School Blog

10 Specific Manners Your Kids Need to Know

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:05:00 GMT

For all of us who recognize the importance of good manners in today's world...you might enjoy the following article from All Pro Dad.

10 Specific Manners Your Kids Need to Know

Full day Kindergarten...some interesting statistics from Dearborn Public Schools

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:34:00 GMT

This article appeared in the Sunday, February 7th edition of the Dearborn Press and Guide. It contains some interesting statistics comparing the progress of students enrolled in full day kindergarten programs. Many school districts have already implemented full day kindergarten programs, although the state of Michigan isn't officially mandating it until Fall 2010. Guardian will be offering a full day program, with a half day option, for the 2010/2011 school year in response to an increase in the number of families seeking out full day kindergarten and also to provide more teaching and learning time to cover the required curriculum.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing your experiences on this topic.

http://www.pressandguide.com/articles/2010/02/05/news/doc4b6ca01c12cee111955828.txt

K-8 schools are great, educators say...

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:44:00 GMT

According to a recent article in the Detroit Free Press by Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki (Education Writer) the concept of combining traditional elementary schools grades (K-5) with middle school grades (6-8) stems from the idea that middle school aged children do better in a more nurturing environment. Other benefits of a K-8 school include, but are not limited to:

Improved consistency in learning, especially in the area of curriculum coordination.
More time for teachers to get to know their students.
Convenience for parents whose children might otherwise be attending multiple schools.
Improved academic achievement, as test scores often slide when students make the transition from elementary to middle school.
Smaller class sizes. (Researchers also feel this has a significant impact on improved academic performance.)

Guardian Lutheran School can certainly attest to all of these benefits, as well as many others, that are linked to K-8 schools. It's hard to deny the relationships that the students have with one another as a result of sharing one building; one simply has to attend a Wednesday chapel service and observe the "chapel families" or visit the preschool classroom on a day when "buddies" are visiting to see the love, respect, and caring between the children. The older children also benefit from serving as role models for the younger children, who look forward to the day when they transition to this role.

Researchers are discovering what we at Guardian have been blessed to experience all along...that improved relationships and a nurturing environment are the starting point for the many benefits K-8 schools have to offer.

Golfing Fore Guardian

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cool temperatures and perpetual drizzle didn't dampen the spirits of the Golfing Fore Guardian golfers at Dearborn Hills Golf course on Saturday, September 26th.

Sixty members and friends of Guardian Lutheran Church and School participated in the golf outing, with 30 more joining for lunch. The outing is a benefit for Guardian Lutheran School's Tuition Assistance Fund, which was established in 2007 to help families afford the Christian education they desire for their children. Over $20,000 has been awarded to families since the fund's inception in 2007 with another portion of the money raised delegated to building improvements and technology upgrades.

In addition to the great game of golf, participants took part in on-course contests and silent and live auctions. This is an event where everyone gets involved. Classes chose a theme for a gift basket and students brought in items to adorn it. Baskets donated by classes are then used for the silent auction-raising hundreds of dollars. Then the excitement heats up with a live auction where the bids fly for items such as golfing excursions, cabin rentals and more. At the end of the day, the Fourth Annual Golfing Fore Guardian Outing raised over $10,000.

Thank you to all who supported this event in some way, either participation, financial support or prayer. Your generosity is testimony to Guardian Lutheran's commitment to provide a quality Christian education to all who enter its doors.

Any questions or feedback about this year's outing can be directed to ronda.roberts@guardianlutheran.org or julia.smith@guardianlutheran.org

Welcome to the School Blog

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:10:00 GMT

Welcome to the School Blog! Here you will find news and commentary on all things school related. We encourage you to check in frequently and welcome your feedback on the topics presented.

Walking in the Truth

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:40:00 GMT

The following article, entitled "Walking in the Truth" is written by Pastor Bill Woolsey. It is an excellent commentary on the value of a Christian education in today's world and most timely as we begin another school year at Guardian Lutheran.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4)

Parents around the world are concerned about their children's future. That's why they wrestle over the best place for our children to be educated. In the verse above, the apostle John was also concerned about the future of his children in the faith. John knew that what mattered most in life was a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Faith in Jesus and His free gift of eternal life was John's utmost concern for his children. You might say that when he heard his old congregation was continuing on that path - following Jesus - he was one proud father! Proud parents we all are as our children grow into adults and continue on the paths we have laid down for them. The most important path is the truth of knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Lutheran schools exist to reinforce that truth in your child's life. Learning foundational tools such as math, science, and history are important goals of Lutheran schools, but they don't head the list. The number one purpose is teaching Jesus Christ and how He affects all areas of life. It is only in knowing Him that the knowledge of right and wrong can be taught, the importance of forgiveness modeled, and the love of Jesus Christ shared. Rather than hinder our children's future, bedrock beliefs and values such as these enable our children to be the best they can possibly be.

When our children encounter the real world, whatever form it might take, the foundational beliefs learned and reinforced in Lutheran schools like ours enable children to remain on the right path, walking in the truth of Jesus.