“Witness Always – Raising-Up Faithful Disciples” is the theme of Lutheran Schools Week celebrated March 2-8 at Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill.
A schedule of daily activities at Trinity including a school carnival and play highlight the week focusing on Lutheran education.
“Raising-up disciples is what we do here every day,” said Principal Kathy Yahr. “Our goal is to make disciples of all children. It’s about having a heart of giving and being able to reach out to share the love of Jesus.”
As a prelude to the week’s activities, a school carnival Feb. 28 takes place in the cafeteria and gym from 5-8 p.m. to kick off the celebration. The annual event features games for all ages, raffles, prizes, food and auction. The public is invited.
“We started planning a month ago,” said second grade teacher Melissa Leon, a member of the Lutheran Schools Week planning committee.”We think of new ideas and use what works. It’s never the same every year.”
Each class at Trinity participates in the carnival by creating a game such as Plinko or Ring Toss and provides a basket filled with raffle prizes. All auction items are donated by individuals and businesses.
“We haven’t had the auction for a few years,” Leon said. “But that helps support the PTO and all of the field trips.”
In her second year of teaching at Trinity, Leon likes the camaraderie she has with fellow teachers, staff, parents and students during Lutheran Schools Week and enjoys sharing her faith with them throughout the school year.
“I enjoy coming together as a school to celebrate the opportunity we have to grow in our faith,” she said. “I teach in a Lutheran school so I can share my faith and be a witness to my kids.”
Teacher Jeff Holt is involved with the athletic program at Trinity and teaches social studies, religion and science. He assists with planning Lutheran Schools Week and is also the advisor for the Student Council, Safety Patrol and yearbook staff.
“Lutheran Schools Week is a special time for students and our families to celebrate the things that make us different,” Holt said. “Jesus is at the center of everything that we do.”
As part of the week’s activities, Holt will be presenting the play, “How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying” on March 7 with the help of Trinity students. The play will begin at 6 p.m. at the school with a cast of more than 30 students in grades five through eight.
“We looked at a lot of different plays and this one seemed to fit well with the middle school and will be a good send off for our eighth graders,” Holt said.
Lily Diagostine, a seventh grader at Trinity, landed a speaking role in the production after having performed in the school musical last year. She has also worked on various set crews.
“It’s really fun to learn a little about acting and it’s nice to be able to work with my friends and fun to put on a play for our families and the community,” she said.
President of the Student Council, Diagostine is a member of the Girl’s Basketball and Volleyball teams at Trinity and participates in soccer and track at Prairie River Middle School. She has placed among the top 10 in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest for two years.
“It’s nice to be with your friends and to live your Christian faith and share and give back to the community,” she said. “I like being around kids with the same values as me.”
Other activities during Lutheran Schools Week at Trinity will include a showing of the movie “Monsters University,” a classroom swap, school spirit day and a presentation on transformation by Sheboygan high school teacher Rick Zeuner.
“Monday through Friday there are special dress up days,” Leon said. “It’s something that’s really fun and the kids enjoy it.”
A highlight of the week will be a day of sledding and winter activities at Camp Luther in Three Lakes for students in grades K-4. The students earned the outing by achieving a reading goal set through the Book It Program.