From the Principal

“When am I ever going to need THAT??” is a comment often heard by a teacher when attempting to teach algebra to a reluctant seventh grader or balancing chemical equations to a confused eighth grader. Short of a career in math or science, the answer may have to be “I don’t know, but you still need to learn it!”

How often do we wonder the very same thing about God’s words to us in Scripture? “I’m not a murderer…I love my neighbor…I do unto others… and as for the rest, when am I even going to need THAT?”  Our students, being children, are caught up in themselves and their own immediate needs and wants. They can’t see past the challenging homework that will consume a portion of their evening free time. As parents and teachers, however, we are called upon to see the bigger picture. It’s not about ME and what I think is valuable or what I think I need. How do we know what we need? We are weak and sinful humans, who can only make a good decision or do a kind deed through the saving power of our Savior. If our thoughts and actions are not solely guided by the Holy Spirit, they are sinful thoughts and actions.

So: “When am I ever going to need THAT?” is every day, at every moment. If a word or action is not preceded by our plea for God’s guidance, it has no value. God is our Creator and He alone knows what we need. We certainly do not! What decisions are we making, and actions are we taking, that are following the dictates of our worldly sinfulness instead of the faithful and blessed call of our Father? Teaching that to the children is very challenging, but…they still need to learn it, as do we. It’s not about me, is it? It’s about Jesus, IN you and me!

Lutheran Schools Week was excellent! The children enjoyed many multicultural activities and experiences. We did some incredible singing, (the gym was ringing!) participated in some fierce Penny War competition, and cheered our teams on to Lutheran Olympic victories…or almost. Throughout it all, we gave thanks to our heavenly Father for the awesome blessing of St. Matthew Lutheran School, and for the congregation that so generously supports it. Five days a week, 96 children hear God’s Word in their ears! The annual LSW penny war resulted in over $1000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! The 5^th & 6^th grade won the luncheon for the most pennies and the 3th & 4^th grade for the most “bombs” (silver and dollars). They will be enjoying an Olive Garden sponsored salad & spaghetti lunch for their efforts. Our entire school family, and congregational family & friends, are to be commended for their generosity and our best penny war ever!

Congratulations to science teacher Ellenet Ventresca on winning a MacDonald’s Grant for $250 for weather equipment. Lots of cool (and warm!) weather paraphernalia will soon be in use.

ELA teacher Jamie Binkley and classroom teachers Jayme Beckwith, Lynelle Broeker, and Sharon McGuan are wrapping up the “Read to Ride” program sponsored by Darien Lake. Several students will be winning Darien Lake Park passes for completing many hours of leisure reading. Thank you, teachers, and good work, students!

State tests are fast approaching. Here at St. Matthew, we spend a very limited amount of time on test preparation, preferring to use our limited teaching time on curriculum. We do, however, strive to ready the students by familiarizing them with the test format and practicing strategies for time management, for example. All students, both general and special education students in grades 3-8, participate in the testing. Please pray for our students and their teachers, that St. Matthew may, in one more way, be an example of academic excellence and integrity.

The musical is fast approaching! Please mark your calendars for Thursday, May 17^th at 6.00pm and Friday, May 18^th at 1pm for our production of “Hans Bronson’s Gold Medal Mission.” The performances will be held in the lower level of the church, as Thursday evening’s performance will be a “Dessert Theatre” production. It will involve the consumption of as many desserts as you wish, during the performance. Please plan on attending this delicious event and bring along a dish of your favorite after dinner indulgence!

Watch for our second annual “Run the Race” forms to be coming in the mail or to be available in the church and school offices soon. This event involves pledging a dollar amount per lap or flat amount to a student who circles the driveway or Eggert Dr. block or an hour. The “race” (which is not really a race) is taking place on Thursday, May 24 @10am outside the school. Spectators and additional racers are always welcome!

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