Eagle Express
October 02, 2026
Grades 3-8
The Night Before and Test Day
- Get rest: Make sure your child gets a full night of good sleep and keeps a normal early bedtime routine.
- Eat well: Serve a healthy breakfast to help with focus and concentration during the assessment.
- Keep a positive attitude: Remind your child to take their time, read questions carefully, and not stress over difficult questions.
- Dress comfortably: Dress your child in layers so they can adjust if the room is hot or cold.
Upcoming Online Bible Study: Walking Through Tough Times
Online Bible studies aren't for everyone, but would you like to gather around God's Word from the comfort of your own home? Mr. Retzlaff is starting a 5-week online Bible study that will meet on Thursday evenings at 8:00 PM beginning October 15.
When earthly trials or personal fatigue weigh heavily upon us, the devil frequently uses these moments to breed doubt, anxiety, and despair. To counter these spiritual attacks, we need to look away from our subjective feelings and anchor our faith firmly in the Gospel. That is what he will be covering in the 30-45-minute Bible study over Google Meet entitled Walking Through Tough Times.
October 15 - Recognizing the Enemy's Strategy
October 22 - When the Future Is Uncertain
October 29 - When You Feel Completely Alone
November 5 - When Life Feels Unfair
November 12 - When Your Faith Feels Weak
If you would like to give this a try, please email David at david.retzlaff@stjohnslib.com or fill out the form via the QR code.
If you can't make it each week, that is fine. The lessons are independent of each other, so join whenever you can.
School pictures were already taken, but if your child was absent, or if the pictures end up not turning out quite how you had hoped, there will be a picture re-take day on Friday, October 16, NOT on the 15th as was listed on the original school calendar.
Please join us on Friday, October 23, from 6:00–7:30 PM for our “Blast into Reading” Literacy Night!
We are excited to welcome Lori Degman, a local children’s author, who will give a special presentation and read one of her books, Cock-a-Doodle Oops!
After the presentation, families will have the opportunity to participate in a fun activity together in their children’s classrooms.
For more information about Lori Degman and to explore her other books, visit:
We hope you and your child can join us for an evening of reading, fun, and learning!
LEGO Building Club - Tusday, October 20
We will start with the LEGO Building Club on Tuesday, October 20. The club will meet from 3:20-4:15pm one night each week for four weeks, so this group will wrap things up on November 10. We thank Bethany Holter and Dawn Atto for leading this session!
To have your child enrolled, you will need to fill out and return the form that is linked below, as well as a check to the school for $20. If you need a hard copy of the form, you can pick one up in the office.
We now have eight students signed up, so we're ready to go; however, we can have up to 16 students. If you'd like your child to participate, please fill out the form soon.
Cut off date for signing up will be Wednesday, October 7, 2026!!
Shop using gift cards to raise money for St. John!
If you're buying groceries, gas, clothing, dining out, or shopping online, RaiseRight lets you earn money for our school through purchases you're already making.
Whether you're filling up the gas tank, buying groceries, ordering gifts, or shopping online, RaiseRight can help turn everyday purchases into fundraising for St. John.
Get started with this link:
raiseright.com/enroll/RR-S15ZW9BG64
Contact Mary-Ann Penaloza with questions: mlince14@gmail.com or 414-313-3636
BLOOD DRIVE
Did you know that in 2026 the U.S. is experiencing its most dire shortage of blood donations in its history? Currently, across the nation there is less than a single day's worth of needed blood, and doctors are being forced to deny help to the critically ill, especially accident victims and cancer patients. YOU can make a difference - more than you realize - with a simple donation. Your 1 pint donated can save up to 3 lives.
St. John will host a blood drive on Sunday, October 25. Please join our St. John family and tell your friends and neighbors to donate as well. The Versiti van will be in our parking lot from 8:00am-Noon. Walk-ins are welcome, but to guarantee a prompt donation, please sign up on the schedule at:
https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11646117.
You may also contact Carol Lemerand to schedule a time (dancemore437@yahoo.com or 847.530.9058).
Tonight's Meet has been POSTPONED!!
The Faith Lutheran Cross Country Meet has been POSTPONED until Thursday, Oct. 8th due to parts of the course being underwater.
This meet has been rescheduled to Thursday, Oct. 8th.
The runners and siblings will be allowed to leave at 3 pm on Thursday.
All runners and coaches will attend a meeting at 4:15 pm.
The boys run at 5:00 pm with awards to follow.
Practices are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during 2nd recess.
Here are the rest of the meets for this season.
- Date TBD - fun run at St. John Lutheran School or a park nearby
- 10/20 - St. Joe's Cross Country Meet in Kenosha, Wisconsin for fifth through eighth graders
Meet & Greet
Please join us for a "Mom's of St. John's School" afternoon out.
What: A time to get together and meet other St. John's Mom's
When: Sunday, October 25th at 2:00pm
Where: The Parched Pug in Libertyville
Who: Hosted by Kara Larson and Tracy Hucker
How: Each participant is responsible for their food and beverages.
RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, October 23rd
Questions? You can reach out to Tracy (847) 204-4450
St. John Lutheran School
Email: info@stjohnslib.com
Website: stjohnslib.com
Location: 501 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL, USA
Phone: (847)362-4424
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnslib/