February 2016 - Mayer Lutheran High School

FEBRUARY 2016
MAYER
LUTHERAN
HIGH SCHOOL
305 FIFTH STREET NE
MAYER, MN 55360
952-657-2251
www.mayerlutheran.org
J-Term: A week of new experiences 3
Prepared to Build Event 10
SnoFest Week
Jan 31–Feb 6, 2016
To submit information for publication in
The Crusader, please contact Renae Johnson
at [email protected] or 952-657-2251.
Materials due by the 14th of each month prior
to publication.
The
Crusader
And Now the Kickoff!
By Joel Landskroener, MLHS Executive Director
Dear Friends of Mayer Lutheran High School,
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
In a couple of weeks, Super Bowl 50 will be played in San Francisco. The
next fourteen days will feature lots of prognostications, analysis, and expert
commentary. But enough about the Super Bowl commercials! The actual event
will grab our attention in a way that few seem to do. It is a big game and we have made it a big day
in our culture.
My favorite part of Super Bowl 50 will be the kickoff. At that point, the game is on. No matter
what the hype, the predictions, or the insufferable questions asked at press conferences, the game
will be played and we will know its outcome after sixty minutes of battle, or more if it goes into
overtime. The kickoff is certainly a now-or-never aspect of any sporting contest. It is the precise
beginning of an adventure we are all eager to share.
On February 21, 2016 from 5:30-8:00 PM, we will have a kickoff event at Mayer Lutheran
High School. You are all invited and I pray you will attend. Unlike Super Bowl 50, the tickets
are free. In fact, there are no tickets. You will not consume over-priced, undercooked vittles at our
event. Those, too, are gratis—and tasty! And, unlike the big game, there will be no loser. All who
attend will be part of a wonderful, winning movement that will be remembered for a long time!
So, what exactly are we kicking off on February 21? This is the date for our public launch of the
Prepared to Build Capital Campaign! Over the past three months, a diligent committee has worked
behind the scenes to raise funds for our Phase Two building project that will include a new school
entrance from Highway 25, a student commons area, consolidated offices, and a field house. At
our kickoff, we will offer tours of the school, a chance to see the plans up close, the opportunity to
interact with the members of the building committee, a presentation about the project and what
we need to commence construction. It is an opportunity for you to support this remarkable, pageturning project that will usher in a new, exciting era at Mayer Lutheran High School. The Board of
Directors and the Mayer Lutheran family encourage you to attend.
As the kickoff is the beginning of the end of each Super Bowl, the Prepared to Build kickoff will
allow us to know for certain when we can begin our project. The Board of Directors decided that
we will need to raise $2 million in this campaign in order to break ground on the project. Following
the Prepared to Build kickoff, we will know whether we have raised enough in gifts and pledges
to begin this spring or whether we will begin at a later time. In the quest to continue our strong
tradition of fiscal responsibility, we want to build this remarkable project, but only if we can do
it within our budget. The only debt we want to deal with is the debt explained in Paul’s letter to
the Romans: Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has
fulfilled the law. (Rom. 13:8)
So, what can you do to help with our project? First, pray for its progress and success in raising
needed funds. Next, be ready to make a prayerfully-considered pledge to the campaign at the
February 21 kickoff. Third, bring someone with you to the event so they can learn about our school
and our future plans. We’d love to have a full house and then some. Finally, share names and
contact information with people who could make gifts of any size to our campaign. We are eager to
speak with everyone who needs to learn about our project and to welcome them to be a part of this
remarkable movement.
By the time February 21 rolls around, Super Bowl 50 will be a distant memory. But, your support
of the Prepared to Build Capital Campaign will make a lasting impact of the lives of thousands of
kids and the people they serve for a lifetime and beyond!
In Christ,
[email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1007
The Crusader
S PA N I S H D E PA RT M E N T N E W S
By Adela Alvarez | [email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1109
NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL
2015 is gone and with it a lot of learning was accomplished
and projects were completed “como siempre” (as always). We
are still using the E-book, and it’s working great! Students have
access to a lot of different tools that they can use to improve
their Spanish skills.
In Spanish I, students are already able to introduce themselves
and have a conversation
in Spanish, talk about
the weather, time and
ask questions. We
also had fun reading
and talking about
a short novel, all in
Spanish: Pobre Ana.
Ana is a young girl
who thinks she has a
lot of problems and
considers herself very
poor until she travels to
Mexico; then everything
changes.
S P I R I T U A L L I F E D E PA RT M E N T N E W S
By Dave Lane | [email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1209
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
Year eleven was just the
same ol’, same ol’ right?
Hardly!
2
As 2015 came to an end and 2016 arrived, this
year’s mission trip team was in the process of
completing our eleventh year of “Sharing Jesus
in Anapra,” Mexico Mission trip. Each of those
eleven years has had similarities that I suppose
creates the possibility of making the whole experience rather clinical.
Perhaps those of us who have been on the trip multiple times are just
a bit less impacted by the poverty. What keeps that from happening
for me is that each trip also has its own unique events that make it
anything but ordinary.
As we wrapped up our construction project this year at Casa Dos
(there were four houses), we had a brief, informal ceremony with
our family where we handed over the keys to their new small home,
shared some small gifts, and exchanged lots of gracias’ and de
nada’s. As the scene moved outside the house, our students began
saying their goodbyes to the neighborhood children while several
of us were busy picking up our tools. As I walked past the front
door of the new home, I glanced inside to see Lauren (the mom),
sitting on a bucket of left over sheet rock mud talking with her three
daughters, Kimberly, Lesley, and Chelsea, and crying tears of joy. Even
a rather unemotional, been there-done that, eleven-times before guy,
couldn’t help but get a bit choked up at this family’s grateful heart.
During the month of November in
Spanish II we worked on a project named
“Mi Rutina Diaria” or “My Daily Routine.”
We enjoyed watching PowerPoint
presentations and videos made by the
students. It was very interesting to see how
creative our students can be, especially
when they are using another language.
In Spanish III and IV we are focused on engaging in
conversations; whatever we are doing, I encourage students to
speak Spanish. We have a sign that says: “No se puede hablar
inglés en la clase de español“ (You can’t speak English in the
Spanish class!) to remind students that they are in a “Spanish
zone.” It’s very encouraging listening to them! Last October
students were learning about my home country, Argentina, and
we made “empanadas” from scratch. Then, we ate them and
they were “deliciosas”!
The Spanish population is quickly growing and it is very
important that our students have the opportunity to learn
to communicate in Spanish. It may be that their neighbor,
coworker, or a customer may be Spanish speaking. This will be
an important skill for their lives as they share the Gospel with
those who speak primarily Spanish.
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
LABORATORY
The classroom is a great laboratory of learning and our students spend
plenty of time there. But, for the first four school days in January,
Mayer Lutheran scholars are immersed in interesting, unusual, and
enjoyable experiences that allow them to explore interests not
normally found in a typical school day.
This page describes or pictures snippets of the variety of courses
offered to students. Additional J-Term experiences included: Latin
American Cuisine; Recording Music; Wacky & Wild Sports; Roots &
Toots of Jazz; Counted Cross Stitch; Candle Making, String Art, and
Soap Carving.
J-Term Snapshot
by Kristen Baker, MLHS teacher
Blood, Bikes, and Bilbo Baggins
So You Want to be a Photographer: “Light Painting” This scene was photographed
as three students walked through illuminating the subject with flashlights.
Introduction to Programming
Wild Minnesota: Ice fishing at Lutheran Island Camp, Henning MN
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
Minnesota Fortune 500 Companies: Carlson Companies—Special thanks to
Michelle Masters, Regional Vice President, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson,
and her team.
J-Term is a time for Mayer Lutheran students to explore different
skills and experience new adventures they may never have tried
before. In “Blood, Bikes, and Bilbo Baggins”, Mrs. Baker’s J-Term
course, students had the opportunity to learn skills that may save a
person’s life, experience the
beauty of the area surrounding
the Minnesota River in Chaska,
and search for Christian
symbolism while following
Bilbo Baggins’ journey through
Middle Earth in The Hobbit.
On Tuesday, a certified
American Red Cross instructor
came to Mayer Lutheran and
taught students the skills
needed to perform CPR on people who are suffering from cardiac
arrest or breathing emergencies. All students practiced these
life-saving skills in the classroom, gaining the confidence they
need to help others if ever in a position where someone requires
assistance. They were also taught basic First Aid skills to use in case
they encounter a medical emergency, such as how to treat burns,
recognizing and caring for someone in shock, and how to treat
someone having an allergic
reaction.
On Wednesday, students
set out on a fat tire biking
adventure in Chaska. Over a
ten mile course, the students
witnessed a flock of eagles
hunting, enjoyed the beauty
of snow-capped trees, and
challenged their stamina as they followed the winding trail beside
the Minnesota River. After the bike ride, students were taught basic
bike maintenance skills as they cleaned their bikes, preparing them
to be placed back on the store floor for the next rider.
Thursday and Friday were more low-key days as students stayed
at Mayer Lutheran and relaxed while watching The Hobbit, a
book many of them have read in 10th grade English. Examples of
Christian symbolism were noted, giving students a look at how
even popular literature and movies can be used to build and spread
the Christian faith. Overall during J-Term, each of the ten students
in this class was given a well-rounded and fun experience that
taught them skills to be used in the future and encouraged them in
their physical and faith walk.
3
The Crusader
Join in the fun!
SnoFest Week
January 31 – February 6
2016
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CORONATION…
Sunday, January 31
7 PM
SNOFEST DANCE…
Sadie Hawkins Semi-Formal
2016 SnoFest Court
Saturday, February 6
8–11 PM
Students bringing a guest must complete
the guest registration form (available in
the school office) by February 2.
DRESS UP DAYS…
Monday
Long Winter’s Nap, Pajama Day
Tuesday
Awkward Flannel Friend Day
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
Wednesday
Class Colors Day
Front row: Megan Thomas, Martina Saulsbury, Brandon Jilek, Jordan Ludwig; Row 2: Baden Noennig,
Nevin Waldron; Row 3: Kalie Winter, Brooke Schneewind, Amanda Wade, Gabby Flatebo, Makayla
Dreier; Row 4: Zach Thole, Luke McCarty, Jack Buttenhoff, Gunnar Berg, Karrington Boelke
4
Thursday
Throwback Thursday
Grade School Clothes
Friday
Crusader Spirit Day
7777
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
Student Spotlight On...
Well Done!
Academic Students of the Month
Addie Luehrs, Emilee Gustin, Katelyn Stanley
Addie excels in Chemistry due to her self-discipline and
hard work. She pays attention to detail which serves
her well in this course of study. Addie is always willing
to help in class and with lab activities. It is always great
to see a student that recognizes when others need
help and is able to provide help. I pray for God to
continue to bless Addie during this school year, both
in chemistry and in all her other curricular and extracurricular activities. —Mr. Loontjer
Emilee exemplifies the effort and self-discipline
necessary to achieve good results in Chemistry.
Seeking additional help as needed, being punctual
with homework, being helpful in class & lab activities,
and being attentive to details, serves her well in this
course of study. It is always great to see a student that
recognizes when others (or the teacher) need help and
is able to provide help. Emilee’s involvement in extracurricular involvement coupled with her academic
prowess is an indication of her time management
skills and is a marker for success in the future. I pray
that God will continue to bless her richly through the
remainder of this school year and beyond.
—Mr. Loontjer & Mr. Wilaby
Congratulations to Katelyn for her excellent semester
in chemistry. Her self-discipline and her cheerful and
helpful attitude makes her an excellent student, lab
partner, and guide to others. Her work is typically done
on time and with good quality which is always great to
see in busy students. That alone speaks volumes about
her study skills and self-discipline.
May God continue to bless her in this class and others
as she finishes this school year. —Mr. Loontjer
Service Student of the Month
Annika Bixby
student. I’m even more impressed, however,
with her kindness and willingness to help others
with their math questions. She frequently
suspends her own progress in the ALEKS online
math program in order to help others learn and
progress. Thank you, Annika! —Mrs. Lemke
Before Christmas break, MLHS
Spanish teacher, Mrs. Alvarez,
and her students found
themselves in conversation
about the challenges facing law
enforcement officers, especially
the Minneapolis police force
in light of events that were
in the news at the time. This
conversation led Mrs. Alvarez
to challenge her students to
find a way to encourage and
show support for the police
officers. The students responded
by making Christmas cards
and baking dozens of cookies
that were delivered to the
Minneapolis Police Department
precincts.
A thank you note was sent to
Mayer Lutheran from the 2nd
Precinct which read:
“I can tell you from
experience that a simple
tray of cookies, letter,
card, or personal ‘Thank
You’ from any citizen
(especially the young
adults and kids) can
make an officer’s day.
It can revive an officer’s
belief that their job
can and does make a
difference to others. It
makes them feel good
about their job in a
time when the media is
saying the opposite... It
was even better to have
been in your students’
thoughts and prayers!”
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
Annika is a bright and hard-working math
Well Done Spanish
3 & 4 Students…
5
The Crusader
A D M I S S I O N S D E PA RT M E N T N E W S
By Dan Perrel, Director of Admissions | [email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1011
Don’t Tell Me What to Do!
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
I have a granddaughter. She’s almost two years old. She knows
quite a few words. One of her favorite words is “No.”
When she says it, I find myself saying, “There it is; the
beginning of adolescence at two years of age.” Sometimes the
“No” is a perfectly innocent “No, thank you” to an offer of
more mashed potatoes or an extra chunk of banana. But, there
are other times, the two year old turned adolescent times, when
“No” shows clear indication that it means, “Don’t tell me what
to do! I can make my own decisions.”
By the time our children really do emerge into adolescence we
see this enough to give it a less than glamorous title: teenage
rebellion. Generally, it may even have some visible manifestations
of the attitude: piercings, tattoos, hair dyed jet black or some
bright color, or the constant placid facial expression. Notice,
I did say “generally.” There are exceptions. A tattoo doesn’t
automatically mean rebellion. Nonetheless, the “Don’t tell me
what to do” attitude is a widely recognized phenomena of
adolescence. It’s not always an aggressive or overt thing. It may
show up in mild forms: debate over a curfew time, delinquency
in the execution of assigned chores, or maybe persistent asking
in the face of an obvious parental pronouncement of “no.”
That moment when we butt heads with an adolescent
sometimes has a humorous side (although the humor may not
be evident until later). I’m talking about those times when our
child’s challenge to our position results in us stooping down to
their level of reasoning when we say some of the most famous of
parenting lines: “Because I said so!” Or, “Because you live under
my roof!” Or, “Because I’m the parent and you’re my child.”
Humorous? Yes. Yes because they reeeeaaally aren’t answers.
They’re verbal frustrations. We have better answers, better
reasoning, but in that moment of frustration, we just couldn’t
think of them. There’s the humor. It’s a chuckle-filled admission:
“Dang! Why did I say that? I let them get under my skin. I know
better than that.”
If you haven’t resorted to these two arrows from your
quiver of parenting responses, oh, just wait! I kind of think it’s
inevitable for all of us to utter such things at some point in our
child’s “Don’t tell me what to do” moments.
Adolescents eventually engage in the process of moving
away from you. Therapists have a term for this: developmental
individuating. It means your child is doing the following:
6
disconnecting, leaving the nest, launching
out, becoming his own person, growing
independent, becoming a free moral agent.
These phrases sound nice and inviting when
they crop up on a psychology test covering
the ‘developmental theories’ chapter. But they don’t always
sound so positive and gentle when they’re lived out in your
family room or kitchen (Focus on the Family, Teen Rebellion).
The realization that your child is beginning to move away from
you carries with it a blend of panic and relief. Dr. James Dobson,
well known Christian author and psychologist, offers these
encouraging words, “Don’t panic; stay on your child’s team,
even when it appears to be a losing team” (Focus on the Family,
Teen Rebellion).
Team…who else is on your team? When your child attends
Mayer Lutheran High School, we are on your team. At
Mayer Lutheran one of our essential values is “equipping.”
We intentionally set out each day as your teammate to provide
adolescents with opportunities to learn and grow as they build
skills for the successful living of Biblically-informed lives in a
complex world.
We often tell our boys basketball players, “Team trumps
everything!” Having teammates that will go the extra-mile
(Matt. 5:41) for you makes all the difference between success
and failure. When it comes to being on your team, we are with
you—supporting your child’s daily activity with the foundation of
Jesus Christ, the cornerstone.
When your child stretches their independent wings, having
Mayer Lutheran as your teammate is a value at any price!
Schedule a
Shadow Day
for your child to visit
Mayer Lutheran!
Call Dan Perrel
952-657-2251 x1011
or online at
mayerlutheran.org
MLHS Open House
Monday, February 22
7–8:30 PM • Fine Arts Lobby
Meet the next generation of Christian Leaders!
Meet & Greet • Student Panel • Tours
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
MLHS AAA
Award Winners
Congratulations to Lynnea Marlatt & Ben
Quiram, this year’s AAA award winners at
Mayer Lutheran High School.
The AAA award is given by the Minnesota
State High School League in recognition
of students who excel in the Academics,
Arts, and Athletics. Ben Quiram and
Lynnea Marlatt are our nominees from
Mayer Lutheran. Ben was selected as the
Subsection winner and will move on to the
Region selection on February 3. The Region
winners advance to the state competition
in March.
#YOUWILL
PHOTO CONTEST
Winner!
The AAA Award ceremony was attended by Pastor Stephan Wismar, Lynnea Marlatt, Ben Quiram, and MLHS
teacher, Tim Masters.
The Kramer
Sports
Endowment
Fund
benefits Mayer
Lutheran Sports
Programs
Sixth Annual
HOOP IT UP for AL
3 on 3 Basketball
Tournament
May 21, 2016
Mayer Lutheran
High School
mayer lut
heran
@
high school
ma yer lut her
an .or g
Mark your calendar
for this fun event!
Start Organizing Teams
3rd Grade–Adult
Watch for tournament info and
registration in early April at
mayerlutheran.org.
(Sorry, no same day registration.)
Questions?
Email [email protected].
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
Congratulations to Kalie Winter
for submitting the winning
entry using Twitter for our
Holiday@Mayerlutheran#youwill
posting contest. The two victims
in her photo are Gabby Flatebo
on the left and Lauren Zellman
on the right. Kalie received a
$25 gift card to Ruby’s Roost in
Mayer!
Keep those
THERAN
MAYER LU
tweets coming!
7
The Crusader
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS
Counselor’s Corner
By Debra Kelzer, Guidance Counselor
[email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1012
Genesis Virtual Academy: ACT or SAT
Prep Online Course (Special Pricing: $30)
This course will give your students a head start
on preparing for these important tests. A great
investment for seniors, juniors, and sophomores.
Course highlights includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
One personalized Learning Path
Hundreds of HD video lessons with motion
graphics and strategy animations
Predictive Practice Tests modeled after official tests
Interactive Sketchpad transforms screen into
a writable canvas and allows for Step-by-Step
strategy practice
Critical Reading and Writing content that ranges
from foundational to highly advanced
Specific Math and Science content that ranges
from foundational to highly advanced
Access to the CORE Knowledge Toolbox, a
searchable repository of all PREPWORKS video
content
Two hours of access per week to live PREPWORKS
instructor via Ask The Expert
Cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility
with internet-ready devices including iPads,
netbooks, tablets, smartphones, computers and
smart boards
Available to student for one year after beginning.
This course consists of:
•
•
•
•
•
3 Full Length ACT or SAT Practice Tests
16 Skill Assessments
16 Skill Reviews
48 Learning Modules (LMs include thousands of
animated video lessons, step-by-step solutions,
practice questions custom tailored to each
student’s needs)
Weekly Live Online sessions with an Expert
PREPWORKS Instructor
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
To enroll, go to www.genesisva.org/enroll-now.
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Expanded Course Offerings • Remedial Classes
Credit Recovery
Economical Solutions • Customized Services
•Advanced Placement
By now, seniors should have applied and have
been accepted by a college. If not, please
encourage your senior to be moving forward
in this endeavor. The end of the school year is
fast approaching and college is right around
the corner. Seniors should continue to look for
the scholarships that are offered. I have them
posted on Moodle, on my bulletin board, through the Daily Blast
and Email Extra. There is a lot of financial help out there for seniors
but they need to pursue options in order to take advantage of it.
Bailey Colbert, from Grand Canyon University presented great
information at the Financial Aid meeting in January. If you weren’t
able to attend but would like any of the information, please let me
know and I will certainly pass it on to you.
My hope is to have all of next year’s class choices entered into
our system by the end of February. I met with all underclassmen
and discussed what path they should be following. That topic can
certainly be a conversation starter for you and your child. Let me
know if you have any questions regarding their choices.
On March 15, we will be administering the ACT to most MLHS
juniors, and a few seniors and sophomores. This is something new
that ACT has offered. If you have signed up and paid for the test,
then you should be good to go. Students who would like to check
out an ACT practice test book should stop by my office and pick
one up. I have several other resources to offer.
In the January newsletter, I began to publish tips about talking to
teens. It’s amazing what can be shared.
Use Time at the Table by Focus on the Family.
Tip #2: Family dinners encourage conversations, but let
everybody share the load. Think of a few questions for
people to answer, and avoid judging the replies. Some
possible topics: Quizzes at school, favorite films, reports
due, assemblies attended, geography trivia, headline
news. Try to always keep the conversations flowing.
As the cold, winter days get long, and you see your child needing a
break or feeling discouraged, encourage them to stop by my office.
My door is always open. Enjoy the winter months!
_______________________________________________________
Upcoming ACT Dates:
March 15 (contact Mrs. Kelzer), April 9 (register by March 4)
June 11, MLHS campus (register by May 6)
ACT PREP
Now!
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Enro
If an online ACT preparation option is not right for your child,
consider MLHS Media Center supervisor, Sarah Burdick, for a
personal approach to ACT prep. Mrs. Burdick is licensed English
teacher, and an ACT study skills teacher for 5 years. Contact her
for more information regarding how she prepares students for
the ACT at [email protected] or 952-250-7634.
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
A C T I V I T I E S D E PA RT M E N T N E W S
By Kris Gustin, Activities Director | [email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1217
Are they in our section
or in our conference?
ties
MLHS
ACTIVITIES
CALENDAR
All MLHS Minnesota Conference activities and
practices are now on our website calendar
www.mayerlutheran.org/events/.
Mayer Knights, open gym times, and other
non-high school activities are ONLY listed at
www.mnriverconference.org/.
for
a
february 19, 2016
Mark your calendars for a night of fun and fellowship.
February 19 will be the culmination of
crusaders for a cure
.
The MLHS girls basketball team will be hosting this event in an effort to
raise awareness and funds for women who have cancer.
All proceeds of the crusaders for a cure activities will go
to Ridgeview Medical Center’s Pay It Forward patient assistance fund.
Through this fund Ridgeview is able to provide emergency financial assistance
to patients facing challenges during their treatment for cancer.
Some of the events include a shooting contest, Crusaders For A Cure bracelets,
honorary ribbons, and more. Plan on coming and show your support for
those who have faced and will face cancer. For more information or to
donate to this great cause, please contact a MLHS girl’s
basketball player or Coach Gustin at 952- 657-2251 x1217.
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
We are still in the process of fine-tuning the
Activities Calendar. It’s a great idea to visit
the MLHS page on mnriverconference.org and
scroll through the list of activities, checking
each box for items you want to “subscribe” to.
After clicking “view” you are given the option
to receive notifications and to import those
calendar feeds to your own calendar. This site
is not part of the MLHS website, however it is
a very useful tool.
rs
e
d
So what about
sections? The MSHSL
uses sections for postseason competition.
Each sport has a section it is assigned to.
We compete in that section in an effort to
advance to the state tournament. Section
tournaments vary in setup, depending on
the sport and the MSHSL Administrative
Region that conducts the postseason
tournament.
In short, we compete in the MRC
during the regular season and in MSHSL
assigned sections during the postseason.
For a detailed explanation of how the
Minnesota State High School League
determines sections, tune in to the April
newsletter.
re
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vi
Acti
champion in each conference sport is
determined by games played against
conference teams.
Football and soccer are two sports
not offered by the MRC. The Minnesota
State High School League (MSHSL) did
away with conferences and uses what
is referred to as district scheduling. They
did this an attempt to have teams play
schools of similar enrollment and in a
smaller geographic location. This will
be reviewed every two years beginning
in the spring of 2016. Soccer is not a
conference sport because the MRC bylaws
require that four conference schools
have the sport to make it a conference
sport. Currently, only Mayer Lutheran and
Jordan have soccer.
cru
sa
One of
the things
that seems
to be confusing to
many is the difference between
“conference” and “section.” For all sports
offered by Mayer Lutheran High School
except football and soccer, we participate
in the Minnesota River Conference (MRC).
The teams in this conference are Belle
Plaine, Jordan, LeSueur-Henderson, Mayer
Lutheran, Norwood Young America,
Sibley East, and Tri City United. Each
sport has a set of guidelines it follows for
conference competition. For example,
volleyball plays only one game with each
team, while basketball, softball and
baseball each play two. A conference
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The Crusader
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Summ
Youth Activities
Outreach of Mayer
Lutheran High School
Believe it or not...summer is just around the corner!
Watch your mail for the 2016 Mayer Knights
Summer Camps information card! Reserve your
spot online. Spaces are limited. You can also find
2016 camp information and registration by going to
mayerlutheran.org— click on Knights! (Choose to
pay now or before your camp begins.)
This year we welcome MLHS alumnus and Mocha
Monkey owner, Jon Schmidt, and his wife Elise, who
will teach our ceramics and multi-media camps!
Congratulations to our Knights Travel Basketball
teams. (See photos, right.) It has been a great
season of improving on skills, learning to play as a
team, and WINNING some tournaments too!
Go Knights!
If you have any questions, please contact Barb
Christopherson, Mayer Knights Coordinator, at
952-657-2251 x1010 or barb.christopherson@
mayerlutheran.org.
Thanks for supporting the Knights!
Mayer Knights 7th grade girls basketball team won the Monticello tournament in December.
Photo (L to R): Front row–Grace Strickfaden Sammy Burgmeier Abby Chmielewsk, Allie Fritz
Back row–Ella Dressel Hayden, Glander Brook Frisky and Sydney Lehrke
Mayer Knights 8th grade girls basketball team took first place at the St. Cloud Shoot Out.
Photo (L to R): Front row–Hannah Zellmann, Paige Stahlke, Anna Karels, Riley Corrigan, Emma Bjurstrom
Back row–Coach Jon Schermann, Brooke Paulsrud, Anna Wachholz, Claudia Stahlke, Lauren Osborn, Lexi
Schermann, Coach Craig Wachholz (Not pictured: Olivia Tjernagel)
NEW
Prepared to Build DATE!
Kick-Off Night
You are invited!
Join the Mayer Lutheran family
Sunday, February 21, 2016
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
5:30-8 PM
10
for an evening of appetizers, beverages, and social hour
followed by short presentation highlighting the MLHS
building program.
See how God is preparing us to expand for the next
generation of Christian leaders!
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
THE LAST WORD
FOOTNOTES
By Kevin Wilaby, Principal | [email protected] | 952-657-2251 x1008
P/T CONFERENCE DATE CHANGE!
The Influence of One
Third quarter parent/teachers conferences
will be held on Thursday, February 18 from
4:30-8 PM. THIS IS A CHANGE TO THE
PUBLISHED CALENDAR in order to allow
families to attend Lenten worship service
on Wednesday, February 17. THERE
WILL BE A FULL DAY OF SCHOOL ON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AND A HALFDAY ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 WITH A
DISMISSAL TIME OF NOON. Lunch will be
served on the 18th.
GROUNDS/MAINTENANCE POSITION
Mr. Bob Johnson, our Director of Grounds
and Maintenance, has announced his
retirement effective June 1, 2016. We are
grateful for Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and
the work and support they provide our
mission of preparing Christian leaders.
MLHS is seeking a Director of Grounds and
Maintenance. This full-time position is a
key element of the physical stewardship of
our campus. The job description is posted
at mayerlutheran.org.
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
MLHS is seeking an individual to help
prepare the next generation of Christian
leaders by serving as the Director of
Alumni Relations. This part-time position
is generously funded by a two-year grant
from Thrivent Financial. The job description
is posted at mayerlutheran.org. Call
Executive Director, Joel Landskroener,
at 952-657-2251 x1007 for more
information.
HEAD TRACK COACH OPENING
Lutheran schools or as
the parent of students
in Lutheran schools a secret. I encourage
you to speak about the experiences you
had with those who may not understand
how important it is to have children
receive an education founded on Jesus
Christ. When individuals share the positive
and significant experiences that they had
through their participation in Lutheran
education others begin to understand and
desire what they have not experienced.
Word of mouth testimonies shared with
those who are in your sphere of influence
have great impact.
An astute reader at this point may begin
to think that the motivation behind this
article is about enrollment growth. But
this is not the case. It is not just about
enrollment numbers; it is about ministry
opportunities. There is a destructive
spiritual battle taking place each day. The
goal of Satan in this battle is to distract
and lead people away from Christ. The
reality of this on-going battle illuminates
why an education founded on Christ
is essential. Mayer Lutheran is praying
that God would provide us with more
ministry opportunities that will allow us
to be faithful to the calling which we
have received. The Gospel will always
be proclaimed and the Holy Spirit will
work through this proclamation in Mayer
Lutheran’s hallways and classrooms so that
seed of faith in Christ, as each individual’s
personal Savior, can be planted and
nurtured.
For we know that it is Jesus Christ who
is Lord and Savior. Jesus’ life changed
history and made amends for the sins
of humanity. His resurrection assures all
who believe in Him of eternal life. No one
will ever have the influence on the world
that Jesus Christ had. May God use us as
influential people in someone’s life so that
they will know and believe in Jesus Christ.
Who do you know that can be
encouraged to join the community of
Mayer Lutheran and be part of receiving
the benefits of an education founded on
Christ?
M AY E R L U T H E R A N . O R G
Looking for a fun way to help impact the
next generation of Christian leaders?
Want to work outside and help students
develop skills that will help them
overcome the challenges of life?
MLHS is currently looking for a Head Track
coach for our track program. This person
plans and holds practices, attends meets,
builds relationships, and cultivates life
skills in our students. If you or someone
you know is interested or wants further
information, please contact Kris Gustin at
952-657-2251 x1217 or
[email protected]
Go Crusaders!
Perhaps you can recall individuals who
made a significant impact on your life. A
person or two or more that served as your
personal mentor and role model. They
encouraged and corrected you as you
grew in wisdom and maturity. Their impact
may be the reason for your career path.
How they treated you has impacted how
you relate to the people in your life. You
respected these individuals and how they
influenced you because it was obvious that
they truly cared about you.
I hope that you are able to identify
who these influential people are in your
life. For me, my high school basketball
coach and Old Testament teacher was
one of my significant influencers. I went
to a Lutheran high school and I knew my
teachers cared about me, but this coach
and teacher made time, extra time, for me
and was looking out for me, even though
I didn’t realize it at the time. There was
no compelling reason that caused him to
seek me out; to encourage, direct, and
teach me about grace. Yet, that is what he
did and as the years have gone by I have
realized more and more that during my
junior and senior year God used him to
nurture my faith and plant the seed that
eventually would lead me to a career in
Lutheran education.
Having served in four Lutheran
high schools, I have seen my personal
experience repeated in the lives of
students. Lutheran educators caring for,
building relationships with, and teaching
students not only academics, but about
the love of God and His incredible grace.
These educators impact students in ways
that are both meaningful and personal.
I believe that many of you who have
experienced an education based on Christ
as the central figure have experienced
what I have experienced. For me and
for many of you, God used his faithful
servants, Lutheran teachers, to provide
an education that equipped us for the
challenges of this life while nurturing our
faith in Christ.
Perhaps you have kept the significance
of your experience as a student in
11
305 FIFTH STREET NE, MAYER, MN 55360
Friend!
Invite a
MLHS OPEN HOUSE
Monday, February 22
7–8:30 PM
MAYERLUTHERAN.ORG | TWITTER.COM/MAYERLUTHERAN | FACEBOOK.COM/MAYERLUTHERAN | INSTAGRAM.COM/MAYERLUTHERANMN
Mayer Lutheran High School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its policies, financial aid program or other school-administered programs.
Mayer Lutheran High School Drama Presents:
BY W I L L I A M G I B S O N
The Miracle Worker is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.