Pilgrim Lutheran School News
April 29, 2016
Pilgrim Prom is tomorrow night...
Tonight is the Pilgrim Volleyball Tournament, 7:30 p.m., at St. Philip’s Gym on Bryn Mawr, between Lincoln and Western Avenues. Entry to the tournament is $25 per person and all proceeds go the Auction! For more information, contact Wende Niforatos.
And the pivotal event of the weekend: Totally 80’s Pilgrim Prom! Whether you come dressed like Donny and Marie or Madonna, the Auction Committee has planned the ultimate party of the Pilgrim year. The options to have fun and help Pilgrim are many. Please come and enjoy!
This week's recap...
At Chapel this week we had a visit from the Lutheran Bishop for Chicago, Wayne Miller. Bishop Miller oversees the work of almost 200 Lutheran churches in the Chicago area. He drummed a magical music box and allowed the story of Samuel to come out. After service he spent time with the upper grade students, answering their questions about his work as a bishop. Bishop Miller acknowledged the wonderful and unique work that Pilgrim School does with children. The school community presented Bishop Miller with a check for $500 taken from the Pilgrim Kids Care fund for the purpose of relieving world hunger.
This week also held a variety of field trip experiences for Pilgrim kids. Students in Grades 4-7 attended a science open house sponsored by the French Consulate of Chicago and hosted by the Northwestern School of Medicine. Students had the opportunity to move around to various stations staffed by working scientists to discuss and experiment with science ideas. The students in Ms. D.’s homeroom attended a concert at the CSO about Spanish Rhythms and Dances. The students in Pre-K and K classes are visiting the Grove in Glenview, which is a nature center, complete with a study center for native Illinois animals. There are also exhibits about the life of the peoples indigenous to Illinois and the life of the European settlers of the region in the 19th century. Thanks for your support of all of these discovery learning experiences.
Friday, April 29, was Book Swap day at Pilgrim. This is the last Book Swap of the 2015-2016 school year. Thanks to Stephanie Weber for organizing this exchange for our students and her helper Mindy Wieland.
PTL News
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week at Pilgrim. The PTL will be offering the teachers a small treat or surprise everyday of the week to show them how much we appreciate them. Please join the efforts by thanking the teachers personally as well. We all know that Pilgrim wouldn't be the special place that it is for our children without its special teachers! Contact Anna Lambros if you want to help or have questions.
May is a busy month...
Tuesday, May 3rd, students in Grades 1-8 start the Spring MAP tests. We start with the Upper Grades and then move downstairs. Please make sure that students get enough sleep and a good breakfast before the tests. Check your child’s homeroom newsletter or SIS page for more information about scheduling for the test.
The Pilgrim Yearbook Staff meets on Tuesday, May 3, immediately after school in the 7th/8th classroom. The Yearbook staff is finalizing the book and order forms will be going home soon. 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.
Wednesday, May 4, Pilgrim receives a visit from our partner school, St. Paul’s/Dorchester. We will share chapel time together, have a field day of games and then enjoy lunch together. Money for lunches and transportation is provided by a generous grant from Ebenezer Lutheran Church’s Endowment Fund. We will need some extra help with lunches on Wednesday. Please let Principal Comella or Valerie Carlson know if you can help.
Friday, May 6, is the Lutheran Schools League Track Tournament at Luther North College Prep. Students participating meet at Luther North that morning. For more information, contact Mrs. Halter or Mr. Yearick, the track team coaches with Dylan Allingham. Flyers went home with our athletes and more information is posted below.
May 7, 2016 is Blanket Day for Project Linus
Project Linus supplies hand-made quilts, fleece blankets, and knitted or crocheted afghans to children who are critically ill or traumatized. The North Cook County-Chicago Chapter of Thrivent is sponsoring a Blanket Day for Project Linus. We will supply everything needed to make hand-colored fabric squares and fleece blankets. The Chapter will also provide lunch. No sewing skills are required If you can tie a knot, you can help out! This event is for school-aged kids and adults. The event will be May 7, 2016 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. at Pilgrim! RSVP to Janet Fisher at 847-266-9244 or jfisher@uwalumni.com is appreciated.
Playlot Renovation Part 2
Look in your child’s backpack for a flyer with detailed description of the project. We would love everyone’s participation in making this dream a reality!
You can donate at the fund-a-project portion at the auction, on a website, (http://www.pilgrimchurchandschool.org/play) or simply by dropping a check in the office with playlot designated on the envelope.
Fundraising will continue through June for this major improvement. The more money we raise for this project, the more we can accomplish. Please share the extra flyer with grandparents and friends and alumni of Pilgrim. If you have current alumni contact information, please contact the office. There are more flyers available in the office. We are also looking for a few volunteers to help with few smaller projects and other fundraisers. If you can help, please contact Tricia Koning (tkphotoart@gmail.com). Thanks for helping make this a success.
Graduate School Students
All of our graduate school helpers have now finished their year of service to Pilgrim. Students from the Chicago School of Psychology were faithful helpers this year in Pre-K, the 1st/2nd Grade Classroom and in the 4th/5th Classroom. Today, Ms. H.’s class says its official farewell to student teacher Bjorn Bollig. Mr. Bollig has been at Pilgrim since January. Congratulations on his graduation from Concordia University/Chicago this weekend. Mr. Bollig also got married a couple of weeks ago. We wish him well in his marriage and in his future career! We will also be saying good-bye to our social work interns, Miss Joy and Mr. Choon, in a couple of weeks. Genesis, the agency which supplies Pilgrim with social work interns, is ending their school intern program this year. We are very grateful to Genesis for providing this service to Pilgrim at no cost for so many years!
We Want You!
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.
Wildcat Sports
Important Track Update!!
Our runners are working hard! It has been hard, but fun.
1. We will practice at Luther North next Tuesday, May 3, 2016, weather permitting. Hopefully most team members can arrange for transportation to Luther after school. This will give us an opportunity to use the jumping pit, relay lines, and shot put area. We will practice from 3:30 -4:30 at Luther.
2. Team members will recieve their uniforms and track meet assignments on Monday.
Important information about our track meet Friday, May 6th
- The Luther North meet is Friday, May 6.
- The meet lasts from 9AM until about 4 or 5PM.
- Most team members will not need to be there all day. Only team members doing field events-long jump, high jump, shot put and softball throw-will need to arrive early. All other team members in grades 5-8 will arrive around 11. (Please note that no one knows their events yet)
- Team members in grade 4 will only participate in relays. They will not need to arrive at the meet until 1PM and are required to attend school until lunch.
- Team members in grades 5-8 do not attend school at all that day at Pilgrim.
- We will probably need parents to volunteer as timers.
- Each team member is responsible for his or her own transportation to and from the meet.
- We hope lots of parents will come to the meet to cheer our team on!
Campbell’s Labels Collection Ending this Year
Pilgrim BOE
The next Pilgrim Board of Education meets on Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30, in the 7th/8th Classroom. The main topics for discussion in May are budget and staffing for the 2016-2017 school year. In addition, the BOE Task Force continues to clarify a protocol for special education services at Pilgrim. If you would like to make suggestions to the Task Force concerning special education, please contact Eric Crabtree-Nelson, Bianka Hardin, Mrs. Andreen or Ms. Huelskoetter. 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.
Luther North Sports Camp
Come Join us for a week of fun, excitement and adventure. Our sports camp empowers kids to develop independence, self-esteem, and life-long friendships. Summer sports camp presents kids with a variety of activities ranging from cross country, track, volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, softball, baseball, relays, and competitions.
*Early drop-off is available
Extending Our Sincere Thanks
To the people of Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School who have helped provide guidance, support, and who have helped shape our learning experience over the course of the past year, we extend our sincere thanks. This congregation and community has an enormous and magnificent capacity for compassion, kindness, and love, and we have been so grateful and blessed to share the experience of worship and community life with you. Our time as your Ministry in Context students has been the first experience of immersion ministry that either of us have engaged in—Pilgrim has shaped us as leaders, and thus you will all have a fond place in our hearts as we continue in our future ministry. We will continue to hold your community in prayer as we go forth from this place, and trust in our continued unity as one body in the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for the hospitality that you have extended to us—we are immensely thankful.
Blessings,
Marissa and Hans Becklin
Mother’s Day—May 8th
Please join us on Sunday, May 8th for a very special Mother's Day celebration. Each woman will receive a white carnation. Also as part of the special day, after the 10:30 a.m. service, a photographer will be taking group and family portraits in Maring Hall of all women and their friends/families.
Pieces to the Puzzle: Helping Parents and Children Fit Together
Come to this Positive Discipline workshop on Temperament, where we will learn how an understanding of our own personalities will lead to parenting success, and how to choose discipline methods that are a good fit for both parent and child. Presented by Pilgrim member Dana Thomas and hosted by Pilgrim member Dr. Bianka Hardin!
When: May 17, 2016 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Centered Therapy Chicago, 4124 N. Lincoln Avenue, Ste. 1
Registration Required: Contact Dana Thomas at Dthomas.eds@gmail.com
Registration fees: Early Bird registration is $45 per person
After May 9, prices are $55 per person
*Space is limited
Gift Cards
Mother's Day is May 8th so why don't you pick up a gift card to buy a gift for her or for her to buy from her favorite store. If you are going out, why not purchase some cards for that restaurant. We carry a wide variety of cards, from the mundane to the magnificent. Check out our green list for ideas! Send in an order with your child and the cards will go home the same way or purchase Sunday in the church foyer and Monday and Friday in the school office. Contact Anne Barsanocbarsano@aol.com with questions.
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