Comet Connection

August 18, 2025

Dear Emmaus Families,

We had a great first week of school!

We started out our year of Unshakable Joy! on Wednesday in chapel where we looked at each part of Paul’s message in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. We talked about how joy in Christ does not depend on the circumstances around us, but is possible because of the promises we have in Christ. Chapel this week will be led by Mr. Warneke, a former Emmaus teacher. You are always welcome to join us for chapel on Wednesdays which begins at 8:30 a.m.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday night for our Back to School Night. We will gather together in the church at 6:00 p.m. for some general information and introduction of teachers, and then you will have a chance to go to your child’s classroom to hear specific information about that class. Please make arrangements to attend; this is a very important evening. We will have childcare available for students in K-8; please sign up ahead of time in the office, with Ms. Ynez or by filling out this form so that we will be able to sufficient staffing.

There is a lot of information below–be sure to read it all.

Blessings as you find Unshakable Joy in Christ daily!

Mrs. Spiva

Back to School Night is THIS Wednesday, August 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Parents are invited to meet in the church for announcements and then gather in their child's classroom to learn about the year ahead! If your child in K-8 needs childcare, please sign up here on this Google form or let Ms. Ynez know in person.

Minimum Day THIS Friday

This Friday, August 22, is a minimum day which means classes dismiss at 12:00. There will be Extended Day Care (EDC) available for a cost. No hot lunch will be served that day. Students may wear casual dress on minimum days.

Please note: Pajamas are not allowed to be worn on Casual Dress Days.

Homework Help

Homework Help will start this week. If you would like your child to have homework help time after school with one of our teachers for an hour, you will need to fill out the Homework Help Contract. Monday through Thursday after school spots are available. The cost is $15 per hour.

Cheer Practice Starts this Week!

Girls in 7th and 8th grade are invited to join our Cheerleading squad. We will have our first practice this Wednesday 8/20 after school until 4:00 p.m. The cost to join Cheerleading (for two years) is $75, and a uniform will be provided for you to use and then return. The cheerleaders will cheer at football games, basketball games, and pep rallies. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday (8/20): Cheer practice 3:15-4:00

Spirit Night NEXT Monday, August 25!

Next Monday is our first Spirit Night of the year. On Spirit Nights, we have a fundraiser at a restaurant to raise money for the "class of the month" and financial aid. This month we are going to Shakey's in Alhambra and the proceeds go to Preschool and Financial Aid.

Students may wear their Spirit Shirts to school on Monday, August 25 in celebration of our Spirit Night. If you need to purchase a Spirit Shirt, you may buy one from Mrs. Marousek in the 8th grade classroom for $20 (or send payment and size to your child's teacher or the school office). Proceeds for Spirit Shirts go to Student Government.

Every student that comes to support this fundraiser will get to have a FREE casual dress day the following day (Tuesday, August 26).

We hope to see you there! Address is: 2234 W Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803.

Band starting soon with Mr. Gross!

From Mr. Gross--our band director:

I am thrilled to announce the start of the second year of the band program at Emmaus Lutheran School, designed specifically for students in grades 4-8. This year, we will have two separate after-school sections: one geared toward our returning members, which will move at a faster pace and look at some exciting repertoire; and another for any new members, that will introduce your child to the joys of playing a wind instrument–from how to assemble it, hold it, make sound, and read notes, to ultimately make music as an ensemble. Each section will consist of two semesters, with the expectation that students will participate in both semesters.

Program Details (Aug. - Dec.):

Instruments Offered: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion
Rehearsal Schedule:

Times are designed to not conflict with sports; if there is an issue, please let me know so we can work something out.

Mondays: 3:20-4:20PM (Beginning Band) / 4:30-5:30PM (Advanced Band)
Fridays: 3:20-4:20PM (both bands combined)
Start Date: Monday, August 25th
End Date: Monday, December 8th

Location: Rehearsals will take place in the church sanctuary balcony

What We’ll Learn: Students will start with the basics of their chosen instrument and progress to playing classic beginning band songs and exciting pep tunes. We are also planning to showcase their talents at the Christmas Extravaganza concert and potential pep performances at basketball games!

Rehearsal Dates:

August 25, 29
September 5, 8, 19, 22, 26, 29
October 3, 6, 10*, 13, 20, 27, 31
November 3, 7, 10, 17, 21
December 1, 5, 8

* early release WITH rehearsal (12:30-1:30pm; pack a lunch)

Concert Date

December 7th

Important Dates (NO Rehearsal):

September 1, 12, 15
October 17, 24,
November 14, 24, 28

Cost: The program fee is $360 for the semester. This covers instructional time, ensemble music, and performances. The cost does not include the rental or purchase of an instrument. If the fee presents a challenge, please reach out to discuss scholarship opportunities. The schedule has been crafted with the Emmaus sports schedules in mind to prevent conflicts; please inform me of any potential conflicts as early as possible.

Registration: To sign up, please complete the Google Form at the bottome of this section. Payments can be made in full or in installments either in the office or at the first rehearsal. Please make checks payable to Ryan Gross.

Instrument Note: Students must provide their own instruments, which can be rented (typically $25-40 per month) or purchased from any vendor. I have worked with Neighborhood Music School & Store and San Marino Music Center, and have also contacted Aeolus Music Instrument Repair, all of whom offer instruments to rent to students at competitive pricing. I am also available to help students explore the instruments and can answer any questions you might have.