A state statute directs schools to dismiss students to attend religious instruction if requested by a parent. ELANCO Released Time is one of a number of such programs sanctioned by the state of Pennsylvania. In the ELANCO School District, ELANCO Released Time operates programs for students in third through sixth grades attending New Holland and Blue Ball elementary schools. This year, the New Holland program will begin on Thursday, Sept. 5, and the Blue Ball program will begin on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Students at those schools will receive papers about the program shortly after the start of the school year. The ELANCO Released Time program uses a two-year sequential curriculum that begins with the establishment of God as Creator. The program teaches that humans are sinful and in need of a savior and that God provides a way to salvation through Jesus Christ. While both programs use the same overall curriculum, implementation may vary, but both generally include a Bible lesson, songs, prayer, listening time, and memorizing Bible verses.

New Holland Elementary School students who choose to take part will ride buses provided by local churches from the school to Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, each Thursday at 2:15 p.m. Students at Blue Ball Elementary School will be walked to nearby Blue Ball Mennonite Church, 143 Ewell Road, East Earl. Released Time volunteers will arrive at the school at 2:15 p.m. to walk participating children to the church.

Students who take part in the New Holland program will be given the opportunity to earn points toward a week at Woodcrest Retreat in Ephrata, Greenview Bible Camp in Denver, or Tel Hai Camp & Retreat in Honey Brook. At the end of the spring session, two students from each grade will be chosen through a drawing to win a camp scholarship. In addition, the two students with the highest number of points for the whole year will receive scholarships. "We give 10 total scholarships," said New Holland coordinator Deb Reimers. In addition, a group of mimes visits the program to give a presentation of the Gospel each year around Easter. "We also make a big deal of the sixth-grade students when they leave us," shared Reimers. "We take them to Sight & Sound Theatre. It's a graduation trip."

Children who participate in the Blue Ball program will also earn points each week for verse memorization and other accomplishments. "At the end of the year, we give out a prize for the best performing boy and girl in each grade," said Kevin Kirkpatrick, school coordinator for the Blue Ball program. Kirkpatrick noted that the Blue Ball program stresses relationship with volunteer mentors. End-of-the-year special events have included a visit from Phredd McNaughton to give a presentation and a pizza party.

Both programs are in need of volunteers. Reimers anticipates needing up to 10 more adult volunteers for the more than 150 students who attend from New Holland Elementary. Adults who would like to volunteer with the New Holland program may call 717-283-8921 or email drjr145@yahoo.com. New volunteer orientation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 12:30 p.m. Individuals who would like to learn more about the program may find "ELANCO Released Time - New Holland Released Time" on Facebook.

Kirkpatrick noted that the Blue Ball program is always in need of mentors for the up to 140 students who take part. The program will hold a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 1:30 p.m. at the Blue Ball Mennonite Church to prepare volunteer mentors for the year ahead. More information about the Blue Ball program may be found by searching for "Blue Ball ELANCO Release Time" on Facebook.