OUR PHILOSOPHY:

 Here at St. Michael's Lutheran School we strive to preserve and extend the kingdom of God by proclaiming in the most effective way possible the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and thereby assist the home and church in helping each child develop to his/her fullest potential.  We believe that an education is more than merely acquiring factual knowledge.  A truly excellent Christian education prepares individuals for the future.  It enables them to face life's obligations, choices, and relationships as responsible and informed Christians who daily seek God's will in their lives.

St. Michael's Lutheran Church in conjunction with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod believes that the most effective education resource available to the church for equipping children for the future is the full-time Lutheran elementary school, preschool program and childcare program.

As an important ministry of the congregation, the Lutheran school helps fulfill each of the congregation's five functions:
 Active in service - Service becomes a natural part of the students' lives in and out of the school as they develop an understanding of stewardship of their time, talents, tissue, and treasure.  Teachers encourage Christ-like compassion and love for all people.  Achieving a balance between their individual efforts and also offering love to others is important in achieving their own potential. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, nor for men."  Col. 3:23.
 Nurturing our faith through education - Education is the pursuing of excellence in the development of God-given potential in spiritual and daily living.  Children are taught the demands of God's law and are confronted in their failure to obey by the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Students are taught how to develop and use their abilities out of gratitude for what God has done for them and to become responsible stewards of their talents in a joy-filled Christian life. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk to them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deut. 6:6-7
 Giving glory to God - Our school helps its students to develop their ability to give glory to God through worship.  Children are helped to grow in their prayer lives, learning to pray privately and corporately.  Children are lead to realize also that worship occurs throughout the entire day.  Worship is always being aware of God's presence and living lives that reflect that awareness.  "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.  Ps. 29:2
 Encouraging one another - Encouraging one another through fellowship is enjoyed by all members of the school and extended to the congregational community with a dual emphasis on our oneness in the unity of the Body of Christ and at the same time stressing unique individuality.  All are encouraged to achieve their full potential as valued, accepted, and respected children of God.  "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."  Acts 2:42
 Leading others to Jesus - Children learn to witness naturally and effectively their faith in Jesus Christ by words and actions to others.  They learn to see that their purpose in life is to build God's kingdom by reaching out to others who do not know God's law and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  Acts 1:8 

 The goals for our students are:
     1. To lead each child to the knowledge of his/her Savior, Jesus Christ and for them to know and attempt to fulfill God's will by becoming active participants in the church. 
     2. To help each child realize that his/her body is a gift from God and to grow in an understanding of how to care for it.
     3. To provide educational opportunities within the Christian setting and to fulfill the State of Michigan's educational requirements.
     4. To help each child master the basic skills of reading, mathematics, science, computers, language arts, fine arts, and to appreciate the beauties of nature.  We want our children to gain the skills needed for their future education and life in this world.  We will work at broadening the curriculum in order to develop the mind to its fullest extent.
     5. To help each child develop skills in establishing interpersonal relationships involving peers and adults; including appreciation for other cultures and ethnic groups.
     6. To help prepare each child for his/her future role as an adult in the world and in the church.  To help each student become a contributing citizen in the community in which he/she lives while supporting Christian parenthood and home lives which helps to strengthen the very base of human society. 

 In keeping with our Christian philosophy and with respect to the educational requirements of the State of Michigan, our student's curriculum is as follows:
   RELIGION: Bible stories, Biblical truths, Lutheran Doctrine, memory work from Luther's Small Catechism, various Bible 
                      verses, and songs
   MATHEMATICS: computation, applications, word problems
   LANGUAGE ARTS: reading/Literature, phonics, grammar, spelling, writing, handwriting
   SOCIAL STUDIES: geography, history, civics, currents events
   SCIENCE: general science, physical science, life science, chemical science, and earth science concepts
   FINE ARTS: music instruction, choir, band, hand chimes, recorders, art appreciation, art classes
   COMPUTER INSTRUCTION: Google Apps, Microsoft Office 
St. Michael's is a G Suite for Education School
   PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Shared time with Reese Public School

There are extra-curricular opportunities for our students to participate in as well:
   National Geography Bee (Grades 4 - 8)
   America and Me Essay Contest (8th Grade)
   School Art Show
   Drama Presentations
   Assist and/or Lead Weekly Chapel Services
   Lutheran School's Music Festival
   National Lutheran School's Week
   Service Projects
   Accelerated Reading Program
   Science Fair
   Library Time

Besides offering a full academic curriculum, St. Michael's provides a variety of sports opportunities for both boys and girls.
   Fall Season:

• Cross-Country (Boys and Girls).........................................Grades 4 - 8        
• Soccer (Boys and Girls).....................................................Grades 5 - 8
• Volleyball (Girls).................................................................Grades 5 - 8

   Winter Season:

•  Basketball (Boys and Girls)...............................................Grades 4 - 8

   Spring Season:

• Track (Boys and Girls)........................................................Grades 4 - 8

To maintain continuous communication between parents, teachers, and the school, families are encouraged from Kindergarten through Grade 8 to use our web-based program call "Fast Direct".  Parent's gain access through their own site ID and password so they are able to view their child's report card, track daily assignments, communicate with the teacher, as well as track their student's hot lunch account and their own financial obligations to the school.  Teacher's are encouraged to update this site daily with grades and any pertinent information regarding their specific classroom.  This is a very helpful tool for parents, teachers and the students. 

 Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are offered a nutritious and delicious hot lunch program.  Meals include an entree, vegetable, milk and additional items from a salad bar like station.  The normal cost of a lunch is $4.00 per day.  The students have the option of ordering an additional entree item on certain days for an additional cost.  A reduced lunch price is available to those who qualify.  Forms are available from the school office.  Payment for lunches is done through our student data system called Fast Direct.

No person because of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap shall be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subject to discrimination in our United States Department of Agriculture donated Food and Child Nutrition Program.  Any persons who believe they have been discriminated against should write immediately to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. 

St. Michael's offers before and after school care to school age students.  Please contact Mrs. Lori Powell, Child Care Assistant Director, at 989.868.3830 for more information about this program.