New Principal
Arrives at St. John!
We are excited to welcome our new principal for the 2010-11 school
year, Jeff Knutson. Mr. Knutson comes to St. John from
Orlando Lutheran Academy. His wife, Francesca, will also be
joining the St. John family this fall. She will be teaching 4th
grade after gaining rave reviews as an elementary teacher at St. Luke's
Lutheran School in Oviedo for many years. Mr. & Mrs. Knutson
have two sons: one who just graduated from Orlando Lutheran
Academy and is attending West Point Military Academy and one who will
be joining the 11th grade class here at St. John. Please feel
free to stop by the school and welcome this great new family to Ocala
and our ministry here at St. John.
St. John Summer
Drivers' Ed is Full
We are sorry to announce that all of the St. John Summer Drivers' Ed
classes are full and there are
extensive waiting lists for the remaining classes.
Student Aid Application
If you wish to apply for financial aid for your student, please click here
to download the PSAS form. It's an interactive PDF which allows
you to type your information into the various fields and then print it out and return it to the
Business Office. If you have trouble printing, click here for some pointers.
Go to
Sonic Every Monday
Monday nights are "St. John Nights" at Sonic. If you go to an
Ocala/Belleview area Sonic on any Monday night, save your receipt and
turn it in to your child's homeroom teacher. Sonic will donate a
portion of every receipt turned in from a Monday night to St. John's
educational programs. You get a great meal and you're supporting
a great school!
Sports Physicals
All St. John student-athletes must have an official FHSAA Parent
Consent & Physical Exam on file in the Athletic Office. Sports
physicals must have been performed within the last 12 months to be
considered valid. Parent Consent & Physical Exam Forms are
available in the School Office. Completed forms should be turned in to
Mr. Meunier in the Athletic Office before students begin practicing
with a team.
St. John Graduate
in Costa Rica
Tom Ranieri (class of '99) is living in Costa Rica and helps set up
family vacations down there. His services have been highly recommended
from several independent sources. So, if you ever thought about
visiting this beautiful country, check out his website, http://costaricanresource.com/,
for more information.
Your Online
Shopping Can Benefit St. John
Check out www.yellowbrickmall.com/stjohnocala.php
and shop with any of the hundreds of online retailers on that site and
a portion of every purchase you make will be donated to St. John. For
those of you familiar with SCRIP, this is like an online version of
that program. So shop away & thanks for your support!
Family Times
Go to www.enjoyfamilytimes.com
to check out the website of our local Ocala/Marion County magazine, Family
Times. This publication promotes the institution of family in our
community. There are many great resources for families on this site.
A Great Resource on
the Web
Check out the Lutheran Hour Ministries website at www.lhm.org
for all sorts of resources including games that kids will enjoy in the JC PlayZone
and great stuff for parents in the JC ParentZone.
Safe Driving Course
The Marion County Sheriff's Office is offering a Teen Safe Driving
Course for ages 15-19. Call Lt. Bob Campbell at 369-6766 or go to the
Marion County Sheriff's website (www.marionso.org) for
more
information.
Saints Network
Before you make a purchase or shop for something, click here
first to see if there is a business you can use that belongs to a St.
John family. Many of these businesses offer a special discount to St.
John members. If you are part of the St. John family and have a
business that you'd like to have included in the Saints Network
Directory, check out the submission request form on page 28.
"Willy Wonka" is
Another Success for Saints On Stage
Once again, our Saints On Stage drama team presented an outstanding
spring production. After last year's musical success, Annie, the team decided to produce
another musical this year: Willy
Wonka. Once again Susan Ergle and Kim Sandstrom-Hawksey
are co-directing with Rebecca Schaffer as musical director. Along
with the outstanding efforts of both students and parents, they
produced an outstanding performance!
Schoolwide Open
House
Thanks to everyone who came
to visit our schoolwide Open House on Thursday, February 18. We
loved meeting so many new people and teachers enjoyed seeing students
who will be in their classes next year! The 8th graders' "Night
at the Museum" was a huge hit with visitors who helped the class raise
funds for their trip to Washington, D.C. If you missed the Open House,
but want information about the school, please contact Mrs. Vanessa
Baxley at the School Office (622-7275, ext. 6).
Pandemic Flu
Readiness
St. John is committed to the safety and health of our students and
families. In light of this commitment, we issued a set of "parent flu
fact sheets" at our Orientation to help our families understand their
role in preventing the spread of flu and dealing with a pandemic,
should that occur. You can click here to
download those fact sheets. There is also a video addressing the issues
raised by the possibility of an agressive pandemic flu outbreak that
would be helpful to our families. You can view that video by clicking here.
Please remember that the purpose of sharing this information is not to
frighten, but to simply prepare for the possible scenarios.
A LOOK BACK AT
EVENTS FROM 2008-09:
Golf Tournament
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2009 Inaugural St. John Golf
Team Fundraiser on Saturday, May 23rd at Golden Hills Golf & Turf
Club, home of the 2009 USGA Women's Mid-Amateur. Thanks also to Coach
Teddy Lausier who organized this great event at Golden Hills. All
proceeds from this event went towards the county-recognized St. John
Golf Team. If you'd like to see more about Golden Hills, check out
their website, www.goldenhillscc.com.
Shareabration
Saturday
Saturday, May 23rd was also St. John Shareabration Saturday. This was a
huge event where the needy in our community came to St. John and picked
up items for FREE. Hopefully, by showing Christ's love in a tangible
way, St. John was able to share the Gospel while giving practical help
to needy Ocalans. Thanks to Mr. Bob VanHoose, who headed up this event,
and to all of the people who helped him out. Check out the Ocala Star-Banner's
coverage of this event by clicking here.
A Special Thank-You
to Mrs. Condon's Classes
Over the 2008-09 school year, Mrs. Condon's high school classes have
donated over $700 cash PLUS many, many cans of food, as well as jackets
and blankets, to the North Marion Outreach Ministries! WOW!!! Thanks to
each of you doing your part, one handful at a time, needy families
received assistance with paying electric bills, buying gas, having food
for their children, or keeping warm during this unusually cold winter.
Blessings to ALL of you for pitching in!!
The New Parking Lot!
As of May 4th, carline resumed through the newly
finished-- and sharp-looking!-- front parking lot. The Brick City
entrances are now closed. There are new drop-off & pick-up
locations for all grades. Click here for
a map of the new carline route (including the new drop-off/pick-up
locations) and click here
for written instructions for the new carline procedures.
Well Done, Saints
On Stage!
The St. John Drama Team (better known as "Saints On
Stage") performed the musical Annie on April 30-May 3. This
was the first musical they have attempted in many years and it was a
smashing success!! The production also raised money to benefit the
Arnette House. What a great way to help make our Ocala community
better. Congratulations on a great show...and we can't wait unitl next
year's production!!
Everyone's Invited
to Get "Better Together"!
St. John kicked off a great new campaign entitled "Let's Get BETTER
TOGETHER" in April. This campaign is aimed at helping everyone at St.
John grow together as family members in Christ. Everyone was encouraged
come enjoy the blessings that we believe God has in store for all who
participate, such as:
1. A feast of spiritual blessings from growing in the Word.
2. A feast of relational blessings from meeting new friends and getting
to know old ones better from growing in fellowship.
This has been a great time for us all to come together in the unity of
the Spirit and the bond of peace. We are renewing ourselves in the St.
John mission of "shepherding individuals into the family of Christ,
where each will embrace the Spirit of the Risen Lord, and grow into the
fullness of Christ through Word and Sacrament, fellowship, education,
and service." Although this effort is already underway, you can find
out more by e-mailing Mr. Bob VanHoose (bobvanhoose@gmail.com)
or by calling him at 368-2417. We look forward to seeing more of our
St. John family members take part in this renewal of spirit &
fellowship.
W-4: Investing in
Women, Workout Worship, & the Word
All women of St. John Lutheran Church & School are
invited to meet behind the gym on Wednesdays at 4:30pm, wearing
comfortable clothes and gym shoes for W-4. The 4 "w's" are for Women,
Workout, Worship, and the Word. Liz Weiss & Liz Short are
co-leaders of this great program. Liz Short leads the group in lively
songs of worship while getting in shape physically and spiritually. The
first Bible study (proceeded by a fitness walk) was titled
“Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World,” by Joanne Weaver.
Call Liz Weiss at 368-4096 or e-mail her at lightisart@embarqmail.com
for more information.
Peanut Butter Safety
There has been much news about the safety of peanut butter in recent
weeks. The Saints Diner is well aware of the issue and takes all
precautions to maintain safe food for our children. Click here
for a statement from SLA Management (the managers of the Saints Diner)
regarding peanut butter safety.
The FCA at St. John
Our school is blessed to have an active group of students involved in
the St. John chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. They are
constantly busy with different activities. Click here
for more information on the St. John FCA.
St. John Wins 1st
Place in CFLAA Track Meet!
The Central Florida Lutheran Athletic Association's annual track meet
was held at Brick City Park on Friday, March 13th. For the 29th time in
30 years, St. John came in first place. This 1st place finish was
decisive with St. John earning 299.5 total points and
Grace-Jacksonville coming in 2nd place with a total of 171 points. Wow,
what a victory...Go Saints!
High School Preview
Night
Thanks to everyone who came out to High School Preview Night on
Thursday, February 26th. It was fun and informative evening that was a
great chance for 8th graders, their parents, and their current &
future teachers to enjoy each other and learn about what high school
will be like next year. Thanks also to Mrs. Baxley and Mr. & Mrs.
Lausier and their team of workers who made the evening such a wonderful
event for our Saints!
Girls Basketball
Honors
Several members of the 2008-09 St. John Girls Basketball Team have been
recognized for outstanding achievement. Three our of our girls were
Marion County's top rebounders for the season (#1, #2, & # 7!) with
195, 185, & 140 rebounds, respectively. We were also proud to have
another Lady Saint who was #10 for 3-pointers. Another member of the
team was both #4 in assists as well as #6 in steals. Congratulations to
the team for these outstanding achievements this season. Go Saints!
Saints
Win First Game of the District Championship Series!
Congratulations to Coach Rehkop and his Varsity Boys Basketball Team
for their victory over First Academy-Leesburg in the first round of
Districts. Click here
for the Ocala Star-Banner's coverage of this game. Go Saints!
St.
John Student-Athletes Are Highly Ranked!
Several of our fall athletic teams have been ranked as some of the top
teams in terms of GPA by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
The St. John Golf Team was 9th and the Lady Saints of the Volleyball
Team were 8th. Go Saints!
Boys
Basketball Wins First 2 District Games of the Season
Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Basketball Team on their victories
in their first 2 District games of the season. On Thursday night,
December 4th, they beat Hernando Christian Academy-Brooksville and on
Friday, December 5th, the team traveled out to Cedar Key High School
and defeated the Sharks to maintain their undefeated District record.
Go Saints!
PTL's
Christmas Parade Float
Thanks the St. John PTL who put together an outstanding float to
represent St. John in the annual Ocala Christmas Parade on Saturday,
December 6th.
An Owl
Comes to St. John
Students in Elementary & Middle School got a treat on Wednesday,
December 3rd when they were paid a special visit from the Ocala
Wildlife Sanctuary (OWLS). Students gathered in the gym for a special
presentation which included tips on protecting our local wildlife and
interesting facts about about animals as well as a time for students to
ask questions. The highlight of the event was being able to see Hobie,
an owl who lives at the sanctuary. Click here
for the Ocala Star-Banner's coverage of OWLS visit to St.
John.
SE Lake Weir Avenue Becomes a Two-Way
Street Again!
The
long-anticipated re-opening of the southbound lanes of SE Lake Weir
Avenue has finally arrived. Although there will still be areas of
construction the road is once again a two-way street. However, if you
find yourself bogged down in traffic each day, you can look for an
alternate route by clicking here
for a detailed street map of this section of SE Ocala.
Pasta
For Pennies
Once again this year, St. John took on the challenge of raising money
for the Leukemian & Lymphoma Society through the Pasta For Pennies
campaign. The school raised over $2,700! Thanks to the generosity of
all of the students and parents who participated in this campaign. Your
donations truly go to a great cause.
Doughnuts
With Dad
Thanks to all the students and their dads that came to school for the
PTL's Doughnuts With Dad event in the Courtyard. What a great way to
start off the day! Thanks also to the PTL members who made this event
possible.
St.
John Flag Football Champions!
The St. John 5th & 6th Grade Flag Football Team became Kingdom of
the Son Champions again. Click here
to check out the Ocala Star-Banner's article about our
championship team. Congratulations to the team and their coaches, John
Westol, Paul Heath, and Ray Hamilton. Go Saints!!
Fall
Fest 2008 Shows Off the Saints Spirit!!
If you had the privilege to enjoy the 2008 St. John Fall Festival on
Wednesday, October 29th, then you saw the famous St. John "family"
dynamic in all its glory! The opportunity for families, friends,
teachers, and students of all ages to celebrate such a wonderful event
together was truly a blessing. From the High School students painting
the Elementary students' faces to singing songs on the hay ride to the
coaches & staff being dunked by their students to the kids
laughing, playing, and racing together-- this was truly a wonderful
experience for all involved. What a special occasion for parents to be
so involved in building booths, scarecrows, and setting aside special
time to give back to our school. It was also great to see teachers
enjoying students outside the classroom and watching our High School
students & teachers interacting with our Elementary. One parent of
two High School students said, “This is really nice for us to
gather and just share time with each other– less of that happens
as our children grow up.” An Elementary student was overheard
saying, “This is the best day of my life!” What a great
chance this was to share our Saints Spirit with each student &
family, no matter what the age! Thanks to all the members of the PTL
for organizing this amazing event! Kelley Spears & Shaana Slaughter
deserve a special round of applause…so please let them know if
you enjoyed the event. Thank you to all who worked, participated, and
encouraged your students to get involved!!…Can’t wait
until next year!
St.
John Graduate Dominates at FSU
Click here
to check out the Ocala Star-Banner's article about a 2007 St.
John graduate who is really making a name for herself on the FSU
Volleyball Team up in Tallahassee. Way to go, Megan!!
Become
an Athletic Sponsor
A great way to help support athletics at St. John is to become a
sponsor of our athletic program. Click here
to download the form which has all the details.
St.
John Golfers Win Districts & Advance to Regionals
On Monday, October 13th, two Marion County golfers became the District
Champions for both boys & girls-- and both champions are St. John
students! This happened just one week after these golfers won the
Marion County Championship. Click here
to check out the Ocala Star-Banner's article about the
District meet. Congratulations to the entire St. John Golf Team. Go
Saints!!
A Look
Back at Homecoming Week '08
October 6-11 was Homecoming Week 2008. It was a GREAT week of fun and
games as well as time to thank God for the school He has provided to
us. The dress-days, halftime show, and Olympiad events were popular
again this year, but a new event that was well-received was the
post-Pep Rally bonfire/tailgating party. All of the students who
attended this late-night social event were responsible & respectful
making this an event we're sure to see again! As you know, a week like
this doesn't happen without a lot of hard work. Thanks especially to
the High School Student Council who organized & coordinated many of
the events along with Mrs. Lausier and Mrs. Tillis. Also, another
special thanks goes out to our Saints Cheerleaders and their advisors,
Mrs. Boothe & Mrs. French, for all the work they did putting
together our Pep Rally. And thanks to our Father for giving us such a
great school we can be proud of & celebrate!!
Fields
of Faith was a Success
Thanks to everyone who came out to Fields of Faith on Wednesday,
October 8th (which actually was unofficially re-named "Courts of
Christ" when we had to move the event into the gym due to weather
conditions!). This 3-hour event of worship, praise, prayer, games, and
testimony was organized by the St. John chapter of the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes. It was great to see several local youth groups as
well as some athletes from CFCC in attendance. Highlights of the
evening included hearing several students, graduates, teachers, and
coaches share how Christ has impacted their lives. Thanks to the
students of FCA and their advisor, Mr. Lausier, for all the work they
did to make this evening possible.
St.
John Players Win the County Golf Titles!
The Marion County High School Golf Championship was held on Monday,
October 6th and once again this year, St. John was a dominate force. In
fact, St. John is proud that both the male & female champions of
Marion County are Saints! Click here
to read the Ocala Star-Banner's coverage of this event. Go
Saints!!
See
You At The Pole
Thanks to everyone who came out for the See You At The Pole event on
Wednesday morning, September 24th. It was a special time for the St.
John family-- students, parents, and staff-- to be united in prayer
& worship. It was great seeing everyone wearing white to symbolize
our unity in Christ. The Saints' Diner even served a special breakfast
for the event. Thanks to them and to the high school students who are
members of the St. John chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
for sponsoring this event yet again this year. For more about the See
You At The Pole event, click here.
Lutheran
Talk Radio
You can't help but hear about talk radio in these days
of political races, but did you know there was such a thing as Lutheran
talk radio? "Issues, Etc." is a radio show produced by Lutheran Public
Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Islam,
Defending the Pro-Life Position, God's Will for Your Daily Life,
Religion & Politics, Biblical Interpretation, the Pop Spirituality
of Oprah Winfrey, Movie Reviews, Christ-Centered Fatherhood, Creation
vs. Evolution, Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses, and more. Listen to
what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org.
Disney
Comes to St. John!
For the last 10 years, St. John has participated in the Pasta For
Pennies fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Once
again, our students raised so much money last year that Radio Disney
came to throw a special thank-you party for St. John students on
Wednesday, August 27th. Click here
for the Ocala Star-Banner's coverage of this exciting event.
St.
John Lutheran Church & School is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS)
which is headquartered in St. Louis.
For more information on what the LCMS believes & teaches, click here.
The LCMS is divided into geographic districts and St. John is a member
of the Florida-Georgia
District
which is headquartered in Orlando.
Contact
us: tischmidt@stjohnocala.org
