Lamplighter Summer 2021

10 Connecting across the generations

22 Honoring

DOCK Mennonite Academy SUMMER 2021

Eleanor Ruth

How Learning

GROWS Project-based learning helps Dock students apply classroom lessons to real-world situations.

CONTENTS SUMMER 2021 2 4 7

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown!

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Connecting Across the Generations: Attaining Wisdom

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Connecting Across the Generations: A Mennonite Memoir

EC-Grade 8 Campus Happenings Grades 9-12 Campus Happenings

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Connecting learning to life

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Alumni News

A Partnership for STEM Learning Dream It, Build It! Missing Eleanor Creativity in a Time of Coronavirus

ON THE COVER: Dock student gardeners (l to r) Akoi Deng, Lily Hunsberger, Caitlin May, and Isaiah Giesbrecht and their classmates created themed gardens as part of a Life Science unit on plants. It was a textbook case of how project-based learning helps students connect learning to life.

Right: 8th grader Shelby Lapp continued to tend her themed garden even after the school year was over— and was rewarded with a bountiful harvest of salad makings.

Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber Superintendent Dr. Sharon Fransen Assistant Superintendent Bronwyn Histand Principal EC to Grade Eight

Patti Baker Director of Finance and Operations Robert Rutt Director of Advancement Douglas Hackman Director of Admissions Kathleen Gordon Director of Marketing

BOARD OF TRUSTEES James Gunden, Chair Scott Heckler, Treasurer Rina Rampogu, Secretary Natasha Alderfer (’97) Mark Bergey (’88) Suzi Berry Meredith Ehst (’99) Beny Krisbianto Chad Lacher (’93) Sonya Stauffer Kurtz

Lamplighter is published by Dock Mennonite Academy 1000 Forty Foot Road Lansdale, PA 19446 Jay Gordon, Editor Mike Landis, Photography Leinbach Design, Design www.dock.org

Superintendent’s

MESSAGE

The Third Way

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oday we are experiencing polarization within our country in new and concerning ways.

Polarization has impacted our communities, churches, schools, and social circles. Words, ideas, and statements are quickly linked to a political ideology. Before understanding a concept, our first response is to discern the “side” from which it is derived.

Meanwhile, Mennonites span all political parties. We have members who are conservative and progressive (theologically and politically). How do we find our way through this cultural phenomenon that attempts to divide our community?

We believe the way of Jesus invites people from both progressive and conservative backgrounds to come together and discover God’s call for our community.

Maybe it is time to revive an old phrase. Mennonites have often described their faith journey as a “Third Way.” In 1980, Paul Lederach, from our community, authored the book A Third Way, outlining how Mennonites perceive their faith. In Anabaptist Essentials, Palmer Becker further describes some of these distinctives of the Anabaptist faith perspective.

The Third Way is not an attempt to compromise between Democrats and Republicans. It is not meeting halfway between conservative and progressive ideas. It is not the watering down of the values each side holds. Rather, the Third Way is the way of Jesus.

Instead of beginning with political ideologies, the Third Way starts with the life and words of Jesus.

We are Christ-centered in the way we understand faith and the values that guide our school. We begin with these values. Instead of asking which political party initiated or supports this idea, we ask how this idea aligns with the values we understand from Scripture. How did Jesus interact in similar situations?

The Sermon on the Mount explicitly describes how we should live. The two great commandments in Matthew 22 are simple but powerful summaries of life’s focus. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

At Dock, we face this polarizing tendency as all others have. We see this as a time to remind our school community of the values that are our foundation. We believe the way of Jesus invites people from both progressive and conservative backgrounds to come together and discover God’s call for our community. As we respect each other and our differing perspectives, we become a community that renews our understanding of the values of Jesus and how that will shape our journey as a school.

Times of challenge always present opportunities. The opportunity of this challenging season may be the chance for Dock to demonstrate to our community how we can gather around the values of Christ and move into the new school year with great hope as we journey on our “Third Way.”

Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber, Superintendent

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Spring Musical

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown!

Getting back on stage for live theater brought joy to actors and audience alike.

V

irtual theater is still theater, and the show must indeed go on—and that is how Dock came to explore new dramatic territory with its “live virtual” performance of “Little Women” last fall. But there is no substitute for performing in front of a live audience, and so Dock’s Spring Musical, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown! was a triumph on many levels.

“We all know that life is different now compared to a typical school year, so what I’m about to say will not shock you,” Director Mariana Kurtz wrote in her Director’s Note for the musical, performed on consecutive weekends in late April and early May. “These students have had to conquer some real challenges to perform before you. From rehearsing in masks, to memorizing their distanced staging, and working in a shorter rehearsal process, these students are overcomers—and I am so proud of the work they have done for this production.”

The musical included a series of vignettes strung together to show a “day in the life” of Charlie Brown and his friends, and for the audience, it was like Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic strip, “Peanuts,” had come to life on stage. In a difficult pandemic year, Kurtz said that the cast experienced healing as they laughed together in rehearsals—and she hoped the audience would do the same.

“I have been telling our cast that this year’s musical isn’t for them, and it’s not about them,” Kurtz said. “This year’s musical was about bringing the community together in one place and experiencing joy together.”

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SUMMER 2021 Lamplighter

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EC to Grade 8

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber started the 1,500 dominoes falling, and they cascaded nearly the entire length of the school.

Students celebrated all along the way—but especially as the last cereal box fell!

PLAYING DOMINOES TO HELP END HUNGER Dock Mennonite Academy students and their families from both campuses donated over 1,500 boxes of cereal, and nearly another 100 boxes of non-cereal food donations during the school’s Cereal Box Domino Challenge. Students set up the cereal boxes like dominoes and then watched as the falling boxes weaved their way around the inside of Dock’s EC-Grade 8 campus. Students cheered in the halls as the cascading cereal box dominoes passed by. The Domino Challenge was part of a month-long effort to collect food in support of the Bean Bag Food Program, an outreach of Zion Mennonite Church which exists to serve students in our area who have been identified as food insecure. Visit Dock’s Newsroom at dock.org to watch the video.

PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS

life

and

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DOCK Mennonite Academy

Dock 3rd grade students met “Fluffy” the rooster during Principal Bronwyn Histand’s reading of the book, Preaching to the Chickens.

Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber brought Fluffy in so that students could see a rooster up close and personal! Preaching to the Chickens details the of young John Lewis. U.S. Senator John Lewis spent much of his young life taking care of chickens; they became his “congregation,” and he would preach to them often.

Lewis learned at an early age that he had to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves. Mrs. Histand went on to tell students of a Dock grad who met John Lewis and is spending her life speaking up, "taking action," and doing right for others. She challenged 3rd graders to strive to make a difference in their own lives.

A GOLD MEDAL IN READING Two teams from Dock, the Optimistic Olympians and the Reading Rockstars, competed in the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Elementary Reading Olympics competition. Teams were comprised of 4th and 5th graders, and both teams earned red ribbons for their efforts. Way to go, reading Olympians!

SERVICE LEARNING CONTINUES REMOTELY A rare remote learning day last February didn’t keep Dock students from experiencing some real service learning using the theme, “Dock Serves Wherever We Are.” Students received instructions from their teachers (who led by example) via Google Slides, and then created their own slides showing the service learning they had engaged in at home. Responses ranged from helping with the dishes to making breakfast or lunch, walking pets, watering plants, shoveling snow and ice for family and neighbors, doing laundry, and even cleaning bathrooms!

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EC to Grade 8

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

HOAGIE DAY BECOMES PIZZA DAY

DOCK STUDENT WINS WRITING AWARD As part of a Middle School EXPO Day writing project earlier this year, Dock 8th grade student Ryan Park wrote a novel entitled The Rohingya Miracle. His Middle School English teacher, Mrs. Kathy Mease, encouraged Ryan to enter his book into the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Competition for students in grades 7-12.

Ryan’s novel won the Silver Key award. Writing is such an important skill, and it’s exciting to have budding young authors among us.

Congratulations, Ryan!

When the pandemic prevented us from making hoagies by hand for our annual Hoagie Day, Dock pivoted to a Pizza, Subs & Snacks fundraiser in collaboration with Collegeville Italian Bakery. The Dock community rose to the challenge, selling 1,150 make-at-home pizza kits—shattering the bakery’s previous sales record for a fundraiser—as well as thousands of chocolate chip cookies, quarts and quarts of soup, piles of Wawa and Landis Supermarket hoagie coupons, and hundreds of packs of Moyer Specialty Food Snack Mixes and Rita’s Water Ice coupons. Visit the Newsroom at dock.org for more photos and a link to newspaper coverage.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MYTHBUSTERS Middle School Discover students looked at the question: How can we differentiate between myth and reality? At the beginning of the third semester students created lessons on this subject to teach 3rd to 6th graders, collecting data from the younger students on what myths they had heard of and believed to be true. Discover students then broke into groups, with each one deciding on a myth to bust and creating a video to explain their strategy. These short clips show an incredible amount of learning, not just about the content, but also about inquiry, collaboration, learning, life, and laughing. Visit the Newsroom at dock.org to watch these excellent videos!

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Grades 9 to 12

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

BLUE RIBBON BAKER First-place finishes in the Dock Cooks and Arts Day culinary competitions have senior Isabella Benner thinking about a career in baking.

Right out of the oven, Isabella Benner’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumb Muffins seemed like they could have come from a retail bakery. They looked and smelled delicious, and were artfully presented. But that’s only half the battle when it comes to food. The bottom line: How do they taste?

When the tasting was done, the panel of faculty judges for last November’s Dock Cooks culinary competition agreed that Isabella’s cupcakes were the real deal, awarding her the blue first-prize ribbon. A few months later, the Dock senior proved it was no fluke, earning an Arts Day blue ribbon for her Strawberry Shortcake Cake—decorated to look exactly like the Good Humor popsicle of the same name (see above).

Her success in the kitchen has Benner buttercream dreaming of opening her own bakery some day, and she is taking significant steps in that direction with a new business brand and website—B&B Bakery.

When did you first realize you had a passion for baking?

I first realized I had a passion for baking when I was just 5 years old, making funny cake in my grandmother’s kitchen.

Both of my grandmothers were always in the kitchen cooking.

I have a large family, so there was always a lot to make. They would never complain; they just kept at it until all of the food was on the dinner table.

When did you get the inspiration for B&B Bakery?

When I was in 8th grade, a friend and I would get together to bake. We would have fun trying new recipes and having photo shoots with our food. More recently, I felt the calling to pursue this as a career, so I started by making a website.

What is your favorite dessert—to eat, and to make?

My favorite dessert to eat would have to be either cheesecake or my aunt’s fluffy chocolate chip cookies—they are both amazing. However, my favorite dessert to bake is cupcakes.

What kitchen appliance or product couldn’t you live without?

The obvious answer is my mixer, but I’m going to go with a more unusual answer: my PAM Perfect Release spray. This spray is a new find of mine and it has totally saved me several times.

What does your dream kitchen have that your current kitchen does not?

Large commercial appliances—specifically a wall oven with doors that open on the sides.

What is your favorite culinary-themed TV show or movie?

It’s so hard to choose a favorite cooking show, but if I had to pick one it would be Selena + Chef or Cupcake Wars—that’s a classic.

What are your goals as a baker?

To have a storefront. I want to open up a small town shop, with the end goal of opening a wedding venue that has a food truck from my bakery.

How has your high school experience helped accomplish your goals?

I have taken a lot of cooking classes, including Culinary Arts, Food Science and Independent Studies. I have also participated in school cooking competitions like Dock Cooks and Arts Day, which gave me opportunities to find out what works and what doesn’t, show off my work, and help my passion grow. Another class I took this year, Personal Finance, really helped me with my business.

I learned how to manage my money and make spreadsheets to stay organized.

Visit B&B Bakery on Instagram at bennerbakery, or contact at Isabella at isabellabenner@gmail.com.

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Grades 9 to 12

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

AD IN TRAINING?

Dock alum Cecil Barnes (’20) was back on Dock’s campus last winter to shadow Athletic Director Tim Ehst (’71). A freshman sports management major at East Stroudsburg University, Barnes decided to be proactive and learn more about what it means to be a high school athletic director. In addition to learning about the AD’s office activities, Barnes also helped supervise Dock basketball games—bringing him back to the court where he played as a guard last year for Dock’s first district championship team since 1992.

FOR DOCK SENIOR, RUNNING IS WORTHWHILE! When she was unable to fit two gym classes into her schedule this year, Dock senior Sara Kennel was granted an independent study with the goal of preparing to run a half-marathon. Faculty member Mrs. Darla Bergey, an accomplished runner and marathon veteran herself, agreed to work with her on the independent study.

Soon after Sara began training last November, a friend, Lindsey Carter, expressed interest in running with her, and they began training together. Early in December, Sara learned about Worthwhile Wear, a local organization that provides long-term housing, vocational training and employment for survivors of human trafficking—a cause that has long been close to her heart.

“I felt led to find a way to support them,” she says. She and her friend turned the race into a fundraiser for Worthwhile Wear and raised more than $3,000 using a GoFundMe page. Learn more about Worthwhile Wear at worthwhilewear.com.

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TOURING CHOIR CREATES FIRST-EVER MUSIC VIDEO When the Touring Choir’s spring concert schedule was canceled due to COVID-19 for the second year in a row, the choir decided it would still share the gift of music with the Dock community—in the form of its first-ever music video.

Touring Choir Director Mrs. Michelle Sensenig rehearsed the piece, Do Not Be Afraid, by Philip W.J. Stopford, with the choir in February. By March they were able to record each individual voice in a recording studio set up by Photographer-Videographer Mike Landis. Each singer’s voice was then compiled into a composite audio recording by Dock alum Miguel Santiago (‘20). Landis then returned to Dock to capture video of the students lip-synching to their own recording in various locations around campus, and edited the final product together.

The theme of the song is from Isaiah 43:1. “Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine.” The Touring Choir reflected on the meaning of this text as they prepared to record:

Watch the video for Do Not Be Afraid at dock.org/touringchoir

“The lyrics of the song focus on keeping calm; to not fear because God is always there. This is applicable to the year we’ve all been through with COVID-19. It also applies to me, as a senior, and all the change happening in my life. I tend to be excited for these changes, but I can become fearful at times. The reminder to not be afraid is what strengthened me through this year, and for the unknown to come.” ~ Casey Harper, Senior.

“Being in Touring Choir is meaningful to me because I love singing, whether it’s by myself at home, driving my family crazy, or in a choir with others—learning and performing the songs together. I love being part of something bigger than myself and knowing that I am contributing to something beautiful—music.” ~ Lindsey Gouldey, Senior.

“I love how the text holds so much reassurance, saying, ‘for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name. You are mine.’ Such powerful words that add so much depth as to why we are called to never be afraid. That is what I hope we are able to convey while singing this song—the power of the message and the peace it brings.” ~ Sara Kennel, Senior.

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Connecting across the generations

Visit the Lamplighter Extra page at dock.org/lamplighterextra to see more of Ron Ludwig’s amazing photos and read additional student reflections on their Pen Pal experiences.

Visit Dock online at dock.org/alumni to see more photos and a recording of the Virtual Coffeehouse.

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DOCK Mennonite Academy

Attaining Wisdom A class project connecting Dock seniors with senior citizens at Dock Woods leads to meaningful experiences and growth for both groups.

Last fall, Dock faculty member Mr. Zach Bower (’02) arranged for the seniors in his Family Living class to begin Pen Pal relationships with another group of seniors—those who live next door to the school at Dock Woods Community.

While most students originally wrote hand-written or typed letters to their Pen Pal, much of that correspondence was soon converted to email. Eventually, there were opportunities for the pairs to “meet” via Zoom or Facetime calls. The Pen Pal partners exchanged an average of three to four letters and were able to speak via phone or video two times over the length of the project.

“It was wonderful to see the progression from the initial introduction letter students sent, to the authentic relationship that existed by the final ‘meeting,’” said Bower. “One student even got a video tour of their Pen Pal’s apartment!”

Students had to overcome obstacles to make their intergenerational connections. “There were challenges due to technology issues and some students doing school remotely, or even from a different country,” said Dena Winner, Fund Development Associate and Music & Memory Coordinator for Living Branches, parent of Dock Woods, “but overall this was quite a success.” A total of 17 Dock Woods residents participated as Pen Pals.

While Bower is always an advocate of finding opportunities for intergenerational connections and storytelling, this project was a critically important time to seek out connections with others, he said. “All of us, but especially the Dock Woods residents, Jacob and Ron The close relationships that sprang up between Dock students and their Dock Woods Pen Pals were heartwarming—and none more so than the one enjoyed by senior Jacob Monastero and his Pen Pal, Ron Ludwig, an 87-year-old retired electrical engineer. After Jacob had interacted with Ron over the course of several letters and phone interviews, he felt they had made a good connection.

“We are similar in certain ways,” Jacob said.

“We see pieces of ourselves in each other.

were still experiencing the effects of isolation from the pandemic,” he said. “Family Living class is meant to provide practical life skills for issues that come up related to relationships and families, and what better way to learn about these topics than through the sharing of stories and learning from those that have a wealth of experiences and wisdom.”

To encourage his students to get to know their Pen Pals a bit better, Bower prompted them to ask meaningful questions that would lead to shared experiences or meaning; “What is beautiful to you?” for example. He also suggested that students seek out “identity stories” from their Pen Pals—stories from their past that helped shape who they are, and are worthy of passing on to others.

Bower said the takeaways for students could be summarized in two categories: gaining “soft skills,” and attaining wisdom.

“Some leaders in education argue that the attainment of wisdom could be considered the ultimate goal of education,” he said.

“If this is true, I can’t think of a better way to expose current students to wisdom than through intergenerational relationships.”

The value of learning soft skills cannot be minimized, he adds; a LinkedIn study found that more than 90% of employers say that soft skills—creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and time management, for example—matter as much or more than hard skills when hiring.

“The Pen Pal project required students to craft their own letters, decide how to engage and nurture a new relationship with someone they did not know, plan out and schedule times to ‘meet’ on the phone and over Zoom, and adapt when challenges arose,” said Bower. “Occasionally, they even had to figure out how to read cursive handwriting!”

He sees his younger driven self in me, and I see my older, experienced self in him.”

He also appreciated hearing about Ron’s experience in the Air Force; Jacob’s twin brother, Josh, plans to join the Air Force, and his conversation with Ron increased his expectations for Josh.

One of the most touching interactions between the two came in an email Ron wrote to Jacob, attaching several photos he had taken on his walks around the Grades 9-12 campus (opposite page):

“[Mr. Bower] posed the question “What’s beautiful to you?” Considering where I’ve been and what I’ve seen and experienced in my lifetime, I’ll try to keep a local focus. I walk your campus early in the morning, often at sunrise, and I see over the east corner of your athletic field some of the most spectacular and beautiful cloud formations one could ever see. I also have occasion to walk up the main entrance to the Academy through dense fog, tall evergreen trees on each side. It is a different type of beauty, but just as inspiring. Your campus is so very beautiful—stop and enjoy. Stay well, Jacob.”

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Connecting across the generations

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DOCK Mennonite Academy

A Mennonite Memoir A long-distance collaboration between a Dock alum and her grandmother yields a memorable family Christmas gift.

BY LYNELLE LEINBACH (’12) Despite my recent move to Texas, my grandmother and I actually became closer this past winter.

Last Christmas, while I was looking for gift ideas, an advertisement for a memoir company popped up. I was intrigued; the company would send me questions, I would type up the answers and send photos, and (relatively) soon after, I would be able to order a book containing it all—a prompted memoir of sorts. I thought this might be a good gift, as my grandfather has been experiencing memory loss. In the end, however, I decided I didn’t want to pay for a company to come up with questions and store the information.

Instead, I would do it myself.

As I planned out the project I gathered over 200 questions spanning childhood memories, favorites, advice on relationships, life events, and family traditions. Next I had to figure out how to do weekly interviews with my grandmother living 1,676 miles away, and during a pandemic. I explained my idea to my maternal grandparents, Ray and Nancy (Alderfer) Mininger, over the phone. I explained they would receive an email with questions each week, and I’d call them later to talk about their answers.

This way they would only have to answer the phone and talk to me. Reflecting back on the beginning of the project, my grandmother (I call her “Mom-Mom”) said, “I was surprised that you were that interested and it was kind of neat knowing you wanted to know. I was kind of honored that you were interested in our background and wondered what was going on.”

The project set-up was fairly simple. I recorded the conversation by using speaker mode and put my phone near a microphone so I didn’t have to write notes at the time. Later I went back and read through an automated transcript of the conversation. As for the interviews themselves, we scheduled them for Thursdays in honor of our family’s traditional Thursday night family dinners at Mom-Mom and Papa’s house. Living so far away, I’ve missed those weekly get togethers.

Being so far away also means I’m not able to see the photos or documents in person while Mom-Mom is talking about them.

We’ve gotten around this by having my mom, Berdine (Mininger) Leinbach (’83) take pictures of the original photos and share them online with me so I can see what’s being referenced. It’s difficult also to catch subtle emotions over the phone that you would be able to see in an in-person interview. Despite the obstacles, I enjoyed the project, especially hearing some of Mom-Mom’s stories—how she thriftily stocked our play kitchen with her old spice bottles, or when she rebelliously cut her hair as a teenager!

These types of stories make the generational divides seem much smaller.

When I asked what this project meant to her, Mom-Mom said, “It gave me something to do and it was kind of good to dig in my background!” Papa pipes in from time to time, but it’s mainly become Mom-Mom’s and my project. I know she’s enjoyed going through her photo albums and she writes down notes for herself—her “homework” as she calls it—so that when I call she has everything within reach, notes and photographs spread out on the table or bedspread.

I’ve also enjoyed the new routine, and the closeness to both people and memories that it has brought. Recording some classic family lore along with hearing new stories for the first time is a great diversion. I haven’t done much archival work since I graduated from college with a degree in history, but I’m really enjoying gathering information about my grandparents’ lives from the interviews, photos, and other documents. While we don’t have a publication date, the goal is to eventually synthesize that information into a book and give copies to family members. We may not be writing the next “great American novel” during the pandemic, but perhaps we’re compiling the next “Meaningful Mennonite Memoir” instead.

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Connecting

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DOCK Mennonite Academy

learning to life A Life Science unit begins with the study of plant and animal cells, and ends with students applying what they learned to plant thoughtful and creative gardens. It is a textbook case study for project-based learning.

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armers have a saying—”well sown is half grown.” It means that the hard work done in the spring—preparing the soil by tilling and fertilizing it, planting seeds properly, and so on— provides a good foundation for a bountiful harvest in the summer and fall.

The same can be said for education. Teaching foundational concepts and ideas in the classroom, and then having students apply them in common, everyday situations, such as planting a garden, for instance, yields not just knowledge, but understanding too—and perhaps even wisdom. It is a fundamental strength of the project-based learning curriculum that Dock has embraced for both its EC-Grade 8 and Grades 9-12 campuses.

Photo left: Dock 8th graders (l to r) Akoi Deng, Caitlin May, Lily Hunsberger, and Isaiah Giesbrecht tend to their gardens on the EC-Grade 8 Campus.

Photo top: 8th grader Shelby Lapp continued to tend her garden even after the school year was over—and was rewarded with a bountiful harvest of salad makings.

“At Dock, we are constantly working to provide all of our students with opportunities for deep understanding.

We believe that when students understand, they can explain, interpret, apply, and empathize; they have perspective,” said Dr. Sharon Fransen, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. “We also believe learning is most effective when it is relevant to students and includes real-world experiences and problems.” With PBL, she adds, students use problem-solving skills, research skills, and content knowledge to investigate open-ended questions, follow a line of inquiry, consult mentors and experts and present their findings to an authentic audience. “PBL is grounded in research and best practice,” Dr. Fransen said.

The Life Science curriculum used by Dock’s Middle School faculty is a textbook example of how project-based learning helps students put core science concepts into context. “We started the [fourth] quarter looking at plant and animal cells, then we moved on to the parts of a plant,” said Middle School faculty member Mrs. Claire Wanamaker. “Students created 3-D models of plants using recycled items, and then we began applying what we learned to explore the idea of ‘themed gardens.’”

Students researched different types of themed gardens, and considered whether plants would grow well in this region of the country, how long it took the plants to grow, and whether certain plants could or should be

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The gardens were finished just in time for parents and families to enjoy hearing about them during Middle School EXPO Night on June 10—just prior to the 8th Grade Celebration.

planted next to each other. In late April and early May, all students created a scale drawing of their themed garden, and made decisions about what they would plant.

Eighth grader Isaiah Giesbrecht said the project taught him the value of planning. “When you plan, you know what you’re doing rather than making it up on the fly,” he said. “If you don’t plan, it just doesn’t turn out as well, and you can’t get the best from your garden.”

Once students completed the planning stage, it was time to get their hands dirty.

Using the small greenhouse in the Middle School courtyard, students tried to grow every plant for their gardens from seed—and in the end, they were nearly 70% successful. Then they went down to the area designated for the gardens—at the bottom of the hill below the track—to measure their spaces. Giesbrecht rototilled most of the garden plots, with a little help from his father, Peter.

Students next decided which of the plots they wanted based on the amount of sunlight each plot received and the plants they intended to grow.

A quick scan of the garden plots reveals a science project that students were deeply invested in, but also one that allowed them to express their considerable creativity.

“In project-based learning, students have voice and choice,” said Mrs. Wanamaker. “They were able to pick garden themes that were important to them. For example, we had a tea garden because a grandparent enjoyed tea. We had a succulent garden because that’s all the rage right now and the students were interested in it. We had a salsa garden because one group wanted to learn how to can salsa. Another group did a traditional garden with lettuce, cucumbers and peppers—because that is what a garden is supposed to be.”

Their gardening success—watching small seeds turn into large plants—helped drive home the main point of the curriculum.

“The theme of the unit was micro to macro: How little acts grow into bigger ideas,” said Mrs. Wanamaker. “It’s a good analogy for project-based learning, because projects like this help students understand the bigger picture about what they’re learning in class.”

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Growing some creativity The themed gardens students created in their Life Science unit this spring were almost as much a creative exercise as they were an academic one.

Faculty member Mrs. Claire Wanamaker said she was impressed at how much learning students pulled in from other classes to use in a new setting to guide their projects. Here are some of the creative but practical touches students added to their gardens: Clay pot water systems. These featured two clay pots hot-glued together only about 2 inches above ground. The hole at the top collects water, and as the soil dries out, water seeps from the clay pots into the soil to provide water to the roots.

Bird feeders and bird baths. These varied from purchased kits to recycled/upcycled versions created from recycled supplies. “There was a lot of research as well as trial and error on these bird feeders,” said Mrs. Wanamaker. A few groups created bird baths in their gardens using recycled supplies, such as old cups and saucers.

Plant identifiers. Some students painted the wood box that provided a border for their garden to match their theme. Others put Bible verses around the outside of the box or painted rocks and placed them inside the garden.

A vertical garden. One student group researched vertical gardens, then went on Facebook MarketPlace and found pallets, and used some of their skills from Design & Tech (D&T) class to create a vertical garden space that makes productive use of a smaller space.

Pea trellis. Another group also used some of the tools in the D&T room to repurpose hula hoops and a 1X6 piece of lumber to create a trellis for their pea plants.

Gnomes. Many groups created gnomes to watch over their gardens, often representing members of the group. Some used skills from Family and Consumer Science class to sew their gnomes, while others used techniques from Mrs. Kim Bergey’s ceramics class to make theirs. Others even used recycled fence posts to make gnomes.

Next Generation Science Standards Dock Mennonite Academy’s science curriculum uses Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), developed by states to create a set of research-based, up-to-date K–12 science standards. These standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and citizenship.

Caitlin May and Sophia Veltre used creativity and ingenuity to design a garden that makes maximum use of space.

NGSS includes three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science. These dimensions are combined to form each standard, or performance expectation, and each dimension works with the other two to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time. ➣ Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) are the key ideas in science that have broad importance within or across multiple science or engineering disciplines.

These core ideas build on each other as students progress through grade levels and are grouped into the following four domains: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design.

Students were able to choose garden themes that were important to them—a garden just for salsa makings, for example.

➣ Crosscutting Concepts help students explore connections across the four domains of science.

When these concepts, such as “cause and effect,” are clearly taught, they help students develop a coherent and scientifically based view of the world around them. ➣ Science and Engineering Practices describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world and what engineers do to design and build systems.

These practices better explain what is meant by “inquiry” in science, and the range of cognitive, social, and physical practices that it requires.

Students engage in practices to build, deepen, and apply their knowledge of core ideas and crosscutting concepts.

To learn more, visit www.nextgenscience.org.

Themed gardens encouraged students to be creative—and they responded with artistic plant identifiers, bird baths, water systems, and more.

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Partnership for STEM A math problem-solving competition helps strengthen Dock’s STEM curriculum.

Dock Mennonite Academy sent eight teams to participate in the first ever CalcuSolve competition hosted by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). CalcuSolve is a student event that tests students’ problem-solving skills related to mathematics. Students participate both individually and as part of a team (maximum of 4 students per team). During the event, there are two team problems and seven individual problems for students to work on.

Dock students from grades 7 and 8 competed virtually in both group and individual challenges to solve complex algebra/geometry problems. Our students placed well in the competition—in fact, Dock 8th grade student Ryan Park took first place in the overall individual competition. Faculty advisor Mrs. Claire Wanamaker said the competition is one element of a strong partnership between Dock and MCIU. “We take ideas from these experiences and incorporate them into our curriculum so that more students can have similar learning experiences,” she said.

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learning Dream it, build it!

Dock’s CalcuSolve team (left) performed well in the competition, and 8th grader Ryan Park (above, with teammate Aaron Sensenig) was the top finisher in the individual competition.

Exciting things happen in the classroom when project-based learning (PBL) intersects with the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Could there be a better way to learn the core concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) than by using those concepts to design and build your dream house?

That was the task given to Dock 5th grade students in Mrs. Rachael Grim’s and Mrs. Kipp Glass’ classes. Students participated in the Dream it Build it Competition sponsored

by Habitat for Humanity and conducted by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

Students entered the competition as part of their STEM classes, where they learned about the engineering and design processes used to create a house. For the competition, they designed and built scale models of their own dream homes, using cardboard and a variety of other recycled products.

All of the students’ home designs were on display during Dock’s EXPO Night on March 26.

Dock 5th grade students learned STEM concepts and then put them to use designing homes for the Dream It Build It Competition sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. They used a variety of recycled materials to create scale models of their own dream homes, which were on display during Dock’s spring EXPO Day.

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Missing

Eleanor

She was known as “Miss Efficiency,” and has been credited with keeping the school’s wheels from flying off. Yet none of these words seems adequate to describe the loss of Eleanor Ruth, Dock’s longesttenured employee—and for decades the heart and soul of our school community.

“Over in the Administration building, with her desk adjoining the desk of Principal [Richard] Detweiler, was Eleanor Ruth, who had been hired as Secretary in June 1957 to ease the headmaster's burden of correspondence, bookkeeping, phone call-handling, supplyordering, and countless unclassifiable tasks.

When Eleanor was profiled in 'The Dockument' several years into what would become a fourdecade full-time CDMHS tenure, the author hailed her as 'Miss Efficiency,' and expressed amazement that 'she is still smiling' after a day of fielding student requests ("Is my Lit book in Lost & Found?"; "I want two sheets of graph paper..."), handling 18 business accounts (while managing 'not to contaminate sophomore napkin money with junior candy money'), dealing with salesmen and repairmen, sorting mail, doling out supplies, and generally keeping the school's wheels from flying off.”

I

n searching for ways to describe Eleanor C. Ruth in a way that does her life of service justice, we found it hard to improve on these words of Philip Ruth (‘75), who wrote about Eleanor in his book, “A Special Love.” We join with all of the Christopher Dock community in grieving the loss of our dear friend and colleague, who passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.

Not only was Eleanor Dock’s longest-tenured employee, her association with the school continued long after her employment ended.

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She was the school’s next-door neighbor at Dock Woods for most of her twilight years. She was on campus often, volunteering for a variety of projects. She walked the paths here with gusto, and she was a regular at the fitness center— putting many younger users to shame.

There is much more to say, but we leave it to others to say it. Thank you, Eleanor, for your hard work and long service, for your loyalty and friendship, for your faith and your faithfulness.

Thank you for keeping the wheels from flying off, and so much more. We miss you already.

“She set a tone that affected the entire school” Beginning in 1957, Eleanor introduced a way of working and set a tone that affected the entire school. She possessed strong abilities for organizing, planning, and accuracy. She worked until the job was finished. Eleanor was fully in charge of the front office, where she met everyone who came by with a question, clarification, or were in need of a late pass to class. All of these she noted promptly with her wooden pencil, held securely in her hair. If a student carried a pass with “ecr” (for Eleanor C. Ruth) written on it, all knew that the student could proceed—and if any follow-up was needed, you could be sure that Eleanor had the matter fully documented as needed, and the case was considered “handled.”

Eleanor’s dependability and accuracy made the tasks of the Head of School much easier. She was

a good listener, ready to hear any suggestion or viewpoint; however, she also knew when enough was enough, and matters were resolved to the satisfaction of all. I well recall how Eleanor would review the drafts of my letters, and at times would ask if I wanted something stated in one way or another. Without a doubt, her suggestions were right on target, and those changes improved the document.

It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Eleanor, and for her many gifts and abilities, I shall be forever grateful.

Dr. Lee M. Yoder, Principal Teaching 1963-1965; Head of School 1966-1975

“Eleanor valued quality” Our community has been blessed by the life and dedicated work of Eleanor. Her obituary says it so well: “Eleanor will be remembered by her many friends and family members for her cheerful welcome, her lovely alto voice, her gifts of organization, her interest in the lives of all she met, and her faithfully following the way of Jesus.”

Eleanor’s organizational and faith-living strengths extended well beyond Dock. She served in leadership roles at Spring Mount Mennonite Church. On behalf of Franconia Mennonite Conference she annually coordinated the Keystone Bible Institute (KBI) that was held on the Dock campus for many years.

When I came to Christopher Dock Mennonite

LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE Eleanor Ruth’s career at Dock spanned more than six decades, and she is the only Dock employee to have served with all six heads of school since the school was founded as Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in 1954:

Richard C. Detweiler (right)

Lee M. Yoder

Paul J. Miller

Elam J. Peachey

Elaine A. Moyer

Conrad J. Swartzentruber

High School in the 1980s, Eleanor was there to not only serve as Administrative Assistant but to answer questions and to bridge the culture and practices of Dock. She was the anchor that supported my work for many years.

I enjoyed and appreciated sitting down with Eleanor to hear her perspective. She was my teacher on so many aspects of school and community. She knew everyone and how they were related. She knew and respected the various church leaders and their perspectives.

She was grounded in Biblical knowledge and had an abiding faith.

Eleanor valued quality. She expected the best in herself and others. Her ear and voice were carefully tuned to musical excellence. She appreciated neatness and encouraged youth to present their best selves. She loved student performances—dramas, music, Arts Day, etc.

I was saddened to hear of Eleanor’s health challenge with cancer. I was also emboldened by her courage and diligence in caring for herself as the intensity of her condition changed. I valued her email updates that ended, “Joyful in hope.”

Eleanor will be remembered for her dedicated service, love for God and love for community.

My condolences to her family. She loved you all dearly! Eleanor will be missed by all.

Elaine Moyer, Principal 1989-2009

“Dock Pillar” Eleanor was a “Dock pillar” my four years as a student and 25 or more years of my employment here at Dock. She was a wonderful soul, one who always had a smile for all and looked confidently into your eyes when engaging in conversation. Those profound actions told me that she not only believed in her calling here at Dock but also the importance of valuing all people.

Eleanor had a work ethic that lived up to the best of standards, and also was a woman who laughed often and exuded a sense of joy in day to day living. As an assistant to multiple Dock principals, she had her hand on the pulse of Dock's inner workings, aided in bringing important programing details together, and carried that responsibility with a servant’s spirit.

She exuded positive energy and a willingness to help the common good. She was a “glass half-full” kind of woman. During her last chapter of life, she battled cancer, and true to form she was upbeat about valuing each day.

I am grateful for the influence of Eleanor on my life!

Tim Ehst, Athletic Director 1987-2021

A TREE TO REMEMBER ELEANOR Even a casual visitor to Dock’s 75-acre high school campus will develop an appreciation for the beautiful trees that give the campus much of its rich character. The beauty of Dock’s landscaping is no accident, either; instead, it is the result of careful planning and thoughtful planting—which is why we were delighted to have former faculty member Roland Yoder spend the day on campus this May, to select additional trees and locations for planting.

To honor Eleanor Ruth, a memorial Serbian Spruce tree was planted behind the patio at Groff Pond, near the art building. Yoder (center) selected and supervised the planting of Eleanor’s tree, assisted by Director of Advancement Robert D. Rutt (left) and Maintenance Director Dale Weaver. A dedication for the tree was held following Eleanor’s Celebration of Life service at Dock on July 10. Additional coverage of the tree dedication and service will be available in the next Lamplighter, as well as, online at dock.org/ LamplighterExtra SUMMER 2021 Lamplighter

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Creativity in a time of

Coronavirus

BY JIM BISHOP (’63)

COVID-19 curtailed live theater, but Ted Swartz (’74) is still addicted to goose bumps and laughter.

T

his feeling especially rings true for veteran actor and playwright Ted K. Swartz (’74) of Harrisonburg, VA, who has dealt with frequent unexpected script changes in his 34-year career.

way to a traditional pastorate. Ted would become a theologian of a different sort, discovering that at the intersection of humor and biblical story is where one often finds new or different understandings of scripture and the human condition.

In 1987, Ted, then a student at Eastern Mennonite University, met Lee Eshleman, a graphic designer at EMU. They discovered a mutual interest in and flair for acting and soon combined their talents as Ted & Lee, creating and performing quirky comedy sketches that probed the incongruities of everyday life.

Then, about a year ago, the unthinkable struck again.

The duo was particularly adept at making biblical characters seem human, vulnerable and believable in productions like ‘Fish-Eyes,” “The Creation Chronicles,” “DoveTale” and “Live at Jacob’s Ladder.” Audiences howled with laughter one minute, were moved to sober reflection, even tears, the next— and went away craving more.

Then, the unthinkable happened – Lee’s sudden death on May 17, 2007, at age 43.

“To say it was devastating is putting it mildly,” Ted recalls.

“I lost my business associate, my long-time creative partner and my best friend—all at once.”

After Lee’s death, Ted worked feverishly on new material. He co-wrote four new shows within the next year, collaborating with fellow actor-writer-music colleagues Ingrid Desanctis, Jeff Raught, Ken Medema, Trent Wagler and others.

In 2012, Herald Press published “Laughter is Sacred Space,” a backstage tour-de-force that chronicles Ted’s not-so-typical journey of falling in love with acting and theater while on his

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Ted’s creative spark was dampened by the wet costume cast over his physical and mental being by the bad actor known as COVID-19. Touring came to a halt as performances were canceled one after the other. “Simply being onstage became impossible, and that will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future,” Ted notes. “Shows have been 90-95% of my income for the last two decades. Some of them may have to be retired.”

Now he is feeling led to move into a mentoring role, encouraging and enabling other artists, especially those from a more diverse background. “Maybe the pandemic has sped the process along toward a model of less touring and more enabling,” he says. “I still love writing and performing, but I need it less to bolster my identity and ego.”

So how does one find humor in these difficult times? Ted expects to provide some answers with a one-man performance, “Life is a Comedy,” scheduled for an August 2021 debut. He faces the future with a fresh resolve that the curtain will open, the spotlight will come up—and the interaction between actor and audience will continue.

“I’m addicted to goose bumps and laughter,” he smiles, “and I feel a spiritual calling to continue sharing these gifts with others.”

Waiter Lee Eshleman (above) describes—and gives the correct pronunciation for—chicken cordon bleu to puzzled patron Ted Swartz in the Ted & Lee production, “Cathartic Cafe.”

Photo by Jim Bishop Ted Swartz (left) performing “What Would Lloyd Do?” along with Trent Wagler during Dock’s Homecoming weekend in 2009.

“I’M ADDICTED TO GOOSE BUMPS AND LAUGHTER, AND I FEEL A SPIRITUAL CALLING TO CONTINUE SHARING THESE GIFTS WITH OTHERS.” —Ted Swartz (’74)

Dock alum Jim Bishop (‘63, above) wrote a column called “Bishop’s Mantle” in the Harrisonburg (VA) Daily News-Record for 21 years before “retiring” in 2011.

He recently “resurrected” the column and authored this piece on fellow alum Ted Swartz (‘74). Ted & Company TheaterWorks can be reached at 540.560.3973 or office@ tedandcompany.com. See the full version of this article, and learn more about Ted’s latest venture, The Center for Art, Humor, and Soul, online at dock.org/alumni.

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ALUMNI

NEWS

FESTIVAL ON FORTY FOOT Dock faculty and staff past and present posed for a photo during the school’s 40th Anniversary in October 1994.

Pictured left to right: First row: Gretchen McTavish, Kathryn Hagel Kennel, Karene Zimmerman, Beth Yoder, Emma Landis, Kathryn Landis, Barbara Brown, Pearl Schrack, Janet Martin, Sharon Fransen Second row: Maribeth Longacre Benner, Eleanor Ruth, Mark Brubaker, Lavon Kolb, Joyce Krick, Virginia Schlabach, Betty Annis, Beverly Guengerich, Beth Knight, Naomi Clemmer, Daniel Reinford, Elaine Moyer Third row: Roland Yoder, Russell Musselman, Duane Kauffman, Ben Stutzman, Wilbur Leidig, Edgar Clemens, Phyllis Ward, Donald Miller, Bronwyn Histand, Jane Wenger Hooley, Eileen Moyer Viau, Gerald Benner Fourth row: Elam Peachey, Ronald Hertzler, Stephen Smucker, Roy Hartzler, Nelson Martin, James Halteman, Richard Lichty, Elvin Kennel, Helen Lapp, Janice Meyers, Eldon Miller, Larry Godshall Fifth row: Lee Yoder, Wilmer Kolb, Jerold Yoder, Eric Bishop, Ken Kabakjian, Timothy Ehst, David Brubaker, Kirby King, Stanley Yoder, Keith Mast, Kenneth Herr, Glen Momme, Katrina Stutzman, Abram Moyer, Vincent Geiser

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ALUMNI NOTES

Is this any way to spend a birthday?

An unexpected five-day stay in the hospital— including his 76th birthday—and a subsequent medical diagnosis were more than enough cause for some reflection by Jim Bishop (’63). Read more about what the experience is teaching Jim in his newest “Bishop’s Mantle” column at dock.org/alumni.

1964 Leon K. Derstine, 74, died on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospice House after a battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Elaine C. (Bergey) Derstine for 48 years. Leon worked as a butcher in his family’s business, and was a painter for Linford Derstine of Harleysville.

He served with Mennonite Voluntary Service as an orderly at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, OR. Leon also worked as a meat cutter for the former T. M. Landis in Mainland, and then for Hatfield Quality Meats. After retiring from Hatfield Quality Meats, he worked for Landis Supermarkets. Leon was a member of Covenant Community Fellowship in Lansdale where he served as a worship ministry director, elder, and youth leader.

In addition to his wife, Leon is survived by his three children, Cheryl L. Kulp ’87 (Jason) and Jeffrey K. Derstine ’90 (Rebecca), both of Barto, PA, and Anita G. Livezey ‘97 (Mark) of Red Hill; five grandchildren; a sister, Emilie K. Walson ’62 (Robert) of Indianapolis, IN; and two brothers, Harley K. Derstine ’67 (Dolores) of Sellersville, and Rodney K. Derstine ’70 (Rachel) of Philadelphia; a sister-in-law, Susan Brenneman ’72 (Archie Vomachka) of Lansdale. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Galen K. Derstine ‘85.

1971 Darlene (Godshall) Knox, 67, of Lebanon, OR, died January 23 after a sixyear battle with cancer.

Darlene was the pianist for the Christian vocal group, The Basics. She attended a concert by a West Coast group called The Knox Brothers. After the concert, Ed (one of the brothers) struck up a conversation with Darlene and they decided to become Pen Pals. The Basics subsequently toured with The Knox Brothers, and a romance was born. Ed and Darlene were married in November 1975, and Darlene moved

with Ed to Oregon, where they raised two sons.

Darlene is survived by her husband Ed Knox of Lebanon; son Loren (Emily) of Souderton; son Adrian (Tricia) of Lebanon; five grandchildren; brothers: Arlen (Norma) of Phoenix, AZ, Larry '63 (Linda) of Lansdale, and Durrell ’75 (Sherry) of Harleysville. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ray ‘65, and sister Lori Detweiler ‘81, all of Souderton.

2005 Miles and Katie Musselman welcomed their son Beau Michael Musselman on December 30, 2020.

2007 Gabe Kleinert is the new interim head women’s soccer coach at the University of Rochester (NY). Kleinert was an assistant coach at UR for two years prior to his appointment. Prior to coming to the University of Rochester, Kleinert served as an assistant coach at Westminster College of Pennsylvania for six seasons. He also coached various club and ODP programs.

2009 Owen Longacre (’09) received his National Board Teaching Certification in November 2020. He is a Social Studies teacher and baseball coach at Spotswood High School in Rockingham County, VA. The certification is a rigorous process that involves the creation of three extensive portfolios. Teachers film their classes and submit written analysis of their teaching practices along with evidence of student work. Applicants also complete a three-hour exam that measures their content knowledge of the various subjects in social studies, ranging from history and geography to civics and economics.

Only about 40% of applications submitted are accepted on the first try. Longacre graduated from Eastern Mennonite in 2013.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD TO GRADE EIGHT

420 Godshall Road Souderton, PA 18964 215.723.1196

GRADES NINE TO TWELVE

1000 Forty Foot Road Lansdale, PA 19446 215.362.2675

WWW.DOCK.ORG Dock Mennonite Academy inspires and equips each student to serve with a global perspective by integrating faith, academic excellence and life-enriching opportunities in a Christ-centered community.

UPCOMING EVENTS EC to Grade 8 Calendar AUGUST 2021

August 12 — EC-Grade 8 Prayer Walk, 8 a.m.

August 19 — First Day of School, 8:25 a.m.

August 19-20 — Early Childhood Explore Days August 23 — Early Childhood First Day of School SEPTEMBER 2021

September 3 — No School September 6 — Labor Day, No School September 8 — 1st and 2nd Grade Family Lunch September 20-21 — Picture Day September 24 — Faculty In-Service, No School OCTOBER 2021

October 11-15 — Spiritual Life Week October 15 — EC-Grade 8 Family Fun Night

Grades 9 to 12 Calendar AUGUST 2021

August 10 — New Student Social, 7 p.m.

August 12 — Yearbook Night, 6:30 p.m.

August 13 — Grades 9-12 Prayer Walk, 8 a.m.

August 16 — Fall Sports Practices Begin August 17 — New Family Orientation, 6:30 p.m.

August 19 — First Day of School, 7:45 a.m.

August 25 — Pioneer Day (All-School Orientation) SEPTEMBER 2021

September 3 — No School September 6 — Labor Day, No School September 14 — Picture Day September 24 — Faculty In-Service, No School September 27 — Fall Golf Tournament, Indian Valley CC September 27-October 1 — Spiritual Life Emphasis Week OCTOBER 2021

October 8 — Fall Concert & Alumni of the Year Awards, 7 p.m.

October 8-9 — Homecoming Weekend

FIRST DAY

PIONEER DAY

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL August 19, 2021 Our spirits were continually lifted last year as we were in person for virtually the entire school year, and saw example after example of the Dock community’s amazing resilience in the face of trying circumstances. Now we look forward to being on campus again for the 2021-22 school year—and experiencing a more normal year together.