EMS to purchase MennoMedia property at 1251 Virginia Avenue to provide the added footprint necessary to develop a modern K-5 elementary facility adjoining Main Campus
I stand with Jesus! The gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke each report the same story when Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Children are our most precious, yet vulnerable, asset of human society. They are the hope for a better future. No one more than they need a strong Jesus-centered educational start in life.
The EMS “Let the Children Come” campaign is our appeal to everyone in the EMS community to rally together in creating a permanent K-12 campus at 801 Parkwood Drive. The stewardship of shared facilities, synergy of educational programming, and conveniences for parents and nearby inter-educational and inter-generational opportunities, add countless intangible benefits for students and the community. Our history is rich, and together, our future bright. This issue of Today highlights our K-12 campus plan and begins sharing our “Let the Children Come” vision.
Our Story
Founded in 2005, Eastern Mennonite Elementary School began in the lower level of Lindale Mennonite Church with 24 students, three faculty, many volunteers, and two grades per classroom. Within three years we outgrew that space and began a transition to the temporary Route 11 North Campus located at 314 Cornerstone Lane, Harrisonburg, about four miles from Main Campus. The leased North Campus has allowed program establishment and growth to an optimal enrollment of 90+ students. Modular classroom “cottages” positioned around a central building facilitate outdoor activity, making play spaces and fresh air an integral part of our school day. Grass stains on play clothes mean it’s been a great day at EMES!
The EMES Distinction
The focus of spiritual growth at EMES centers on following Jesus. By reading the stories Jesus told to others and hearing about Jesus’ life, our students gain an understanding of God’s love for them, while opening their arms to others. Students meet weekly in “Gathering” to sing, reflect on Jesus’ ways, share faith stories, and to hear how others live out their faith. A weekly peacebuilding class allows students to discern ways to serve, to care for the world, and to contribute to community life. We learn to live peacefully together and to demonstrate God’s love for all people. Each classroom teacher integrates these themes into daily routines. In all classes, students are challenged to look at the world through the eyes of Jesus and find ways to serve and help those around them.
At EMES, leadership skills blossom through circle times, class meetings, event planning, public speaking, and interactions across grade levels. Committees comprised of students in grades K-5 plan special Spirit Day events for the whole school. Reading buddies allow younger and older students to form special friendships. Students sit in multi-age tables during lunch and play at recess with those from other classes, allowing connections between students without the boundaries of grade levels. Student confidence grows as they share their talents, ideas, and beliefs with the whole community.
EMES creates a place where students are engaged academically and emotionally. Learning takes place in an experiential learning environment where students are given time to explore, create, and wonder, whether in the classroom or outdoors. Time is given for exploration, making connections, reflection, and discussion. Together these activities allow for deep understanding to take place. A natural bridge between school and life is made each day as students discover the wonder of science, math, social studies, reading, and writing all around them.
Students also participate in specialty area classes on a daily basis. Twice weekly, students participate in music, art, and Spanish. Students are given the opportunity to participate in musical productions, formal and informal drama presentations, and a K-12 art show. In addition, students enjoy physical activity each day with an emphasis on sportsmanship, physical fitness, and the enjoyment of exercise.
These components of the EMES experience: faith development, community building, and a rich curriculum, work in tandem. Together they provide a learning community where students actively learn, grow in self-confidence, find their place in God’s world, and go beyond themselves to help others.
We hope you will share in the excitement for K-12 Christian education excellence in our community as highlighted in this issue of Today. . . Let the children come . . . to Main Campus at 801 Parkwood Drive!
