Panther Paw News

Friday, November 7th, 2025

In This Issue

Abi's Announcements

Staff Spotlight

Panthers Dine-Out

MomCo - Motherwise Donations

Job Opportunities

Watch D.O.G.S.

Operation Christmas Child

Advent by Candlelight

School Photo Make-Up

Matching Gift

Teachers Snack Sign Up

Important Dates

Lunch and Snack Menu

Arrival/Departure Reminders per Parent Handbook


Due to childcare regulations, all children in the center must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian. The sign in and out process is completed on a classroom iPad by a parent or guardian typing in his or her unique 4-digit PIN code in the Tadpoles application.

*For State Licensing compliance, it is essential that families use their assigned 4-digit PIN to check children in and out each day. Please always check your child in or out from the PIN code screen (shown here) on the iPad.


We ask that parents/guardians bring their children on time. Structure and routine are important to maintain for children. We request that you arrive between 7:30am and 8:45am. We would like our students to have the space to settle in and get acclimated to the classroom climate prior to needing to sit down for circle time or a more focused table activity with teachers. We also want to minimize the distractions from those activities for other children as best as we can.


The ELC requires parents to pick up their children before 5:30pm. Please call the ELC emergency cell phone if you believe you will be later than 5:30pm. The ELC emergency cell phone number is: 720.270.3579. A qualified staff member will stay with your child until they are picked up.

**Children will be turned over to the local police to be placed into shelter care if they have not been picked up by 30 minutes after the closing time of the center and the ELC staff member has been unable to make contact with the parent/guardian. For late pick-ups, the family is charged $20 plus $1/minute after a five-minute grace period.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

Psalm 34:4-5,8

Ms Marenda


Hi there! My name is Marenda Macking, and I am the new Director of Children and Family Ministry for St. John’s and Renewal. I graduated from Concordia University Irvine with my Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and earned my Director of Christian Education credential there as well.

For the past seven years, I have had the joy of working in ministry with kids, teenagers, and adults. Each season of ministry has been such a gift, and I love seeing how God works uniquely in every age group. This past August, I stepped into my new role here at St. John’s after previously serving just down the road, at Redeemer in Fort Collins.


What I am most excited about is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with kids and families, walk alongside children in their spiritual growth, and support families in nurturing faith at home. One of the things I love most about ministry is creating spaces where kids know that they are loved by Jesus, and where families feel supported in living out faith at home. 


In my free time you can usually find me outside. I love four wheeling, fishing, and hiking. I have found that spending time in God’s creation is one of the best ways for me to recharge. At home, I have 2 Rottweilers and a Shikoku who keep me on my toes! When I am not outdoors or with my dogs, I stay caught up with hockey when I can (Go Lightning!!).



Above all, I am truly grateful for the chance to serve here at St. John’s and Renewal. I cannot wait to see how God continues to work in and through our kids, families, and volunteers this year!

Support our school!

Upcoming: Panthers Dine-Out Nights at

Chook on Pearl St

MomCo St. John's is excited to welcome Abrian London from

Motherwise

at our November 18th meeting! She will be accepting donations for families in need. Please consider donating your gently used items and join us for an exciting meetup from 6-7:30p on November 18th!

Please register HERE for the meeting to let us know you are coming!


Learn more about Motherwise HERE

Donated items can be brought directly to the ELC office please.

The ELC is looking for Part-Time Assistant Teachers. The ideal candidates for this position enjoy working with kids and want to support children in the classroom during the foundational years of their lives. These candidates would be willing to learn and follow the State Licensing requirements for Early Childhood Education programs. CLICK HERE for a complete job description.


The ELC is also looking for a Full-Time Afternoon Lead Teacher to support the closing team and ensure that all closing tasks are completed each day. The ideal candidate for this position will want to enhance learning for students of multiple age groups at the end of the school day, and will exhibit leadership and communication skills. Preference will be given to a candidate who is familiar with lesson planning and assessments via SmartTeach. This person must meet Early Childhood Teacher qualifications through the State of Colorado. CLICK HERE for a complete job description.


If you are interested in either of the above positions, please send cover letter and resume to Abi Newell.

We are hiring: ELC-8th Grade Marketing Coordinator


We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative Marketing Coordinator to join our team at St. John’s School. Our Marketing Coordinator will be responsible for promoting St. John’s School (ELC-8th Grade) to prospective families and the broader community, increasing awareness of our programs, and supporting enrollment initiatives. The Marketing Coordinator will create compelling communications across digital and print platforms, coordinate events, and collaborate with staff to tell the story of our school in a way that reflects our Christian values and mission and positively influences enrollment and retention.


We invite families to share this opportunity with others in their network who may be a great fit for this role.


Please see here for more details. Interested parties should contact Dr. Barnard directly.

St. John's WatchDOGS

Thank you David for volunteering and helping keep our school safe!


Click here to review the available dates and sign up.


We’re excited to invite the men of our community to be part of Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) here at St. John’s ELC-8th Grade.


This program welcomes dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other special men to volunteer at school and make a difference in our students’ lives.


The purpose of Watch D.O.G.S. is to:


  • Provide positive male role models for students, showing that education matters.
  • Add extra eyes and ears to help support safety and student well-being.
  • Give fathers and father figures a unique opportunity to experience our school day and their child’s learning firsthand.

Advent by Candlelight

You are invited to join us for a night of beauty and inspiration to start the Holiday season! Please come and attend the largest women's event St. John's Church sponsors. Please sign up HERE.

__________________________________________


Men, we need YOU! Looking for men volunteers in all capacities, to serve our community of women on this fun and beautiful night. Please consider signing up HERE.

SUGARlight Photography is offering a make-up day for anyone who missed out on our picture day.


When: Saturday, November 15th

Where: DTC area

Sign-Up and Details

HERE - Mini Sessions - Picture Make-Up Day


Please reach out to SUGARlight directly if you have any questions.

Exciting Matching Gift Opportunity


A generous alumnus has offered up to $125,000 in matching funds to help offset the cost of recent building improvements, freeing up resources for future projects.


We are so thankful to have already received over $82,000 towards this matching fund.


If you would like to contribute toward this fund, St. John’s gratefully accepts donations in the following forms:


  • Cash
  • Checks
  • Credit cards (via Vanco)
  • Wire transfers
  • Stock gifts
  • Cryptocurrency


For assistance with wire transfers, stock gifts, or cryptocurrency donations, please contact Dr. Barnard directly.

Let's celebrate our teachers by showing how much we love them and appreciate all they do for our kiddos with a treat at the end of the week -

snacks & drinks or coffee & chocolate on Fridays! Please bring in your contribution to the ELC office and we will gladly set them out for our teachers. Feel free to drop off items at pick-up on Thursday or drop-off on Friday morning.


Please no food containing nuts, as we want to be cautious of allergies in the ELC. It is preferable for store bought and individually wrapped items, if possible.


We still have sparkling water left over from last year, so please consider different beverage choices (ie. iced tea, juice, soda cans, coffee jug/box/cans - no glass please ).


Thank you so much for your partnership to show our amazing teachers how much we love them with this kind and heartfelt gesture!

Important Dates to Remember


Tuesday, November 25th - Grandparents' Day, 8:00-10:00am


Wednesday, November 26th - Friday, November 28th - ELC Closed for Thanksgiving


Saturday, December 6th - ELC Christmas Program, 4:00pm (students arrive by 3:45pm)


Monday, December 8th - Advent by Candlelight, 6:00-8:30pm


Lunch and Snack Menu

November 10- November 14


Monday Lunch: Chicken Tacos

WW Tortilla

Pinto Beans

Cold Corn Salad

Snack: WW Pumpkin Bread & Sliced Turkey


Tuesday Lunch: Beef with Spanish Rice

Sauteed Zucchini

Par Steamed Cauliflower

Snack: WW Graham Crackers & Sliced Peaches


Wednesday Lunch: Chicken Paprikash w/ WW Pasta

Garden Salad w/ Ranch Dressing

Par Steamed Broccoli

Snack: Pinto Bean Dip & WW Tortilla


Thursday Lunch: Three Bean Chili

WW Cornbread

Steamed Mixed Veggies

Applesauce

Snack: Yogurt w/ Granola


Friday Lunch: Sliced Turkey & Cheddar Cheese Sandwich on WW Bread

Sliced Cucumber w/ Ranch Dressing

Par Steamed Carrots

Snack: WW Soft Pretzel Bites & String Cheese


"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. 
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil 
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 
or call (800)795-3272 (voice) or (220)720-6382  (TTY). 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Tax ID# 84-0461558
Connect with Us: