Faculty & Staff

A “God” place to grow.

Zion Lutheran School and Zion Lutheran Church share the same mission and this will be part of all teachings and programs.

Zion Energized By the Holy Spirit Seeks to:

GATHER in Joyful Worship
GROW in Christ
GIVE Love and Service to God and Our Neighbor
and
GO teach and deliver the Gospel.

Blessings to all our students and their families for a joyful school year.

2023/2024 School Year Theme: Connected - John 15:5

Laura Schrader

 7TH – 8TH GRADE TEACHER
lschrader@zionbaycity.org
(989) 893-5793

Derek Young

5TH & 6TH GRADE TEACHER
dyoung@zionbaycity.org

Theresa Newkirk

3RD & 4TH GRADE TEACHER
tnewkirk@zionbaycity.org

Kelsey Splattstoesser

2ND – 3RD GRADE TEACHER
ksplattstoesser@zionbaycity.org

Sadie Priem

1ST GRADE TEACHER
spriem@zionbaycity.org

Pam Degg

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, LIBRARIAN
pdegg@zionbaycity.org

Susan Theil

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
sthiel@zionbaycity.org

Olivia Gwizdala

4 YR. OLD PRESCHOOL TEACHER
ogwizdala@zionbaycity.org

Jessica Hilliker

3 YR OLD PRESCHOOL TEACHER
jhilliker@zionbaycity.org

Bobbie-Jo-Upton-1-200x200
Bobbie Jo Upton
When at school my students usually call me Mrs. Upton or Miss Bobbie Jo. I teach music to all the students at Zion Lutheran School and have twenty-five years of experience in teaching.

My favorite things about teaching and Zion are that the students always say, “Hi” or stop to show me something. I can’t cross the playground with ten little students calling out my name or running to hug me. They are such a blessing!

I have attended Mott Community College, University of Michigan, Flint, and KinderMusik University, being certified in teacher KinderMusik. I have my associate degree in arts and am just shy of my bachelor’s degree in Language Arts. My background is 29 years in music, theater, and worship leading.

I am married to my high school sweetheart Tom. We have two daughters, one 32 years old and the other is 33 years old and a special needs sone who is 20 years old. We are also blessed with an 11-year-old granddaughter.

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Surely it is God who saves me; I will trust in Him and Not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense and He will be my Savior.
Isaiah 12:2


Bobbie Jo Upton

MUSIC  TEACHER
bupton@zionbaycity.org
(989) 894-2611

Jeff Danay

BLDG. SUPERINTENDENT/CUSTODIAN
(989) 893-5793

Lori Ruthruff

Odessa Arocha

COOK

Holly Essex

ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR
hessex@zionbaycity.org