What'sNew@SLS

Mr. Heilman and Fourth Grade Chapel

2011-11-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

Mr. Heilman and the 4th Grade led our chapel worship today.

Mr. Heilman talked about advent and our school theme the breastplate of righteousness.

Even Houdhni didn't know when the world would end.

Mr. Heilman always has a game as a part of his chapel. This year we played not Angry Birds but instead Angry Words.

Science Poster...

2011-11-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

Some beautiful work by one of our science students.

New Style of Book Reports

2011-11-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of three visitors we had today in our sixth grade classroom. After reading a biography or autobiography, students were given several options on how to present to the class. These young ladies chose “You Be the Person Presentation”. The girls dressed as the person they studied and told about “their” life and answered questions from the class.

Halloween Fun

2011-10-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

Eighth graders are putting the finishing touches on their Egyptian coffin. They will use Freddy to hand out candy to the little kids at Trunk or Treat.
We just have the best times at SLS...

Parent's VS SLS Volleyball Games

2011-10-27T17:38:00.001-07:00

This is a night to remember. The girls playing their parents.

The girls look great, clean, crisp play...
The parents on the other hand... All in all a great time was had by all...

Luther Visits SLS

2011-10-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

We are nearing the time of the reformation. Our classes study how Martin Luther reformed the church and moved people closer to God by his teachings.

We were so fortunate to have Martin come to SLS today and share about his life's work.

Martin Luther was played by Pastor Bill Marler.

Wanner's 5th Grade Visits Wilder Museum

2011-10-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

It is a tradition that our 5th graders read a "Little House Book" and then travel to Mansfield Missouri to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum for a tour.
It was a beautiful fall day last week when this trip took place. It is so interesting to connect the books with the author and her life here in Missouri.

Laura and Almanzo loved their farm in Missouri. Here is their house. It is full of items that Almanzo made from cabinets to furniture. Makes me want to reread these wonderful books.

What is "Hands On" Science Instruction?

2011-10-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

The sixth grade students have been busy learning the metric system. They have measured, poured and mixed many items. Their favorite lab was … well all the labs were favorites – Color Challenge, Mystery Canisters, Gummy Bear Measurements and Mix & Match Mass. All the labs helped the students practiced measuring length, mass, volume and density.

Young scientist learning by doing and watching life happen.

Working with lab partners teaches us to work together and be responsible teams members.

Fall Bulbs Going IN the 6th Grade Garden

2011-10-08T08:13:00.001-07:00

Fall is a great time to work in the school garden area.

6th grade is preparing the soil and planting some bulbs for spring color.

So much to do so little time...

For many of our kids the OEA garden area provides some "hands on" gardening time.

I remember fondly my gardening time both with my family and especially with my

grandparents when I was growing up.

Never forget - Science is all about doing!

A Beautiful Day for a Walk-A-Thon

2011-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate the 2011 SLS-PALS Walk-A-Thon. Two-hundred kids walking a 1/4 mile track around the church's property. We take 90 minutes and see how far we can go... Parents and friends pledge a per lap amount to spur their students on...

Kids carry a card that is punched upon completing a lap. Some kids make 8 laps, others 15 to 20. A few kids run most of the time and they can get up into the 20+ laps area. Water is provided for hydration and snacks will be given at the end of the walking time. Kids love this project and even if they do not get any pledges we all have fun walking and being together.

We start the Walk-A-Thon by lining up on our car line places. Mr. Baker gives directions and together we walk the first lap lead by our kindergarten students. The weather could not have been better.

Is that some hand holding I see? Way to help Mrs. Brand!

Children of God in the Wilderness - Mr Beckman

2011-10-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

The 1st graders were learning about the Children of Israel and their wandering in the wilderness. Must have spent some time in tents. Mr. Beckman thought teaching in a tent might make it more real for the kids. Not much room left for desks. They are all in there - Yep, 25 and Mr Beckman...

What it must have been like to have traveled across the desert and rely on God for both food and water... Must have been quite an adventure. 1st grade can be so much fun...

Mrs. Shaw and the Pre-Kindergarten Garden

2011-10-05T12:23:00.001-07:00

Gardening and kids have been in the news a lot in the past few months. To this end we have developed the OEA or Outdoor Education Area for our school. SLS maintains a garden area on one of the church's vacant lots just east of the school.

We have 12 raised beds which are tended by our different classrooms. Mrs. Shaw had lots of plants in her bed but the sweet potatoes seemed to weather the summer heat the best. This week they dug up some wonderful tubers. Pre-K is planning to serve sweet potato fries for the school sometime soon.

Big Friend / Little Friend Activity

2011-09-30T09:15:00.001-07:00

SLS started their Big Friend / Little Friend program today with a rock activity. Each BF /LF team share information about who they are and what they like.

One little boy told Jake his favorite food was white. Another little girl asked her big friend what color her kitchen was? Important stuff I think...

Next the Big Friend help the Little Friend (s) cover a rock with glue and tissue. These "rock beings" will be a little keep sake of this day's interaction.

Our Big Friends are in the 3rd to 8th grades and our Little Friends are preschool to 2nd grade.

First Grade Chapel

2011-09-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mr. Beckman and his class did our chapel this Wednesday.

They talked about the belt of truth.

Mr. Baker really needed a belt for his outfit...

We learned of Shachach, Meshach and Abednego and the truth they stood up for...
Great job Mr. Beckman and First Graders!

Mrs. Brand's Birthday Celebration

2011-09-24T08:10:00.001-07:00

Kindergarteners love to celebrate birthdays.

Especially birthdays of thier teacher.

Home made cards are the order of the day. So many ways to say, "We Love You."

How old might this kindergarten teacher be... I'm not saying!
But a related math problem - Her years add up to 9.

SLS Outdoor Education Area

2011-09-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

It was a hot dry summer. We worked do hard to keep the gardens going... IN the end not much grew and lots of plants withered away... It is a new season and our fall plantings are off and running. Mr. Beckman and the 1st graders assisted greatly with these plants.

Mr. Baker thought the fence on Main Street would be a great place to put some morning glories. They are just reaching their peak. Drive by this side of the OEA and enjoy the view.

Mr. Baker's gourds were eager to get out of the hot sun and some even climbed into the maple tree near the garden... Here is a gourd froming 8 feet off the ground on the side of the tree. Tree gourds I'm thinking... Stop by the gardens to see what up.

Best Fans in the World

2011-09-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

At last nights volleyball game the photographer turned the camera on the crowd.

We have the best fans...

See anyone you recognize?

The girls were victorious and the fans full of energy and support.

Picture Day at SLS

2011-08-30T08:30:00.001-07:00

It is School Picture Day! Everyone has their picture taken. Mrs. Rovey is showing the proper technique for a "sitting".

We practice getting our best smiles ready for our photo. Smiling comes easier for some.

Here are a couple of really great smiles... I bet their school pictures will turn out quite well.

Pre-K students are waiting for their turn. What terrific kids attend at SLS.

Mrs. Magnus' eighth grade wanted to practice having their picture taken.

This may be our most photogentic group of students... but it is hard to beat the preschool and pre-kindergarten students in the area of cuteness.

Kindergarteners Struggle with Bears

2011-08-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Brand and her kindergarten class worked all weeks with a group of unruly bears. On Fridays the bears took things from the classroom and took off. The class track them down to the yard behind the youth house. All is well now in the k-class.

Great Start, Great Kids, Great Ministry Time

2011-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

We have the best kids at Springfield Lutheran. Thanks for being part of SLS.

Chapel Worship and Pastor Canaday

2011-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Had our first regular chapel worship today. We love being together and sharing our love of the Lord in this whole school worship.

Pastor Canaday traveled from the east like the wise men and share his faith with all of us.

Pastor Canaday played dad with one of our eighth grade students. It was all about keys and in this case - keys to the car.

Hale Hale the Farm's All Here - First Grade Farm Trip

2011-04-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Mr Hale and his family tend goats on their farm. The baby goats were a big hit and spent lots of the morning being carried around. They did not seem to mind all the attention...

What a fun trip to the Hale Goat Farm near Fordland. The Hale farm is very near a great creek with a good flow of water this time of year. Any ideas what the boys are all doing the minute we got there?

The day started out cool and cloudy but by lunch we were all getting rid of our jackets and enjoying the bright sunny skies. Lots to see and do on the farm.

Here are the Hales talking with Mr. Beckman as we watch the creek fill up with rocks from the kids.

Mr. Beckman is checking the shoes and boots of all the students. Some people were not to careful where they stepped.

Good Friday Chapel - 5th Grade

2011-04-23T09:08:00.001-07:00

Mrs. Wanner and the 5th grade class lead our worship this last Friday on Good Friday. They presented a courtroom with the stern looking judge pictured above.

Lots of defendent were found to be guilty of various crimes. Our stern judge demanded punishment for these crime against the state. A Jesus like figure offered to accept the punishment for the other children. They gladly accepted his offer.

Lots of parents we also in attendance. We love it when parents are able to join us for worship.

Singing Saints Travel to Choir Contest

2011-04-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Choir Contest 2011 Strafford, MO.

The SLS Choir attended the Strafford Tri-M Music Festival yesterday and our choir received a “2+” rating which is very good (I told the kids that it’s equivalent to a “B+ on the school grading scale). A “1” is the top rating you can receive and the most coveted, but for our young choir I think a 2+ is very good. We will work on the little things the judges commented on yesterday so that when we go to the Six Flags Music Festival in 2 weeks, we will strive for that Superior rating!

Butterfly Magic in Kindergarten

2011-04-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ben, one of our kindergarten students, was interested in butterflies and their life cycle. He and his family ordered some caterpillars on line and when they arrived brought them to school. Mrs. Swearingen kept them in the butterfly cage and they all watched.

Many stories and much discussion was had about butterflies and how all of that cycle stuff works. Caterpillar to pupa (chrysalis) to butterfly and then on to eggs and it all repeats again and again.

What fun science can be. This was one of SLS's hands on science projects. Thanks Ben for sharing your "bugs" with all of us.

Switch-Up Friday

2011-04-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Every year SLS has a Switch-Up Friday for all of our students. On this day students attend their next year's classroom and experience the fun of moving on and growing up. Pictured above are the kindergarteners visiting in Mr. Beckman's first grade room. There are lots of new things to "try out" in next year's classroom

Mrs. Stouder's second grade room has lots of neat science "hands on" learning opportunities. Here the students are exploring the science table and really "getting into" thier learning.

All grown up and looking smart as students in the middle grades. Third grade can be a puzzle and these second grade students are working to put the pieces together for a group project in Mrs. Lynn's room. All I can say is, "I'm puzzled."

And last but not least... eighth graders wrap around and spend some time with Mr. Gerdes in the preschool classroom... The play phones were a big hit, sorta like days gone by...

April 12 Perfect Kite Flying Day

2011-04-12T09:36:00.001-07:00

What brings out the joy in a Pre-Kindergarteners heart more than flying a kite. Mrs Shaw class along with help with the 8th graders did just that.

The wind was perfect and weather mild. Lots of different strings to keep straight.

Run this way, run that way, Watch out for....

I can do it myself was the happy response of this little guy.

Playground Improvements

2011-03-31T08:13:00.001-07:00

With more kids all the time in our early childhood program, the Redeemer School Committee allowed the expenditure of some gift money to add these swings. At any time you can come to SLS and see lots of swinging going on...

At this age kids are just getting the knack of swinging themselves. Here teachers, Gerdes and Rovey, are assisting the swinging process...

A climbing bus was also added. There are lots of ways to play on the yellow school bus. It seems everyone wants to drive...

Dance Fever

2011-03-29T12:46:00.001-07:00

Mrs. Richter held a dance for our upper grade students. Oh what fun to move to the music and spend time with your friends.

Lots of the dancing is "line dances". We do this so our kids can later attend high school dances and not feel out of place.

Our eighth graders were also honored and given a chance to share their thoughts about their fellow students... It was a terrific night of fun, fellowship and dancing with friends.

Grandparents Day 2011

2011-03-11T12:25:00.001-08:00

Grandparents / Special Friends Day 2011 was held today, March 11. We hosted a terrific group of grandparents. They attended classes with their grandkids and then gathered in the church to see the music talents of our kids. We are so blessed to have such wonderful kids and grandparents and to see them working together and enjoying one another. Special thanks to the NLSW planning committee of Mrs. Swearingen, Mr. Heilman and Mrs. Stouder.

Hands On Science in 6th Grade

2011-02-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

SLS recently added 5 new triple balance beam scales to our program. Today 6th graders were practicing their science skills of measuring and recording. We were given the task to measure the weight of a pecan in the shell. What weight would you guess a pecan weighs? 4 grams, 7 grams or 15 grams.

We found that our pecans average 6-7 grams each... Next we wondered how much of a pecan we could eat and how much was shell? Back to measuring... We found that the nut part of the pecan is about 40-45 percent of the total weight. Thus a 10 pound bag will yeald 4+ pounds when shelled. We also learned that pecans are very tasty when we are done with the science project.
Doing science is so much fun...

2nd Grade Chapel - Goodness

2011-01-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Stouder and her 2nd grade students were our chapel leaders. They taught us about the Fruit of the Spirit word for January - Goodness. We learned about the tremendous goodness of God and how our goodness falls way short. They sang for us and played their music during the offering time.

Way to go Mrs. Stouder. We are always so blessed to be lead by our classrooms in chapel.

Artist in Residence - Mrs. Ann Meese

2011-01-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Artist Ann Meese visited SLS today as our "Artist in Residence." We started together in a school assembly and learned how artist go about thier work. A painting was started during our assembly.

We saw our painting getting started from the very beginning. She began with a base coat of this pretty red, toning the canvas...

Students were encouraged to stop by throughout the day to talk about art and to view the painting and its progress.

Early in the process. Big areas are being defined. Mrs. Meese continued to paint and SLS students continued to stop by and watch... Artist Meese told us she attempts to sell her work for about $1 per square inch. Our 12 by 16 work would thus be priced around $200.

By 2:30 the painting had moved to the nearly finished stage. Mrs. Meese took the painting to each classroom to show the students. Artist Meese told me she will take a few more hours to complete the work... She has promised to send us a print from the original. The original will be available at "Fresh" - a cooperative gallery for local artists on the corner of Campbell and Walnut.

Thank you, Mrs. Meese, for this opportunity for our students. It was great! As we say at SLS

Way To Go!

PS - Mrs. Meese was an art teacher in the catholic schools of Springfield and later became an administrator and superintendent of Springfield Catholic Schools. She is a dear friend...

$1000 Spam Sandwich

2011-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

A dear SLS donor and great lover of Spam made a gift to the school of $1000 to rework the student computer area in Mrs. Schaller's 6th grade room. He was aware that Mrs. Schaller, in the past, had refrained from having a Spam sandwich at our Spam Festival. He was willing to assist the computer work if Mrs. Schaller would consent to try a spam burger. He even supplies the spam. Above are the photo records of this event. I am told Mrs. S was quite taken with this tasty treat. Thank you, special donor, for your support of our school ministry!

Basketball Game January 4th, 2011

2011-01-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

Just back from the Christmas break and basketball is well under way. Our 7th and 8th grade teams competed against the Wildcats from Trinity Freistatt. The cheerleaders got the fans all fired up. Bernie was active leading cheers as our school mascot. Way To Go - Cheerleaders!

Our Lady Saints played hard and showed great intensity. We needed a few more shots to drop through the net. We lost this game 30 to 21. The girls were a joy to watch.

The boys also tangled with the Friestatt boys and were able to defeat them. It was a great night of basketball. Way To Go Saints!

Annual SLS Christmas Choir and Band Concert

2010-12-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

What is better than kids making music come alive... Our singing saints now has young men joining in record numbers. They made beautiful music at the concert.

Look at this focused attention. Our students have such fun preparing and presenting their Christmas concert. Way To Go Music Students...

Mr. Wang directing his band students. Oh the things they can do...

The Letter C means Christmas Cookies and Chef

2010-12-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Pre-kindergarten classroom was transformed into a classroom kitchen as we enhanced our study of the letter "C" by baking Christmas cookies. Each student participated in the dough making, cookie cutting, decorating and eating our yummy creations! "Chef Shaw" guided this multi sensory culinary cooking project...

Science - 5th Graders Discover Owl Pellets

2010-12-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Our SLS 5th graders dissected owl pellets with week as part of their science study of ecosystems and food chains / food webs. Many interesting bone discoveries were made during this lab. The students looked at bone chars to help id what type of animal was eaten by their owl... Neat stuff.

ECD Christmas Program Sunday at 6 PM

2010-12-01T16:42:00.001-08:00

Springfield Lutheran School Presents the

Early Childhood Christmas Program

Sunday - December 5 at 6 PM

Here are some pictures from the chapel "dress rehersal" this Wednesday.

It doesn't get any better than this...

The Yoyo Man

2010-11-30T12:08:00.001-08:00

Mr. John Fox, from Seattle, came to talk with us today about life, school and yo yos. He showed us lots of different trick to do with a common yoyo. Mr. Baker remembers his yo yo years when he was young. John even taught a couple of our guy students how to curtsy. We all had a great time. Yo yos are being sold out of the school office for the next week. Ask your student about the pitrate flag (the scull and crossbones).

OEA and Fall Produce

2010-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

The 6th grade under Mrs. Schaller's watchful eye have been growing fall vegetables. Today they made the final picking. Cabbage, broccoli and fall lettuce were on the harvest list. Now to find a way to get kids to eat the wonderful things they were able to grow. They are still not sure about the okra???

Up In The Air....

2010-11-19T07:49:00.001-08:00

The yearbook committee - 8th Grade and Mr. Wanner wanted to have the kids form the letters of our school for possible use as our 2011 yearbook cover photo. Mr Baker was sent to the roof top and the children were arranged to spell out SLS. It was a beautiful day.

As you can see we needed Mr. Baker to be much higher to see the letters. Well the L can out nice. "Best laid plans of mice and men apt do..."

4th Grade Chapel - Thanksgiving

2010-11-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday the 4th grade and Mr. Heilman presented the weekly chapel service. The theme of the chapel was avoid being "spiritually tired and / or tired. The 4th grade students also shared their musical talents with the rest of the school.

4th grade introduced the theme with selected Bible passages, three skits, and a Thanksgiving game. We even got some students to do push-ups for us to see how many they could do without becoming too tired. The kids loved it.

Violin Students Share Talent at Chapel

2010-11-11T06:17:00.001-08:00

Today during chapel, our advanced violin class participated in worship! The students were directed by violin teacher, Mrs. Liz Kehl. SLS offers both a beginning and an advanced violin class. Currently 12 students, ranging from first through third grade, participate in violin instruction.

Girls Travel to State Volleyball Tournament

2010-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

We could not be prouder of our girls who traveled to the state tournament and won the bronze division, won top spot on the "idol" competation and were awarded the sportmanship award for their team play and tournament attitude...

Fourth Grade To Close

2010-11-09T08:58:00.001-08:00

Not all learning occurs in the classroom. Our fourth grade recently travel to Close Memorial Park on the South Creek Trail. There was lots to see and learn about. The new botanical garden building was recently completed. It is a great beginning for our community. There is much to learn in our comunity both inside and outside our classroom.

Student Teacher Ms. Erickson - The Egg Lesson

2010-11-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

In science we are studying adaptations. One of the activities we did involved eggshells. We took the halves and placed them on the desk. Next we placed textbooks on top of the eggshells and saw how many textbooks we can put on top of the eggshells. We saw how the dome shape helps strengthen the egg, but the egg is still fragile so the baby chick can get out.

Classroom Chapel - 6th Grade

2010-11-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Schaller and her sixth grade class lead our morning worship today. They reminded us about the work of Martin Luther and the events of the reformation. We learned about the grace of God and how that knowledge changed young Martin's life. The class played "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" on the pipes. Thanks 6th Grade for leading our worship...

Sixth Grade Visits Drury Science Center

2010-10-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Schaller's sixth graders were invited to tour the Drury Science center and to participate in some science demonstrations presented by Dr. Petrich's chemistry students. We watched CO2 change into a solid before our very eyes.

Dr. Petrich is a chemistry professor at Drury and really loves science. We had a great trip and it has caused some of us to consider careers in science, maybe even chemistry.

Thank you Dr. Petrich and students for your time and attention to our visit.. We had a great time.

Our Faces On Facebook

2010-10-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

What a fun group at SLS. The Staff and faculty of SLS are working had to get the good news of SLS out to our community. We have a facebook page with regular postings. We change the pictures on our profile to reflect the different faces of SLS. Please friend us and join in the fun.

2010-10-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last week SLS honored the 8th graders playing on our volleyball team. We introduced the girls and their parents at our last home game. These wonderful girls have worked very hard and our team has done very well. Coach Brand has high hopes for our girls. Our last competition will be at the Missouri Lutheran State Volleyball Tournament on the first weekend of November. BUMP SET SPIKE!!! Good luck in your final tournament.

Kindergarten Chapel

2010-10-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today's chapel was lead by Mrs. Swearingen and her kindergarten class. We continued our learning on this month's Fruit of the Spirit - Patience. The kindergarten class is so willing to share their love of singing. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

We are all under construction in the Lord's kingdom. He is so patience with us. We learn of patience as we seek to serve our risen Lord...

PALS Skating Event 10-17

2010-10-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

What could be more fun than skating with hundreds of your best friends. For some this was their very first trip to Skateland. This is a fellowship building event sponsored by PALS. Parents found lots of ways to support their younger skaters. Mrs. Wanner was taking care of our student teachers, Ms. Debra and Ms. Katherine.

We are so thankful for our big kids and little kids. What fun at SLS.

Walk-A-Thon 2010 - What A Day For A Walk!

2010-10-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

On Thursday PALS, our parent organization, hosted the 2010 Walk-A-Thon. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event. Out students love this opportunity to walk and raise funds for their school.

This 90 minute walk for students in kindergarten through 8th grade helps to raise funds for the PALS organization. PALS uses the money to support our school program and different school activities. Our little ones in Mrs. Shaw's and Mr. Gerdes' classes did a lap of support before they took their afternoon naps.

Students walk laps at their own speed. Water is provided to keep the walker hydrated. Classroom parents are stationed to punch a walker's ticket as they complete a lap.

First Grade walked the most laps with 327 in the 90 minutes provided. Top school walkers were Evan Petrich, Wade Korns and Luke Rebmann who each were able to complete 24 laps in the alloted time. Way To Go Students and Staff of SLS!

First Grade Sings for the Seniors

2010-09-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

At Redeemer the seniors gather every Tuesday morning to fellowship and have a Bible Study. SLS often takes this opportunity to share a song or skill with these grampas and grammas. We love our seniors. Mr. Beckman taught the group our new "Fruit of the Spirit" song.

Leadership Ranch

2010-09-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

Our 7th and 8th graders visited the Leadership Ranch in Republic on Monday. It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Mrs. Shannon Schmidt helped us to arrange this wonderful day.

We spent the day learning to work together to overcome a problem. Struggle is the name of the game - cooperation and collaboration win the day.

Up, up and away... Takes a trusting soul to work through all the challenges presented at the ranch.

The ranch workers told us we were the best junior high group they had ever worked with... Wonder if they say that to all the groups. Or this really is a terrific group of students to work with.

Mr. Beckman & First Graders Lead Chapel

2010-09-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Mr. Beckman lead chapel on the Fruit of the Spirit - Self-control. He introduced us to the Tator Family. We met father, Dick, and mother, Sweet and kids Emma, Speck and the twins, Bud and Spud. What a family...

First Grader shared the new Fruit of the Spirit song with placards to assist our singing. Way To Go! kids.

It takes lots of focus to play a hand chime. Must get your note sounded at just the right time to create a song.

Thanks for all your hard work to make this happen Mr. Beckman and first graders....

PALS - Ice Cream Social

2010-09-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

People young and old enjoyed the PALS (SLS's parent group) Ice Cream Social on Monday. The PALS officers took the opportunity to tell the collected group of parents and students all about the important work of PALS. If you want to learn more about our parent group look for information outside the school office on the information shelf. Thanks everyone who came.

Back to School Fun

2010-08-19T14:32:00.001-07:00

The week has been full of getting back to school. Meetings with teachers and students have set the stage for a terrific year of ministry. Our first day was great and uneventful. We relearned the routine very fast. We are all excited about the many things we will be learning. Who is looking happier to you(?) the parents or the students. I don't know but the parents seem very happy.

The Starbuck ladies are celebrating with a little coffee. Way To Go Moms...

Bois D'Arc Conservation Area‎ - 6th Grade Fishing

2010-05-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dr. Cline Visits Kindergarten

2010-05-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Dr. Heather Cline, mother of one of our kindergarten and 2nd grade students, recently stopped by for a visit. During her time at SLS, Dr. Cline talked about good dental health and how we can keep our teeth healthy and white for many years. Many of our kindergarten students enjoy losing their teeth and visits from the Tooth Fairy. Dr. Cline assured us that losing teeth is okay, if you are a kid! At the end of her visit, Dr. Cline treated everyone to ice cream…well, maybe not…but she did give each student a new toothbrush and dental health coloring book!

Goodbye 8th Graders

2010-05-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day for our 8th graders. They will begin high school in the fall. We will miss these fine Christian students. We have had great fun over the years. Some have been with us for many years and some only a few. All in all, they will be remembered as a wonderful class who could work hard and often made us laugh.

Mr. Irwin wrote a goodbye note on the whiteboard which prompted a lot of reply notes from the 8th graders. Thought you might like to read a few.

Reggie Visits Pre-Kindergarten

2010-05-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Pre-K class has been learning about summer safety as a part of our study of the letter S. We had a special visit from two Springfield police officers. They shared some demonstrations with Reggie, the search and rescue dog, and together they shared some safety rules and demonstrated the tools he uses on the job.

We appreciate all officers who work diligently to keep our community safe! Also Way To Go Reggie.

Track Team to State Meet Saturday May 15

2010-05-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 track season will wrap-up this Saturday (May 15) at the State Lutheran Track Meet in St. Louis. Mrs. Wanner and Mr. Clark have high hope for this year's team. We will let you know how it all turns out next week. We love track at SLS. Way to Go Team!

3rd Grade Fieldtrip - Chocolate Shoppe

2010-05-12T05:58:00.001-07:00

The 3rd graders visited Askinosie’s Chocolate factory, and what a “sweet” experience it was! We learned which countries the cocoa beans are harvested from. At the factory we saw the many different parts the cocoa bean can be separated into. Tasting the pure chocolate was a “bitter-sweet” experience. The children are used to candy bars and not such a concentration of pure chocolate.

We also learned that Mr. Askinosie “gives back” in a lot of different ways to the city of Springfield. Next time we eat chocolate we will wonder where its beans were harvested from.

Sports Day Fun

2010-05-12T05:45:00.001-07:00

Artist and Art Class at SLS

2010-05-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

In the top pictures, the 1st graders created a goldfish bowl in a garden room in their study of Henri Matisse. In the bottom pictures, the 2nd graders use paper weaving to create animals.

Spring Musical for 4th and 5th Grades

2010-05-05T09:37:00.001-07:00

Mr. Heilman and Fourth Grade to the Symphony

2010-05-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Our fourth graders were invited to attend the youth concert presented by the Springfield Symphony this week. This concert was held at Second Baptist on Battlefield Road. We learned about the different types of music and listened to works of Brahms, Beethoven and 'Master of March', JP Sousa.

The members of the symphony demonstrated the different orchestra instruments and showed how their sounds all work together in a performance. We love going on field trip to experience learning outside the normal classroom setting.

4th Grade to Weather School and Ball Game

2010-05-05T07:23:00.001-07:00

In addition to learning in the classroom, our 4th graders also learn outside the classroom. Our students attended the KY3 Weatherschool and later watch a Springfield Cardinals game. We learned about air, water vapor, clouds and watched the launching of a weather balloon by the National Weather Service.

SLS Staff Work In The Woods

2010-05-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Your SLS staff sold three hours of hard labor to the highest bidder at the recent dinner auction. Ryan and J'Nell Sutherland bought this motley group. They cut trees and cleared brush last Saturday morning. We all found muscles we had forgotten about in the process. The pile behind them was generated by the morning's work. As the song writer sang, "All hard workers and not a slacker among them."

Upper Grades Help Pre-Kindergarteners

2010-04-30T10:52:00.001-07:00

At SLS activities are planned to allow upper grade students the opportunity to assist little ones at our school. Kite day is just such an event. What fun they all had making the kites do their thing. SLS a place where kids can be kids and grow into wonderful Christian young people.

2nd Graders Make Stone Soup

2010-04-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Stone Soup – starring 2nd grade. The 2nd grade worked hard making costumes and props for the annual production of Stone Soup. The play was performed for a group of parents, first grade and pre-k.

Up Up in the Air - Kites and Pre-K

2010-04-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

SLS Pre-K students were almost swept away on Tuesday as they buddied up with the 7th and 8th graders to fly kites. Many techniques were tried as the big kids attempted to get the kites up in the air. A handful of them were very successful and all of them had fun. The best part of the morning was having a buddy to play with!

WDTHI Common #2

2010-04-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

What do they have in common. I got one responce to the last WDTHI Common question. The last group all had a "w's" in their names. These four wonderful kids also have something in common. Can you figure it out... Let me know if you have a guess at pbaker@rlcmail.org.

3rd Grade Visits the Hale Farm

2010-04-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

Traveling east toward Fordland, MO our 3rd grade students took a field trip to the Hale Farm. What a joy to visit an active goat farm. Mrs. Lynn and the third graders learned all about the care and feedingof these wonderful animals. They now know why it is bad to be "an old goat". We love the Hales.

SLS Host KC Lutheran High School

2010-04-27T07:22:00.001-07:00

What a joy to have the students and staff from Kansas City Lutheran present a concert for our students. Mr. and Mrs. Beckman arranged to have Redeemer host these students as a part of the school spring tour to Texas. We heard a terrific choir, an awesome handbell choir and a wonderful band. Ms. Erinn Beckman teaches at this high school on the south side of Kansas City. Erinn is daughter number three of the Beckman clan.

Hands On Science Takes 6th Grade to the Stream

2010-04-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

The 6th grade did a field study at the James River Joe Crighton Access. Students collected organisms and identified them using the Invertebrate Identification Card. They had fun using the dip nets and kick seines. After the identification was completed they were able to determine the water quality of the James River. The results – good quality water at the Joe Crighton Access. Critters found included: hellgrammites, mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, dragonfly nymphs, snails, darter fish, gliders and crawfish. Way To Go! - Mrs. Schaller, Mr. Clark and Mr. Wanner. What a great day for some learning time in and at the stream.

Mr. B and First Graders Working On Their Raised Bed

2010-04-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and gardening time is here. Mr. Beckman brought compost from home and a bucket brigade filled our garden with dirt. We dumped and leveled. We love playing in the dirt. We planted our garden with green beans, acorn squash, and a few iris. We can’t wait for our bean feast!

Kindergarteners Working in the OEA

2010-04-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Spring brings warmer weather, mud, rain, flowers, and gardening. Here Mr. Gerdes and his kindergarten students prepare their raised bed in the new SLS Outdoor Education Area. Each student carried buckets of dirt to completely fill the bed. Mr. Gerdes carefully raked through the soil and leveled everything off. Finally, Mr. Gerdes brought in iris starts from his own home and allowed the students to begin transplanting them. Flower and vegetable seed planting is next on the class agenda.

WDTHI Common?

2010-04-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

I love a good mystery. How about you? The four people shown above all have some thing they hold in common. Can you guess what it is? Be the first to email me at pbaker@rlcmail.org and win yourself a prize. Some might say I have too much time on my hands... but I prefer to think of it as hightly organized and efficient use of my limited commidity - time. Good luck!

6th Grade Study Invertebrate and Keys

2010-04-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks the 6th grade has been studying the Aquatic Ecosystems for Missouri in conjunction with the Conservation Department of Missouri. Today the 6th graders had fun walking through a maze to learn how to use a dichotomous key for invertebrate. This activity helped the students to identify invertebrates in preparation for their field study day next week.

Students Glad To Be Outside

2010-04-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

The Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten kids at SLS have been taking advantage of the terrific spring weather this week. As they learn through play, the children have found new leaves growing on the trees, dandelion flowers in the grass and insects coming out of the winter homes. See the look of wonder in their faces as they enjoy God's green earth.

Singing Saints Compete

2010-04-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Singing Saints choir traveled to the Strafford Choir Festival on Thursday to be judged. They sang two wonderful songs and were given a 1- rating. Way To Go Choir! Mrs. Stephanie Richter directs our choir and Mrs. Trudy Tunnell accompanies. They next travel to Silver Dollar City to compete on Saturday, April 24 in their music competation.

Mr. Baker Leads Pastors Gathering in Lockwood

2010-04-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

20+ pastors gathered on Monday at Immanuel Lockwood for their monthly meeting. Mr. Baker attended to talk about learing styles and reaching students in confirmation classes. You may see some familiar faces in the crowd. Pastor Maas, Gary Moore and former SLS Principal, Ron Merritt, were in attendance. A great time was had by all. The Lockwood women prepared a terrific lunch for all attending.

Life Group - Second Mondays - Volunteer at the OEA

2010-04-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

The SLS Outdoor Education Area (OEA) is moving right along. A Redeemer Life Group, Second Mondays, spent a couple days working to build and fill our gardening raised beds. The perimeter fencing is almost completed and now the raised beds are nearly complete. School committee member and former SLS student, Stephanie Grandestaff, coordinated this volunteer project. Thrivent Chapter - Central Greene County gave the OEA $850 to purchase supplies needed for the project. Soon students and teachers will be planting and learning in the OEA.

Maewyn Succate and SLS Chapel

2010-03-17T12:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. SLS had chapel and learned about Maewyn. He was captured and taken as a slave to Ireland to work. He later escaped, returned to England, became a priest and returned to Ireland as Patrick to share his faith. He died in 461 AD on March 17. He is celebrated as the Patron Saint of Ireland. History cannot support the myth of driving out the snakes (probably refers to the many pagan rituals) and the teaching bout the Trinity using the shamrock. Saint Patrick was tied to Matthew 28 in our chapel worship - where we are commanded to "go" and "make disciples." The third graders are saying "Go!" in the picture above.

NLSW - Grandparents Day at SLS

2010-03-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

What a joy to have hundreds of guests join us for Grandparents Day. We started with breakfast for all interested guests. Biscuits and gravy, cinnanon rolls and fruit were on the menu. We then moved to the different classrooms for lessons and activities with our special guests. At 10 we gathered in the church to hear from our choirs, violins, band and a few jokes from Mr. Baker. Awards were handed out for the grandparent with the most twins and the grandparent with the most grandkids under three years of age. Same grandparent won both awards--Mr. Baker!

NLSW - All School Juggling Assembly

2010-03-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

Brennan Scott, a freshman at Drury University, led our juggling assembly. He could juggle three balls or four balls. He could do bowling pins and knives. He could juggle and balance on a rolling board. He could do it all. What fun! Brennan is from the east coast and his parents are in church work. Brennan is also an escape artist. We tied him up, we chained him down and he always got free. What fun during Lutheran Schools Week...

NLSW - Crazy Hair Day

2010-03-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Part of our Lutheran School celebration is having fun with the students. Thursday was "crazy hair" day. The students love to see what they can come up with in the hair department. Above are a few pics of our crazy hair.

NLSW - What I Want To Be When I Grow UP

2010-03-11T14:20:00.001-08:00

Our friends from the south at Redeemer Preschool came to the Springfield campus to join us for the morning. Above they are poised to load the bus for the exciting drive to Springfield. They attended chapel and had a great time...

Mrs. Magnus lead our Lutheran School Chapel and talked about growing up and serving our Lord. We had students dress as what they wanted to be when they grow up. We had doctors, astronauts, one young man wants to be president of the United States and one third grader dressed like her teacher, Mrs Lynn, wanting to be a teacher.

Students returned their Spam Banks filled with coins to support our congregational missionary work in Africa. Way To Go Kids!!!

NLSW - Tuesday South Creek Cleanup

2010-03-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was service day for National Lutheran Schools Week. Students at SLS traveled north to Sunset Ave to pick up trash along the Greenway's South Creek Trail. What a great effort and what a great result. The students collected many pounds of trash. We feared for rain but the Lord sent us warm and cloudy weather to assist our cleaning efforts. When you drive on

Sunset Avenue look north and behold the natural beauty free of litter...

NLSW - Monday Pajama Day

2010-03-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

What fun to wear your pajamas for the entire day... It seemed that there was more yawning in our classrooms. We love celebrating Lutheran Schools Week. Wake up everyone and get back to work...

SLS ECD Attends District EC Conference

2010-03-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Each year Mr. Gerdes coordinates a conference for early childhood educators throughout Missouri. Popular children's musician, Jim Gill, was the featured speaker. SLS ECD Staff attending were (Top Row - Miss Valerie, Mr. Gerdes, Mrs. Shaw; Bottom Row - Mrs. Swearingen, Ms. Adams). Over 200 educators gathered at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Wentzville for a day of fun and learning.

State Lutheran Basketball Tournament

2010-02-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Today we sent our boys basketball team and our cheerleading squad to the State Tournament for all Lutheran Schools in Missouri. We pray for safe travel and a tournament full of fun and great memories. Thank you to head coach, Duane Moudy, and assistant, Gary Foley, for all their hard work, many hours and caring for the team. We also thank Mrs. Karen Schaller, our cheerleading coach, for her many hours and hard work with our girls. Blessings on your weekend. Show them what we are made of.....

Pre-School Visited By Springfield Police

2010-02-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am guessing some of Mrs. Swearingen's preschoolers got a little out of hand and the police were called here last week. Officer Wong arrived quickly and put Mr. Baker in handcuffs. Later it was determined he was innocent but just barely. A couple of preschoolers were almost taken downtown for questioning but some quick thinking by Mrs. Rovey and Mrs Swearingen saved them.

Pastors Gather At Redeemer

2010-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

This last week the circuit pastors gathered at Redeemer for their monthly meeting. Pastor Parvey lead their worship using Mr. Potato Head. He later used Mr. P at our chapel worship on Wednesday. Our Stouder/Beckman Class Choir sang a couple of songs to add to the pastors worship. Pastor Shaw (upper right) and Pastor Tessaro (lower right) both have kids at SLS.

8th Grade Shares the Valentine Love

2010-02-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

The SLS 8th grade class is famous for showing the love to students in our school from pre-school to 7th grade. This Valentine season is no exception. The 8th graders made cards and delivered them to all of the Springfield classes. They read them aloud to their favorite younger students. We are all so impressed with our thoughtful 8th graders. Have a great Valentine's Day. Show the love and let them know that Jesus is the reason.

4th Grade - We love Our Friends Blog

2010-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Mr. Heilman's 4th graders took some time to think about friends. Some quotes from their writings: Friends are people who trust you and care about you. I love friends because they are always there for you. Friends are good because they help you with your problems. Even when we have some hard times - friends are there. I think friends are good because they help when you are sad. Friends are fun to hang out with on weekends. Friends are wonderful gifts from God. Friends are both nice and helpful. It seems to me that friends are very important to all of us. We love our best friend, Jesus.

3rd Grade Encouragement Cards

2010-02-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Lynn and our 3rd graders often use their time and talents to make encouragement cards for people in our congregation. Each card is carefully produced and personalized to the intended recipient. Mrs. Lynn calls these "angel cards". Pastors often take these on their visits and share them to encourage the people being visited. This month 3rd grade sent them to SLS/RLC workers to share the love.