Hello, Elementary Families!

As we enter a season of gratitude, we are reminded that thankfulness is more than a polite response—it’s a posture of the heart. Scripture encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), not just when things go our way, but because God is always worthy of our praise.

Gratitude helps shape our children into Christ-centered thinkers who see God’s goodness in everyday life. It strengthens joy, builds resilience, and shifts focus from what I want to who God is and what He has already given. To help foster a deeper, biblical sense of gratitude at home, here are a few simple and practical ideas to help grow a grateful heart at home:

1. “Thankful Three” at Dinner or Bedtime
Model and ask your child to share the following three things as a part of a family routine. This trains hearts to look for God’s work daily. Check out this resource from Connected Families for a list of thoughtful prompts.

One thing God did for them today
One person they’re thankful for
One thing they enjoyed

2. Notes of Thanks and Encouragement
Encourage children to write or draw thank-you notes. This builds appreciation for the people God places in our lives.

Teachers, coaches, cafeteria staff, siblings
Church volunteers and family friends

3. A Family Thanksgiving Prayer Jar
Each day, place a slip of paper inside that finishes the following sentence. Review together at the end of the month — a tangible reminder of God’s blessings.

“God, thank You for…”

4. Practice Gratitude in Challenges: Help children find at least one good thing even on tough days. This teaches them that God's presence remains constant!

“It was a hard spelling test, but I’m thankful for a brain that can learn!”

5. Serve Together
Choose a simple family service project. Gratitude grows when we give to others!

Donate or serve food at a shelter
Make cards for a nursing home
Pick up litter in your neighborhood

As partners in your child’s faith formation, we pray that gratitude becomes more than a seasonal activity — that it becomes a lifelong spiritual habit rooted in who God is and what He has done.

May our families “enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4) and carry His joy into every classroom, car ride, and dinner table.

Thank you for all you do to model Christ’s love at home. We are so grateful for YOU!

With joy,

Mrs. Yoder

Way to go, Panthers!!

Coin Drive: Our students raised over $5,500, which will purchase books for Fortify Home!

Natural Playscape: Because of the money that our students raised during the Fun Run last year, we have been able to see awesome projects come to life, like our new natural playscape!

Panther Pride: Our elementary students lined the hallways to cheer on our HS cross country team before they went on to Regionals!

Fostering Responsibility and Resilience

A heart posture of gratitude also counters entitlement, which has become a norm in our culture today. We are only interested in things that serve us, and we are definitely not interested in things that might be difficult or inconvenient. As parents, it takes intentional effort and follow-through to help our kids develop grit and responsibility, and this is hard work! Take a few minutes to read this excellent article from Connected Families to be encouraged and empowered with practical ways to build within our homes resilience, gratitude, and a desire to contribute and bless others.

Missions Partners

Each class partnered up with a missions organization during Go M.A.D. Week, and they will spend the rest of the year learning about, connecting with, praying for, and encouraging their missions partner. The first Monday of the month will be a Missions Monday where students can bring in an offering for the missions organization their class is supporting. We are thankful for this opportunity to help our kids understand all the ways that they can support missions here in our community and around the world!

Click Here to Register by November 3

Carline Reminders

Arrival: Please remember that students get picked up from holding room by their teachers at 7:45 each morning (8:15 on Mondays), so planning to arrive at that time will help your child start the day well and with a little less stress.

Dismissal: Carline ends at 3:05. Students being picked up by older siblings are taken to the foyer at that time, and all other students get signed into Aftercare. With the earlier dismissal, we aren't fighting MS/HS carline to get on campus for pick-up, so please plan to arrive by 3:05 so that your child does not have to get signed into Aftercare unnecessarily.

General: If other people are picking up or dropping off, please help them by communicating our carline procedures with them in advance.

Lunch Reminders

If your child needs a spoon or fork to eat their lunch, please pack one.
Practice opening items at home so that your kids be as independent as possible.
Remind students not to trade food or snacks at school.
Lunch visitors must have a background check on file and eat in a designated area.
If ordering school lunch...
- Check dates of field trips, appointments, etc. No refunds will be issued unless your child has an unplanned excused absence (illness).
- Check the menu to make sure your child will eat what is offered. We see a lot of food wasted every day. Choose the "bento box" option if you have a picky eater.
- Orders for the week must be placed by the Tuesday before.
- Contact our food service crew (genuine@lakewoodpark.org) with lunch order questions!

Click Here to Report Safety Concerns

Click here to register your 2nd-4h grader!

We're looking forward to our annual fundraising gala, especially as our school celebrates 50 years!

Even if you aren't able to attend the gala, you can still register to participate in the silent auction that night. There will be lots of great items up for grabs, including special experiences donated by our very own LP staff, exclusive seating at school events, and the opportunity for one student to be the Elementary Principal for the Day!