A Quarterly Update from Fox Valley Lutheran High School December 2013

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Jody Lane
6 years ago
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week of October, a grocery checker told me to have a Happy

The media trend of giving more attention to a day for "trick

And when Reformation Sunday finally came, I had a bad case

Reformation this year. But the devil wanted to steal my joy.

1 A Quarterly Update from Fox Valley Lutheran High School December 2013 An Ongoing Reformation Already in the first week of October, a grocery checker told me to have a Happy Halloween. I laughed and said, Okay. The media trend of giving more attention to a day for "trick or treating" than to Jesus continued predictably. And when Reformation Sunday finally came, I had a bad case of the flu and missed out on my first Joint Reformation Service at my alma mater FVL. I wanted to pay tribute to my namesake and celebrate the Reformation this year. But the devil wanted to steal my joy. My thoughts focused on an individual who s had the most profound impact on my life. I continued on page 2 Sola Gratia Sola Fide Sola Scriptura

2 continued from page 1 can say without hesitation that if he hadn t appeared on the historical world scene, my life today would be much different. So important is this individual to me that my very life depends on him. I m proud to be known by his name as one of his followers. His name is Jesus Christ. And I m called Christian. He s my hero because he rescued me from sin, death, and hell. He lived a perfect life to make up for my imperfect life. He suffered death on the cross to absorb my punishment. And he reformed my heart to trust in what he did. In faith, I turned from my sinful self to the righteousness of God for heaven. That s a personal Reformation. I m also called Lutheran. Martin Luther was one of many reformers whom God used at a time when the gospel had become corrupted by church leaders. In those days, like today, the devil wanted to steal joy from the hearts of God s people. Jesus stole it back! And the truth that salvation is entirely ours through faith in Jesus Christ was restored to the Church. That s a public Reformation. Reformation Sunday has come and gone this year. But the Reformation is an ongoing reality. Sola Gratia! Sola Fide! Sola Scriptura! remains our rallying cry both as individuals and as a united church. We re saved by God s grace alone, through faith, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. And, huff and puff as he will, the devil can t take that! I wanted to pay tribute to my namesake and celebrate the Reformation this year. But the devil wanted to steal my joy. He threw a few things my way to try and steal it. Jesus stole it back! And I will praise Him! Rejoice with me, my fellow sons and daughters of the Reformation! And let s live together with reformed hearts in the righteousness Jesus won for us! To God alone be the glory! Rev. Andy Luehring St. John, Woodville Class of 1998

3 Girls Compete at State FVL is excited for all the athletic teams that competed this fall representing their school and their Savior. A special congratulations to the girl s golf team who finished second at State. Leading the way for the Foxes, and finishing in a tie for 2nd individually, was junior Kayla Priebe. Kayla teamed with Noelle Koepp, Trystin Kluess, Megan Glaser, and Morgan Meyer. All received EVC all-conference honors. Priebe also was named EVC player of the year and Post- Crescent Golfer of the Year as well as earning all-state honors. Congratulations also go to junior Emma Verbeke who represented FVL at the State cross country meet. Emma set a personal best at the race, finishing 40th out of 151 runners. Congratulations to golf coaches Mr. Dave Kolander and Mr. Dennis Priebe along with cross country coaches Mr. Peter Sehloff and Mr. Isaiah Degner. Golfers enjoy the trophy presentation: Megan Glaeser, Morgan Meyer, Kayla Priebe, Noelle Koepp, Trystin Kluess, and Alicia Gorges. Winterfest Jump 'n Jive is this year's theme for Winterfest. This annual celebration of student talent will be held Sunday, January 26, from 11 am to 4 pm. A variety of food items and musical entertainment will be featured, along with the Fox Folk Marionette Troupe, basket auction, and our kid s room! Adult tickets are $3 in advance or $4 at the door. Children 11 and under are free. Federation students 12 and older are free with their FVL sports pass or student ID. Food is available for purchase a la carte. Tickets will be available from the FVL school office. Donations of candy, tortes, pies, and theme baskets are needed and greatly appreciated. Volunteers should contact Julie Buser (jbuser@fvlhs.org) or Corrie Koepsell (Corrie. Koepsell@uscellular. com). Proceeds benefit the FVL High School music programs. 3

STEM Academy & 2013-14 Registration Applications are now being accepted for FVL's newest STEM Academy class.

Students who are incoming or current freshman can apply to join the STEM Academy next fall by accessing the info and registration form on the FVL home page. The initial deadline is December 18, 2013.

The story followed Lara Ardeche as she struggled with family and societal reactions to her medication-induced weight gain.

4 STEM Academy & Registration Applications are now being accepted for FVL's newest STEM Academy class. The program emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math classes with college credit options. Students who are incoming or current freshman can apply to join the STEM Academy next fall by accessing the info and registration form on the FVL home page. The initial deadline is December 18, Incoming freshmen who still need to schedule classes should contact Guidance Counselor Tom Guenterberg at The drama Life in the Fat Lane was featured on the FVL stage in October. The story followed Lara Ardeche as she struggled with family and societal reactions to her medication-induced weight gain. Lara (Devyn Heise) is pictured doing the hair of her best friend Molly (Munire Angela Mohetaer). In March, the FVL Theatre Department will be performing the well-loved musical Annie. Visitors at 8th Grade Welcome Night had the opportunity to work their way through an inflatable obstacle course. FVL Schools: Joint Open House FVL Schools will be hosting two Joint OPEN HOUSES in 2014! Visit any FVL Schools elementary school on Monday, January 13th 2014 from noon to 7 pm. Additionally, on Monday, March 17th 2014, visit any FVL Schools Elementary school plus FVL High School from noon to 7pm. Interested families are invited to tour classrooms, meet the teachers and observe each school s curriculum. 4 Visit one or visit all! FVL Schools are located all over the Fox River Valley and surrounding area. Use our website, FVLSchools.org to find the FVL School nearest you. Can t make either open house or interested in touring specific schools sooner? No problem! Schedule tours at your convenience online at FVLSchools.org or by calling FVLS (3857). Have any photos that capture the spirit of FVL Schools? Want to see them on our website? pictures with a brief description to our Promotions Coordinator Heather Geer at geer.fvlschools@ gmail.com.

Historic Changes... Retirement letters from Principal Paul Hartwig, Business Manager Robert Becker and former Athletic Director Gene Strusz were presented to the General Board in September.

5 Historic Changes... Retirement letters from Principal Paul Hartwig, Business Manager Robert Becker and former Athletic Director Gene Strusz were presented to the General Board in September. All three will be retiring at the end of the current school year. Combined, these men have served their Savior for over 125 years most at FVL. We thank them for their Student News faithful, dedicated service and excellent leadership over the years. The Board of Regents is currently working through the calling and hiring process for their replacements. Watch for further details on retirement celebrations and the welcoming of FVL newly called leadership team members. Senior Zabet Kempfert was recently named a Semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship program. Congratulations, Zabet! Fellow senior Maralee Mindock was one of only 10 high school musicians state-wide to be chosen to play for the Wisconsin State Music Conference in Madison last October. Mara played the oboe solo Six Metamorphoses after Ovid, Opus 49, Mvts. I & III. Numerous athletes from the fall season earned all conference honors. First team honors went to Kayla Priebe, Noelle Koepp, Trystin Kluess, Jenna Miller, Abby Radue, and Emma Verbeke. A full listing of all-conference winners is posted on the FVL website. Queen Raleigh Van Asten reigned over FVL's Homecoming Aaron Hungerford was her escort. Financial Focus Through the first four months of operating support is 7% behind budget. Currently $235,000 has been given toward the annual FVLHS Federation congregation commitment of $900,000. Monthly offerings for Growing in Grace have averaged $10,000. To reach our annual goal of $300,000, monthly donations of $25,000 are needed. On March 1, a payment of $170,000 needs to made to reduce the debt principal to $2.33 million. Donors with a heart for Christian education have contributed over The FVL BEACON is published quarterly by Fox Valley Lutheran High School. The school is located at 5300 N. Meade St., Appleton, WI Visit us on the web at or phone the school office at $160,000 to the 60-for-60 Legacy Project. Gifts are needed for Tuition Assistance. Over $365,000 in needbased aid has been granted for this school year. About $245,000 has been raised by the FVL Foundation and FoxFest Auction. Another $119,500 remains to be gathered. Thanks for your continued support of FVL teen ministry... especially in today's unpredictable financial times. To God be the glory!

Around School Scrip 10th Anniversary! That s right, FVL s Scrip program was started 10 years ago in December of 2003.

Every purchase also supports FVL s Tuition Assistance Fund. Dinner Auction The 10th Annual FoxFest Auction enjoyed another successful year. Nearly $132,000 was raised for FVL s teen ministry.

6 Around School Scrip 10th Anniversary! That s right, FVL s Scrip program was started 10 years ago in December of To celebrate, those purchasing Scrip in December will be entered in a special drawing. Gift cards make great Christmas presents! Shop at the FVL Scrip Office and give two gifts in one. Every purchase also supports FVL s Tuition Assistance Fund. Dinner Auction The 10th Annual FoxFest Auction enjoyed another successful year. Nearly $132,000 was raised for FVL s teen ministry. Guests enjoyed Southern Hospitality with an amazing menu and incredible live and silent auction items. Profits will be divided among Growing in Grace, Tuition Assistance, Operations, and Alumni Alive. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the night possible and to our generous donors, corporate sponsors, and guests. Matching funds are still available for Tuition Assistance; your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Next year s FoxFest is set for October 11, Housing Needs Interested in sharing our American culture with others? Hosting an international student would be a great way to do just that! Enjoy the chance to share American experiences with a student at the same time you learn firsthand about a foreign country. Students pay for their own expenses. A housing stipend is given to offset any additional expenses. Both temporary and school year host families are needed. Please contact Mrs. Laura Gucinski at or lgucinski@ fvlhs.org for more information. New FVL Video Have you seen our fall FVL Today video at your church already? If not, check our website! The video focuses FVL s Christian ministry to today s high school students and feature many FVL students sharing their thoughts about attending FVL. Coaching Needs For spring sports, FVL needs a head Varsity Golf Coach. Candidates can seek more information by ing FVL's Activities Director Shawn Hill at shill@fvlhs.org Welcome! The FVLHS Federation is now 42 congregations strong. Living Water Lutheran Church of Oshkosh joined in September. We welcome them to the FVL family. Upcoming Events Christmas Concert December 15 1:00 pm auditorium NHS Induction December 16 7:00 pm auditorium Winterfest January 26 11:00 am FVL General Board meeting February 24 7:00 pm auditorium 6

A Quarterly Update from Fox Valley Lutheran High School May 2014

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