MISSION STATEMENT: Zion Lutheran School provides a Christ-centered approach to education.
The education nurtures the child’s faith, equips him to use that faith on a daily basis, and prepares
the child to share that faith with others.
“Saved to Serve” Mark 10:45
Our Vision: That every child knows Jesus as his/her personal Savior
March 27, 2015
Mr. David Kniepkamp, Principal
Volume 3, Issue 8
Mrs. Kathy Rudolph, Secretary
Mrs. Terri Marino, Secretary
Zion families,
As I am writing this note this last week of March, it is difficult to believe that we will begin the month of April next
Wednesday. That also means we are rapidly approaching the Joyous Season of Easter. It is a season we can celebrate
knowing that through Christ’s loving sacrifice we have been given the assurance of eternal life. What a wonderful God
we have!
I have a number of noteworthy news items to share with you:
1. Easter vacation is next Wednesday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 7. April 7 is an in-service day for the faculty
so classes resume on Wednesday, April 8th.
2. I have one final reminder to all families interested in applying for financial aid. I am pleased to say that a number of you have already applied, but for those of you who have not, time is running out. All applications for
need-based tuition assistance scholarship requests are due before next Wednesday, April 1. Go to the FACTS,
Zion sign-in, page at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/42M3Y and complete the application. Failure to
complete the application process by this deadline may prevent you from scholarship eligibility.
3. The week of April 13th through the 17th the staff will be administering the Iowa Test of Basic Skills to our first
through eighth grade students. As a staff, we have been preparing for the testing, reviewing both testing
procedures and test taking strategies. I ask that you help us during this testing week. We are sending home an
introductory letter to the testing process this Friday, March 27th.
4. Our annual Zion auction is less than one month away! I encourage you to attend the auction Saturday, April
18th. The evening will be one of great food, enjoyable atmosphere and a reassurance that you are supporting
God’s mission. This is a mission of providing a Christ-centered education to all Zion students, nurturing those
students so they can live their lives in Christ daily. Once again, I would like to thank all of those individuals who
have worked so diligently to make the auction a great success. I would especially like to thank Carrie Baldus,
Terri Marino, Jenn Keel, Ananda Baron and Jill Batchelder for their tremendous work to support Zion. Again, if
you have not signed up, I encourage you to do so. You will enjoy a wonderful evening!
5. I would also like to extend my congratulations to our boys basketball program and our cheerleading squad for
their outstanding seasons. Our boy’s finished in fourth place at the boys’ state basketball tournament. The
cheerleading squad also performed well at the state competition finishing in third place. The girls’ basketball
team did not make it to the state tournament level but had an outstanding season representing Zion.
6. Congratulations to Mrs. Tayon, Mrs. Baron and the Zion band and choral students who performed at the Zion
Music Festival this past weekend. It was a resounding success! As I listened to the judge’s comments, it was
obvious that they were very impressed with the talents displayed by our students and instructors.
7. As many of you already know, the Zion staff has been diligently preparing for the National Lutheran School
Accreditation process. It is a self-evaluation process that assures school quality by evaluating the school’s
compliance with required standards and indicators of success. Furthermore, it is a process enabling schools to
evaluate themselves based on their unique purposes and on national standards. The seven standards reviewed
include:







Purpose
Relationships (Congregation, Community & Climate)
Leadership (Governance & Administration)
Professional Personnel
Teaching and Learning
Student Service (Guidance & Counseling, Extra-curricular, Health & Safety, Food Services)
Facilities
The staff and I have completed the required documentation for this process. We will have an “evaluation team” visit
our school to observe and review our policies and practices later this month. It is a process that will not only assist us
in reviewing our school, but also help us improve the quality of education you expect for your child. Speaking for the
staff, I can assure you they have worked very hard to prepare for this process. I will keep you informed as we continue
working through the evaluation.
8. I would like to thank the staff for their tremendous work on the Accreditation process. They worked extremely
hard putting together the necessary documentation. Additionally, I would like to thank a number of other Zion
community members who also helped with this massive undertaking. I especially want to thank the members of the
Zion School Board and the steering committee who helped review our work Thanks to all of you!
Finally, I hope you all have a Blessed Easter Season!
David Kniepkamp
Happy Birthday to ZLS
Staff!
March
28th Mr. Ledebuhr
8th Grade/A.D.
*Wednesday, April 1-6
No School-Easter Break
*Tuesday, April 7
No School-Teacher’s In
Service
Choir
4/12 – 3rd & 4th Grades,
Sunday 10:45 a.m.
April
1st Mrs. Berteau 2nd Grade
2nd Mrs. Hackstadt PreK
5th Ms. Lotz 2nd Grade
29th Mrs. Call PreK
3/31 – 1st Grade (Tuesday)
4/9 – Mrs. Schmid
4/16 – Pastor Downs
4/23 – 4th Grade
4/30 – Mrs. Hasstedt
*Parents are welcome to join
us for chapel every Thursday
(unless otherwise noted) at
8:30 a.m. in the church
This month Art Club will
meet on Monday, April
13th and Monday, April
27th until 4 p.m. Please
contact Shannon Hayes
through Fast Direct for
more information.
[email protected]
OR [email protected]
OR [email protected]
Deadline for the next NewsN-Notes will be Wednesday,
April, 22nd at 8 a.m.

Openings are available for
guitar lessons at Zion.
Openings available are 10:30
a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m.
on Thursdays. If you are interested or would like more
information please call Bill
Heizer at 618-234-3117.



Fliers are available for
Belleville Parks & Rec 2015
summer baseball, 2015
soccer and 2015 winter and
spring programs for the
Nichols Community Center.
Fliers are available for
Khoury Tee Ball, Baseball
and Softball registration.
Joshua’s Great Things
Foundation is sponsoring a
Doll and Me Luncheon at
Four Points by Sheraton.
April 12 from 12:30-3. Children are $30 and adults are
$25. You can purchase
tickets at doll-and-meluncheon.evenbrite.com
Fliers are available
Recycled Kids being held at
the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
Friday, April 24th through
Sunday, April 26th.
Sports News
(*Schedule is subject to
change.).
April 11 - Good Shepherd
ORDERS DUE:
Track Meet @ Collinsville High
Wednesday, April 8th
School
Paper - by 3pm
April 14 – Conference Relay
On-Line - by 11pm
Meet @ Edwardsville High
School
April 16 - Feeder Relays (Rain
NEXT SALE & PICK UP:
Date-April 17)
Wednesday, April 15th
April 23 – Track Meet @ Belle
We always have extras and samples, Valley 4 p.m.
so come on by, 2:30-3:30pm.
April 25 – Zion Track Meet @
************************** Belleville East High School
April 30 - Conference Track
This month's Profit will go to
Meet @ Edwardsville High
5th-Klitzing
School
&
6th-Schmid
March Profit:
Mrs. Call’s and
Mr. Ledebuhr’s Classes
each received $50.00.
*****************
Cookies Are Back!
Don’t forget to stock up!!
*****************
Make sure to check Fast Direct
for more Market Day News.
Are you on Facebook?
Ask to join
Zion Lutheran Market Day.
Questions??
Contact Carrie Baldus
(C) 580.3554
Thank you to everyone who
helped make our Scholastic
Book Fair a success! I am
especially grateful to the 22
wonderful volunteers who
donated time and effort to set up
and run the fair. Thank you also
to all the parents (and
grandparents!) who supported
the fair by their purchases. With
our share of the profits, our
school received over $2000
worth of books for the
classrooms and library, as well
as some additional money for
other resources. Happy reading!
Mrs. Papka
The Girl Scout Brownie
Troop #88 at Zion (2nd
& 3rd grades) is
collecting tab tops for
the Ronald McDonald
House. They will be
collecting from now until
the end of April. Mrs.
Stengel (Kindergarten
Teacher) has graciously
offered to store them in
her room if anyone
would like to turn in
their collection a bit at a
time. The troop will
have the opportunity to
go the annual event in
May to turn in all they
have collected and
participate in the fun.
So, save those tab tops
and thanks for your
support!!
Spirit Wear
Please join us for our next
meeting, Friday, April
24th, at 8:15 a.m. in the
Alongside Commons near the
The Giving Tree was crechurch office. Come see
ated by Parents’ Club to
what’s going on, where you
provide Zion teachers with can plug-in and how Parent’s
Club helps the school all year
desired classroom needs;
long.
items they would other-
The Giving Tree
wise do without, or have to
purchase on their own.
The Giving Tree is now
displayed on the Parents’
Club bulletin board outside
of the school office.
Check for apples often for
items you may have at
your home, or items you
could purchase for a Zion
teacher.
Thank you!
If you are a parent or grandparent,
then YOU are already a member of
Parent’s Club. Everyone, even your
toddlers, are welcome to the
meetings!!
*We will be discussing Teacher
Appreciation Week!! Many
opportunities to help show our
teachers how much we love them!!
The Wall of Honor
Looking for all MILITARY
parents, even
The following items are
grandparents
at Zion!!!
currently being
Retired military count
requested:
too!! Please reply to this
fast direct with your
name and branch of the
Mrs. Call’s Pre-k:
military. Also, please drop
antibacterial wet wipes by the office a PHOTO of
yourself, or you and your
and plastic spoons
child/family, so that we
can hang the pictures on
our Wall of Honor. If it
would be easier to email
a photo, please send to
[email protected]
Wear ZION every
Friday!!
Order Spiritwear all year round at
ZionLutheranGear.com
Grandparents Day
PHOTOS
Photos taken on Grandparents
Day will be delivered to your
child’s classroom as soon as
they are done processing.
A Gift from Parents Club
Teacher
Appreciation Week
May 4 – 8
th
th
Mark your calendars!
There will be plenty
of opportunities to
help.
Zion’s Annual Clean Up
Day
Saturday, April 25 from 8:30am - Noon
There will be Donuts/Coffee and Pizza!
To greet you -donuts and
coffee.
We’ll send you off at noon
with pizza!
It’s time to make God’s house
SHINE!
Bring some tools or just show
up!
Call Shelly (239-481-3977)
with questions!
There will be a contest for Zion
students!
The kids who participate and
bring a friend/family member will
win an Italian Lunch served on the
stage during their lunch hour.
APRIL 17
6:30-9 p.m.
School Gym
Come join a Tribe and compete
in fun challenges and learn about
world hunger! Will your tribe
survive?
Mini Lock-in
TONIGHT!
Who: 7th and 8th Graders
When: Friday, March 27 (6:30
-10:30pm)rescheduled from January
Where: Meet in the school gym
What: Be ready for a night full
of fun activities- indoors and
out!
Bring a flashlight and $3 to
cover cost of snacks!
Early Childhood
Parenting Made Fun
Wednesdays
April 8 - May 13 (6 weeks)
from 6:30-8pm
Cost: $40 Individual
$55 Couples
On the Campus of Zion
Lutheran Church
Contact Person: Jill Hasstedt
[email protected]
LoveandLogic.com
Facebook: The Love and
Logic Institute
Put the fun back in
parenting and
learn practical strategies!
Spotlight on Curriculum—Social Studies
This month’s Spotlight on Curriculum is Social Studies. The knowledge and skills learned
through social studies prepares students to become informed and engaged citizens of our
country and the world. We are fortunate to have a new textbook series, Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, which was purchased in 2013 through the help of the Zion School Auction. This
textbook series does a great job of intertwining historical, geographical and cultural principles
within each grade.
Pre-school students learn basic information about all of social studies disciplines including;
individual, culture and community, history, geography and economics. This foundation is
important for pre-school students because it helps children develop an awareness of self,
family and community participants. Students learn the basic human needs of all people for
food, clothing and shelter. They also learn to understand the roles responsibilities, and
services provided within the community.
Kindergarten students continue learning about community, in particular “community helpers”.
They also learn that God gives everyone individual talents, which makes our world diverse and
wonderful. Students further understand that workers use those different talents to be teachers,
doctors, firemen and electricians.
First grade students begin a study of how our country started beginning with the Wampanoag
People and the Pilgrims. One aspect of this study was a field trip to the Gateway Arch
Museum where students learned about how the early Indian culture lived and traveled. The
Lewis and Clark expedition was a major focus of this study.
Second grade students continue their historical study of the United States studying America’s
Independence and early America. This study included a unit on government and historical
leaders. The curriculum also expands from the United States to a brief study of world regions.
The world study includes a study of natural resources, how those resources are used and how
people change environments. Mapping skills and understanding how to use a globe are
important skills learned.
Third graders study about cultures learning about how people live differently throughout the
world. They also learn about natural resources and how they can be used to develop industry
and a culture. One of the more interesting units of study is about the Panama Canal. Students
learned how it was built and how it operates.
United States regions are a major focus of study for fourth grade students. Students learn
about the similarities and differences of different geographic regions. They also learn how
different geographic features affect the region and its culture. Major historical figures from the
American Revolution are also studied.
The fifth grade unit begins with a study of the early 1800’s, in particular, President
Jefferson’s administration. Students learn about Manifest Destiny and Americas’ desire to
expand its borders. They then transition into a unit on the Louisiana Purchase and the
Lewis and Clark expedition. This study leads into a study of the Great Plains and the
Northwest.
Sixth grade students begin exploring ancient civilizations around the world. This study
begins with early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. These civilizations
are followed with units studying the Greek and Roman Empires. Asian and American
empires are also explored with a detailed study of the Aztec and Incan civilizations. World
religions including; Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam are studied and
compared. The curriculum concludes with a study of the Middle Ages and the European
Renaissance followed by a study of the Enlightenment Period and the European and
American revolutions.
Seventh grade students study both World and U.S. History as they begin the year with a
study of the European explorers leading into the European Empires in the Americas.
Transitioning from the European Empires into the English colonies in America, students
learn about the Revolutionary War period and the foundation of our new government. At
that point, 7th grade students spend about three weeks going through the U.S. Constitution
learning about roles and functions of our federal government. Seventh grade concludes the
year with a detailed look at the practice of slavery, culminating with an in-depth study of
the Civil War.
Eighth grade students pick up from the Civil War, learning about the Reconstruction Era
and the second Industrial Revolution. Students then learn about the growth of America
through immigration leading to the development of urban life in America. The year
concludes with studies from the Progressive Era through the World Wars to the Korean and
Vietnam Wars culminating with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
APRIL 8 IS THE DAY
th
ZION FAMILIES – The Auction Committee needs you!
The Auction deadline is quickly approaching, and we are trying to get everything
ready for the BIG NIGHT!! How can you help??
Get your tickets. 2. Send in donations. 3. Purchase an ad.
TICKETS – TICKETS – TICKETS - TICKETS
Purchase tickets on the school website, in the school office,
or between church services. Thank you to the nearly 200 people that have
already purchased their tickets. We’d love to surpass 300 guests!
DONATIONS – DONATIONS - DONATIONS
Send in your donation/basket/item. Do you have your donation ready??
Please send it in. Know what you will donate, but won’t have it ready until
the 8th ?? Not a problem, just let Terri Marino (or another Auction Chair) know.
We are trying to see how many items we will have.
ADS – ADS – ADS – ADS – ADS – ADS - ADS
PLACE AN AD – Ads are 100% profit for Zion!! Make sure to read the Ad flyer that
went home last week. Remember, we have a competition going on
between classes. The class with the most ads wins a 2-Hour Mini Field Trip.
Ask family, friends, and co-workers to help. It’s a great cause!!
We truly can’t be successful without our Zion families. Keep in mind, the
Auction is the only fundraiser we do – your kids don’t have to sell
pizzas, butter braids, magazines, brochures, or popcorn. Please consider
being a part of the AUCTION’S success!! Remember………………
OneTogether.
WinTogether.
Lenten Dinner Thank You!
Zion’s 8th grade class would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to
all who came and supported our Lenten Dinners over the last six
weeks. Your donations to help support the class trip to Camp
Lutherhoma are truly appreciated!
Zion Lutheran School Faculty and Staff would like to wish
your family a Blessed Easter.
Please join us for worship:
Palm Sunday, March 29:
“IAM the King . . . You are my heirs”
Maundy Thursday - Living Last Supper, April 2 (7pm):
“IAM the Sacrifice . . .You are forgiven”
Good Friday - Tenebrae, April 3 (7pm):
“IAM Stricken, Smitten & Afflicted . . .You are redeemed”
Easter, April 5 (6:30, 8, 10:45am):
“IAM the Resurrection and the Life . . .You are a living testimony”
Zion Lutheran School & Preschool
2014-2015 School Calendar
AUGUST 2014
12 – ZLS Open House 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
14 – Classroom Prep/1st Night of School 6:00-7:00
15 – First Full Day of School
18 – Preschool 4 yr. old begins
19 – Preschool 3 yr. old begins
SEPTEMBER 2014
1 – NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY
15 – 19 – Internet Safety Week
19 – NO SCHOOL/ IN-SERVICE DAY
OCTOBER 2014
9-10 – NO SCHOOL/CID/SID CONF. - COLLINSVILLE
13 – NO SCHOOL – COLUMBUS DAY
17 – END OF 1ST QUARTER
17 – 1:15 P.M. EARLY DISMISSAL/FACULTY
MEETING
18 – State Cross Country Meet
20 – Picture Day
23 – 1:15 p.m. EARLY DISMISSAL/Parent-Teacher
Conferences (appointments available: 4 to 8 p.m.)
24 – NO SCHOOL - Parent-Teacher Conferences
(Appointments available: 8:30 a.m. – noon)
31 – HARVEST FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 2014
2– Daylight Savings Time
7-9 – State Volleyball Tournament
11 – NO SCHOOL/VETERANS’ DAY
18 – Picture Re-take Day
21 – NO SCHOOL/IN-SERVICE DAY
24 – Fall Sports Banquet
26-28 – NO SCHOOL/THANKSGIVING BREAK
FEBRUARY 2015
8 – Open House 1 to 3 p.m.
12 – Valentine Party in the classrooms
13– NO SCHOOL/IN-SERVICE DAY/District Convention
16 – NO SCHOOL/PRESIDENTS’ DAY
18 – Ash Wednesday
25 – Lenten Service
26 –1:15 p.m. EARLY DISMISSAL/Parent-Teacher Conferenc
27 – NO SCHOOL - Parent-Teacher Conferences
(Appointments available: 8:30 a.m. – noon)
MARCH 2015
4 - Lenten Service
6-8 State Basketball/Cheerleading Contests
8 – Daylight Savings Time
9 – NO SCHOOL/IN-SERVICE DAY
11 – Lenten Service
13 – GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
13 – 1:15 P.M. EARLY DISMISSAL/FACULTY MEETING
13 - END OF 3rd QUARTER
17 – Winter Sports Banquet
18 – Lenten Service
21 – Zion Grade School Music Contest
25 – Lenten Service
31 – Easter Celebration (Pre-K-8)
APRIL 2015
1-6 – NO SCHOOL/EASTER VACATION
5 – EASTER
7 – NO SCHOOL/IN-SERVICE
13-17 Iowa Test of Basic Skills
18 – Zion PTL Auction
26 – Confirmation 10:45 a.m.
DECEMBER 2014
3 – Advent Service –
10 – Advent Service –
17 – Advent Service –
19 – Christmas Celebration in classrooms
19 – END OF 2nd QUARTER & END OF 1st SEMESTER
22 – Christmas Vacation begins
MAY 2015
TBD – School Picnic
16 & 17 – State Track Field Meet
18 – Eighth Grade Graduation
19-23 – 8th Gr. Class Trip
21 – Pre-School Graduation
25 – Memorial Day
28 – Kindergarten Graduation 8:30 a.m.
28 – END OF 4TH QUARTER/
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – 10 a.m. DISMISSAL
JANUARY 2015
29 –FACULTY IN-SERVICE DAY
5 – NO SCHOOL/IN-SERVICE DAY
6 – School resumes
16 – 1:15 P.M. EARLY DISMISSAL/FACULTY MEETING
19 – NO SCHOOL – MLKING DAY
26-30 – National Lutheran School Week