Through God’s guidance, Zion Lutheran School was blessed again this year. The school, under the direction of the Board of Christian Day School and Mr. Stan Cisler, Principal, made tremendous progress in the education process of our children. The 2003-’04 school year proved to be very energizing and exciting with Jesus as our leader. This report will highlight only a few of the vast number of improvements made under the School Board’s and Mr. Cisler’s direction.

In May 2004, the State of Illinois Department of Education, along with Mr. Mark Skertich, Principal of the Staunton schools, Mr. Russell Massinelli, past Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Richard Rikli of Hamel Lutheran School, and Mr. Miller of the State of Illinois reviewed our curriculum, our learning environment and our policies, and deemed Zion one of the most organized, well rounded, and stable private schools in our area. Our results were excellent and we were granted State of Illinois Accreditation.

The curriculum of the school has been reviewed and updated. Mr. Cisler, along with board member Bonnie Trettenero, reviewed the curriculum and applied for grants through the Illinois Textbook Loan Program. Through these grants we were able to purchase new textbooks to enhance the reading and fundamental programs for many of our students. Tapes and learning materials were also purchased to assist those who need a little extra help in the core subjects. The Accelerated Reader program was also enhanced and new guidelines and awards were established.

The campus of Zion Lutheran School has been reviewed by all board members along with members of the trustees. This year we have enhanced the playground with new blacktop surfacing, applied a “cushion matting” under dangerous areas, and have looked at playground security. Parents of the school as well as many members of our congregation have assisted in “work days” around the school. These work days have cleaned, painted, stripped wax, applied wax, and lightly remodeled the school. The Board of Christian Day School has been instrumental with the assistance of the entire congregation of paying off the roof debt for the new roof installed last year. That project was approximately $63,000. The school, in the opinion of the Trustees, Board of Christian Day School, and the State of Illinois, is a proper learning environment for our students.

Many new and exiting things have happened at Zion. This year we were honored to sing the National Anthem and “God Bless America” at Busch Stadium prior to a Cardinal baseball game. Under the Direction of Marilyn Cisler (the principal’s wife) and Dave Cisler, the group did an excellent job. We were instrumental in spreading the Gospel and we grew in fellowship during this event. Over 1000 people from Zion attended the game. Throughout the year, students attended field trips through Zion. The field trips were an excellent opportunity to teach children “hands on” different aspects of God’s world. SWAP program this summer, under the direction of Mrs. Satterlee and Principal Cisler was a huge success with many people attending. Children had a “Summer with a Purpose”. Our scholarship program has been revamped with new policies and new proceedures to assist those children in need of financial assistance to attend Zion Lutheran School. Ms. Julie Feldmann, Mr. Bronson Painter, Lynn Poletti and Wanda Hughes have dedicated many hours to replace these policies and to disburse those funds allocated to the scholarship program. This will ensure any student wishing to receive a Christ Centered education the opportunity to attend Zion.

Zion has been gifted to have the expertise of Mr. Kevin Lesko leading our team in our Computer and Technology Department. Kevin has spent numerous hours re-vamping our computer lab and classroom computers. The computer system at Zion provides another tool in the learning development of our children.

Many hours of effort and dedication from our Board with leadership from Wanda Hughes during our “fellowship time” the 3rd Annual “Zion Golf Classic”. Wanda does an excellent job organizing and running this event. With the entire Board’s help and the assistance from congregational members, this year’s event was the best ever. We are truly blessed to have Wanda serving on our board.

Our Growing in Christ Center has almost outgrown Zion. Plans are in the making for increased space for this center. Under the Direction of Carla Manka, Principal Cisler, Dave Cisler and Wanda Hughes, this center has grown by leaps and bounds. We have filled our preschool program and have assisted in a need that Staunton had for child care during the summer and before/after school. The center is well organized and excellently directed. Ms. Manka is a Christian lady who does a great job teaching our children Bible stories and exposing them to Jesus.

The PTL of Zion is a major contributor to the well being of our school. Many parents and teachers volunteer their time and efforts. The PTL has increased activities to include working “Cardinal Games” at Busch Stadium, working the fish stand during the 4th of July, Trivia Night, Magazine Sales, Children’s Gift Shop, Script, Dinner Auction and many more activities too numerous to mention. These activities have allowed that group to also support our mission. This group works together, they grow in fellowship, and they truly do spread the Gospel. This year, this group has raised funds to update the playground, complete the roof project, and purchase new classroom desks and supplies for our students, teachers and staff. The PTL is an integral and important part of our school.

Many more things have happened at Zion. This has truly been a year that we need to give God thanks for his many blessings. Zion is a mission of Zion Lutheran Church. The mission is to allow children to have a Christian education along with allowing them to see the love of Christ. Children of all denominations are encouraged to attend. Zion Lutheran Church truly has a purpose and we invite them to see what Zion Lutheran School is all about. It truly is a blessing from God. To conclude, Zion Lutheran School would not be where it is today without the leadership of Bronson Painter. Under Bronson’s “tough love” policy, the school has made tremendous progress this year. Bronson is a valuable asset to our Board. His leadership skills, his direct approach, and his love of Christ makes him an excellent chairman. Lynn Poletti has been meticulous as treasurer of the school. Lynn has provided her accounting knowledge to make the school’s accounts easier to understand and more valuable in use. Mr. Ron Mueller was an excellent congregational leader giving us the guidance we needed and the space to move the school to these heights.

To conclude, a special thank you needs to be given to Mr. Stan Cisler. His many years of expertise as an educator makes him an excellent principal. Stan and all the teachers at Zion Lutheran School are excellent at their jobs. We have a great staff of teachers and all need to be remembered in our prayers. They truly are spreading the Gospel, especially to our young children. Zion is truly blessed by God’s grace. May we always recognize that grace and not take it for granted.

Board of Christian Day School