Gathering
Last week Laura Lockey, pastor at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, shared with us during our Gathering time.  She spoke about how important signs and symbols are in helping us know where to go and who to trust.  The fish symbol was one early Christians used to know who to trust, and in Ireland a pile of carefully stacked rocks along a path let people know they were on the correct path.  For Christians, following Jesus is our way of heading in the “right” direction.  Next week Diane Baer, pastor at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, will speak to us in Gathering.  Parents are welcome to join us Wednesday mornings from 8:50 – 9:10.

Dessert Theatre
Join us on Thursday evening, April 29th for our annual Dessert Theatre presented by the EMES 4th and 5th graders.  This year the plays include:  Finn McCool, Once Upon a Hundred Years’ Nap, and A Mid-Summer’s Night Dream.  You are all welcome to join us for this event beginning at 7:00 P.M. at EMES.

Susan Stoltzfus is directing the 4th grade plays, and Joy Anderson is the 5th grade director.  We look forward to a wonderful night of fun.

Night at the Bowl of Good
Thanks to everyone who attended the Bowl of Good event. It was great to see so many of you and other members of our local community.  We made $158.66 at the market place; this money will be compiled with the money we raised at the rice and bean meal and will be sent to Haiti via Mennonite Central Committee.

Twin Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow, April 23rd is Twin Day.  Students should dress as twins, triplets, etc. If a student wasn’t able to plan with someone else, they can wear their EMS shirt and find another student to join tomorrow.

We want to thank the committee that planned this event:
Phillip Lockey
Gage Anderson
Gabe Eshelman
Isabella Lopes-Murphy
Karly Stoltzfus
Theodore Yoder
Angela Kovalenko
Kathy Yoder                                                 

Spring Auction
EMS will be holding a dinner and auction on May 15 with the dinner beginning at 5, a silent auction from 5-7:30 and a live auction from 7-9:30.  This event benefits the elementary PTF as well as the middle school and high school PTF. If you would like to donate an item to the auction you can visit the EMS website at this link http://www.easternmennoniteschool.org/auction-donation-form, contact Jen Stoltzfus or find a form in the school office. 

There are several opportunities to volunteer such as set-up on Friday (May 14), food prep, serving, and clean-up on Saturday.  Children are encouraged to volunteer as long as they are accompanied by an adult.  Please let Heidi Cripe (432-0255 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) know if you are willing to help in one of these ways.  Jen Stoltzfus is our elementary representative for this event.  Feel free to contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 540-830-8980.

Field Day
Thursday, May 27th is our annual Field Day.  Our rain date is Friday, May 28th.  You will be getting more information about how you can participate in this fun day.  Mark it on your calendar!

Upcoming Events
Friday, April 23 – Twin Day
Friday, April 23 – K-2 to Library
Thursday, April 29 – Dessert Theatre
Friday, May 14 – 3-5 Field Trip to DC
Saturday, May 15 – EMS Spring Auction
Thursday, May 20 – Spring Concert – 7:00 PM
Friday, May 21 – No School
Thursday, May 27 – Field Day
Monday, May 31 – No School – Memorial Day
June 1 -2 – 4th & 5th Campout
Thursday, June 3 – Graduation – 10:30 AM, Dismissal at noon