Mrs. Jane Roth's 4th grade students experienced some hands-on learning on how to design a food truck recently when Downtown Scoop owner, Mr. Kevin Hange, brought his trailer to campus. In addition to learning the design process, students received tours of the trailer and enjoyed a small scoop of ice cream as well! These future entrepreneurs created their own food truck ideas and designed their own food trucks as part of a unit on area and perimeter. #youngentrepreneurs #dockstrong
There are nine of them on the calendar at various times throughout the school year—faculty in-service days. But what are they? What are they for? What happens on those days?
We tagged along last Friday, September 24, for the third Faculty In-Service Day of the year, to give you a behind the scenes look. In-service days are for all faculty, but the location varies; this one was held on the Grades 9-12 Campus.
The first thing you should know is that, while there are fun, community-building activities built into almost every in-service day, these are not vacation days for teachers. Last Friday’s agenda was fairly typical. The day began with breakfast together followed by devotions led by Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber (did you know he is an ordained pastor too?). Then there were workshops and training sessions that all faculty (EC - Grade 12) participate in together, followed by breakout sessions by grade level (Kindergarten, Discover, for example) and by department (English, Social Studies, Math, etc.).
The day ended with a Goosechase where faculty teams competed in a campus-wide scavenger hunt and a worship service with communion, led by Pastor Mark Wenger and Helen Eastburn of Franconia Mennonite Church.
The best way to summarize in-service days? They are professional days where teachers and administrators come together to think and learn about how to be better educators, build relationships with each other, plan for the future, and worship God as a community.
Have you ever wondered how you can get involved at Dock? Watch for some tips and advice about how you and your family can make the most of your Dock experience!
Dock Mennonite Academy Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber has written a letter to Dock students and their families, another in a series of pandemic-related communications the school has shared over the course of the past 18 months. In his September 1, 2021 Superintendent's Letter, Dr. Swartzentruber announces a change in the school's COVID protocols.
It's easy to say that any community or group is #Strong. But what does it really mean?
Listen as these Dock parents share from their heart about what #DockStrong means to them.
SquadLocker is your one-stop shop for Dock back-to-school swag! Backpacks, apparel for guys and girls in every size and style, and the ability to customize your imprint make SquadLocker THE place to start your back-to-school shopping.
"Let's go to the zoo!" is a new summer camp that has been added to the Dock Summer Camp lineup for ages 4 to 6. This camp will run July 26-30 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. each day. It will be supervised by Mrs. Laura Almond and other Dock faculty. Students will spend our time learning about different animals and their life at the zoo. For more information about Dock's sup[er summer camp lineup, visit dock.org/summercamps.
Now-retired faculty member Mr. Harry “Mr. A” Anselmo first began taking Dock Middle School students on the “Splash into Science” summer learning trip almost 20 years ago. Fifteen students in grades 7 and 8 continued the tradition this year, now accompanied by high school science teacher Mrs. Kellena Smith and several other adult chaperones. The 5-day trip is jam-packed with a variety of fun opportunities to learn about ecosystems in the Florida Keys. Students participate in a beach snorkel, a reef snorkel, and kayak through mangroves, visit a turtle hospital, and learn about (and swim with!) dolphins. The group also spent a day in the Florida Everglades learning about that ecosystem.
Dock Mennonite Academy Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber has written a letter to Dock students and their families, the last in a series of pandemic-related communications the school has shared over the course of the 2020-21 school year. The June 10, 2021 Superintendent's Letter includes gratitude for a successful school year, reflection on our end-of-year activities at both campuses, and a look forward to a more normal fall.
Our Dock Early Childhood team held their first outdoor EC Spring Arts Event. EC students shared a few songs, including "God is on the Move," "Jesus Loves Me" and "This Little Light of Mine." They also shared the Easter story from Matthew 28 by memory. Parents, grandparents, and friends visited outside of the EC campus wing to also celebrate student artwork displayed throughout the area. It was a wonderful evening!
"I love this house."
That was the reaction of one student in Mrs. Rose Lambright's Housing & Design class on Tuesday when her daughter, Dock alum Beth Lambright ('08) gave a virtual tour of a model home that her company, Toll Brothers, is now offering nearby in Eagleville, PA.
Toll Brothers is the nation's 11th largest homebuilder, with communities in 24 states coast to coast. Lambright received a marketing degree at Saint Joseph's University and has now worked in sales at Toll Brothers for five years. She also worked four years at Ryan Homes, another large homebuilder.
Lambright walked students through the process of customizing a home, from selecting floor plan options to a discussion of financing and commissions. Students took a virtual tour of a model home and answered questions about what they had seen. They also presented details of homes they had designed for the class.
She also said that the homebuilding industry has struggled with the same supply chain issues as the rest of the economy. As an example, she said that the metal forms used to pour concrete for foundations and basements are held together with small pins—and the inability to source those pins can hold up a home's construction.
Lambright was asked which courses she took in school had been helpful in her career. Naturally, Housing & Design was on the list, but so were art and business classes. Even psychology courses come in handy in terms of understanding buyer behavior, she said.
Do you want to know more about the college admission process, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities? Dock is hosting a College Information Night for students and parents on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 pm in the Theater. Admission counselors from our Mennonite colleges will present valuable information on these topics, and more! If you plan to attend, please RSVP by October 18 to the Guidance Office at 215-362-2675, ext. 601 or jlswartley@dock.org
Our first Admissions Open House of the 2021-22 school year will be held on the Grades 9-12 Campus on Saturday, October 9, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Prospective high school students (grades 8 to 12) and their families can tour Dock's beautiful campus, meet our faculty and coaches, and learn about academics, athletics, art, music, and other opportunities that help create an extraordinary Dock experience.
No RSVP is necessary, though you are welcome to contact Director of Admissions Doug Hackman or submit an inquiry for more information.
The Mennonite Colleges and Universities will be on campus for an in-person visit this year! Dock's annual Mennonite College Day is Wednesday, October 20. Representatives from the Mennonite colleges and universities will be on campus to spend the day with Dock students. They will lead chapel and be available to meet with students individually. Students are encouraged to stop by their tables throughout the day or during lunch to interact with the college representatives. To learn more about their schools, please check them out online or plan to visit them soon.
Parents, join us for an information session hosted by the Admission Representatives Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Theater. Following a presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet individually with the representatives.
College E-mail addresses Websites Phone numbers
Bluffton University admissions@bluffton.edu http://www.bluffton.edu/ 1-800-488-3257
Eastern Mennonite Univ. admiss@emu.edu http://www.emu.edu/ 1-800-368-2665
Goshen College admissions@goshen.edu http://www.goshen.edu/ 1-800-348-7422
Hesston College admissions@hesston.edu http://www.hesston.edu/ 1-800-995-2757
Bethel College admissions@bethelks.edu http://www.bethelks.edu/ 1-800-522-1887
Virtual and in-person college fairs allow you to explore your options and begin the application process. This is an opportunity to chat with admissions representatives, take a virtual tour, and learn more about the college. Here are a few options:
Christian College Fairs
Delaware County Christian School
Wednesday, October 20, 6:30-8:30 pm
Virtual Fair, November 1-19
VirtualChristianCollegeFairs.com
NACAC Virtual National College Fairs
PACAC Virtual Keystone College Fairs
More college fair and open house options are posted on the kiosk outside the Guidance Office.
During the Fall months, approximately 12-15 college and career representatives will visit Dock. They will have information available in the cafeteria foyer during the lunch period.
Daily announcements will inform students which schools/business are visiting, and a flyer is posted on the kiosk outside the Guidance Office.
Students currently enrolled in an AP class received a registration form from their AP teacher with payment instructions. Please turn it in to the Guidance Office, along with payment in the form of a check, by October 11th. If you are enrolled in an AP class that begins second semester, such as AP Government, payment will be due at a later date.
Mr. Kabakjian visited the Senior English classes to review the application process and how to use SCOIR. He encourages seniors to see him directly for additional support. A few reminders: 1) Make sure you add the colleges you are applying to on SCOIR. 2) Invite your teachers through SCOIR to write letters of recommendation. 3) Your transcript will be sent through SCOIR to the colleges you apply to. AFTER YOU APPLY TO A COLLEGE, GO INTO SCOIR AND MOVE THAT COLLEGE TO "APPLIED". This will let us know to send out your letters of recommendation and transcript.
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. Mrs. Leaman visited Juniors in their English classes to review college and career information and familiarize them with SCOIR, a college planning system to assist in exploring careers and applying to colleges. Students and their parents are also invited to make an appointment to talk with Mrs. Leaman about college and career options.
Juniors and Sophomores: The PSAT is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13. All juniors on campus will report to the cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. to take this exam This is the first step in entering the scholarship programs conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Sophomores who have registered and paid for the PSAT will take the exam at the same time. Sophomores do not qualify for scholarships, but it is good practice for their junior year. All students taking this exam will need two #2 pencils and an approved calculator.
Test Date Registration Deadline
November 6, 2021 October 8, 2021
December 4, 2021 November 4, 2021
March 12, 2022 February 11, 2022
May 7, 2022 April 8, 2022
June 4, 2022 May 5, 2022
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.
Quarter One ends on Friday, October 22, and report cards will be issued to students on Friday, November 5th at the end of the school day. A students' report card may be held for a variety of reasons such as overdue books, failure to return a sport uniform, etc. The teacher who holds the report card will issue it when the student has handled their responsibilities to them. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call the Guidance Office.
The annual induction program to celebrate our new NHS members will be held on Tuesday, October 12, at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. Parents and guardians are invited to attend!
Next Friday, October 8, Dock's Fall Concert will be presented along with our Alumni of the Year Awards. There are two exciting elements of this concert that make it a "can't miss" event for your calendar.
First, one of our instrumental selections is a piece composed by James Barnes and arranged by our Band Director, Mr. Alan Shughart, to accommodate both our band and string ensembles.
Second, Dock Concert Choir Director Mrs. Michelle Sensenig is also excited to share that we have two guest musicians joining the choir pieces: Gi Downing and Marcus Barnett. Gi Downing is the aunt of Dock senior Tomir Johnson and the mother of R&B/Soul singer Pink Sweat$.
Tomir’s extended family share a rich history of gospel singing and have been singing together in churches for many years. In this sweet 3-minute Pink Family Video, we see the family (including Gi and Tomir!) coming together to make music.
Gi has graciously agreed to lead two gospel choir workshops with the Dock choirs and will be leading/performing in portions of our concert. Her piano accompanist Marcus Barnett will be joining us on stage.
This web page will take you to photos and videos from our first gospel workshop. Jay Gordon was there to capture some great footage, and he wrote a blog post about his experience. Our second session is scheduled for this Wednesday, October 6. The choir members LOVED working and singing with Gi!
We invite you all to experience what promises to be an unforgettable concert on Friday, October 8, 7:00 pm in Clemens Auditorium.
There are nine of them on the calendar at various times throughout the school year—faculty in-service days. But what are they? What are they for? What happens on those days?
We tagged along last Friday, September 24, for the third Faculty In-Service Day of the year, to give you a behind the scenes look. In-service days are for all faculty, but the location varies; this one was held on the Grades 9-12 Campus.
The first thing you should know is that, while there are fun, community-building activities built into almost every in-service day, these are not vacation days for teachers. Last Friday’s agenda was fairly typical. The day began with breakfast together followed by devotions led by Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber (did you know he is an ordained pastor too?). Then there were workshops and training sessions that all faculty (EC - Grade 12) participate in together, followed by breakout sessions by grade level (Kindergarten, Discover, for example) and by department (English, Social Studies, Math, etc.).
The day ended with a Goosechase where faculty teams competed in a campus-wide scavenger hunt and a worship service with communion, led by Pastor Mark Wenger and Helen Eastburn of Franconia Mennonite Church.
The best way to summarize in-service days? They are professional days where teachers and administrators come together to think and learn about how to be better educators, build relationships with each other, plan for the future, and worship God as a community.
Have you ever wondered how you can get involved at Dock? Watch for some tips and advice about how you and your family can make the most of your Dock experience!
For the 2021-2022 school year, Mr. Ken Kabakjian (kdkabakjian@dock.org,) is the counselor for grades 10 and 12 and Mrs. Lori Leaman (ldleaman@dock.org) is the counselor for grades 9 and 11. The counselors invite you to email or call them if you have questions or concerns.
All schedule changes for the year should have been completed by Thursday, September 2. Changes made after this date will need approval of parents, teachers, and guidance counselor. From time to time, students may need to drop a class they are enrolled in. Dropping a class they have started will be reflected on their permanent transcript with a WP (Withdraw Passing) or a WF (Withdraw Failing). Please contact your guidance counselor with any questions.
Elections for class leaders were held on Wednesday, September 1. We appreciate the willingness and dedication of these students to serve our school community as class officers and senators.
Juniors and Sophomores: The PSAT is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13. All juniors will report to the cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. to take this exam. This is the first step in entering the scholarship programs conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. There is no charge for Juniors. PSAT informational booklets will be distributed when they become available.
The Guidance Office also invites sophomores to take the PSAT; however, there is a $20 fee. Sophomores can register in the Guidance Office on or before Monday, October 4th. A check made out to Dock Mennonite Academy is due when the student registers. Mr. Kabakjian will be visiting sophomore classes to give students more information. Sophomores do not qualify for scholarships, but it is good practice for their junior year.
SAT Information
Test Date Registration Deadline
October 2, 2021 September 21, 2021 (Late Registration)
November 6,2021 October 8, 2021
December 4, 2021 November 4, 2021
March 12, 2022 February 11, 2022
May 7, 2022 April 8, 2022
June 4, 2022 May 5, 2022
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.
Seniors: Mr. Kabakjian will be visiting senior English classes this month to go over the college application process. All seniors should have an active SCOIR account. SCOIR is a college and career planning system that can help you discover colleges that match your personal as well as academic interests. We encourage students at Dock to use it to navigate through the college selection and application process.
The Mennonite Colleges and Universities will be on campus for an in-person visit this year! Dock's annual Mennonite College Day is Wednesday, October 20. Representatives from the Mennonite colleges and universities will be on campus to spend the day with Dock students. They will lead chapel and be available to meet with students individually. Students are encouraged to stop by their tables throughout the day or during lunch to interact with the college representatives. To learn more about their schools, please check them out online or plan to visit them soon.
Parents, join us for an information session hosted by the Admission Representatives Tuesday evening at 7:00. Following a presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet individually with the representatives.
For the 2021-22 school year, the Student Support Team (SST) will be: Mr. Gehman and Dr. SilverMoon, Faculty; Caleb Benner, Campus Pastor; Mrs. Leaman, 9th and 11th grade Guidance Counselor, Mr. Kabakjian 10th and 12th grade Guidance Counselor; and Mr. Doug Hackman, Principal.
Parents or students, are you aware of a student that is struggling with an issue? Are you concerned about a behavior of a specific group or individual student attending Dock? You may bring your concern to SST. Speak to any of the members listed above or write out your concern and bring it to the Guidance Office. It may be done anonymously if you prefer.
The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, in conjunction with the Guidance Office, offers academic support services at Dock. Students experiencing difficulties may be referred to the MCIU reading specialist for temporary, focused instruction in reading comprehension, organizational skills, and writing. The sessions will help students improve basic academic skills and bridge the gap between their skills and grade-level material. The service is available to all students on an as-needed basis. For more information, please contact Lori Leaman or Ken Kabakjian in the Guidance Office at 215-362-2675, ext. 601.
Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 23. After several Dock updates, parents will be invited to follow your child’s daily schedule to meet teachers. Please note: This is an event for parents only.
Dock Mennonite Academy Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber has written a letter to Dock students and their families, another in a series of pandemic-related communications the school has shared over the course of the past 18 months. In his September 1, 2021 Superintendent's Letter, Dr. Swartzentruber announces a change in the school's COVID protocols.
It's easy to say that any community or group is #Strong. But what does it really mean?
Listen as these Dock parents share from their heart about what #DockStrong means to them.
Our first Admissions Open House of the 2021-22 school year will be held on the Grades 9-12 Campus on Saturday, October 9, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Prospective high school students (grades 8 to 12) and their families can tour Dock's beautiful campus, meet our faculty and coaches, and learn about academics, athletics, art, music, and other opportunities that help create an extraordinary Dock experience.
No RSVP is necessary, though you are welcome to contact Director of Admissions Doug Hackman or submit an inquiry for more information.
Next Friday, October 8, Dock's Fall Concert will be presented along with our Alumni of the Year Awards. There are two exciting elements of this concert that make it a "can't miss" event for your calendar.
First, one of our instrumental selections is a piece composed by James Barnes and arranged by our Band Director, Mr. Alan Shughart, to accommodate both our band and string ensembles.
Second, Dock Concert Choir Director Mrs. Michelle Sensenig is also excited to share that we have two guest musicians joining the choir pieces: Gi Downing and Marcus Barnett. Gi Downing is the aunt of Dock senior Tomir Johnson and the mother of R&B/Soul singer Pink Sweat$.
Tomir’s extended family share a rich history of gospel singing and have been singing together in churches for many years. In this sweet 3-minute Pink Family Video, we see the family (including Gi and Tomir!) coming together to make music.
Gi has graciously agreed to lead two gospel choir workshops with the Dock choirs and will be leading/performing in portions of our concert. Her piano accompanist Marcus Barnett will be joining us on stage.
This web page will take you to photos and videos from our first gospel workshop. Jay Gordon was there to capture some great footage, and he wrote a blog post about his experience. Our second session is scheduled for this Wednesday, October 6. The choir members LOVED working and singing with Gi!
We invite you all to experience what promises to be an unforgettable concert on Friday, October 8, 7:00 pm in Clemens Auditorium.
There are nine of them on the calendar at various times throughout the school year—faculty in-service days. But what are they? What are they for? What happens on those days?
We tagged along last Friday, September 24, for the third Faculty In-Service Day of the year, to give you a behind the scenes look. In-service days are for all faculty, but the location varies; this one was held on the Grades 9-12 Campus.
The first thing you should know is that, while there are fun, community-building activities built into almost every in-service day, these are not vacation days for teachers. Last Friday's agenda was fairly typical. The day began with breakfast together followed by devotions led by Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber (did you know he is an ordained pastor too?). Then there were workshops and training sessions that all faculty (EC - Grade 12) participate in together, followed by breakout sessions by grade level (Kindergarten, Discover, for example) and by department (English, Social Studies, Math, etc.).
The day ended with a Goosechase where faculty teams competed in a campus-wide scavenger hunt and a worship service and communion, led by Pastor Mark Wenger and Helen Eastburn of Franconia Mennonite Church.
The best way to summarize in-service days? They are professional days where teachers and administrators come together to think and learn about how to be better educators, build relationships with each other, plan for the future, and worship God as a community.
Have you ever wondered how you can get involved at Dock? Watch for some tips and advice about how you and your family can make the most of your Dock experience!
Dock Mennonite Academy Superintendent Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber has written a letter to Dock students and their families, another in a series of pandemic-related communications the school has shared over the course of the past 18 months. In his September 1, 2021 Superintendent's Letter, Dr. Swartzentruber announces a change in the school's COVID protocols.
The excitement is building as we draw closer to opening night for our Spring Musical, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."
We are pleased to be able to accommodate 120 people in Clemens Auditorium for each of our four performances (April 23, April 24, April 30, and May 1). We are using a seating chart to assure proper spacing (groups or "pods" of 5 seats for each household), so please be sure to select seats from an open 5-seat "pod."
We are also selling livestream tickets for those who wish to watch at home. Your confirmation email will include the link to the performance.
Thanks for bearing with us as we navigate some uncharted waters to provide a live theater experience for our actors, students and the community! Questions can be directed to the Advancement Office at advancementofc@dock.org
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 Theater is going to present an extraordinary production this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: A live virtual performance of Louisa May Alcott's iconic play, "Little Women." What does that mean?
It means that the cast of 14 students will be spread around the school, each of them in front of a green screen with their own microphone, camera, and lights. Most of them also have a stage manager close by to help with props and costume changes, etc. A formidable tech team will make sure the actors appear on the screen when they are supposed to, with the proper set pieces behind them, and a few pre-recorded elements incorporated at the right time.
It is truly an amazing and unprecedented way to present a drama like this, and we hope you will purchase a link that will enable you to watch it all come together from the comfort of your home (or wherever you happen to be!). Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The cost of the link is $10, which can be used for one evening per household. Thanks in advance for your support of Dock Theater!
Visit the show's web page:
https://www.dock.org/the.../theater/grades-9-12/little-women
Purchase links here:
Mrs. Laura Landes' 3rd grade music students met the brass musical Instrument family today! Dock students loved learning about these bright and bold musical instruments and really enjoyed listening to Grades 9-12 Band Director, Mr. Alan Shughart, play these instruments for them!
Dock's annual Senior Recital is an opportunity to celebrate the arts—specifically the musical and artistic abilities of our graduating seniors. This year's recital was held on Tuesday, May 26. The archive recording is available here and on Dock's YouTube channel.
Sprinter Austin Kratz ('18) had a breakout season for Dock Track & Field as a junior, which set the stage for a dominating senior year that yielded state gold medals in the 100M and 200M, and 4x100 relay, and made Kratz a recruiting target for Division 1 track programs across the country.
Now, after two challenging seasons at Arizona State University, Kratz is poised to have a breakout outdoor track season for the Sun Devils—which could put him in the mix for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
A series of injuries, and then the COVID-19 pandemic, combined to slow Kratz down during his freshman and sophomore years at ASU, but he is now healthy and working hard to prepare for the outdoor season. While his current focus is on setting new personal records in the 100M and 200M, a strong showing nationally in those events may help him quality for the Olympic trials. The 2020 Summer Olympics were rescheduled because of the pandemic for this July-August in Tokyo.
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. Sara, who also ran Cross Country for Dock in the fall, began training last November.
A friend who often runs with Sara expressed interest in running the half with her, and they began training together. Early in December, she learned from a friend 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 Sara’s heart.
“I felt led to find a way to support them,” she says. As a student with limited resources, she had to think creatively. With her half-marathon approaching (scheduled for Saturday, February 27) she decided to turn the race into a fundraiser for Worthwhile Wear. She and her friend started a Go Fund Me page and invited others to support the cause and even join them for the run if they wanted. Congratulations, Sara, and good luck in the race!
© 2019 Anderson Photography
Dock Mennonite Academy will add Girls Lacrosse to its athletic program, beginning play in Spring 2021.
"We have been considering the possibility of adding girls lacrosse for five years now," said Dock Athletic Director Tim Ehst. "The sport is growing in popularity nationwide, and in our community. In fact, over the past couple of decades, lacrosse has been the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation."
Increasing numbers of prospective student-athletes, as well as current students already playing other sports, have asked for an opportunity to play girls lacrosse at Dock, Ehst added. Earlier this year, a group of Dock parents put together a formal request to add the sport. That request included a student survey showing 24 returning Dock student-athletes interested in playing girls lacrosse for the Pioneers next year.
After considering this formal request at the administrative level, the Athletic Department made a proposal to Dock's Board of Trustees, who then approved a Dock girls lacrosse team starting in the 2020-21 school year. The team will play during the spring sport season, participating in the Bicentennial Athletic League.
With this addition, Dock now offers 12 varsity sports, including Golf (co-ed), Field Hockey, Volleyball (boys and girls), Cross Country (boys and girls), Soccer (boys and girls), Tennis (boys and girls), Bowling (boys and girls), Basketball (boys and girls), Baseball, Softball, Track and Field (boys and girls), and Lacrosse. Dock also offers Soccer (co-ed), Basketball (boys and girls), Baseball, Softball, Field Hockey, and Track and Field (co-ed) at the Middle School level.
Photo: Sophomore Mackenzie Derstine ('23) is one of the Dock student-athletes looking forward to playing lacrosse for the Pioneers.
For additional information:
Tim Ehst, Athletic Director
215.362.2675, ext. 401
Doug Hackman, Director of Admissions
215.362.2675, ext. 106
The Dock Athletic Department announces the hiring of Mr. Kirby King as the school's head boys volleyball coach. Coach King started the school's boys volleyball program in 1996, and during his initial 11-year coaching tenure our teams won six league titles and two district championships. At that time, Dock competed at the larger school AAA level for both district and state playoffs, which made Dock's success somewhat unusual. Dock won back-to-back district titles in 2003 and 2004, and was in the state AAA rankings in the early years of that decade.
King has been Dock's boys volleyball assistant coach for the past four years, which helps in making the transition more seamless. "Coach King brings a great knowledge of what it takes to win and be successful at the high school level," said Dock Athletic Director Tim Ehst. "His knowledge of and ability to teach fundamentals and game strategies, and his calm but direct communication style, are helpful in developing players and building team success."
Dock Mennonite Academy has received the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's 2019-20 Sportsmanship Award. It is the 10th time in the 22-year history of the award that Dock has received the highest rating among all schools in the Bicentennial Athletic League Presidents Division.
Dock also received the 2019-20 Greg Pinelli Memorial Sportsmanship Award for both its male and female athletic programs. The awards honor not only sportsmanship by student-athletes and coaches on the field or court, but also athletic department hospitality and the sportsmanship of spectators.
"I want to first and foremost thank our coaches for their efforts in this area. They are most instrumental in getting our sportsmanship expectations off the ground, which are standards important to game environment and life beyond athletics," said Dock Athletic Director Mr. Tim Ehst. "Our student-athletes consistently do a great job of bringing positive energy to their games, as well as respect for opponents and officials. It has also been great having enthusiastic fan support from both parents and our energized student section."
Ehst also singled out game supervisors, along with coaches and the Dock campus community for doing their part in welcoming opposing teams and spectators to our campus in a courteous and respectful manner.
"Equally important is the daily work our administration and faculty do to cultivate respect, both on campus and in the classroom," Ehst said. "Our school culture, driven by our Christian faith, has had a positive impact on our sportsmanship in athletics, and has played a part in being honored with these awards."