Conestoga Valley townlively.com
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 7
At Lancaster Mennonite, technology is stimulating learning BY JEFF FALK
I
t ’s a complex topic . B ut not one that energetic and curious fourth-graders can’t comprehend. Four th-g rade students at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, L ancaster, are learning the basics of electronics, robotics and coding. They’re being taught those technological disciplines through a project-based learning approach that combines elements of science, engineering, art and math. “Fourth and fifth are the middle grades,” said Jenna Longenecker Conde, a kindergarten through six th-g rade ar t and desig n teacher at Lancaster Mennonite who collaborated with fourthgrade classroom instructors to teach the curriculum. “Students have a lot of energy and are
motivated to learn. They’re more capable of doing things than they were a few years ago. They’re sort of at that sweet spot for learning. It feels like a great age to capture that enthusiasm.” A total of 37 students, broken into two classes, meet twice a week to explore the fundamentals of electronics, robotics and coding. Working in small groups, the students complete hands-on projects that promote communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. “It really can be complex,” said Longenecker Conde. “I feel fortunate to be able to work with a team to educate our students about this. They’re learning the basics of electricity, like ‘How do you let electricity flow?’ We try to break them down to their building blocks. The kids take what they’ve already learned and put it all together.” Fourth-grade students at Lancaster Mennonite School are learning about the basics of electronics, robotics See Lancaster Mennonite pg 3 and coding through hands-on projects.
BY JEFF FALK
Statistically, dogs are the most popular pet in America. Through the years, dogs have become humans’ best friends through a symbiotic relationship that revolves around service. No one has to tell Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central Pennsylvania (PA D) about canine service and its importance. The local nonprofit has built its reputation by filling a need for assistance dogs. “I believe dogs have a powerful
impact on society,” said PAD director and founder Linzey Zoccola. “For children, it’s as a companion. Recent studies have shown that interacting with dogs can strengthen immune systems. We have so many roles for working dogs. The physical and emotional roles that dogs play in families’ lives are so important.” PAD, which recently moved from 30 Copperfield Circle, Lititz, to 55 New St., Ephrata, trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities. PAD also instructs people See Assistance dogs pg 2
Bringing God’s Word to the stage BY JEFF FALK
It’s one thing to hear the Word. It’s one thing to read the Word. It’s one thing to process the Word. But it’s another thing to experience the Word live. Piercing Word, headquartered at 1821 Oregon Pike, Suite 210, Lancaster, presents Scripture passages from the English Standard Version Bible word for word through dramatic and musical performances. The nonprofit’s mission is to “ignite passion for the Word of God in the heart of the church.” “We don’t just perform Scripture; See Piercing Word pg 3 Performers shine a light on the importance of stewardship on stage.
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PAD trains dogs to make a difference