By Sheri Stafford
Contributing Writer
On September 12, 1984, Royal Redeemer Lutheran School held their first day of school for preschoolers. Since then, RRLS has grown into a nationally accredited school that includes three-and four-year old preschool classes, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades one through eight. This year, the school will commemorate its 30th anniversary with celebrations all year long.
Barb Nelson and Karen Ritter are founders of the school. Shortly after school began, Barb relocated to New York, where her husband’s business was located. Karen is still involved in the school today and is the Early Childhood Director. “At the time, Barb and I both had children that were preschool age, and we wanted them to have a Christian preschool education. There were none in our area,” said Ritter. “Pastor Martin approached us about starting a preschool, we both said ‘yes’ immediately. He was very supportive in letting the congregation know how important school ministries are to churches.”
“This expanded Pastor Martin’s passionate vision for building a ministry that cared for people from their birth until they are called to their Heavenly Home,” said RRLS Principal Heidi Malone.
“We are a team and work very well together to move RRLS forward in ministry with the help of God,” said Ritter. “Of course there were many others who have helped us and Pastor Martin along the way including Pastors Dave Timm, Jeff Shanks, Dave Luecke, Mr. Ken Braun, Mrs. Anette Shanks, and many congregation and school staff members, teachers, coaches, and volunteers!”
Ritter has collected many wonderful memories during the last thirty years. “One of the highlights was our 20th anniversary year. The children wrote messages and a Bible verse on a pre-printed card with some information about our school’s anniversary, and we attached those to balloons and sent them off,” she recalled. “We asked people to send them back to us or contact us as to where our cards and balloons were found. One student actually got her own balloon and card in the woods behind her house! One of the farthest balloons went to a family by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.”
Two years ago, the mission statement of the school was rewritten. It now reads, “Royal Redeemer Lutheran School’s Mission is to equip each child to achieve academic excellence, inspire a life-long love of learning, and grow as Christian leaders.”
“Our focus on instruction that integrates our love for the Lord and compassion to one another is something that has drawn families to our school for decades now. We have a tremendously close and talented staff who truly care for each student and desire success for them in all areas; academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually,” explained Malone. “We take the time to get to know our families and not let any one student simply get lost in the crowd. These are things that you might expect in an excellent education, but are exceptional here at RRLS. This is all possible by the dedication of our team who partner with families in the education of their children, and the Lord’s guidance direction.”
RRLS offers an Extended Care program, small class sizes, foreign language, a nut-free facility, competitive sports programs, after school activities and clubs, and enrichment and intervention programs, and much more; in addition to Christian learning that is the heart of the school.
Education is a life-long process and RRLS keeps moving forward to meet the educational needs of 21st Century students. For instance, Ritter shared, “We are researching ways to expand our Early Education program. This fall, we are expanding in Early Education to include an additional day of STEM, (science, technology, engineering, and math) project-based, age-appropriate learning.”
Royal Redeemer Lutheran School is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 12 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. They are located at 11680 Royalton Road. Parking is off Abbey Road. Enrollment is taking place now. More information about the school, Church Worship, Bible Study, and Summer Camp can be found by visiting royred.org. Enrollment questions can be addressed by contacting the school’s admissions counselor Amy Hammer-Huber at 440-237-7988 ext. 126 or ahammer-huber@royred.org.