The Morning Son Christian School Story

Morning Son Christian School traces its beginnings to 1984. The school began as a preschool and kindergarten in the home of Steven and Suzy Hames.  Mrs. Hames had a vision to begin a positive, Bible-based, Christ centered school that promoted traditional academic achievement; instilling Christian character and moral virtues in children.  Mrs. Hames approached the leadership of the First Church of the Nazarene about the possibility of housing the school in the church. The church leadership prayerfully agreed to house the school. 

In this first year, Morning Son had one teacher, Mrs. Hames, and 32 students enrolled in nursery, preschool, and kindergarten. By the second year, enrollment was 83 students, and grades 1-3 were added, as well as two more instructors and an administrator, Mr. David Grobe.  In 1986, fourth grade was added and, in 1987, fifth grade was added. 

As enrollment continued to increase many space challenges surfaced. Since the school was housed in the church, there were times when the church needed space for special functions. Teachers, students, and parents would then pack up all school equipment and materials and store them in a semi-truck. Every weekend it was necessary to clear out the classrooms on the north side of the church so services could be held. Each summer everything was packed up and placed in storage. These growing pains were well taken as the school family knew it was temporary and that a building expansion project was being planned. 

Mrs. Debbie Walter served as administrator and preschool teacher from 1989 - 1994. This was a transitional time of growth when more space was needed and often grade levels were combined. 

In 1994, Mr. Jim Langlie was hired to be administrator. He came at a challenging time when the building program was in full swing. More teachers were needed as well as school supplies and furnishings for the new classrooms. Mr. Langlie served with expertise and Godly wisdom until his death in November of 1996.  Rev. Bill Colbeck volunteered to job share his time with Morning Son (as he was already serving as administrator at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy).  Mr. Colbeck faithfully served the school from December 1996 to February 2004 as administrator and superintendent. 

In 1997, sixth grade was added to the school. Once again additional space was needed to house the upper grades. A portable building with two classrooms was dedicated in October 2001.  In 2002, Mr. Colbeck led the school in the process of accreditation with MNSAA.  In May 2004, Morning Son became accredited for a seven year period. 

In February 2004, Mrs. Kathy Austvold became the administrator and served in that role until 2009.  Mrs. Dessica Veum began serving as interim administrator and in the Spring of 2010 became the school’s full time administrator through the summer of 2011. Mrs. Lori Hestenes served as interim administrator from September 2011 through July 2012. On August 1st, 2012 Mrs. Tessa Martinson began as administrator and Principal of Morning Son Christian School. The school continues the rich spiritual heritage of teaching that Jesus Christ alone gives meaning and purpose to life and learning. Our school verse highlights this, “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, “Colossians 2:2-3.  From this rich foundation, our school looks forward to moving into the future with confidence, dedicated to the principle of glorifying Jesus Christ in all we do.