Christ is Our Cornerstone

Christ is Our Cornerstone is our theme for this year based on Ephesians 2:20, "Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." As we move to our new location, St. Paul's illustration of the body of Christ as a building build on Christ is an appropriate theme.

An open house for school families, the community, congregation members, and friends of Good Shepherd will be held at the school on Sunday, August 8 from 1 to 4. All are also welcome to attend a dedication service to dedicate the building to the glory of God on Sunday, August 22 at 3:00 in the school's multi-purpose area.

Registration for this school year will take place on Tuesday, August 10, from 3:00 to 7:30. If you can make the afternoon time, please do so. This will avoid longer lines in the evening. This is an opportunity to pay fees, and for students to bring in their books and supplies.

A reminder that SCRIP money, accumulated by July 31, can be used to assist in payment of book & technology fees, tuition, and latchkey fees. If you wish, SCRIP can just be used to help support the school as a general donation. Tuition families may now designate 100% of their SCRIP amount to their student's fees.

The Book & Technology fee is set at $227 ($155 Book, $50 Technology, $10 Yearbook). The $12 increase from last year is to offset the use of Fast Direct Communication System. This allows parents to access their student's grades on line as well as providing a means to send billing statements, hot lunch information, and other school news. Watch for more information at registration and home visits.

Tuition and preschool fee payments are due before the 15th of each month or there is a $20 late fee. At this time lunch fees have not been determined, but milk cards are $3.50/milk card for 10 milks. Information will be shared at registration.

Registration night is also the time to sign up for latchkey, piano, instrumental music lessons, Jog-a-thon, PTL committees, etc. If you are going to be driving for any field trips, sporting events, or other school activities, a copy of your driver's license and insurance card should be on file at the school office.

Baseball practice is already underway. Volleyball practice will begin with practice on Monday, August 2 at St. John's gym from 1:30-4:00 for 7-8th grade girls and at GSLS for the 5-6th grade girls. Students 5-8 are required to have a sports physical to participate in any sport at GSLS. Dr. Erica Hunter will give sports physicals at Good Shepherd for $5.00 on Wednesday, August 18 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Note that a sports physical does not meet the requirements of a physical for sixth grade students as required by the State of Illinois.

A Pool Party at the Tremont Pool on Thursday, August 12, from 7:00-9:00, free to all families of Good Shepherd School and Preschool. The concession stand will also be open if you wish to purchase snacks. Bring your bathing suit and towel and join the fun and fellowship.

Teachers will be calling you to arrange a home visit before school begins. This will provide an opportunity for teachers to share information on plans and procedures for this coming year, as well as time for you to become better acquainted with your child's teacher and ask questions that you might have concerning your child's education. If you do not wish to have a home visit, you are asked to attend an open house at the school on Thursday, August 19, for a short meeting with your child's teacher. Times will be at 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, and 7:30.

Enclosed, you will find a supply list and a school calendar. Please take note of the special TAX HOLIDAY to purchase school supplies and clothing. Just a reminder that kindergarteners need a physical, dental, and eye examinations, 2nd graders need dentals, and 6th graders need physicals and dental. Forms are included or may be obtained at the school office or at registration. You may also visit our web site at www.goodshepherdpekin.com for information on the coming school year.

Serving Him Who Saved,

Ralph E. Mickley, Principal