December 21, 2017
Dear Parents:
In my devotions this week, I came across the following.  I know that each of us have stuff in our lives.  LinusĀ¹s reading of scripture touched my heart and I wanted to share this with you.  I pray that your family has a very blessed Christmas!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!     by Darla Noble

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
in the days of King Herod, 
behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he who
is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him. When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all  Jerusalem with him.
 - Matthew 2:1-3

If you are a fan of the children's classic film, A Charlie Brown Christmas, you are probably aware of the unashamed references made to the true meaning of Christmas throughout the movie. The reading of Luke 2,
Charlie Brown bemoaning the commercialization of the holiday, his pleading with Sally and the others to keep the true spirit of Christmas, and his selection of a tree that is anything but flashy. One of the most poignant
messages in the movie, however, is more subtle, almost hidden. But it is that one I want to share with you today to remind you of the power of child born in a manger that went on to save the world from their sins.
As Linus stands center-stage, he recites from Luke 2; telling of the events the night of Jesus' birth. When he gets to the words, "fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy", something amazing happens; something that never voluntarily happens in any other Peanuts
film. Linus drops his blanket.
Linus dropping his blanket is no accident. He drops it because he believes the words he speaks, fear not.
So as we enter this final week of the Christmas season, I pray that you will drop any blankets you are holding on to. Fear not and celebrate the
birth of the Savior with great joy.
Pray: God, thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for his birth, death,
and resurrection. Let my Christmas celebration reflect the joy I feel for
the true meaning of this day. In JesusĀ¹ name, I pray, Amen.

JOY!
Albert J. Amling
Superintendent of Schools/Principal
In This Issue

The 2017-18 
Major Date calendar 
Click here  to access it.

Save the Date!
On Monday, January 22, Quaker Steak & Lube will donate 20% of food sales to Hales Corners Lutheran to benefit our athletic program!  Flyers will go home with the students after Christmas break.  All you need is an appetite and the flyer ~ it's an easy way for our school to raise money!

Please Note: Returning Student Waived Enrollment Fee deadline
The deadline for enrolling in TADS (without paying the enrollment fee) is January 5. Please note, we have streamlined the tuition agreements so you can complete both the enrollment and agreement in one step. The member discount will be credited once your tuition agreement is submitted. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Roberts  [email protected]

PIANO STUDENTS SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER 
Our HCL piano students and teachers have been busy this week, entertaining shoppers at the mall  as well as fellow students right here at HCL.  This past Sunday, piano students in grades 6-8 performed  in  the food court at Mayfair Mall.  What an awesome experience to play on the grand piano, entertaining
both the shoppers and our piano families! On Monday and Tuesday, piano students in grades 4-8 played 
favorite Christmas carols for their friends and teachers during both lunch periods.  Congratulations to  all of our piano students on their fantastic performances! Special thanks for sharing your talents this  Christmas season!
Upcoming Events
December 22-January 2: NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break
January 12:       6th-8th Grade History Bee, 2:00-3:20 pm Fellowship Hall, JC
January 18:       5th-8th Grade Spelling Bee, 9:30-11:15 am, Sanctuary JC
January 21-27:  National Lutheran Schools Week

Middle School Sport Events
January 5-6:     Immanuel-Dundee/Crystal Lake Tournament  7/8th Gr. "A" Girls
January 6-7:    Immanuel-Dundee/Crystal Lake Tournament  8th Gr. "A" Boys
January 11-14: Trinity-Racine Tournament 6th Gr. "Boys, 6th Gr. Girls
January 11-14: Our Redeemer- Wauwatosa Tournament 7th Gr. "B" Girls
January 13:      St. Paul-Grafton Round Robin Tournament 7th Gr. "B" Boys
January 18-21: Zion-Menomonee Falls Tournament 5th Gr. Boys and Girls
January 25-28: Wildcat Basketball Tournament

PLEASE See our Sycamore Calendar for all sports games, dates, times and destinations.
GRANGE CAMPUS
Give the Gift of Learner's Club for Children 3-5!
Are you looking for a unique gift idea?  We are excited to expand our Learner's Club in January and February with Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes! Our Learner's Club offers an extended lunch opportunity so that children in our AM preschool can be picked up from their morning class, eat lunch sent from home (milk will be provided), and have a gross motor time before enjoying afternoon activities.  Please  click here  for the online registration to reserve your spot!   

January Session
Ages: Children ages 3 - 5 years (JK3 or JK4)

Tuesdays in January (1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30)
Theme: Students will explore The Mitten, The Hat and other books by Jan Brett. Join us in learning more about these exciting stories and participate in fun activities that extend these tales.  

Wednesdays in January (1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31)
Theme:  Knights & Dragons - Ever wondered what it would be like to battle a dragon? Learn about knights and dragons through stories, drama and crafts.

Time:  12:30 - 3:00 pm OR 11:30 am - 3:00 pm with extended lunch*
Registration is now online, space is limited, click here to register !
*Extended lunch: Teachers pick children up from morning classes and accompany them to eat their lunch that they brought from home (milk will be provided) and take part in gross motor activities before beginning the transition into the Learner's Club classroom.
Lutheran High School News
Martin Luther
Job Opportunity: Cafeteria Assistant at Martin Luther High School
Summers off!
22 hours per week
Discount on tuition
Responsibilities include: cashier, food prep, serving and clean-up. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Apply at WeTeachTruth.org or contact Sandi Dolan at 414.421.4000 ext. 237

Community News
2018 Greenfield Little League Sign up Opens January 1.
Click here for more information.