NID School Newsletter

Filled with living hope in Christ,

Confessing, Praising, and

Advancing His Kingdom.

School Newsletter: Summer 2020

Grace and peace to you in Christ!

As the summer begins and there will be some time for rest and sunshine, I wanted to share some updates as plans begin for the coming year. Although, we await the guidelines for reopening in the fall, there are many things to look forward to and be excited for!

Lois Stewart

Letter to Parents

As we move toward the start of the new school year, you may want to consider writing a general letter to the parents of your school community to share what school ‘may look like in fall’. Since we await word from the governor with regards to school reopening, maybe sharing some possible scenarios would be reassuring to them.

Congratulations and God’s Blessings

We give thanks to God for the faithful service of Julie Klopke as a District early Childhood Consultant for many years. Julie has accepted a call to St. John’s Lutheran in Indianapolis, IN. We pray that she and her husband Paul will be fulfilled in ministry in IN. God’s blessings, Julie and Paul!

School Sustainability Seminar

The dates are set and registration is open at www.nidlcms.org . Visit the website for registration details. We will meet at Walther Christian Academy on Monday-Tuesday, July 20-21 from 10am until 3pm. Please see the necessary guidelines on the website.

Video Message from President Allan R. Buss - Steps of Hope

“We don’t have answers but . . .

Jesus does have the answer.

Jesus does have us.

Jesus does have you."

Back to School Worship

When? Monday, August 10 from 9:00am to 12:00noon

Where? St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaGrange, IL

Why? To gather in worship and inspiration before school starts

If your whole staff can’t attend, we welcome even one or two to represent your school. Masks are required for this event.

The preacher for our service will be NID President Allan Buss.

The Keynote speaker will be Mr. Andy Pederson of Concordia University Chicago.

Let’s focus on getting our school year started in the name of Jesus and with excitement for the days to follow!!

Marketing Seminar

Save the date (September 29) and plan to join others that do marketing at their school. We will enjoy a day of learning at Bethany Lutheran in Naperville. The cost is $25.00 per person and you will take away resources and ideas for use at your school. Registration will go live on the NID website very soon.

Whoever does the marketing at your school is invited to attend (Admission Director, Principal, Secretary, a teacher, etc…).

Preparing for the 2020-2021 School Year

As you start planning ahead to the new school year, here are some things to keep in mind:

Monitor the websites of the CDC, IL Dept. of Health, your county and local departments of health.
Inventory and begin supply orders (if you haven’t) of necessary PPE, cleaning materials, etc…
Watch ISBE for updates that come through in your emails.
Join us on zooms that you get invitations for. It is a great way to connect, support, and meet other workers in the NID.
As you edit and update your handbooks, consider adding a statement that your school will do the best they can to secure the health and safety of the children in your care. Have the parent sign to show they understand. You may also want to consider a handbook or addendum to your current handbook to address the plan you are putting in place for the health and safety of the children.

Administrator and Athletic Director Zoom

During June two of the regional groups of schools requested to zoom together and primarily chat about health and safety of the athletic programs in the coming school year. A task force was assembled to draft a resource for schools to consider as they begin their fall athletic program.

An invitation will go out to all NID Administrators for a zoom call on Monday, July 27 ^th at 8:30am. The resource will be shared at that time for discussion. It is the goal to make sure all student athletes and spectators are safe as competition begins.

Resources from the National School Office

The theme for the 202-2021 school year is “Sent to Serve”.

Here are the links for important information for Chapel Talks and National Lutheran Schools Week:

Chapel Talks Page: http://www.luthed.org/chapel-talks/

NLSW Page: http://www.luthed.org/national-lutheran-schools-week/

Hearts for Jesus 2020-2021

The School Advisory Cabinet has chosen the mission focus for the 2020-2021 school year. It will be the Belize Mission that the Northern Illinois District has adopted as a world mission outreach program. Watch for resources to be shared soon.

Empower Illinois

The tax credit scholarship has been approved for the coming year!! Empower Illinois worked very hard to support and educate schools and donors. Please find some helpful information attached. Start seeking donors to support the students that have a desire to attend your school.

Empower Illinois Flyer

Increasing Donor Investment

How to Donate Tax Credit

Understanding the Tax Credit

Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools

ICNS has done wonderful work in support of our non-public schools during the last several months. The lobbyists spent many hours working for our schools. Please consider joining the ICNS if you are not already a member. The $125.00 annual fee is well worth the investment. You may join by visiting www.incs.net .

Leadership Conferences

I thank you for your flexibility as venues for some seminars and conferences have changed due to COVID-19. We continue to be thankful for the willingness of congregations that have enough space to open their doors to us so we can worship and learn together.

The flexibility in meeting together as God’s people will be a time of growing in Him and growing in topics that will strengthen our schools (both early childhood and elementary grades). Due to the uncertainty of meetings sites and guidelines, we will be sending out the registration material in the very near future. The registration fee for the three meeting dates will be $50.00 for administrators (total) and each guest will be assessed $10.00 per date.

The schedule currently in place for the 2020-2021 Leadership Conferences is as follows:

Monday, September 28 at St. John’s, LaGrange. We will meet from 9:00am until 11:30am. Due to some guidelines for meetings, we will not serve morning coffee or lunch.

Monday, February 1 prayerfully at Concordia University Chicago.

Monday, April 19 prayerfully at Concordia University Chicago.

The Leadership Planning Team will keep you informed as dates gets closer.

TEC21 Update

LCEF Joyful Response Webinar Recording

What's Next? Resource Now Available

The LCMS Northern Illinois District has assembled a report of resources and information on the reopening of our churches and schools. Part I includes information for our churches on best practices as well as outreach and ministry to those in need.