WMS full of life with start of new school year

OCTOBER 2009 – Westside Newspaper
WEST SALEM – It seems the economic downturn has become a motivator for the Western Mennonite School community. An unforeseen energy brought in by donors last year has kick-started the academic year, and now Western finds itself in a time of encouragement and gratefulness.

With no staff or program cuts, the students continue to thrive in spirit, exuding an energy of excitement that has ignited a passion for the school year. Everyone, from middle school to high school, is excited about the year and anxious to see what will become of it: “My classmates, friends and I are ready for the new year and the events and classes that will come along with it,” explains WMS junior and West Salem resident Emily Fahndrich, “I’m excited to see how our student body will grow together.”

But it’s not just the student population that’s excited. Faculty and staff are just as ready and motivated for the new academic year: “It’s always exciting to see our new and returning students flood the hallways. I love it. It wakes me up, energizes me, and reminds me why I’m working here,” remarks WMS employee Eric Ivanitsky, “It’s the kind of atmosphere that draws you in.”

However, the community support is nothing new to the school. Since 1945, when Western Mennonite first opened its doors, the school has encouraged active participation and promoted stewardship and service. Today people still appreciate and value this atmosphere. “One of Western’s missions is to provide a nurturing community for the students,” comments WMS Admissions Coordinator Cheryl Mayo, “Now, more than ever, that seems to be an important part of families’ decisions to choose Western Mennonite School. They feel that what Western has to offer is worth the cost.”

And with no significant drop in the student population and no change to its program, Western has discovered an appreciation for what it has and for the foundation on which it was built. “Western has a good community feel and the students connect better because of that,” Fahndrich states, “I like it that Western gives me the opportunity to develop and grow in so many ways.”

Principal Darrel Camp is grateful that WMS supporters sparked an energy that continues to buzz within the school: “The support has been incredible and I’m pleased that the faculty, staff and students have taken that motivation into the school year.”

This school year, WMS plans on completing their alignment of curriculum with the State Content Standards, and teachers plan to map where standards will be introduced, practiced and reviewed. In thinking to the future, Western is preparing to launch a new five-year vision for the school. Amidst the excitement of financial feat, Western’s Board of Directors intends to find more ways for the school to remain fiscally sound.