Our Lady of the Lake Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

This week, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School celebrates the one-year anniversary of its new name—a year marked by advancements in education, faith and citizenship at the private, preK-12 school that sits on two campuses. NOTE the celebratory all-school Mass has been postponed due to weather (originally scheduled for Fri. Mar. 3, 11 a.m. )

Formerly Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, Canonical Pastor Fr. John D. Fleckenstein unveiled the school’s new name and articulated its vision on March 1, 2022. “With faith at its foundation, Our Lady of the Lake’s success is bolstered by seven essential pillars: governance, Catholic culture, academics, finances, enrollment management, development and infrastructure,” he says. “By focusing on each of these areas with intention, we continue to advance Catholic education in Southwest Michigan.” The list of improvements that were made in each area is long, and here are a few highlights:

Governance: The school board has been restructured to include four committees in the areas of academic excellence, diversity, enrollment management and finance. Each committee works to ensure ongoing growth in these key areas.

Catholic Culture: Strengthening Catholic identity is an ongoing practice and an essential part of lesson planning. “Walking with Jesus” is this year’s theme at the elementary campus, and the list of ways the school community honors, practices and celebrates their faith is long. Importantly, educators build those elements of faith into the regular curriculum. “In Mrs. Gleiss’ classroom, students are using religious artwork and complex religious symbolism to practice measuring angles,” shares middle/high school Principal James White.

Academics: While many academic enhancements have been made at both campuses, a student favorite is the new Maker Space at the elementary campus. The space is equipped with tools and technology for hands-on projects and experiences that solve real-world problems.

The middle and high school campus continues to develop and articulate its pathway system. College Ready and Advanced Placement (AP) tracks feature unmatched offerings in AP, college prep and business courses powered by the Global Trading and Finance Lab. The school also expanded its library of zSpace applications, providing even more hands-on, experiential learning through state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Finances: A new finance manager is working alongside the board’s finance committee on long range financial plans, budgeting, and visionary planning, and has restructured the tuition assistance process.

Development: A new director of development position has been filled and begins in April. “Our vision is to build on our existing foundation of donor support. This role fortifies our commitment to quality, accessible Catholic school education for years to come. It will also and deepen our impact within the community,” explains Fr. Fleckenstein.

Infrastructure: Our Lady of the Lake’s central business office is now established at St. Joseph Catholic Church. “By reducing traffic at the schools, we will minimize disruptions while maximizing safety and security,” says Fleckenstein. Infrastructure improvements included a new roof at the elementary campus, with plans to replace the roof at the middle/high school this spring.

School safety is always at the forefront. Principal Kirschner, who has been a school safety specialist for 13 years, explains, “Video cameras and equipment, new phones in classrooms, and up-to-date training for staff are just a few examples of how the school continues to make safety a priority.”

Uniquely positioned to provide what students truly need, an Our Lady of the Lake education offers children in preschool through 12^th grade a solid foundation in Catholic faith and values during important formative years. Studies consistently show that Catholic school graduates are more likely to go to college, vote, contribute to charitable causes, and get involved in social advocacy. They’re also more likely to pray and attend church regularly.

Families interested in a quality faith-based education can call to schedule a tour: 269.429.0227 for pre-school through 5^th grade; 269.983.2511 for 6^th through12^th grade.

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is a private pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade school accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association. Our Lady of the Lake provides an exceptional academic experience by focusing on Education, Faith and Citizenship. Learn more at OurLadyCatholicSchool.com.

	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.