Last week was National Lutheran Schools Week (NLSW). NLSW is arguably the most exciting and most exhausting week in a Lutheran school’s year.
As a student in Lutheran schools, I always had great anticipation for the week. There were dress up days, school wide activities, and an overall theme for “loving on” and appreciating our school. Even the teachers seemed to have a different buzz about them during the week.
As a teacher, I loved NLSW. I loved seeing my students have the same excitement I did when I was a student. No doubt I had less focus on me having the winning dress-up for the day (but I still tried!) and focused more on helping my students see the value of our school and the overall gift of Lutheran Schools. I wanted my students to know how blessed they were to be receiving a Lutheran education.
Is NLSW memorable just because of all the EXTRAS that happened? Quite possibly, but I certainly hope not. I hope students remember the excitement of the week, but more so I hope that they remember the intense focus on Lutheran schools and the blessing they are. I hope that teachers use the week to fuel up for the remainder of the school year, and refocus on what Lutheran schools are all about. Sure, our Lutheran schools strive for excellence in education, and rightfully so. And teachers should push themselves to give each student the best lessons they can. But let’s not lose sight on the best part of Lutheran schools. Lutheran schools are helping kids build a strong foundation on Jesus Christ.
My NLSW has looked different this year and last year as I’m now a stay at home mom. I’m not pulling together winning outfits, but I’m certainly reflecting on our Lutheran schools. I am so thankful for the Lutheran education I received and look forward to my children attending a Lutheran school and having their own NLSW memories.
Thank God for our Lutheran schools!
Thank God for Lutheran school teachers and staff!
Thank God for the families that are served in our schools!
May our Lutheran schools, by the grace of God, grow and reach more and more families.
(Thanks to Mrs. Ashley Graf, daughter of TLSP’s Mark Muehl, for this week’s blog post)
