Gathering
This week Paul Leaman, principal at EMS, read two fables from Africa: The Greedy Zebra, and The Hot Hippo.  As we continue to hear stories and learn about other cultures, it helps us appreciate what we can learn from those who are different from us.  It also helps us value our own traditions and beliefs. 

After Gathering, Mr. Leaman visited several classes including third grade math where he learned how to multiply using the lattice method.  Way to go, third graders!

Next week, Stuart and Michelle Manning, parents of Eve in first grade, will share about Ireland and the history behind St. Patrick. Parents are welcome to join us Wednesday mornings from 8:50 – 9:10.

Basketball
Here is the game schedule for this coming Saturday, March 13.
ALL GAMES AT Blue Ridge Christian School
10:05  EMES A vs CCS B
11:10  BRCS 2nd grade vs EMES K-2
12:15  BRCS C vs EMES B

Soup and Arts Fest
Mark your calendars for March 13, this Friday when the PTF of EMHS will sponsor the annual Soup and Arts Fest!  Gourmet Soups, provided by 20 local restaurants, will be featured in an “all you can eat” buffet from 5:00-7:30.  This event will include an art gallery featuring artwork from students in grades k-12, a gift shop, local artisans demonstrations and live entertainment provided by students of EMS.  All proceeds will benefit the Fine Arts at EMS.  Tickets will be sold at the door:  $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children age 6-12, and free admission for children age 5 and under. For more information, visit the EMHS website.

Storybook Character Day
We want to thank the Storybook character Day committee for making that day a huge success.  The committee members were:
Hanna Hendricks
Halie Mast
Jaydon Jackson
Weston Hatfield
David Park
Vincent Simonetti
Sam Yoder
Anisa Leonard
Susan Stoltzfus

Rice and Bean Meal for Haiti
Haitian guest, Ker Ferdinand, will share about his childhood years in Haiti during Gathering on Wed. March 24th in preparation for our Rice and Bean Meal on Thursday March 25th.   During gathering we will listen to Ker’s stories plus discuss rice, the second most widely cultivated grain in the world and a staple food for over ½ the world’s population. We will learn how to soak dry beans and discover that 1 cup of dry beans yields about 3 cups when cooked.  We’ll also compare prices of canned beans we buy in the store to bagged dried beans.  

On Thursday, the students do not need to pack a lunch.  The school will provide rice and beans (a $5.00 donation per student is suggested).  Please have your child bring his/her donation on Thursday.  Much like the “Jingle Jar” we used in December to raise money for Roberta Web Childcare Center, the children should bring their cash donation themselves so that they can drop it in a jar before the meal.  If you would rather send a check please make it out to MCC. 

In conjunction with the donation gathered on Thursday, the Third Grade class will present the Relief Kits, sheets, and comforters that they have collected over the past month to an MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) representative.  MCC delivers these kits through MCC Haiti. Before long these Relief Kits will be in the hands of the Haitian people.

To continue our Haitian awareness activities The Bowl of Good restaurant will host an event for the whole family to experience more tastes, sounds and customs of Haiti.  More details and a date about this opportunity will follow shortly.  

If you have any questions feel free to call Kathy Yoder at 434-7981 or Lynette Mast at 896-7797.

Yearbook Photos
If you have any photos of EMES students during this school year, contact Vicki Simonetti.  She will be coordinating our yearbook again this year.

FOX’s PIZZA DAY IS NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 16th.

Upcoming Events
Friday, March 12 – 3-5 to Library
Saturday, March 13 – Soup & Arts Fest
Tuesday, March 16 – Fox’s Pizza Day
Friday, March 19 – Pajama Reading Day
Thursday, March 25 – Rice & Bean Meal for Haiti
Friday, March 26 – No School – Teacher Work Day
Easter Break – Thursday, April 1 – Tuesday, April 6
Thursday, April 29 – Dessert Theatre
Friday, May 14 – 3-5 Field Trip to DC