Paul Blomenberg, Assistant Principal:
At Lutheran High School, we do discipline intentionally differently. We work with the students and discipline them with love and understanding. We understand effective discipline must start with a relationship. From the relationship comes trust, and from the foundation of trust, we can teach.
If a student makes a mistake, we understand that happens. We want to allow them to take ownership, make it right with others involved, and adjust.
We desire for our students to be impactful members of their communities. Students at Lutheran High are taught and held to the standard that their word is vital to their effectiveness. To help them with this, we stress the importance of letting their yes’s be yes, and their no’s be no. Being all in with what you say and do is key. Avoid making excuses and sort-of commitments.
The focus of Lutheran High’s discipline is on the future opportunities our students will encounter. Our prayer is that with the skills gained, emphasis on accountability, and honesty, LuHi Lions will impact their future communities in a God-pleasing manner.
Alicia Kidston, Dean of Women:
Part of our mission is to encourage growth in Christ; since God is love we want a culture of love. Romans 12:9-10 says: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Much of our discipline revolves around honoring others, being devoted to others in love, and clinging to what is good and true – God and His Word. We cannot be a place where we ignore sin and wrongdoing, as that would not honor others or our Lord.
I Corinthians 13 teaches us that we can have and do many things, but if it is without love, it is nothing. If we have a school that doesn’t strive to create a culture of love, we are missing the point. We want to raise young men and women who share the love of Christ, and part of that is a disciplined life and knowing right from wrong. We want a culture that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres . . . and that is love.
Britt Gusmus, Dean of Students:
At Lutheran High School, creating a community that is life giving, loving, and honest, it takes everyone involved to have an active role in the faith formation, academic excellence, and intentional relationship building done with Jesus Christ as our model. Discipline is no different. We have the privilege of helping prepare students not just for their next four years but for eternity. With this in mind, discipline has to be aligned with the faith we hold tight to, the excellence of character that comes from correction and redirection while building relationships that give life no matter how difficult the circumstances.
The ability to hold students to high standards of behavior in their communications and interactions with peers and faculty through the Christian lens is a game changer. The combination of truth and love set out in the scriptures sets the stage for the spirit of the Risen Jesus to enter into the discipline equation. Hearing the truth of our actions that can cause harm and knowing that we are still loved unconditionally creates a space for transformative growth for the students attending Lutheran High School.
I get fired up to make a difference in students’ lives. The discipline model we use in the Dean’s Office at Lutheran High School gives fertile ground for all involved to take accountability, reflect on their actions, and choose a path laid out for us by our Good God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Working alongside Paul and Alicia is a privilege to create an environment that gives life, loves deeply, and promotes honesty and accountability.
We believe that discipline now will yield a lifetime of returns. We discipline with an eye on the future. We want our students to do the little things well and be ready for the moments that “build character.
Originally posted in 2017, updated in 2022 for accuracy.
