The Panther Post
September 26, 2025
Celebrating Our Fall MAP Results
We are excited to share highlights from this Fall’s MAP Growth assessments. Our students worked hard, and the results reflect their dedication and the support of our teachers and families.
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18 different test cohorts (grade level/subject groups) scored at or above the 80th percentile when compared to the internationally normed MAP results.
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Our school as a whole achieved above the 80th percentile in Reading, Language, and Science, showing strength across multiple subject areas.
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Across all grades, students reached the 99th percentile an incredible 22 times—a remarkable accomplishment.
While test scores are only one measure of growth, they demonstrate how our students are living out our Graduate Promise of Excelling in Education.
Congratulations to our staff and students for such incredible results.
Please see the attached Fall One Page MAP Highlights sheet for more details.
Supervision outside of school hours
A quick reminder that if students are on school grounds outside of regular school hours, they need to be supervised by a parent or guardian. While we love seeing students enjoy our campus beyond the school day, please note that the school can only be responsible for students when they are directly in our care.
Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and ensuring every child is cared for.
Reading Rockstars is ready for you
We invite our community to become a Reading Rockstar for a month, and help some of our younger students get extra practice in this vital lifelong skill.
A Reading Rockstar commits to volunteering for 4 consecutive weeks, dedicating 30-60 minutes each week to work one-on-one or with small groups of students in a classroom setting. While it may be possible to work with your own child or their class, this is not guaranteed. Your involvement will play a crucial role in supporting our students as they develop strong reading habits that will benefit them for years to come. Thank you for joining us in fostering a love of reading!
You can sign up to be a Reading Rockstar here
School Ministry Team Nomination
We are delighted to introduce Keiven Cosgriff as the most recent nominee to join our School Ministry Team (SMT). The SMT serves in a role similar to a traditional board, providing guidance and accountability to the Principal, shaping school policy, and helping to lead the development of our strategic plan. Keiven and his wife, Brie, have been part of the St. John's School and Church community since 2017. They have two wonderful children in our ELC and K–8 school. Professionally, Keiven has a background as a corporate lawyer specializing in contracts, negotiation, and risk management, and he currently runs a residential real estate team alongside his wife, Brie. They are affiliated with the luxury brokerage milehimodern.
Keiven’s nomination has been unanimously affirmed by both our church leadership and current SMT members, reflecting his commitment to our school community and shared values. In keeping with our process, we now present his nomination to the ELC–8th Grade community for review. Over the next month, community members are invited to share any concerns regarding his nomination in writing with the Principal. All feedback will be prayerfully and thoughtfully considered by the School Ministry Team. Should no valid concerns arise, Keiven will be formally welcomed onto the team on October 13, 2025.
Exciting Matching Gift Opportunity
A generous alumnus has offered up to $125,000 in matching funds to offset the cost of recent building improvements, freeing up finances to be available for future work.
Checks are welcome and preferred. We will be sharing electronic donation information shortly. We are grateful to all who help bring this next phase to life.
Volunteer for WatchDOGS
We’re excited to invite the men of our community to be part of Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) here at St. John’s ELC-8th Grade.
This program welcomes dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other special men to volunteer at school and make a difference in our students’ lives.
The purpose of Watch D.O.G.S. is to:
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Provide positive male role models for students, showing that education matters.
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Add extra eyes and ears to help support safety and student well-being.
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Give fathers and father figures a unique opportunity to experience our school day and their child’s learning firsthand.
Click here to review the available dates and sign up.
We look forward to seeing you in the halls and classrooms, making a lasting impact in our school community.
Chapel Focus (September- October 17th)
MEET OUR LOVE INDIA CHILDREN! Click here to see the video of the children St. John's School supports in India. We share letters and videos with each other a few times a year. Our partnership provides these children with the opportunity to attend high quality Christian schools, where they receive a strong education in a faith-filled environment. Your generosity also makes it possible for them to receive birthday and Christmas gifts, as well as food and essential supplies for their families.
Thank you for your faithful support in helping us share God’s love in such a meaningful way. Together, we are blessing lives far beyond our own community.
St. John's Panther Store
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St. John's Boys Basketball Clinic
Tryouts for St. John's Boys Basketball begin in October! The last skill development clinic is offered on Friday, 10/3 from 3:30–4:30 PM in the St. John’s gym. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Eric McCrady: 720-289-9879
Piano Lessons at St. John's School
We’re excited to share that there are a few openings available for Kindergarten–4th grade piano lessons at St. John’s on Mondays and Tuesdays.
If your child is interested in learning piano in a fun and encouraging environment, this is a wonderful opportunity to get started!
For more information or to register, please visit: nancyteachespiano.com
DIGITAL FLYERS
Thursday Folders have gone high-tech.
We will no longer be sending home paper flyers each week. Please see here for your digital flyers.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Kindergarten - 2nd:
Thank you for help us save time, resources, and many trees. If you would like a hard copy of these flyers, please ask Molly Hanson.
Dates for your Calendar
October
7: Pizza Day
8-10: Fall Break
17: Fall Fest (St. John's Community event)
20: Panthers Dine Out: Perdida
21: Pizza Day
24: Fun Run Fundraiser
28: Lutheran High School (LuHi) Parent Open House
31: Student Half Day/ Teacher PD, dismissal 11:30am
November
4: Pizza Day
14: Student Half Day/ Parent Teacher Conferences
18: Pizza Day
24-28: Thanksgiving Break, No School
2025-26 K-8 School Calendar
The 2025-26 K-8 School calendar is available now. We have updated it to reflect a change in the Christmas program, which has moved to December 16 and 17, 2025.
Support St. John's through Groceries: King Soopers Community Rewards
An easy way to support St. John’s School is through your grocery shopping! We’ve partnered with King Soopers in the Community Rewards Program. Simply create an account at www.kingsoopers.com by either using your loyalty card or alternate ID. Once you have logged in, select My Account and then Community Partners. Search for St. John's Lutheran School or select organization number HM299.
Each purchase made, King Soopers donates to St. John’s. All proceeds go to the Teacher Wish List.
Lunch Link
Need to order lunch for you student? Check out Lunch Link by Wholesome Food Services. Go to their custom website and order food for the week. Click the logo to order.
PTO Pizza Days
All proceeds for the Pizza Day fundraiser goes to PTO and Love India
$3 per slice. Click the Pizza logo for purchase.
Milk Card
Need to add money to your student's milk card?
Click the Milk logo for purchase!
PreSchool and Pre-K Spots Available
Our Early Learning Center still has a few spots available, and we’d love to welcome families into our nurturing, faith-based community. With a strong focus on academic readiness, social-emotional growth, and joyful discovery, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support each child’s development during these foundational years.
Our experienced and caring teachers create a warm and engaging environment where children thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
If you're exploring options, we’d love to connect and share more about what makes St. John’s a special place to begin your child’s educational journey.
Have questions or want to schedule a tour? Reach out to ELCinfo@sjdenver.org
October, Pastor Appreciation Month: Pastor Andrew Farhat
We are truly blessed with devoted pastors in our community! This October, let’s take a moment to show our appreciation for their care, leadership, and the countless ways they serve. A kind note, heartfelt card, or thoughtful gift card are all meaningful ways to express gratitude. You can also share your favorite memories and photos by filling out our Google Form.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and honor the pastors who pour so much into our lives and our church family.
Wash Park
St. John's Wash Park campus has in-person worship at 8am (classic-style worship) or 9:45am (modern-style worship). We also offer our service online for 9:45am service at 9:40am. Livestream St. John's Church
Highlands
Join us in the Highlands for worship on Sundays at 10:00am, either in-person, or online! Our services are modern, rooted in the ancient faith, and community-oriented. You'll experience band-lead music, compelling messages, and meaningful moments centered on God's Word. Livestream Renewal Church
Spiritually Vibrant Homes
Together, we’ll explore how to live as everyday missionaries, right where God has placed us.
Over the next year, the goal is to equip 150 everyday missionaries in our community through themes of spiritual habits, spiritual conversations, and hospitality, woven into classes, Life Groups, sermons, events, and practical tools. This series is inspired by Spiritually Vibrant Households by Lutheran Hour Ministries
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH EVENTS (click links for information)
September
28: Foundations & 1st Communion classes
28: Pathway to Peace
October
26: Fall Voters Meeting
RENEWAL CHURCH EVENTS
India Transformed: Pie-A-Thon Fundraiser
Delicious Apple Pies – Changing Lives in India
VOLUNTEER TO MAKE PIES
Location: Lakewood Kitchen
Dates: Oct. 2, 3, 4 (Thursdays–Saturdays)
ORDER YOUR APPLE PIES
Pick-up locations:
Volunteer site (Lakewood)
St. John’s Church
St. John’s School
Pies are guaranteed only if pre-ordered, pre-paid, and picked up.
To reserve pies, Click Here. You may also make a donation of any amount.
WHY WE BAKE:
In India, many women face unimaginable hardship—homelessness, abuse, and the daily struggle to survive. Through the ARISE! Women’s Empowerment Program, part of India Transformed! Women receive six months of training in sewing and financial literacy. They graduate with skills to secure steady jobs or start small businesses. $390 sponsors one woman’s full training—transforming her future and her family’s
THE PIE-A-THON LEGACY
Twenty-five years ago, Nicole Green baked apple pies to fund her first trip to India. What she witnessed inspired the first Pie-a-Thon, which has since supported India Transformed! and touched countless lives. Together, we empower women, restore dignity, and lift families out of poverty.