Students Thrive in LMC&#039;s Hands-on, Small Classroom Environment

ST. JOSEPH, MI: Lake Michigan Catholic Schools provides a creative, hands-on and intimate classroom environment that allows engaged teachers to nourish the mind, body and soul of each student, especially preschool and kindergarten students.

LMC’s Little Laker curriculum features literacy through flannel board stories and puppets, creative arts using a variety of unique sensory materials, math and science through lessons like measuring for a recipe, and more. All early education programs foster a relationship with God through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, a Montessori-based, hands-on theology program. LMC’s smaller classroom sizes also allow for more one-on-one attention with students, which helps prepare them to enter elementary.

“We believe in the importance of offering early education programs that reflect our Catholic faith while helping our students grow academically,” says LMC Elementary School Principal Larry Hoskins. “Because our early education classes are located in our elementary building, our Little Lakers have access to all of those resources, including music, physical education, the library and STREAM lab.”

LMC 3-year-old and 4-year-old Preschool programs focus on students’ academic growth as well as physical and social-emotional growth. Lessons have included learning map skills while “driving” cardboard cars and learning about force in motion by making marble mazes.

“We make every effort to incorporate creative, hands-on lessons that will help them be the best students they can be,” says Kris Cutter, LMC Preschool 4s teacher. “LMC is committed to teaching the whole child and nurturing faith-filled students. We truly care for our students and families like they are our own.”

The school’s Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs emphasize social and emotional growth while improving on critical thinking and fine motor skills, spiritual growth, and grade level reading and writing. Students recently participated in a lesson on clouds, creating shaving cream clouds to find out what happens when water can’t stay suspended within a cloud. During a Spanish lesson, students learned all about their La Familia (the family) unit by drawing their family and labeling each member in Spanish.

“It’s my goal and passion to help students become self-motivated and independently curious,” says Carolyn Zmrhal, LMC Kindergarten teacher. “The balance of seatwork and student-driven exploration ensures our young Lakers make connections, expand their knowledge and practice their skills.”

Families looking for an early education program that will nurture a child’s love of learning by providing a fun and innovative curriculum can call 269-429-0227 to learn more.

Lake Michigan Catholic is a private preschool through 12th grade Catholic school dedicated to nourishing the human spirit – mind, body and soul – through Jesus Christ.

	Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School Downtown Campus Grades 6th - 12th Grade 915 Pleasant Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 269-983-2511 Fax: 269-983-0883		Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School South Campus Grades PS - 5th Grade 3165 Washington Avenue St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 269-429-0227 Fax: 269-429-1461		"Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rooted in Sacred Scripture and centered on the Eucharist, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School embraces the values of Education, Faith and Citizenship.”
	Diocese of Kalamazoo Policy on Non-Discrimination The Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. The Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of education policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs and activities, employment policies or contractual agreements.