SCHOOL HISTORY

The birth of Peace Lutheran School took place in the same year that the congregation was organized. The charter members of Peace came from Saginaw congregations which had strong Lutheran schools, and so it was natural that from the outset a Christian Day School would become their main educational agency. Under the leadership of Pastor Weber, and with a generous subsidy from the Michigan District, this new mission was able to erect a two-story structure which contained two classrooms and a worship area on the second floor.

The doors of Peace Lutheran School opened on September 9, 1941 with Mr. Walter Zwintscher, teacher, and 31 students. In 1942, Mr. Frederick Ibeling replaced Mr. Zwintscher, and Pastor Weber served with him half-days. In 1943, Mrs. Ibeling took over a second full room. In 1944, Mr. Fred Leitz replaced Mrs. Ibeling in the classroom, and by 1947, the enrollment required an additional room with Mr. Albert Rogner as teacher. In 1948, Mr. Eugene Rolf and Miss Jean Hedemann (Zessin) were added to the staff as the enrollment stood at 103. By the year 1959, there were 8 teachers on the staff, one for each grade.

The enrollment figures indicate a continued growth of our school, and this required more teachers. These were either called from other congregations or were graduates assigned to us by Synodical colleges, and for a few years we also engaged teaching interns. To expand its outreach of Christian Education, Peace added a kindergarten in 1962 and a nursery program in 1974.

Until 1975, the principal taught full-time except for the confirmation instruction, conducted by the pastors and vicars. For the next few years, half-day help was provided so the principal could devote more time to the growing number of administrative responsibilites. Then, in 1979, the principalship became a full-time position.

The members of Peace Lutheran Church have always given high priority to their Christian Day School as evidenced by the fact that the present church building was not built until 1962. The second of the congregation's four-unit plan was the parish hall/gymnasium, dedicated in 1949. This area served as the worship center for the next 14 years. The third unit consisted of a four-classroom addition to the school, dedicated in 1954. Additional modifications and renovations have been made since that time to provide a more efficient use of existing space as well as to comply with building code regulations.

Due to growing enrollment and space restrictions, a new school facility was eventually needed. In 2003, Peace Lutheran Church dedicated its new state-of-the-art school facility on the corner of Lawndale and Shattuck Roads in Saginaw Township. Today, the school is home to more than 300 students from childcare through eighth grade.

Over the years, Peace has kept in step with the latest educational innovations including computers, video, networking, and the Internet. The school has begun the installation of wireless projectors in several classrooms along with Mimio systems which allow for more interactive teaching in the classroom.

Peace has always had an athletic program for its students and competed with other schools in the area. It is currently a member of the Tri-County Lutheran League (T.C.L.L.) which includes Lutheran schools from Saginaw, Bay, Tuscola, and Lapeer counties. More information regarding the school's athletic program can be found on the athletic department's website (www.peacesaginaw.net/athletics).

Peace students have also had opportunity to develp their musical talents and interests through band and choir. Each year, the school also presents a children's Christmas program and school musical. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in the annual Saginaw Lutheran Schools Music Festival.

In its outreach to the community, Peace Lutheran School has accepted non-member students as space has allowed. It does not discriminate, but enrolls students of any color, race, national, and ethnic origin and admits them to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school.

Countless numbers of students and parents have been gained for Christ's kingdom through the daily nurturing of the dedicated men and women who have taught at Peace. Yes, the Lord has truly blessed the congregation for its support of its Christian Day School during its first half-century, and through the influence of its pastors, teachers, and parents, many of its alumni have gone on to serve in church worker professions.

As we count the many blessings showered upon our school since its founding, we recall many golden memories, and with the Lord's continued grace and blessing, we look forward to countless golden opportunities in the years ahead. To God alone be the glory!