ST. STEPHEN LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Building a Foundation for Life!
STAFF
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
I have been a part-time teacher here at St. Stephen Lutheran School, and the pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church since 2017. This year, I have been appointed as the School Principal, where I'll continue to teach the 6-8th grade religion classes, as well as morning Bible devotions each week with the entire school. Teaching at SSLS is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of my ministry as a pastor. It is a great blessing to be able to help our students grow in every aspect of their education and life--especially in regard to their faith. My focus is to help each one of our students apply the wisdom and encouragement of God's Word, the Bible, to their everyday lives.
LUKE BERNTHAL
Principal & Pastor
Jewels Bernthal
School Administrator
Hi! I am the school administrator at SSLS. The students call me "Ms. Jewels"! With my Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, I worked as a Health Educator in a corporate setting, as an Exercise Specialist in hospital setting, and as a Personal Trainer in a health club setting.
More recently, God challenged me and lead me to humble myself to step away from my plans and step into his plan for me at St. Stephen, wearing many different hats! My job entails overseeing the school's operations, including events, admissions and marketing.
My area of expertise is marketing, due to a background in running my own photography business. Now, I am thankful that I still get to use my creative gifts by creating content for our social media pages, review pages, and school blog! I put a lot of time and heart into this website, so let me know what you think!
Additionally, by monitoring lunch and recess, chaperoning field trips, and leading Praise & Worship sessions, I spend quality time with the students. I also lead a mini-class once or twice per year! The blog is a great place to find out more!
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Praise and Worship Session with Ms. Jewels
Praise Flag, mini-class with Ms. Jewels
Mini-class Space Bulletin Board
Praise and Worship Session with Ms. Jewels
MRS. SCHMITT
Upper Grade Teacher
As a teacher at St. Stephen, I am in the wonderful position of being able to teach and build up the next generation. It's truly a blessing to teach them about the Bible and watch their faith grow. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Immanuel Lutheran College in Eau Claire, WI. It was always clear to me that God called me to become a teacher. Seeing my students grow and improve brings me so much joy. I also bring unique enrichment opportunities to my students through music and literature.
MR. SCHMITT
Lower Grade Teacher
I am the lower grade (K-3) teacher here at St Stephen and I enjoy seeing the incredible potential of our youngest students. At that age they truly can become anything, and at St Stephen our goal is to guide their Christian growth and development so that at least one thing they become and maintain as they get older are strong Christian boys and girls.
Over the years, I myself have been and done many things in addition to being a Christian: I’ve been a cowboy, a sailor, and a firefighter. I’ve worked in stores, in security, and in politics. And, of course, as a teacher. The LORD has taken me many places in my life and allowed me to experience many things, all of which I am more than happy to share with my students to supplement their education. So when I tell them that they can become anything, I can back that up! But from an early age I have always been a Christian thanks in no small part to the thoughtful education I received while growing up, for which I thank God.
