Principal Corner

I was teaching PE class, and we were playing a type of chase game. I always tell my students to look where they are running and not behind them. Well, two students ran into each other and one student started blaming the other student. They said to me, “I was looking forward”. Usually this would go back and forth on who was at fault, but I took a quick look at the video footage in the gym. I saw the student looking forward and the other student turned into his path to avoid being tagged, but the person looking forward did not make a move to avoid the collision. They were looking forward, but had such tunnel vision they did not see the other student moving into their path. Sometimes in life we have real tunnel vision. We want to see things a certain way, so that is how we see it. We look at scripture with tunnel vision and only pick out the part that supports what we want to believe, instead of taking the full context of what God is saying. The God who loves us so much He sent His Son to die on the cross, also gave us the ten commandments to guide our lives. The God who brought the Israelites to the promised land, also let the Israelites be conquered and taken away into captivity because they had strayed from worshipping God. Tunnel vision can lead to conflict with others which can lead to division. You know who wants to divide us, the devil. Because when the people of God are divided, the body of Christ suffers. Let us become united in Christ and not divided by the things of this world.

**Volunteers & FANS Needed**

The sign ups are ready! You can see the tournament schedule by clicking the image above or visit the main page of the website and click on the banner!

FRIDAY, January 30th

To prepare for our tournament, this is a reminder there is NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, JANUARY 30th.

CHAPEL OFFERING: JANUARY

With January offering annually dedicated to raising funds for Lutheran’s for Life, with a friendly boys vs girls competition in each classroom to fill up baby bottles with money!

2nd Quarter Honor Roll

A Honor Roll:

5th Grade: Arielle Brunson, Kendra Ewert, TJ Holmes, Emma Manthe, Agnes Wolf

6th Grade: Emily Andreen, Talia Androli, Aveline Johnson, Kendall Lang

7th Grade: Malachi Benson, Analiese Owens, Zeb Wolter, Louis Ziemke

8th Grade: Kaitlyn Schoenfeld

B Honor Roll:

5th Grade: Cadence Grother, Tristan Olson, Britton Sprengeler, Parker Weber

6th Grade: James Malzahn, Hunter Netzke, Natalie Schoenfeld, Grant Trahms, Carter Winter

7th Grade: Avery Krueger, Aubriella Lehrke, Reagan Olson, Wyatt Ostgarden

8th Grade: Brody Berndt

Wednesday, February 4th @ 8:45 AM in TLS GYM

Get ready for a geography experience like no other! Our students are diving into the world of maps, continents, and countries — and let’s just say… they’re still figuring it all out.

We invite families to come enjoy a delightful geography showcase where curiosity is high, confidence is growing, and answers may be creative (and occasionally surprising!). Come celebrate learning in progress, big smiles, and the joy of discovering our amazing world together.

Each class had a little quiz in December to help determine the top two students of geography knowledge. Those students competing in the school wide Geography Bee are:

4th Grade: Savannah Ostgarden & Clinton Krueger

5th Grade: Emma Manthe & Arielle Brunson

6th Grade: Natalie Schoenfeld & Grant Trahms

7th Grade: Malachi Benson & Louis Ziemke

8th Grade: Lofton Johnson & Kaitlyn Schoenfeld

Teacher Feature

Third Grade

Have you heard about Kate DiCamillo? Our 3rd Grade Learning Family has started Quarter 3 with an author and book study of this amazing Minnesota author. Kate has won two Newbery Medals, and some of her books have even been turned into movies! We know the book is always better. Here are some of the books we are reading: Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Mercy Watson series, The Tiger Rising and so many more! Students are collaborating with others on making books about Kate DiCamillo's life and works on a digital program called StoryJumper. They have been researching and working hard! Here is a sample of some of their work. Enjoy!

**DOOR CODES**

IF you are not picking your child up and someone else on your list is, please let us know ahead of time so we can get them a door code. If you did not get a code and your child is not a regular, please contact the office for a code BEFORE your child will be attending SAC.
Preschool Parents, PLEASE USE YOUR code before school (before 8:10 am) and after school (after 3:15 pm). The teachers should not and cannot leave the students they are in charge of to open the door.
SAC Parents, your door code is only useable during PM SAC hours. If you are coming to the school for any other reason at any other time, you will need to ring the doorbell. This is for your child’s safety.
COMING SOON: SAC will use the SIDE door, the old “SAC Door” - currently there is a key pad there but the door is waiting on a part for it to fully function. Please use the front door or gym door still until further notice. When that door is finished, you’ll have access to the SAC door and the Gym door only instead.

POLICY PIT STOP

A feature highlighting a policy straight from the Parent-Student Handbook

CELL PHONES - STUDENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

We are a society that is reliant on our cell phones, the Internet, and the need to be in constant contact with our family and friends. Our students are no different. The vast majority of our upper grade students has a cell phone and belongs to one or more social media websites. It is our hope that our Trinity Family is using these avenues of communication in positive ways.

Because of these communication tools, a major issue across our country that our schools are dealing with is Cyber Bullying. It is defined as a student using the Internet, cell phone, or other technology to harass, embarrass, or threaten another student. We pray that this and other inappropriate texts/posts don’t happen here at Trinity. But we want to let families and students know that we will address these incidents if they occur.

“Let the words of my mouth (my text messages and Facebook posts) and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Portions of that verse are not in the original translation! However, it is a reminder that what we say or do should always make the Good Lord smile. We are responsible for our words and actions no matter where we are even if we type those words instead of saying them aloud for people to hear. The 10 Commandments do not stop when you are online.

The following guidelines apply to our Trinity Family and share how we will handle situations that are not acceptable in His sight.

Cell Phones/Smart Watches and other devices that connect to the internet

Cell phones will not be used or out during the entire school day. That includes in the Gym before school begins.
If a teacher or supervising adult sees a student using their cell phone, they will take it and give it to Mr. Stockman.
Confiscated cell phones will only be returned to parents. If they want Mr. Stockman to keep it… he gladly will!

Social Media

Facebook and other social media sites are not to be accessed by students at any time using computers owned by Trinity.
Always keep in mind that you are representing yourself, your family, your school, and most importantly your Lord when you are posting messages online.
No inappropriate comments should be made about teachers, parents, or other students of Trinity. You will be held accountable for your texts/posts.

Inappropriate Texts/Posts

Inappropriate texts/posts are determined the same way we treat the words that come out of our mouths. At Trinity we use three simple questions – Is it True? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? If you cannot say yes to Texts/Posts referring to a teacher, parent, or student in our Trinity Family that are deemed inappropriate need to be shared with the principal.
Trinity staff will only address instances where there is documented proof of the text/post. It is simple; save it and show it to a staff person. Only situations with evidence will be handled.
No matter when an inappropriate text/post is written about someone in our Trinity Family, Trinity has the right to get involved and give consequences when necessary. (See Bullying Policy)

A Note for Parents

Be nosey! Know what is going on in your child’s life. Even if they cry and scream, Jr. High students don’t have a right to privacy when it comes to the parent/child relationship. You should know their social media passwords so you can monitor their account. Grab their cell phone occasionally and check to see if you approve of their text messages. Cell phones and social media are a license to sin. It is incredibly easy to text or post something you know you would never say to someone face to face. For a twelve- and thirteen-year-old, this is a temptation that is extremely difficult to overcome. They are going to mess up. But it is our job as parents to use those incidents as teachable moments to talk about what it means to live for Christ and most importantly to be forgiven by Christ.

Yearbooks of the 2025-2026 School Year can already be purchased online!

Orders due by the last day of School, May 23rd, 2026.

Just click the image below! All current 8th Graders will receive a complimentary Yearbook from the TLS PTL!

MAJOR REMINDERS & Key Points

Please try to use Procare to send a message regarding students being absent. Remember when sending a message, to make sure it is clear when the student will be absent by using dates and times. Right now, we are waiting on some repairs of some of our technology so you cannot be let in unless someone is in the office. So in order to let you in properly, we need to know the date and time. This also helps reduce confusion as well. Your time is precious so we are trying to be as efficient as possible.
Our doors open at 8:10 am - 8:20 am. All K-8 students here before 8:10 am must enter via the gym door. Only if you need to speak to the office should you be ringing the doorbell and coming in the front before 8:10 am. The gym door is open, from 7:00 am - 8:20 am. You may have to tug a little harder but it should be open.
At the end of the day, doors open at 3:05 pm. We encourage you to wait outside for your child to ease congestion in our hallways.
If you come in the building during school hours, you must stop in at the office. This is a requirement, not a suggestion.
If children are being picked up during the day they MUST be signed out in the office. Please do not go searching the school for your child(ren).
Even if family members are “approved” for pick up, we still need to be notified when someone other than their parent/guardian is picking them up. Having them approved just means we have all the information we need from them ahead of time.
SAC and PK families: DO NOT share your door codes and please DO NOT use someone else’s door code. I will deactivate your code if I see they are being abused.
Even if you have a door code, it is only usable during those program hours i.e. SAC is from 3:15 pm - 5:30 pm.

We encourage you to share photos so others can enjoy them as well, during events and field trips! Plus, we can always use more for our yearbook. Add your photos to either place by clicking the corresponding button below.

LOOKING FORWARD

**Choir Dates**

The rest of the Choir Dates have been added to the Google Calendar for the individual choirs and the Lutheran Schools Week time that the entire school sings. All at 10:30 services.
Feb 15th: 3-5
March 1st: K-8
March 15th: 6-8
April. 26th: K-2

We challenge each family, to ask their employers or coworkers for a donation for the Silent Auction. Many companies have funds set aside for charitable donation! OR maybe your coworkers want to go in on an item?

If you have an even bigger item or donation, or your company would like to be a sponsor of Tribute to Trinity (see below), talk to Jacqie.

For each donation a family brings in, they will earn 1 hour of your required service hours (or more)!

EVENTS COMING SOON

Silent Auction and PTL Brunch Kick OFF: SUNDAY, MARCH 1st
Lutheran Schools Week: March 1st - 8th. Watch for more information about Book Fair, Spelling Bee, Activities & Dress Up Days
Tribute to Trinity: Friday, March 27th - Live Auction, Entertainment and Dinner. Look forward to a “wild” good time.
EASTER Break: April 1-6th: No School for Easter Break
Washington DC Trip: April 7-10th

The public review and comment period is open for the Waseca County Hazard Mitigation Plan from 11/24-12/8. See the posting below for more information.

Waseca County HMP News Release - Public Form Period

UPCOMING EVENTS!!! See Calendar below! You can also check out the Google Calendar under Parents > School Calendar to subscribe.

CROSSFIRE RESUMES Feb 8th!

Social time starts at 7:15pm and Crossfire begins at 7:30pm in the Trinity Discipling Center.

What to expect at Crossfire…

-Opportunities to sing contemporary Christian music with fellow youth believers in Jesus

-A short devotional led by one of the youth leaders followed up by break out discussion groups

-And a time for silent reflection and prayer

Come and see what it’s all about!

PTL President Position to be Open

After many years, Tina Schoenfeld has decided this will be her last school year as the president of the TLS PTL. They are actively looking for her replacement and wanted to give plenty of time for those interested to come to many meetings, experience first hand what happens “behind the scenes” of the events that get put on by the PTL, and shadow to help them decide. Contact Tina if you are interested: 507-573-3894 or trinityjanesvillePTL@gmail.com

Parent Corner

+++

Parent Corner +++

NEED PARENT SERVICE HOURS?

Trinity Lutheran School would not run or function without our families and all your hard work! We strive on showing our students a great work ethic and a drive to help and volunteer! Because of this, we ask that each family completes 10 hours of volunteer hours throughout the school year (if you only have a child in the Preschool, we only ask you complete 5 hours). Many events put on by PTL, Athletics and just helping around at the school provide plenty of opportunity to help out! Please don’t hesitate to check out the volunteer page on the website: https://seal-leopard-8yt2.squarespace.com/volunteer

CLICK HERE

RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR SCHOOL WHILE SHOPPING

An easy way to help our school is through the Box Tops for Education program. If you have a smart phone, you can do the following to start helping our school earn money.

Download the Box Tops for Education App
Open the app and connect Trinity Lutheran School Janesville (School ID: 84936)
You can pick a class to associate with your earnings (optional)
Buy products on the list and scan your grocery store receipt.

Anyone can earn box tops for Trinity so you can send a referral to aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and family. If you refer a friend and they download the app both you and the referred person can earn 25 bonus box tops. Box tops are worth 10 cents each. As a bonus, if you have a Walmart account, you can link your Box Tops to your Walmart account and any time you make a purchase at Walmart it automatically adds your box top points for you!

We get money for collected Hy-Vee Receipts!

This money goes directly to our school. For every $150 in Hy-Vee Receipts, the local Hy-Vee donates to schools enrolled in the Kash4Kids program.

They have a bonus competition this year and the school with the highest amount turned in for receipts also gets a bonus $100 given to them!

RECEIPT GUIDELINES:

Receipts can only be from 9/1/15-5/31/26 – anything from this past summer doesn’t count. Same for next year, don’t collect over the summer, they can only be collected during the months that school is in session.
ONLY Mankato Hy-Vee Locations
NO alcohol, prescription or gift card purchases count.
NO receipts that say “Cancelled” or “Duplicate”.

Hy-Vee gave over $5000 to local schools last year. We received $510.76!!! YAHOO.