Chatter 5.12.21

First Lutheran Church Sunday Services: 9:00 Sunday School: 10:15 a.m.

Church: 580-762-1111 www.flcspc.com

David Birnbaum, Principal School: 580-762-9950 website: flcspc.com E-mail: lutheransecretary@yahoo.com Child Care: 580-762-1124 FastDirect: fastdir.com/flcspc May 12, 2021

CARDINAL CHATTER 5/13 5/13 5/14 5/14 5/16 5/17 5/18

2nd – 5th Grade A/R Reward Field Trip, 8:30 – 1:00 Ascension Day; 2:00 service, Sanctuary 8th Grade Skip Day Deadline for re-order of track shirts (see below) “Thank you for your Service” Service 8th Grade to Alabaster Caverns & Salt Plains 8th Grade Graduation

5/19 Last Day of School; 11:20 Dismissal 5/20 – 21 Daycare Closed 5/24 Summer Daycare Opens 5/28 Report Card Pickup – School Office (closed for lunch @ 1:00; details below)

Covid Update - We have made it to the end. PRAISE THE LORD! THANK YOU ALL for working with us to make this a safe and healthy environment for students, teachers, and staff!!!

SUMMER DAYCARE, for those who signed up, starts on Monday, May 24.

(Daycare will be closed Thursday, May 20 & Friday, May 21 to prepare for Summer Daycare/adjust classrooms.) Summer Daycare will be also be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day, Monday, July 5 for the 4th of July. The last day of Summer Daycare will be Thursday, August 12.

Summer Daycare will be closed on Friday, August 13, and daycare will remain closed Monday, August 16, and Tuesday, August 17 while the teachers move back into their classrooms. School and Daycare will re-open on Wednesday, August 18.

We have limited openings in Summer Daycare; if you are interested, please contact Ms. Heidi in daycare for school age children, or Connie in the office for children 4 and under.

TRACK SHIRTS – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Many people asked if we had extra track shirts, or if they could still be ordered, so this week ONLY orders will re-open. All orders & payments MUST be in no later than this Friday, May 14th, no exceptions. Cash/checks made out to FLS Cheer can be turned in to Ms. Connie in the office. Thanks – Mrs. Heitman FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM: First Lutheran School is participating in the summer lunch program this summer. Children 1 - 18 will be provided a FREE lunch in the FLS Cafeteria Monday through Friday, from 11:00 to 12:15, May 24 to August 12, 2019, closed July 5 and August 10. The cost for adult meals will be $4.00; Senior citizens & military adults with identification will be charged $3.50. The menu for May/June is attached, and all menu’s are available in the office, and can be found at www.fastdir.com/flcspc under the “links” tab. The USDA and First Lutheran School are equal opportunity providers and employers. Please stop by and support our lunch program.

PRE-SCHOOL OPENINGS!: As of Tuesday, we have a few spots for 3 and 4 year olds in August! If you or someone you know needs one of those spots, please contact the office as soon as possible. They won’t last long.

REPORT CARD PICKUP is Friday, May 28 (closed for lunch from 1:00 – 2:30). Remember to check your accounts; Report cards, certificates, & testing results will NOT be given out to families with a past due balance, or money owed for missing library books, etc. You may make payments and catch up your accounts on report card pickup day.

If you are leaving us with a credit in any of your accounts and wish to leave it to a needy family, talk with Connie in the office and she’ll make sure it gets (anonymously) to the account of a school family who can use the help.

2021-22 BASKETBALL: If your child will be in 5th – 8th grade next year and is interested in playing basketball, please contact Coach Amanda Porter-Cain on FastDirect!

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PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE… HELP US FIND THE RIGHT PERSON FOR YOUR KIDS: – First Lutheran School is looking for help in daycare, for the summer and for the school year. In addition to being 18 or older, able to be fingerprinted and pass a background test, applicants also need to have a positive attitude, be dependable, and have a personality, language, and behavior (and facebook page) that is appropriate when working with children. They need to be physically able to pick up small children to change diapers and as needed, and be willing to work with children of all ages. You may direct questions to Ms. Heidi Daley on FastDirect or at 580-762-1124 or by calling the school office at 580-762-9950, stop by the school or daycare office to get an application, or print your own at www.fastdir.com/flcspc under the “links” tab on the left. Please pass the word to relatives, neighbors, college students, etc. who you think would work well with children.

PRINCIPAL – Mr. Birnbaum: I was given this information this weekend that the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that the average cost of educating a student enrolled in a public school is double the cost ($14,653 vs $7,736) of a student enrolled in a private school. Things that make me go hmmm.

LIBRARY – Mrs. Manning: Hello! We are done checking out library books for the year. Right now we are concentrating on finding any overdue books and bringing them back. Great places to look are under car seats, bookshelves at home or in the classrooms, and lockers. Books not returned will need to be paid for or replaced at report card pickup time.

I will be sending home earbuds and headphones at the end of the week from the computer lab. Have a safe, fun, and blessed summer!

PRE-SCHOOL – Mrs. Colvin: Our last full week and last chatter! I want to thank my parents for letting me spend time with their children. They have all become good friends! We learned a lot, and played a lot! This week we are finishing up some end of the year projects. Have a great week!

PRE-KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Kelly: Happy Birthday tomorrow Jake! Happy Summer Birthday to Cayden, Gunnar, and Noah! This is our last Chatter of the school year. Thank you for sharing your kids with me this year! I know it hasn't been easy on any of us, but I appreciate all that you have done to help us have a good year! Our last day is next Wednesday, and we dismiss at 11:20. Report cards will be available for pickup from the office on Friday, May 28th. Our Bible words this week are, He preached good news about Jesus Christ. Acts 8:12 Have a Blessed Week and a wonderful summer!

KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Miller: I have enjoyed having all your children in kindergarten this year! Please keep reading this summer with your child because reading is fun! I hope everyone has a wonderful summer.

FIRST GRADE – Mrs. Birnbaum: Memory for Friday is the 10th Commandment - You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. We will have show and tell on Friday. It is a free choice show and tell! Thank you for all the nice gifts last week. You made me feel very appreciated! Thank you for a great school year. We made it through with the Covid and the weather issues! Please make sure to return the Reading Notebook on Friday one final time. When it comes back home next week, make sure to check it for some summer suggestions. I pray that you all have a wonderful summer and I will see you next year as 2nd graders! Happy birthday to Warren on May 24!

SECOND GRADE – Mrs. Powell: TADA! Just like that, in a blink of an eye, our school year is coming to an end. I'm humbled and honored to have been your child's teacher. I learned so much from them and I know they've learned, too. I pray that you have a safe, enjoyable summer. If you travel, stay safe. Make some great memories and treasure your time together. These learners are ready for third grade. They'll be in good hands with Mrs. Steichen. Happy Summer Birthday to Story, Landon Wade, Landon Wyatt, Blake, and Bentley! God's Blessings, Dear Friends! Thank you again! Always remember that JESUS loves you and your precious treasures. BLESSINGS! THIRD GRADE – Mrs. Steichen: We DID IT!!! We made it to the end of the year. Thank you all for the support and prayers this year. I couldn't have done it without you. This week: we are finishing everything up. Math: Last test on Friday. Spelling and Reading: Last test on Friday. Science: Open book test on Friday. This summer: Please keep reading and doing some practice workbooks this summer. The office has some flyers about some for sale that our students have used before. If your child completes a workbook this summer, please bring it to me. I will reward them with a prize.

Student’s lose a lot of learning over the summer months. It won’t hurt to do a page a day. Field Trip: Our field trip is tomorrow. I am short drivers. If we do not have enough, some of us may not be able to go. Please let me know if you are able to drive. Please remember to pack a sack lunch. A mask is required in the building (the restrooms are in (2)

buildings). If you have any questions please let me know. Next Week: I know it is a short week. I do have things planned; PLEASE send your child to class.

FOURTH GRADE – Mrs. Sibley: Friday we said farewell to the chicks with a bittersweet goodbye before the track meet. It was a perfect day for a track meet to celebrate being together. Thank you in advance for driving tomorrow for our AR celebration, and being flexible with the weather change of plans. Thank you for auction items donated so far. The auction could not happen without you. I look back on this year and see how much we have learned, grown, and developed individually, and as a class family. I think I have learned more than the kids have! Thank you for a great year of memories! Never stop learning with our Risen Savior and Lord. Blessings as we wrap up the school year, have a super summer, and see you all in the fall as Fantastic Fifth graders!

FIFTH GRADE – Mrs. Schatte: First, let me say thank you to everyone that made my week so special last week.

Your generosity warmed my heart. Now, I am writing the LAST Cardinal Chatter of my career. In some ways it is sad.

Teaching has been a wonderful career. As in any line of work, there were moments or sometimes even days that were frustrating. But overall, my bucket was filled every day with love and joy. I gained so much from my students. The thing I will miss the very most are the relationships that are built each year. I have so enjoyed this group of children. We have discussed how much I will miss them, and they have agreed to let me move up with them as their grandma. How fun that will be! You have been an awesome group of parents! Thank you for sharing your precious child, or in the Kerchee's case, children, with me. I love you all! Blessings, dear friends! Mrs. Schatte

MIDDLE SCHOOL F.L.Y. – Mrs. Heitman: F.L.Y. tonight, 5:30 – 7:30 Mrs. Scott: Binders for ALL math classes are due THIS Thursday. This will be the final grade in the grade books and MANY of the students NEED a good grade on the binders to help pull their grades up.

To all the students I have taught over the last 3 years, I will miss seeing your faces on a day-to-day basis! You all have taught me a lot about myself and helped me grow into the person I am today. Don’t ever forget that Jesus loves you and so do I! 8th Grade Parents: As promised, I have scheduled a field trip for the 8th grade to Alabaster Caverns and the Salt Plains.

We are set to leave on Monday, May 17th. Please have the permission slips and money to me by May 13th. The cost is $5 for the kids, $10 for adults.

Mrs. Hanson: Oh.my.goodness!!!!

It's over?! How can that be?!

And not only is this the end of the school year, this is the end of my time at First Lutheran School in Ponca City, Oklahoma. (As I'm typing this... my eyes are filled with tears and it's hard to catch my breath.)

I truly can't believe it has all come to an end. Even though this Oklahoma adventure was only supposed to be a short-lived 2 years, but ended up to be an extended 10 years, it's hard to believe I will not be teaching at FLS or living in Oklahoma.

I have said this more times than I can count, because it's TRUE!!! This place is absolutely AMAZING! I really hope you all understand what a true gem FLS is. I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have been a part of this school. It is honestly one of the healthiest Lutheran schools I know and I want everyone to treasure and take care of this place.

I know I will leave my mark on First Lutheran. I also know for some that mark is because I have rubbed you the wrong way. I want to give a genuine apology if you have ever been offended by Mrs. Hanson. I also want everyone to know that EVERYTHING I have done is because I love this school, these kids, teaching, and science. For those of you I have left a mark on in a good way, thank you for seeing ME, for loving and supporting me and who I really am.

I have loved my time here and I will be taking all of my experiences with me. All of you have a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.

I pray many blessings on this school, you and your family, and all of Ponca.

Stay inquisitive, think critically, problem solve, and have high expectations!

Love, Hanson Mrs. Kester: It's the final countdown! Thanks to the Honorable K. Watson who joined the eighth graders as a guest speaker in History this week for their Civics unit. The students enjoyed your knowledge and mementos from your (3)

time working alongside President George W. Bush. For sixth and seventh graders, game day will close out our History classes for the school year while Religion students will wrap up with an immersive worship experience.

Speaking of Religion, G6 and G7 have learned a special worship song that they will perform next week while G8 enjoyed the fruits of their labor today as they held down the school's chapel service all by themselves. In French, students learned how to make galettes with business owners and bakers Steve and Kerri from the Banana Crate. They rolled, stuffed, and butter-brushed their own creations. On Friday, they will take their fieldtrip to un pâtisserie, so be sure to send them with some dollar bills that day.

As I reflect at this time, know that I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching, directing, and guiding your children this year. I cherish the successes, laughs, and growth both they and I have experienced during my first year at First Lutheran School. I look forward to Round 2 as their English and Literature teacher next year! Enjoy your summer break, everybody!

Mrs. Harbeson: Greetings! As you know, this is our final Chatter for the school year. What a year it has been! As crazy and unexpected as our circumstances were, there was one thing that always remained steady and faithful . . . our Father. He is always with us, will never forsake us, and will guide us even in our darkest hours. Thank you, God, for taking care of us and loving us! All classes have taken their final tests for language and literature. Eighth grade students have completed their college reports and presentations and are preparing for their final class trips. Folders for extra credit will be due Monday of next week. I will send a list of assignments to both students and parents. Gather as much as you have and turn them in Monday for extra credit. Unfortunately, I will not be able to accept folders turned in after Monday.

Finally, I would like to thank all of my students, parents, and FLS for giving me the privilege of being your language teacher for the past 13 years. I have enjoyed teaching you, praying with you, and laughing with you. Even though I will no longer be in the classroom, I am really looking forward to working with all of our students as the assistant principal next year. Blessings to you all for a safe, relaxing, and fun summer!

First Lutheran Church & School—Growing up into Jesus, Reaching out with Jesus, Walking together in Jesus This institution is an equal opportunity provider * - * - * - * - * - * - * -* - * - * - * - * -* - * - * - * - * -* - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * -* - * - * - * - * - *

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More Lutherans on stage!

The Evans Children’s Academy is hosting the production of “Les Miserables” the next two weekends at the Poncan Theater!

We have a few Lutheran alumni and students in this show: Adysan Connelly, Porter Hunt, Emma Valgora, and Lauren Zimmerman! Tickets can be purchased at the box office or Lutherans on stage... online at AGAIN! poncantheatre.org The Ponca Playhouse is . hosting the production of “Man of La Mancha” the next two weekends! We have several Lutheran ties in this show! Jaclynn Heitman as a Gypsy, Janie Heitman as Antonio, and Chris Schelp as the Innkeeper!

We also have two alumni, Kaden Swords and Andrea Mooney, as well as Jocelyn Kuhlman who is part of our youth!

Productions run the next two weekends at the Ponca ( 5 ) playhouse! Tickets may be

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First Lutheran School

1104 North 4th Street, Ponca City, OK

580-762-9950

#36-03-12

Free to ages 1 – 18

May/June 2021 Menu

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Lunch is served from 11:00 – 12:15

LAST CHANCE FOR TRACK SHIRTS! Many people at the track meet Friday wanted to order a track shirt after they saw them, so the cheerleaders are offering ONE MORE CHANCE TO ORDER! THIS IS IT! ORDERS and money MUST be in the office by THIS FRIDAY, MAY 14. Questions? Contact Jennifer Heitman on FastDirect, or call the office.

FLS Track Shirts 2020-2021 $20 youth and adult sizes available (+$2 per X over XL) ----------------------return bottom portion with payment--------------------------

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Friday, May 14, 2021

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