CHURCH ATTENDANCE APRIL 6 & 7

A good increase in worship attendance over last week with 72.8%. That puts our 3 week average at 67.3%. The top classes were grades 7 & 8 with only 1 absent in each grade. That keeps grade 7 at the top with an 85.33%. Grade 8 is in 2nd place with 81% and grade 5 is at 79%. Let’s keep improving each week.

PLAYGROUND RENOVATION UPDATE – We have received close to $24,000 in donations to date so we will have a nice, shiny, new set of playground equipment in place next fall. We have begun to remove the old equipment and some tears were shed when they noticed that the “Spider” was gone. I’m sure the new system will more than adequately replace the ancient spider. A planning meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 15th, beginning at 6:30 in the school library. Any parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Bring your ideas and share in the planning.

KOKONUT ISLAND COMES TO BETHLEHEM – Next Friday, April 18th, at 7:00, our Bethlehem stage will be transformed into “Kokonut Island.” Please join us for lots of laughs, great songs and singing, plus outstanding acting. For those who cannot attend the performance, dress rehearsal will take place Thursday, April 17th, beginning at 10:00 in the gym. See you there for an evening of great entertainment.

ATTENTION – Social Security and SSI recipients, and low-income workers. Even if you have not filed federal tax papers for many years, because of low income, it is urgent that you do so this year. The reason is to make sure you receive rebates this spring, which usually will be $600 for an individual or $1,200 for a couple. Congress and President Bush have approved these rebates in what is described as an “economic stimulus package” to boost the economy. To qualify, you must send in a simple 1040 form, even though you again will owe no taxes. We repeat, no paperwork will mean no cash come rebate time. For information call the Saginaw county Community Action Committee, (989) 753-7741, extension 220– or 210. Or, call the United Way office in your area.

APRIL SCHOOL SCHEDULE REMINDERS – April 25th is a scheduled day off but it just happens to be the area Lutheran Schools Music Festival that day. Bethlehem is hosting the festival this year so only participating students (mostly upper grade) will be at school that day to perform. All other students will be excused for the day. In addition, the scheduled day off will be moved to Monday, April 28th, barring any additional snow/ice days off up to that point.

MUSIC FESTIVAL – Parent volunteers are needed to supervise and direct hallway traffic. If you are able to help on Friday, April 25th, please let Mrs. Tessin know. Thank you.

UPPER GRADE OPERETTA 2008 – The grade 5-8 spring operetta will be performed on Friday, April 18th. This year’s musical is titled “Kokonut Island” and is sure to provide great acting, wonderful songs, and lots of laughs.

AR POINT CLUB – Carolena Novak, grade 6, became a member of the Accelerated Reader 50-point Club on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. Congratulations Carolena! Your name will be added to the chart outside the library door at the end of the school year.

BOOK-IT NEWS – All Star Readers in 2nd grade for 2007-2008 school year are: Kaylee Dilleree, Alex Dombrowski, Logan Griffore, Erik Harvey, Lucas Inman, Natalie Ludwick, Kevin Miller, and Elijah Sawatzki. These students successfully completed all six months of the Book-It Reading Program. Congratulations to all.

SUMMER CAMP INFO STARTING TO ARRIVE – Information on camps this summer are starting to come in. I will let you know when they are here.

Camp Lu Lay Lea forms just arrived in the school office and ready to be picked up by students.

S.K.I.L.L.S. Basketball Camps will again be in the area at a local school. Anyone from ages 7-15 may participate. More information for these camps can be found in the office or by visiting their website at www.skillsbasketball.org.

VLHS 2008 Summer Sports Camps and Clinics – June 10-26, 2008 for Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and Football. Each participant will receive a custom designed T-shirt, a daily snack, and an opportunity to win a variety of prizes through various skill contests conducted during camp. Registration forms are available in the School Office.

SCRIP UPDATE – Starting March 29 –
Lands' End is pleased to offer their customers a 3% bonus benefit on Lands' End gift cards from Saturday, March 29 until Friday, May 9. That means you can buy the $25 and $100 denominations at a 12% benefit instead of the normal 9% benefit for the bonus period only. The Lands' End Gift Card is redeemable at all store locations, online at www.landsend.com, and through their catalog.

Starting April 5 – Exciting News! GLSC customers will receive an additional 5% bonus benefit for the Shutterfly gift cards, effective Saturday, April 5th through Friday, May 2, 2008. So when you purchase the $25 denomination during this special offer you will receive a 14% benefit instead of the normal 9%.

Starting April 12 – Bath & Body Works is pleased to offer their customers a 5% bonus benefit on Bath & Body gift cards from Saturday, April 12 until Friday, May 9. This means you can buy the $10 and $25 denominations at a 18% benefit instead of the normal 13% benefit for the bonus period only.

Welcome – Great Lakes Scrip Center is proud to welcome Tanger Outlets to our growing retailer list. Tanger Outlets is now available in a $25 gift card with a benefit of 8%. Unless prohibited by law, the gift card reduces in value by $2 per month beginning one year after issue.