Mrs. Nelson is a 1970 graduate of Concordia Teachers College - Seward, Nebraska (now Concordia University).
Mrs. Nelson stated, "I had wonderful Christian teachers who made a difference in my life while I attended both a Lutheran elementary school and high school. I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of young children and share Jesus' love and forgiveness with them."
Gerri directs the Alleluia (children's) Choir and is a part-time organist for the church. She is also active in the evening LWML group.
+++ Her favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you are saved, through faith - and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)
Gerri and her husband Stan have two married sons, Eric and Nathan.
MRS. CHERYL MORRIS - TEACHER for GRADE 2
Mrs. Morris, our first and second grade teacher, is a 1983 Graduate of Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Mrs Morris said, "As a Lutheran school graduate, I appreciated the Christian learning environment and the commitment to academic excellence. After attending Concordia College in St. Paul for a year, I felt led by God to pursue His calling as a Lutheran teacher.
Cheryl participates in many church activities including: serving as the evening LWML secretary, song leader for the Sunday School, a member of the Board for Family Life Ministry, a VBS teacher, a substitute hand bell ringer, and a member of the School Accreditation Committee. She also is a volunteer at the Friendship Room at St. Bernard's Church.
Cheryl is married to Pastor William Morris of our congregation. They have three children, Amanda, a married daughter living in the Grand Rapids area, Jessica, A student at Alpena Community College, and Daniel, a student at Alpena High School.
Cheryl's favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
MR. ARTHUR HOCH - TEACHER for GRADES 3 AND 4
Mr. Hoch is a 1971 graduate of Concordia University - St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Hoch is back teaching 3rd and 4th grade full time.
Arthur was led to become a Lutheran teacher through the example of his 5th and 6th grade teacher at Evergreen Lutheran School in Detroit, through the encouragement of his 7th and 8th grade teacher/principal, and the loving Christian example of his parents.
Arthur and his wife, Judy, have two married children, Joshua and Rachel, and a son, Benjamin, who is with the Lord.
+++ Art's favorite Bible verse is Romans 3:23, 24 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (NIV)
MRS. JANEL WOODWARD - TEACHER for GRADES 5 and 6
Mrs. Woodward is our new part-time teacher for our 5th and 6th grade. Mrs. Woodward and her husband Eric, along with their children, Alexis, Jared and Jillian operate a dairy farm in Ossineke.
+++Janel's favorite Bible verse is
MRS. JUDY HOCH - JR. HIGH TEACHER/ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mrs. Hoch is our 7th and 8th grade teacher. She teaches most of the core subjects in grades 7 & 8 with the exception of Literature and Religion. She also teaches Science and Gym in grades 5 & 6. She is a 1991 graduate of Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also received a Masters Degree in 2001 from Spring Arbor University. Judy also coordinates the use of our gym and athletic field, and plans our annual parochial field day.
Judy became a Lutheran School teacher because ... God would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4) "I wanted to be a member of His team by helping young people grow in faith, just as my Lutheran teachers aided me in growing."
Judy and her husband, Art, have two married children, Joshua and Rachel, and a son, Benjamin, who is with the Lord.
+++ Judy's favorite Bible passage is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
MRS. PAMELA WHITE - PRINCIPAL and TEACHER for GRADES 5 and 6
Mrs White is a graduate of St. John's in Winfield, Kansas and Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. She has taught at Immanuel since graduation in 1972 with the exception of the years taken off to raise her children. She has taught preschool, and grades three, four, five and six. She is currently teaching grades 5 and 6, and serving as principal of Immanuel.
Mrs. White stated that she wanted to be a teacher from about the time she was in 3rd grade. She said, "I loved the teachers I had in my Lutheran school. As I got older and gained experience in working with children in VBS, Sunday School, babysitting and with my younger siblings. I realized my love of children, too."
She also stated, "It is a joy to be a part of a child's life, guiding and teaching them as they grow, learn, and mature. Being able to share my faith as I teach them about Jesus is a blessing found in a Lutheran school."
Pam participates in adult Bible classes and is a member and officer of our local Lutheran Women's Missionary League organization.
Pam and her husband, Tony, have three adult children, Benjamin, Virginia and Kathryn.
+++ Pam's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (NIV)
ADDITIONAL STAFF
MRS. CHRISTINA KIELISZEWSK - SCHOOL SECRETARY
Mrs. Kieliszewski is our school secretary. She has been serving our students, parents and teachers since 1996. Mrs. K is most likely the first person you will see as you enter the building. She helps to coordinate many of our school wide activities, and is active on the church Youth Board.
Chris and her husband, Don, live in the Lachine area . They have an adult son, Jordan, and a teenage daughter, Brooke, living at home.
+++ Chris's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup pverflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.'"