PAW PRINTS

RINTS FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL www.faithvista.org March 2015

MARCH 2015

1 10:30 4-8 grades sing 4 9:30 All School Chapel 8 TIME CHANGE

Spring Forward! 10:30 K-3 grades sing

11 8:25 Chapel (3-8) 9:30 Chapel (LOF, K-2) 12 Cross Country Meet in

Bonita 15 10:30 Kids of the

Kingdom Sing St. Patrick’s Day Parade

18 8:25 Chapel (3-8) 9:30 Chapel (LOF, K-2) 21 LOF Hat Parade,

Potluck, & Singing 22 10:30 Little Lambs 25 8:25 Chapel (3-8) 9:30 Chapel (LOF, K-2) 26 LOF- St. Jude Trike-a-

thon 27 LOF – St. Jude Trike-a-

thon Casual Dress Day End of 3rd Qtr 28 Golf Tournament 29 Palm Sunday 10:30 Jr. Choir &

JuBELLation Ringers 30 Sing at Rancho Vista

Retirement Home

A Note From the Principal

On behalf of the Board of Education, staff and faculty, a heartfelt

thanks for coming to hear the results of our recent survey. As revealed

in the meeting, over 50% of our families participated in the

survey. That is telling us you are committed to making our school

better. Our action items for short term goals include reviewing safety

policy and procedures, weekly edition of Paw Prints, using 1 color to

indicate parent signature required, and review disciplinary policy. An

action item for parents is participating in the PTL. I am confident that

working together, we can make this school a place that everyone feels

welcome and provide an outstanding education.

In light of the recent departure of Julie, Beth Huck has been stepping

in to help with the duties in the front office. Beth has 2 children at

Faith Lutheran and has been volunteering at recess and lunch duty

since the beginning of the year.

Pray 200 - Our campaign to grow Faith Lutheran continues to move

forward. We have 66 students registered. Outreach into the

community is strong at St. Stephen's in Fallbrook and continued efforts

to market to Calvary Christian remain at the top of our list. Families

are always asking how they can help; the most productive type of

marketing is always word of mouth. Invite a friend to come tour our

campus. Drop-ins are welcome but scheduling an appointment would

help ensure my availability without conflict in my schedule.

Chip Mayer

Please visit our website to stay informed about all the great things happening on campus!

www.faithvista.org

With a final score of 39-30 the Valley Christian School won the championship game against the Faith Lions. The Lions walked away with the second place trophy. Faith hosted the game in our gym on Friday, February 27. The Faith Lions basketball team has male and female team members in grades 5-8. The players and coaches are looking toward next year where they will again take and conquer the court.

Saturday, March 28, 2015 St. Mark Golf Club, 1750 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos Saturday March 28th 2015, 12:30PM Shotgun Start

$120.00 Entry fee includes: golf, cart & dinner Limited to the first 144 Golfers

Everyone can participate in the Ball Drop $20 per ball winner receives $1000!

Winner need not be present!

Contact Tournament Chairman Buck Eilers 1.760.758.6221 office or 1.760.917.3434 cell

Annual Cross Country Meet on March 12, 2015 at Lutheran High School

Lutheran High School San Diego is proud to sponsor the 34th annual Cross Country Meet at

Rohr Park in Bonita. This meet is open to all 3rd – 8th grade students.

The course walk-through will begin at 12 noon with the first race

starting at 12:45. 2nd race at 1:15 and 3rd race at 1:45.

Faith Lutheran School will send about 15 students to participate in

the meet.

15 total

10th Annual Wade Twyman Memorial Golf Benefit

Faith Lions – Left to right: Davyn Ward, Grace Saign, Joshua Hucul,

Brad Yasukochi, Jett Warden, Ronnie DiNocco, Coach Yasukochi,

Evan Wolfinbarger, Lily Aguilarera – not pictured: Jonas Gilbert

Lions Basketball goes to Championship!

The Beckman Center of the San

Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed about 30 middle school American and Chinese students and chaperones to their incredible facility on Thursday, February 5. The students toured the building, learned about the “Frozen Zoo”, and attended a class taught by Maggie, one of the Beckman Center educators.

Mrs. Polcheck encouraged her class to write about their new Chinese friends. Nathan and his sister, Joanna (X st

Grade) stayed at the Bush home and loved the hospitality and warmth of their American family and school. Here is a

wonderful example of one of the first grade writings.

“Boy From China”, written by Martha Bush, First Grade

First, he came from China. It was a long flight. We were waiting so long. Next, he came into

the classroom and he sat down and his teacher came with him. Finally we knew that he was

an Exchange Student and for the first time he read English and you know that he was an

exchange Student. He stayed with my family.

Pi Day of the Century coming soon to a math class near you!

Pi is a name given to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to the diameter. That means, for any circle, you can divide the circumference (the distance around the circle) by the diameter and always get exactly the same number. It doesn't matter how big or small the circle is, Pi remains the same. Pi is often written using the

symbol and is pronounced "pie", just like the dessert.

March 14, or 3/14, is recognized by math geeks as Pi day. That happens every year.

But this year's Pi day will be a once-in-a-century Pi day. At 9:26:53 a.m., they can write 3/14/15; 9:26:53, which are the first ten digits of Pi in perfect order.

The first 100 digits of pi are: 3.1415926535

8979323846 2643383279 5028841971

6939937510 5820974944 5923078164

0628620899 8628034825 3421170679

You’re welcome!

Students learned about the California Condor which is black and white and is the largest North American land bird with a 9.8 foot wingspan. The condor is a scavenger and eats large amounts of carrion (dead animals). It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 60 years. Condor were on the brink of extinction just a few years ago

with their numbers down to just 25 in the world. With the help of the Safari Park and international agencies, the condor population is now more than 250 with more than half of the number returned to their natural habitats.

The class learned to pair condor chromosomes to determine if they had a male of female condor example. Next the class went outside to use radio signal trackers to find hidden condor stuffed animals around the Center.

The “Frozen Zoo” is where DNA from extinct, endangered, and other animals is kept for future study. As scientific discoveries are made this DNA could help to maintain herd levels and help sick animals. The “Frozen Zoo” houses thousands of specimen from a multitude of animals.

Students later rode the African tram and walked through the park to see more animals close up. This will definitely be a trip the students won’t soon forget!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Faith Middle School Gets Wild at Safari Park

Theodor Seuss Geisel – more commonly known

as Dr. Seuss would have celebrated his 111th

birthday on Monday, March 2. To honor his

special day, schools around the world read one

or more of his 46 books. His birthday has

become National Read Across America Day.

. Cervantes’ second grade class visited the Mrs

middle school in the Lion’s Den to read

“Bartholomew and the Oobleck” then make

their own oobleck to take home.

Everyone had a great time hearing about a king

that wanted something different to fall from

the sky. Chemical reactions while squishing the

special ingredients together caused the

mixture to get warm and surprised the young

scientists.

Dr. Seuss would be proud!

Question of the Month – What did you like best about the Chinese students’ visit?

Laney (2nd grade) – I like that they were really nice and

kind.

Samantha Ramshur – It was an amazing experience, I

learned a lot from them. They were funny.

Lia (3rd grade) – I like how they are nice and they play

fun games like tag and soccer with me.

Evan Wolfinbarger – They brought joy and the fun. We

went to the pier, walked around the lake, played a nerf

war every night and had good food. I learned how to

say and write some things in Chinese. We got to teach

each other games from our culture and they taught us

stuff from their culture. I learned so much and we had

a great time. I wish they could stay in the U.S.A.

Madison Leingang – They taught me many things about

China and its culture.

Emma (2nd grade) – They were very good at Math and

they were kind. I loved their gifts and I liked that they

like spicy food.

Brooke Biggin – I like them because they were nice.

One sat next to me and she was nice. They were fun.

Amber (3rd grade) – It’s the first year ever with people

from other countries.

Joshua Hucul – Writing my name in Chinese and

watching them learn the English language.

Levi Gilbert – That I’ve never done it before and some

weren’t annoying.

Ilona (3rd grade) – They got to learn what we do at

school in California.

Ryan (2nd grade) – That they were in our class. They

were nice.

Emily (3rd grade) – Tony is almost always under his des,

so it was fun to play “Tony is Gone” game. And we

learned and ate Chinese candy.

Grace Saign – Getting to be pen pals.

Isabella (5th grade) – Playing the Chinese version of

sports with them.

Jett Warden – The new culture they brought to the

class.

Marianna (Grade 2) – They were giving and very nice

to me and they were helpful.

Ryan Wolfinbarger – I loved their humor and how

funny they were. I also liked how they had good

listening ears and paid attention to the teacher and did

not backtalk.

Jonas Gilbert – They are kind. I really miss them.

Todd Clemens – They were fun and nice and gave us

stuff.

Robby (grade 3) – I liked how fun they are and how

nice and like their humor.

Lily Aguilera – I liked learning about the Chinese

culture.

Kaylie Green – I like learning new things that the

Chinese do that is very different to Americans.

Kayla Sterling – I thought it was kind of cool because it

was the first time and it was different for us and them.

Cooper (5th grade) – I liked playing soccer with them.

Nathaniel (2nd grade) – They were kind people.

Kylie Record – I liked how I got to learn some of their

language and go bowling and to the beach.

Gavin (3rd grade) – I like them and learning about our

culture.

Rachel Bedolla – We got to experience their culture

and that they got to experience our culture. And they

were nice and thoughtful.

Grant Warden – Learning how to say stuff in Chinese.

Mateo (2nd grade) – They we have more new kids.

Ronnie (5th grade) – Learning about their culture and

way of life.

Aiden (2nd grade) – They were very nice and gave us

skittles.

Kayla Irvine – We got to

Make friends from a

different country and get

their emails.

Life in the

Lions’ Den

Ms. Denney

Lambs of Faith Early Childhood is holding

their annual St. Jude Trike-a-Thon on

March 26-27. Monies raised will benefit

children fighting cancer. Since the event

began LOF raised more than $33,000.

St. Jude is very near and dear to LOF

hearts. Gavin Ambrose, a former student,

was treated at St. Jude after discovering

brain cancer.

As Faith Lutheran's newest middle school teacher, Vicki Denney was born in

Torrance California and raised for 21 years in Long Beach. She is a California

native who now resides locally near Menifee. Ms. Denney grew up with a passion

for playing outdoor soccer, given her 3 older brothers and both parents also

played. She still enjoys being outdoors which enable her to view the many

blessings God bestows upon us on a daily basis that are commonly overlooked.

Having received an Associate’s degree from Long Beach City College and

transferring to Cal State University Fullerton. Ms. Denney returned to college years

later to obtain her California Teaching Credential, M.A. in Digital Teaching and

Learning from Azusa Pacific University. She has worked in the public school

system and private schools before coming to Faith Lutheran.

Her hobbies include gardening, camping, hiking, photography and exploring new

places. The most incredible blessings, however, have been her two children who

bring joy to her life and humble her daily. Ms. Denney genuinely believes that her

journey to Faith Lutheran was guided by God's hands.

Ms. Denney teaches Language Arts and Social Studies.

Fighting Cancer Three Wheels at a Time

Watch for information on the next

PTL (Parent/Teacher League)

Meeting.

Come help plan great events with some great people for some

great kids!

Check out our

latest bling!

Volunteer

Opportunities Want to help out

around campus?

Go ask in the office.

Thank you to all our

parent helpers!

In addition to our daily 2:00 prayer, we are actively pursuing

students from around the county. The best advertisement is

word of mouth. Have you told someone how great

Faith is lately?

This is Beth Huck’s first year at

Faith. She has two students

attending: Marley in Mrs.

Polacek’s class and Davyn in

Middle School with Ms Denney

and Mrs. Miler. She works as

recess and lunch duty keeping

the playground and lunch area

safe. Welcome to our two

newest students, Victoria

and Dario Suquilanda from

Venezuela. Dario is in the

6th grade with Ms. Denney

and Mrs. Miller. Victoria

(Vicki) is in 3rd grade with

Mrs. Sullivan.

Let them know

we are glad

they are here!

Come join Faith Lutheran Church and Schools at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sunday, March 15 at 11:00 am! We need people on the day of the

parade to decorate, ride in, and walk alongside float. Everyone can help!

For more information please see Renee Miller or call 951-733-9322

Ms. Beth Keeps the Office Running Smoothly

Lately you will find Ms. Beth at the front desk of the

Elementary Office. With extensive office experience, she

was able to step in and help Mr. Mayer, teachers, parents,

and prospective families with student registrations, copies,

and anything else needed.

Please stop by and tell her thank you and introduce

yourself. She laughed and said, “I know all the kids’ names

but I’m still having a hard time matching students to

parents.

Don’t forget to change your clocks

Sunday, March 8. We lose an hour of

sleep but get extra sun in the evening!