picking field trip!

Mrs. Call’s preschool class compared and measured ribbons

in a small group project. As the children discussed color, tex-

ture and patterns, the words length, short-shorter, long-longer,

were introduced.

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ONE VISIT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING

Zion Lutheran School1810 McClintock Ave.

Belleville, IL 62221

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOLOne Visit Can Change Everything!

School Office: 618-234-0275 zionschoolbelleville.org

facebook.com/ZionSchoolBelleville

Voted #1 Elementary School BND’s Readers’ Choice Awards

KINDERGARTEN READINESS NIGHTTues., Nov. 17, 2015Tues., April 5, 2016

6-7 p.m. What does your child need

to be ready for Kindergarten?

Join us and find out!(childcare available and

pizza will be served)

ALL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, January 31, 201612:30-3:30 p.m.

Come see for yourself why we were voted No. 1 ele-

mentary school in the region!

(BND’s Readers’ Choice Awards )

A LITTLE BIT OF STEAM

WELCOMEWEDNESDAYS

We invite you to visit from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on the first

Wednesday of each month during the school year.

Tour the Campus, Meet Teachers & Staff and Get Admissions Information!

FREE EVENT Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016

9-11 a.m. The Magic House comes

for a morning of interactive fun. Space is

limited. Register early. Free event for 2 1/2-5 years accompanied by an

adult.

• Christ-centered education• Academic excellence• Average class size of 17• Caring and loving family environment• National Lutheran School Accredited• Smartboard technology in every classroom

• Technology integration within each grade • Excellent extracurricular activities• Respected and recognized athletics programs• Outstanding music and choir programs• Art, music, computers, PE part of curriculum• Piano and guitar lessons during school day

REGISTER TODAY at zionschoolbelleville.org - click on AdmissionsQuestions? Email Erica Stelling, Admissions & Marketing Director, at estelling@zionschoolbelleville.org

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EXTENDED CARE SERVICE

Dear Zion Families,

Sign-Up for Day Service on Wednesday, November 25th is happening now!

Cost per ASP registered child

$26 signed up by due date Monday, November 12, 2015

$34 not signed up by due date

Cost per ASP non-registered child

$30 signed up by due date Monday, November 12, 2015

$38 not signed up by due date.

A $3.00 per child late fee will be added for attendance without a 24 hour notice of any registered program, including pre-school students in the Extended Care program. Example: Day Service begins at 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 10th, parents not giving notice of attendance before 7 a.m. on Sept. 9th will be assessed the $3.00 late fee.

Payment is brought in with signing up.As always, if you sign up there is no refund. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or fast direct!

Sincerest Blessings, Ms. Julie Anne Gettys Extended School Director

Yes, my child(ren) will attend:

Child’s Name________________________________________________

Parent Signature__________________________Date________________

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PENNIES FOR PIES

Zion Lutheran School is collecting 'Pennies for Pies' to purchase pies for the Holiday Food Baskets put together by

Zion Lutheran Church.~Last year Zion donated OVER 200 pies

and we’d love to exceed that number in 2015 ~

--------------------------------------------------------------------------From Tuesday, Nov. 10 to Monday, Nov. 23, we will be collecting change in

each classroom to purchase the pies.

TO MAKE IT MORE INTERESTING:The class in each category below that brings in the most change over the

next two weeks will win an awesome prize!

Category 1: Preschool-Kindergarten Category 2: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade Category 3: 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade

Search the couch cushions, break open those piggy banks and

help us make an impact this holiday season.

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IN OUR COMMUNITY

THE 2015 GINGERBREAD 5K RUN/WALK

December 5th - 8:30 AM Start - gingerbreadrun.com

On Friday, Oct. 31, Zion Lutheran School participated in the Downtown Belleville Trick or Treat night. More than 2,000 bags of Halloween candy and school information were distributed to families and children in our area. A big THANK YOU to all our wonderful volunteers who helped prepare for the event, and worked that evening.

JOIN ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL AT THE SANTA PARADE

Friday, Nov. 27 @ 10 a.m.Zion Lutheran School will have a float in this year’s Optimist Club of Belleville Santa Parade. WE ARE IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN OUR EFFORTS.We will need volunteers to help decorate the float as well as ride/walk in the parade with us!

If you would like to participate, email Erica Stelling at estelling@zionschoolbelleville.org. More specific details to come about times for float decorating.