Parents of winter (basketball and cheerleading) athletes will be recognized for their love, patience, encouragement, and support of the teams between the B team games this evening.  Parents of 8th grade students will be announced between the A team games.  Cake and water/juice will be served for all in attendance (between B games as well as between A games).

Please help us congratulate 8th graders (players and cheerleaders):

Boys:  Keagan Fay, Samuel Phillips, Nicholas Reyes, Abe Wieser, Landon Zak

Girls:  Aubree Preder

If you have any questions, please contact AD Brad Steinhardt or Assistant AD Kinsey Hopf.

We have an immediate opening for a food service employee to work in our hot lunch program. 

Also, we have an immediate opening on our child care staff.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more regarding food service, please reach out to Mr. Jay Lindsey at principal@sjlplymouth.com or call 920.893.5114.

Enrollment/Re-enrollment for returning families is now open.  Please complete the on-line re-enrollment process as described.  Click here to re-enroll.

Enrollment is now open for new 3K to 8th grade for next (2023-24) school year. 

Returning families using the online version, should only need to verify and update contact information (if entering through the school website-www.sjlseagles.com, BE SURE TO CLICK RE-ENROLL as a returning family).  Logging on to Sycamore and completing from there, go to My School | Enrollment | Online Portal.  If you have a new student to register within your family, you can do this during your re-enrollment process as well.  Paper forms are available by request only in the school office.  The preferred method of enrolling/re-enrolling is online.

To help our planning, we ask families to register by February 28.

It always remains possible that a grade level can become full making wait lists necessary.  Please understand that in order to reserve a spot for your child in a particular class, proper registration information must be submitted AND the $100 registration fee must be paid in order to consider a spot reserved.

Tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year have been set.  Rates are:

3K/TT -         Member = $1,175   Non-member = $1,175

3K/MWF -    Member = $1,475   Non-member = $1,475

4K -               Member = $1,740   Non-member = $1,740

Grades K-8 - Member = $2,150   Non-member = $2,850

Any questions regarding tuition, please contact the school office. 

St. John Lutheran has applied to participate in the state-wide WI Parental Choice Program (WPCP) for 2023-2024.   

WHO should apply?  A family must have an income at or below 220% of the federal poverty limit and live in WI.

WHEN to apply?  Feb. 1 - April 20, 2023.  If applying before 2022 taxes are filed, 2021 income will be used.  CLICK HERE to apply.

HOW to apply?  Parents complete the online application each year and provide schools with proof of residency and, if using the DPI method, proof of income.  If they applied in 2022, they should log on using the same email address and password that they used last year.  Please also present a birth certificate for your child to the school office.  Copies are not needed and the original will be returned to you.

HOW to qualify?  Income eligibility for the WPCP is based on the parent’s prior year (2022) income.

      •   Dept. of Revenue method (DOR):  Schools enter the parent’s social security number into the online application system and perform the DOR check to import income data.  DOR will first check for prior year (2022) income information.  If 2022 information is not available, DOR will check records from 2021. 

• Dept of Public Instruction method:  If the family chooses to use the DPI method to verify income, they must provide proof of their 2022 income.

WPCP Program Brochure - CLICK HERE
WPCP Frequently Asked Questions - CLICK HERE

Family income includes the income of the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) that reside in the same household as the student applicant.
The following are NOT included in the family income calculation:

Family size includes parents/guardians and their children by birth, marriage or adoption that reside in the same household as the student applicant.  Foster children and children in the kinship care program are counted as a family of one (1) because they are still supported by the state or county.  Therefore, the income of parents/guardians is not counted when determining eligibility for the Choice program.  The parent/guardian should indicate that the pupil is in kinship care or foster care on the online parent application. 

220% of the Federal Poverty Level for 2023-24
Family Size Yearly Income Must Exceed
1 $29,898
2 $40,282
3 $50,666
4 $61,050
5 $71,434
6 $81,818
For each additional member add $10,384.

*If the student’s parents/legal guardians are married, their income is reduced by $7,000 when determining  income eligibility for the program (i.e. married family income minus $7,000 is the amount married families compare to the table).

RESIDENCY VERIFICATION  All applicants must submit current residency documentation (within 90 days) directly to the school during the application period.  Acceptable proof of residency:

1. Wage statement or W2 year-end earnings statement that is in the name of one of the parents/guardians at the address on the student application and dated within 3 months of when the application is received.
2. Water, sewer, gas, electric, cable, satellite, or landline phone bill in the name of one of the parents/guardians at the address on the student application and dated within 3 months of when the application is received.  Cell phone bills are not acceptable.
3. Lease agreement with a term that includes the date the parent applies to the school that is in the name of one of the parents/guardians at the address on the student application.  Expired leases are not acceptable. 
4. Governmental correspondence that is in the name of one of the parents/guardians at the address on the student application and dated within 3 months of when the application is received.  Examples include a property tax bill, Supplemental Security Income “SSI”, Wisconsin Works “W2” Cash Benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families “TANF,” Food Share “Food Stamps,” or Housing Assistance letter with the address listed and the name of the parent/guardian.  Printed statements from Access.gov can be used as residency support if the statement includes a date that is within 3 months of when the application is received. 

SECURITY E-MAIL VERIFICATION  A security feature will be included in the online parent application to help ensure application related emails are sent to a parent’s correct email address.  This feature will send an email to the parent’s email account after the parent logs into the online parent application and will ask the parent to verify the email address.

1. The parent or guardian logs into the online parent application.
2. Once logged in, the application will take the parent to an instruction page on how to verify the email address. The parent’s instructions read as follows:

1. You need to verify your email address for the Private School Choice Program Online Application.
2. Go to the inbox for your email account for:  “email address@email.com”
3. Click the "Confirm Email Address" link in the email to confirm your email address.

3. Once the parent clicks the “Confirm Email Address” link in the email, the link will take the parent to the email verification confirmation page where it notifies the parent that their email address has been verified.
4. On the email verification confirmation page, the parent will be instructed to click on a link to return to the online parent application log-in page where the parent will need to enter his or her email and password to continue the application process.

1. Parent does not receive verification email:  Please note that it may take 5 minutes to 24 hours for the email to arrive.  The parent should check his or her spam or junk folders for an email from PrivateSchoolChoice@dpi.wi.gov with a subject of "Verify your School Choice Program Email Address".
2. Parent must have a valid email:  If the parent does not have a valid email, the parent will need to create an email using any email provider (such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook.com).
3. Parent does not remember the password to their email account:  The parent must use the email provider password recovery service or create a new email address to use in the online parent application.
4. Email address is incorrect or the parent no longer has access to the email account:  The parent must create a new Choice application account using a new email address.  The only impact that the parent will have when using a new email address is that the parent will need to re-enter data.  The system remembers and recognizes continuing students by their first and last names with date of birth.
5. Need a new verification email sent:  If a parent has not verified his or her email address, the parent may go to the login page for the online parent application and enter their email and password again and a new verification email will be generated.

Parents or guardians enrolling students for the Choice program should direct any questions to St. John Lutheran at (920) 893-5114 or school@sjlplymouth.com

.

Thank you to everyone that participated in the Coin Wars during Lutheran Schools Week.  Because of your generosity, we raised $1,244.04 for Garuna Ministries.  This group builds schools in Southeast Asia.  This money will greatly help the church in many ways to share the good news of Jesus Christ!  Also, congratulations to the 5th grade who won the overall Coin Wars. 

The following junior high students achieved ACADEMIC HONORS at Saint John Lutheran School, Plymouth Wisconsin, during the second quarter of the 2022-2023 school year.  Utilizing a 4.0 point scale, a student must earn between a 3.75-4.00 to achieve placement on the High Honor Roll and between 3.50-3.74 to earn placement on the Honor Roll.

(Grade Level in parentheses)

High Honor Roll

(8) Liam Hoffman, Jonathan Schultz, Lyla Thompson, Abe Wieser, Landon Zak, Aniya Zeeveld, Hallie Zellner;

(7) Joseph Anhalt, Makenna Arnold, Ambreah Becker, Madelyn Benson, Jedidiah Boerger, Kal Cigelske, Olivia Conto, Edwin Giebler, Aubrey Hanke, Kristi Kaufman, Camryn Klahn, Karli Klapperich, Nathaniel MacGillis, Kale Marquardt, Elyana Mueller, Charlie Schallock, Jocelyn Shafstall, Lilly Truttschel, Alexis Wagner, Hailey Wittkopp, Alisha Zeeveld;

(6) Jack Baus, Natalie Begalke, Benjamin Grimm, Sophie Gruenke, Emily Jacobi, Breanna Klemp, Gabrielle Lefeber, Calvyn Moore, John (Jack) Mueller, Jordyn Schultz, Miriam Schultz, Landon Thuemmler, Nicholas Van Derven;

Honor Roll

(8) Cayden Arnold, Keagan Fay, Caleb Lengling, Aubree Preder;

(7) William Andrews, Paige Goldbeck, Audrey Klenner, Brindley Shilts;

(6) Cade Dippel, Max Foster, Reilly Puetz, Caleb Wessels.

We, the staff of Saint John Lutheran School, heartily congratulate these students for their most commendable effort.

We will be hosting a girls 5/6 basketball tournament (February 24-25), this is a fundraising tournament that the athletics host.  The proceeds from these tournaments go towards the purchase of uniforms. balls and other equipment that is needed.  We are in need of many volunteers in order to make this tournament a success, thank you for considering helping with this years tournament. 

Please click here to help. . .
 

New member welcome event is on Saturday, February 25 from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.  This is a one day class (lunch and snacks are provided).  All are welcome to attend.  Invite your friends and family.  Members are encouraged to attend as a refresher on what it means to be a Lutheran Christian.  Together, we will meet the pastors, learn about St. John Lutheran and discover our generous God who provides for us each day.  For more information or to register, please contact Crystal at the Church Office (920-893-3071 or office@sjlplymouth.com).

All interested students in grades 6 - 8 are eligible to participate in the school play, which is an extra-curricular activity with all rehearsals after school hours.  Parent permission is required for students to participate, and can be given by signing the form which was distributed to interested students, and which can also be accessed here.  Your signature is also your promise that your child will participate, and be at every rehearsal.  Please keep in mind that the plays are chosen specifically for the number of students who want to participate, so once you submit a signed form, your child is committed.  Please consider the time demands carefully.  The complete rehearsal schedule is included with the form, and the deadline for submitting forms is Thursday, February 9.

February 22nd the season of Lent begins as the Church throughout the world observes Ash Wednesday.  Lent is a season of repentance and preparation for the celebration of the Holy Week and Easter.  One of the customs that comes to us from the ancient Church in connection with Ash Wednesday is the imposition of ashes.  Ashes serve as a visual sign of the dust-to-dustness of sinful human beings and remind worshipers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying.

Our worship practice here at St. John has included this ancient ritual as part of our chapel service as well as our regular worship services on Ash Wednesday.  Even the youngest of students among us need to be reminded that we are sinners in need of repentance.  To that end, we will be imposing ashes again this year.  If you have any questions regarding this practice, please feel free to contact Pastor Schultz directly.

Also, Lent can serve as a wonderful time of family devotion and worship as well.  Please plan on joining us for worship every Wednesday at 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM.  

Reminder - Friday, February 17th is Pizza Making Day.  School will not be in session on Friday.

The Twenty-fourth SALSA Music Festival will take place Friday, March 3, 2023.

Mark your calendar. . .Important Pizza Sale 2023 date to remember:

Saturday, February 18, 2023 - Pizza Pick up 9:00 am - 11:00 am, in the Cafeteria

Any questions, please feel free to contact the committee members:

Michelle Anhalt - Cell - 920-980-5594 or michelleanhalt@hotmail.com

or

Cathy Austin - Cell - 920-980-5593 or choneyager@gmail.com

Everyone is encouraged to wear red, white or pink on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 to celebrate Valentine's Day.

You're invited to Donuts with Dad on Friday, February 10, 2023.

All SJL students are invited to bring your dad, grandpa, or special male figure for breakfast and fellowship from 7:00-7:25.

Please indicate your family name and the total number of people (include adults and children) attending.

You can respond per family. No need to respond separately per grade.

RSVP by Monday, February 6, 2023.

Date:  Friday, February 10, 2023
Place:  SJLS Cafeteria 
Time:  7:00 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. 

Please click here to RSVP.

Friday (February 10).  Show your support for the basketball teams and the school by wearing blue and white to school during the day and cheering on the basketball teams in the evening, as we "Pack the Gym".  All students & staff are encouraged to wear blue and white clothing to show your school spirit!

Game Schedule 

• 4:15 Girls "A" Team Game vs. Grace Menomonee Falls

• 5:15 Boys "A" Team Game vs. Grace Menomonee Falls

The Junior Eagle Cheerleaders cheer and perform their dance at halftime of the boys' A team game.

Bring the whole family to watch our athletes compete in the great game of basketball.

to benefit the LHS Music Dept. 2024 Spring Concert Tour

Orders for fresh Texas grapefruit and delicious California oranges (10#-quarter case $15, 20#-half case $27, and 40#-full case $48) will be taken through Tuesday, Jan. 31.  Contact an LHS Music student, use the order form, or call the school office 920-452-3323 to place your order through Jan. 31.  Fruit must be picked up and paid for on Saturday, February 11 at Lutheran High School between 8:30 a.m. and Noon.  You can also download the order blank from the LHS website at lutheranhigh.com.  Thank you for your support!

The Lutheran High Experience  With high school just around the corner for middle school families, take some time to learn about what a high school experience at LHS looks like!

Educational Consultations - Principal Derek Bult is offering private one-hour tours from 12-4 pm on December 4 or 11, January 8, 15 or 22, and February 12.  Ideal for 7^th and 8^th graders, this is a great opportunity for parents to tour the school with their child, discuss class offerings, chat about financial aid opportunities, learn about extra-curricular opportunities & more.  To schedule yours, email bult@lutheranhigh.com.

Shadow Days - If your middle schooler has not yet had an experience day at LHS, consider a shadow day where he/she will spend a school day with a current LHS student and see firsthand how LHS prepares Christian leaders.  To schedule, visit www.lutheranhigh.com/visit.

Open House – Save the date for our next Open House on Thursday, January 26, 5-7 pm.  Open to 5^th-8^th graders, this is a great opportunity to learn more about LHS in a group setting.  You’ll tour the facility, meet with teachers & learn about tuition assistance options.  Come for the Open House & stay for the boys’ basketball game vs. Sheboygan Christian!  Varsity tips off at 7:15 pm & admission to the game is our treat.

Remember, tuition payments made before December 31 can be used for the State of Wisconsin tuition tax deduction for private school families on your 2022 income tax return.

If you need a receipt for 2022, please contact Mrs. Adams @ dadams@sjlplymouth.com and one will be sent to you.

2022 Private School Tuition Tax Deduction

The State of Wisconsin allows parents to deduct private school tuition.  Parents of private school students in Wisconsin could receive an income tax deduction of up to $4,000 for tuition paid for each kindergarten through eighth grade student and up to $10,000 per high school student.  Only the amount paid after January 1, 2022, will qualify for the deduction.  Note:  The subtraction is not allowed for amounts paid for private school tuition which were withdrawn from an Edvest or Tomorrow's Scholar college savings account.  We highly recommend that families work with their tax advisor to determine benefits.  

How can parents claim the deduction?  There is a separate schedule (Schedule PS) that needs to be filled out by the student's parents, and filed with their tax return.  This schedule can be obtained by from the Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue website.

How will tuition be defined?  Tuition includes any amount paid by the claimant for a pupil's tuition to attend an eligible institution and mandatory book fees paid to the institution.

Tuition does not include amounts paid with a voucher or any amounts paid as a separate charge for items such as:  supplies, rentals of equipment, meals, transportation, personal use items such as uniforms or gym clothes, before or after school child care, extracurricular activities such as musical or athletic activity fees.

How is tuition defined for students attending 8th and 9th grade in a single tax year?  For both an elementary pupil and a secondary pupil (grades 8 and 9), parent includes the amount paid for tuition during the taxable year for the period when the student was an elementary pupil (but not more than $4,000) plus the amount the parent paid for the period when the student was a secondary pupil.  If the total is more than $10,000, the parent includes the maximum $10,000.