School Spotlight: Good Shepherd School
Good Shepherd School in Golden Valley has been teaching students for almost 60 years. Teachers and staff at the school pride themselves on giving students the tools they need to be successful. Besides core studies like math and science, students also get life lessons that address social and spiritual growth.
Worship Wednesdays
During Worship Wednesday’s, Father Luke Marquard teaches scripture to students. He says it is one of his favorite things to do.
“What we see with the kids is the sense of awe and wonder and almost a fearlessness in asking questions, that somehow between 5th grade and being adults, we lose,” said Father Marquard. “With these kids, it’s just there, and they’re not afraid to ask. They’re not afraid to admit that there’s more that they could know.”
At the beginning of the school year, kindergartners are paired with sixth graders through a buddy program. The system allows big kids to be leaders, while the little ones have an advocate in their corner.
Helping Others
Helping the local community is a big part of the curriculum at Good Shepherd. Students work on many projects throughout the year, including activities with seniors, and packing food at Feed My Starving Children.
Student Anya Seppala perked up when talking about helping others.
“I liked doing Feed My Starving Children, because it gave food for kids when they didn’t have food and made them healthier,” said Seppala.
The family-like atmosphere and the joy on student’s faces creates a legacy of learning for some teachers.
“To be here 25 years and have students that I’ve taught come back and be here at Good Shepherd to teach right alongside me, is really just a tribute to what this school is and the community and family aspect that we have here in this little building that we are it’s all about family,” said teacher Amy Halstrom.
