A Message from Principal Klatt
It is crazy how fast the school year flies by. We are already in the month of November. We have had Grandparents Day, we are through the Fall sports season, and we are looking forward to Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, and our Christmas programs.
Grandparents Day was a huge success with over 150 grandparents attending our event. The grandparents started their day in the gym with breakfast foods and taking pictures with their grandchildren. They continued to the classrooms where the teachers did lessons and activities with the students and grandparents. The event culminated with a chapel service where we had all of the students sing in one capacity or another, handbells played, and the piano students played preservice. It was a great day and we are excited for it again next year.
The month of October brought two events for Salem, one new and one we have done for a while. The event we have done for many years is Caps for Kids. The students were to bring a dollar to school to raise money for patients who are struggling with cancer. For bringing their dollar, the students are rewarded with wearing a hat for the school day. The students love this event and it is a great way to raise money for families who are going through a difficult time due to cancer.
The next event in October was our Food Drive which we did in conjunction with the Caring Committee to support Valley Outreach. The goal for our students was to fill our large brown bin in the front entryway, three times. Each time they fill it they would earn a new reward. The first bin earned them extra recess, the second a pastry day, and the third a movie/comfy day. The students were very excited about this event and we are thankful for our students showing their faith through their gifts to help the community.
The Fall sports season has wrapped up as we move into November. The girl’s volleyball team played well and continued to grow throughout the season even though they didn’t win a match. The Cross Country team saw some success with multiple third-place finishes at their final meet in the middle of October. Lastly, the disc golf teams both performed well with the B-team taking 2nd overall in the league and the A-team taking first for the first time in Salem history.
Lastly, I wanted to mention that I received a call to NorthCross in Lakeville, MN to be their Student Ministries Director. I would appreciate your prayers as my wife and I decide where our gifts and abilities would best be used to serve God in His kingdom.
Teacher Anniversary
Amy Stilwagon is one of the finest teachers at Salem School, and this year we have the privilege of celebrating her 25 years in the teaching ministry. Amy has a remarkable range of experience, having taught in both public and private schools across preschool to high school levels. Here at Salem, she lovingly guides our three-year-old preschool class, often serving as students’ first introduction to formal education. The early days can be challenging as she helps them adjust to new routines and eases the homesickness, yet Amy’s calm and nurturing presence quickly wins them over. You’ll often see her young students waving excitedly in church or running up to her for a hug.
Amy’s incredible patience with her littlest learners is matched by her genuine warmth toward their parents. She listens thoughtfully to their concerns, offering encouragement and support as she gets to know each child. She prays for every family and continually looks for ways to serve beyond the classroom.
Beyond her preschool role, Amy also coordinates Sunday JAM and helps lead the Art Club after school hours. A dedicated crafter and baker, she spends weekends with her family, raising her own crew of kids alongside her husband. We are so grateful for your dedicated service, Amy—thank you for all that you do!
Salem Hosts Public Speaking Festival
On Saturday, October 26, Salem faculty organized and Salem students competed in the TCALPC Public Speaking Festival. The Public Speaking Festival is for grades 5-8 and it was held at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. The students give their selection 3 times to 3 different judges. Their scores are added up and they receive a medal or a ribbon for their performance. The categories they can choose from are Storytelling, Humorous Reading, Serious Prose, Serious Poetry, and Speech. They are judged on different details of the selection depending on the category.
Reformation Games at Salem
Every year our students learn the rich history of the Reformation. On October 31, the students at Salem will celebrate the Reformation by learning about Martin Luther. They learn about his life and work through various activities run by different teachers. The students will be grouped into their PreK-8th grade groups and learn about Luther almost being struck by lightning, the Luther Seal, the selling of indulgences, the 95 Theses, and Luther translating the Bible into the spoken language.
November 1 – No School
Our teachers will observe an in-service day to receive more training for our new Amplify curriculum. The teachers will be getting some coaching which will give them tips on best practices and give them some time to ask questions from the presenter. School will resume on November 4th.
November 5 – Picture Retake Day
Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like a picture taken on Retake Day. Students who were not here for Picture Day should also make sure to have a picture taken.
November 8 – Eye Screening
Our school nurse will be here on Friday, November 8, for an eye screening in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. If you would like your child to also be screened that day, please get in touch with your child’s teacher or the school office.
November 11 – Veterans Day
Join us on November 11 at 2:45 p.m. in the school gym to celebrate Veterans Day! The program will feature patriotic songs, poems, and a special guest speaker, Jeff Ross. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and show our appreciation to those who have served.
Our students will also be making cards of appreciation for our Veterans. These cards will be taken to veteran groups in the area to share our appreciation with them. Stop in also to see our Wall of Honor across from the school gym. We thank all of you who have sent us a poster to honor a veteran in your life!
November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break – No School
We will be closed for Thanksgiving Break starting Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29. Please note our Thanksgiving Eve service at Salem is at 6:30 pm on November 27. What a perfect way to start the Thanksgiving holiday by giving thanks to our loving Savior who faithfully provides all we need!
Sports Update
With the beginning of November, Basketball season begins. We are happy to announce that we found a B-team coach, so those students began to practice this week. Both of our A and B teams are coed and have around 10 players on each. We are excited for the students to continue to grow in their skills and have some fun games this season. Our A team began practice last week and is off to a great start. A big thank you to Justin Bicek for coaching the B-team and Neal Anderson and Luke Dorn for coaching the A-team.
Upcoming Events
- October 28 – November 1 – Parent/Teacher Conferences PK-4th Grade
- October 31 – Reformation Games
- November 1 – No School Teacher Inservice
- November 5 – Picture Retake Day
- November 8 – Eye Screening 1,3,5 & 7
- November 11 – Veterans Day Service 2:45 pm – 3:30 in the gym
- November 27 – Thanksgiving Service 6:30 pm
- November 27-29 – No School Thanksgiving Break
Salem Scholarship Fund
Support Salem’s Scholarship Fund! This year, three of our members are receiving scholarships matched by MLC. Your contributions to this fund not only support their education but also help reduce the strain on our general fund. Join us in making a difference—direct your offering to the scholarship fund today!
Referral Program
The school board approved a program that gave an incentive to recruit new families for our school. If a family with children enrolled refers a new family to Salem, they will receive a $200 tuition credit at Christmas per family they referred. There is no limit to the number of families you can refer. If you have questions about the program, speak to a School Board member or Mr. Klatt.
Box Tops for Education
Sign up at www.boxtops4education.com and download the Box Tops for Education app.
Raise Right (formerly Shop With Scrip)
You can buy gift cards from your favorite brands to earn money for Salem on your daily purchases. Visit www.raiseright.com/enroll to set up an account today. Use enrollment code: 2241AD6C1445
We Are Also Collecting Aluminum Cans and Pop Tabs
Aluminum cans benefit our athletic program and can be bagged up and placed in the wooden bin next to the garage facing Panama Ave. We will continue to support The Ronald McDonald House by participating in the Pop Tab program. The cash received goes directly to support Ronald McDonald House. They can be dropped off in the bin at the entrance to the school.
Prayer
One way we forget we can help our school and church is to pray for them throughout the year. Your prayers are always a blessing and it is great to know that you are asking God for his blessings in our school and church year.