Lutheran school provides educational alternative

Date: 10/5/2010

Oct. 6, 2010

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

HOLYOKE -- Marianne Bischoff knew from an early age she wanted a career in a Lutheran School setting, and now, a few decades later, she is living that dream every day.

"I say hi to the children every morning," Bischoff said during a recent lunchtime interview with Reminder Publications, noting she is there to hold the door open for each student when they arrive each day. Bischoff added it is also an opportune time for parents to ask her questions.

"Communication is so important and I make myself accessible to everyone," she said.

One way Bischoff communicates with the staff, students and parents, is through a weekly "From the Principal's Desk" column found on the school's Web site -- www.flsma.com.

"We are always looking for new ways to communicate messages," she added.

One of the messages she and First Lutheran Church Pastor Randall Bessette are working on at press time are plans for the school's 30th anniversary celebration.

"Plans are underway for a special celebration, probably in March," Bischoff said.

Bischoff relishes her career -- and the opportunity to offer a quality education in a Christ-centered school to area young people.

"Ever since I was in the eighth grade, I wanted to be a Lutheran School teacher," she said.

After teaching stints in Illinois, Michigan, and California, Bischoff learned of a teaching opportunity in Western Massachusetts. She first served as a second grade teacher at First Lutheran, in 2006, and then became interim principal in 2007, and in 2008, principal.

Bischoff noted her role as principal is challenging every day, but it is made worthwhile because of the interactions with Pastor Bessette, the staff, parents, and children.

"I enjoy visiting the classrooms and seeing the education that takes place each day in the love of Jesus," she said.

During a tour of the school just after lunch, students were back at their desks for afternoon lessons, and when their classroom doors were opened for a peek, everyone cheerfully turned toward the door and said hi -- returning a wonderful, warm smile.

Two students were then called to Bischoff's office -- not to be reprimanded -- but to be interviewed for this story.

Michael Drapeau of Holyoke, has attended the school for nine years, and noted he particularly likes his classes in social studies and science.

Drapeau, already considering a career in aviation, said he would recommend the school to all young people, because "everyone is nice here."

Matthew Bidus of Southampton, echoed those sentiments.

This is the first year for Bidus at the school and he thinks it's "awesome."

"Everyone is welcoming here and the classes are more fun," Bidus said. He, too, enjoys social studies and science classes, as well as the religion component.

Bidus, an aspiring singer, would also recommend the school to young people because "it's easy to make new friends here."

Bischoff said what sets the school apart from others in the region is its "uniqueness from being a Lutheran Christian School."

"We have students of all denominations, as well as those who are not religious, and we provide a caring, safe environment with a strong curriculum in all subject areas," she said. "We do not teach to the test; but teach for learning and evaluate ourselves by the Terra Nova CAT tests that are done annually from grades K-8."

Bischoff noted that parents should consider the school as an alternative for their children for several reasons, including the ratio of teachers to students in each class.

"We have various class sizes, but the average is 15 students per class," she added. "Our doors are open for parents to come during the school day and see for themselves what takes place, so that they can see what is available for them."

In addition to the core curriculum subjects, the school offers art, music, and Spanish classes.

"Every day the students have time in the Bible, learning about the love of God for them through Jesus Christ," Bischoff said. "We are loved so much that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all of our sins so that through trusting in Him we can have eternal life. All the lessons are taught in the light of God's Word."

Bischoff lauded her teaching staff for providing a supportive, caring and academically stimulating environment every day.

"The teaching staff is very dedicated," she said. "They desire to make each student successful."

For more information on the school or its tuition fees, visit www.flsma.com or call 532-4272. The school is located at 1810 Northampton St.

First Lutheran Christian School offers classes for preschoolers, as well as kindergarten through eighth grade. School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., weekdays. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. Morning care is provided in fellowship hall with an adult supervising the children. An after school program is also available.