Ephrata Mennonite School is on a 2-Hour Delay for Tuesday, March 3

March

It is hard to believe that we are already entering the month of March. While many of us enjoy the beauty of all four seasons, the luster of snow and ice has long since faded, and we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring in just a few short weeks. March brings with it our “new” Spring Break schedule, and some families will be heading to warmer destinations—perhaps Florida—for a week of rest, sunshine, and time together. March also marks the end of our third quarter, as we turn our attention to the final stretch of the school year.

This month, our annual Roadside Cleanup fundraiser will be kicking off once again. Keith Zimmerman is leading that committee this year, and we are transitioning to an app-based system to help streamline the process. More information will be shared soon.

March is also the month for incoming kindergarten assessments. We are grateful that, once again, the Kindergarten enrollment has been busy and that God has blessed us with a lot of interest from prospective new families. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that “children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” It is truly an honor to partner with our current patrons, along with nine to ten new families, in the work of spiritual and academic formation in their children. As a community, we regularly pray that God would bring us the right patrons—families who will strengthen and grow our school community into His likeness.

Songbirds often usher in spring with their joyful singing, and at EMS, our students are lending their voices to sing some “new songs” of praise this season. The Psalmist exhorts us to “sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 96:1). The Ministry Arts Team, led by Daryl Weaver, will soon be offering local programs that you will not want to miss. In addition to our Senior Worship Team, we have also formed a Junior Worship Team this spring, and the sounds of praise music have been filling the chapel. Our elementary choirs are also practicing diligently in preparation for the Spring Program. Singing has long been an integral part of EMS’s culture and tradition, forming hearts as well as voices.

On the academic front, we are excited to be offering our first-ever German classes at the high school level this spring. This initiative pairs with our participation in a student exchange program with a Mennonite school in Neuwied, Germany. A group of our students is currently learning German and will later have the opportunity to travel to Germany for a two-week period, where they will be hosted by German Mennonite families. We are also looking forward to our 11th-grade students participating in a short-term missions and educational trip to New York City later this month. Mr. Priest will be leading this group as an extension of the Practical Christian Living class. At EMS, we aspire to be a conduit through which students can travel, serve, and grow as they participate in what God is doing in His global kingdom.

As a reminder, this year we are trying the practice of having only one in-person PTF meeting annually. That meeting takes place in the fall, when parents have the opportunity to visit classrooms and connect more directly with teachers. Since the spring PTF meeting has traditionally served as a “state of the school” update with accompanying data, we have chosen instead to share that information electronically as part of the April newsletter. This allows families to review the information at their convenience without requiring another evening commitment.

Spring is a season marked by new life, warmer temperatures, and the anticipation of end-of-year activities. We are grateful for God’s gift of life and renewal, and we pray that He grants us perseverance and wisdom as we finish the final quarter well.

Mr. Joshua Good

Head of School

Here is the link for the sports calendar if you are looking for it:

legendsathletics.digitalsports.com

You can also click the Legends logo at the top of the school's website to get to this same location.

Mid-Year Reflections

January has been an enjoyable and meaningful month at EMS. Beyond the occasional snow day or two-hour delay—those small but welcome variations in a school’s rhythm—January marks the beginning of our second semester. It is a natural time to pause, reflect, and reset our focus. As a school community, we took time in Chapel to review our progress toward living out our core value of “lifelong learning.”

During that time, I reflected with students and staff on the teachings of Proverbs, which call us to receive the words of God, to treasure His commandments, to make our ears attentive to wisdom, and to incline our hearts toward understanding. Scripture reminds us that as we do so, we find the knowledge of God. We are encouraged to let the wise hear and increase in learning, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. With these truths in mind, we renewed our commitment to pursue that mark with purpose in the second half of the school year.

January has also been filled with “good times” in the extracurricular life of our school. We have hosted several Bible Quizzing scrimmages and are preparing to host a formal Bible Quizzing meet on Friday, February 27. This event typically brings more than 1,000 people from surrounding communities, and the food sales serve as a fundraiser for the senior trip. In athletics, we are pleased to congratulate our boys’ basketball team on winning a highly competitive Faith Invitational Tournament for the second consecutive year. Their diligent effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship were clearly evident and rewarding.

The start of the second semester also signals the beginning of preparations for the coming school year. If you have not yet completed your re-enrollment form, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible to help us plan effectively. In addition, the scholarship application process for the 2026–27 school year through Simple Tuition Solutions (STS)is now open. Our ongoing commitment is that any family willing to make a reasonable sacrifice can send all their students to EMS.

As part of that commitment, we also invite families and community members to consider participating in the EITC program as donors—turning tax dollars into scholarships that bless other families. We are grateful that around $700,000 was available to award this past year, and we hope to see that total continue to grow. All individuals are eligible to participate. For more information, please contact tonya.good@ephratamennonite.org. We are also encouraged by recent legislation that may allow individuals to divert a portion of federal tax funds toward Christian school scholarships. While we are still learning the details of this process, we hope to share additional information soon, and we encourage you to speak with your accountant about this option as well.

Lastly, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous end-of-year giving. We praise God for the approximately $210,000 that was given in support of the holy and sacred work of Christian education and discipleship at EMS. Your generosity is humbling, and we pray the Lord will richly reward your faithfulness. Please continue to pray for us as we plan for the year ahead, review new patron enrollment applications, and work through the annual teacher hiring process. We trust in God’s sovereignty to bring new families and staff members who will strengthen, encourage, and enhance His work at EMS.

Mr. Joshua Good

Head of School

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

As we close out the year 2025, we do so with grateful hearts for God’s continued goodness. Life itself is a gift, and each year provides fresh opportunities to experience the blessings of God in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. Recently, as the snow fell, I was reminded just how thankful we are to have our school all under one roof—without the need to make our way back and forth between buildings through snow and ice. These practical blessings matter, yet they point us to something even greater.

Above all, we are deeply grateful for the EMS community and the supportive environment we are privileged to share. Families, students, faculty, and staff together form a place where faith is nurtured and relationships are strengthened. The work of Christian education is holy and sacred work—the work of discipleship and faith formation—and we are humbled to be part of what God is doing here.

One blessing we recently experienced in a tangible way was the blessing of giving. A heartfelt thank you to our school community for helping raise $10,435.11 to provide Torreón Christian School with a needed bus. While receiving is good, we hold to the truth taught by Jesus Christ that giving is even better than receiving. Witnessing the joy and impact of this gift on their community has been deeply rewarding and a reminder of how God uses generosity to bless others far beyond ourselves.

We also appreciated your continued prayers as the school board and finance team carefully discerned through the tuition and compensation process for the coming year. While tuition did increase, the board would like to clearly communicate that every dollar of this increase is being directed toward teacher compensation. The goal is to move each teacher toward a Lancaster County living wage allowing this to be a vocation where staff can work long-term—one that allows them to purchase a home in the median price range, raise a family, and plan responsibly for the future. We believe this reflects both wise stewardship and our commitment to those who faithfully serve our students each day.

In addition, the board remains firmly committed to providing scholarships where there is genuine need. Our desire is that every family willing to make a reasonable sacrifice—including those with “normal jobs”—can send all of their children to EMS. We anticipate awarding approximately $700,000 in scholarships next year, and we will continue our policy of no additional transportation fees. We want current and prospective families alike to know that we are committed to helping make Christian education at EMS financially possible.

As we step into the spring semester, we are excited for the opportunities ahead. In keeping with our heritage, we are offering German classes at the high school level this year. This program will partner with the German Mennonite student exchange we are eagerly anticipating. In May, approximately twelve students will have the opportunity to travel to Germany—an experience that will enrich both their education and their understanding of our shared faith heritage.

During this Christmas season, may we celebrate as families the goodness of God, most clearly seen in His sending of His one and only Son, Jesus—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. May His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts, and may we continue to be shaped and conformed to His image. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mr. Joshua Good

Head of School

The Gift Of Love

Our students recently memorized John 3, where verse 16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” As we enter the Christmas season, we remember that it is truly a season of love and giving. Because of God’s great love, He sent His Son—not to condemn the world, but to redeem it from sin. That is, to save us. At EMS, we are grateful to play even a small part in this ongoing story of God’s redeeming work in the world.

Jesus came, conquered, and now rules over all. This is the good news at its core: Jesus is King. Joy to the world! The beauty of His reign is that He accomplished His “takeover” not with the weapons of the world—violence, coercion, or fear—but through the overwhelming power of love and the scandal of grace. Through His self-sacrifice, His life of service, and ultimately His victory over death by the resurrection, He redeemed the world. As we follow Him—serving rather than being served, laying down our lives in suffering love, taking up our cross—we join Him in the hope of resurrection and life everlasting.

As we partner with you to teach and disciple our students in the way of Jesus, we are grateful for opportunities to practice the spirit of giving together. This year’s Christmas giving project will support the Torreon Mission School in New Mexico, a ministry connected to Lititz Dunkard Brethren Church (congregation where Miss Birt attends). The school is in urgent need of another bus after their previous one broke down. The bus serves not only the school but also a variety of church ministries. To strengthen the EMS connection, Ellie (Class of 2021), who is currently volunteering at the mission, is one of their bus drivers. Our goal is to raise $8,000 to bless the Torreon School with a bus from Ephrata Mennonite School. Please ask your child for updates as we step into this project.

We also invite your prayers for the school board, board committees, and school leadership as we begin planning for next year. We are currently working through a draft budget and asking careful questions about tuition levels, teacher compensation, and long-term sustainability. Our desire is twofold: that any family willing to make a reasonable personal sacrifice can send their children to EMS, and that our professional teaching staff—also making reasonable sacrifices—can afford to live and raise families here in Lancaster County. A hallmark of our school has been that we are able to retain professional teachers who become true masters of teaching. We remain deeply grateful for the privilege of providing a Christian education and want to walk worthy of that sacred calling.

Please continue to pray as we enter the enrollment process for next year. Pray that God would prepare families who share our vision and values to partner with us in this discipleship work. Pray that God would prepare students—even our incoming Kindergartners—to bless and be blessed by our community. We are again grateful for the strong interest in the high-quality, conservative Anabaptist education that EMS provides.

Have a wonderful Christmas! May your home be filled with gratitude, joy, and the peace of Christ this holiday season.

Mr. Joshua Good

A Season Of Gratitude

November is upon us—a month that naturally draws our hearts toward gratitude. As the leaves finish their bright display and the air turns crisp, we are reminded again of God’s goodness and the many blessings He has poured out on our school community this fall.

One of the highlights we are anticipating is Grandparents Day on November 6. This event gives our students the joy of welcoming their grandparents to campus, sharing in a meal together, and giving them a glimpse into their daily school life. Few things warm the heart quite like seeing generations gathered around tables—proud grandparents, smiling students, and conversations weaving stories of heritage and hope. We are thankful for the deep roots of faith and family that continue to nourish our community and shape the next generation.

We also extend an excited congratulations to our Lady Legends Volleyball team, who have earned their way into the PIAA State Championship Tournament, joining the top sixteen schools in Pennsylvania for the second straight year! This remarkable accomplishment reflects not only the team’s athletic skill and perseverance but also their Christ-centered character and teamwork. We are proud of the way they have represented Ephrata Mennonite School with excellence, both on and off the court, as Kingdom Citizens and Lifelong Learners.

Another reason for thanksgiving this month is the overwhelming success of our Fall Auction Fundraiser, which raised $98,000. What a blessing! We are so grateful for every volunteer, donor, and bidder who helped make the event a success. These funds go directly toward enhancing student learning, supporting teachers, and ensuring that the mission of Christian education continues to thrive at Ephrata Mennonite School. Your learning to serve spirit is a powerful reminder of God’s provision through His people.

As November continues, we also look ahead to Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 6 and 7. These conversations are an important part of our shared commitment to each student’s growth. We are grateful for parents who take an active role in their child’s education and for teachers who invest deeply in each learner—academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, we model what it means to walk hand in hand for the good of our children and for the glory of God.

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, may our hearts overflow with gratitude. In every success, in every challenge, and in every ordinary school day, we recognize the Lord’s faithfulness. Psalm 100 reminds us, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.” Truly, the Lord has been good to us. May we continue to cultivate thankful hearts and live out that gratitude in service to one another.

Mr. Joshua Good

Administrator

October at EMS:  Harvest of Blessings

The crispness of October mornings, the swirl of golden leaves, and the hint of woodsmoke in the air remind us that the seasons are shifting once again. At Ephrata Mennonite School, fall brings not only the beauty of God’s creation but also the blessing of gathering together as a community, celebrating milestones, and watching our students grow in faith, character, and achievement.

One of the highlights of September was our annual school auction, and what a joyful event it was! Parents, alumni, and friends filled the gymnasium, creating a lively atmosphere of fellowship and support. The donated items—ranging from furniture, to tools, to baked goods—were a testimony to the generosity of our extended EMS family. More than just raising funds, the auction reminded us of the shared vision that binds us together: to provide an education that is academically strong, spiritually grounded, and rooted in community.

Fall also marks an exciting season for EMS athletics. Our Legends have been making history on the courts and the fields this year. The girls’ volleyball team has fought their way to an outstanding position, currently ranked #2 in District 3, while the boys’ soccer team continues to climb the standings, holding a place in the top ten of the district. These achievements reflect not only the talent of our athletes, but also the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that our coaches instill. We rejoice in the way our students shine, both in competition and in the way they carry themselves as Christ-honoring young people.

October also brings with it opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. This month our 10th grade students will be traveling to Boston for their educational trip. This journey allows them to step into the pages of history, exploring the landmarks of the American Revolution and connecting classroom learning with real-world experience. These trips are formative—deepening knowledge, strengthening friendships, and broadening horizons in ways that textbooks alone cannot provide.

Last but not least, we are excited as a school community to host five 10th grade students from our Mennonite Brethren partner school, Free Christian School of Neuwied, from Germany. They will be attending EMS for two weeks. We anticipate a similar opportunity for some of our high school students to attend their school for a couple weeks towards the end of next semester. This international learning is a great opportunity for EMS students to experience the global Kingdom of God. Look for more information on this opportunity from Mr. Oberholtzer in the upcoming months.

As we move deeper into fall, we are mindful of the many blessings God has poured out on our school. From successful events and athletic triumphs to the joy of learning and discovery, we see His hand at work among us. Like the harvest season itself, October is a time of gratitude—a reminder to pause, to give thanks, and to celebrate the fruit that comes from faithful labor, prayer, and God’s abundant grace.

Mr. Joshua Good

Administrator

Back To School!

It feels good to be back in school again. After a quiet summer, our classrooms and hallways are alive with students learning, teachers guiding, and friendships being renewed. We are grateful for a smooth start to the school year, and our students have been a joy to work with. Dusting off the cobwebs in our minds as we re-engage in the study of math, English, Bible, and more, we are reminded of the good things in life—community, learning, and the opportunity to share Christian education together.

This year our chosen core value is Lifelong Learning. On the first day of school, we reflected on Proverbs 1, where Solomon outlines his learning objectives: to receive instruction, to learn from the wise, and to embrace the truth that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Together, we discussed three dispositions that form the heart of lifelong learning:

1. Humility, which enables a teachable spirit.
2. Reflection, which leads to growth and wisdom.
3. Vulnerability, which acknowledges mistakes and opens the way to learning.
   
   

We are asking God to help us weave this value into every part of school life. Our teachers are committed to modeling what it means to remain curious and teachable themselves, so that students can see that education is not something to be “completed” but a lifelong pursuit rooted in faith and wisdom. Please pray for us as we seek to cultivate this posture in all 378 of our Legends this year.

Another highlight of September is our Auction and Fall Festival. For the first time, this event has been moved from the summer into the school year, creating a new rhythm of gathering and celebration. The auction will take place on September 12, followed by an evening of food and entertainment on September 13 featuring Ryan and Friends and Conrad Fisher. Children’s activities, fellowship, and opportunities to support the mission of EMS will round out the event. Please review the notes from our board and auction committee, which explain why this fundraiser is so important and how you can help. Your involvement is vital, and we look forward to seeing you there.

We are also excited about the return of Legends athletics. Both our Lady Legends volleyball team and our boys soccer team are carrying forward the tradition of representing our school and Christ with integrity and passion. These athletes are already demonstrating teamwork, perseverance, and discipline—qualities that matter just as much off the court and field as they do on it. Athletics at EMS extend our mission by shaping character, building community, and teaching lessons of resilience and humility. You are welcome to bring your family out to one of our home games to cheer on the Legends! You will enjoy it.

As we begin this year together, we covet your prayers. Pray for our students as they grow in wisdom and faith. Pray for our staff as they teach, mentor, and disciple with energy and joy. Pray for our school community as a whole, that we would remain steadfast in our mission of nurturing lifelong learners who love God and serve others. We trust that God will be faithful, and we step into this year with hope and anticipation.

Mr. Joshua Good

Administrator

The Joy Of Lifelong Learning

As summer settles across Lancaster County, we find ourselves in that blessed pause between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next. The long days, slower evenings, and the rhythm of lawnmowers, ice cream cones, and family road trips offer a welcome change of pace. For students, staff, and families alike, summer is a gift—a time to rest, reflect, and renew.

Yet even now, in these quieter days, we’re reminded that learning never really stops. Growth continues—in hearts, minds, and spirits—as we move through life with curiosity and openness. That’s why our core value for the coming school year, Lifelong Learning, feels so timely and important.

This value is more than just a catchphrase. It is a commitment—rooted in Scripture and expressed in the daily rhythms of our school community. Proverbs 1:5 reminds us, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” At Ephrata Mennonite School, we aim not only to develop strong students, but to form thoughtful, Spirit-led disciples of Jesus—people who never stop growing in wisdom, compassion, and truth.

We want to share some exciting news with you as we look ahead. Ephrata Mennonite School has been recognized as a Top Christian School for 2025 by Education Insider Magazine, a national publication. We are grateful to receive this recognition. We were not expecting it and are humbled to have been nominated. It is a reflection of the extraordinary work of our teachers and staff, the ongoing support of our parent community, and above all, the goodness of God. We view this not as a finish line, but as an encouragement to continue striving for excellence in all we do—for the glory of God and the good of our students.

Lifelong learning begins with humility. It takes courage to say, “I still have more to learn.” It invites us into the posture of the disciple—willing to ask questions, listen deeply, reflect honestly, and stay open to growth. As adults, we model this for our children not only when we pursue knowledge, but when we own our mistakes, adapt to new circumstances, and submit ourselves to God’s ongoing work of transformation.

This summer, we encourage you—students, parents, and staff alike—to keep learning. Read widely. Reflect deeply. Talk to your children about what God is teaching you. Look for ways to grow in love, in patience, and in service. Even vacation has lessons to teach us—about margin, about joy, and about the beauty of creation.

Meanwhile, the work at EMS continues behind the scenes. Staff are reviewing curriculum, preparing classrooms, and finalizing plans for the 2025–26 school year. We are praying, dreaming, and refining—all with the hope that this year will be another step forward in our mission of discipling students in the way of Jesus.

Please pray for us as we prepare. Pray that our school community would be marked by wisdom, humility, and joy. And pray that we, as a body of believers, would be lifelong learners—always growing in grace, always pressing onward, and always looking to Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Enjoy your summer. We look forward to seeing you again in August.

Mr. Joshua Good

Administrator