LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK BEGINS

Families are key to education, so Trinity Lutheran School Principal Robert Hartmann said it's fitting parents and grandparents will be honored this week during Lutheran Schools Week.

"We in the church and in the school believe the primary responsibility for education is in the home," Hartmann said. "We are here to assist parents bringing education and religion to their children. At the school, we are able to do it within the framework of a Christian atmosphere."

On Tuesday mothers will be honored at lunch, on Thursday it's dad's day, and on Wednesday grandparents are invited to school.

"We try real hard to have good home relationships -- keeping the parents informed," Hartmann said.

The week provides an opportunity "to remember all the blessings we receive," Hartmann said.

Special guest during the week is Bert Minkin, storyteller, impersonator, entertainer, and actor from St. Louis. He will perform for students on Thursday.

"He does all kinds of characters," Hartmann said.

Each of the teachers picked a character Minkin will portray in their classrooms, ranging from Mother Goose to Buffalo Bill to Martin Luther.

Activities begin with weekend services. "In each one of the services we're going to give a little recognition to the teachers," Hartmann said.

The annual Teacher Appreciation Dinner will be held Tuesday.

On Friday teachers will be exchanging classrooms with other teachers for a short time just to shake things up, Hartmann said.

An art exhibit is on display at West Park Mall.