Good Shepherd a special place
I just wanted to write about Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Elgin having to close at the end of this year. The preschool will remain a source for our community, but due to low enrollment, the Van Street location is unable to stay open and provide the Christian education it has given Elgin for so many years.
I guess I am the minority. Most people find their priorities for their children are travel sports, all the expensive activities that nurture them, build their resumes and make them feel self-confident. I have to say, I am glad my family put Good Shepherd Lutheran School at the top for our children, especially in their early years of education and guidance — and more importantly, love.
The teachers and staff at Good Shepherd have helped us to raise value-driven, polite, self-sufficient, goal-setting children who love school. They have given them faith that sustains them through hard times, struggles and all of the challenges they face growing into young adults.
They have given my husband and me the peace of mind that when our children were in class, they were learning and growing. There were issues of course, and transitions to public school, but overall they have taken their faith with them wherever they go, and in early years of education they were loved, nurtured, guided and taught very important life lessons, not only in school work but in living a god and value-centered life.
I am sad that others do not put this first in their priorities and the school cannot survive without enrollment.
I am grateful the preschool continues to thrive at Nesler Road.
More importantly, I am so grateful for all the staff at Good Shepherd who faithfully served and were truly passionate in sharing their love, passion, ability, education and nurturing the best they could during Good Shepherd’s season of education and teaching faith to children.
I feel more should come forward and share their stories of how Good Shepherd has helped them personally, and help them to know they provided a necessary community need for many years.
Michelle Giesey
Elgin