MISSION STATEMENT

St. Paul’s Lutheran School exists to Educate children,

Nurture their faith,

and Equip them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

PHILOSOPHY

Introduction:

St. Paul’s Lutheran School is a Christian day school established as a ministry for the families of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and is operated as an outreach ministry to families within our community.  St. Paul’s Lutheran School does not exist in isolation and includes clergy, school staff, parents and students as well as the larger congregational community, the local community and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

The Role of the Staff:

The Word of God is the basis for Lutheran Education.  The challenge set before us is to establish an atmosphere for learning in which we communicate (1) who we are as individuals, as well as, (2) how we function as a faith community - both giving witness to Christ.

It is imperative that, with parents as partners, efforts are made to keep the central focus on a Christ centered philosophy.  Our Lord commanded that we love one another and make disciples of all people. We permeate this message with methods and materials, which take into consideration the world from which the student comes, as well as the world in which the student will function as a young adult.

We believe that effective education incorporates aspects of spiritual growth, intellectual awareness, social training, emotional outlets and physical stimulation.  Quality learning experiences relate the Christian faith to life experiences of the children.

The Role of the Parents:

We believe the academic, moral, emotional, physical and spiritual growth of children to be a ministry that begins at home. Therefore, parents are the primary educators of their children. The coordinated efforts by parents and staff are needed to reinforce the relationship between parent, school and child. Together we are partners effectively balancing the life of home and school.

St. Paul’s Lutheran School seeks to collaborate with parents for the benefit of the student.  We strive to“come together in oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God...so we run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.” (Phil.  3:14).

To this end, we openly invite parents to communicate needs, which in turn will assist the staff to develop qualities that exemplify Christian living.

The Role of the Students:

We recognize that we are all sinners, redeemed through the grace of God, who seek to learn through the doctrine of Law and Gospel.  We believe that acquiring knowledge and developing skills towards self -discipline, maturity, and intellectual growth are the primary responsibilities of the student.

In a world of increasing technology and self-fulfillment, it is imperative to think logically, creatively and critically.  We utilize creative methods of discovery and scientific approaches to experimentation to gain the basics of knowledge, improve communication skills, and to appreciate the contribution inherent in our culturally diverse community.

We believe God has created men and women as social beings.  We are committed to work toward the development of the child as a steward of His gifts in the home, church and community.  The emotional, social and intellectual aspects of a student’s life are critical elements to their areas of growth that need to be addressed at the time of enrollment in St. Paul’s Lutheran School.  When placing a student into an appropriate grade level, St. Paul’s considers the developmental aspects as well as intellectual needs to insure proper readiness.

The School in the Congregation:

St. Paul’s Lutheran School recognizes that we are first and foremost a Lutheran educational institution. With this in mind, we believe that the congregation participates in the ministry at all levels.  Through on- going partnership among staff, parent, student and congregational ministry we feel there are strides to move forward with God’s great command to ... love one another.

The Role of the Principal's Advisory Council:

The Principal's advisory council provides support, advice and counsel to the Principal in numerous areas of school life. Advisory council members are selected annually by the Senior Pastor and the Principal.   The advisory council includes both non-members and members of St. Paul Lutheran Church.  If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Council, please contact Principal Beaudoin for more information.

The following goals and objectives are set out as key areas of emphasis which permeate the student’s life at school:

A.    Spiritual Needs:

Students at St. Paul’s Lutheran School are instructed in God’s plan for their salvation through Jesus Christ.  It is carried out in the student’s life at school through: 

Knowledge:

1.       An understanding of the Holy Scriptures

2.       An understanding of the Triune God

3.       An understanding of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the worship and sacraments

4.       An understanding of the church as the body of Christ

Skills:

1.       Encourage understanding of our ability to use time as a gift from God

2.       Encourage development of all talents as gifts from God and to the glory of God

3.       Apply the knowledge we have to our own life situations

 

B.    Intellectual Needs:

The students will come to an understanding of basic skills, both cognitive and effective, which provide a solid foundation.  We seek to educate the students by: 

Knowledge:

1.       Developing a working knowledge of the English language

2.       Seeking an understanding of the historical background of our own area, our country, and the world

3.       Work toward the basic understanding of laws under which God operates in nature, and how we can best conform our own life to             these basic principles

4.       Developing an understanding of the basic principles of our number systems

5.       Explore music, art and drama

Skills:

1.       Developing critical thinking skills in students so they may be adequately prepared for subsequent levels of educational challenge

Appreciation:

1.       Of God’s total creation, and our position within this creation

2.       Of the thoughts of others as expressed in music, the arts, and literature

3.       Of the freedoms of our country and the privilege to live in this country

4.       Of our country as a gift of God, and a feeling of a sense of personal responsibility for its continued well being

 

C.    Social Needs:

The students, through their active roles in school, congregation and community, shall recognize their need to interact with and be a part of a community.  This is accomplished by:

Knowledge:

1.       Seeking new means/strategies to communicate, confront and build relationships

Skills:

1.       Opportunities for one-to-one, small group, large group, peer and adult relationships

2.       Cross age interaction

3.       Formation of teams at various grade levels

4.       Opportunities to affirm those students involved in confirmation

Appreciation:

1.       Of our privileges and responsibilities as members of a family of which Christ is the head

2.       Of our privileges and responsibilities as members of the church, school, community, state, nation and world

 

D.    Emotional Needs:

In our fallen state, our emotions are not always God pleasing.  Children need to be taught to seek a peaceful resolution to conflict.  Through instruction, our students learn how to live a life pleasing to God, in loving support of one another, according to His commandments.  These are accomplished by:

Knowledge:

1.       Gaining an understanding that emotions are of different kinds (love, anger, hate, fear, joy, sorrow, loneliness, contentedness,                   envy, guilt, horror), and that all people experience them in varying degrees

2.       Recognizing the capacity for emotion is a gift from God

3.       Recognizing that our emotions are not always God pleasing

4.       Recognizing that in our state as a child of God, emotions can and should be God pleasing

5.       Acquiring a knowledge of the effect of emotions on ourselves and others 

Skills:

1.       Learning to identify others’ emotions and our own so we can deal properly with them

2.       Developing the ability to express and control our emotions in a God pleasing manner

3.       Developing the ability to aid our fellow man in expressing our emotions

4.       Developing the use of God’s help in expressing and controlling our emotions

5.       Developing the willingness to accept others and be accepted by them

Appreciation

1.       For emotions as good gifts of God to be used in a God pleasing way

2.       For all people as stewards of their emotions, not their slaves

 

E.    Physical Needs:

Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.  The Lord has charged us with its care, development, and use.  The school will help the student gain an understanding of the responsibility they have for the health, safety and recreation of the body.  This is accomplished through: 

Knowledge:

1.       Recognizing our body as the creation of God

2.       Understanding how our body and its various parts function

3.       Understanding the nature of disease, its causes, symptoms, and its cures

4.       Learning proper ways to care for the body

5.       Recognizing limitations of our body

6.       Learning to recognize the dangers of various substances and situations

Skills:

1.       Establishing correct habits in caring for the body

2.       Developing and practicing proper posture, both in sitting and standing

3.       Developing the muscular coordination necessary for drawing, writing, reaching, etc.

4.       Developing correct speech habits

5.       Developing habits of conduct so that we will not unnecessarily place ourselves in danger

6.       Developing the ability to participate in a selected number of sports and athletic contests with a degree of confidence

7.       Developing the ability to recognize the rhythm of music, and be able to respond to it physically

Appreciation:

1.       For our body as a creation of God

2.       For God’s guidance and protection

3.       For the importance of our body, not only for time, but also for eternity

 

The philosophy, goals and objectives are studied annually and appropriately revised as necessary. Input from clergy, parents, congregation and students are always helpful as staff revisits its central thoughts.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and our families can expect the following prioritized outcomes from their support and use of St. Paul’s Lutheran School.

 

I. Children have a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and live as His disciples.  As part of this End, the children will:

1.       Have and maintain beliefs and behaviors rooted in the Bible.

2.       Be active and effective members of their community and church.

3.       Have a strong sense of church and community and are committed in serving others.

4.       Understand what it means to be Lutheran and knowledge of the heritage of the LCMS.

 

II. Children have an excellent educational experience and are discovering the joys of learning while reaching for their greatest academic potential.  As part of this End, the children will:

1.       Have mastered the fundamental skills of reading, writing and effective oral communication.

2.       Have developed a sound understanding of the use of numbers, mathematics, natural and social sciences, and the arts.

3.       Have effective work habits and can think critically to solve problems.

4.       Have confidence in selecting and participating in individual and group extra-curricular activities.

 

III. Children have a Christian learning environment in which they develop spiritually, physically, and emotionally and acquire a personal sense of worth as a child of God.  As part of this End, the children will:

1.       Have an environment in which they are immersed in the hearing and living of the Gospel.

2.       Have an environment that is safe, challenging, healthy and nurturing.

3.       Have an environment where Christian instruction is integrated into the study of every subject.

4.       Have an environment, which nurtures faith and self-discipline and teaches respect for those in authority.

5.       Have an environment, which promotes respect, dignity and empathy for their peers.

6.       Have an environment, which assists their intellectual growth through encouragement and motivation.

 

IV.  What Cost (at what cost)

●      At the cost of it being a significant priority to each participating home and as an essential ministry to/of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

●      Sufficiently funded to enable our mission while being affordable to those we serve.

 

V. Through our efforts to express our faith in Jesus Christ and love of God.  St. Paul’s Lutheran School shall hold itself accountable to the following values:

●      Partnership with the home

●      Partnership with our congregations

●      Service to the children God sends us

●      Academic Excellence

●      A safe and supportive Christian environment

●      Growth in Christian Discipleship

●      Responsible citizens and scholars who can influence tomorrow