1st Day of School 2013

Ready or not, here it comes! The 1st day of school is today. At 7:45 a.m. St. Paul's Lutheran School opens its doors again. We rejoice that we are able to offer solid Christians, Lutheran education here in the Troy community. We have the opportunity to reach out into our community with the message of the gospel. It truly is a blessing.

Some children are ready. Some are not. Some are anxious to get back into the classroom with their friends and others are dragging their heals. That is the way it is in every school across the nation as they begin the new school year. I can remember the wonder of a new school year - new pencils and pens, new crayons, new folders, new paper - all of this was a joy for me. Then there was the new classes, with many of the same old friends and some new ones. I can still see the faces of many of them as we went to school year after year. I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to attend a Lutheran school through the 8th grade. I give thanks to God and my parents for making that possible.

Here are St. Paul's, we can rejoice that we have a solid staff that will be teaching our children. Many of our staff are returning again this year. Mrs. Ida Doyle still serves as our principal and 5/6 grade teacher. Mrs. Lauren McLaughlin is our 3/4 grade teacher and our athletic director. Mrs. Laura Thomas is our kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Penny Schuessler is our preschool 3's teacher. Mrs. Rachael Beckemeyer returns as our art teacher. Mrs. Connie Liter continues as the cook. Ms. Linda Craig is the anchor to all that is done as she is our school secretary.

The new staff members come to us with many great qualifications. Dr. Bruce McLaughlin is our 7/8 grade teacher and will work with our technology. Mrs. Mindy Fischer is our called 1/2 grade teacher. Mrs. Amanda Daniels will be teaching our preschool 4's. Mr. Andy Navarro will be teacher music to our children.

Each member of our staff brings their God-given talents and qualifications to our school. We thank the Lord for leading us to have this highly talented staff. We look forward to having them teaching our children through out this coming year.

One last thought before I close. I give thanks that God has lead the parents to send their children to St. Paul's school. I know that it is a challenge to pay the tuition. I can remember my mother working to make ends meet when she sent the 4 of us boys to the Lutheran School Association in Decatur after Pop died. It was a huge challenge. I am sure that it is that way for the families of our school. Is it worth it? Yes it is. It is worth it for our children, to help them to grow in their faith and knowledge of their Savior Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you as you send your child/children to school this year. Know that we will do everything we can to keep your children safe, to help them to feel loved and to learn about their Savior.

A hymn verse from "Oh, Blest the House:"
Oh, blest the parents who give heed
Unto their children's foremost need
And weary not of care or cost.
May none to them and heav'n be lost! (LSB #862 vs. 3)