Yes, We're On Facebook!

It's time to become a fan of St. Croix Lutheran Middle School!

Visit our fan page on Facebook to see pictures, get school updates and show your support for the Crusaders! Search for "St. Croix Lutheran Middle School" from your Facebook account, or – even easier – just log onto http://tinyurl.com/stcroixfanpage.

Oh, and don't forget our Open House tonight from 5-8 p.m.! Hope to see you there!

Don't Forget

Middle School Open House.

Tomorrow (Thursday).

5-8 p.m.

1200 Oakdale Avenue.

Bring questions.

See what the hype is all about.

Pomp and Circumstance

About this time next year -- June 3 to be exact -- we'll host our first Middle School Graduation, a time when we'll celebrate the accomplishments of the our eighth grade students and welcome them with open arms to St. Croix Lutheran High School.


Until that time, however, a graduation photo of me will have to do. I recently obtained my Masters of Arts in education degree with an emphasis on educational leadership from Concordia University. The journey was remarkable and I'm thrilled to put my new skills to use this fall at the Middle School.

The Answer

So obviously you've laid awake at night wondering just exactly how many ties I own ... Rest assured you'll sleep well tonight.

I own 68 ties. Many are Disney characters, but I also have a variety of sports ties (golf, basketball, football, baseball, etc.) and animal ties. But of all of the ties in my closet, my favorite is my rubber ducky tie.

Here's how the survey numbers came in:

5% of you guessed 4 ties.
11% of you guessed 9 ties.
35% of you guessed 22 ties.
47% of you guessed more (way to go!)

Have a great day, folks, and thanks for playing. I'll check in soon with an update. But in the meantime, don't forget about our Open House one week from today -- Thursday, May 28.

Today's Question: How Many Ties Does Mr. Russ Own?

You're curious, aren't you?

Make your best guess and check back in a few days for the results.


I'll give you a hint -- it's more than 3 and less than 100. Alright, that's not a great hint, but have fun!

Come On In, We're Open!

Wondering what the brick room is?

Looking for more information about St. Croix's 6-8 Middle School offerings?

Want to see the Promethean boards and classroom clickers in action?

Want to meet me, the guy behind all of these posts?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, join us at our upcoming Middle School Open House!

Thursday, May 28
5 - 8 p.m.
St. Croix Lutheran Middle School (1200 Oakdale Avenue, West. St. Paul) Directions can be found here.


Whether you'd like to take a tour of our new Middle School, test out the cool technology we have in our classrooms, ask questions about financial aid or just chat with me, mark your calendar and plan to join us at our spring Open House. We're looking forward to sharing with you all that a St. Croix education has to offer. See you on the 28th!

A List We Can Call Our Own

It seems like everywhere you go these days you run into a list. The Top 10 this. The Top 100 that. Lists of the best and worst. Even lists of the best lists.

Well, we didn’t want to be left out, so we came up with a list of our own. Here are the Top 25 Reasons St. Croix Lutheran Middle School is right for you! Drum roll please ...


#1 - It’s a caring, Christian community.

#2 - Students from around the world.

#3 - The brick room.

#4 - A chance to make connections.

#5 - You’ll be challenged to be your best.

#6 - You’ll learn to love learning.

#7 - You get to be first (a new school!).

#8 - St. Croix is about more than academics (personal and spiritual lives, too).

#9 - At St. Croix, it’s ok to ask questions.

#10 - Faith-based foundation.

#11 - Critical-thinking skills.

#12 - We educate the total student ... mind, body and spirit.

#12 - Music, arts and athletics ... they’re important too.

#13 - You’ll look good in red.

#14 - Lifelong friendships.

#15 - A great space to learn ... I painted the wall myself.

#16 - You asked for it, you got it ... we’re now enrolling for 8th grade!

#17 - Mr. Hulse, Mrs. Strehlow and Mr. Russ ... teachers who care!

#18 - We’re a safe, close-knit community of learners.

#19 - Chapel.

#20 - We're in West St. Paul -- a short commute from your home.

#21 - A typical class schedule includes a good mix of core curriculum classes and more.

#22 - A history of excellence in education.

#23 - We'll challenge and support you in your education.

#24 - Innovative teaching ... technology in the classroom.

#25 - We know how to make learning fun.

Welcome, Mrs. Strehlow!

Mrs. Strehlow will be joining St. Croix Lutheran Middle School this fall to teach math and science to our sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.


Pictured here with her husband, Jeff, Mrs. Strehlow likes to spend her free time drawing, painting, reading, playing games and exploring the Twin Cities. She graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, in 2001, and has taught students of a variety of ages, from kindergarten to high school. While she has taught a number of subjects, science, math and teaching English Language Learners have emerged as her specialty areas.

About her teaching philosophy she writes: "Students need to be able to think critically and know themselves and how they learn best. As a teacher, I guide students in gaining those skills while offering them direct experiences with opportunities to plan, explore and succeed."

We're delighted to have Mrs. Strehlow join our team!