As demand for enrollment in Eastern Mennonite Elementary School continues to rise, so does the need to support families with transportation and care beyond the school day. Many EMES families have more than one parent working outside of the home and several have students enrolled in multiple divisions of our school, making after school pick-up challenging for busy families. After a survey indicated a strong desire by elementary parents to have after school services provided by EMS, EMES After School Care began this academic year.
EMES After School Care provides safe and engaging activities for EMS students age 12 or younger in a relaxed school setting. Housed in our Main Campus Dining Hall and the outdoor spaces which surround it, the program is run by EMS tutor Donna Blosser and assisted by EMS high school senior Gabby Archer. After School Care students enjoy a full afternoon of programming which includes a healthy snack, homework time and support, craft activities and recreational time. Participating students are transported from the Elementary Campus off North 11 to the Main Campus at Parkwood Drive. Students may stay until 5:30 p.m. each day that school is in session and parents may purchase care by the day or week, as their schedule demands.
Since the program began, attendance has averaged between 10-20 students daily. In addition to the benefit of assisting family schedules, EMES Principal Maria Archer noted, “A beautiful result of the program is the inter-grade interaction it allows, including mentorship by older students with their younger schoolmates. This community feeling of shared experience spills over into everyday life at EMES as students enjoy spending time with new friends gained in the program.”
EMS Administration will continue to survey participating families and refine future program offerings based on feedback and interest in the program.
