Bethlehem Lutheran celebrates school

In Tracy Banks' history class, students learn about ancient Egypt. As part of the lesson, each created a paper replica of a stone coffin, or sarcophagus, to hang from the ceiling.

The also learn about Moses. The Ten Commandments are stapled to a bulletin board in the classroom.

Mixing traditional academic learning with a basis in religion is what appeals to Banks in her job as a teacher at Bethlehem Lutheran School.

"I love it," she said. "I'm a Christian so working here is like a bonus. It doesn't feel like a job here. I'm kind of amazed that I get paid to do this."

During National Lutheran Schools Week April 14-20, students and teachers are reflecting on the benefits of attending a parochial school in Carson City.

"It's awesome to learn about God and what he wants," said Christine Gansberg, 11. "Everybody in the classroom learns about Christ and his resurrection."

Spencer Osterling, 12, attended public school for his first five years, then moved up to a public middle school.

"It was overwhelmingly crowded," he explained. "It was hard to get good grades because it was hard to concentrate."

So he transferred to Bethlehem Lutheran, which has 101 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

"People are a lot nicer here," he said.

And there's less peer pressure.

"It's not just all about popularity here," said Ashley Kalley, 12, who also used to attend public school. "It's not about what you wear and it doesn't matter who you hang out with. It's more about achieving your goals."

The school will open its doors to the public from 6-8 p.m. Thursday for prospective students and families.

Guests will have access to all classrooms and view projects, including the Discovery Fair, which will feature science projects and a contest among sixth- and seventh-graders for a fictional $1 million grant over who could outline the biggest environmental threat facing today's world.

Principal Lonnie Karges, who also teaches and coaches, said the school offers a family-like atmosphere where students and teachers from about 28 different religions pray and worship together.

He also stands behind the academic reputation.

"I sent all four of my children here," he said. "And I've watched them flourish at the high school."

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or call her at 881-1272.