Christ Lutheran School Expands Outdoor Education Program with Salmon in the Classroom
Christ Lutheran School is excited to announce its selection by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) for participation in its Salmon in the Classroom program. Christ Lutheran School (“CLS”) was among 43 Michigan schools selected into the program for the 2024/2025 school year. Participation in the Salmon in the Classroom (“SIC”) program represents a continuation of the school’s expansion of its outdoor education program.
Christ Lutheran School launched its outdoor education program in 2020 following Covid restrictions that were not easily implemented with their preschool-age students. The program was so well received that the school has continued to develop the program into all its grades—from preschool up through 8th grade. The school sits on an impressive 14-acre wooded parcel complete with its own ravine and eco-system, along with a 1.5 mile nature trail which is maintained by its students. To help with the program, CLS is in partnership with Sarett Nature Center, whereby Sarett naturalists provide on-site and center-based learning experiences for students and education and development opportunities for CLS staff. “Introducing the Salmon in the Classroom program this fall is a fantastic opportunity for our middle school students to engage with our outdoor education curriculum in a fun new way,” says Board of Christian Education Chair, Tamara Paulun. “Our goal with the outdoor education program is to create lifelong appreciation for God’s wonderful creation in all our students.”
The SIC program is put on each year by Michigan’s DNR and provides countless opportunities for students to connect with Michigan’s natural resources. SIC is a year-long educational program in which teachers receive fertilized Chinook salmon eggs from a DNR fish hatchery in the fall, hatch them, feed and raise the fry, and release the young smolts into approved waterways in the spring. Classrooms utilize provided activities, maintain the tank, care for the fish and then release them in a fun culmination of the year. CLS is especially grateful to the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited for providing a grant covering the cost of the tank and equipment for the program. “As an avid fisherman myself, I am so grateful to TU for this grant which will allow to our students an opportunity to connect with our Great Lakes right in the classroom,” says Principal, Neil Webb.
Enrollment for all grades is now open and tours are offered by appointment. Christ Lutheran School is located at 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, Michigan and offers accredited Christ-centered education from preschool through 8th grade. For more information, please visit: christ-luth.org or call 269-429-3788.
