Winter 2009 - Lancaster Mennonite School

FIVE-DAY, FULL-DAY PROGRAM OFFEREDSchool increases pre-kindergarten optionsEverything we knowpoints to the factthat early childhoodeducation pays laterdividends in helpingstudents be successfulin school.- J. Richard Thomas,SuperintendentLancaster Mennonite Schoolis offering a five-day fulldaypre-kindergarten programat its New Danville Campusthis year, and the Locust GroveCampus also will offer onenext year. The Kraybill Campushas plans for a new facility(see page 5) that will allow itto expand to five days as well.The five-day program isoffered in addition to two,three and four-day options.Because parents want programsthat will best preparechildren for school, LMS hasbeen a leader in providing fulldayin-school kindergarten andpre-kindergarten experiences.LMS believes that the bestpreparation for elementaryschool is to attend pre-kindergartenand kindergarten in anelementary school setting.Expanding the pre-kindergartenprogram to five days will furtherprepare students for a more challenging kindergartenprogram, as well as first grade.Educational consultant Connie Stauffer believesthe extra full days are beneficial.“Society is now demanding an accelerated pushfor learning,” she said, “and the old-time kindergartenis being pushed to PreK.”Stauffer helped to establish a pre-kindergartenphilosophy and curriculum for Lancaster Mennonitethat is based on a holistic view of the child andmeets students at their level of development. At allthree campuses, the pre-kindergarten program isintegrated into the overall elementary school programso students are exposed to a wider varietyof school experiences, teachers, and role models.Being at school all day like elementary studentsalso reduces the need for a day care center or othercaregiver while parents are at work.LMS parents have supported the school’sapproach to pre-kindergarten. They say PreKstudents move more easily into kindergarten andbeyond and actually do better in school thanbefore pre-kindergarten was available.Lancaster Mennonite Superintendent RichardThomas, who oversees the entire system from prekindergartenthrough high school, believes that theAnne Roth teaches pre-kindergarten full time at the New Danville Campus.PHOTO: JONATHAN CHARLESfive-day full-day pre-kindergarten fits the school’svision to provide educational excellence for childrenof all ages for area families.“Everything we know points to the fact thatearly childhood education pays later dividends inhelping students be successful in school,” he said.Anne Roth, PreK teacher at New Danville, saysthat, in addition to offering a quality academicprogram at the PreK level, it is important to teachsocial skills.“It’s learning how to play and how to get alongwith each other,” she said. “That’s important, too.”Stephanie Kreider teaches PreK at LocustGrove, and Jessica Lloyd at Kraybill.Applications are being accepted for the 2009-10 school year. Go to www.lancastermennonite.orgfor more information about the school’s comprehensivepre-kindergarten to grade 12 program.Scholarships are available. ■6 BRIDGES • WINTER 2009