|
|
|
|
Question 1: What is the symbolism of your Fish and Dove logo?
The message of the logo comes from Romans 8:14, TNIV: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God”
The logo is made up of two of the most enduring symbols of Christianity, the fish and the dove. The fish was a symbol of the early Christian church because the initials of the words “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” in Greek spell the word “ichthys” or “fish”. It symbolizes that Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls is dedicated to Christian education.
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and was present at the baptism of Jesus. “As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.” Mark 1:10.
Together, the symbols represent our mission of Christian education as we proclaim by the power of the Holy Spirit “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior”. The dove is facing forward, ready to lead, and reminds us that we succeed only if we are led by the Spirit.
Every time we as Christians see the logo we are reminded that we “are led by the Spirit of God”. Praise God for this blessing!
Question 2: Why another private high school? Sioux Falls already has O’Gorman and Sioux Falls Christian.
Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls is focused and centered on Christ, with daily religion classes and worship opportunities, whole school chapel services, and witnessing Christian teachers and will offer a full college preparatory education, including extracurricular activities. It is unique in it’s preparation of students for a life of Christian service and equips them to succeed in the next step in their career. Four specific reasons why Lutheran High is needed:
1. Now more than ever. High School students face a difficult challenge in our world of today. Now more than ever parents need our help. This is a critical age as spiritual and secular values, career and life choices, social practices, and many other aspects of character are being formed and refined during the high school years.
2. Unique academic, service and career learning opportunities. Lutheran High is considering an innovative four day weekly class schedule with one day each week for school guided extended Christian service projects, career learning-through-work, and extra-curricular activities.
3. Academic excellence through Strategic Partnerships. Partnerships established with local and regional institutions and groups offer an enhanced academic experience, learning-through-work, and Christian service opportunities.
4. Flexible and Advanced Learning Opportunities through On-Line Courses: A large variety of excellent and accredited on-line learning courses are available for those students that wish to explore individual learning opportunities or need the scheduling flexibility such courses offer. To maximize the benefit of these offerings, qualified Lutheran High faculty supervise and assist students enrolled in on-line courses.
5. The Genesis Study and Behavior Research Survey. The Genesis Feasibility Study, completed in June, 2006 conducted surveys, interviews and focus groups involving more than a 1,000 participants both part of and outside the Lutheran community in Sioux Falls. Those contacted expressed overwhelming support for a new Lutheran high school in Sioux Falls. In January, 2007 Behavior Research Center, Inc. researched the market feasibility of a Lutheran high school in Sioux Falls. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 150 households and the results of the Lutheran School Parent Survey of parents with children in grades 3 to 6 was reviewed. The conclusion reached was that: “Based on the information generated in this study, it appears that the proposed Sioux Falls High School could attract a base of between 176 and 244 students, depending on site, within two to three years after opening in 2009.” (2010 is the current anticipated opening date).
Question 3: Where will the school be located and when will it open?
A permanent location for the school has not yet been determined, however, suitable land to build a new campus is being sought at a location easily accessible from one of the Interstate highways around Sioux Falls. The school will open in the Fall of 2010 at Memorial Lutheran Church, 5000 South Western Avenue in Sioux Falls.
Question 4: What will it cost to attend?
Tuition will be established by the Board of Directors based on budget needs and anticipated enrollment. It is expected that tuition will be in the range of $5,000 to $7,000 per year. Of this amount, Member and Supporting Congregations are expected to pay 20% with the remaining 80% paid by the student and parents.
Question 5: Do I have to be a Lutheran to attend?
No. The school is open to students regardless of religion, race, or ethnic background.
Question 6: Will the school offer sports, music, and other extra-curricular activities?
Yes. Lutheran High will offer a full range of extra-curricular activities typical of other high schools in the area. During the initial growth years, partnerships will be developed with other area high schools to offer participation in large team sports.
Question 7: Will the school offer college credit courses?
Yes. Lutheran High will partner with one or more local or regional accredited colleges or universities and offer Dual Credit courses that will be readily transferable to other colleges and universities in the United States.
Question 8: Can Lutheran High compete academically with the excellent larger established high schools in Sioux Falls?
Quality of education does not depend on the size of a school but on it’s core values, the strength of its vision and the qualifications and dedication of its faculty and staff. Lutheran High has the significant advantage of flexibility, innovation and creativity in its approach to education. An example of this is the innovative four day weekly class schedule with one day each week for school guided extended Christian service projects, career learning-through-work, and extra-curricular activities. Lutheran High will offer experiences that are unique and challenging to its students and are not available in a larger school.
Question 9: What is the relationship between Lutheran High and Sioux Falls Lutheran School?
Both are Lutheran Schools and share common values, vision and mission, one focusing on Kindergarten through eighth grade and the other ninth through twelfth grades. Lutheran High and Sioux Falls Lutheran School are two schools with separate congregational ownership, their own governing boards, and operate independently. Many of the students attending Lutheran High will come from Sioux Falls Lutheran School, but many will come from the public elementary schools in Sioux Falls and the region.
Question 10: Can other Lutheran congregations belong to the Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls Association?
Yes. All interested Lutheran congregations can join the Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls Association either as Member Congregations or Supporting Congregations. The school is open to students regardless of religion, race, or ethnic background.
Question 11: How does a congregation become a member of the Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls Association?
Simply contact the Association at the phone number or address listed and someone will be happy to discuss this with you.
Question 12: How can I help?
First of all, please pray for us. Pray for the Board of Directors, staff, supporting congregations and the many volunteers and supporters of Lutheran High that we might be strengthened and guided as we continue our important work. Secondly, volunteer to help us with the many, many tasks that need to be accomplished every day. By all means, be one of our champions and tell everyone you know about this exciting school! Finally, support us with your contributions. Ongoing support from our friends and supporters is critically important so that we can make this school accessible to all students, regardless of their financial resources. Contributions to Lutheran High are tax deductable. “Simply Giving”, a program that allows you to make a regular automatic deduction from your checking account, is available for those who wish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
