August 24, 2004

Friends in Christ,

Greetings to you in the Name of the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

There is a real reason to celebrate and give thanks. On August 7, 2004, your school became accredited, joining an elite group of 533 Lutheran schools in America. The NLSA National Accreditation Commission granted accreditation to your school for a period of seven years. Their action culminates a year or more of reflection, teamwork, and collaborative efforts on the part of many individuals from your school community involved in the accreditation process. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Now it’s time to celebrate! Your LCMS District Accreditation Commissioner received your accreditation certificate at our meeting in St. Louis. A representative from your LCMS District will visit your school to formally present the certificate. Contact your District Educational Executive to set the date. Use this opportunity to rejoice and give thanks to God for your accomplishment.

Accreditation assures your congregation and community to your deep commitment to the ministry of your school and the highest standards of Christian education. It also assumes continued improvement as you develop plans to address the concerns of your visiting team or pursue the objectives in your School Improvement Plan. Accreditation does not end when you hang the certificate on your wall. Over the course of the next seven years, your school’s ongoing improvement will be documented in NLSA annual reports filed by May 15^th each year with your District Accreditation Commission and the NLSA office in St. Louis. The work continues, but so does the improvement in your school.

Once again I congratulate you on your accomplishment. I also pray that God will richly bless you throughout the school year and fill you with His Holy Spirit so that you might accomplish His Purpose through your work.

Sincerely in Christ,

Terry L. Schmidt

NLSA Director