New School Year Theme
The new school year theme is “Our Plans, His Promises”. This theme is based on Proverbs 16:9, “In our hearts we plan our course, but the LORD determines our steps. We will be focusing on how we like to be in control of our lives and have “plans” that we feel are best for us. However God is the only one who knows the future, and through his loving kindness, he has created a plan that is the best for each and every one of us. We just need to look for his guidance in his Word rather than trying to take control of the plan ourselves.
New Staff Update
We are excited to have Allison and Luke Dorn teach at Salem this year! Allison will teach Kindergarten, and Luke will be teaching English, Literature, and Spelling in the Middle School as well as Music Director. Here is some information they have shared to help everyone get to know them:
Luke Dorn is a 2018 graduate of Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in coaching. He taught at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Beverly Hills, Florida for four years before returning to the Midwest. Luke grew up in Lewiston, MN, where he attended St. John’s Lutheran School (K-8). After grade school, he attended Luther High School in Onalaska, WI, and graduated in 2014. He enjoys watching the Twins, listening to music and playing piano, singing in church with his wife, Allison, and hiking and camping in the great outdoors.
Allison graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2017. She was first called to teach at Little Lambs Learning Center in Duluth, Minnesota, serving there for two years. In 2019, she married Luke and was called to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Beverly Hills, Florida to be Precious Lambs’ Director and lead teacher. She is excited to be in the kindergarten room at Salem. Allison grew up in the Midwest. Her family moved from West Bend WI, to Stillwater MN, and to Crete Illinois, before she went to college. She enjoys baking, crafting, being outside, and singing with her husband.
Band Change
Mrs. Julie Balk has been the band teacher at Salem for many years. At the end of last year, she was looking to free up some more time for her family and other passions. Due to this, Band will be offered through St. Croix for the upcoming year. This will be a great opportunity for Salem’s students to be a part of a bigger band as they will play for the St. Croix Christmas concert and other programs there. We are so thankful for all Mrs. Balk has done for us at Salem and look forward to this new chapter with St. Croix.
Information for the New School Year
Meet and Greet (School Orientation)
Salem has two days for school orientation for the 2022-2023 school year. This is the time when you can meet with the teacher to talk about the rules and expectations of the classroom. Your student can also bring in their school supplies to put them on their desk to get it all situated. The dates are August 22 from 8 am – 12 pm and August 23 from 3 pm – 7 pm. Please sign up for a 20-minute spot as soon as possible!
Job Openings
Salem is still looking for three job positions this coming year at Salem. We are looking for a teacher’s aide for first grade and second grade. This position would be for six hours a day Monday through Friday. Pay would start at $15 an hour with yearly raises. A job description is available upon request.
We are also looking for help with the K-8 After Care program. The position pays $30 a session. After Care goes from 3:30 pm-5 pm. This involves helping students with some homework if capable, and watching them as they play games in the cafeteria, outside on the playground, or in the gym.
If you would like to apply or know someone who would make a good fit, please reach out to Mr. Klatt (rklatt@salemlutheran.org) for more details.
School Updates
With summer in full swing, the school is getting its usual cleaning over the summer months. Here are some updates happening at Salem:
- New carpeting is planned for the school and principal offices as well as other areas in the church.
- We are working on installing a PA system to use for announcements and emergency procedures.
- The school lunch room had a new epoxy floor installed and the walls will be painted. The whole room will look fresh and new!
- The upstairs hallway has been painted as well as Mrs. Grobe’s room.
Upcoming Events
- August 22, 8 am-12 pm – Meet the Teacher
- August 23, 3:00pm-7pm – Meet the Teacher
- August 29 – First Day of 2022-2023 School Year
Registration for Preschool Next School Year
Preschool classes are almost full. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You have the choice of which days you would like your child to come. There’s a minimum attendance of 3 half days up to 5 full days. The cost is $30 for a half day and $40 for a full day. Tours will be scheduled individually for those interested. If you have any questions you can call 651-439-7831 and talk to Jane Grobe. If you know of any 2-4-year-olds looking for a preschool, please refer them to our website salemlutheran.org for registration information and for requesting a tour.
Registration for K-8 Next School Year
We still have room in some classrooms. If you know of a family that is interested, please have them go to our website to sign up for a tour with Mr. Klatt. He is happy to show you the school and answer any questions you may have.
Referral Program
The School Board approved a program that gives an incentive to recruit new families for our school. If a family who has children enrolled refers a new family to Salem, they will receive a $200 tuition credit at Christmas per family they have referred. A church family who refers a new family will receive a $200 script gift card also at Christmas per family if they so choose. There is no limit to the number of families you can refer. If you have any more questions about the program, speak to a School Board member or Mr. Klatt.
No More Clipping Box Tops
Boxtops has come up with a more technological way to earn money for Salem Lutheran School. Instead of clipping the box tops and sending them in, you can now scan your receipt through the app on your phone and the points will be awarded to your school. The website to sign up on is https://www.boxtops4education.com or you can download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
We Are Also Collecting Aluminum Cans
Aluminum cans benefit our athletic program and can be bagged up and placed in the wooden bin that is next to the garage facing Panama Ave. on our property. Thanks for helping our school!
RaiseRight (formerly ShopWithScrip)
You can buy gift cards from your favorite brands to earn money for Salem on your daily purchases. Visit www.raiseright.com/enroll to set up an account today. Use enrollment code: 2241AD6C14415
Prayer
One way we usually forget about how we can help our school and church is to pray for them throughout the year. Your prayers are always a blessing and it is great to know that you are asking God for his blessings in our school and church year.