The Winter 2021 issue of Lamplighter is now available online, with coverage of:

• Dock's live virtual fall drama, Little Women
• Stay-at-Homecoming 2020
• 2020 Alumni of the Year
• A remembrance of Mr. Hiram Hershey, Dock's first music director
• A look at four amazing women (three alum and one current student) in What kind of women?

Plus a look at the happenings on both our campuses, AND some awesome additional online content in Lamplighter Extra.

Financial Aid and College Planning Information

Funding Higher Education

Parents of seniors, it is time to start the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) process. It is essential that you fill out this form for your student to qualify for need-based loans, grants, and scholarships. We highly recommend that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, as college deadlines are often in February or March.  The electronic version can be found at www.Fafsa.ed.gov. You may request a paper copy of the FAFSA by calling: 1-800-433-3243.

This website gives comprehensive details about federal student aid programs. www.studentaid.ed.gov/guide

We also recommend you visit www.pheaa.org to learn more about The Pennsylvania State Grant Program.

Students with a Disability

According to Clark in U.S. News 2010, there are 8 steps for a child with disabilities to use to prepare for college.  Along with diligence, creativity, and resilience, the student should:

1.  Prepare early by taking college prep classes
   1. Study strategies
   2. Test-taking
   3. Time management
2. Have knowledge of technology
   1. As simple as spell check to diction pens
   2. Screen readers
   3. Diction software
3. Be creative (If a student struggles with taking a foreign language, perhaps sign language could work.)
4. Take charge
   1. Advocate for self
   2. Be prepared to know what to ask for
5. Research college options
6. Formal documentation should be 3 years old or less – Plan ahead!
7. Focus on the positive
8. Consider extra help- this may be included in the college tuition or it may be an added cost.

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post-Secondary Education: Know your Risks and Responsibilities: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

Need Cash for College? Now is the time to start thinking about applying for scholarships!

This link will take you to a comprehensive Scholarship List with more information on the Guidance Office page of our school's website. It includes college scholarships and scholarships available to the public.

A good resource for scholarships is the college you plan to attend.  Ask your college admissions counselor what scholarships you qualify for. Research the college site and actively look for information relating to scholarships. The college financial aid office is also a good place to obtain information.

PSAT Results

PSAT results are available online at www.collegeboard.com. Mr. Kabakjian and Mrs. Leaman will spend time reviewing test results with students. Please see your counselor if you are not able to access your results or if you have questions about them.

Quick Start from College Board

My College QuickStart is an easy-to-use, online, personalized college and career planning kit available free of charge to all students who take the PSAT/NMSQT. The information and answers your child provided when they took the test are incorporated into this useful tool. It presents their data back to them in four main parts:

• My Online Score Report – an enhanced score report that allows the student to review each test question, the student's answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations.
• My SAT Study Plan – a customized SAT study plan based on student PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice.
• My College Matches – a starter list of colleges based on the student's state and indicated choice of major.
• My Major and Career Matches – major and career matches that are compatible with the student's general interests and personality type.

Access is available using the access code printed on the student's PSAT paper score report; This tool can be utilized throughout high school. Using My College Quick-Start together with your child is a great way to introduce and guide your child through important aspects of the college selection process. To access, visit www.collegeboard.com/quickstart.

SAT Information

The SAT should be taken by college-bound students in the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. The easiest way to register for the SAT is online at www.Collegeboard.com. Students should set up an account with College Board. This will give them access to many tools that are available to support SAT preparation and the college search. There are also helps for parents. This is a recommended site for college-bound students and their parents.

SAT testing dates and registration deadlines are as follows:

Test Date                                Registration Deadline

March 13, 2021                        February 12, 2021

May 8, 2021                              April 8, 2021

June 5, 2021                             May 6, 2021

There are many resources available to help you prepare for the SAT. Follow the link, SAT Prep Resources, to check out current options available locally.

Any sophomore or junior in learning support who has not been to the guidance office to request the paperwork for SAT accommodations should do so as soon as possible. The process with the College Board can take as long as 8 to 12 weeks. Current educational testing is a requirement for the accommodation request to be approved. It is recommended that educational testing be no more than 3 years old for college services.

Owen Longacre ('09) was wrapping up filming for a portfolio he was creating to submit to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards the day before Governor Ralph Northam shut down Virginia schools in March.

It was the final video that Longacre needed to create of him teaching his students to submit his full application to the organization in the hopes of being awarded a National Board Teaching Certification. And if he had waited just one more day, it wouldn’t have happened.

“One day later and I wouldn’t have had it all,” Longacre said. And that would have been a shame, as it had taken a year and a half for the Spotswood High School (VA) social studies teacher to complete his application, which included tests, essays, videos and more.

It is a rigorous process that involves the completion of three extensive portfolios where teachers film their classes and submit several pages of written analysis of their teaching practices along with evidence of student work.

Applicants also sit for a three-hour standardized exam that measures their content knowledge of the various subjects in the social studies, ranging from history and geography to civics and economics.

But Longacre was able to submit everything he needed, and his application was evaluated by National Board certified teachers. While only about 40% of applications submitted are accepted on the first try, Longacre's was one of them. 

Applying for board certification has always been one of Longacre’s goals as a teacher.

“It’s the highest mark a teacher can achieve and it’s a reflective process where you become a better teacher and better for your students,” he said.

Dr. Sharon Fransen, Dock's Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, said Longacre's certification is an impressive achievement. "It is extremely difficult to get nationally certified and requires a great deal of extra work," she said. "Owen is now certified to teach in any of the 50 states."

The entire application process focuses on asking teachers to reflect on what they’re doing as educators and why. Applicants must provide evidence that what they are doing as a teacher is contributing to an improved educational experience for their students.

The process also asks teachers to show how they form relationships with students and fellow educators, both in the school and outside. Students must also buy into the process, as they would be given assignments to help create the content needed for Longacre’s portfolios—and be filmed in the classroom.

When he found out he had received board certification, the first thing Longacre did was email his students to thank them.

“It was a collaborative process in that way,” Longacre said, adding that his students last year felt like celebrities being filmed all the time.

For Longacre, the news he had received this mark of teaching excellence was an exciting way to end 2020. “I guess you could call it an early Christmas gift,” he said.

 

This article originally appeared in the Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, VA) and on the Eastern Mennonite University website. Longacre graduated from EMU in 2013.

No virus is going to steal our Christmas joy! We are excited to be able to share Dock's Early Childhood - Grade12 Virtual Christmas Concert with you on Thursday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m.!

Our students will be performing virtually. You will enjoy performances by:

• Early Childhood
• Kindergarten
• Elementary Orchestra
• Middle School Band
• Middle School Orchestra
• Advanced Handbells
• High School Orchestra
• High School Chorale
• High School Band
• High School Concert Choir
• High School Chamber Choir

Will you consider a gift to help make a Dock education available to more students?

We have been blessed with a matching gift of $14,000 for the concert, so your donation will be matched dollar for dollar.

Please consider a gift today—and thank you for your faithful generosity! 

Click here to give a gift

Christmas concert artwork by Dock 5th grader Lydia Sensenig

As most of you know, our EC-Grade 8 school nurse, Mrs. Brenda Shelly, isn't just any school nurse. She's also the author of our blog, The Window, and our resident poet laureate to boot. With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, Mrs. Shelly has penned the EC-8 Campus version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

 

'TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The Dock Mennonite Academy EC-8 Version... 

 

 

'Twas the week before Christmas and all through the schools

It was so hard to focus on learning and rules

The snowflakes were hung by the ceiling with care,

Hoping all remote learners would log on...(so rare).

 

Main office was shivering, wanting quilted warm beds,

While visions of space heaters danced in their heads

Claire knitted, Kim painted, Andrew knotted his tie,

All collapsed by their work piles and dreamt of some pie

 

When out on the track there arose such a clatter,

Kathy set down her camera to see what was the matter.

Away to the window she flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

 

The sun on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Found Jenn out a-jogging with healthy pink glow.

When, what to our wondering ears should appear,

Laura's ringing soprano with carols to hear.

 

Katie's fingers were flying on piano keys so quick,

Jaynie singing with gusto (and laying it on thick...)

More rapid than eagles, coworkers they came

Crowds gathering, whistling, and calling by name

 

Longacre! Stop singing, you're causing distraction!

Hey Landes, be quiet, my class is in action!

To the end of the hall now- and please close the door!

They begged them and told them they wanted no more. 

 

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

EC students were buzzing, we can't tell a lie.

Concentration was useless, and math facts NOT THERE,

Masked kids were all sidetracked (holidays to prepare).

 

And then, in a twinkling, we saw in the Caf

fresh omelettes to cheer us, from Bill and his staff

As we drew in our heads, and were turning around,

Calories began mounting (by great leaps and bounds).

 

Missy dressed all in wool from her head to her feet,

(Carpool duty requires that you build up some heat...)

A bundle of books, she had flung on her back,

And she looked like a peddler, just opening her pack.

 

There were candy canes and jingle bells found in the halls

Secret Angels were landing, just like bouncing balls

Jonathan sprayed all the windows with clean Christmas mist

While students updated their long Christmas lists

 

But then we remembered the reason for cheer

It was Jesus' birthday, the best time of year

The shepherds and wisemen were soon to appear

And the beauty of Christmas was coming quite near

 

Angels sang with loud voices, announcing the birth

The best gift of all, God came down to the earth

A cry from the manger; his sweet little head

Reminds us again we have nothing to dread.

 

He spoke many words and went straight to his work,

And filled all our hearts, never pausing to shirk,

And giving his life all for us (as he chose),

After three days of sadness, His promise: He rose!

 

So while struggling to find your last gift at the mall

And finding patience to deal with this virus and all...

Remember the reason Dock still gets it right,

Blessed Christmas to all, and to all, a great night!

Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

Need Cash for College? Now is the time to start thinking about applying for scholarships! This link will take you to a comprehensive Scholarship List with more information on the Guidance Office page of our school’s website. It includes local and national scholarships, as well as Dock-sponsored scholarships. This list will be updated and posted on the kiosk in Rosenberger Center as new scholarships become available. Feel free to stop by the Guidance Office if you have questions and/or to pick up a copy. We recommend you begin a personal scholarship search by using the following websites:

Fastweb.com                                                                                     

Salliemae.com

Scholarships.com 

Studentscholarships.org

Collegeboard.com                                                                            

Studentawardsearch.com

Educationplanner.org                                                                       

Goingmerry.com

Collegexpress.com                                                                            

Unigo.com

Another resource for scholarships is the college you plan to attend.  Ask your college admissions counselor what scholarships you qualify for. Research the college site and actively look for information relating to scholarships. The college financial aid office is also a good place to obtain information. 

Parents:  It is essential that you fill out the FAFSA form for your student to qualify for need-based federal loans, grants, and scholarships. The online FASFA form must be submitted by 11:59 pm CT on August 1, 2021. We highly recommend that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.  The electronic version can be found at www.Fafsa.ed.gov. You may request a paper copy of the FAFSA by calling: 1-800-433-3243. We also recommend you visit www.pheaa.org to learn more about The Pennsylvania State Grant Program.

 

SAT Information

The SAT should be taken by college-bound students in the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. The easiest way to register for the SAT is online at www.Collegeboard.com. Students should set up an account with College Board. This will give them access to many tools that are available to support SAT preparation and the college search. There are also helps for parents. This is a recommended site for college-bound students and their parents.

SAT testing dates and registration deadlines are as follows:

Test Date                             Registration Deadline

March 13, 2021                        February 12, 2021

May 8, 2021                              April 8, 2021

June 5, 2021                             May 6, 2021

 

College Applications

Seniors applying to college, remember to add all colleges you are applying to on your SCOIR account. The Guidance office uses SCOIR to send all supporting documentation to these colleges, including your transcript. You should be requesting letters of recommendation through SCOIR as well. Please give your teachers at least 1-2 weeks’ notice to write letters on your behalf. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Leaman before December 18. The Guidance Office will be closed over Christmas Break (Dec. 19 through Jan. 3).

 

College and Career Information

While all four years in high school are important, the most pivotal year for academic and career decisions is a student’s junior year.  During their junior year, students take a more comprehensive look at their future beyond high school.  All juniors:

• take the PSAT/NMSQT in October and are encouraged to review their test results with their counselor and parents when they receive them.
• are welcome to set up a time to meet with Mr. Kabakjian about their future career goals, college selection, current academic standing, and selection of their senior year courses. 
• should explore their options to prepare for the SAT. Links to free online resources and SAT Prep classes are available on the Guidance Office SAT Prep webpage.
• should sign up to take the SAT at least one time during their junior year.
• should develop a list of potential colleges, technical schools, or job opportunities to research.
• who are student athletes, should become familiar with the NCAA Guidelines for Student Athletes, checking to make sure you are meeting the core course requirements and test standards.
• are encouraged to visit the colleges and technical schools that fit their career goals and aspirations.
• should begin to gather financial aid information from any sources available: Dock, the local community, and most importantly, from the educational institutions themselves.

Dock has introduced a new college planning system called SCOIR. SCOIR helps students discover colleges that match their personal as well as academic interests. It is a useful tool for navigating through the college selection process. Juniors, look for more information coming to you about creating a SCOIR account. Through SCOIR, you will have access to a free career and aptitude assessment. This assessment uses engaging exercises (“brain games”) to identify your natural abilities. As a result, you are matched with careers for which your natural talents will help you excel.

Junior students who become actively involved in the college and career activities listed above will find their senior year to be productive, rewarding, and less stressful. 

Dock's EC-Grade 8 piano instructor, Mrs. Hannah Yu, has recorded a Christmas CD, with performances of more than 20 of your favorite hristmas hymns and carols. "May these meaningful hymns bring back special memories and add new blessings to you in this beautiful season," she says. Suggested donation is $10, and CDs can be ordered by contacting Mrs Yu at hanjoice@hotmail.com

Dock Mennonite Academy Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber has written a letter to Dock students and their families, the 12th in a series of pandemic-related communications the school has shared since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The December 3, 2020 Superintendent's Letter includes an update on our return to in-person learning.

Read the full text of the letter here

 

Is Dock a fit for your family?

Join us for virtual Open Houses on each campus, and find out! 

You can learn more about Dock from the comfort of your home during our virtual Open Houses:

• EC-Grade 8 Campus on Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.
• Grades 9-12 Campus on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Our virtual open houses offer an opportunity to:

• Watch a video tour of campus
• Meet faculty, staff and current students
• Learn about financial aid
• Ask questions about curriculum, learning support, and co-curricular opportunities for students

Register Here

 

 

It is easy to look around today and find reasons to be anxious and fearful. In this season of Thanksgiving, however, we find much to be grateful for.

We are thankful that we have been in class since the beginning of school in August—a total of 92 days of in-person instruction.

We are thankful for our students, who come to school each day eager to learn, and excited to be with their classmates.

We are thankful for parents, who support their child's in-person and virtual learning in so many different ways, even screening their children in the morning so that we can all enjoy learning together safely.

We are thankful for our teachers, who make it fun for students to learn about math, science, reading and other subjects. We are thankful for the ways they have adjusted to challenging circumstances on the fly with grace and poise, focused on helping their students grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are thankful for staff who support faculty and students in countless ways.

We are thankful that we serve the God who holds the world in the palm of his hand, a loving God who is faithful and can be depended on to work all things together for our good.

We are thankful for donors, prayer partners and other supporters who make it possible for us to work at our mission every day: to inspire and equip each student to serve with a global perspective by integrating faith, academic excellence and life-enriching opportunities in a Christ-centered community.

We are thankful for you.