Mighty Angel Minutes St. Michael Lutheran School 7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024 school districts to our middle school program and here are some of the reasons why: January 2015 To Stay or Not to Stay?? Several years ago I published this article in the school newsletter but in a slightly different form. In light of the fact that St. Michael is beginning to register students for the 2015-2016 school year, I thought it would be a good idea to republish an updated version as a reminder to parents why St. Michael Lutheran School continues to be a great choice for their children – particularly those students who will soon be entering middle school. • We live in difficult times and in a culture that continues to jettison the long held JudeoChristian values that were once the norm in America. Childhood was once an innocent and carefree time of life but has now become one of the most critical times of development. Violence, premarital sex, drugs, drinking, and many other dangers, both physical and spiritual, influence young people today. One of the ways to combat those influences is to bring your child up in the knowledge of the Lord. Regular family worship, prayer and Bible study are key components to sharing this knowledge. Another piece in support of these key components is the Christ-centered, strong academic program at St. Michael Lutheran School. • If you have a child nearing the middle school grades this is a particularly important time to make an informed decision that will positively impact their high school experience. Some parents choose to leave and begin a new experience at the beginning of the 6th grade year. While each parent needs to make what they consider the best choice for their child, I would like to challenge all current families to consider staying the course through the 8th grade regardless of the grade your child is currently in. The St. Michael middle school program is vibrant and continues to grow. We continue to add students from a number of other public • • • • • • • • • St. Michael offers sports programs for grades 5-8 where each student has the opportunity to play. St. Michael offers a technology program where middle school students in grades 6-8 use Chrome Books in ever increasing ways in the classroom, for homework, and for projects. This has been a program that began in 2007 well before area schools, public or private, offered this technological advantage. St. Michael middle school students participate in local science competitions and may choose to be part of Science Olympiad. St. Michael middle school science classes dissect worms, hearts, eyes, and brains as a regular part of the science curriculum. Most students don’t have these hands-on experiences until high school. St. Michael students consistently out-score their local public school district peers on standardized tests. St. Michael offers both beginning band and concert band programs. Algebra I is a regular part of the 8th grade curriculum with 9th grade Geometry I is available in the 8th grade for advanced students. Middle school students learn apologetics of the Christian faith, what we believe, why we believe it, and how to defend it. All St. Michael students share in prayer, religious instruction, chapel, and many opportunities to grow and share their individual faith. What a great way to ready your child for their high school experience. Over the course of the last 10 years St. Michael has awarded more than $180,000 in tuition assistance to eligible families. Small class sizes allow for more individual instruction. Education with Christ at the Heart Continue on page 2 • St. Michael Lutheran School remains the most affordable option with the greatest diversity of programming among area private schools. We hope that you will continue to trust the preparation of your child to St. Michael Lutheran School especially through the critical middle school years. We are currently enrolling students for the 2015/2016 school year and if you have any questions about our programs please feel free to speak with me. Greg Johnson Principal Snow Day Closings In the case of inclement weather, school closings will be announced over the radio and television stations. The school and preschool will close whenever Portage Public Schools close (weather related closings). The childcare will close when Curious Kids is closed. Dear St. Michael Family, We just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and gifts while our family was going through a rough time with the fire and smoke damage our apartment suffered. We are in our apartment and slowly unpacking and washing, but feeling very blessed to enjoy our first Christmas in the new place. Scott, Becky, Desmond, & Reuben Mohler  For the safety of all our students; please do not park along the cones or sidewalk, during drop or pick up times. This area is designated as a drop off/driving lane. Important Dates 1/5 2015-16 Registration Begins Open House 1/22 6:30-7:30 pm End of 2nd Quarter 1/23 No PPS Busses K-Wings Hockey 1/25 SMLS Singing “The National Anthem” PTL Snowball Dance 1/30 Report Cards Home 1st – 4th & Worship Team 2/15 Singing at Immanuel Lutheran Church 10 am Academic Showcase 2/19 6:30-7:30 2/20 Open House 2-3:30 pm 2/23-2/24 Spring Pictures No School 2/27 Mid-Winter Break 3/14 Spring Mom to Mom Sale New Security Door A new security measure has recently been added to the school in the form of an access-limiting door security system. Anyone wishing to enter the school outside of the designated drop off/pick up times will need to use the buzzer located on the wall just inside the first set of double doors to gain access to the building. Outdoor Recess Keep in mind that our students continue to enjoy outdoor recess. Please dress them appropriately so they can continue enjoying this time! Non-Marking Soled Shoes: Students should wear non-marking shoes on a daily basis. In addition, students must wear a pair of gym shoes during their formal gym times each week. Students will not be allowed to participate in gym class without appropriate shoes. For more information see page 9 of the student handbook. 2014/15 Theme Verse “Be Devoted To One Another In Love. Honor One Another Above Yourselves” Romans 12:10 Thank You to JulLea Stolsky and her volunteers who made the Holiday Basketball Tournament a success! Trip Drop Off and Pick Up Drop Off On Thurs Pick Up on Thurs By 11am 8:30-3:15pm 01/22………………………………..01/29 02/05………………………….……02/12 02/19……………………………….02/26 Reporting Illnesses It is very important to report any illnesses to the school office. The school is required to report this information to the Health Department. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Please check the Lost and Found box, located next to the display case outside of the school office, for any missing items! SMLS Drama & Music Day!! Directed by Mrs. Melissa Taylor Who can participate? Children going into grades 1st -8th When is Drama & Music Day? Saturday January 31, 2015 12:30-4:30pm with a short performance for parents at 4:15pm that day. What is the cost? $25 for the day for the 1st child, $10 for each sibling after that! How do I sign up? Contact Melissa Taylor by email ([email protected]) or by signing up in the school office! * At least 10 students must be signed up by Jan 28, 2015 in order for Drama & Music Day to happen. Thank You!! Board of Early Childhood and School Ministries Members Chris Stolsky – Co-Chair Todd Foster Greg Johnson – Rob Sullivan – Co- Chair Louann Palmer Principal Karen Taylor Alan Rea Emily Newkirk – Carla Bradley Mike Dinsmore CFK Director Jennifer Pangburn 2014/15 Theme Verse “Be Devoted To One Another In Love. Honor One Another Above Yourselves” Romans 12:10