A Good Problem
The Rt. 11 North Campus site was strategically temporary. It allowed us to field-test the demand for a permanent elementary division. Current enrollment growth, wait lists, and crowded spaces, combined with deteriorating buildings, location inconve- nience, and an alternative vision for the property’s future use by the current landowner, are driving our need for permanent space.
Our annual lease and cold, windy weather reminds us of EMES’ temporary conditions. The modular classrooms have significant structural and energy efficiency issues, demanding more and more repair, time, and money. The floors near the doorways are de- teriorating, water pipes freeze annually, and decking boards frequently need replacement. We have deferred much maintenance on these buildings because investing in these temporary structures is not wise stewardship.
Space limitations are also prevalent. Small classrooms make active learning labs and small group collaboration difficult. In addi- tion, the lack of storage space makes project-based learning cumbersome. Our Gathering space is just large enough to house our entire student body at lunch, and is now too small for larger key events such as Grandparent’s Day or our international dance event. The Gathering space cannot adequately service lunch, small group work, book buddies, piano lessons, indoor P.E., and other activities as our school grows. The small Principal’s office must also serve as flexible meeting space for parent committees, small group work, private meetings, and even acts as our infirmary. Well-designed expanded spaces will eliminate our problem areas while providing even greater opportunities for growth efficiencies.
Design Elements
Excitement abounds for the blessings intentionally-designed space will bring EMES children! The new Gathering space is cen- trally located and opens up to an outdoor plaza. This space will be used for many purposes: elementary Gatherings, daily lunch, and for countless special events like Grandparents Day, Dessert Theatre, joint activities between age groups, and even as a rental resource for broader community use. Outfitted for flexibility, the new Gathering space and plaza is naturally lit, open, inviting, and will be the place that brings us together as a community.
Spacious classrooms, strategically arranged, service all grades and specialty classes. Larger classrooms give teachers creative instructional advantages, space for projects in progress, and the convenience of built-in restrooms for younger students. Office, greeting and conference spaces have been added and room for a preschool classroom is also included. All classrooms have quick access to the outdoors allowing students to play in natural surroundings on a daily basis. Adjacent Park Woods offers an additional outdoor environment for science classes or for walks in the woods. There is ample space to continue the EMES gar- dening initiative and countless places for students to explore and create outside. All areas of the school will be ADA compliant, improving opportunities for intergenerational enrichment.
We are enthusiastic about being on one K-12 campus with three distinct school divisions! We have enjoyed past mentoring opportunities between elementary and older middle and high school students and know these will happen more easily and intentionally in this new location, benefiting our curriculum and K-12 students. We are also excited about connecting more with retirees at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, which is just walking distance away. For years EMU faculty and students have partnered with us to organize a health fair for our students. Now we can walk to this event, saving transportation cost and valuable classroom time for this project … and many more to come! Being in town and part of a larger campus also eliminates the isolation and security vulnerability often felt on the more secluded North Campus.
We are excited to see the ways our students embrace this new space and make it their own!
Economic Benefits
EMS has explored everything from squeezing EMES on currently owned property to purchasing green-field acreage to develop a brand new K-12 campus. The more we explored the more convinced we have become in the stewardship benefits of revital- izing the MennoMedia property. The building is structurally solid and constructed for renovation ease. Re-purposing a good structure is a wise use of the world’s limited resources. Design possibilities also make this facility contemporary and attractive, with high visibility, accessibility, and amenity plans that will make it a center of interest and demand for the greater community.
In recent years, when EMES enrollment has been near capacity, the elementary has generated positive net income for EMS. In Estimated Cost by Project Phase Site Work & Soft Costs Renovations Gathering Space Auxiliary Gym Total $1,081,000 $2,557,000 $995,000 $1,367,000 $6,000,000 addition, campus ownership and associated synergies forecast net savings in excess of $50,000 per year. Added space will permit a reduction of student wait lists as we discern the demand for a second section of elemen- tary students. Ultimately, by combining EMS resources with those of the community, we believe the magnitude of this K-12 project is possible ….. but we need your help.
Next Steps
As the first step, EMS has purchased the MennoMedia property and is beginning a feasibility study to explore how complete we can develop our K-12 campus vision. We are testing a $6.0 M capital campaign that will need to be phased in to match the level of support available from the community. In addition to the property purchase, EMS can finance one million of the project.
A strong K-12 Christian school presence in the Shenandoah Valley strengthens the attractive- ness of our region for families seeking business and life opportunities. Please be in prayer about ways you can connect with this EMS vision over the next 3-5 years and “Let the Children Come.”
