Moving Forward
We are excited and encouraged to be able to offer the middle school once again to our Martin Luther families. As we make this next move, we realize that there are new hurdles we need to overcome and needs to meet. We want to assure you that we are offering the best education that we can for your child as they move forward into the middle school years.
Areas of concern include:
Technology: While the classical model appreciates the pencil and paper aspect of writing, we realize we would be remiss if we did not prepare our students for how to use technology, to navigate their way comfortably with schoolwork on line, how to keyboard, etc. These are vital skills for our students to acquire as we move forward in education, even while using the classical model.
Extracurricular activities: We are once again in the cooperative agreement with Bismarck Public Schools wherein our 7th and 8th graders can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, primarily sports, with the public-school teams. Also, this isn’t JUST sports-related. There are opportunities for qualifying middle school students to participate in state wide musical events or receive other forms of recognition for their achievements.
Staffing: This is a challenge in every school. We want our parents to be aware of how we plan to meet this need.
Space: When we offered the middle school grades in the past, we did not have the two full-day preschools. Consequently, our classroom space is limited. We have ways to address that!
Beyond Middle School? Believe it or not, there is discussion going on right now regarding the possibilities of education beyond middle school for our MLS students!
You are invited to a forum on May 6th at 6:30 (location TBD) for an opportunity to talk about these issues, how they are being addressed, and what other needs that you may have. Communication on all these topics is so important, and we need to all be on the same page as we move forward.
It is amazing how our Lord works through us-- school, parents, staff, board members, congregations-- all of us, through these challenges. It isn't always easy, but we know that He definitely has a plan for us!
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