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Principal's Weekly Letter - Dec. 19


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December 19th, 2025


Aloha ELS ‘Ohana,


"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" - Luke 2:11


First off, I would like to say thank you once again for the tremendous support of our Christmas Concert last Friday.  We really filled the church and the students did a great job!  Every song was a great reminder of the “gift” we celebrate this season.


Weekly Recap

The excitement was pretty evident this morning as soon as kids jumped out of their cars.  There were treats, presents, and pajamas.  The final day before Christmas is always filled with lots of fun Christmas activities.  Just a quick reminder that we dismiss at 1:30 (11:15-11:30 for preschool) with no after school care.


Although the excitement of Christmas was evident, we also did a little work in the classroom this week.  Preschoolers got to enjoy some time in the “snow”... Mrs. Lewis made a wonderful Amazon purchase. Kindergarteners learned how God protected Jesus from King Herod and practiced their memory verse.  1st Graders were great listeners and answered questions from special visitors as they prep for their visit to the Nature Center.  2nd Graders were doing a little writing about a story they read together.  3rd Graders practiced measured conversation during math time. 4th Graders learned about the Civil Rights movement and how segregation was unjust. 5th Grade worked together to complete their Tuesday portion of 5-a-day.  6th Grade and 7th Grade helped out at morning drop off on Thursday as a group of boys brought Christmas cheer by singing Christmas carols as students arrived on campus.  They also took their final Science tests of the semester.  8th Grade students in Algebra and Algebra II solved polynomial equations and used systems to solve linear equations.  


Tomorrow from 9-2 a local organization is using our campus to host a Christmas Craft Fair.  There will be a host of vendors. It looks like it will be a great event!  Come check it out.


Accreditation

Emmanuel Lutheran School is currently engaged in the accreditation process. In June 2019, ELS achieved accreditation through WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Following this, in March 2022, the requirements for the Mid-Cycle accreditation process were successfully fulfilled. At that time, a decision was made to pursue accreditation through HAIS (Hawaii Association of Independent Schools). This comprehensive accreditation encompasses full accreditation from WASC, NLSA (National Lutheran School Accreditation), and HAIS, a combination we refer to as the "trifecta." We successfully completed our initial accreditation in March 2025. The full site visit for this three-fold accreditation is scheduled for March 2027.


As part of this process, faculty members have been working diligently to respond to inquiries, identify areas for enhancement, and document institutional strengths. Furthermore, the school is undergoing a complete financial audit and actively soliciting input from all stakeholders. A detailed survey will be distributed to ELS families in late January. We strongly encourage all recipients to take the time to provide their feedback, as it is crucial to our ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standard of accreditation.


Construction on Campus

Over the break, the first phase of the new sportcourt will begin.  For a few months, it will just look like a bland slab of pavement.  However, over Spring Break (Phase 2) the surfacing, striping, and painting will take place.  We will have lines for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.  Phase 3 will take place over the summer when the remaining 3rd of the field will become turf.  This project is long overdue and we’ve explored lots of options.  ALL FUN RUN money will go towards this project.  We will set our goal pretty high and see how close we can get!  Be on the lookout for the FUN RUN website in early February.  


Calendar Items

  • December 19th - Early Dismissal - No E+ or Pre-Plus

    • Preschool 11:15-11:30 - No Pre+

    • K-8 - 1:30 - No E+

  • December 22nd - January 5th - Christmas Break

  • January 6th - Classes Resume - Start of 3rd Quarter

    • Priority Window for Enrollment will begin this week

    • All information will be emailed as soon as we return from Christmas Break

  • January 19th - Dr. Martin Luther King Day - No School

  • January 12th-23rd - MAP testing - Winter Session

  • January 26th - 30th - SPIRIT WEEK (aka Lutheran Schools Week)

    • Monday - Pajama Day 

    • Tuesday - Jersey Day 

    • Wednesday - “Swap” Day - Teachers dress like students/Students dress like teachers 

    • Thursday - Multiples Day (Twins/Triplets)

    • Friday - Spirit Week Shirt

    • More information on Spirit Week activities to come after the break.


Lunch Orders Due - December 31st for lunches the week of January 5th

Thank you to those who have submitted their lunch orders for January. If you have any questions regarding the menu or the new ordering process, please contact Mrs. Cambra. A reminder that no late lunch orders will be accepted.


Merry Christmas and we will see you in the New Year!!

God’s Blessings,


Mr. Rempfer


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