Christmas Conspiracy 2012

The countdown has begun for Christmas - 21 days to go.
My grown up kids have asked through my wife, "what do I want for Christmas?"  What does my list look like?  I guess when you get my age, you probably have collected all the "stuff" you really need...  screwdrivers, drills, saws, hammers, a tv, music access, phone, computer... and in the clothes department I'm kind of a minimalist.  This past year in moving to CA, I bought more short sleeve shirts than I have in years.  In about three weeks, I'll be sitting in Florida with my four kids and with my grandaughter as we celebrate her first Christmas!  Wowsers! What more could I possibly need besides that!  Family!
The folks behind "Advent Conspiracy" have it and I wholeheartedly support the premise of turning Christmas upside down! 
I loved the thought substituting compassion for consumption. The thing is, I think its catching on!  Thankfully so.  More acts of "random kindness" are popping up all over Christendom!   I love the four values of AC - Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love all!   How impactful are those phrases!  I encourage you all to reflect on what is important in your lives and your true values and put energy into those during these four weeks of preparation.  I wish I could gather all those "happy few" folks and celebrate Christ's birth with worship, good conversation, good food and make some great memories.  Until that reunion in heaven, I'll have to make all that happen with my family. Check out the website  www.adventconspiracy.org.  Take a piece to make your Christmas one to remember.  I promise I will.

Of Pilgrims and Indians and Turkey

Thanksgiving 2012!  A lot has happened in the past year!  Just one year ago our family gathered to celebrate the holiday in Phoenix, totally oblivious to what November 2012 would look like.  It has been quite a remarkable journey to date.  A week ago we were again in Phoenix squeezing in a long weekend with Abby and family.  The highlight, besides Abby,  was spending Saturday evening with the Schmidt family along with a great dinner. Tim, Jeanette, Walt, Lois and David are dear friends born out of a challenging 5 years in Phoenix. We ate, drank, smoked a cigar and rekindled memories of precious moments of our past.  It was a (pre)Thanksgiving to remember!
         This year Rhonda and I will travel just a few hours south to San Diego to spend some turkey time with Karen and Fred Friedrichs. They are good friends from our 8 years at St. Paul's. We look forward to catching up, talking about Yosemite and enjoying some fine wine. Two important groups of people were born during our time at Martin Luther School and St. Paul's.   I include these folks in my "Happy Few."  Those"few" friends who contributed to our life story and we became richer for them. They both carry the respect and love of my own adult children.
          Amid all the change and new adventures that have filled our lives since July, I am most thankful for the family and friends God has richly blessed me with. You know how good it is when you can't get enough of each other or already begin planning the next time you will re-connect.  Then you add some component of food into the equation the memory just tastes and smells that much better. :) Maybe that's why the first Thanksgiving included a feast.  Pilgrims and Indians gathered to celebrate just "making it"  work together.  They had pulled together to produce an abundant harvest.  They had  been pushed them the brink of extinction when a special relationship was borne to create a mutual respect and appreciation for one another. Despite great differences.  I wonder how long it lasted?  My "Happy Few" include "quite a few," and it was  created by the presence of Jesus Christ.  I pray that as my kids grow into adulthood, they are able to develop the kind of relationships that will make their lives as rich as mine!  Blessed Thankgiving!

Adios Cards, the Future looks Bright!

What a difference a year makes, or should I say, it almost made! I still remember the heroics of David Freeze cranking key hits and Chris Carpenter pitching  key wins to crown the Cardinals as World Champions in 2011!  There were lots of similarities between the STL Cardinals of 2011 and the team of 2012.  The biggest difference is the outcome. :(  The SF Giants pulled out a huge comeback over the Cards from a 3-1 deficit to win the last three games and move onto the World Series.  They look more like last year's Cardinals than this year's team.  The shame of their lousy losses are now gobbled up in the drama of the Tigers and Giants.
Now they look to next year.  Young arms and young talent were called upon to fill injured spots in this year's club.  Optimistic talk has already crafted the expectation for this team to keep playing into next November. There will be new faces as once again the old and fragile, the "too expensive to keep" will be replaced with hopefuls for the future. 
So it is with life's ebbs and flows.  The tears and sadness are healed through the hope that tomorrow will be better.  We get too caught up with the emotion of the moment to clearly see that there may be a better outcome than we could ever imagine.  I must be self-aware enough to catch my reaction that could easily add more tension to a situation than may already exist.
Our  October core virtue was "Self-Control" and we honored those students who reflected it in our assembly today.   Proverbs 25:28 states, "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."  We are defenseless to deal with life's challenges without tapping in this critical "Fruit of the Spirit"( Galatians 5:22).  I pray to be able to compete in the game in life, exercising self-control in all things.

By the way... in defense of this team... what other professional team at any level could...

• loose the best player in baseball (Albert Pujols) - arguably
• have their hall of fame coaches Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan retire
• play under a rookie manager with no major league coaching experience
• Loose their ace pitcher for 95% of the season ( Chris Carpenter)
• Loose their key defensive player in the infield to injury half way through the season (Furcal)
• Not have the services of the key player who kept the clubhouse together (Lance Berkman)
•  and be one game away from returning to the World Series!

Changing My World :)

I'm thinking alot about change lately... why it happens, how it takes place, what makes it stick.  I have almost reached day 50 with my new staff.  When to push and when to hold back is the tension that drives me. My good friend Lois told me to write  down a few of the things that have occupied my mind since my arrival. So when I make it through year 1, I can look back and see where we've come from.

• Installed two Smartboards in the lab and Jr. High classroom.  three more are expected sometime this month.  Learning how to use two "Ebeam" units that were donated this past week.
• Ordered laptops for all teachers to upgrade operating systems, wireless and portability in their planning.
• Re-tooled technology teacher emphasis to begin to work with teachers to assist them in using the labtime for curriculum integration.
• Purchased and ready to roll out Accelerated Reader into our library and instructional program. Just completed web-based fire-up of the system
• Scheduled our STP conference online to make online sign-ups take place
• Began weekly "School News" to take school information out of teacher newletters and  provide a place for "School Scoops,"  "Thank-you's" and important info.
• Began a conversation with K-2 teachers on their joys and challenges with their language arts curriculum.  Scheduled a web connection regarding A to Z Readers with Erin Winter later this month.
• Introduced the staff to Six-trait writing process.  More conversation will take place in Dec.
• SJB are in their review cycle for the WASC-NLSA Accreditation process this year.  Focus groups have begun and 
• Re-tooled the Superintendent's Advisory Committee to have roles to support our mission and vision.  They are actively engaged in our accreditation process.
• Visited three local schools in our area to get a feel for what public and private educational programs look like in our community. 
• Hired and give direction to new "male" Director of our Children Center for 200 infant to four-year olds.  It has been a challenge in making a smooth transition from the director who has established the center 30 years ago.
• Getting a handle on the 418 students who I greet each morning and afternoon out on the sidewalk.  Most have names that I can't begin to pronounce. :)
• Learning my role as Superintendent of Schools - boundries and structure within this administrative structure.
• Working with several teachers on establishing a classroom blog
• Learning what it means to be a "Director of Operations" in the ministry.

For the most part, the staff recognizes the need to bring innovation into our program along with the "why."    I thank them for putting up with me and then plow through our next challenge. To be honest, I'm not sure who will stay the course and want to find their seat on the " let's get better bus."
Last week, I spent some time with Joel K, the former ed exec in this district.  He definately thinks outside the box in many areas.  I agreed on his point that most of our Lutheran schools put a higher priority of ministry over learning. Figuring out that balance will keep some in the business while others shut their doors and relegate their classrooms to a weekend experience.  I pray for guidance and wisdom in guiding this precious gift and those who receive it with thanksgiving - both the big and the little people!

Unrecognizable Grace

Last night, Rhonda and I arrived home in Bakersfield after she spent the past three weeks helping Sarah with baby Abigail in Phoenix.  We began planning our return just a few miles down the interstate.   Sunday morning Abby was welcomed into God's family by her Papa Walquist as he baptized her in the name of the Truine God.  Those same words have been used for thousands of years, unleashed through the power of God's Word and His Spirit into her life.  It is an amazing testimony to God's activity when we are in so passive.
Abigail is completely dependent on her earthly parents to provide every possible need she has. Left on her own, she would soon wither from dehydration and lack of nutrition.  We won't even mention dealing with the dirty diapers that she does not enjoy.  It makes me ill just imagining such an outcome after spending a few days with this precious newborn.  So it is when we try and move outside the boundries of  recognition and dependence upon God''s constant grace and blessing.  His provision goes beyond what we can responsibly manage or appreciate.  It seems ridiculous to think of involving the Creator of the Universe in the thousands of thoughts and choices we encounter each day.  Yet, our dependence on Him is like Abby's.  God's involvement and investment in our lives is complete. He  "SOLD OUT' His only Son to insure a relationship that remains even when we are oblivious to His presence.  How awesome is that!

Celebrating New Life!

On Friday night, August 24th at 9:59 pm, my daughter and son-in-law celebrated the birth of their first baby, Abigail!  Of course she makes me a grandpa!  My wife flew out on her reserved flight to Phoenix on Saturday afternoon and I drove out following dropping her off.   I had 9 hours on the road to think about what it means to have a new generation in the family.  I drove straight to the hospital and met her.  This is new life like I hadn't experienced since the birth of my own children.  She is the most beautiful and precious baby I've seen in a long time. Some thoughts...
There is part of me in that baby.  Somewhere buried in her DNA is one or two chromosomes that were put there by myself and Rhonda.  That's an awesome thing. At least I hope so.  :)  What that part is yet to be revealed and I can't wait to see what it might be.  To see  both Andrew and Sarah in her is amazing.  I see the feet of a runner and the hands of a pianist!   Neither one is me.
She will grow up in Christian family! I had a great sense of peace flood over me knowing she would be a child of God. She has come from two bloodlines that hold their allegiance to Jesus Christ!  What a privilege it will be to share stories of faith with her. Andrew's parents and entire family have dedicated their lives to be "Enochs" and "walk with God."  I am blessed to have a family that  also walks by faith.  This is a rare covering in her life and we look forward to introducing her to all her aunts, uncles and cousins in the months and years ahead.
We will make memories together. What will she remember about me?  I must begin to formulate in my own mind the stories that we will make together.  Will we camp, ride boogie boards,  learn to fish? Play "Heart and Soul" as a piano duet?  We will share a life story along with Randy and Elaine. It has re-calibrated my thinking about how I finish this race.  My health and well-being is important to sustain me through this next chapter of our lives as we watch her grow up to be the person God intends for her to be.
God has an amazing purpose for her life.  How exciting it will be to see her life unfold within a generation that will experience so much change!   Yet, like any child we are a steward to shape and mold what God has created.  He has purposed her for greatness! She will be an exception, not the norm!  (a peregoyism).  There is no one on the planet like her.  God has equipped her in some way to  do some amazing things for Him.  I just can't wait to see what that might be.
I already love this child despite only knowing her for two days.  It is an example of the unconditional love God has for each of us.  No matter how much she cries at night, or the number of dirty diapers,  she will get the undivided attention from her parents. They must be attentive to her every wimper.  So it is with our relationship with our God.  To know that God has established this kind of relationship with Abigail is amazing to me.  He fashioned her in her mother's womb, she is fearfully and wonderfully made.!  I love this!

Discipleship Business

I read a great blog post in Leadership Journal by Gordon MacDonald titled, "How to Spot a Transformed Christian."  I have been a big fan of MacDonald's writings since the 70's and his "Resilient Life"  had a great impact on the lives of those who read it with me.  MacDonald draws a comparison to the development of a Marine to that of a disciple of Jesus Christ.  The transformation is marked as a recruit goes through an intensive training process to produce the chiseled warrior ready to dedicate his life for God and country. They are easy to pick out in a crowd.  He asks the question - "What would a transformed Christian life look like?"  Here is Gordon's dozen:

1. Has an undiluted devotion to Jesus.
2. Pursues a Biblically informed view of the world.
3. Is intentional and disciplined in seeking God's direction.
4. Worships with a spirit of continuous repentance.
5. Builds healthy human relationships.
6. Knows how to engage the larger world.
7. Senses a personal "call"  and unique competnencies.
8. Is merciful and generous to those who are weaker.
9. Appreciates that suffering is part of faithfulness to Jesus.
10. Is eager and ready to express the content of their faith.
11. Overflows with thankfulness.
12. Has a passion for reconciliation.

His thoughts were shared with my teaching staff this morning.  We are in the "disciple making" business.  Disciples building and equipping followers of Jesus.  I would expect those who lead to be more dedicated to the principles than those they shape.  It  caused me to take a personal inventory of how I measure up to these "transformational principles."    I must admit that there are several of them that I feel good about, while others that need constant attention.
Gordon states: " There are Marines and you know them when you see them.  They bear evidence of a remarkable transformation.  And then there are Christ-followers, and among them you see the occasional mature, transformed follower of the Lord.  You know them because, as you draw closer, you see Christ in them."   Nice work Gordon!  Glad you are still part of the "transformation business!"  I am thankful that in my 55 plus years of life, I have been blessed by the faithful influence of many!      

Olympic Withdrawl

Less than 24 hours ago, the London Olympic games packed up and  sent  athletes heading home with dreams of "coulda" and "shoulda," while others get ready to cash in on their accomplishments.  The games always capture my attention on several points:
1. Relatively unknowns become household names after their Olympic exposure.
We now know the intimate stories of people like Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte, Gabby Douglas, Oscar Pistorius, David Boudia and you can probably name a few more.  They are now national heroes and ready for their own cereal box.
2.  Epic performances from the champions we expect to show up.  Michael Phelps, the basketball teams, foreign soccer,  Chinese divers and gymnasts and those incredible Jamican sprinters.  You want to see them perform at a high level and they seldom disappoint.
3. Favorites you don't want to miss.  Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, three time gold medalists!  Not only did they dominate the sport for 12 years but they NEVER lost an Olympic match! Wowsers! In each game there was point when I felt they were capable of losing, only to rebound and gather the composure to close out strong.   Beach volleyball is two people who at one moment look forlorn after a spike in their face and have  their opponent screaming at the top of their lungs and the next having to stand up from a great dig and ready yourself for a game changing kill.  There is no time for moping or feeling sorry for a bad play.  You get up and forget it.  A wonderful expression of competition.
4. How about dumping professional sport events from the Olympics? I don't need to see an NBA or WNBA all-star team playing against NBA all-stars from another country.  I want to watch competitors from around the world compete in sports that we can only watch every four years!  How about rowing, gymnastics, track and field competition, platform diving.  These are athletes that dedicate so much of their lives in refining their skills for a chance to compete on this stage every four years. I will say that there is marked improvement on the national courts that created more competition than we've seen in the past. 
5.  Being a Homer for the host country.  Mo Farah, Andy Murray, and the British cycling teams became hometown legends and were spurred by their frenzied countrymen. 
So I go back to watching HGTV, FoodNetwork, DIY and the Travel Network.  Looking forward to watching a new Russia showcase their country for the Winter Olympics in 2014!

Disappointed in the Pointer

"Disappointing!" It is word that paints the picture of heartache.  My 2012 Olympic experience has been filled with this description by commentators every night on national TV.  These words have been directed toward the US Men's gymnastic team, Michael Phelps, Jordyn Wieber, and even the debate over whether the US Basketball team is better than the "Dream Team of 1990's!"  Crazy!  I am in awe of the significant skills and talent of even the most average performance by those mentioned.  The only disappointment comes in themselves for not performing at a level of excellence they have grown to exhibit.   I thought about the milliseconds that separate a gold medal time from a fourth place finish.  The highest caliber of performers take the stage in sports that a minute fraction of our country participate in. That is precisely why we are glued to our televisions each night for two weeks.
 Why is that?  From my own perspective, the training and skill level far exceed the sacrifice I am willing to make.  Most of these athletes have been steadily competing at their sport since they were in Preschool.  Someone along the way said, "this kid could do this!"  They got a nudge and a chance to strut their stuff.  I am glued to the tv because I am amazed at the pure talent showcased in these games.  I trust Michael Phelps will get some bling and Jordyn will bounce back from the childish display of her "disappointment."  Congratulations to all the competitors.May you all continue to shine as the other 99% of the world picks their chins off the floor as they view one stellar performance after another!

Creeping into the 21st Century

Yesterday I arranged for two of our staff members to attend a product demo of Smartboards at our local tech rep in town.  They weren't expecting our scheduled appointment but quickly rose to the occasion with educational instructors downloading the latest ed support into the three of us.  It was exciting to hear my teachers almost immediately talk about how the applications could be used in their classrooms. They could have been their all day if not for other commitments on our agenda. The "WOW Factor" was huge! Technology opens up possibilities that you never imagined existed.  Suddenly, that site with created lessons creates a new sense of connections with others that actually are sharing and collaborating their ideas.   By the end of day we made our first purchases into expanding our classrooms.  I am hoping that on August 1, there will be greater excitement when the other staff first preview this "new" instructional tool.  Step 1 in a series of decisions that will make a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.  More to come!

New Beginnings

I'm here!  Beautiful Bakersfield California!  I've offically been on the job as superintendent all of three days. You forget what it is like to start over after I spent 12 years as an established figure in a large organization that I helped create.  Rhonda and I are now living out of boxes, the housing opportunities are cloudy at best, and I'm trying to fill some important staffing positions while learning on the fly about the new culture and expectations.  Change.  It is a cycle that brings with it both inspiration and trepidation for the unknown. I chose some words for our year's theme from Ephesians 3:20 that state:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." 

I selfishly picked it for me :).   I am in a position that I don't yet know all the questions to ask with so much to learn.  My core team of teachers and parents are still 3 weeks away from an introduction.  My trust factor in God being able to take care of so many unknown details is growing daily.  I must have faith that God will bless me way beyond my feeble attempts to manage my own compentcy and experience.  It is a good place for me to be.

Thank You All

Friday, June 1 is my last day as principal of St. John Lutheran School, Ellisville, MO.  In just a few weeks Rhonda and I will be packing up and heading west to serve St. John Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA.  We move from being a "Cougar" to a "Saint" along with a huge change of scenery.  It has been an emotional several weeks as we say goodbye to a calling of 12 years.  We have been blessed to have left fingerprints over much of the ministry we call "school."  During these years we have seen three building campaigns,  doubling of enrollment, national awards and establishment of a strong reputation among our community and national denomination.  It has been an amazing ride with some talented and gifted staff members who work way above their pay grade and job description.  I have had the opportunity to learn from volunteers who provided expertise in finance, business, communication, marketing and education who mentored me in my own development as a leader.  As we prepare to leave, we sent out the following note to our SJLS community:

 

Rhonda and I wanted to express our deep gratitude and thanksgiving to the entire St. John community for the kindness, gracious words, gifts and encouragement we received during our final weeks here at St John Lutheran School. It has been a privilege for both of us to serve this ministry for the past 12 years. I never expected God to leave me us in a place this long, but it has been a great blessing to be able to literally grow up with students and families in our church and school. We have personally seen God at work bringing change and blessings to the community of our church and school.

Some things I will miss...

     Members of the School Ministry Team who have stepped up and served this ministry community by working behind the scenes to establish a solid mission and vision of our school. The leadership of Eric Token, Mike Aufdembrink and Jeff Winters and the many team members that have used their gifts to shape the school we are today.

     PTL leaders who have established a strong base of activities and events that support students and families of our school. Their ideas and creativity continue to tweak a good program to make it better. My thanks to the leadership of Eric Guberlet, Sheryl Miller, Michelle Abel and a supporting cast of hundreds who put on events that are rivaled by few.

     Kathy Childers - Day in and day out reflects the servant heart of Jesus. She is a gift to this school and the families. Her smile and kind words are a welcome sight to anyone entering our office. 

     This staff of dedicated educators who love kids and Jesus. I have been involved in bringing most of them into this ministry and their unique ability to be open to change and growth puts them in a unique class of teachers.   My assistant principals of Julie Durst, Scott Osbourn and Rachel Bausch have been blessings to my personal leadership development. It has been a privilege to work with so many gifted teachers over my 12 years. I can only say “Thank You” for their partnership in our calling.

     The St. John Ministry allowed me to use my gifts and talents to lead the school. I was a good fit in melding the creative and contemporary dna of the ministry with the school. I am thankful to be associated with the time and place I was called to serve. I worked with phenomenally talented leaders, many of whom have moved on to serve in other ministries.

Partners in ministry such as Karen Slimack, Rudy Schaser, the Tandy's, Craig Borchelt and the many opportunities we have to get kids involved in mission work.  Creating a heart for service in our kids is a critical goal of Christ and His church.  

     Parents who understand that their greatest job in life is leading their children to know and love Jesus Christ and allow their kids to grow up to be who God intended them to be.    

     Our story is richer for our service to this community. We will not forget the many kindnesses afforded us by so many of you during our years here.  I resonate with Paul’s words to the Philippians in chapter 1 “I thank my God every time I remember you... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!”

     Our new home is St. John’s Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA, 4500 Buena Vista Road, 93311. Our permanent address is yet to be found, but we will contact the school community once we locate a home. We look forward to meeting you again when God can bring us together. Until then, God’s great peace to you all!

Spencer and Rhonda Peregoy

   

Formative Feedback

I find it interesting how easy it is to find fault with practically any aspect of education today.  Whether it is funding schools, teacher effectiveness, test scores, school lunch... the list continues to find itself into the center stage of  the media.  In our best schools quality is under scrutiny.  Our western culture grows to expect a high level of performance from educational institutions and if and when that level comes under question, the banter begins.  The following post is shared from a a perspective we usually do not hear. I am proud of the involvement we participate  in shaping the thinking of future  Christian educators.

Our school has had the privilege of providing a laboratory educational experience for three student teachers from Concordia University, Nebraska.  Each teacher can remember their own experience and reflect on how it shaped their view of education and modeled quality instruction. Here is what they said when asked what they take away from their experience with us:

"Student teaching is the most exciting and transformational part of an Education student's life in

college. Of all of the student teachers that left in January from Concordia, I truly believe that Andrea, Dana, and I received best placement. Having the opportunity to serve at St. John has challenged me to embrace technology, be more creative, use every resource possible, and collaborate with everyone! I will never find another place that is so "out-of-the-box" like St. John, but I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to experience it and make you all apart of my story. I will never forget the generosity of the families, support of the staff and the fearless leadership that makes St. John a spectacular place!"  Samantha Bodkin, Omaha, NE

"One of the most valuable insights I will take with me after leaving SJLS is how to facilitate independent learning within a classroom.  Teachers use a variety of techniques and practices that encourage and give students opportunities to explore and engage on a deep level.  Everything is taught with a purpose which allows students to apply learned knowledge to the world around them. SJLS students are equipped to use the tools they've been given to be successful."  Andrea Weiss, MI

"I am so thankful for the time I spent at St. John Lutheran School. I never knew I would get so attached to this place. I feel as if we are all family sharing the love of Christ each and every day. I am thankful for the relationships I have built with my cooperative teachers, as well as the students. Thank you for all the support from the teachers and parents! I have learned more than I could have ever imagined by student teaching here. St. John is the BEST place to grow in faith and learning!  I will miss St. John! "  Dana Miller,  Sioux Falls, SD. 

We appreciate the mentoring done by their cooperating teachers during their 16 week experience:  Jennifer Lochmann, Brooke Otto, Rhonda Peregoy, Sheri Dubberke, Daneen Hanson and Sheri Dubberke!  

Next Chapter

I have recently accepted a position to be the superintendent of St. John Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA.  There is great sadness at leaving a place that I have invested so much of my life during the past 12 years at St. John, Ellisville.  In leaving, I thought about a parallel story that is going on with our STL Cardinals.  They lost their share of leadership this year, but baby, just look at them now!

Albert Who?  What a difference a few months make!  The Cardinals are off to their best start in years!  It seems like yesterday when we heard the news that our beloved MVP was leaving for the sunny skies  of Anaheim.  As of this writing,  newcomer Carlos Beltran is among the league leaders with 5 home runs, which is five more than Albert Pujols has !   The team is what makes champions and the Cardinals have picked up right where they left off in October, 2011.  There are a few new faces here and there but the management has made a total make-over.  Time will certainly tell whether they have the health and chemistry to make another championship run, but players play the game... and that fact simply does not change.  This important team called St. John Lutheran School is made up of more championship-caliber players than any 40 man MLB roster.  We have teacher all-stars that help shape hearts and minds in each classroom.  We have parents who partner with us to raise their children to take on a culture that is not in tune with God’s design for their lives.  We have kids who are learning each day what it means to be a witness in word and deed to the grace that God freely pours out upon each of them.  They are learning that God needs them on HIS team to play through the tough challenges life will bring their way.  As I considered the two calls on my heart, I felt that St. John Lutheran School is positioned to receive a new leader that will write a new chapter in the story of the school ministry.  My prayer is that as the process moves into search mode, the team pulls together to trust in God’s provision for a strong future.  The last command uttered by Jesus prior to His ascension was “ Make Disciples, Baptize and TEACH!”   He also mentioned that He would be with us ALWAYS!  May we all be faithful to  our part of the deal – equipping disciples and faithfully teaching those He puts in our care!

Holy Thoughts

It is said that that the way to the open tomb is a blood-stained cross. In order to get to the angelic message of the resurrected Savior, there must be a beating and crucifixion. So what is it about the story of this weekend that captivates you?  Spend a few minutes thinking about that question.

Pastor Hower made two illustrations in chapel that refer to the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins:

• "In order to get something clean, something has to get dirty"
• "In order for something to be free, something has to be paid"

In order for you to be right with God, a perfect sacrifice had to be made to purchase you back from the guilty judgment for your sins. Notice the plural form of that noun.  Shame is erased. Forgiveness is real - yet at an expensive price.

Isaiah 53 describes the purpose of Jesus sacrifice 1000 years before His birth: "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus stated "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"    

There is no greater statement than "I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He Lives, He Lives who once was dead! He lives my ever-living Head!" Jesus is the prime character in the story of this weekend! He suffered, He died, but HE LIVES! - all for YOU!

METC 2012

Our entire staff recently attended the Midwest Educational Technology Conference held locally at the St. Charles Convention Center. This is the 5th year we have attended the largest technology focused conference on educational applications. SJLS views technology as a tool to engage students in meaningful instruction. There were literally hundreds of sectionals that opened up thinking about the future of education and how technology impacts what happens in the classroom. A few of my take-aways:

• Last years' conference had one sectional on a tablet applications , this year there were over 50...
• It took 10 months to reach 10 million tablet users through 12/11, it took Apple one month to sell another 10 million tablets between December 2011 and January 2012.
• Technology is a tool that can create things, not just access other people's information
• Ford Motor Company no longer puts CD players in cars because no one uses them
• The biggest challenge for higher education is that students do not know how to access information (information fluency).   Education was once how you presented information - now it is about accessing information.
  Quote : "When you change what you believe, you change what you do." -John Carver
• The US Army is re-writing training manuals for 2015 by moving away from drill sergeant mentality by rethinking instruction:
  • Convert classroom experiences to collaborative problem-solving
  • Tailor learning to more individualized approach
  • Reduce instructor-led lectures
• Quote: "Shoot for where the puck is going - not where it is" Wayne Gretsky
• The future of education is a blended environment of inquiry and project-driven. Learning is anytime- anyplace 24/7.
• Don't ask questions that can be answered by Google
• Most local school districts are moving toward a 1-1 initiative of "bring your own" device because they can't handle the costs.

I walked away from another two days with lots of thoughts and practical solutions to the changing world of education.   I appreciate the team of educators that we have at SJLS and how they are open to being as much of a learner as their students are.  

Linsanity!

I am not much of a basketball fan.  It was definitely more enjoyable  for me to coach than play.  I will join the frenzy following the NCAA march to the  "Final Four" championship in a few weeks.  The pro game is not even on my radar screen. I can't deal with the constant drama of LeBron James and Kobie Bryant... until lately.  Have you heard of Jeremy Lin?
This rookie from Harvard is lighting up the scoreboard for the NY Nicks.  He has averaged 24 points a game and led the team to a six game winning streak since getting a starting role as point guard just over a week ago.  The Nicks and the NBA are not the same since his rise to stardom.   He is a Roy Hobbs, Rocky, Secretariat and David story all rolled into one.  You can also throw in Tim Tebow  because Jeremy is a professing Christian. Keep an eye on this rising star!

• He was a high school star on a state championship basketball team who learned humility through an ankle injury that pushed him from arrogance to confidence.
• He was not recruited so attended Harvard who does not give athletic scholarships. He graduated with an economics degree and became the all-time leading scorer and top player on the team.
• He went undrafted and waived or released from 3 different teams in his first year.  But he caught a break  with NY and is now the most celebrated story in the NBA.

What is it about the underdog that makes us stand up and take notice?  Hidden potential just needs the chance to come out.  I love the opportunity our kids have to share talents in a variety of ways.  From singing with a microphone in their hands to playing a guitar, to assembling technology presentations, I am amazed at the gifts kids get a chance to uncover and courageously put into action. I wonder what Jeremy Lin's parents dreamed for their son as he walked into his elementary school as a kindergartener?  He is changing a paradigm on the courts among the most talented athletes (this is debatable)  in their sport.  Keep encouraging your kids to take a chance and try something they might be interested in.   You never know the plans that God has in mind for them.  They are plans to prosper, plans to witness to the goodness and graciousness of  their Heavenly Father

Super Bloat

The 2012 Super Bowl is now a week behind us. I'm sure you probably joined  the most-watched event in the year. The game is full of interesting statistics.  We know that due to the worldwide volume of viewers, the price for commercials during the game is astronomical.  While it is a big day for players and fans, it's the biggest day for advertisers. A 30-second spot during the game cost around $3.5 million dollars and according to NBC and there is usually 45 minutes of advertising in the 60 minute game. The Super Bowl is the biggest live event of the year with a U.S. record of 112 million viewers tuning in. This is more people than voted in the last presidential election.  There were more than 68,000 tickets sold to the live event at an average ticket cost of $3984. There are also humongous statistics about the number of wings eaten, guacamole dipped and burgers devoured. There are over 2.9 million HD televisions sold by electronic retailers leading up to Super Bowl week.  Each player on the winning team receives a ring worth $37,000.   

Source :  Matt Simon of BRBleacher Report January 26, 2012

So, why is this an event of such exponential excess?  What if…

·         The number of people who attend or watch the game would contribute one game-time hour to mentor and tutor students who struggle in school?

·         The amount of money spent on one commercial could be given to impact the world hunger crisis

·         The amount spent on personal consumption at a party could be given to feed the malnourished in our own US metropolitan cities.

·         The revenue given by these companies to gain exposure could be used to support worthy efforts to improve struggling school districts or build homes to redevelop our cities

So much to-do is made over one sporting event. The day after it will have no lasting impact?  Do you remember who played in last year’s game?  Can you name the winning teams from the past five games?  So I wonder:  Are we investing in things that really matter?  What are things of significance that we can individually and personally improve through leveraging our resources of time and money by investing in lasting or life-impacting experiences? 

You may read this and say, “Yea, but…” or “You really don’t get it…” – you are right – I don’t.

Socially Speaking

We live in the era of intense social media. You may not be as connected as others you know, but you are missing out if aren't connected in some way.  People are connecting daily and sometimes hourly through email, text messages, Facebook and twitter. Our social footprint connects us to people from our past and communicates our daily activities to anyone who will listen. I made a Facebook connection several years ago with a friend from high school and college. He was a driver and stage builder for the Rascal Flatts Band.   Through this connection, I have had the opportunity to attend two St. Louis concerts and his occasional visits when he drives through town. He has recently agreed to join our 4th grade in communicating his travel experiences through their class blog. The students view Casey as a celebrity "rock star". Casey views this project as a serious responsibility to teach kids through his travels in a classroom setting that he once thought only existed within a building.   He spends so much time traveling that he is not connected with a church or ministry. This week the fourth graders began sharing with Casey their weekly Bible verse. He called me this week expressing how meaningful that verse was in his life circumstances.   You never know how God can use a relationship and share His love even through a 21st century learning experience. Our touch extends far beyond our community to the highways and byways of our country.   So the next time you see that big "Rascal Flatts semi truck parked in our lot, it is someone who has now made SJLS part of his story.

  

SJLS into the 21st Century

We know the world of education is rapidly changing. It is hard to look down the road even five to ten years and imagine what kinds of innovations will transform our classrooms. Who could have imagined what kinds of technology would be available to kids just 5 years ago? Digital tools, mass communications, social networking, global connections are all changing the ways kids learn and how teachers teach. Just last week, Apple announced the ability to capture the school textbook industry through ITunes. Besides introducing new tools that influence change, there are other motivating factors that impact 21^st century instruction. Here are results from a study of what skills employers are looking for in their hire of college graduates:

· The ability to work well in teams—especially with people different from yourself

· An understanding of science and technology and how these subjects are used in real-world settings

· The ability to write and speak well

· The ability to think clearly about complex problems

· The ability to analyze a problem to develop workable solutions

· An understanding of global context in which work is now done

· The ability to be creative and innovative in solving problems

· The ability to apply knowledge and skills in new settings

· The ability to understand numbers and statistics

· A strong sense of ethics and integrity *

These expectations are being drilled down into the world of educational thinking through the “C’s”:

Critical Thinking / Communication – both face to face, and virtually / Collaboration / Cultural Awareness / Creativity / Computing skills

These C’s are classified as 21^st Century skills that must be part of the learning environment. These C’s continue to be developed and added to the purposeful design of instruction at SJLS. We are blessed to have a teaching staff open to learning and implementing the skills our students need to prepare them for their tomorrow. Next month our entire Preschool through elementary staff will attend the Midwest Technology Conference (Feb. 14 & 15), which is the largest educationally-focused conference offered to all levels of education. You can learn more about what we will be learning at www.metcconference.org.

*Source: "How Should Colleges Prepare Students to Succeed in Today's Global Economy?" (Results of a national poll by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, 2007).