First Lutheran School Messenger
Isaiah 40:31 “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;…”
Issue No. 19 January 26, 2023
Here it is already: the last Messenger of January. As winter weather has finally arrived, I want to address how I decide on whether or not we have school and/or whether there will be a delay or early dismissal. Plain and simple: school will be in session for a full day whenever it is both feasible and safe. What I must consider, unlike, say, a local schools superintendent, is the fact that our students and teachers live in 22 different cities and towns, some as much as a 45-minute drive away. The weather, for example, in Greenfield does not always mirror that of Holyoke. So, travel safety is a huge concern.
When there is something to announce, such notice will be sent from teachers via the Remind app; it will be posted on our Facebook page; and it will air on both WGGB (Channel 40) and WWLP (Channel 22). (Due to a glitch, since fixed, in the WWLP system, our notice did not appear on Channel 22 this past Monday, but it WAS on Channel 40.) I suggest not relying on just one source. Your most reliable source should always be the Remind app. Going forward, every home room teacher has been instructed to contact all her/his parents via Remind, whenever there is a weather-related announcement.
This was a lengthy explanation, but I hope it clears up any questions.
Besides the weather, there is other news, especially the fact that we are enjoying the various events of National Lutheran Schools Week. TUESDAY was “Top It Off Tuesday,” and we witnessed many fun, creative, and in some cases outrageous (in a good way) hats and hair styles. We also were paid a visit from Amherst police “officer” Auggie the Doggie and his partner, Officer Bill Laramee, a friend of a couple of our teachers. YESTERDAY, we were supposed to have a visit from District President Rev. Robert Beinke, to do chapel. Unfortunately, he got a flat tire halfway here from his CT home, and he wisely chose not to drive longer than needed on his “donut” spare. So, Mrs. Hines and I readjusted. Students were also treated to Mrs. Engle’s special cookies at lunch. Of course we had a 1 p.m. dismissal due to weather, as you know. TODAY is Cozy Thursday. There is a decidedly flannel look in the building. The special program today is a “Star Lab” astronomy presentation in the fellowship hall. Every student will see the show at one point during the day. And the week closes TOMORROW, with a combination of Monday (Athlete/Mathlete Day) and Friday (School Colors Day).
Please continue to keep Pastor Bessette in your prayers. He remains hospitalized and awaiting yet another procedure tomorrow. We miss him dearly.
Bob Lastowski
Principal
Hot Dog Friday 1/27 ~ Money collected Thursday 1/26
Chick-Fil-A Monday 1/30 ~ Money collected Friday 1/27
Pizza Wednesday 2/1 ~ Money collected Tuesday 1/31
Hot Dog Friday 2/3 ~ Money collected Thursday 2/2
Chick-Fil-A Monday 2/6 ~ Money collected Friday 2/3
Chapel
Chapel offerings for 2nd quarter were $475.00. A check will be sent to Providence Ministires this week.
3rd quarter Chapel offerings will be sent to the Springfield Rescue Mission.
The Springfield Rescue Mission is a many-dimensional Christian Organization which provides homeless and hurting men, women, and children with both help and hope. The staff caters to physical needs such as food and clothing, but also attends to people’s spiritual needs by sharing the Gospel of Christ. Services include free daily breakfast and lunch, holiday meals, and a mobile food truck. They also have a carry out pantry as well as a clothing program, which gives away coats, hats, and other donated clothing items. And, there is also a facility which provides emergency shelter for homeless men. Our third quarter chapel offerings, which started yesterday, will be going to this most worthy and Christian cause.
Bottles will be picked up tomorrow, Friday, January 27th. Thank you to those who continue to save them. Every little bit helps in a big way.
Dates To Remember
Monday, January 23rd – Friday, January 27th ~ National Lutheran Schools Week
Monday, February 6th ~ PTO Meeting ~ 6:00 p.m.
Monday, February 20th – Friday, February 24th ~ Winter Break
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