Reading. Writing. ‘Rithmatic. The typical marks of the classroom experience. At Valley Lutheran though, a student’s education goes beyond these typical classroom experiences. It is filled with opportunities for interaction, engagement, service, and learning beyond the classroom. Here’s a glimpse of just a few of the opportunities that Valley students have had during the past month.
Performing with Concordia Chicago Choir
Valley Lutheran welcomed The Kapelle Choir of Concordia University-Chicago to campus to share vocal skills, methods, and techniques, in addition to performing with our Valley students at the school assembly. The Kapelle Choir Director spoke to students about the pursuit of the wide variety of musical careers. Valley Lutheran High School would like to thank Concordia-Chicago for their gift of music and for taking the time to share that gift with our students.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Students in the Sustainability class experienced a unique field trip/service learning trip to Chippewa Nature Center and Averill Preserve. Students learned about careers in conservation, experienced the exhibits, and then took their learning into the forest as they pulled invasive autumn olive and glossy buckthorn and collected native perennial seeds and beech nuts for future planting. Rylee Ross (’23) said, “I appreciated the opportunity to go on the field trip because I got to see and do things in the line of work that I am interested in.”
Serving Alongside Lutheran World Relief
Valley Lutheran was glad to be able to partner again this year to support the international ministry of Lutheran World Relief. VLHS provided a drop-off location and student volunteers for a recent collection event. Please visit https://michigandistrict.org/compassion/loading-up-love/ for more details regarding the event.
Growing a New Extra-Curricular Group at VL
Students at Valley Lutheran have come together and started The Animal Club. This group of 25 students is diligently planning a donation collection for the rescues in the area as their first student-initiated event. The creation of new groups like this allow students to show their creativity, while also giving them the opportunity to give back to their community.
Exploring a New Industry
Valley Lutheran students had the opportunity to view the operations of and tour the Vantage Plastics site in Standish, Michigan while also connecting with a VL alumni. Students learned about manufacturing and the mechanics around many of the industries that touch their lives every day. Tours like the Vantage Plastics site expose our students to the many manufacturing fields in which there are job opportunities.