Parent E-mails
| Letter #01 - 07/14/08 | Letter #02 - 07/25/08 | Letter #03 - 08/26/08 | ||
| Letter #04 - 09/04/08 | Letter #05 - 09/08/08 | Letter #06 - 09/15/08 | ||
| Letter #07 - 09/22/08 | Letter #08 - 10/01/08 | Letter #09 - 10/05/08 |
Letter #09 - 10/05/08
Dear Parents and Guardians,
A few weeks ago we had an area Lutheran elementary school come for a visit. After a pep rally in the gym, they witnessed a great performance by some of our Seminary students, namely, varsity football players. These guys showed that they could deliver a hit. They were really in tune with each other. They wore their jerseys proudly. We were proud of their efforts!
Later that evening, these guys went out and played a football game.
That’s right…later that evening. See, the performance I’m talking about was a song they sang in the chapel for the visitors: five varsity football players, in their jerseys, taking time out of their usual pre-game preparations to do something nice for prospective Seminary students. A colleague and I who watched it both agreed: that sums up, in many respects, what Seminary students are all about. They have many gifts, they are willing to use them for the good of others, and they enjoy doing it.
That sums up, in many respects, what the public ministry is all about, too. God gives many gifts to those who serve in the church, called workers and laypeople alike. It’s great when those who have been given those gifts are willing to use them for the good of others, in tune with one another, and enjoy doing that. That’s the purpose for which we are training the students here. That’s what we’d love to do with many future students as well! I think the visitors that day were impressed. I pray that God will use experiences like that to impress upon their young minds the joy of training for this kind of service in the church some day!
If you know of some prospective Seminary students in your home church or school, note that it is never too early to make application to attend MLS. The sooner a prospective student applies, the sooner we can provide useful information for them as well as gathering information from them. There is no fee to apply, nor does it absolutely commit anyone to attending, even though that’s the goal we have in mind. The student goes to the website (www.mlsem.org), clicks on Future Students, then on Apply to MLS.
The seniors, like those five varsity football players mentioned above, will soon get their own “taste of ministry” as they spend a couple days in area Lutheran elementary schools. This project has always proven to be a very useful one for the seniors and the schools alike. That will take place on October 20-21. During the last week of October, the sophomores will embark on the annual tour that takes them to our other synod ministerial education schools—Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Luther Preparatory School, and Martin Luther College. Parents of sophomores should have received a letter from Professor Peterson about that event in the mail. In November, the juniors will gather with their parents for another “Junior Night” banquet, a fun evening when Martin Luther College reps and others will have the chance to inform and entertain the class of 2010.
Meanwhile, we continue with efforts to recruit future students to MLS through visits on campus and off campus. One new project this year, which we are undertaking along with Luther Prep, is the collection of data on every 8th grader throughout the synod so that the prep schools can be readily accessible to these members of the synod. In the state of Michigan, the data requested will be for every 5th through 8th grader. We pray that the Lord will bless that effort.
Let us know how we can serve your congregation or school. We welcome the opportunity to put our school on display, even with individual parents in their homes! We have lots of blessings to talk about and, perhaps, even sing about!
God be with you.
Professor Kock, MLS Recruiter
Letter #08 - 10/01/08
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thursday, October 2, marks the end of the first term for this school year. Seniors will see if they are keeping up their GPA as they make final preparations for college and freshmen will see their first high school progress report. It is a significant time for students at both ends of the spectrum as well as for juniors and sophomores. Students will receive their progress report on Tuesday, October 7. The reports and any enclosed letter will be mailed to you on Thursday, October 9. Online grade reports should be viewable by Monday, October 6.
Please remember the academic eligibility standards for students. The typical GPA for college entrance is 2.5. Students below that GPA will be encouraged to make faithful use of God’s gifts to them. A GPA below 2.0 will receive an additional warning. Students at this level may need to meet with a teacher for help. Such a student will be placed on academic probation. Limited extracurricular eligibility (the student may practice but not represent the school) will be the status for a GPA of 1.68-1.99 and a GPA below 1.68 will make a student ineligible (the student can neither practice nor represent the school in an extracurricular activity). If you have any questions regarding your child’s report, please contact the advising professor.
The dates for driver’s education segment 1 have been set. We will again be using Sears Driving School. Classes will begin on Monday, November 3. There are twelve classes, which will be held from 3:15-5:15 Monday through Thursday. The last class will be on Thursday, November 20. The cost for this segment is $299. A cover letter and contracts will be available in the administration office at the beginning of next week.
In mid-summer, the state announced the results of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) tests. Our juniors took the tests in spring. We administer the tests so that our students are eligible to receive the state’s Merit Award scholarship. There are five batteries: Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. The last two are combined to determine the English Language Arts (ELA) score.
Our MLS students performed in the following manner compared to Saginaw County public high schools; the numbers represent the percentage of students earning the qualifying scores of 1 or 2 for the Merit Award:
| Math | ELA | Sciance | Social Studies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 80% | 85% | 85% | 93% |
| Frankenmuth | 80 | 77 | 80 | 88 |
| Swan Valley | 46 | 62 | 68 | 88 |
| Hemlock | 52 | 56 | 63 | 85 |
| Freeland | 63 | 61 | 70 | 89 |
| Heritage | 52 | 63 | 66 | 90 |
| St. Charles | 35 | 43 | 59 | 85 |
In addition to the MME scores, we also received the annual report from the ACT for our May 2009 graduates. Our students again performed very well compared to the state and national averages. The perfect ACT score is 36 points. The following table compares our students’ average scores with those for the state of Michigan:
| English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Class of 2009 | 24.0 | 23.5 | 25.3 | 23.1 | 24.2 |
| Michigan Class of 2009 | 18.7 | 19.5 | 19.8 | 19.9 | 19.6 |
Our juniors this school year will take the new Michigan Merit Exam in spring 2009. Those seniors who did not earn the qualifying scores on the MME last spring will have an opportunity to win the Merit Award when juniors are tested.
We are grateful for the blessings of the Lord on the rigorous academic preparation we do here at MLS for the sake of the Church.
In Christ,
Prof. Carl J. Weihrauch
Letter #07 - 09/22/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:
It's Homecoming week!
WNEM TV-5 covered our game and our school spirit on Friday. They have a follow-up online voting procedure today only at http://www.wnem.com/sports/17456393/detail.html
You will be able to read more details about the events of the week in the Cardinal Direct e-mail coming out later today.
State law requires us to inform you of pesticide applications. You can be sure that we will be mosquito-free for our Homecoming activities, since our field will be sprayed this coming Thursday night (and also on the following dates before home games: October 2, 8, 15 and 23).
If you'd like to contact other parents about your student's Homecoming plans, you may use the directory at http://studentdir.mlsem.org Your username there is *****, and your password is *****. The area is password protected so that internet search engines do not pick it up. If you need help with this login, contact Miss Nicole Greanya (neg@mlsem.org). If you'd like a paper copy of the directory, contact Mrs. Laurie Starr (lss@mlsem.org).
If you missed the Guild meeting this month, you can watch it online: http://mlsem.org/support-organizations/guild/
Perhaps you remember how exciting Homecoming was when you were in high school. Talk to your student about the fun, and ask the Lord's blessing on the week.
Cordially in Christ,
Pres. Prange
Letter #06 - 09/15/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:
You can feel and see the summer slowly slipping away and fall is taking over. It is awesome to see how our Lord controls the seasons and sends the changes for our benefit. With the start of school we had the start of many extracurricular activities. The fall sports are in full swing. The football teams have already had three games. Cross country has had four meets and the volleyball team has had two tournaments. Please check our calendar (www.mlsem.org) and come out and enjoy watching one of our teams.
While you are checking the calendar, please make note of some of the events coming in the next couple of months. Children’s Theater will be putting on “The Reluctant Dragon” on November 14/15. Tryouts for this production are going on as I type. The Concert Choir will be making their first appearance of the year at Crown of Life, Warren, MI, on September 28 at 8:30 a.m. Finally, mark September 26 on your calendar because that is Homecoming here at MLS. Join the MLS family at the tailgate party and then enjoy the football game that follows. A blood drive will also be taking place from 12:00-6:00 p.m. on that Friday. If you would like to give blood you may sign up ahead of time with a student council member or just walk in that day.
It is always exciting to see God’s children using their gifts and abilities to His glory and honor. Please come to MLS and see how the Lord has truly blessed these students in their many activities.
In Christ’s service,
Prof. David P. Lecker
Chairman, Extracurricular Committee
Letter #05 - 09/08/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:
“I’m a Booster, he’s a Booster, she’s a Booster, they are Boosters--wouldn’t you like to be a Booster too?”
Did I bring back some 70’s memories? Fun, huh? Some of you may have no idea what I’m talking about, some may kind of remember the song, and a few of you may suddenly be thirsting for Dr. Pepper. It seems to me that the MLS Booster Club may be a little like that 70’s memory. Some know of it very well, some have heard about “them” but aren’t sure what “they” do, and some may not even know that there is a Booster Club.
Before we talk about the Booster Club, I want to let you know that I and the rest of the board members thank God for you as parents. By sending your son or daughter to MLS, you are shining the light of the gospel. Not only are your children seeing that light shine, but you also have the opportunity to let the light of the gospel shine when others ask, “Where are they going to high school?” Thank you for participating in the Seminary Family!
So, what is the Booster Club? When we think of a Booster Club, the first thought usually centers on raising funds. We do that, but there is so much more. We focus on supporting the students and families of MLS in more ways than financial. We provide opportunities for fellowship among parents/students and parents/parents on purpose. The members of the Board organize a variety of functions. We sponsor the concessions at home football games. Each winter, we organize the volleyball tournament for fellowship among the churches in our district. The grade school 3-on-3 basketball tournament is sponsored by the Booster Club. Flower sales at the musicals and plays are provided by members of the Booster Club.
What do we do with the funds that are raised? Here are a few of the projects that were completed in recent years:
- Foosball table in dorm TV room
- Polyhedron frameworks for geometry classroom
- Presentation easels for sophomore speech class
- Storage bins for art and science supplies
- Handchimes, 4th octave set
- Safety straps for basketball standards in gymnasium
- Candle lighter in chapel
And what I feel is the most important use of our funds, scholarships to graduates going on to Martin Luther College.
How do we acquire our funds? There are registration fees for becoming a Booster Club member. They vary from $25 to $400 or more. They earn a person free popcorn at games, among other things. The registration fees become the base of our funds. The concession sales at the football games also provide funds. Because the main purpose for holding the volleyball and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments is fellowship, we attempt to set the registration fees to cover the expenses related to the events, rather than viewing those as activities to raise funds.
Speaking of great fellowship times, this fall is packed with opportunities to gather at MLS. This next Friday is ‘Jersey Night’ at the varsity football game. If you have an “old” jersey, wear it to the game. If you are not a grad, or were not in football, you are able to purchase jerseys at Cardinal Corner housed under the press box. The game gets underway at 7 pm. And of course, as one of the St. Charles coaches put it last week, dinner will be available at “the best concession stand in the Tri-Valley Conference.” Come have a brat or hot dog with those world-famous MLS fries!
If you are not a member of the Booster Club, you may still join! See us at the football concessions or contact me at tdyerks@yahoo.com. If your son or daughter’s grandparents would like to become Booster Club members, they are welcome to join. If they happen to be far from here, and would not make use of the “free popcorn button,” we are working on a window cling that identifies them as an MLS Booster, so they can talk about their grandchild at MLS.
In His Service,
Troy Yerks
President, MLS Booster Club
Letter #04 - 09/04/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:
We're well into our second week here at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and it amazes me how quickly the calm and quiet of summer quickly changes to school bells going off, doors being continually opened and closed, and teenagers "exercising" their voices and lungs to fill the halls and classrooms and dorms and fields of our campus with welcome noise. God be praised for the strong show of support that we here at Seminary receive from our synod and from our parents and guardians. God also be with us as we carry out the work he has given us to do this 2008-09 school year.
This fall we welcome to our dorm staff new tutors Andrew Naumann (wife, Faith, and baby coming in January) and Amanda Dunn. We also welcome back returning "vets" Mark Schroeder (wife, Alissa and baby Lydia) and Emily Sting. We praise God for all these servants who are committed to their work as ministers of the gospel.
As we begin a new year, it is a good time to highlight a few items that will help our school and dormitory run more smoothly. Please note:
1. CAR PERMISSION
Please stress to your son or daughter the importance of getting permission before jumping in a car with someone. The important task of watching over your children becomes more difficult when kids are not signing out before they leave campus. This challenge is magnified when they leave campus to go somewhere in a car without someone knowing that they’ve left. For parents and guardians of town students, please also remember that your son or daughter should make sure that any dorm students riding in their car have permission in advance and have signed out in the IDO.
2. WEEKEND PLANS
In the past, we have had wonderful cooperation from parents and guardians contacting the IDO to notify our staff of their son or daughter’s weekend plans. Please continue this cooperation, informing us via email or other means.
3. CELL PHONES
Cell phones are a wonderful tool and an excellent way for our students to communicate with family and friends. Please remind your children that they are not, however, to be used in the classroom or after bed times in the dormitory. Thanks for your cooperation.
Thanks to all parents and guardians, as your concern, encouragement, and support are greatly appreciated by the members of our faculty and dorm staff. The SEMINARY FAMILY is not just a name, but instead a reality because of the relationships forged and communication shared between home and school, making MLS an exciting place to learn, play, and carry out the Lord’s work. May God bless our school year.
God’s blessings always,
John Boggs
MLS Dean of Students
Letter #03 - 08/26/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The school year is off to a great start. Under the theme, "Education for Eternity," we have been worshipping and studying and getting acquainted and reacquainted during these first two days of classes.
Our opening enrollment turned out to be 197, with 47 freshmen. With a smaller enrollment it is easier to get to know everyone and quickly to become close.
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Thanksgiving for Ministry service on Sunday afternoon. I want to invite you to return to the campus for some special events on Sunday, September 7.
At 3:00 pm on that Sunday, the MLS Guild will host guest speaker Pastor Wade Johnston from Christ Lutheran Church in Saginaw (Shields). He will speak about ministerial education. His unique background should make for a fascinating presentation.
Then from 5:30 to 6:30 pm on that Sunday we will have our first Friends and Family Night in the dining hall, with a special menu and special time for fellowship and fun.
Finally, at 7:00 pm, please join the whole Seminary family in the chapel to give thanks to the Lord for the service of Prof. Norval Kock (celebrating 25 years in the ministry of the gospel) and Prof. Robert Schroer (celebrating 40 years in the ministry of the gospel). The Concert Choir will be singing; Prof. Schroer's brother Jerry will be preaching; Dean Boggs will be officiating; and I will be playing the organ.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
Cordially in Christ,
Pres. Prange
Letter #02 - 07/25/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:Your pre-registration information has begun to arrive. Thank you for taking care of that! Remember, we pre-register online now, at http://ap.mlsem.org If you have forgotten your login information, please email Nicole Greanya at neg@mlsem.org
So what happens next? Football campers arrive at school on Sunday, August 10. The other pre-season campus being on Sunday, August 17. If you sign up for one of those, you should receive information about it.
This year we have something new for parents who are on campus on Sunday, August 17. We are putting on a free supper and explaining opportunities for volunteer service at MLS during the coming school year. Just show up at the dorm between 4:30 and 5:00 pm in order to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Laurie Starr (lss@mlsem.org, 989-793-1041 x236).
Registration takes place between 8 am and noon on Saturday, August 23. If you sent in your pre-registration things, you should still come that morning to talk to your student's advisor, meet other parents, and find out what's new this year at MLS. If you are unable to attend, please contact Mrs. Diana Finkbeiner (dlf@mlsem.org, 989-793-1041 x225). Normally you would contact my secretary, Mrs. Perreault, but she has been diagnosed with cancer, and her prognosis is uncertain. Expressions of concern may be sent to 856 N. Finn, Essexville, MI, 48732.
Lunch is free for everyone in attendance on registration day!
All new parents and students should attend our orientation session on Saturday, August 23, at 1:00 pm in the gym. This goes until at least the middle of the afternoon. We let you know the basics of how MLS works, give tours of the school, answer questions, and calm jitters. If you are not able to attend that portion of the day, please inform our recruiter, Prof. Norval Kock (nlk@mlsem.org, 989-793-3487).
Our festive opening Thanksgiving for Ministry service is on Sunday, August 24, at 2:00 pm in the gym. All students are expected to attend. Freshmen have a welcoming mixer that night in the chapel. You may have heard that this freshman class has significantly more boys than girls. Some late applications from girls have really reduced that gap; the numbers are much closer now.
Have questions? Just e-mail in reply to this message. The Lord bless your few remaining days of summer!
Cordially in Christ,
Pres. Prange
Letter #01 - 07/14/08
Dear Parents and Guardians:
With only a month to go before pre-season camps open, it's time to get your registration papers ready for MLS! You are receiving this e-mail because we think that one or more students under your care are attending Michigan Lutheran Seminary in the 2008-09 school year. If that is not the case, please let us know by e-mailing info@mlsem.org
Because we are a boarding school, careful and complete registration is important. Please log in at http://ap.mlsem.org
Returning students received their login information last summer. It was repeated in the e-mail of October 5, 2007, where we told you how to check your student's report card. New students received their login information with their acceptance letter. If you have forgotten your login information, please email Nicole Greanya at neg@mlsem.org
You may get a message from your web browser stating that there is a problem with the website's security certificate. You can safely disregard this notice and continue on to the website. The site is completely secured. The reason this message appears is that we're using a self-signed certificate for the site. If you'd like further information regarding this message, please contact our Technology Director, Brandon Hill, at bdh@mlsem.org Let us know if you have any questions. The dear Lord continue to keep you safe this summer.
Cordially in Christ,
Paul T. Prange, President
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
