Podcast 3 - Curriculum and Culture
A.I. Summary of Saint Mark’s School Parent Meeting on Classical Christian Education
(May 2026) From Recorded Audio
The meeting was held to share what the school leadership, board, and called workers have been studying regarding classical Christian education, explain the school’s current strengths and challenges, and gather parent input. No final decisions have been made; the goal was transparency and dialogue. Handouts were provided outlining the school’s mission, classical education principles, and sample uniform policies.
Biblical and Historical Foundation
Pastor Backus opened with a devotion from Ephesians 6, emphasizing that fathers (and parents) are called to raise children in the “training and instruction of the Lord” (paideia and nouthesia). He highlighted the church constitution’s Article 3 (unchangeable) requiring a Christian day school, rooted in 170 years of ministry since the founding pastor. The school exists to partner with families in forming the whole child—spiritually, academically, and socially—for life in a sinful world. A closing devotion by Pastor Backus reinforced trusting God amid cultural challenges (2 Chronicles 20).
School Mission and Current Reality
Mr. Uttech (administrator) reviewed the handbook mission: nurturing the soul (faith in Jesus), mind (academics), and social-emotional resilience as God’s people. Core goals include:
Knowing Jesus deeply every day.
Strong academics to serve God and neighbor.
Building resilience against anxiety, depression, and cultural pressures (social media, negativity, lack of responsibility at home).
Challenges: Discipline issues, suspensions, and expulsions this year exceeded the prior 53 years combined. “Culture creep,” social media bullying, disrespect, and electronic devices are major stressors for staff and students. Many children lack home responsibilities. Teachers and leaders are strained; mental health support is ongoing at the district level.
What Is Classical Christian Education?
It focuses on forming the whole person toward truth, beauty, and goodness through a Christian worldview. Key elements:
Trivium (grammar/reading/spelling, logic, rhetoric) — already central to Saint Mark’s.
Quadrivium (math, science, history, music, etc.).
Direct instruction, memory work, phonics-based reading, cursive, and questioning/logic skills in upper grades.
Emphasis on culture, order, and high expectations (“scholars” instead of just “students”).
Fit with Saint Mark’s: The school is already ~80% aligned. Changes would be modest—new materials possibly, more intentional Latin roots/morphemes (already partially done), stronger direct instruction, and cultural reinforcements. The core philosophy (Jesus-centered, whole-child) stays the same.
Proposed Focus Areas
Culture and expectations: Higher standards for behavior, obedience, fruits of the Spirit, and classroom decorum.
Uniforms/Dress Code: Strongly considered to reduce distractions, promote modesty, unity, and a learning mindset. Samples from other schools (e.g., Crown of Life in Fort Atkinson) were shared. Options for boys/girls, with flexibility for different body types. Staff would likely follow suit. Enforcement would primarily be at the entrance/office to minimize classroom interruptions.
Electronics: Stricter limits (phones in office if needed, waivers for genuine reasons).
Other: Possible terminology shifts (e.g., “scholars,” teacher titles), continued curriculum reviews.
Timeline: Aiming for implementation next school year if approved, with lead time for purchasing (e.g., Old Navy, Children’s Place, exchanges).
Parent Q&A Highlights
Cost: Researching affordable options (e.g., 5 polos for ~$30). Possible exchanges, benefactors, and assistance for families in need. Seen as manageable compared to other schools.
Colors/Style: Not finalized; concerns about “depressing” dark tones noted. Input welcome.
Enforcement & Accommodations: Office/principal-led where possible. Sensory/autism needs would have accommodations.
Impact on Families: Acknowledged burden for some; partnership emphasized. Some families might leave, but leadership hopes dialogue prevents this.
Voting/Input: No formal parent vote planned (board’s called responsibility to support workers and oversee school per constitution). Strong encouragement for ongoing individual feedback.
Positive Experiences Shared: Several parents/teachers with prior uniform/classical school experience reported it worked well after initial adjustment—less drama, unity, focus on character, easier field trips, and friendships based on inner qualities.
Homework/Curriculum: Goal remains reasonable loads; classical model may shift more work in-class. Direct instruction is teacher-led (not overly rigid/militaristic), with tech as supplement.
Other Concerns: Group punishments (not standard; address individually), creativity for young kids (options remain), older vs. younger students.
Overall Tone and Next Steps
The tone was gracious, scriptural, and urgent—leadership sees this as doubling down on what the school has always done to counter cultural pressures and better partner with families. Many attendees expressed support; concerns were heard respectfully.
Leadership welcomes continued dialogue. Contact Mr. Uttech, pastors, or board members individually. They will consider input before final decisions.
The meeting closed with prayer and encouragement to face the future with faith: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.”
This reflects the school’s commitment to its 170-year calling while addressing today’s realities. If you have specific questions or feedback, reach out directly to the school.
Parent Discussion/Input/Information Meeting
This week's update will not be in writing. Rather it will be a meeting that is set for Thursday at 6pm in the school commons. We will discuss St. Mark's School, its mission, a brief review of the curriculum, our movement toward classical education and everything involved in classical education including school culture, curriculum, instruction, policies for cell phones, uniform dress code, classroom expectations, electronic devices in the classroom, etc.
Please join us for the meeting.
Thursday, May 14th, at 6pm in the school commons.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please share them with Mr. Uttech , Pastor Backus, Mr. Papenfuss, Mr. Klusken, or Mr. Denniston.
“Fostering a Strong and Positive Learning Environment”.
The mission and focus of St. Mark’s School has always been founded securely on the Word of God. Each year that mission is reviewed by the parents in our summer meeting. Here is our written mission statement:
Mission
St. Mark’s Ev. Lutheran School exists to teach about Jesus all-day and everyday!
The mission of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran School is to assist the parents in the spiritual and academic training of their children by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of Holy Scripture and teaching the academic curriculum from a scriptural viewpoint. All of this we do to the glory of God out of thankfulness and praise as the Holy Spirit works to nurture the children as they prepare for this life and for eternity. In addition to teaching the students of St. Mark’s congregation, we also use our school as an outreach tool of the church for those families who may be searching for a spiritual home. Our school is all about Jesus Christ!
How do we accomplish that Mission:
We have an established “Parent Covenant” that guides our partnership.
We create a Christ-centered atmosphere in our school throughout the school day.
We maintain good order and discipline among the students.
We provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff.
We use the Scriptures to guide our policies and governance for the school.
We focus on an annual theme for our school year. This year it is Galatians 5: 22-23
We strive to provide a well-balanced curriculum focusing on the most important elements of academic education.
We create a supportive culture by providing special education services for the students.
Teachers create accommodations and modifications when necessary for students in the classroom.
We provide our own speech teachers and work with the Federal Title programs in the area of reading.
What is the focus of a Christian Classical Educational on a Strong and Positive Learning Environment?
Our church and school are largely a reflection of surrounding culture. Our culture is very informal with special focus on comfort and ease. In many ways our church and school do clash with culture as we seek to illuminate a dark world with true doctrine and godly living. Our Classical Lutheran Education (CLE) will strengthen our children’s blessed relationship with their Savior daily and refocus our children’s academic growth around Western culture, art, and governance through the lens of Scripture as the bedrock upon which our school is built.
In this second edition of our weekly communication update we examine the need for a renewed mindset and approach as we transition to classical education. In the fall our school year begins anew. With that fresh start we will begin a fresh inventory of our lives and interactions with one another as Christian partners in the Gospel of Jesus Christ within each station of life we occupy, whether student, teacher, or parent. Christian Lutheran Education (CLE) has at its core the purpose of passing on a culture of truth, beauty, and virtue to our children. As Christians we know that those qualities are found alone in Christ. Chapter one of the apostle Peter’s second epistle, particularly verses 1-15, profoundly connect all purposeful knowledge to our relationship with him who is the source of all truth, Jesus Christ. With that as the motivation for all we do within our parish school we now can properly assess how we can improve our school culture so as to remove worldly distractions which entangle and focus on those topics which accentuate the serious business of being well rounded scholars and informed citizens.
From the moment students walk into the building until the moment they leave the grounds, CLE seeks to inspire a desire to absorb the natural beauty of life as a redeemed child of God. Children will be expected to be obedient and respectful at all times. Whether navigating the hallways before class or moving about in their respective classrooms, quiet decorum and attentive demeanors foster an environment of peace and order. Hallways and classrooms themselves will reflect order and relevance of content as teachers determine what is appropriate to include within the children’s scope of education. Cell phones which persistently distract young minds will not be permitted within the walls of the school for the purpose of liberating minds to properly focus
on new material and surroundings. Uniform dress shifts focus from the individual physical appearance as most important to spiritual or academic excellence as more nobler pursuits. Uniforms also improve both the teachers’ assessment of children as well as children’s impression of teachers and authority in general. All these measures are not punitive. On the contrary, they are the blessed ingredients necessary to bring about the culture change which will serve us, sisters and brothers of our Lord Jesus, and our parish school for a rich Christian environment for years to come.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please share them with Mr. Uttech , Pastor Backus, Mr. Papenfuss, Mr. Klusken, or Mr. Denniston.
Dear Parents,
Each week from now to the end of the school year we will send out a communication update concerning information about Lutheran Classical Education and how it will impact St. Mark’s Lutheran School. This first edition will provide a basic overview.
Curriculum:
A school curriculum is a structured, standards-based sequence of planned learning experiences, lessons, and materials designed to guide instruction and help students achieve proficiency in specific subject areas. It acts as a comprehensive blueprint for education, outlining learning goals, content, methods, and assessments.
St. Mark’s Curriculum:
Religion – includes Bible History, Catechism, Memory Work, Hymnology, and Pastoral Instruction Classes.
Literacy – includes phonics instruction, reading, literature, spelling, handwriting, English, and writing. (These subject areas are combined in K-2 grade and taught separately in grade 3-8.)
Mathematics – includes basic number sense, structured math classes 1-8 grades, prealgebra, and algebra in grades 7and 8.
Science – includes general science in grades 1-5, biology, physics, and earth science in grades 6-8. (Stem projects in grades 6-8)
Social Studies – includes world regions, US History, WI History, Geography.
Music – includes choral singing, music theory, and music appreciation. Piano and band lessons are available to families on a voluntary basis.
Art – includes projects, art education on the principles of art and design.
Fine Arts – concerts, music competitions, art fair, plays and drama presentations.
Physical Education – includes physical education via structured classes and recess activities.
Lutheran Classical Education:
Classical education is a traditional, holistic approach focused on the "Seven Liberal Arts," aiming to cultivate wisdom and virtue by fostering a love of learning. It is divided into the Trivium (language arts: grammar, logic, rhetoric) and the Quadrivium (mathematical arts: arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy) Lutheran Classical Education centers on the Word of God and the catechism flowing from a “Christian World View”. Latin comes into the study of grammar as a part of classical education. Latin has greatly contributed to modeling grammatical structure on classical standards.
Comparison:
As you compare the two curriculums, you can see that St. Mark’s aligns to a great degree with a classical approach to education. The main difference would center on the outcome goals and the integration of subjects as taught through direct instruction with a strong emphasis on grammar and literature. The main goal would be to cultivate a love of learning and a clear focus on the role of a student as a redeemed child of God living in the world to serve God and other people.
Moving Forward:
As St. Mark’s School moves forward in its approach to Lutheran Classical Education we will be identifying the following areas:
1.) Strengthening our Curriculum:
Curriculum can be modified or updated and the materials used to carry out the curriculum can change. Currently St. Mark’s studies one area of curriculum each year on an eight-year rotation (Curriculum review has been used for 20 years at St. Mark’s). We may bring in new materials to meet the goals of Lutheran Classical Education. Latin instruction may be integrated into the grammar part of the curriculum. Instruction and expectations will be adjusted to meet the goals of fostering a love of learning in all students so that the child develops into a person of Christian wisdom and virtue based on the clear teaching of scripture.
2.) Creating a culture of learning:
This would include adjustments to our expectation for student learning for all students including those students with learning challenges.
3.) Fostering a strong learning environment:
This would include basic expectations for students such as proper classroom decorum, regular attendance at school, proper school attire (uniform dress code), completion of assignment on a daily basis, adherence to policy and procedure which fosters learning, and having clear disciplinary goals for all students.
4.) Parent Partnership:
If parents desire what St. Mark’s School offers concerning classical education, then a strong supportive bond will be necessary to meet the spiritual and educational goals for each child. Teachers would promote a Christ-centered learning environment for all students, parents would fulfill the parent covenant, and students would honor God’s plan for their lives by being obedient to parents and teachers and using their God-given talents to the fullest.
Next week we will focus on the “Fostering a Strong Learning Environment”.
If you have questions, or concerns, please contact either Mr. Uttech, Pastor Backus, or any of the
Board of School Ministry members: Mr. Papenfuss, Mr. Klusken, Mr. Denniston.