Elementary Student Life

Students form friendships and explore their gifts by participating in activities. Our 1st and 2nd grade students have chorus weekly and perform for the Christmas and spring programs. Our PreK and Kindergarten students join in the spring. Students also have opportunities to sing solos or perform in small group ensembles. Shalom's 3rd through 5th grade students present Christmas and spring musical programs. Shalom also has Select Chorus group for 4th and 5th grade students that is on a tryout only basis. This group performs at Shalom events and in the greater community.

In 3rd and 4th grade, students learn to play the recorder during music class. The 5th graders learn to play band instruments with group lessons provided by Shalom's band teacher, then perform in the annual Christmas and spring programs.

Elementary athletics teach students fundamental skills, teamwork and character. Boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade can play soccer in the spring and fall. The Youth Basketball Association is offered to 2nd through 4th grades - this group is coached by high school athletes to build confidence and skills. Athletic Director Mr. Roseman works to develop 4th & 5th grade teams from these groups that can compete at the Chambersburg Rec Center.

Students who enjoy language arts and math are challenged with academic activities and contests. First- through 5th grade students recite poems, fables or verses in class during the Annual Speech Meet, and several students are chosen to present to a larger audience of classmates, family and friends.

Third, 4th, and 5th graders compete in the annual Math Olympics, and 5th grade students may be selected to participate in the regional spelling bee, both sponsored by ACSI.

At the end of the school year, students are awarded and recognized for perfect attendance, hymn of the month,and those that participated in the Bible Memory program.

Our Christian values are at the forefront of our education. The spiritual development of your child is equally as important as their academic development.

Each week, our middle and high school students work with elementary teachers and students as part of the Learn to Serve program. This provides valuable mentorship opportunities for our older students as they interact with younger students. 

Chapel is held each week for all students with a focus on character development. Local speakers often join the programs to present a message to our students. 

On Pastor’s Day, elementary students engage with their pastors during special morning programming. This day allows students to show appreciation for their pastors and allows pastors to observe what their children experience at Shalom.

Students build and strengthen their relationships with teachers, family, and friends through annual events and contests. During spring Elementary Field Day, Shalom’s high school juniors work with the athletic director to create a day of activities and competitions for younger students. The event wraps up with a friendly faculty and 5th grade kickball game - a Shalom tradition.

Our parents and greater community get involved for our 3rd grade World Culture Day and 5th grade Passover Seder, which help students learn about other cultures and religions. Students learn about service through various projects designed to grow interest and build confidence in considering the needs around them. Shalom students have stocked shelves at the Marantha Food Pantry, visited retirement homes to read, sing, and play games, traveled to CVRC to pack school kits for students in need from third world countries, and chosen local non-profits to partner with for service passion projects.

In October for Grandparents’ Day, grandparents are invited to join students for special morning programming and classroom visits.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, elementary students participate in holiday activities and hear guest speakers honor the Native Americans and Pilgrims - sharing the history of Native American people and Pilgrim activities.