The Panther Post

A wonderful performance by our Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Thank you to Mrs. Newsome and Mrs. Koester for directing such an outstanding and memorable show. We appreciate the time, talent, and dedication that made this special event such a success!

Throughout the school year, our 7th grade class has embraced a meaningful focus on service. From raking leaves in the fall to helping prepare Lutheran Valley Retreat for the summer season, these students have consistently demonstrated servant hearts and a willingness to lend a helping hand.

This year’s 7th graders were especially able to make an impact within the Wash Park community, showing kindness, compassion, and dedication in all they did. Their commitment to serving others continues to pour out love and care to our neighbors, reflecting the values of faith, education, and community that we strive to cultivate at St. John’s.

We are incredibly proud of the example these students have set through their hard work, generosity, and joyful spirit of service.

Reserve Your Spot in the LOT and Join us on May 22 for our 250 Year Tailgate Celebration!

Special Guest

To make our Semiquincentennial celebration even more memorable, we are thrilled to welcome a live Bald Eagle to our event. Families will have the rare opportunity to experience this majestic symbol of our nation up close and learn more about this incredible bird.

Game Plan

Pack up the car and bring the whole family for an evening of community, celebration, and fun! This is a true tailgate-style gathering, and families are encouraged to bring:

• Grills, picnic gear, and coolers
  (Please note: alcohol is not permitted on campus.)
• Backyard games like cornhole and other family favorites
• Tables, chairs, and decorations to create your ultimate tailgate setup

We look forward to celebrating this historic milestone together with food, fellowship, and plenty of school spirit.

We would love to hear about your family’s experience at St. John’s School this year. Your feedback helps us grow, celebrate what’s working, and respond thoughtfully to areas of need for the direct benefit of our students. By sharing your perspective, you help us ensure that every child continues to Grow in Faith, Excel in Education, and Thrive in Community.

Survey responses are anonymous. Your insights will be reviewed by school staff, leadership, and the School Ministry Team to help shape the future of our school.

The survey closes on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

After 16 wonderful years of faithful service at St. John’s, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks and blessings to Gloria as she begins a new chapter in ministry. Gloria has touched countless lives through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to our school and church community, and she will be deeply missed.

We are excited for Gloria as she steps into her new role as Director of MessiahKids at Messiah Lutheran Church and School in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this position, she will work closely with families to engage children in their faith journey, equip parents in nurturing faith at home, and strengthen connections between the Early Learning Center, K–5 school families, and the church community.

As we say goodbye to Kyndall Rhodes, we give thanks for the three years she has faithfully served at St. John’s as our 8th grade teacher. Kyndall has not only taught her students academically, but has truly walked alongside them during an important season of growth, encouraging, supporting, and guiding them each step of the way.

After much prayer and reflection, Kyndall feels the Lord’s calling into a new season of life. While we will greatly miss her presence in our school community, we are grateful for the care, dedication, and compassion she has shared with our students and families.

Join us for Chapel Wednesday, May 20th as we say goodbye and bless them on their next chapter

As AI continues to become a larger part of our world, we want to think carefully and faithfully about how it may be used in our school community. At St. John's school, we want students to grow as thoughtful, ethical learners who use AI appropriately when allowed — as a learning partner, not a learning doer.

We are exploring how to help students develop the habits, judgment, and responsibility needed for wise AI use in the classroom. We would value parent feedback, ideas, questions, and concerns as we begin these conversations.

If you are interested in being part of a parent discussion group on this topic, please fill in the Google Form. Your voice would help us think through how we can best support student learning, faith formation, and responsible technology use moving forward.

Are you looking to cure the “Summer Slump”? Want to keep your child sharp and confident in Reading, Writing, and Math over the summer months?

Our talented St. John’s teachers are available for summer tutoring opportunities designed to help students strengthen skills, stay on track, and get ahead for the upcoming school year.

If you are interested, please reach out directly to the teacher of your choice to discuss availability, scheduling, and tutoring plans for the summer.

We are grateful for the dedication of our teachers and the continued support of our St. John’s families. We hope you have a wonderful and restful summer!

Sarah Perez (K-2nd grade)

Leigh Glade (1st-5th grade)

Sharon Kinnaird (all grades)

We’ve partnered with 1st Day School Supply to make back-to-school shopping as easy as possible for your family.

Here’s how it works:

• Our teachers carefully select and customize each grade-level supply list
• 1st Day School Supply packs everything into one convenient box
• Your supplies are delivered right to you—no store runs required!
• Orders due

Once your kit arrives, just hold onto it and bring all supplies to school on Monday, August 10 to drop off in your student’s classroom. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your summer knowing school supplies are already taken care of. One less thing on your to-do list, and one more reason to soak up the sunshine!

2026-2027 School Supply List

If you have little ones (Birth-2nd grade) and are looking for some other moms to connect with, join us in the Community Room. Every other Tuesday 6-7:30pm

Dinner and childcare provided. Let us know you are coming by clicking the link. MomCo:

Our 2026-27 K8 School Calendar is now available:

MAY

19: Pizza Day (Last of the Year)

21: 8th Grade Graduation | 6:30pm, Worship Center

22: Last Day of School & Family Tailgate Party

July

1: 1st Day of School Supplies | Deadline

August

10: School Supply Drop Off & Meet Your Teacher

12: First Day of School

"We walk together towards renewed hope and life in Jesus Christ."

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH EVENTS

June

7: First Sunday Food Donation

SAVE THE DATE

August 23: Summer Picnic

RENEWAL CHURCH EVENTS

Follow Here

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support of St. John’s School. Their partnership strengthens our mission and helps us see our Graduate Promise—Grow in Faith, Excel in Education, Thrive in Community—come to life in the lives of more than 300 children each year.

When it fits your family’s needs, we hope you’ll consider supporting the sponsors who pour into our school community and into your children.

Please click on a sponsor for more information.

Editions dating back to October 25, 2024, can be found here.