July 24, 2015
How is your summer going? Leisurely? Thanks to the ILS PTL and board, I was privileged to attend this year’s Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education conference in Dallas, where the singing was loud as the ‘ya’lls’ were resplendent. Aside from wonderful Matins and Divine Service, there was very little leisure. There was, however, good work to be done, tenets of classical Lutheran education to be remembered and challenging ideas to be discussed. ...Read More
June 5, 2015
On this last day of the 2014-2015 school year, our students were asked to look back on the many wonderful memories made during this past year. We asked our Lower School students to think back about the year and tell us some of their favorite memories. As you head into summer break, we hope you enjoy this little look back and remembering with us some of the things that they most enjoyed! ...Read More
June 3, 2015
The school year is coming to a close, and tonight we will honor our graduating 8th grade students during our Graduation Vespers Service. As we count down to the end of the year, our teachers and students share some of their reflections from the year: favorite memories, how they've grown, and what they are grateful for. Today, our 7th and 8th graders share their look back at the year. You can find reflections from our 4th, 5th & 6th graders in our previous posts....Read More
June 2, 2015
Our 2014-2015 school year is quickly coming to an end, but our teachers and students took a moment to share some of their reflections from the year. We hope you'll enjoy reading about their favorite memories, how they've grown, and what they are grateful for. Today, we hear from our 5th and 6th graders. You can read more from our 4th graders on yesterday's blog. ...Read More
June 1, 2015
As we finish the final week of the 2014-2015 school year, our teachers and students share some of their reflections from the year: favorite memories, how they've grown, and what they are grateful for. Enjoy this look back at the year through the eyes of our students and teachers. We start the week with reflections from our 4th grade....Read More
May 11, 2015
Our Upper School students and teachers had a busy and fun week last week with class trips. Check out our Facebook page for more photos from those trips. As we gear up for the final few weeks of the school year, the Upper School teachers share their reflections on some recent lessons....Read More
April 20, 2015
Each week, our "Curriculum Corner" provides a look into our classrooms, and how our classical curriculum is implemented at each grade level. This week, Mr. Schultz, our Upper School Math Teacher, shares his insights on how math is beautiful, but also how he works to simplify math for students to help improve their understanding, allowing them to better see the inherent beauty in math....Read More
April 13, 2015
Classical education understands all knowledge as unified and integrated. It nurtures and instructs the whole person insofar as you deal with not just technical but moral issues. In fourth grade, students learn to perceive this integrated unity even while practicing the technical aspects of writing....Read More
March 31, 2015
There are many projects underway in the third quarter, and many things with which to be fascinated. Our Upper School faculty recently asked students what is captivating them this week. Enjoy their responses!...Read More
March 30, 2015
Each week, our Curriculum Corner provides more information on our classical Christian curriculum at Immanuel. A classical curriculum is guided by the three phases of learning known as the trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Last week we reviewed key principles of the grammar stage. This week, our Curriculum Corner explores the logic, or dialectic stage, which follows the grammar stage....Read More
March 27, 2015
Do you ever wonder what our ILS alumni are up to now? Where are they in school? How do they feel ILS prepared them for high school and beyond? We're starting a new series of Alumni Profiles, where we'll be sharing some insights from some of our more recent graduates and how they are doing now. We're pleased to start this series with Kylee Honig, ILS Class of 2011. Kylee is now a senior at T.C. Williams in Alexandria, preparing to head to college, most likely at Christopher Newport University, in the fall. She is active on the school yearbook, as well as in the Key Club and Psychology Club. Many in our ILS community still know Kylee as she is the daughter of our Jr. Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Laurie Honig, she also keeps busy serving many of our families by babysitting....Read More
March 23, 2015
Immanuel Lutheran School uses a classical model of education. But what does that mean? A century ago, there wasn’t a variety of competing educational options. The principles of classical education were practically universal and had been the educational standard for centuries. In a nutshell, classical education differs from modern approaches in that it seeks to promote wisdom by teaching children how to think and learn for themselves. By contrast, modern education spends too much energy and effort simply telling kids what to think....Read More
March 12, 2015
This week, Immanuel's Junior Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Honig, shares her responses to our Six Questions. Mrs. Honig earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Longwood College. With previous experience as a preschool teacher, Mrs. Honig is noted for her natural warmth and sincere care for the students, staff and families of Immanuel. She is known for daily encouraging young minds and strong collaboration with parents. Mrs. Honig and her husband are the proud parents of four children, including two Immanuel graduates. ...Read More
March 9, 2015
ILS music teacher Miss German shares her thoughts about teaching music at a classical Lutheran school in this week's Curriculum Corner....Read More
March 5, 2015
This week, Mrs. Techau, our Assistant Teacher in the Jr. Kindergarten classroom, shares her responses to our Six Questions. Mrs. Techau has a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of South Florida. Previously, she enjoyed working in the field of journalism. Mrs. Techau delights in God's creation and her passion for the natural world is evident in her leadership of the ILS Garden Club each fall and spring, as well as her beautifully manicured gardens at home....Read More
February 23, 2015
Curriculum Corners provide a deeper look at aspects of our classical curriculum at Immanuel. This week, our Upper School Lead Teacher, Mrs. Hull, shares her joy in teaching literature to our upper school classes as she explains how quality literature changes us. ...Read More
February 20, 2015
On Thursday, February 19th, Immanuel Lutheran School welcomed classical education consultant, Dr. Christopher Perrin, for a conversation with the community on "Why Small Classical Schools are Making a Big Impact." Parents, faculty, upper school students, and others from the community gathered for a dialogue about the growing movement of small classical schools throughout the country and the benefits of small schools. ...Read More
February 12, 2015
Immanuel Lutheran School is pleased to welcome classical education consultant Dr. Christopher Perrin on Thursday, February 19th at 7pm for a conversation with the community on Immanuel’s role in the growing movement of classical schools throughout the country. Parents, faculty, upper school students, and the community are invited to participate in the dialogue about the growing impact of classical education and classical schools....Read More
February 12, 2015
Upper School teacher, Mr. Schultz responds to our Six Questions this week. Growing up in California, Mr. Schultz attended Zion Lutheran School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. After receiving his degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Mr. Schultz taught 5th grade and served as the Athletic Director at St. Paul Lutheran School in New Orleans. In 2011 Mr. Schultz completed the LCMS School Leadership Development Program. Before coming to Immanuel, Mr. Schultz served as the principal of Redeemer Lutheran School in Denver in addition to his teaching responsibilities in 7th and 8th grade. Mr. Schultz and his wife Katie live in Alexandria with their sons, Canon and Benjamin....Read More
February 9, 2015
Each week, our Curriculum Corners offer a look into different aspects our classical curriculum at Immanuel. This week, Lower School Lead Teacher, Mrs. Winterstein, explores what it means to teach writing classically, journeying from the beginning stages with our youngest writers in Jr. Kindergarten, through the Lower School, and onwards through the upper grades. ...Read More
February 3, 2015
Last week, Immanuel Lutheran School students and faculty celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week. The national theme was Standing in Christ, Serving Others: Mercy Forever. Throughout the week, students and teachers discussed the theme of service towards others, and participated in a variety of special activities. Annual favorites included Drop Everything and Read Day, as well as Teacher Swap Day. Students had the chance to dress as an individual who serves our community, and hear from others who serve our community as police officers, nurses and military medical professionals. We hope you enjoy this look back at our week-long celebration!...Read More
February 2, 2015
Our Curriculum Corner provides a weekly glimpse into our classrooms at Immanuel. Faculty share, in their own words, aspects of our unique classical Christian curriculum and how that is put into action in their classrooms. This week, our Kindergarten Teacher, Miss Fleming, shares why we teach poetry to our Kindergarten students....Read More
January 28, 2015
A favorite tradition at ILS during National Lutheran Schools Week is Drop Everything and Read Day. Students and teachers alike enjoy the opportunity for spontaneous reading breaks throughout the day. Whether a favorite book from home, or a new selection from the classroom library (or even finishing The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for Thursday's PTL Book Discussion), lots of great reading is happening around campus all day!...Read More
January 27, 2015
We are excited to announce that Miss Kristin Malcolm, a junior at Hillsdale College, is joining us at Immanuel this semester for a Classical Education Apprenticeship. Miss Malcolm is the second teacher apprentice ILS has hosted, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our community. Please join us in welcoming Miss Malcolm and be sure to say hi when you see her around campus!...Read More
January 26, 2015
The national theme for this year's National Lutheran Schools Week is Standing in Christ, Serving Others: Mercy Forever. This annual community building celebration allows us an opportunity to give thanks that we are able to hear and proclaim the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ, day after day, at ILS. We are grateful for the mercy Christ first showed us by His atoning sacrifice on the cross for all of mankind. In response to His great love, we respond to one another with mercy....Read More
January 26, 2015
Every Monday, our "Curriculum Corner" offers a deeper look into our classrooms with additional insight into the classical curriculum at Immanuel. This week, Upper School teacher Mr. Schultz explores what it means to teach science classically, acknowledging God as the creator of all, and science allows us to delight in the joy and wonder of the complexity of His creation....Read More
January 19, 2015
This week, Mrs. Honig, Immanuel's Jr. Kindergarten teacher, takes over the "Curriculum Corner" to offer some insights into the classical curriculum for our youngest students. From exploring beauty and truth through beautiful art work, to learning how to draw, Mrs. Honig demonstrates how art and drawing is incorporated across subjects in the Jr. Kindergarten classroom....Read More
January 16, 2015
Last week, our Upper School students shared their reflections on the learning process. Our teachers are students, too! They were recently asked to share some of the things that they have been inspired to learn about in recent weeks. Enjoy their responses!...Read More
January 15, 2015
Lower School Lead Teacher, Mrs. Winterstein, answers our "Six Questions" this week. Mrs. Winterstein is Immanuel's Called 2nd grade teacher and a member of the Society for Classical Learning. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Language Arts from Concordia University Wisconsin. She has previously worked as an ABA therapist for children with autism and demonstrates a passion for advocating on behalf of students with special needs. ...Read More
January 13, 2015
Does the imagination matter? In education, parents and teachers desire confirmation that the education they are giving to their children is a quality one. Data is often what parents and school turn toward: what are the test results? What is the acceptance rate? What high schools and colleges are students matriculating into? These points of data are good and helpful, certainly informative. A teacher would be a poor teacher if they did not care about ensuring academic progress and growth in their students, and lack of excellence would generally be clear in the data....Read More
January 9, 2015
What do students make of the learning process? It was fascinating to ask the Upper School students to reflect on their own education. Read today's blog post for some of their thoughts on what they are learning. ...Read More
January 8, 2015
Interested in an excellent academic environment that nurtures your child’s mind, heart, and body? Immanuel Lutheran School is a classical, Christian Academy serving students in grades Jr. K through 8 in Alexandria, Virginia. If you are interested in seeing for yourself what Immanuel has to offer, we would love for you to attend one of our open houses. Our next open house is scheduled for Thursday, January 15 starting at 9:00am at our campus on Russell Road. We are also holding a special Middle School Open House on Friday, January 23rd at 9am. This program will be geared for families looking at fourth through eighth grades and will offer an opportunity to meet current students, as well as recent ILS graduates and their parents. ...Read More
January 8, 2015
This week Miss German answers our "Six Questions." Miss German serves as the music teacher for all grades as well as the Director of Parish Music for Immanuel Lutheran Church. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in German and Church Music from Valparaiso University, and is currently working on the completion of her Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in Biblical Languages from Concordia Theological Seminary. She enjoys sharing her love of music and passion for the rich musical heritage of the Lutheran church with her students and the entire Immanuel community....Read More
January 5, 2015
Each Monday, our "Curriculum Corner" highlights a unique aspect of the classical, Christian curriculum at ILS from one of our faculty. This update also provides greater insight into what is happening in our classrooms. In this week's "Curriculum Corner," 4th grade teacher, Miss Leithart, shares the joy of reading, explaining how the literature curriculum in fourth grade introduces students to the narrative before their eyes and uncovers literary elements so that they might learn to cherish written words....Read More
December 19, 2014
Our Upper School teachers work diligently to develop unique programs and extra activities for students, which supplement the daily work inside the classroom and provide opportunities for Immanuel's students to live out their vocations as student leaders in the upper grades. An excellent example of this is the Leadership Training for the young men in the 5th through 8th grade. Led by Mr. Schultz, the Leadership Training provides opportunities for these young men to learn about becoming good leaders and how to be men of God. During the season of Advent, the young ladies in the 7th grade have taken the initiative to lead and organize an effort to serve their neighbors by preparing special treats for the community. ...Read More
December 18, 2014
Interested in an excellent academic environment that nurtures your child’s mind, heart, and body? We invite you to attend a Middle School Open House Friday, January 23rd, 2015 at 9:00am. Join us to learn more about the 4th through 8th grades at Immanuel, a preparatory academy cultivating the minds, hearts, and bodies of students through classical education and Lutheran catechesis. Our program will include a welcome from our headmaster and Upper School Lead Teacher, presentations from current students, as well as thoughts and reflections from recent ILS Alumni and parents. ...Read More
December 18, 2014
This week, ILS Upper School Lead Teacher Mrs. Katherine Hull answers our "Six Questions." In addition to serving as Lead Teacher, Mrs. Hull teaches literature, logic, and art to our 5th through 8th grade students. Mrs. Hull earned a Bachelor of Arts from Patrick Henry College in the Classical Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Pedagogy, and minor studies in Literature, and is also a member of the Society for Classical Learning....Read More
December 15, 2014
Our weekly "Curriculum Corner" offers ILS faculty an opportunity to highlight unique aspects of our classical, Christian curriculum and provide greater insight to what is happening in our classrooms. In this week's "Curriculum Corner," ILS 3rd grader teacher Mrs. Krumwiede discusses how she uses literature to introduce a science topic and spark student interest, engagement, and problem solving, as students figure out how we can tell the world is round....Read More
December 11, 2014
This week, our ILS "Six Question" series continues with Upper School teacher Miss Clevenger. In her second year teaching at Immanuel, Miss Clevenger is our 5th and 6th grade homeroom teacher. She also teaches Grammar, History and Latin. Miss Clevenger earned her undergraduate degree from Hillsdale College and her Master's from St. John's College in Annapolis Maryland. She previously taught middle school at Tall Oaks Classical School in Delaware. Continue to read Miss Clevenger's "Six Questions" responses....Read More
December 8, 2014
Each week we will be featuring a "Curriculum Corner" shared by one of the faculty at Immanuel. These will highlight different aspects of the classical curriculum at ILS and provide insight into what the various classes are learning throughout the school year. This week, Mrs. Gorr shares more about learning phonograms in first grade at Immanuel. ...Read More
