Pilgrim Lutheran School News
May 13, 2016
There are only 16 days of school left in the year...
...now take a moment to catch your breath. Here's a quick look at what is on the calendar!
May 20th - Upper Grade History Extravaganza - show times at 9:30am and 7:00pm
(Please note: no separate Film Fest on May 13!)
May 20th - Popsicles in the Play Lot - 3pm - come support the play lot renovation phase 2
May 30th - Memorial Day - No School
June 1st - Ice Cream Social 6:30-8:00pm - see more info below
June 3rd - Sports Awards Day
June 3rd - Last Day of 3 yr old afternoon Pre-K program
June 3rd - Graduation - 6:30 PM
June 6th - Awards Assembly 10:00am
June 8th - Last Day of School - Dismissal at 10:00 AM
This week's recap...
AUCTION NEWS
Our final numbers are in for the Totally 80's Pilgrim Prom auction fundraiser and we raised a combined total of over $80,000!!! Thanks so much for your efforts and contributions to this success! If you did not receive your receipt from the event, please let Sam (samanthadoerfler@hotmail.com) know immediately and we can have it sent to you for your records. Last, but not least, be on the lookout for class photo books to arrive in two weeks!
With only a few weeks left of school for 2015-16, the rush is on to complete projects for the year. Every class is working on something, and the difference between the abilities of students from the beginning of the year till now is awesome! This is also borne out in student MAP testing, through which students are seeing some great increases in scores. Hard copies of scores go home at the end of the school year, but your child should be able to report their growth to you. If you have a question about MAP, you can always contact your child’s homeroom teacher or the Principal’s office for more information.
A Big Project still underway: History Extravaganza. Grades 4-8 are working hard to present a musical review of American History. The 2016 Operetta is a mixed-media event, with live performances by the 4th, 5th and 6th Graders punctuated by films from the 7th and 8th Grade Film Fest. (Please note: no separate Film Fest on May 13!) This is show will make Hamilton look like the work of an amateur! Get your tickets before this blockbuster sells out!!!
History Extravaganza!
Save the Date!
Playlot renovations: PHASE 2 fundraising is in full swing!
We got a great start at the auction 2 weeks ago, and now we need everyone else’s participation in order to make this dream a reality.
Donate, $50, $100, $200 or more in the office or here:
http://pilgrimchurchandschool.org/play
Garage sale is this Sunday. All proceeds from the garage at 4529 N. Mozart will go to the renovations. We need donations and 1 more volunteer from 2-3:30pm. Sign up here or email tkphotoart@gmail.com. Donations drop off Friday 6-8pm or Saturday 2-4pm.
Coming soon: Popsicles in playlot Friday, May 20th.
Pilgrim Yearbook
The 2015-16 yearbooks are ready to go! This is the one and only opportunity your family will have to order yearbook(s) this school year! No extra copies are ordered so if your family misses the May 20th DEADLINE you are out of luck. So order now, do not delay. Each yearbook is $40, addtional copies are $35. Please make your checks payable to Pilgrim School. We will also accept cash.
The order forms will be in backpacks next week!
THE FINAL DEADLINE TO ORDER IS FRIDAY, MAY 20th! NO ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN AFTER MAY 20th!
http://pilgrimchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/15-16_Yearbook_Order_Form-1.pdf
Thank you to Pilgrim parents Parul Desai and Laura Pryst who worked so hard to make this happen and produced a wonderful yearbook!!
Yearbook is still in need of photos from the following events/groups: Track; Cross Country; Basketball 3/4, Basketball 5/6 boys; Bowling;
Walcamp; Pablo Casals; Winter Carnival; Washington, D.C.; Fall Fling Dance; Film Fest; Band; Choir; and Student Council. If you have questions about yearbook or photos to contribute, please contact parents Parul Desai and/or Laura Pryst.
Community Alert
Please note that a suspicious person has been seen at play areas at 4700 North Wolcott and 4300 North Paulina. Review with your child precautions about strangers and make sure that young children are always under the watch of a responsible adult.
Welcome, Renee!
We are overjoyed to announce that Pilgrim's own Renee Stuedemann will be serving on staff as our new Office Administrator, taking the place of Kathy Danner. Please take the opportunity to congratulate Renee, and express our gratitude to Kathy. Starting the week of May 16th, Halley will be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:15am to 4:15pm as well as Friday morning, from 8:15am to 11:15pm. Renee will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:15am to 3:15pm.
Wildcat Sports - Please return all your sports uniforms!
Pilgrim Sports are now officially finished for the 2015-2016 School Year. The Lutheran School League Track Meet enjoyed a beautiful day of sunshine at Luther North College Prep. The Pilgrim Wildcats had a great time of running, jumping and throwing. And there were some exciting moments of competition that separated Pilgrim kids from the State Track Meet literally by a couple of seconds. Thanks to our parents who shuttled kids out to Luther for the Meet, and thanks to our Track coaches Beata Halter, Dylan Allingham and Andrew Yearick for their work with our students. Many thanks to ALL of our coaches and athletes who participated in interschool sports this year. We look forward to honoring all of our athletes on Sports Awards Day, June 3.
Please be sure to return any and all Pilgrim Sports uniforms to the school office. Be sure to put them in a bag with your name on the bag. Thanks everyone!
Healthy organizations need fresh, energetic leaders to grow!
Currently, several leadership roles are available to parents to take Pilgrim to the next level of excellence. If you are interested in a leadership role with PTL, please contact Anna Lambros and/or Carrie Goerne. Pilgrim is also seeking a new Auction chair for the 2016-2017 program year. Contact Sam Doerfler, Pastor Kristian, or Principal Comella if interested. A seat on the Board of Education is also opening up. Contact BOE Chair Chad Smith or Principal Comella if you would like to serve. Thanks for your thoughtful consideration of these positions.
Enrollment for 2016-17
Please encourage your friends with kids in Grades 1-8 to take a second look at Pilgrim.They can compare the test scores and track the data about where Pilgrim students successfully enter High School. Our data continues to be some of the best in the neighborhood! Middle School Girls are especially welcome! Upper Grades at Pilgrim are THEE place to be!!
Please note if you are the parent of a 3-year-old or know someone interested in the 3-year-old class for the 2016-2017 school year: after much discussion, we are making spots available to 3-year-olds in the morning class, but unfortunately, we will not be able to offer an all-day option for these 3-year-olds, due to space and room limitations. We are also inviting parents of children who are eligible for the 4-year-old class in 2016-2017 to consider the option of sending your child to the afternoon class for 2016-2017. Our Early Childhood staff truly believe that a mixed 3- and 4-year-old class both in the morning and in the afternoon is going to be a stronger learning environment for all the children.
Pilgrim BOE
The Pilgrim Board of Education Committee for Special Education and the Pilgrim Finance Committee continue to work hard in preparation for the coming school year. BOE minutes are now posted for the last two meetings.The Special Ed Committee is currently working on a protocol for parents to outline services and the process for procuring services. The Finance Committee is presenting a budget for FY2017 at a special meeting for May 17, specifically for budget review. The BOE must approve the budget first and then the Congregation Council must approve it. The Congregation gives the final approval to the budget in June before the start of the next fiscal year on July 1. If you would like to review the BOE agendas and minutes, you can find them on the school website by clicking the School Board link under the Parental Involvement tab: http://pilgrimchicago.org/about/parental-involvement/#.VrTKh_krKUk.
Pilgrim Lutheran Sports CAMP
Pilgrim has partnered with a Lutheran youth group called UKANDU to present a sports camp at Pilgrim. 10-12 High school and college students under the direction of 2-3 adult leaders provide instruction and skill building in basketball, volleyball and soccer. UKANDU provides a fun, structured program that includes time for snacks and reflection.
What are the dates and times?
Camp starts Monday, June 20, and runs through Friday, June 24. Campers should be at Pilgrim in Maring Hall by 9:30 a.m. Camp concludes each day at 3:30
Who can attend? Students age 4 through 10.
What is the cost? UKANDU is providing the camp at no cost to Pilgrim families. UKANDU provides a morning and an afternoon snack. Every child should bring a lunch and a water bottle or other beverage.
How do I register my child for the camp? Registration forms available at www.pilgrimchicago.org, or in the Pilgrim School Office. You will be able to register siblings at the same time.
Pilgrim Summer Enrichment Program
Click on this link for further information including times and costs!
Vacation Bible School!
Splash in God's Word! Vacation Bible School: Registration Now Available
Children 3-years old (potty trained children only) through grade 5 are invited to Vacation Bible School. LMC will partner with Pilgrim Lutheran Church to hold a week-long program filled with music, crafts, drama, and bible activities. This year, VBS will run 9:00 a.m. until noon
on June 27th through July 1st at Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School (4300 N. Winchester). The cost is $35 per child with a $50 per family cap on fees. Scholarships are available. There are two steps to register:
- First, please fill out the electronic form available here.
- Second, complete payment electronically through Pilgrim's website or by check payable to “Pilgrim Lutheran Church” with “VBS 2016” in the memo line and mailed to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4300 N. Winchester, Chicago, IL 60613.
Older children and youth are encouraged to volunteer at VBS (service learning hours are available!). Contact Chris Wallis (cewallis1949@yahoo.com) for more information.
New Sunday Worship Schedule Fast Approaching
WALK-A-THON to Reach El Salvador!- May 22nd
Gift Cards
Now that Spring is trying to appear, your gardens and lawns are looking for help! Pick up some Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, Target or Walmart gift cards before you head out to shop! April also starts the bustle of weddings and wedding showers! We carry cards for most of the usual bridal registries, such as Bed, Bath and Beyond, Amazon, Macy's, Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma (Pottery Barn) and many others. You can buy them to give as gifts or to buy the gifts- you can also use them on line! Check the green sheet for denominations and contact Anne Barsano (312-972-9040 or cbarsano@aol.com) for other dollar amounts. Cards will be sold on Sunday, Monday and Fridays. See you soon!
You are always welcome in classrooms, and I welcome your feedback and questions. Feel free to contact me (ccomella@pilgrimchicago.org) whenever something arises. If you would like to become involved in events and activities hosted by the Parent Teacher League (PTL), please contact either Anna Lambros or Carrie Goerne. Parents are also welcome to attend weekly chapel services. The students are always happy to see you there!
Chris Comella, Pilgrim School Principal
Pilgrim Lutheran School
Email: office@pilgrimchicago.org
Website: pilgrimchicago.org
Location: 4300 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
Phone: 773-477-4824
Facebook: facebook.com/pilgrimlutheranchurchandschool