St. Matthew Lutheran
Growing, Learning, and Exploring God’s World

Mrs. Jamie Schenavar • Preschool Director
May 7, 2026

2 Minute Read

Our preschool has had a busy and exciting season filled with meaningful learning and joyful discovery! As we wrapped up March, our classrooms focused on the true meaning of Easter. Through engaging Bible stories, thoughtful discussions, and creative hands-on arts and crafts, the children explored the incredible truth of Jesus’ resurrection. It has been a blessing to watch them begin to understand what Jesus’ love and victory over the grave mean for each of us.


As we moved into April, our focus shifted to the fascinating world of insects and farm animals. The excitement in the classroom has been contagious as students learn about different creatures, their habitats, and how God has uniquely created each one. From buzzing bees to friendly farm animals, the children have been actively engaged through stories, activities, and imaginative play.

To bring our animal unit to life, we are especially excited for our upcoming field trip to a real-life farm! This hands-on experience will give students the opportunity to milk cows, ride horses, and feed baby animals. It’s sure to be a memorable day filled with learning, laughter, and new experiences that connect directly to what they’ve been studying in the classroom.

As we look ahead, we are now enrolling for the fall at our Early Learning Center. While our GSRP program is currently full, we still have a few openings available in our tuition-based program. We offer flexible part-time options that are perfect for introducing your child to a school setting—where they can learn, play, grow in their faith, and build lasting friendships. We also have a limited number of spots remaining in our full-day program.

If you are considering preschool for your child, we would love to connect with you. Call our office today to schedule a tour and see firsthand what makes our preschool such a special place. We would be honored to welcome your family into our preschool community!

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From this Collection: School News
May 12, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Growing as Writers, Thinkers, and Leaders
The seventh and eighth-grade students have been hard at work this past quarter, especially in the area of writing. One of their biggest accomplishments was completing their research papers at the end of the third quarter. This was no small task! Throughout the process, students learned and applied many important skills, including all aspects of MLA formatting, proper grammar and sentence structure, crafting engaging hook sentences, and developing strong thesis statements to anchor their writing. They worked through the full writing process—from brainstorming and outlining to drafting, revising, and final editing. While it was a challenging project that required focus and perseverance, the students should be proud of what they accomplished. It’s safe to say they enjoyed the experience, but they were also very happy to celebrate its completion! Looking ahead, the learning continues with our next English unit focused on debate. Students will be preparing and delivering debate speeches, learning how to clearly communicate their ideas, support their arguments with evidence, and think critically as they respond to opposing viewpoints. One of the key skills they will develop is how to form a strong rebuttal—an important ability that helps them not only in the classroom but in real-life discussions and decision-making. In science class with Mr. Moody, students have also been actively engaged in hands-on learning. Recently, they explored the topic of bacteria in a way that was both fascinating and, at times, a little unsettling! Students conducted an experiment by swabbing everyday items to see which surfaces collected the most bacteria. The results were eye-opening—and yes, a bit disgusting! Some of the “top contenders” for the most bacteria included keys, glasses, drinking fountains, and phones. This activity gave students a deeper understanding of germs, hygiene, and the unseen world around them. Up next, students are looking forward to dissections, which will provide even more opportunities to explore and learn through hands-on experiences. Beyond the classroom, excitement is building for one of the highlights of the year—our upcoming trip to Chicago on May 18. This trip is a special opportunity for students to learn, explore, and create lasting memories together. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our students through fundraising efforts. Your generosity has helped make this experience possible. As we move closer to the end of the school year, our eighth-grade students are also preparing for an important milestone—graduation. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and looking ahead to the future. We are proud to recognize our eighth-grade class valedictorian, Bailey Needham, and salutatorian, Shane Schmitt, for their outstanding academic achievements. It has been a wonderful year of growth, learning, and memorable experiences for our seventh and eighth-grade students, and we look forward to finishing the year strong!

Julie Wild

Teacher

April 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Kindergarten is Buzzing with Growth, Learning, and Excitement!
Our kindergarten classroom has been filled with excitement as we reflect on recent milestones and look ahead to all the wonderful experiences still to come. It is truly amazing to see how much our students have grown, both academically and socially, in such a short time! In mid-February, we celebrated a major milestone—our 100th day of school. This special day marked not only the passing of time but also the incredible progress our students have made in their learning journey. From counting and reading to building friendships and confidence, it was a joyful reminder of how far we’ve come together. With Lutheran Schools Week just around the corner, the excitement continues to build as we prepare to celebrate what makes our school so special. March brings even more to look forward to with the start of Reading Month. Each week, students will be bringing home decodable books, giving them the opportunity to practice and grow as readers. It has been inspiring to watch these young learners develop into confident early readers, recognizing sight words and mastering basic CVC word patterns. One of the highlights will be our Mystery Readers, which will bring surprise guests into the classroom and spark even more enthusiasm for reading. We will also spend time exploring the imaginative and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, encouraging creativity, laughter, and a love for stories. As we move forward, our next big theme will take us on an exciting journey into outer space, where curiosity and discovery will lead the way. Our learning will extend beyond the classroom as well, with several exciting field trip opportunities planned. Students will enjoy visits to Ninja Kids, the Detroit Science Center, and even an in-house animal adventure. These hands-on experiences help bring learning to life in meaningful and memorable ways. In math, our students are making excellent progress. We are working toward fluency in adding and subtracting within five, as well as confidently counting by 5s and 10s up to 100. These foundational skills are helping prepare our young mathematicians for continued success. With so much happening, our kindergarten classroom is truly buzzing with energy, growth, and joy. We are so proud of our students and excited for all that lies ahead!

Mrs. Krista Stapleton

Teacher

April 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
A Month of Wonder, Reading, and Discovery in Preschool
We have had a very busy and exciting month in preschool, filled with meaningful learning experiences, creativity, and hands-on exploration. It has been a joy to watch our students grow, engage, and discover new things each day! During March is Reading Month, we welcomed a mystery reader into our classroom each day. The children looked forward to this special time, eagerly trying to guess who the reader would be before they arrived. From parents to special guests, each visitor brought stories to life in a unique way. This not only made reading fun and engaging but also helped foster a love for books and storytelling in our classroom. We also celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a week full of imaginative activities. The children created colorful crafts inspired by his books and even made and tasted green eggs and ham! Many were unsure at first, but their curiosity quickly turned into excitement as they tried something new. It was a wonderful way to explore creativity, build confidence, and step into the silly and imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. Another highlight of the month was a visit from Wildlife Safari. The children were amazed to see a variety of animals up close, including chinchillas, snakes, owls, and even a kangaroo! They listened carefully, asked great questions, and were especially excited to have the opportunity to gently pet some of the animals. Experiences like this bring learning to life and help children develop a sense of wonder about the world around them. Preschool registration for the fall is now open! If you or someone you know is interested in our program, please stop by the office to schedule a tour and learn more about all that our preschool has to offer. Thank you for being a part of our preschool family—we are truly blessed to partner with you in your child’s learning and growth!

Mrs. Jamie Schenavar

Preschool Director

April 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Accredited in Faith: Reflecting on Our NLSA Visit
We are excited to share an update on our recent accreditation visit through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) process—an important milestone for St. Matthew Lutheran School. NLSA is a rigorous process designed to ensure that Lutheran schools are faithfully carrying out their mission while providing high-quality education. It is built around two key components. First, schools complete extensive Written Documentation, reflecting deeply on all areas of ministry—mission and identity, teaching and learning, leadership, finances, and operations. This self-study helps a school evaluate its strengths and identify areas for growth. The second component is the Validation Team Visit, where a team of trained educators and administrators spends time on-site. They observe classrooms, meet with teachers, students, parents, and leaders, and review documentation to affirm the work being done and provide guidance for the future. During their time with us, the Validation Team shared an encouraging overall message: “The Christ-centered atmosphere is very evident at St. Matthew. The teachers and administrators demonstrate Christ’s love to their students and to each other. Families are enthusiastic about the school and the education their students receive. St. Matthew is blessed to have supportive leaders and a supportive Church.” In addition, the team highlighted several outstanding strengths of our school: Family Enthusiasm – Our families are deeply invested in St. Matthew. Their support, encouragement, and partnership in Christian education create a strong foundation for everything we do. Student Interactions – The team consistently observed students treating one another with kindness, respect, and joy. These Christ-like interactions reflect both our teaching and the culture of our school. Church and School Relationships – St. Matthew is truly a unified ministry. The close connection between church and school strengthens both, creating a shared mission of raising up disciples of Jesus. Classroom Dynamics – Our classrooms are engaging, structured, and supportive environments where students are encouraged to grow academically and spiritually. Teachers are intentional in meeting students where they are and helping them succeed. Christ-Centered Atmosphere and Leadership – Above all, the team recognized that Christ is at the center of everything we do. From leadership to daily interactions, there is a clear commitment to living out the Gospel in both word and action. Beyond celebrating these strengths, the NLSA process also plays a critical role in shaping our future. This journey helps us develop a School Action Plan for the next five years. Through our self-study, we identified several key areas where we want to grow and improve, and the Validation Team also provided additional recommendations to strengthen our ministry even further. This ensures that we are not only maintaining excellence, but continually striving to better serve our students, families, and community. Based on their findings, the Validation Team has recommended St. Matthew Lutheran School for Accreditation in Good Standing—a tremendous affirmation of the work happening here each day. We will not receive official confirmation until the end of June, and a full report will be shared at an upcoming Congregational Meeting. We thank God for this opportunity, for our dedicated teachers and staff, for our supportive families, and for our church community. Most of all, we give thanks that everything we do is rooted in Christ, who continues to guide and bless St. Matthew now and into the future.

Mr. Dan Burk

Principal

May 8, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
The “90 Days of May”: A Season of Celebration, Growth, and Gratitude
In education, there’s a phrase you may have heard before—*the “90 days of May.”* While the calendar may say just one month, anyone in a school knows that May is filled from beginning to end. It’s a fast-moving, yet full and meaningful stretch of time that captures so much of what makes our school community special. At St. Matthew, May is a beautiful reminder of the blessing it is to walk alongside our students and families, sharing the love of Christ each and every day. It’s a month where learning, faith, and celebration all come together. One of the most meaningful parts of this season is celebrating our 8th grade class. For many of these students, St. Matthew has been their home for 10 or even 11 years. Watching them grow from young children into confident, faith-filled leaders has been an incredible journey. As part of their final weeks, our 8th graders write and share their Faith Statements during a special Chapel service. This is always a powerful moment—not just for them, but for our entire school—as they boldly share what they believe and how their faith has been shaped during their time here. In addition, a number of our 8th graders will be confirmed in the Lutheran faith. This important step marks a deeper commitment in their walk with Christ and is a testament to the spiritual foundation that has been built over the years. May also brings one of our most joyful traditions—VIP Day. On this special day, students invite someone important in their life—whether it’s a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend—to join them at school. Our students love the opportunity to perform songs for their VIPs, welcome them into their classrooms, and share a glimpse of their daily life. The day ends with a Closing Chapel, bringing everyone together in worship and thanksgiving. Another highlight is Field Day, where laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition take center stage. It’s a day where students can showcase their talents, enjoy time outdoors, and simply be kids—celebrating the joy of community and togetherness. Amid all the excitement, May is also an important academic time as we complete our Spring NWEA testing. These assessments help us measure the growth our students have made throughout the year. Even at this point in testing, the results have been incredible. Looking at our first-grade class alone, the growth has been truly remarkable—a clear reflection of the hard work of our students and the dedication of our teachers. As we begin to look ahead to June, the celebrations continue. The final week of school is filled with events that honor our students and all they have accomplished. One of those special moments is our Raider Invite-Only Dinner, where we recognize students who have gone above and beyond—whether through academic achievement, being named Student of the Month, or earning state-level honors in athletics. When we take a step back and look at all that has happened this year, one thing is clear: none of this would be possible without you—our church and school community. Your support, encouragement, and love for our students make a lasting impact every single day. So as we move through the “90 days of May,” we do so with full hearts. Thank you. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being part of the St. Matthew family. From the bottom of my heart—thank you.

Mr. Dan Burk

Principal

Currently Reading
May 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Growing, Learning, and Exploring God’s World
Our preschool has had a busy and exciting season filled with meaningful learning and joyful discovery! As we wrapped up March, our classrooms focused on the true meaning of Easter. Through engaging Bible stories, thoughtful discussions, and creative hands-on arts and crafts, the children explored the incredible truth of Jesus’ resurrection. It has been a blessing to watch them begin to understand what Jesus’ love and victory over the grave mean for each of us. As we moved into April, our focus shifted to the fascinating world of insects and farm animals. The excitement in the classroom has been contagious as students learn about different creatures, their habitats, and how God has uniquely created each one. From buzzing bees to friendly farm animals, the children have been actively engaged through stories, activities, and imaginative play. To bring our animal unit to life, we are especially excited for our upcoming field trip to a real-life farm! This hands-on experience will give students the opportunity to milk cows, ride horses, and feed baby animals. It’s sure to be a memorable day filled with learning, laughter, and new experiences that connect directly to what they’ve been studying in the classroom. As we look ahead, we are now enrolling for the fall at our Early Learning Center. While our GSRP program is currently full, we still have a few openings available in our tuition-based program. We offer flexible part-time options that are perfect for introducing your child to a school setting—where they can learn, play, grow in their faith, and build lasting friendships. We also have a limited number of spots remaining in our full-day program. If you are considering preschool for your child, we would love to connect with you. Call our office today to schedule a tour and see firsthand what makes our preschool such a special place. We would be honored to welcome your family into our preschool community!

Mrs. Jamie Schenavar

Preschool Director