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of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Assisting and encouraging God's people in Missouri
 

School News Archives

October 15 , 2009 

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not, with Him also freely give us all things.  (Romans 8:32)

It’s true that the road is narrow; following Jesus is not a life of luxury.  But it’s also true that God has numbered the hairs on our head.  We can count on God’s provision and blessing because He’s already proven His faithfulness by providing His Son.  Because of Jesus, we can approach our days with faith and watchfulness.  We never know how God might bless us today.

Early Childhood Directors

Please take a few minutes to complete the Early Childhood Directors’ Fall Summit Evaluation Form

In order to better plan for next year, please respond to the survey if you attended or if you were not able to attend.  Evaluations will be closed on Monday, October 19.

 

Mid-year Administrators’ Conference

Principals, administrators, and directors are encouraged to attend the Missouri District Mid-year Administrators’ Conference.  It is scheduled for Friday, January 29 (9:30-2:30) in Columbia.  Please mark your calendar for that date.  There is no cost for schools that paid their summer Administrators Conference fee.  Registration details and topics will come out at a later time.

 

MTM

The Ministry Technology Mentor program (MTM) was born out of the idea that Lutheran educators needed an affordable way to improve their teaching skills for this new digital age - an age that was just dawning when most of us were graduating from colleges and universities. The model developed to meet this need involves graduate level course work through our partners at Concordia University Wisconsin. The courses which have been developed target specific needs of today's teachers, such as a general educational technology overview, strategies for developing engaging 21st century lessons, activities, and instruction in school technology leadership.  Click here to read more and see course offerings.

LEA

Here are a few reminders from Lutheran Education Association (LEA):

1.         The deadline for submission of LEA Award nominations has been extended to Monday, October 19, 2009.  It is not too late to nominate someone you know who serves as an outstanding Lutheran educator worthy of national recognition.  To find out more about the ten categories of awards and to complete a BRIEF nomination form, go to http://www.lea.org/awards.htm.

2.         Do you have a topic about which you would like to speak at the LEA Convocation in 2011?  More information and the ONLINE form can be accessed at  http://www.lea.org/CfP2011.htm.   Pass the word along to your colleagues who may also have an interest!  The deadline for submission of all proposals is December 1, 2009.

3.         Lutheran school leaders:  Registration for the 2010 LEA National Administrators Conference is officially open.  Under the theme “Transformers”, this event is for all administrators.  Experience nationally known speakers, interactive workshops, dozens of exhibitors, social time with your colleagues and friends, and the City of New Orleans!  In addition, you will have some special opportunities to tour Lutheran schools and other areas affected by Hurricane Katrina which were supported by Lutheran schools around the country, as well as time to get involved in a personal way to help with the re-building. 

Go to http://www.arrowheadregistration.org/info.php?s=48 for more information and to register online.

 

Math Education - What Works?

Please join your education colleagues and community partners in a special discussion of promising practices in K-12 math education. This Math Forum will feature local case studies and facilitated round-table conversations on related topics (including professional development, parent engagement, etc.). The keynote speaker will be Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III , President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the author of two books on closing the achievement gap in math and science.

What:              Math Forum

When:             Tuesday, November 17, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where:            City Academy, 4175 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63115

Who:               Education administrators, curriculum coordinators, teachers, and business leaders who wish to participate in an open dialogue about math education in the bi-state metropolitan area.

Why:                Learn about promising practices in our region. Connect with expert educators. Network with key stakeholders in math education in the area.

Cost:               $40 per person including lunch, snacks, & follow-up materials. If you have questions about cost, contact us at (314) 382-0085.

RSVP:            Register online at www.cityacademyschool.org/mathforum  or call Braden Welborn at (314) 382-0085, ext. 105

The event facilitator is Victoria May, who serves as director of Science Outreach at Washington University in St. Louis and helps coordinate activities for the METS Coalition of Missouri. Roundtable conversations will be led by experts in math education.

 

New Payment Processing System

In response to requests from schools, FACTS Management, the nation's leading tuition management company, has released a new payment processing system that offers more functionality for schools and helps parents better afford the price of private and faith-based education.  With the new system, FACTS can bill families for full payments or semester payments, as well as incidental fees that occur throughout the year - things like after school care and athletic fees. FACTS remits these funds with detailed descriptions of the fees based on the school's accounting codes. In addition, schools can pick their remittance dates, receive good funds in as little as five days, and offer ACH, credit card, and paper invoice payment options to best meet their needs.  For more information, visit www.factsmgt.com.

 

POLS Conference (Repeat)

The Principals of Large School Conference (POLS) invites principals of all Lutheran Schools to join them for a very special event!  The 2010 POLS conference will address what Lutheran schools are doing to address the needs of 21st Century Learning.  Come, join in the discussion, learn what others are doing, share what is working for you and network with colleagues. Click here for additional information.

Blue Ribbon Schools Application (Repeat)

Information about the Blue Ribbon Schools application process is now posted on www.capenet.org/brs.html.   The site includes the timeline, application form, Q and A, and previous winners with the schools’ applications.  First deadline:  Register by November 5, 2009, if you plan to apply.  Questions?  Contact Gene Ladendorf at ladendorf@swd.lcms.org .

Information Needed (Updated)

Please check this list to determine if your school has sent in all the necessary information to the District Office: 

 FORMS

PERCENT OF SCHOOLS RETURNED

PERCENT OF FREESTANDING PRESCHOOLS RETURNED

School Information

91%

41%

Teacher Changes

82%

22%

Lutheran Annual

79%

37%

LCMS Statistics

83%

39%

 

Educators’ Conference (Updated)

1.         Schools participating in the Learning Galleria at the November Educators’ Conference should have received an email with detailed instructions.  Please sign and return the Learning Galleria Waiver Form to the Missouri District Office (18 of 53 received). Check the Waiver Form and the completion list.

2.        Lodging reservations at the Lodge of the Four Seasons are to be completed by October 23, 2009.

Lutherans For Life (Repeat)

The annual meeting of Lutherans For Life of MO will be held Saturday, Oct 17 from 9:30 am-3 pm at SPIFE, St. Paul's Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO.  The day will include Bible study, presentations, a short business meeting, and viewing a new video: "The Terri Schiavo Story". The cost is $8 and includes breakfast snacks and lunch.  Contact Diane Albers to register: lflofmo@yahoo.com .

Early Childhood Spring Conference (Repeat)

Check this flyer for information on the Spring Conference scheduled for March 6, 2010.

Prayer Requests

Each week prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of intercession for teachers, administrators, support staff, pastors, students, and families of the Lutheran schools and early childhood centers of the Missouri District are listed.  To include names on the list, send information to the District Office by Wednesday noon of each week.  This week we pray for:

All involved in Parent Conferences as parents, teachers, and administrators meet to discuss the progress of students.

 

"The Missouri District is to serve and encourage congregations to fulfill the Great Commission and to promote unity of the true faith."