The Panther Post
September 19, 2025
Thank you for joining us for The High Tea
We are so grateful to the 300+ moms, amazing women, and children of our community who joined us for The High Tea today. This one-of-a-kind event in Denver highlights the beautiful sense of community and partnership that makes St. John’s so special. Together, we enjoyed scones, cucumber sandwiches, and warm conversation, all while celebrating the important role you play in the lives of our students and school. Thank you for making the afternoon so meaningful through your presence and the spirit of connection you bring.
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 below.
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 continue campus improvements—specifically the lockerrooms and bathrooms.
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:
-
Provide positive male role models for students, showing that education matters.
-
Add extra eyes and ears to help support safety and student well-being.
-
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 Offering Focus (September- October 17th)
For the next several weeks, we are highlighting a very special way our school family is making a difference around the world. St. John’s currently supports five children in India through sponsorship.
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
Score even more of the latest styles, cuts and colors at great prices. Customized and delivered faster than ever with SPRINT. How fast? Prints & ships in just 1–2 days.
Get 20% OFF w/ EXTRA20.
St. John's Boys Basketball Clinic
The boys’ basketball season is right around the corner! Before tryouts begin in October, we are excited to offer skill development clinic 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
Pioneer Girls
Parents of 1st–5th Grade Girls
We invite your daughter to join Pioneer Girls at St. John’s!
Pioneer Girls is a Christ-centered club designed to help young girls grow. Each grade level is led by a parent volunteer. Groups meet 1–2 times a month, usually right after school.
Cost: $180 per girl for the year (scholarships available).
For more information, contact Monica Strachan
Email: mmstrachan23@hotmail.com | Phone: 720-273-9920
To register: Please fill out the registration form and turn in your check to the school office, checks made out to St. John's.
Cardversations
Each Chapel, our K–8 students begin with a short partner conversation around an interesting question. This helps children know and be known by their chapel buddy, helps us towards a Thriving Community and starts Chapel with a little fun.
This year’s questions come from the Spiritually Vibrant Home series. Each week we’ll share the question and a few highlight responses. We encourage you to ask your child what their response was in Chapel—and share yours with them as well.
This week, Hadley in 4th Grade asked: “What topic fascinates you? Share why you love learning it.”
-
Sydney in 2nd Grade said, “Animals."
Sawyer in 5th Grade said, "Deep sea animals"
Quinn in 6th Grade said, "Deep parts of the ocean that we have not explored, because they are still unknown."
What would your family say? Why not ask them tonight at dinner?
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
September
22: Lutheran High School (LuHi) Preview Day, 7th & 8th graders
24: See You at the Pole Chapel, Legacy Field
26: Student Half Day/ Teacher PD, dismissal 11:30am
October
7: Pizza Day
8-10: Fall Break
17: Fall Fest (St. John's Community event)
21: Pizza Day
24: Fun Run Fundraiser
28: Lutheran High School (LuHi) Parent Open House
31: Student Half Day/ Teacher PD, dismissal 11:30am
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?
Feel free to come by the School Office with Cash or Check and funds will be applied to the balance.
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
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
25: Pie-A-Thon
28- October 19: Foundations & 1st Communion course
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: Sept. 25, 26, 27 and 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.
