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27 May
0

Danielle Madsen, Third Grade teacher at Green Park, honored in Adopt-A-Teacher Program

L to R: 1. Rev. Tom Schlund—LFCU Synod Relations; 2. Amanda Walker—CEO/President. Lutheran Federal Credit Union; 3. Laura Montgomery—LESA; 4. Lisa Waltenberger—Principal, Green Park Lutheran School; 5. Danielle Madsen— 3rd Grade Teacher, Green Park Lutheran School, pictured with her class.

We are pleased to announce that Danielle Madsen, 3rd Grade Teacher at Green Park Lutheran School, has been selected as one of our May honorees of the Adopt-A-Teacher program—a special initiative sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) in partnership with the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).

The Adopt-A-Teacher program was created to support educators in Lutheran schools by providing financial resources to enhance their classroom environments. Principals from participating schools nominate teachers who demonstrate a strong commitment to student learning and embody the mission and vision of their school. This year, Danielle Madsen is recognized for her outstanding dedication and service to Lutheran education.

As one of 31 exceptional Lutheran educators honored this year, Danielle will soon receive a special package in the mail, which includes:

  • An Amazon Gift Card ($125 or $250) to use in her classroom

  • A T-shirt and other fun surprises!

The goal of the program is to recognize and encourage teachers like Danielle, who help students grow in their knowledge of God’s creation and His love. By providing these resources, LutheranFCU and LESA aim to further enrich the educational experience for students and support the dedicated professionals who inspire them every day.

Congratulations to Danielle and all the teachers honored for your unwavering commitment to your students and to the values of Lutheran education! Your dedication is deeply appreciated by our Lutheran community and beyond. More live adoptions will be announced in June!

HONOREE

Danielle Madsen

Danielle Madsen is a 3rd Grade teacher at Green Park Lutheran School. 

Principal Lisa Waltenberger shared that Ms. Madsen actively pursues professional development to enrich her classroom and generously shares her insights with colleagues. “Danielle is a shining star on our staff and works closely with parents to ensure every student’s success.”

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15 May
0

Abiding Savior Lutheran School educator honored in Adopt-A-Teacher Program, Sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union

L to R: 1. Brian Ryherd—Principal, Abiding Savior Lutheran School; 2. Laura Montgomery—LESA; 3. Linda Trower— Middle School Science Teacher and Athletic Director, Abiding Savior Lutheran School; 4. Amanda Walker—CEO/President. Lutheran Federal Credit Union; 5. Rev. Tom Schlund—LFCU Synod Relations.

As part of the LESA celebration of Teacher Appreciation week, we had another day of surprise and delight for the LESA/ Lutheran Federal Credit Union Adopt A Teacher Program!

We are thrilled to announce that Linda Trower from Abiding Savior Lutheran School has been selected in May as an honoree of the Adopt-A-Teacher program-a special initiative sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) in partnership with the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).

The Adopt-A-Teacher program was established to support educators in Lutheran schools by providing financial resources to enhance their classroom environments. Principals from participating schools were invited to nominate teachers who exemplify a deep commitment to student learning and embody the school’s mission and vision. This year, Linda Trower stands out for her exceptional dedication and service to Lutheran education.

As one of 31 outstanding Lutheran educators recognized this year, Linda will soon receive a special package in the mail, which includes:

  • An Amazon Gift Card ($125 or $250) to use in her classroom
  • A T-shirt and other goodies!

The goal of the program is to recognize and encourage teachers like Linda, who help students grow in their knowledge of God’s creation and His love. By providing these resources, LutheranFCU and LESA hope to further enrich the educational experience for students and support the dedicated professionals who inspire them every day.

Thanks to all the teachers honored for your unwavering commitment to your students and to the values of Lutheran education! Your efforts are deeply appreciated by our Lutheran community and beyond. More live adoptions coming in May!

HONOREE

Linda Trower

Linda Trower is a Middle School Science teacher and Athletic Director at Abiding Savior Lutheran School. 

“Mrs Trower has been a model of diligence, consistency and creativity in her science instruction.  She is utterly trustworthy.  Faithfulness is a rare quality, and Mrs Trower exemplifies it!” says Abiding Savior Lutheran School Principal, Brian Ryherd.

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25 Apr
0

Two Local Educators Honored in Adopt-A-Teacher Program Sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union

L to R: 1. Eric Brofford—Principal, Holy Cross; 2. Laura Montgomery—LESA; 3. Stephanie Faulders—2nd Grade, Holy Cross; 4. Sarah Sidwell—6-8 Grades, Holy Cross; 5. Amanda Walker—CEO/President. Lutheran Federal Credit Union; 6. Rev. Tom Schlund—LFCU Synod Relations.

Two outstanding teachers from Holy Cross Lutheran School-Collinsville have been recognized for their exceptional dedication to Lutheran education through the Adopt-A-Teacher program, a special initiative sponsored by Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) in partnership with the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA).

The Adopt-A-Teacher program was created to support educators in Lutheran schools by providing them with financial resources to enhance their classroom environments. Principals from participating schools were invited to nominate teachers who demonstrate a deep commitment to student learning and embody the school’s mission and vision. We are excited to announce TWO Honorees from Holy Cross Lutheran School-Collinsville!

This year, the Adopt-A-Teacher program is making a meaningful impact by supporting 31 exceptional Lutheran educators. Each selected teacher will soon receive a special package in the mail, which includes:

  • An Amazon Gift Card ($125 or $250) to use in classroom.
  • A T-shirt and other goodies!

The goal of the program is to recognize and encourage teachers who help students grow in their knowledge of God’s creation and His love. By providing these resources, LutheranFCU and LESA hope to further enrich the educational experience for students and support the dedicated professionals who inspire them every day.

Thanks to all the teachers honored for your unwavering commitment to your students and to the values of Lutheran education! Your efforts are deeply appreciated by our Lutheran community and beyond. More live adoptions coming in May!

HONOREES

Stephanie Faulders

Stephanie Faulders has done an outstanding job teaching her second graders this year. In addition, she has taken on the challenging task of directing Holy Cross’s school musical—the first play in several years.

Reviving the musical involves a tremendous amount of work, and Stephanie’s dedication is inspiring both students and staff. The school community is grateful for her hard work and looks forward to a fantastic performance this spring.

Sarah Sidwell

Sarah Sidwell, who teaches 6th-8th grade science, has done an excellent job introducing a new science curriculum and providing challenging activities that engage our students. Beyond her classroom achievements, Mrs. Sidwell and her husband, Andy, took the lead in renovating the school’s Science Room, transforming it into a functional and inviting space for all classes to enjoy.

Their efforts have created a modernized environment that supports hands-on learning and fosters student curiosity in science. The school community appreciates their dedication to improving both the educational program and the learning facilities.

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19 Feb
0

Lutheran educators honored during our 2025 Day of Giving.

We’d like to congratulate the educators honored during our 2025 Day of Giving with all gifts benefitting the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA). The gifts provided on our Day of Giving serve as a heartfelt tribute to educators, allowing our Lutheran community to honor their favorite teachers through donations.

To amplify the impact of donations, Thrivent Financial pledged to match every $2 contributed with an additional $1. This initiative helps provide resources and scholarships for over 8,400 Lutheran students.

We celebrate the transformative role our teachers play in shaping young minds at area Lutheran schools. Join us in honoring these educators.

HONOREES

  • Carolyn Bergt, retired, Salem Lutheran-Affton
  • Child of God Lutheran School faculty
  • Chuck Conover, retired, Word of Life
  • Debbie Davis, retired, Lutheran South
  • Ken Eckert, retired, Immanuel-Olivette
  • Arthur Hemler, retired, Word of Life
  • Holy Cross Lutheran School-Collinsville faculty
  • Lee Jansen, retired, Immanuel-Olivette
  • Chuck Lindt, retired, Green Park
  • Beth Meyer, Green Park
  • Marilyn Nitsch, retired, Atonement Lutheran
  • Ted Palisch, retired, Green Park
  • Wesly Pinkston, St. John School-Ellisville
  • Roxanne Rolfing, retired, Immanual Lutheran-St. Charles
  • Carol Rudsinski, retired, Salem Lutheran-Affton
  • Coach Mike Russell, retired, Lutheran North
  • Larry Tiemann, retired, Word of Life

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03 Feb
0

The Annie Frey Show raises $16,662 in Scholarship Drive

Thank you to everyone who participated in The Annie Frey Scholarship Drive to celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week.

With your help, the Annie Frey Show successfully exceeded the $15,000 goal, raising $16,662 to establish an endowment scholarship through the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA). This scholarship will provide ongoing support for Lutheran students, families, and schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

LESA has a strong track record of supporting Lutheran education, having awarded over $8.2 million in tuition assistance to more than 4,600 students since 2004. The organization serves 8,400 students across 35 Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area, with a mission to provide quality Christian education.

We are so blessed by our partnership with The Annie Frey Show and 97.1 FM and we appreciate the support of our Lutheran community. The Scholarship Drive has ended, but you can still contribute your gift here.

You can also browse our Lutheran Schools here.

You can still donate by clicking the button below.

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14 Nov
0

Heather Hemler Receives Prestigious Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

We are thrilled to announce that Heather Hemler, a Third Grade Teacher and Assistant Principal at St. Paul’s Des Peres Lutheran School, has been selected as the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA). Hemler will also serve at the LESA Teacher of the Year and will be honored at the 2024 LESA Auction on April 5, 2025.

About the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards program annually recognizes outstanding educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area. This prestigious award celebrates teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication and impact in their educational institutions

.Congratulations, Ms. Hemler, on this remarkable achievement!

 

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23 Feb
0

St. Louis-area Lutheran Schools stayed open during the pandemic. Now they’re thriving.

February 23, 2024–Excerpt from Monica Obradovic, St. Louis Post Dispatch

Photo Credit: Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Since the fall of 2019, public school enrollment fell by 5,500 students in St. Louis County and nearly 3,000 in St. Louis city amid a nationwide drop in enrollment. Some private schools saw a small bounce, but many, across both the region and country, lost enrollment.

But Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area saw the opposite trend. Since 2019, overall enrollment has increased 19%, according to the Lutheran Elementary School Association, a consortium of 36 Lutheran schools that together make up the second-largest private school system in the area. LESA serves the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod — one of the most conservative denominations in the Lutheran church, and the second-largest with 1.8 million members nationwide.

Read Monica Obradovic’s full article on STLToday.com.

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20 Feb
0

Kevin Rudzinski is LEA’s Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher

Kevin Rudzinski was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2024 Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher Award.

A 27-year veteran in Lutheran education, Kevin is the middle school science, math, and STEM teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres, Mo. Kevin earned a B.A. in secondary education (Biology, Mathematics) from Concordia University, River Forest (now Chicago) and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction in Natural Science from University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Regarding Kevin’s greatest joy, he said, “When working with students, my greatest joys are found in the connections I make with students. Students come in all kinds. Some are gifted, some are average, and others come with an array of learning challenges. Sometimes students are very interested in science and other times they are not. My joy comes when I can connect with a student on a personal level with their personality, attitude, and level of learning, and make a breakthrough.”

Of his greatest challenge, Kevin comments, “I think teaching in a public-school setting would be more of a challenge. In our Lutheran school, I get to share the love of Jesus and provide biblical help, hope and encouragement. My greatest challenge is finding the balance between the preparation, grading, creativity, working with students who need encouragement, and extracurriculars with my call as a husband and parent.”

Supporting Kevin’s nomination, his administrator said, “Kevin is an outstanding middle school teacher of science and math. He is blessed with much knowledge in these content areas. When I have witnessed him teach, I am amazed that he is able to take his vast knowledge and teach it in a way that is understandable to middle school students. He brings the content to life for his students and makes it meaningful for them. I believe he does a tremendous job teaching the material and challenging the students in his classroom. The evidence for this is that several high school students have mentioned to me that they are very prepared for high school, more than any of their classmates. I cannot think of a better compliment for his teaching!”

One parent commented, “As an educator, specifically in the subject of science, Mr. Rudzinski has tied in the learning of God’s creation well with the physical world around us. Teaching the beauty and detail of God’s creation. He is able to contrast the worldly view, bringing to question things that contradict our understanding of the Bible and creation. He cares for the students in his class, offering extra assistance and clarification as needed. He goes above and beyond in getting each student involved and excited about learning with fun projects.

Mr. Rudzinski also leads groups of 7th and 8th graders to Florida on Marine Biology trips. Through hands on experiences, he leads the children through advanced biology, instilling joy and zeal in the students at every step of the way.

It is very evident in his role as a Robotics coach, that sharing God’s word with the community is important to him. It has been a goal each year to share Jesus and his love with those around them. The team shirts and team buttons that are given away have included a Bible verse. Other teams have commented on the Bible verses and how nice it is to see this public confession of faith. When the Gilded SPOTICS team competed at the World Competition in Houston, Texas, Mr. Rudzinski led devotions for the team each evening and prayers to close the morning meetings. It set a wonderful expectation for the team of their role as representatives of the school, and more importantly of Christ, to those around them from all over the world.”

Kevin’s personal mission statement is “My personal mission is to inspire and support others by using the gifts and abilities given to me by God.”

 

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02 Feb
0

Character.org names Child of God Lutheran School as a 2024 School of Character.

Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character, named Child of God Lutheran School of St. Peters, MO, as a 2024 State School of Character, the first Lutheran school to receive this recognition. Character.org certifies schools and districts each year at the state level that have developed and implemented an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive approach that embeds character into all aspects of the school life. Since its inception, Character.org’s Schools of Character program has positively impacted nearly three million students, staff, parents, and other community members.

There were 228 schools globally that applied for Character.org‘s State School of Character designation. Child of God’s overall score of 3.5 shows that the school maintains a high level of commitment to creating a caring community where students have ample opportunities to practice and reflect on their character strengths of love, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. The Framework includes key indicators on creating a caring school community where everyone feels they belong, providing students with opportunities to practice and reflect on their character strengths, and engaging families and communities as partners in the school’s character initiative.

The evaluators provided great feedback to validate Child of God’s effective practices in place and provided direction on approaches for continual improvement. Child of God Lutheran School appreciates the partnership with @CharacterPlus, which helps the school continue to reach their mission of developing Christ-like character.

To learn more about this achievement, visit Character.org.

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12 Jan
0

Metro Area Lutheran School Enrollment Increases for Fourth Consecutive Year

For the fourth consecutive year, Lutheran schools in the St. Louis metro area have increased enrollment. The 36 member schools included in the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) encompass early childhood through high school and have seen a 3% increase during the 2023-2024 school year. Since the 2019-2020 school year, LESA schools have experienced a 19% overall growth. 

“We are thrilled to report these increases as part of overall enrollment successes,” said Libby Gutberlet, LESA CEO. “We believe that that our upward trend in enrollment speaks to the needs of Metro Area to seek safe, Christian-focused education that is both excellent and affordable for all families.” 

Our Savior Lutheran School in Fenton experienced the largest growth among the 32 LESA schools serving early childhood through eighth grade. Principal Linda Dehn attributes the need for safe, values-based preschool education with consistent staff as reasons for their increased enrollment numbers “We hear stories of a high turnover in preschool staff in the community.  Our preschool teachers are full-time teachers.  This means that the same teacher that greets your child in the morning is the same one that says farewell at the end of the school day.  This allows a special relationship between a family and their teacher.” 

Another area school that experienced significant growth of 11% this school year is St. John’s-Arnold. Head of School Brenda Spieler agrees with the need for consistent staff. “Our preschool staff is caring and qualified. They consist of teaching professionals, college students earning a degree in education, and retired teachers. For our staff, teaching isn’t a job. It’s a calling.”  

Spieler and Dehn have also noticed a renewed desire for a faith-based, traditional curriculum in a safe environment. “Many families appreciate the way we incorporate Christian values into our school. It truly affects not only the way we teach and learn, but also the way we think and act. And the fact we make our school financially accessible to all is also a pleasant surprise for many.” 

Laura Montgomery, LESA’s Director of Educational Resources attributes the growth as a positive outcome of the Covid pandemic.  “Many of our schools increased enrollment during the pandemic because our schools remained open, providing consistency for families amidst a time of chaos and unpredictability.  Families that came from public schools discovered the affordable benefits of a Lutheran Christian school environment, fell in love with the teachers, curriculum, and family feel of the school and not only re-enrolled their students, but also told others about their positive experiences.  As part of that success, LESA is blessed to aid in the upward trend by  awarding over 2,600 scholarships totaling over $2.19 million in tuition assistance to families over the past four years.” 

Enrollment is ongoing for Lutheran Schools, with many open houses occurring on Sunday, January 21, 2024 as a kickoff to National Lutheran Schools Week.  A listing of open house dates and times can be found at lesastl.org/schools. Private tours are also available at all schools by appointment.   

 To download this press release, click here.

About LESA  

More than 9,800 children attend LESA member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 36 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org. 

# # # 

 LESA Contact:
Amee Colvin   
Director Fund Development and Marketing
314.200.0797   acolvin@lesastl.org    
www.lesastl.org 

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