School Recovers From Fire
For nearly 50 years, The Jenkins School has sought to provide children ages 3 to 5 with a quality education. Although the school is located within the Hempfield School District, children from all over Lancaster County have attended Jenkins.
On Sept. 9, 2020, there was an accidental electrical fire in the art room, which closed the school for nearly a week. By Sept. 21, 2020, all of the children were able to safely return to Jenkins. However, due to damage caused by the fire, teachers and children had to share classrooms downstairs.
"We have four classes, so we put kindergarten and preschool together in one room and our two prekindergarten classes in another room," explained Tina Miller, director of The Jenkins School. "This setup lasted until Christmas."
When the children returned from winter break, all of the kindergartners and prekindergartners moved into the fellowship hall. Their classrooms were separated by dividers, which gave each class its own space. This arrangement was in effect until March 8, when repairs were completed and classes could return to their original locations.
"For months, we were displaced, moving and shifting as needed," said Miller. "We tried to run the school as normal as we could, but everything was scattered and space was limited to store things until we were able to move back upstairs. It's been quite the year on top of COVID."
Everything in the art room and library was lost in the fire. The ceilings and floors in the classrooms were replaced and the walls were repainted. The white boards and bulletin boards were also replaced.
"There's a huge sense of relief coming back upstairs," added Miller. "I'm glad we're able to finish out the school year where we belong."
For the first time, The Jenkins School is opening its annual art show to the public on Saturday, April 17, at the school, 3131 Columbia Ave., Lancaster. Families from Lancaster County are welcome to view the children's artwork and tour the school from 1 to 3 p.m. Those who intend to visit must contact Miller at tina.miller@thejenkinsschool.com or call 717-295-1548.
"I think one of the things that sets us apart is that we're like one big family," explained Miller. "You hear people call us 'the Jenkins family,' and it is that way because we're involved with each other all the time. This is great for kids transitioning to the next class because they already know the teacher; it's not a new face in a new space."
The Jenkins School has an open enrollment policy, so as long as there is space in the classroom, parents are able to enroll their children throughout the year.
"We have an awesome library and a great art and music program," said Miller. "Parents know that when their kids come here, they're safe. We know the kids, we know the parents, and the kids know each other."
For more information about The Jenkins School, visit http://www.thejenkinsschool.com or call 717-295-1548.
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