Eastern Mennonite Elementary School is Open!

Courtesy, Eastern Mennonite School

As a follow up to the 2017 Blog, the Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (EMES) is now open!

Eastern Mennonite School (EMS) welcomes you to a celebration and to a dedication of their newly-renovated elementary building on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m.. The gathering begins at 4 p.m. with comments, recognitions, dedication prayers,    ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce, and self-guided building tours and refreshments.

Guests are invited to park in the gym lot at 801 Parkwood Drive and cross the new footbridge to the outdoor gathering. Limited spaces are available for accessible parking directly off of Route 42. Call 540-236-6000 with questions.

EMS is a faith-based private school located in Harrisonburg, VA. With just over 350 students in grades K-12, the school is large enough to offer AP courses as well as photography and robotics, yet the school is small enough for teachers to know and mentor each student.

A hands-on approach to learning is the hallmark of EMS. Also, integral to the EMS educational philosophy: Critical thinking, the integration of the arts, and following the ethical and spiritual example of Jesus. Founded in 1917 by the Mennonite Church, the school is now a community encompassing people of many faiths and traditions.

The school’s newly renovated elementary building features classrooms with natural light, offices, play areas, and green spaces. There is also an exciting addition of a teaching kitchen where children can learn cooking skills. The building is located on Rt 42 with a bridge connecting the elementary building to the middle school and high school campus. The elementary school is a little over 14 years old and currently has 94 students enrolled in grades K-5. This new building will be a permanent home for the program, which was housed in several locations in past years. 
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In addition, the building is imbued with spiritual significance. Blessings and thanksgiving have both been incorporated into the building process. Before officially moving into the building to begin classes on December 10th, the school hosted a special chapel to thank God and acknowledge all those who contributed to the construction of the building, including donors, vendors, and tradespeople.

Prayers were offered and contributors were brought on stage for special recognition. In order to bless the space, visitors also wrote prayers and blessings on panels which were encased within the drywall. Eastern Mennonite School has created a space especially to educate and enrich the whole person, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
For more information about Eastern Mennonite School, please visit easternmennonite.org.