Pilgrim Lutheran School News
May 6, 2016
What a beautiful day...
...our athletes are competing at Luther North in all this sunshine! Join us in wishing them good luck. Just a reminder, Wednesday, May 11 is a half-day for teacher in-service. Dismissal is at 11:45 AM.
The Lutheran Schools League Track Meet is today! Many of our Upper Graders are running and jumping and throwing at Luther North College Prep today. And the weather is perfect! Unless a student qualifies for State Tournament, this is the only track meet of the year. We hope many of you might come out and enjoy the day. Thanks to coaches Beata Halter, Dylan Allingham, Andrew Yearick and Paula Raabe for their work with our students. GO WILDCATS!!
Pilgrim Teachers have been very grateful for the many kindnesses showed during this Teacher Appreciation Week. Pilgrim PTL has pampered us with chair massage, beautiful plants, tasty wine, and delicious coffee. Your love and support of the staff has been awesome. Thanks Pilgrim! Special thanks to Anna Lambros, Carrie Goerne and all the PTL Room Reps who helped to pamper the teachers.
This week's recap...
Pilgrim Auction
A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported the auction! We raised over $60,000 for general funds and over $10,000 for fund-a-project.
A few housekeeping items-
Please pick up your auction photos in the office, they will be gone at the end of today!
A special thank you to Mike Marinelli for taking 80's Prom photos- check them out here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/goozsw6uuayixot/AADobTr7ezkrAkpN7Y3uHe8ia?dl=0
We are still looking for a co-chair for next year's event- please contact Chris or Pastor if you are interested!
This week has held many surprises and has challenged Pilgrim with many opportunities. We all wish Ms. Huelskoetter and Ms. Daczyszyn joy as they embark on new adventures in their retirements, while at the same time we will miss their unique and wonderful skills in teaching! Thanks to the Pilgrim Board of Education for its support of our search for new teachers with their own skills and wisdom in teaching, and thanks to our staff who continually renew the pledge for Academic Excellence with a Heart. Thanks are due also to all the parents who have volunteered to help with the search. We already have a couple of candidates and I will be contacting both candidates and interview teams to coordinate schedules. I have every confidence that God will continue to bless Pilgrim with the best qualified and committed teachers possible.
At Chapel this week we had chance to reaffirm our partnership with St. Paul’s/Dorchester. Principal Dubose and Pastor Howell brought 45 St. Paul’s students and their teachers to participate in chapel with Pilgrim. Mrs. Halter shared a message about the fruits of the Holy Spirit and Pastor Howell spoke to the students about how we can use those fruits in our daily lives. We then hosted St. Paul’s to a field day and to lunch. Funding for lunch was provided by a grant from Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Thanks are due to Ravenswood United Church of Christ for allowing us to use their gym and courtyard space for games for the upper grade students.
Students in Grades 1-8 have started the Spring MAP tests. Upper Grades attest this week and Lower Grades next week. 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. MAP tests help us pinpoint skills that each individual student needs to fill the academic gaps. For Upper Grade students, MAP is good preparation for the hurdles students face getting into the high schools of their choice. If you have questions about your child’s progress, contact the homeroom teacher.
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.
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.
History Extravaganza!
Playlot Renovation Part 2
Hey have you heard about the play lot: phase 2! We raised nearly $12,000 at the fund-a-project at the auction. Thank you to everyone who contributed for this amazing start! We really need everyone’s help! There are 2 ways to donate money to this project. Make a contribution direct on this website: http://pilgrimchurchandschool.org/play and see the video
Or write a check with PLAYLOT written in subject line and drop in the office. Please mail the flyer or email the link to a grandparent, friend or alumni of Pilgrim.
Here are few other opportunities to participate. If you’re inspired, please join the fun and important cause.
1- SUNDAY, MAY 15th - RAVENSWOOD MANOR GARAGE SALE. alley behind 4529 N. Mozart. All sales will be donated to the play deck fund.
Time for spring cleaning and we are welcoming DONATIONS for the garage sale. If over $5 value, please put a price on it and drop it off. Please no clothing, no couches and no broken items.
We really need 8-12 volunteers to make this happen! Include your whole family and have them sell some lemonade. INFO & SIGN UP HERE: http://vols.pt/CvgjyZ
OTHER EVENTS COMING LATER IN THE MONTH.
POPSICLES FOR THE PLAY LOT! FRIDAY MAY 20th 2:45-3:30pm.
and DELICIOUS SHOE / SFIZI SHOPPING NIGHT Thursday, May 26th 7-9pm with our own Pilgrim parent Ann Sedgwick at her new storefront at 4827 N. Damen. 20% of sales will be donate
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
* porch/deck contractor & suggestions
* painting play lot lines assist Mr Emery over summer
* fundraiser help
* mural project for 4310
* source items/planning/project management over summer
* social media/write thank yous
* positive people to help boost this project to our community. We can do this!
Please share your ideas and willingness to help with Tricia tkphotoart@gmail.com
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!
For your convenience there is an order form attached to this news article.
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!!
The Pilgrim Yearbook Staff meets on Tuesday, May 10, immediately after school in the 7th/8th classroom.
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.
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.
Congratulations to Pilgrim for winning a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation!
Wildcat Sports - Please return all your sports uniforms!
Today is the track meet at Luther North and the Pilgrim Sports are officially over.
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!
Pilgrim BOE
The Pilgrim Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 3. The BOE discussed staffing, the budget, and the need for a strategic plan for the school for the next five years. An effective plan would help us to match our financial resources to our academic needs. Until that is done, however, the Pilgrim Finance Team, the BOE and the Church Council continue to work on the budget for the 2016-2017 school year. Many thanks to all of these groups for their hard work to keep Pilgrim School affordable. The BOE scheduled 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.
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
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