Students at St. Paul Lutheran School will have a bit more than the usual class work this week.

That’s because the Fort Dodge school will observe Lutheran Schools Week.

Among other things, there will be an Awards Chapel. And on Friday and Saturday, the St. Paul Saints will host an annual basketball tournament.

The week provides the school’s students with some fun breaks from the usual routine. But the greater purpose of the week is to highlight the strengths and characteristics of St. Paul Lutheran School and other Lutheran schools across the country.

St. Paul Lutheran School has been a fixture in the community since 1863. To put that in perspective, Fort Dodge became a city in 1853 after the Army left its outpost here.

The current school building at 1217 Fourth Ave. S. was constructed in 1950. It was expanded in 1959 and remodeled in 1999.

The school educates children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

It is accredited by National Lutheran School Accreditation.

School leaders tout the institution’s Christ-centered environment, low student-teacher ratio and classroom technology. They also point out that there is financial assistance available for qualifying families.

For generations, dedicated teachers, aided by capable support staff members, have educated hundreds of children at the school. We’re grateful for that.

We’re also pleased to say that St. Paul Lutheran School is a respected institution in our community.