CONNECTIONS: We’re Back – 1st Day Fun

Aug. 29, 2024

Your News from Peace Lutheran Ministries

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First-Day Fun

We’re Off & Running with a New Year at Peace School & ECC

K-8
Monday, Aug. 26
Whew! What a fantastic way to start the K-8 school year on Monday! Our hearts were warmed by all the friendly smiles on students and their parents at the beginning of the day. Pure joy to be back at Peace Lutheran School! The sun was shining … and then rain … while the sun was still shining! God sent us a rainbow over the school right as our opening chapel started at 10am. We had a wonderful first chapel as the students and family guests sang their hearts out in worship and praise – and a few little ones even danced! Pastor Matt taught us that we are identified in many ways (which he illustrated as he peeled layers of clothing and props away to show us all the ways he identifies himself). But just like Pastor Matt, we learned that our first identity is as a child of God! If you weren’t able to join us during opening chapel, you can watch it here. (Note: K-8 school chapel will begin its regular 10am Wednesday schedule starting next week. All are invited!) We praise God for a beautiful first day and can’t wait to see what the new school year brings! See more photos here.

Early Childhood & Childcare
Tuesday, Aug. 27
The lightning strikes and thunder booms Tuesday morning were quite the difference from Monday’s sunshine and rainbow, but the weather didn’t dampen the excitement for the first day of Preschool and PreKindergarten in the Early Childhood Center at Peace Lutheran School! The kids in Mrs. T’s morning K-8 care were on hand to greet our newest students as they made their way to their classrooms. A few of our littlest ones looked a little nervous, but most had big smiles on the way in. We pray for God’s blessings over all Peace Lutheran School & Early Childhood Center families, and wish everyone throughout our community a great new school year! See more photos here.

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JOIN THE FUN

See photos from the 2023 VLHS Grand Tailgate here.

VLHS Grand Tailgate

Join Us in the Peace Tent at Sept. 20 Homecoming

Friday, Sept. 20, is homecoming at Valley Lutheran High School, and we are again celebrating with a Peace tailgate before the football game! Bring a chair, side dish or dessert to share (not required), and join us at the Peace Lutheran School tent when VLHS hosts its annual homecoming Grand Tailgate, parade and football game! Tell others what food you’re bringing here. The Peace Athletic Department will provide grilled hot dogs and bottled water. VLHS will provide inflatables and games for kids. Presentation of the homecoming court and crowning of the king and queen will be at halftime. The tailgate starts at 4:30pm. Come hungry, enjoy great fellowship, and watch the parade at 5:45pm. Kickoff is at 7pm as the VLHS Chargers take on the Huskies of Hemlock High School. Questions? Contact Peace Athletic Director Royden Pett at rpett@peacesaginaw.org.

Tailgate Parking: Please drop off any food, tailgate games and/or passengers in the unloading zone by the tailgate area and then proceed to the rest of the parking lot or the grass lot to the west of the driveway to park.
Stay for the Game: Game tickets at the gate are $5. Seating in the stands may be limited, so you’re welcome to bring lawn chairs into the game and find a seat around the track toward the end zones with other fans.
Celebrate All Week: VLHS will celebrate Homecoming Week on Sept. 16-21. You are invited to attend an athletic event throughout the week, and join us at Friday’s Grand Tailgate, parade and football game! The entire week’s events can be found here.

See photos from the 2023 Panther Prowl 5K here.

Registration Now Open for 2024 Panther Prowl 5K

Registration is now open for the fourth-annual Peace Panther Prowl 5K Walk & Run at 10am on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Imerman Park, 3495 Midland Road in Saginaw. Join us for this fun, all-ages trail walk or run — or prowl, if you must — a fundraiser for the Peace Lutheran School Athletics Department. Your $30 race registration includes a Panther Prowl 5K long- or short-sleeved dri-fit tech shirt. Register by Sept. 29 to receive your shirt on race day; those registering after Sept. 29 will receive their shirts after race day. Click here to register. Not a fan of 5Ks but still want to support our school Athletics Department? We would love that – your support helps keep Peace sports programs free for all students! Simply click here to make a donation. We look forward to doing the Panther Prowl with you!

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CHURCH NOTES

Sunday Scenes

Scenes from our 9am traditional and 11am modern services this past Sunday at Peace, as Pastor Erik talked religion and politics. Yes, really. What is our responsibility as Christian Americans in this election season? It might not be what you think. We were also blessed to take Holy Communion on Sunday. Great things are happening at Peace Lutheran! We’d love for you to worship with us! Join us at our blended casual service at 6:30pm Saturday at Peace Lutheran School (Lawndale Campus), 3161 Lawndale Road in Saginaw Township, or at our 9am traditional or 11am modern Sunday services at Peace Lutheran Church (Adams Campus), 3427 Adams Ave. in Saginaw. To watch the service videos, click the links above. See more photos here.

Coming Up

Friday, Aug. 30 & Monday, Sept. 2: Happy Labor Day – All Peace Offices and Programs Closed
Aug. 31: Saturday Evening Worship Returns to Weis Room on Lawndale Campus
Sept. 5: Handbell Meet & Greet 6pm; First Choir Rehearsal 7:15pm
Sept. 9: JOY Gathering 1-3pm in Parlor; PWIM Potluck & Alaska VBS Team Presentation 6:30pm in Parlor

Ringers & Singers: Handbells, Choir Return Sept. 5

It’s that time of year: More beautiful music will soon be in the air! Peace handbells and the Peace Choir will have rehearsals on Thursday evenings starting Sept. 5 for the choir and Sept. 12 for handbells. Handbells will practice 6-7pm in the church (Adams Campus) sanctuary, and choir practice is 7:15-8:45pm in the downstairs choir room.

New bell ringers and singers are needed and welcome! No experience is necessary. Bells and choir are open to those in high school and older, or in middle school with a parent. Requirements: A love of praising God through music, a willingness to learn, grow and laugh, a commitment to fully engaging in weekly rehearsals, and a heart for service as the ensembles lead in worship.

Handbell Meet & Greet on Sept. 5
Interested in handbells but have more questions? You are invited to our Handbell Meet & Greet on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 6-6:45pm in the church sanctuary. This is for anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at ringing bells. Everyone will get to ring, try out different bells, learn basic techniques, and even play some beginning level music together. It is an opportunity to learn more about what is involved in being part of a handbell ensemble, ask questions, and meet current ringers. Regular rehearsals will begin Sept 12.

If you are interested in handbells, choir or being an instrumentalist for special music, please contact Traditional Music Director Carol Armbrecht at carmbrecht@peacesaginaw.org or 793.9025, ext. 310.

Join Us for Bingo at JOY September Gathering

JOY is back! Please make plans to join us for the first JOY (Just Older Youth) experience after summer break. We’ll have “Bingo & Bring a Friend” at 1-3pm Monday, Sept. 9, in the church (Adams Campus) parlor. JOY is a warm and welcoming group of retirees who enjoy faith, fellowship and fun together once a month. We love making new friends at JOY, and we encourage you to bring a friend to the group in September so our group can grow joyfully!

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K-8 SCHOOL UPDATE

Flag Etiquette

We thank Army National Guard Spc. John Koltvedt Jr. – a Peace Lutheran School alum and church member – who helped our sixth- and seventh-graders learn the proper etiquette when putting up, taking down and folding the American flag. Peace students have the privilege of raising the flag each school morning. See more photos here.

Coming Up

Friday, Aug. 30 & Monday, Sept. 2: Happy Labor Day – All Peace Offices and Programs Closed
Sept. 4: K-8 School Picture Day; K-8 School Chapel 10am; Parent Information Night 5:30-7pm
Sept. 10: PTL Meeting 6pm – All Invited!
Sept. 11: SPIRIT DAY – Patriot Day (Wear Red, White & Blue); K-8 School Chapel 10am
Sept. 17: Peace Papa John’s Night – Use Code PEACE20 When Ordering

Check Backpacks for School Picture Day Packets

Attention, K-8 parents: Check your student(s)’ backpacks this weekend! Picture day for our K-8 students is Wednesday, Sept. 4. We sent home the picture packets with students today. Please fill them out and return them with your payment to the school before Wednesday.

A Real Puzzler

Mr. Pett’s fifth-graders worked on team building by putting together puzzles without a picture or box for reference! They did a great job communicating and working together. Lots of smiles and laughs as they prepare for a great year at Peace Lutheran School & Early Childhood Center! See more photos here.

Safety Patrol

It’s safety first at Peace Lutheran School & Early Childhood Center! Today, Mr. Keup – Peace Assistant Principal & Director of Facilities & Safety – conducted safety patrol training with our sixth-S and seventh- graders to help ensure safe drop-offs during mornings at school. Thanks, Mr. Keup!

Parent Information Night is Sept. 4

Parent Information Night is 5:30-7pm Wednesday, Sept. 4. This evening of information is for parents only. Parents will meet in students’ classrooms 5:30-6pm and 6:30-7pm (one or the other if you have only one student; both if you need to meet with more than one teacher). From 6-6:30pm, all parents will meet with Pastor Hauser in the gym. We look forward to meeting with parents!

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K-8 & EARLY CHILDHOOD

Spirit Day

Students and staff throughout Peace Lutheran School & Early Childhood Center enjoyed the first dress-up spirit day of the new school year today: Past Peace Theme Shirt Day! See more photos here.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD & CHILDCARE

‘Moo’ving Along

The learning is already “moo”-ving along in Ms. Grace’s Preschool 2s class in the Early Childhood Center at Peace Lutheran School! These terrific toddlers have been learning all about life on the farm this week! Stop down in the blue wing soon to see their beautiful creations! See more photos here.

Coming Up

Friday, Aug. 30 & Monday, Sept. 2: Happy Labor Day – All Peace Offices and Programs Closed
Sept. 5: Early Childhood School Picture Day
Sept. 11: SPIRIT DAY – Patriot Day (Wear Red, White & Blue); K-8 School Chapel 10am
Sept. 17: Peace Papa John’s Night – Use Code PEACE20 When Ordering

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CHILDREN’S, YOUTH & FAMILY LIFE MINISTRIES

Family Life Ministries

All Ages Invited to Sept. 23 Pray & Paint-a-Palooza

Art is an incredible way to express your beautiful faith. Come join us for an all-ages evening of prayer and painting during Pray & Paint-a-Palooza from 6:30-7:30pm Monday, Sept. 23, in the church (Adams Campus) downstairs parlor. This is an event for people of any age who desire to celebrate their Savior with a paintbrush in hand. By RSVPing, you are helping us to ensure there are enough snacks and art supplies for everyone participating: Please save your spot here.

Children’s Sunday Bible Club (SBC)
Christ’s Campfire Kids – One Last Campfire

Lovely Lightning Bugs

“Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

We gathered around our final campfire of the summer this week. Soon, we’ll be ready for all the excitement that the new school year brings. Around this final campfire, we talked about fireflies.

Fireflies use bio-luminescence to twinkle in the night. God created fireflies and people to shine His brilliance. We don’t typically use lights to communicate with others. Instead, we use our words and actions. The way we talk to friends and family and what we do tells them about God’s goodness.

How can we use our bodies and faces to shine bright for Jesus? When people look at you, do they see a smiling, enthusiastic, happy child of God or a grumpy, sad child of God? Which of these two options makes people feel warmly loved or encouraged? Yes, a simple smile is a wonderful way to share God’s love with the world.

To remind us that we are communicating whether we use words or not, we made our own light-up firefly toys. Don’t forget that you are a beacon of light for Christ whether you speak or not. This craft lights up the darkness just like we do when we share God’s love with others! So, shine bright, beautiful Campfire Kids, and have an incredible school year!

This coming weekend, we’ll be in official Sunday Bible Club (SBC) mode, and we’ll dive into God’s Word together! Join us during the 9am traditional or 11am modern worship service at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave. in Saginaw. See more photos here.

Children’s Ministry Volunteers Needed

The Peace children’s ministry Christ’s Campfire Kids is winding down for the summer. Soon the campfire will be extinguished, and September will be here along with our busy Sunday Bible Club ministry! We love the opportunity to offer children’s ministry to many children (ages 1 through fifth grade), and to have strong attendance each week. It’s such a blessing to share God’s glorious love through His Word to these beautiful kids. We can’t do it without you! We need more adults and youths (Grades 6-12) to execute the lessons and activities that Mrs. Cottrell prepares for SBC during both worship services every Sunday morning. If you are interested in serving as little as one Sunday a month, we would love to have you on our SBC all-star team! Serving God in this capacity is such a heartwarming experience. Please reach out to Mrs. Haley Cottrell to sign up or ask questions: hcottrell@peacesaginaw.org.

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Need a Winter Coat? Let Us Know by Sept. 16

Each year, anonymous donors purchase brand-new coats of all sizes to be donated to Peace families in need. Last year, over 400 coats were given to Peace church, school and Early Childhood families, and distributed through several other local charities. If you and/or anyone in your family needs a winter coat at no cost, please call the Church Office at 793.9025 during regular hours by Monday, Sept. 16. Be prepared to give the gender and size for the coat(s) needed. You may also email the gender and size info to Church Office Manager Leanda Hall at lhall@peacesaginaw.org. You will receive coat pickup details after we have your information. We thank God for the generous donors who work so hard throughout the year to provide these coats. What a blessing to Peace families and so many others!

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PUBLIC SCHOOL CATECHISM CLASSES

Classes Start in September

Greetings! Oftentimes our families are overwhelmed by an overbooked schedule of events, school and work. Helping our children grow their faith is often deferred to those once-in-a-while moments when things are quiet, which is not necessarily weekend church. I would like to invite your child to participate in the Peace Public School Catechism Program. These classes direct us through love and tradition to clear passages of God’s Word.

This program is available to incoming sixth-graders all the way through high school who wish to be confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Peace Lutheran Church, and who attend a different school than our Peace Lutheran day school. Even if your child does not wish to be confirmed at Peace Lutheran, they are welcome to attend these classes to grow their faith.

Grades 6-7 participate in Old and New Testament Catechism classes 3:30-5pm Sundays, starting Sept. 8, with me. Eighth-graders and older participate in a Christian Formation Life Application class with Pastor Erik Schmidt at 5:30pm on Wednesdays starting Sept. 18. For Pastor Erik’s classes, register by emailing him at eschmidt@peacesaginaw.org. We would love to have anyone who wishes to join us and learn more about the Bible, Luther’s Small Catechism, and what we believe as Lutherans.

The class is free for all. They start in September and run through March or April with lots of breaks in between. Please email me, call or text if you have questions or would like to register your child.

God’s Blessings,
Leslie Hansen
980.3025
hansenjlk@aol.com

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PEACE WOMEN IN MISSION

Join Us for Potluck and Meet the Alaska VBS Team

You are invited for a potluck dinner, fellowship and inspiration as we host the team that traveled to facilitate VBS in Goodnews Bay, Alaska, in July. The team includes Peace Family Life Ministries Director Mrs. Haley Cottrell and Peace Fifth-Grade Teacher Mr. Royden Pett. The potluck will be enjoyed at 6:30pm Monday, Sept. 9, in the church (Adams Campus) downstairs parlor. Please bring a dish to pass. Beverages and table service are provided. We are delighted that the Alaska mission trip team will be joining us for dinner. You will be blessed by their inspiring presentation. Please join us as we welcome the Alaska team and offer them our prayerful thanks for their sharing the Gospel for us in this special way.

God blessings to you for your support,
Nancy Salvner, PWIM Publicity Chair

Donated Bibles Available to Borrow, Keep

Peace Women in Mission would like to make the congregation aware that there is a collection of donated Bibles in the church library. These are available to borrow, keep or gift to someone. The library is in the church (Adams Campus) basement in the southeast corner of the Sunday Bible Club area. Check it out!

Mindy Hensler

PWIM Church Librarian

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PEACE FACILITIES

Saturday Worship Set-up Volunteers Needed

We are in need of a least six volunteers to help form two more set-up teams for Saturday evening worship in the Weis Room at our Lawndale Campus. Set-up volunteers serve roughly one time per month during the school year only. Set-up usually takes about 45 minutes and takes place on Fridays after 6:30pm or Saturday morning. If you are able and willing to serve your church in this way, please contact Facilities Director Joel Keup at 245.7878 or jkeup@peacesaginaw.org.

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OLD TOWN CHRISTIAN OUTREACH

You’re Invited to City Quake

Dear Peace Community,

You are invited to join others at the Old Town Community Outreach Center on Sept. 18-21, as they study God’s Word and reach out to the surrounding community to share the love of God as part of City Quake. Click here to register or learn more. You may also take a card from the notice shelf just outside the church gym door for more information. Thank you, and God bless your outreach to those around you.

Judy Hillman
Peace Liaison to Old Town

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COMMUNITY PRAYER CIRCLES

Join Other Christians in Prayer During Event at Peace

You are invited to join the members of Community Prayer Circles for prayer and praise 2:30-4pm Sunday, Sept. 15, in the Peace Lutheran Church (Adams Campus) parlor. Community Prayer Circles includes participants from churches and other Christian organizations throughout our community, including Peace Lutheran. Participants gather once a month for prayer, praise and socializing. Youths and adults of all ages are invited!

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PEACE SCHOOL SPORTS

Fall Sports are Off & Running

It may be only the first week of school, but fall sports are already off to a fast start at Peace Lutheran School! Our student-athletes for fall sports – volleyball, cross country and soccer – have already been putting in a lot of work to have a great season. As the new school year begins, excitement is noticeable in the halls and on the fields. Athletes are lacing up their cleats, adjusting their uniforms, and hitting the practice fields and courts with renewed enthusiasm. Coaches are implementing strategies and drills to build team cohesion and sharpen skills, while students are eager to showcase their hard work and dedication. Whether it’s the energy of cross-country practices, the precision of soccer drills, or the teamwork in volleyball, each team is focused on setting the tone for a successful season. The start of Peace sports not only marks the return of competitive play but also brings a vibrant sense of community spirit as students, parents and staff rally behind their teams, ready to cheer on their Panther athletic endeavors! See more photos here.

Coming Up

“B” Girls’ ONLY Volleyball Game Vs. Bethlehem (AWAY)
Tuesday, September 3⋅4:30

Peace Soccer Game Vs. Trinity Monitor (AWAY)
Tuesday, September 3⋅4:30

Peace Soccer Game Vs. St. Lorenz (AWAY)
Thursday, September 5⋅4:30

“B” Girls’ Volleyball Game Vs. St. Lorenz (HOME)
Thursday, September 5⋅4:30

“A” Girls’ Volleyball Game Vs. St. Lorenz (HOME)
Thursday, September 5⋅5:45

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In Our Prayers at Peace

Hospital
David Ullrich
Debra Ullrich

For Healing

Lila Alpin

Katelyn Bendix

Lester Crampton
Wyatt Crouse
Richard Curry
Nicole Eigner
Gerald Evans
Kim Feldotte
Mitch Foss
Allen Gerwin
Cathy Haglund
Dave Haiderer

Lloyd Hilger

Pastor Paul Hinz
Sally Hinz
Jack Koltvedt
Pam Lelak
Jan List
Ruben Mendez
Lynne O’Laughlin

Joan Patten

Susan Pretzer
Charley Reyna
Gayle Schuknecht
Riley Shoemaker
Michael Stout

Joyce Trumble
Tara Weber
Sam Weis

Altar Flowers
Ken and Sandy Schlaefke celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Altar flowers this weekend are provided in their honor.

If you or a Peace member you know needs prayer for hospitalization, surgery, healing, etc., please contact the Church Office at 793.9025 or lhall@peacesaginaw.org. You may also use the same contact information to sponsor our altar flowers for a weekend. The cost is $70.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Daniel’ Viewing: The Sight & Sound Theatre production of their new live show “Daniel” in Lancaster, PA, has also been filmed, and as part of a nationwide showing will be at the Quality 10 Theatre on Aug. 30 at 7pm, and Aug. 31 and Sept. 1-2, all at 2pm.
GriefShare Returns: On Thursday, Sept. 5, a new cycle of GriefShare begins at Grace Lutheran Church (303 Ruth St, Auburn). All are welcome! This is a free resource; all materials are provided. We will be using the latest edition of GriefShare, intended to help anyone who is grieving find hope and peace in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We will meet for 13 weekly sessions on Thursdays at 6:30pm beginning Sept. 5 and concluding Dec. 12 (we will not meet Oct. 31 or Thanksgiving Day). Each GriefShare session stands alone and lasts about 90 minutes. Drop-ins are always welcome! Questions? Please contact Grace’s church office at 662.6161. More information, including how to register, can be found at www.graceauburn.org/griefshare.
VLHS Newsletter: The September edition of Valley Vision, the Valley Lutheran High School newsletter, is available here.
Mum Sale: Friday, Sept. 6, is the annual mum sale at Valley Lutheran High School in the parking lot. Beautiful mums (500 have been ordered) from Boehlers Greenhouse in Saginaw will be available for $10 cash and carry. The sale begins at noon and will run until sold out. Proceeds support the VLHS Parent Organization.
Oktoberfest: St. John Amelith Oktoberfest is Saturday, Sept. 14. The event begins at 11:30am with a prayer service and continues until 7pm with free activities for the whole family. Music from the Frankentrost Band, Gemutlichkeit Verein Singers, and Floyd Grocholski’s Family Tradition. We are pre-selling tickets for the German dinner for a $15 donation in the St. John Amelith office, 1664 Amelith Road. We will also have concessions available during the event for those not interested in the German dinner.
Immanuel’s Trost Trot 5K Run/Walk: The third annual (Immanuel Frankentrost) Trost Trot 5K Run/Walk is Saturday, Sept. 28, with registration beginning at 8:15am and the run/walk kicking off at 9. We’ll have games during and after the race for kids and adults. $25 entry fee includes race T-shirt, and medals for fastest man and fastest woman in the 5K run. Register here or at the Immanuel Frankentrost School Office. Fee can be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Frankentrost–Trost Trot, 8220 E. Holland Road, Saginaw, MI 48601 or paid at registration on race day. Details: 754.4285 or school@frankentrost.org.
Inspiration for Women: Women are invited to view the live simulcast of “Living Proof” with Beth Moore at Messiah Lutheran-Bullock Creek on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8am-3pm. Enjoy a transformative day of teaching as women from around our community – and around the nation – open the Scriptures together and learn from renowned Bible teacher Beth Moore. There will also be live worship led by Nyssa Lytikainen. The cost is $25 and includes a lunch of soup, salad and a cookie. Learn more or register here. Details: 631.5200.

Our Mission at Peace

We are Disciples Who GATHER, GROW and GO to Make Disciples.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. — Matthew 28:19-20

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Peace Lutheran School of Saginaw, Michigan, admits students of any race, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic or other school policies.

Our mailing address is:
3161 Lawndale Road, Saginaw, MI 48603

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