St. John Lutheran Elementary School (grades K – 5) teaches children in self-contained classrooms with occasional individualization for those students requiring advanced or remedial instruction. Physical education and fine arts classes are departmentalized in some grades. In reading, students may be grouped according to individual abilities and taught accordingly. Preschool and Kindergarten handbooks are available describing those particular programs in detail.
In addition to exceptional academic and Christian education, the elementary classes have these classroom activities to look forward to…just to name a few!
“Reading Buddies” ~ Preschoolers and Kindergartners are teamed up with a child from the upper elementary, who comes to read to them on a weekly basis. In fostering this special relationship, not only do the younger children benefit from having a “big kid” as a reading mentor, the older children get the opportunity to demonstrate patience and compassion on a weekly basis, as well as practice their “reading aloud” skills ~ something that diminishes as we get older.
“Special Person’s Day” ~ Students in preschool through 2nd grade host a special person in their lives at school for the morning. Activities include starting the day by attending Chapel service together, introducing their Special Person to their class, completing crafts, enjoying a specially prepared snack, and simply sharing the joy of being together!
Stoney Creek Schoolhouse Experience~ In third grade, Mrs. Shaffer’s class traditionally enjoys two full school days at the Stoney Creek one-room schoolhouse in Rochester. Not only do students wear clothing that is consistent with children from the 1800s, they also do their assignments on slates, enjoy a period-specific lunch, and enjoy recess by playing stickball, jumping rope, and using stilts! Parents are always welcome to come and chaperone on this memorable event ~ you won’t want to miss it!
Lansing Field Trip ~ Each year, Mr. Nelson's fourth graders spend an unforgettable day in Lansing at the Capitol, learning about the state government system and how it works. Stops along the way include a visit to the Michigan State Supreme Court, the Governor’s Office, the Capitol Rotunda, and the nearby Michigan Historical Museum. (Some classes have been fortunate to bump into the governor or our local representatives on their visit!) The trip is designed to enrich the fourth grade Michigan History curriculum.
Fifth Grade Overnight Camp ~ The end of elementary school for the fifth graders is marked by attending the Michigan Christian Youth Camp in Attica, MI, as part of the outdoor education program. Mr. Pfund's fifth grade students spend three days and two nights at the 182 acre camp, where they enjoy the “up north” feeling only 25 miles from home! The typical schedule includes several learning periods of 60-90 minutes each, as well as leisure activities, weather permitting. All meals are served in the dining hall. Students will share the curriculum with the fifth graders at Living Word Lutheran School. Parent volunteers are needed for each day and night…so look for opportunities to share this memorable time with your child! For more information on the facility, visit their website at www.mcyc.org.
Spelling Bee ~ Beginning in fifth grade, spelling champions for each grade are selected to compete for the divisional school championships. The school champion has the opportunity to challenge other exceptional spellers in the district, with the possibility of going on to the metropolitan and national competition. Historically, St. John students have done extremely well in district competition.
Geography Bee ~ Each year thousands of schools in the United States (including St. John) participate in the National Geographic Bee, using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Since the first National Geography Bee in 1989, millions of students have competed each year for a U.S. $25,000 college scholarship and the honor of being national champion. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge.