GPLHS Monthly Update
February 2021
Prayer for Great Plains Lutheran High School
Lord Jesus, as we marvel at your words and works, we pray that by the power of the gospel you would bless all who study and meditate upon your Word. Strengthen the faith of all those who are enrolled at our Lutheran schools. Let your hand of blessing be upon the faculty and students of Great Plains Lutheran High School, and grant increasing opportunities to work with families and students in the year to come. Work through us as ambassadors of your grace, that many more may know you by faith and live to your glory. Amen.
Board of Directors Update- Call Accepted
Our Board of Directors met on January 9. In addition to a general review of activities and plans for this school year and next year, a key portion of the meeting was devoted to calling a Director of Mission Advancement. This call has been extended to Mr. Jeff Roloff. Jeff served in the Dakota-Montana District for 18 years, nine of them as instructor and athletic director at GPL. Jeff and his wife Sarah currently teach at St. Jacobi Lutheran School in Greenfield, WI. We are happy to share that Mr. Roloff has accepted this call.
Wish List Item- Safety Cabinet
It is time to update and enhance the safety features of our science equipment storage. The science classroom is in need of this safety cabinet to store flammable science experiment supplies. Gifts totaling $660 will cover the cost of this item. You can contribute by clicking HERE and designating your gift to "Wish List - Science Safety Cabinet" or by calling the office and talking with Mrs. Hesford, our new business manager.
2021-2022 School Registration
It's time to prepare for the 2021-2022 school year! The new student application process and returning student registration process begins February 1, 2021. Information can be found at www.gplhs.org under Our School>Admissions. Please contact the GPLHS office if you have questions or need assistance.
One Act
The regional competition took place on January 20th, 2021 in Brookings. The cast performed on the new stage at SDSU. Because of COVID concerns and SDSU policy, the regional competition was closed to all spectators. GPL placed 3rd at regions with their performance of Teachers on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. 8 students received superior medals for their performances. Go Panthers!
Basketball Schedule
There are many basketball games, home and away, in February. To keep up on the schedule for all the girls and boys games go to www.gplhs.org. On the Home page you will find the upcoming games in the Athletic Events section. The schedule for all activities can be found by clicking Calendar in the menu bar. Be sure to also read the ‘COVID Spectator Policy.
Concession Stand Volunteers Needed
There are many opportunities in February to join our concession stand crew. The money raised by this volunteer work for the Booster Club provides support for numerous student programs. Thank you so much to the families, relatives and friends who have volunteered many hours to ensure a successful season and provide an inviting experience at our home games. Would you like to volunteer? Go to gplhs.org and click the ‘Volunteer Concession Sign Up’ button or phone Mrs. Miller in the office - 605-886-0672.
Parents Night
During the February 18th quad basketball game against Waverly/South Shore, GPL parents of cheerleaders, and of the boys and girls basketball players will be recognized.
The girls JV game will begin at 4:00 p.m. with boys JV, girls varsity, and boys varsity games to follow.  
Oral Interp
Our Oral Interp team received the Team Excellence Award at the state festival. We congratulate the following students on their Superior ratings:
·        Duet Interpretation - Lydia & Norah Kratz
·        Reader's Theatre - Lydia and Norah Kratz, & Bailey Wolff
·        Storytelling - Maria Gabel
·        Humorous Reading - Norah Kratz
·        Poetry Reading - Olivia Zanto 
Staffing Changes
During the month of December we took the opportunity to thank and pray for God’s blessings upon Rev. Paul Lindhorst, who has accepted a call to serve as a WELS Christian Giving Counselor in southeast Wisconsin, and Liz Arndt, who is retiring after serving 25+ years as our business manager. May God bless both them and their families as they transition to new ways of serving.
Mrs. Kathleen Hesford has been hired as our new business manager. Welcome Kathleen! Kathleen has spent several weeks training with Mrs. Arndt and getting acclimated to her new position. She looks forward to getting to know many of you as she serves in this position.
Seeking a Mission Advancement Assistant
Another GPL staff position is opening as our Mission Advancement Assistant, Janine Pluger, and her husband Chris prepare to move to Africa. A description of the position and an application have been posted on our website. Please share this information with those who might consider serving in this way. Interested individuals are encouraged to inquire about the position and/or apply by Feb. 7.
Construction Progress Update
Footings and foundation work on the fine arts addition were completed in December, and structural steel was in place by mid-January. Work on enclosing the structure was the focus in January. Foundation work on the new kitchen/commons link was completed in early January, and setting the structural steel was the January focus.

The current schedule calls for the Kitchen/Commons to be completed in August, and the Chapel/Auditorium/Music Room to be completed in October. Please pray for favorable conditions, for materials supplied in a timely manner, and continued progress toward our goal.
UiP Finishing Touches
Our United in Praise capital campaign is now focused on Finishing Touches, our effort to provide all of the items needed to furnish and equip the new facilities being constructed on our campus. These furnishings will enable our students and programs to get the greatest benefit from our new spaces. Because the cost of these items is not included in our construction financial plan, we are asking individuals and groups to cover the cost of one or more of the needed items. You can check the progress and make a donation at bidpal.net/finishingtouches.
Financial Update
The Annual Support Goal for the 2020-2021 school year is $948,000 (from individuals, congregations, and organizations). Contributions during the first half of the fiscal year (July-December 2020) totaled $393,000; this is $80,000 less than budgeted. We are truly grateful for all of the gifts that have been given in support of our ongoing ministry, and we invite gifts that will help us continue this ministry of Christian education to God’s glory. 
Dates to Note
  • Feb 12 & 15        No School- Winter Break
  • Feb 18                 Basketball Parents Night
  • Feb 20                Winter Formal Dance
OUR MISSION
Great Plains Lutheran High School provides a Christ-centered education to assist families in nurturing students as lifelong disciples of Christ.