Winter 2009 - Lancaster Mennonite School

More documents

Recommendations

Info

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
Lancaster Mennonite SchoolOPEN HOUSEEvents for all campusesFebruary 3, 6–8:30 p.m.• Tours and conversations with teachers• Welcome assembly at the Kraybill (6:30)and Lancaster (7:00) campuses• High school course selection• Information about financialaid/scholarships.March 26Prospective Student DayHigh School: 8:05 a.m.–3:05 p.m.Other grades: mornings only.Please call to register.The school’s residence hall is a rich tradition that was established in 1942 to welcome youngpeople living outside Lancaster County—students like Jerry Martin and Jeanette Hertzler Martin,for example (see page 15). Today the residence hall, now called Graybill Hall, continues makingLMS a reality for alumni children and others who want to take advantage of the many opportunitiesat LMS but who live too far away to commute. PHOTOS: JONATHAN CHARLESAn investment that willimpact your child for lifeEnroll now for PreK-12 at four campusesNow is a good time to decide whereyour children will attend school in thefall. Call today and schedule a visit at oneor more of our four campuses. In addition,visit us during our Open House eventwhich is set for Tuesday, February 3, 6-8:30 p.m. Finally, don’t forget to visit ourweb site at www.lancastermennonite.orgwhere you’ll find admissions applicationsas well as applications for scholarships andfinancial aid. We would love to meet you!High school residence hallThe school’s Graybill Hall, with five-dayand seven-day programs, makes it possiblefor high school students living outsideLancaster County to take full advantage ofthe excellent growth opportunities at LMS.This year 45 students live in the residencehall, representing five states, and six countries.For more information about thisopportunity, visit the high school section atwww.lancastermennonite.org and click on“residence hall.”Who are we?• There are 1,500 students enrolled at fourcampuses (PreK–12). Students may transferto LMS at any level.• The school’s goal is to create a culture ofkindness in which students respect eachother’s differences.• Approximately 52 percent of LMS studentsare from Anabaptist denominations, andmore than 20 other denominations andmany non-denominational congregationsare represented.• At the Lancaster Campus, 21 percent of studentsare of under-represented racial/ethnicgroups. At Locust Grove, 26 percent, and atNew Danville, 29 percent.• Students at the Lancaster Campus represent46 school districts, four Pa. counties, sixstates, and six countries.• Students at all levels are encouraged todevelop their gifts and abilities in preparationfor college and career planning. Startingin 2009-10, all seniors will give a seniorpresentation in which they will share theirPreK–12 pilgrimage and post high schoolplans with family and friends.• The high school enjoys SAT scores that arehigher than any Lancaster County publicschool. ■For more informationor to schedule a visit:Kraybill, grades PreK–8Principal John Weber(717) 653-5236Lancaster, grades 6–12(717) 299-0436, ext. 312Locust Grove, grades PreK–8Principal Judi Mollenkof(717) 394-7107New Danville, grades PreK–6Principal Judi Mollenkof(717) 872-2506BRIDGES • WINTER 2009 7
Page 1 and 2: LANCASTERASTER MENNONITE SCHOOLwww.
Page 3 and 4: PHOTO: SAMANTHA SEIFRIEDCountercloc
Page 5: The art above shows the proposed tr
Page 9 and 10: Celebratingachievements• Five mus
Page 11 and 12: continued from page 10principals, c
Page 13 and 14: University career with 23 goals sco
Page 15 and 16: Church work apriority for 1977alumn

Winter 2009 - Lancaster Mennonite School

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?