Announcements

For your long-term planning purposes, here are the major calendar dates for the next school year. We coordinate to a degree with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) calendar, but are unable to do so entirely with our later start. We have approximately the same number of school days within a shorter span. Parents with students at Lutheran and a DCSD school will notice LuHi has a slightly shorter (and different) Fall Break, two days at Easter, and other differences unique to Lutheran. The timing of our Fall Break has been based on a multi-state conference LuHi faculty attend to grow in our faith and professionally.

• New Student Orientation: August 14
• First Day of School (Freshmen & Sophomores): August 15
• First Day of School (Juniors & Seniors): August 16
• Fall Break: October 9-11 (Different than DCSD)
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27-29
• Christmas Break: December 19 - January 6
• School Resumes: January 7 (Tuesday)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School): January 20
• Presidents' Day Break: February 14-17
• Spring Break: March 17-21 (Aligns with DCSD)
• Good Friday & Easter Monday (No School): April 18 & April 21
• Last Day of School: May 21
• Graduation: May 21

Locker Assignments - If students would like to begin loading their lockers, early next week during picture times is a great option! Please consult Mr. Thomack’s email, LHS - Student Schedules Are Live - Please Read This First, for directions on accessing class schedules and locker assignments in FACTS.

Student Schedules & Changes - Schedule changes can be made in the following ways and at the following times:

Students can email schedules@lhsparker.org for changes:

• Monday, August 12: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (in-person at school)
• Tuesday, August 13: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (in-person at school)
• Wednesday, August 14: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (in-person at school)

Changes may also be made through the end of the first full week of school (August 23), so it’s okay if these dates don’t work well for your family as you try and make the most out of the last days of summer.

Important Reminder: Two First Days - We will have two first days of school this year to allow for an introduction to life on campus before the following Monday (our first full week of school). Students not scheduled will not have school on that day.

Both Thursday, August 15 and Friday, August 16 will operate with our Tuesday-Thursday schedule in the 2024-2025 Bell Schedule.

Thursday, August 15 (Full Day) - Freshmen & Sophomores only (Begin in Gym at 7:45 AM)

Friday, August 16 (Full Day) - Juniors & Seniors only (Begin in Gym at 7:45 AM)

Opening Convocation on Thursday & Friday - We want to begin our school year the right way! We will gather for an Opening Convocation, a time to begin the year with prayer, a devotional, and general announcements. We will begin in the Gym at 7:45 AM (the time labeled “Office Hours” on our 2024-2025 Bell Schedule).

Students will receive new copies of their class schedules (changes may have been made to balance class sections) when they arrive at school and are advised to leave enough time to get their schedules, unload their things, and be in the Gym at 7:45. We’ll leave plenty of time to get to the first class.

Backpacks in Lockers - We are again asking that all backpacks be stored in lockers during the day after students arrive at school in the morning. This is very helpful to us as students navigate the hallways between classes, as teachers walk around classrooms, and as we attend chapel, lunch, pep rallies, etc. It’s certainly okay to bring materials for more than one class at a time to skip a visit to a locker, but it’s important that we don’t have backpacks congesting aisles, rows, and hallways. Thank you!

Lunch for Sale - Beginning on Tuesday, September 3 (day after Labor Day), lunch will be available for purchase. Lutheran does not offer a hot lunch program, but does serve food from local restaurants as a fundraiser for campus organizations. Students are always encouraged to bring other lunch items or have non-perishables on hand if supplies run low (especially in the initial days of perfecting the orders). More details to follow about days and offerings.

Reminder: Questions About Dress Code - Our desire and request is that the Lutheran High School student body, with support from their families, joyfully follow the Dress and Appearance Code at Lutheran High School and honor the expectations that accompany being a member of the Lutheran High School Family. For general questions about dress code items, please contact Dean of Students, Mr. Britt Gusmus at britt.gusmus@lhsparker.org or Assistant Principal, Mr. Paul Blomenberg at paul.blomenberg@lhsparker.org. Thank you!

Student-Parent Handbook & Dress Code - Please take time to review our Student-Parent Handbook. I especially encourage you to read the Dress and Appearance Code that begins on page 23 (It is also a stand alone document at Dress Code under “Other Forms”). Dress code, along with punctuality, are two items that are addressed regularly at LuHi.

A LuHi Value - Our Student-Parent Handbook states that, “Lutheran High School perceives education as a professional activity and has adopted a conservative approach to the type of clothing appropriate for school dress. Therefore, LHS minimizes the focus on fashion and moves students to a certain degree of conformity. Basically, school clothes should reflect Christian modesty, be neat and clean, and convey a school-appropriate appearance.”

We believe there is important work to be done at school and want our students to be prepared for each day in accordance with these expectations. We consider this to be life preparation! Our desire is to create an environment and culture where we can focus on what’s most important and not be distracted by any dress or appearance (inappropriate messaging, immodesty, conveying not being ready for the day, etc.) outside of the standards set forth in our handbook.

Partnership with Students and Parents - Students, please be familiar with our Dress and Appearance Code and make sure and ask (in advance) if you have any questions. Additionally, please honor our Dress and Appearance Code. We want to encourage you to be all-in at LuHi, which includes respecting the policies that are in place. Respecting policies doesn’t have to mean agreeing with all of them; it’s just not an option to willfully ignore them. We know you’re up for the challenge and want you to be successful!

We fully recognize that we have some policies in place that run counter to the latest trends. We’re okay with that and want the individual components of our Dress and Appearance Code to be in harmony with our school values. We believe we have set forth reasonable expectations with many options!

Parents, thanks for your help! We want to partner with you and so appreciate your willingness to start the dress code conversations even before your students leave for school in the morning. We are always receptive to questions!

Students are asked to keep building and seasonal temperatures in mind and be in dress code with the outermost layer that is seen. We want students to be comfortable, but cannot allow non-dress code hoodies, for example, because a student has shared they are “in dress code” underneath.

Casual for a Cause Days - When we announce a Casual for a Cause Day, it will generally be on Friday unless otherwise shared. Casual for a Cause Days are not guaranteed every week and are not a time for students to disregard other elements of dress code and wear hats; out-of-code piercings; clothing that is immodest (fingertip length still applies), torn, or more leisurely attire (i.e. pajama pants, etc.).

Generally speaking, students wear appropriate t-shirts with larger logos, sweatpants, and non-LuHi hoodies for Casual for a Cause days. We are grateful for these occasional and fun diversions that support good causes and ministry!

Violating Dress Code - Not the most fun heading for an announcement, but here’s the good news - this should never have to happen! It’s totally within students’ control to be in dress code. We ask that students in violation of our Dress and Appearance Code be sent to the office for a conversation and to fix the issue immediately. There isn’t an option to return to class without the issue being addressed and fixed.

As I mentioned earlier, we believe there are so many options for students that are in alignment with our Dress and Appearance Code. If a student has repeated violations, they will move through our Five-Step Disciplinary System (in Student-Parent Handbook) and consequences will increase with frequency of inappropriate appearance. If a student receives six dress code violations, they will be recommended for expulsion from Lutheran High School. Specific details and accountability procedures are included in our Student-Parent Handbook 2024-2025 and Dress Code document under Violating Dress Code.

We are looking for ownership and have every confidence that our students can do this!

Dance Dress Code - The Dress and Appearance Code also includes a Lutheran High School Dance Dress Code (begins on page 25) for dances. Generally speaking, we have been so blessed with great judgment at dances and have not seen all of the items listed in the handbook. We know that the culture pushes boundaries and we wanted to provide some guidelines. If young women or their families have any gender-specific questions related to this policy, please be in communication with our Dean of Women, Mrs. Alicia Kidston (alicia.kidston@lhsparker.org). If young men or their families have any gender-specific questions, please be in communication with our Dean of Students, Mr. Britt Gusmus (britt.gusmus@lhsparker.org).

Questions About Dress Code - Our desire and request is that the Lutheran High School student body, with support from their families, joyfully follow the Dress and Appearance Code at Lutheran High School and honor the expectations that accompany being a member of the Lutheran High School Family. For general questions about dress code items, please contact Dean of Students, Mr. Britt Gusmus at britt.gusmus@lhsparker.org or Assistant Principal, Mr. Paul Blomenberg at paul.blomenberg@lhsparker.org. Thank you!

2024-2025 Theme Verse - Our theme verse for 2024-2025 is from Philippians 1:6 (ESV) which says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Mr. Daniel Vanderhyde, our Vicar (Pastor Intern) writes, “In his letter to the Philippians Paul challenges the Church to ‘let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…’ (1:27). Our theme verse for this year comes from the beginning of his letter, as Paul is praying for the Philippians. He tells them with confidence, ‘I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ’ (1:6). We Christians are called to a life of good works. We strive to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. But as sinners, we cannot place our confidence in our performance. Our hope is in this promise: that Christ, who began a good work in us, will carry us through this life and complete what He has started. What would Paul say to us, the saints at Lutheran High School? As you strive to live a life worthy of the gospel, know that it is Christ himself who is working through you, strengthening your faith, forgiving your sins and failures, and bringing you toward the finish line. You can count on Him!”

New Student Orientation & Pizza Lunch - All new students (freshmen and students transferring to LuHi) are expected to be at our New Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 14, from 9:00 AM – Noon. In addition to welcoming students to school, we have a number of presenters sharing about academics, integrity, faith, extra-curriculars, dress code, punctuality, behavior expectations, Canvas, etc. Students will receive class schedules and get tours of the building from Student Council members to help become familiar with things at Lutheran. Students should be in dress code at New Student Orientation. We’ll end our time together with Little Caesar’s pizza. Students may be picked up at noon or just after.

2024-2025 Bell Schedule - For students returning to Lutheran High School, our bell schedule is changing slightly. There will be a ten-minute passing period between Chapel and Period 3 in order to provide additional time to move from the gym to classrooms. The five added minutes during the school day will move our dismissal time to 2:55 PM (five minutes later than previous years).

School will still begin at 7:40 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday when we don’t have chapel, school will start at 8:15 AM (five minutes later than previous years). Optional Office Hours with faculty will begin at 7:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

View the Bell Schedule here.

College-Ready Reading - How’s the reading going? Hopefully it’s going well! If you started today, you could still say you were working on it in July! If you start tomorrow, you’ll sound very disciplined when you say you started the first of August. Please visit College-Ready Reading for more information. Enjoy!

2024-2025 Theme Verse - Our theme verse for 2024-2025 is from Philippians 1:6 (ESV) which says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Mr. Daniel Vanderhyde, our Vicar (Pastor Intern) writes, “In his letter to the Philippians Paul challenges the Church to ‘let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…’ (1:27). Our theme verse for this year comes from the beginning of his letter, as Paul is praying for the Philippians. He tells them with confidence, ‘I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ’ (1:6). We Christians are called to a life of good works. We strive to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. But as sinners, we cannot place our confidence in our performance. Our hope is in this promise: that Christ, who began a good work in us, will carry us through this life and complete what He has started. What would Paul say to us, the saints at Lutheran High School? As you strive to live a life worthy of the gospel, know that it is Christ himself who is working through you, strengthening your faith, forgiving your sins and failures, and bringing you toward the finish line. You can count on Him!”

New Student Orientation & Pizza Lunch - All new students (freshmen and students transferring to LuHi) are expected to be at our New Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 14, from 9:00 AM – Noon. In addition to welcoming students to school, we have a number of presenters sharing about academics, integrity, faith, extra-curriculars, dress code, punctuality, behavior expectations, Canvas, etc. Students will receive class schedules and get tours of the building from Student Council members to help become familiar with things at Lutheran.

Students should be in dress code at New Student Orientation. We’ll end our time together with Little Caesar’s pizza. Students may be picked up at noon or just after.

2024-2025 Bell Schedule - For students returning to Lutheran High School, our bell schedule is changing slightly. There will be a ten-minute passing period between Chapel and Period 3 in order to provide additional time to move from the gym to classrooms. The five added minutes during the school day will move our dismissal time to 2:55 PM (five minutes later than previous years).

School will still begin at 7:40 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday when we don’t have chapel, school will start at 8:15 AM (five minutes later than previous years). Optional Office Hours with faculty will begin at 7:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Please visit 2024-2025 Bell Schedule to see the complete schedule.

College-Ready Reading - How’s the reading going? Hopefully it’s going well! If you started today, you could still say you were working on it in July! If you start tomorrow, you’ll sound very disciplined when you say you started the first of August. Please visit College-Ready Reading for more information. Enjoy!

Calendar Updates - There have been some changes and additions to our Academic Calendar. I wanted to share the link again with the most updated version. Please find our Academic calendar on our website under Current Family Information. Thanks for always following our website calendar as there can be changes during the year.

College-Ready Reading - Just checking in! How’s the reading going? Have you started? There’s still plenty of time if you haven’t yet. Families absolutely have my permission to be asking students about their progress. Please visit College-Ready Reading for more information. How about considering any reading accomplished in July as a bonus before August arrives? There’s no better time to start than today!

LuHi Car Show - On Saturday, July 20 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the LuHi Car Club will be hosting the 2nd Annual LuHi Car Show in the parking lot at school! I’m thankful to share that this car show is completely arranged by student members of the LuHi Car Club. There will be food, music, prizes, and awards (awards and door prizes handed out at 12:30 PM). The event is free and open to the public; there is a $5.00 entry fee for vehicles participating in the car show. If you have any questions, you may contact LuHi Car Club Advisor Mr. Jason Rogness at jason.rogness@lhsparker.org. Please stop by!

Seniors: With the permission of your parents/guardians, you are allowed to leave campus during your lunch and off-periods this year. You will need to have a permission form completed and signed by both you and a parent/guardian.

Please read through this form so that you understand the guidelines for leaving campus and requirements for maintaining this privilege. You will not be allowed to leave campus until we have this form on file so please fill it out as soon as you can and either email it back to the school, drop it off in the office, or bring it with you to your first day of classes.

Why We Serve

God gives us His grace freely through Jesus, who willingly died on the cross to save us in our desperate need for love and forgiveness from sin. By this, He gives us meaning and hope in our lives. In this truth, God transforms us and gives us a new life in Him. “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

So daily, in our desperate need for forgiveness, love, meaning and hope, dwell on the new life Jesus has given us, we live out what God has done in us in service toward one another.

This is our basis for how we live and serve. We hope to disciple and encourage students to understand this by helping them build a pattern of service throughout their lives.

Minimum of 20 Hours Per Year Requirement

Every student at Lutheran High School is to fulfill a minimum of 20 hours of community service outside their home and family environment every year to graduate. All hours should be recorded ASAP after the time of service by documenting the required information in the MobileServe app. Directions on how to download and use the app are found below.

Guidelines for Service

1. A minimum of 20 hours for each year will be completed by May 1. Any additional service hours after May 1 will be counted for the next school year.
2. If a student completes more than 20 hours in one year, the excess does not count for the following year.
3. Non-completion of service hours will result in an incomplete on the report card, withholding report cards/ transcripts/ diploma until hours are completed and submitted.
4. Acceptable service hours are as follows:
   1. Something other than for your immediate family.
   2. Service is volunteer (not receiving pay or academic credit).
   3. If there is a question about your plan for service, check with your Theology teacher.

Examples: Helping at your church; Vacation Bible School; childcare; helping with camps; soup kitchens and other homeless ministry; food banks; help with elderly or those with special needs; serving at any nonprofit, etc.

Service & Missions Opportunities

Service is how we refer to “done in a day” opportunities that are located throughout the Denver area.

Once a year “event-service” are opportunities we offer like Night to Shine (serving students with special needs) or Christmas Stocking Stuffers for the homeless.

We also have “ongoing service” opportunities that the LuHi community frequents on a consistent basis such as serving a breakfast for homeless teens at Sox Place, baking bread for people in recovery at Treasure House of Hope, or providing help and companionship for seniors at Legacy Village.

Missions is how we refer to “more than a day” opportunities that are located throughout the United States and abroad. You may be involved in a short-term mission project through your church or youth group. There are a handful of mission opportunities being offered this year through LuHi. Those locations and ministries will be announced at a “Missions Night'' event in the Fall. Mission trip participation counting towards student service hours are accounted for as 10 hours per day.

Once the school year begins, you can consider information on the above-mentioned opportunities, on your Canvas school page where you will find a class called “Service”. There you will find a wide variety of different “event” and “ongoing” service opportunities.

If you have any questions or ideas about service and mission opportunities, please email Bill Garner at bill.garner@lhsparker.org

How To Document Your Hours

As mentioned above, you will document your hours through the MobileServe app on your phone. MobileServe is available as a mobile app in the App store and Google Play and can be used on most smartphones and tablets. If you’d rather not use the mobile app, you can create and manage your MobileServe account from any internet-connected device at: app.mobileserve.com. Simply skip the download instructions below and start with Create Your Account.

Find specific information on how to log your hours in MobileServe in our Knowledge Base.

Final Thoughts

Our service to God and others does not save us. It doesn’t make us better than anyone else. It does allow us to see how God is at work all around us. It helps us get an idea of the gifts and talents we have been given by God to love others. As we get out of our comfort zone and ourselves, we start to see more of the amazing God we serve. We also are put into situations where God can show us His mercy in new ways.

Questions

If you have any questions, please talk to your Theology teacher.

We are so thankful you are a part of the LuHi Family!

Thriving Parents emails are sent once or twice a month with helpful parenting resources. Being a teenager is a unique and challenging time of life. As you know, there are many things teens are dealing with and some are difficult to understand. In many cases, they are in uncharted territory. When you and I were growing up, many of us didn't have a cell phone, social media, etc.

Parenting today is also unique and challenging since we are trying to lead our teens through things we didn't deal with! The resources and research in the emails, dealing with adolescence will be helpful as you continue to grow and work on your relationship with your son and/or daughter. The devotional thoughts will offer ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus as well. The first email will be coming soon!

Thriving Parents Meetings (Open to all parents)

One of the most exciting resources we have are our monthly meetings! We meet on Monday night once a month at Lutheran High from 7:00-8:00 PM in Room 032. We discuss parenting topics (like identity, conflict, phones and social media) teens are facing from a Biblical perspective with time to share and pray together. Please consider attending to see what it is like! All parents are welcome!

One of our LuHi parents stated that: "Thriving Parents is a time I look forward to each month. I appreciate the deep discussions we have as well as the fellowship with other parents. Mr. Kohlwey provides valuable insight into the spiritual battles our students face and comes alongside parents to help us better support and talk with our children. That support and understanding as well as a little bit of laughter is what makes Thriving Parents so special."

It is hard for me to explain how much I love the time we have together in our meetings. We are all broken people in need of God's Grace. This is a place you can experience this.

If you just want to meet the parents of the students and teammates who go to school with your child ... please come. If you are wondering if you are the only one going through a tough time ... come. Think about the perspective you can gain from being around other parents who have gone through it before and/or who are going through it with you. We would love to have you join us!

Here are the dates for this year:

• September 16
• October 14
• November 18
• January 6
• February 3
• March 10
• April 14
• May 5

An Introduction

If we haven't met, please allow me to introduce myself. God has blessed my wife, Sue and me with three children and seven grandchildren. I have been a theology teacher/professor/coach for 22 years at the high school level and 19 at the college level. I have my undergraduate degrees in Theology and Coaching. My master's degree is in Family Life Education focusing on psychology and specializing in parenting and life stages. Sue and I have walked, stumbled, and limped along the parenting road you are on. We are all unique in our brokenness, but my hope is that we can share our journey of life together.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Please mark your calendar for Thriving Parents Meetings and I hope to see you there.

We are praying for you!

Through Him and for Him and in Him all things hold together,

Marty Kohlwey