Zion School Connection #14 - 17 November 2025

 Special Activity this week - Wildlife Safari visits Wednesday, November 19

For our 2nd quarter student activity we are hosting a visit from Wildlife Safari of Canton, who will be bringing a variety of animals for our school family to learn about, see and touch. There will be two presentation sessions:

9-10 a.m. - grades 1-8

10:15-11:15 a.m. - grades preschool and Kindergarten

Parents are welcome to attend.

THIS IS A SCHOOL T-SHIRT DAY. Students may wear their school SOAR t-shirt or, if they wish, dress up as a favorite animal or wear clothing featuring a favorite animal!

Chapel Service

School families are invited to join us for monthly AFTERNOON school chapel service this week Wednesday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m.  Parents, family and friends are always welcome to worship with us! 

Holiday Food Drive

Instead of doing our usual giving tree, this year Zion Lutheran School is partnering with the Zion congregation for a Drive-Up Holiday Food Drive. In the last few years we have given to Paula’s House, however this year there seems to be a greater need in our own church, school and community for food assistance.

It has been decided that we are going to offer a drive up food pantry. Our hope is to be able to make meal and staple food boxes families and individuals can drive up and collect. There is a complete wish list in the west foyer and the table in the school entrance of items we will be collecting. These items will then be divided into boxes of meals and staples. On December 13 from 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. people can drive up and have a box brought out to their car. It will run while donations last.

Do you still want to give something other than food? We will also support the New Beginnings Home for Mothers with a drive for diapers, formula, wipes, baby shampoo, lotion and other necessities. There is a more specific list of what they need shared as well. These items will be taken up to their facility on Monday, December 15th.

If you want to give a monetary donation for either collection please leave it in the office by Wednesday, December 10th so that we have time to purchase items to complete the packages. Thank you to everyone in advance for your generosity and support. Please see the attached list of needed items. Please contact Mrs. Vanisacker if you have any questions.

Winter Clothing

We go outside for recess, and the weather is turning decidedly wintry! Please make sure that your child has appropriate clothing for outdoor play as the weather turns colder: winter coat, gloves, hat, and boots and snow pants if they wish to be in the snow.

Sports - Co-Ed Basketball

Co-Ed basketball is open for students in grades 3-8. They will be divided into A, B, and C teams. Practices will begin on Tuesday and Thursday, November 18 and 20, for the B and A teams (Grades 5-6, 7-8) from 3:05-4:45 p.m. 

C Team (grades 3-4) will start practices on Wednesdays from 3:05-4:30 starting December 3.

Please see Mr. Roth if you have any questions.

Cheerleading/Pee Wee Poms

The cheerleaders and pee-wee poms will be meeting this Wednesday, November 19 from 3-4:30 p.m. to start preparing for our Christmas pep rally in December. Mrs. Sordahl already sent our information for both groups. Please contact her if you have any questions.

Picture Retakes

School picture packets were delayed, but packets are on their way and should be available this week and will be distributed when they arrive. Because of the delay our picture retake day has been moved to Tuesday, December 9.

Hot Lunch - this week

Monday, November 17 - Turkey Dinner

Wednesday, November 19 - Nacho Bar

Friday, November 21 - Pizza

Parent Conversations

Attached to the email and hard copy newsletters is another article from Parent Conversations. This week’s focus: How Can Parents Find the Balance Between Being Too Restrictive and Too Permissive?  Parent Conversations, from  Forward in Christ magazine, offers articles on topics important to parents, written from a Christian perspective. If you are interested in viewing all of the articles available, please visit https://forwardinchrist.net/parents/ .

Winter Clothing Exchange
We had a lot of donations, so we will make them available one more week.

Do you have any used-but-good-condition kids’ or adults’ winter gear that you no longer need or that your family has outgrown, or do you or a family member need winter gear? From November 3 until to November 21 we will be collecting and sharing gently used winter clothing in our yearly Winter Clothing Exchange.  

You can either donate winter coats, snow pants, snow suits, boots or other winter gear that you no longer need, or if you or your child needs a new coat or other item, you can trade-up to a new size or get something you need for free. Nothing to trade? You may still help yourself to anything you need. If you know a family that needs winter gear, invite them to come and take a look. Please use the baskets for hats, gloves, scarves and mittens. 

This is a great opportunity for our school and church families to help each other out, as well as assisting others in our community who have a need. 

Please leave any donations on the ministry table next to the pastor’s office starting on Monday, November 3. Items will be available until November 21, after which any leftover items will be donated to children’s and families’ charities in Monroe.

Coffee with Friends!

The Warrior Oasis Cafe is open on TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS in the gym. After dropping off the kiddos, come enjoy a great cup of coffee or hot tea with fellow parents and friends before heading out for the day, or grab a cup to go. Coffee is served starting at 7:45 a.m.  Cost is a free-will donation to the 7th-8th Field Trip Fund.

Are you interested in Zion becoming your church home?

Anytime, but especially as we approach the holidays, we invite those school families without a church home to consider becoming a part of the Zion church family. Pastor Sitzman conducts a number of Bible information classes throughout the year for those interested in becoming members, or even just looking to know more about the Bible’s teachings. Please contact Pastor Sitzman if you would like more information about Bible information classes and as always, you are welcome to join us for worship at Zion anytime!

Coming Up in December - Festival of Trees!

Our Zion Festival of Trees is coming up in December. Families are invited to participate in this tree decorating contest, with the trees being displayed during the week of December 14. Flyers are available on the table in the school entrance. Please contact Stacey Sordahl for more information.  

On the Calendar this Week…

Monday, November 17 - Hot Lunch - Turkey Dinner

Tuesday, November 18 - Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym   7:45-8:15 a.m.

A and B Team Basketball Practice 3-4:45 p.m.

Wednesday, November 19 - Hot Lunch - Sloppy Joes

Wildlife Safari presentations  9 and 10:15 a.m.

AFTERNOON School Chapel Service   8:05 a.m.

Pee Wee Poms and Cheerleading Practice 3-4:30 p.m.

Worship Service at Zion Lutheran   7:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 20 A and B Team Basketball Practice 3-4:45 p.m.

Friday, November 21 - Hot Lunch - Pizza

Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym   7:45-8:15 a.m

Sunday, November 23- Worship Service at Zion Lutheran   9 a.m.

Sunday School and Bible Class   10:15 a.m.

Zion School Connection #13 - 10 November 2025

 Thank you!

• To our Handchimes B students and the students of grades K-2 for their music in our Sunday worship.

Thank you for being a blessing to us!

Are you interested in Zion becoming your church home?

Anytime, but especially as we approach the holidays, we invite those school families without a church home to consider becoming a part of the Zion church family. Pastor Sitzman conducts a number of Bible information classes throughout the year for those interested in becoming members, or even just looking to know more about the Bible’s teachings. Please contact Pastor Sitzman if you would like more information about Bible information classes and as always, you are welcome to join us for worship at Zion anytime!

Chapel Service

School families are invited to join us for our morning school chapel service this week Wednesday, November 12 at 8:05 a.m. This week we will have a special chapel presenter. Missionary Peter Janke will be visiting with us virtually from Australia, this year’s chapel mission project. Parents, family and friends are always welcome! 

Winter Clothing

We go outside for recess, and the weather is turning decidedly wintry! Please make sure that your child has appropriate clothing for outdoor play as the weather turns colder: winter coat, gloves, hat, and boots and snow pants if they wish to be in the snow.

MCLS Bookmobile Visits MONDAY

The Monroe County Library System Bookmobile will be making its monthly visit this Monday, November 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Bookmobile visits once per month to allow our students to check out selections from the Monroe County Library. Students will need a valid MCLS library card to check out books from the Bookmobile if they wish. Students are asked to please remember to bring your library card if you wish to check out books.

Sports - Co-Ed Basketball starts NEXT week

Co-Ed basketball is open for students in grades 3-8. They will be divided into A, B, and C teams. Practices will begin on Tuesday and Thursday of next week, November 18 and 20, for the B and A teams (Grades 5-6, 7-8) from 3:05-4:45 p.m. 

C Team (grades 3-4) will start practices on Wednesdays from 3:05-4:30 starting December 3.

Please see Mr. Roth if you have any questions.

Did you get a text message from Zion?

On Sunday afternoon a test message was sent out though our FACTS communications system to our school family. If you did not receive a text from Zion, please let Mr. Schneck know. Thank you!

Picture Retakes

School picture packets were delayed due to a family emergency, but packets are on their way and should be available this week or next. Because of the delay our picture retake day has been moved to Tuesday, December 9.

Hot Lunch - this week

Monday, November 10 - Grilled Cheese and Soup

Wednesday, November 12 - Sloppy Joes

Friday, November 7 - Pizza

Parent Conversations

Attached to the email and hard copy newsletters is another article from Parent Conversations. This week’s focus: What Do Parents Need to Know About Video Games?  Parent Conversations, from  Forward in Christ magazine, offers articles on topics important to parents, written from a Christian perspective. If you are interested in viewing all of the articles available, please visit https://forwardinchrist.net/parents/ .

Dress Code Reminders

Although our school dress code has been focused on students using their Christian freedom to make good clothing choices, we do still have school guidelines we would like students to follow as outlined on page 16 of our school handbook: 

It is good and right for Christians to be modest and appropriate in their clothing choices and appearance. Our habits, dress, hairstyles, etc. will want to be such that it adds to and supports our purpose of Christian education. Christian parents need to be observant and to help their children make appropriate choices as they dress for school. Student dress has an impact on attitude, behavior and performance in school. For this reason Zion Lutheran School sets the following parameters:

• Proper clothing should be modest, non-distracting, comfortable, well-fitting, neat and in good repair, (no torn clothing or clothing with holes, please) and appropriate for an active educational setting. 

• Messages on clothing should be positive and in keeping with Christian values.

• Clothing that is too tight, too loose, or too short for free movement is to be avoided. 

• Tank tops or tops with exposed shoulders are to be avoided.

• Students wearing tights are asked to wear them with a dress, long top, skirt or shorts. 

• Shoes should be closed-toe and have soft, non-marking soles. Footwear must ensure safety on the playground and the gym. Tennis shoes and other shoes with laces or Velcro straps are acceptable. Socks should be worn with shoes. Sandals, “Crocs”, plastic shoes, or shoes with open toes or without backs are to be avoided for outdoor or gym use.

• Students should dress for the weather. Coats, hats and gloves are necessary for cold weather. Snow pants and boots must be worn if a student wishes to play in the snow.

If there is some question whether or not an item is appropriate, please err on the side of caution. Teachers will work with the students and their parents when necessary to help them determine appropriate clothing. The principal will have final say and will counsel students and parents when it is felt that clothing choices are inappropriate for school.

Winter Clothing Exchange
Do you have any used-but-good-condition kids’ or adults’ winter gear that you no longer need or that your family has outgrown, or do you or a family member need winter gear? From November 3 until to November 14 we will be collecting and sharing gently used winter clothing in our yearly Winter Clothing Exchange.  

You can either donate winter coats, snow pants, snow suits, boots or other winter gear that you no longer need, or if you or your child needs a new coat or other item, you can trade-up to a new size or get something you need for free. Nothing to trade? You may still help yourself to anything you need. If you know a family that needs winter gear, invite them to come and take a look. Please use the baskets for hats, gloves, scarves and mittens. 

This is a great opportunity for our school and church families to help each other out, as well as assisting others in our community who have a need. 

Please leave any donations on the ministry table next to the pastor’s office starting on Monday, November 3. Items will be available until November 14, after which any leftover items will be donated to children’s and families’ charities in Monroe.

Delicious Coffee with Friends!

The Warrior Oasis Cafe is open on TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS in the gym. After dropping off the kiddos, come enjoy a great cup of coffee or hot tea with fellow parents and friends before heading out for the day, or grab a cup to go. Coffee is served starting at 7:45 a.m.  Cost is a free-will donation to the 7th-8th Field Trip Fund.

Zion is now a NUT AWARE School

A reminder that this month we are enacting our “Nut Aware” policy. We ask that students and parents limit foods containing peanuts or tree nuts in the foods being brought to school, and that no nut containing foods be brought into those classrooms designated NUT FREE. Please also remember that ALL birthday treats for children to distribute must be pre-packaged (no home made or fresh bakery goods) with packaging designated as processed in a nut-free facility.

Copies of our complete “Nut Aware” policy have been previously distributed and are also available on the table in our school entrance.While we cannot guarantee a nut-free facility, we hope that this policy promotes practices which will help to make our facility safer for all the students that we serve now and in the future. 

For the safety of ALL of our students, we ask our school students and families to abide by these guidelines. We understand that they may be somewhat inconvenient, but they allow us and our students to demonstrate Christian love and concern for those students at risk. We appreciate everyone helping us to achieve this goal for the good of Christ’s lambs and sheep. If you have any questions concerning the policy, please speak to Mr. Schneck.

Coming Up in December - Festival of Trees!

Please see the attached flyer about our Zion Festival of Trees coming up in December. Families are invited to participate in this tree decorating contest, with the trees being displayed during the week of December 14. Please contact Stacey Sordahl for more information.  

On the Calendar this Week…

Monday, November 10 - Hot Lunch - Grilled Cheese and Soup

MCLS Bookmobile visits 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 11 - Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym   7:45-8:15 a.m.

Wednesday, November 12 - Hot Lunch - Sloppy Joes

School Chapel Service   8:05 a.m. Special virtual visit - Missionary Peter Janke

Worship Service at Zion Lutheran   7:00 p.m.

Friday, November 14 - Hot Lunch - Pizza

Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym   7:45-8:15 a.m

Sunday, November 16- Worship Service at Zion Lutheran   9 a.m.

Sunday School and Bible Class   10:15 a.m.

Jesus Cares Special Needs Worship   1 p.m.

Zion School Connection # 12 - 3 November 2025

 Zion is now a NUT AWARE School

A reminder that this month we are enacting our “Nut Aware” policy. We ask that students and parents limit foods containing peanuts or tree nuts in the foods being brought to school, and that no nut containing foods be brought into those classrooms designated NUT FREE. Please also remember that ALL birthday treats for children to distribute must be pre-packaged (no home made or fresh bakery goods) with packaging designated as processed in a nut-free facility.

Copies of our complete “Nut Aware” policy have been previously distributed and are also available on the table in our school entrance.While we cannot guarantee a nut-free facility, we hope that this policy promotes practices which will help to make our facility safer for all the students that we serve now and in the future. 

For the safety of ALL of our students, we ask our school students and families to abide by these guidelines. We understand that they may be somewhat inconvenient, but they allow us and our students to demonstrate Christian love and concern for those students at risk. We appreciate everyone helping us to achieve this goal for the good of Christ’s lambs and sheep. If you have any questions concerning the policy, please speak to Mr. Schneck.

CEA (Christian Education Association)

Our next meeting is this Wednesday, November 5 at 3:10 p.m. The Zion Christian Education Association (CEA) is our parent and supporter association that helps provide all of the “extras” that support and enhance our school program. Our Zion CEA has many volunteer opportunities for parents to support our school program and activities. All preschool and elementary school parents are invited to attend. Please join us!

Grades K-2  and Handchimes B Sing and Play for Church - Sunday, November 9

The students of grades K-2 and Handchimes B participate in worship at Zion this Sunday, November 9 in the 9 a.m. service. Participating students are asked to meet in their classrooms by 8:45 a.m. to prepare.

Chapel Service

School families are invited to join us for our morning school chapel service this week Wednesday, November 5 at 8:05 a.m. Parents, family and friends are always welcome! This year’s chapel offering is supporting our church’s new ministry work in the country of Australia. Please pray for this ministry and the people it serves.

Art Club

Mrs. Sordahl has organized an Art Club that meets monthly and is open to all Zion students Pre-K to Grade 8. Parents of preschoolers are asked to attend with their child, but all parents are welcome to attend.

The next meeting of the Art Club is in the church basement this Friday, November 7 from 3:05-5 p.m. There is no fee to participate, but donations of supplies are always welcome! (Please speak to Mrs. Sordahl to find out what items are needed.) All participants are asked to bring a paint shirt and/or clothing that can get messy.

Projects made at Art Club will be saved for display at our Zion Art Fair in March.

Please speak to Mrs. Sordahl if you have any questions.

Sports - Girls’ Volleyball

Practices this week will be Tuesday, November 4 from 3-4:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 6 from 3-4 p.m. Our final volleyball matches are AWAY on Saturday, November 8 at St. Stephen, Adrian vs St. Stephen at 10 a.m. and Jenera at 11 a.m.

Sports - Boys’ Cornhole League

Cornhole League will play their rescheduled tournament this Tuesday, November 4 starting at 3 p.m. 

Harvest Party Pumpkins

There are still quite a few decorated pumpkins that were left behind following the harvest party. Students who still want their pumpkins should pick them up by the school entrance this week. Any pumpkins left after Friday will be composted in the school garden.

Winter Clothing Exchange
Do you have any used-but-good-condition kids’ or adults’ winter gear that you no longer need or that your family has outgrown, or do you or a family member need winter gear? From November 3 until to November 14 we will be collecting and sharing gently used winter clothing in our yearly Winter Clothing Exchange.  

You can either donate winter coats, snow pants, snow suits, boots or other winter gear that you no longer need, or if you or your child needs a new coat or other item, you can trade-up to a new size or get something you need for free. Nothing to trade? You may still help yourself to anything you need. If you know a family that needs winter gear, invite them to come and take a look. Please use the baskets for hats, gloves, scarves and mittens. 

This is a great opportunity for our school and church families to help each other out, as well as assisting others in our community who have a need. 

Please leave any donations on the ministry table next to the pastor’s office starting on Monday, November 3. Items will be available until November 14, after which any leftover items will be donated to children’s and families’ charities in Monroe.

Hot Lunch - this week

Monday, November 3 - Build-Your-Own Sub Sandwiches

Wednesday, November 5 - Baked Potato Bar

Friday, November 7 - Pizza

Parent Conversations

Attached to the email and hard copy newsletters is another article from Parent Conversations. This week’s focus: How Can We Instill Gratitude in Our Children  Parent Conversations, from  Forward in Christ magazine, offers articles on topics important to parents, written from a Christian perspective. If you are interested in viewing all of the articles available, please visit https://forwardinchrist.net/parents/ .

Delicious Coffee with Friends!

The Warrior Oasis Cafe is open on TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS in the gym. After dropping off the kiddos, come enjoy a great cup of coffee or hot tea with fellow parents and friends before heading out for the day, or grab a cup to go. Coffee is served starting at 7:45 a.m.  Cost is a free-will donation to the 7th-8th Field Trip Fund.

Warrior Oasis

The Zion upper grades “Warrior Oasis” is selling milk and juice options for lunches to students daily.  Students in grades K-8 wanting to purchase milk or juice for lunch can do so across from the school library at the start of lunch hour, 11:45 to 11:55 a.m. Purchases are cash only. Profits will go towards the upper grade field trip fund.

Drink items available:                 

Organic Whole Milk $1.50 Chocolate or Strawberry Milk $1.25

Orange Juice (bottle) $1.00 Juicy Juice Boxes $0.50 (Apple, Fruit Punch, Grape, Berry)

On the Calendar this Week…

Monday, November 3 - Hot Lunch - Build-Your-Own Sub Sandwiches

Tuesday, November 4 - Warrior Oasis Coffee available in the gym   7:45-8:15 a.m.

Girls’ Volleyball   3-4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Cornhole Tournament   3 p.m.

Wednesday, November 5 - Hot Lunch - Baked Potato Bar

School Chapel Service   8:05 a.m.

CEA Meeting 3:10 p.m.

Worship Service at Zion Lutheran   7:00 p.m.

Thursday, November  6 - Girls’ Volleyball   3-4 p.m.

Friday, November 7 - Hot Lunch - Pizza

Art Club    3-5 p.m.

Saturday, November 8 - AWAY volleyball matches @ St. Stephen, Adrian at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m..

Sunday, November 9- Worship Service at Zion Lutheran   9 a.m.

K-2 sing and Handchimes B play for worship service

Sunday School and Bible Class   10:15 a.m.