Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau and St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson are celebrating national Lutheran Schools Week starting today.

Events are planned throughout the week following a theme "Celebrating God's Love with God's Blessings."

A teacher appreciation banquet is planned today for Trinity teachers. The dinner will be held at the school gymnasium and starts at 5 p.m.

Amy Jacquin, a television reporter with KFVS-12 in Cape Girardeau, is the keynote speaker. The New Creations choir from Mid-America Teen Challenge will perform contemporary and traditional gospel music. In addition, choir members will give testimonials about how they left behind drug abuse and other problems.

At St. Paul, students will present church services today.

On Monday, a joint chapel service is planned for both Lutheran schools at St. Paul in Jackson. At Trinity, an all-school story hour will be observed and the pre-kindergarten has an open house.

On Tuesday, Trinity students will "Soar with the Spirit" during a paper airplane contest. Parents are also invited to visit classrooms and eat lunch with their children. At St. Paul, students will drop everything and read on Tuesday.

At Trinity on Wednesday, students will guess the number of purple jelly beans in an all-school contest. On Thursday, students in grades four through eight will compete by building playing card structures. Students in grades one through three will have scooter relays. A display of science fair projects will be open from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the school. Friday is Grandparents' Day.

At St. Paul, Wednesday is VIP Day. Parents, grandparents and other important people are invited to visit school. Thursday is spirit day and Friday a series of Fun Day activities are planned. Students are asked to bring pennies during the week. Money collected will be sent to mission pastor the Rev. Thomas Engler.

Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church are among more than 2,000 schools and pre-schools operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod celebrating Lutheran Schools Week.