Back-to-School Nights: Sharing your voice

Families gathered together before the start of school for a fresh look at each other and the school. Paul Leaman welcomed a full auditorium for back to school night on Tuesday, August 13 for middle and high school. He also spoke on Monday to elementary students, parents, faculty and administrators in preparation for the first day of school on August 15. New families with 6-12th grade students shared a meal together in the dining hall and heard from Principals Gascho and King. The evening began in the auditorium, followed by class meetings with parents, and a social out front with popsicles provided by EMS board members.

Dr. Leaman welcomed everyone, saying “you make the EMS community more complete.” He also referenced trends that reflect a decline in generosity in the United States and noted that generosity feels alive and well in our community!

Speakers highlighted how students and their adults could share their own voices in the daily life of our school community. 

Music 

Director Jared Stutzman followed Dr. Leaman’s lead and noted that one of the ways that EMS is different is that we sing together. “We believe that every voice matters, that I hear God’s voice from you, and that you hear God’s voice from me. And that when we sing together, that’s part of how God speaks to us.” The crowd joined together to sing Jesus stand among us.

Chapel

Bible and English teacher Karen Suderman shared about the theme for chapel. Chapel will continue last year’s experimentation without a theme, but rather a focus on the revised common lectionary with scripture readings. She also reflected on what we’ve learned from this experiment. Each student voice matters – as every 7th to 12th grade student had the opportunity to be a leader in chapel last year. We’ve also learned hearing voices from communities outside EMS is important. [link to article on 24-25 chapel will soon be available]

Student Council Organization (SCO)

Lucas Pou spoke first for SCO. He noted, “As president, I am tasked with leading the vision of our student body, and this year, we really want to emphasize taking everyone’s thoughts and ideas and implementing them into our events. Our whole goal is to be a conduit for the student body’s voice.” 

School life outside the classroom

In co-curriculars, students have the opportunity to learn about life outside of the classroom. Athletic director Andrew Gascho shared, “EMS provides opportunities for students to take chances, to take risks, to try something new, to have great successes, to get knocked down a little bit. And learn from that.” He spoke to the adults in the room, encouraging their participation and support of students. “Come to a performance, scream and yell after the piece is finished. Come to a sporting event, scream and yell the whole time. I hope to see you on the sidelines cheering on our students when they try new things and do the best they can.” 

Prayer for the 2024-2025 school year

Paul Leaman offered this prayer for the coming year:

God of daily new creations,

Create in us new friendships, new learnings, new adventures and lifelong skills that will allow our children and families to thrive, now and in their futures. 

We pray that we at EMS always see your work, and join in your special work, as best we can from our lives — whether that is locally in our classrooms, nationally, or in the world at large. 

We give this year to you not knowing what it will bring, but knowing that you are with us always. 

In Christ’s name, we give thanks for our new family this year. 

At the Elementary 

Maria Archer welcomed everyone after a meeting for new families at the elementary school’s lower building. The highlight of the evening was a class with music teacher Joy Anderson. She led parents and guardians in an exercise that creates space to be silly, express yourself, and try out your singing voice. The event closed with children playing together on the outdoor playground after popsicles.