Weekly Update #2
September 3, 2021
Devotional Thought By Pastor Hansen - John 6:68-69
John 6:68-69 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know you are the Holy One of God.”
Knowing where to build a new edifice or structure is just as important as construction. Build on the wrong foundation. Crash. Build on the right foundation. Success and a long standing building. Peter knew where to build his faith. It wasn’t on the sand of mere human words or anything else. It was on Jesus’ words of salvation through which the Spirit creates and strengthens faith. What a good cue for us to keep on doing the same. Through the truth of the Word- the Rock, the Spirit creates saving faith in my heart and assures me that Jesus lived a perfect life for me and died to pay for my sins. Jesus has rescued me from the devil’s grip and has given me strength to live for God. No question about it - it’s on Jesus that we build and keep on building. His words give eternal life. His words are the power of God for the salvation of those who believe. He alone is our rock and our salvation. Praise be to the Lord! As the hymn writer has penned, (Christian Worship A Lutheran Hymnal 181 vs. 1) “Come, oh come, life giving Spirit, God from all eternity. May your power never fail us; dwell within us constantly. Then shall truth and life and light Banish all the gloom of night.” Amen.
 New
Question about Free Lunch
Aware that some schools are providing free lunches to their students, we have had some parents ask if GPL can do this. GPL does not currently participate in the National School Lunch Program and therefore is not in a position to offer free lunches. Participating in the National School Lunch Program is something we may consider as our new commercial kitchen comes online.
Keep up on Athletic Events
Between now and next week Friday there are SIX GPL athletic events. Be sure to check the GPLHS calendar on our website to get the most up to date information for times and locations. This information and directions to away locations are also found on the Parent Resource page of the GPL website - CLICK HERE

Dorm Closing Information
Monday, Sept 6 is Labor Day. There is no school and the dorm closes for the weekend. Below are important times to remember.
Friday, Sept 3: Dorm closes - 4:30 p.m. (for those involved in athletic activities 1 hour after you return from your event)
Monday, Sept 6: Dorm Opens - 4:00 p.m. (no dinner is served this night)
Tuesday, Sept 7: Classes Resume
Hosts for Long Distance Dorm Students
 “Thank you” to all of you who are hosting students who are not able to make it home for the Labor Day Weekend. Your hospitality and love......
GSI Volunteers Needed!
Are you looking for something to do? GSI is looking for people who would like to volunteer at the store. Your volunteer hours could help a student get a $600 tuition discount/grant if the number of volunteer hours is met. All you need to do is complete the sign-up form.  
CLICK HERE for the form.
College Visits
  Parents of Juniors and Seniors, these two school years are the prime time to explore the possibilities of post high school education with your child(ren). These visits are a very important part of looking forward to college. If a school visit is planned, I encourage two things: 1) Go with your child(ren). It is an excellent way to.................
Financial Seminar Dates
GPLHS students can sign up for a 9 month membership at the October 30, 2021, 9am-11am, FAFSA Fill Out Event - Senior Families, on October 1, 2021, you are invited to be part of al FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Fill Out Event for.............
Panther Spirit Wear Store
GPL Online Store: Check out the newest Panther Gear! Orders are being filled continually and are able to be shipped directly to your location. Check out the newest online store today!

 Student Council Update By Secretary Norah Kratz
Homecoming Planning-
Student Council has begun discussing Homecoming Plans, including the Dance, Theme, Games, and more!
Mission Project-
The Student council has come to the decision that for semester one, our Mission Project Offering will be............
 Current
PowerSchool Parent Portal
If you do not have your PowerSchool log in information, please contact Mrs. Miller, gplhs@gplhs.org for your username and password. PowerSchool Parent Portal is used to monitor student academic progress. Everyone is encouraged to use this helpful tool.
Concession Volunteers
With the start of another school year comes the opportunity to support our students and student programs by volunteering to help staff our concession stand. The next event is the volleyball match vs Estelline/Hendricks on September 14. Numerous other dates and events are also listed. You can sign up using SignUpGenius at the link below. Thank you for supporting our students and programs!
Click Here to sign up!
AmazonSmile
You can now use the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile phone to sign up for AmazonSmile and select "Great PlainsLutheran High School" as your favorite charity. Amazon purchases can help make a difference for GPL by.......
Samantha Bendix.............Senior of the Week
Nickname: Sami, Sam, Sam B, Salami, Samiboo
Where are you from: Sioux Falls
Plans after High School: Public Health
Sport/Activities: Volleyball, Honor Choir
Favorite Bible Passage: Jeremiah 29:11
Advice to Underclassmen: Don't care about others; just stay true to yourself
Favorite Musician: Harry Styles
Favorite Movie: Elf
Favorite School Lunch: Chili and cinnamon rolls
Favorite Color: Coral
Dream Vacation: Bora Bora
Favorite High School Memory: Crumble Cookies
Favorite School Subject: English
Favorite Animal: Dolphin
Dates to Note
Sept. 6........No School - Labor Day
Sept. 11.......BOD Meeting 10 a.m.
Sept. 17.......First Quarter Midterm
Sept. 24......Grandparents Day
Sept. 24......Cross Country and Football Parents Night 7:00 p.m.

Please click on the "Two Week View" below for a complete activities schedule.
Panther Scoreboard
Football
8/27
GPL V 0 vs. North Central 35 Panther loss
Volleyball
8/28
GPL V vs. Waverly/South Shore Panther victory
GPL V vs. Wilmot Panther victory
GPL V vs. Hamlin Panther loss
GPL V vs. Dell Rapids Panther loss
Volleyball
8/31
GPL C 1 vs. Hamlin 2 Panther loss
GPL JV 0 vs. Hamlin 2 Panther loss
GPL V 0 vs. Hamlin 3 Panther loss
9/2
GPL JV 1 vs. Tri-State 2 Panther loss
GPL V 3 vs. Tri-State 0 Panther victory
Cross Country
First meet on Thursday, September 9th
Quote of the Week: "The more we learn and retain, the more we can learn and retain." -David A. Sousa
Our Mission
Great Plains Lutheran High School provides a Christ-centered education to assist families in nurturing students as lifelong disciples of Christ
 1200 Luther Lane NE, Watertown, SD 57201 | gplhs@gplhs.org | 605-886-0672 www.gplhs.org | Facebook.com/gplhs