As you walk down the long hallway, there is a slight hum of Christian music emanating from the classrooms. Often there will be the joyful noise of students and teachers frolicking to a rhythmic “brain break” between study sessions. Perhaps you’ll see students out on the 10-acre field walking laps with their friends. Like the sister schools in the Upper Columbia Conference, Milton Stateline Adventist School (MSAS) in Milton-Freewater, Ore., keeps a fresh, positive, accelerated system for educating its youth.
Students participate in morning worships in class by teachers and pastors. Weekly chapel and Bible studies are offered to students who wish to be baptized. In addition there are many activities for students to join at the local constituent churches like Jesus and Me (JAM) vespers and Blast Youth Group at the Milton Church. MSAS students enjoy an array of opportunities for spiritual growth.
Our elective programs are soaring this year for grades five through eight. Students choose from woodshop, auto mechanics, sign language, fine art, praise team and guitar classes. We recently began a Big Sister/Little Sister mentorship program to create and improve friendships and offer tools for girls to recognize bullying and stand up against unkindness. Students write “warm fuzzies” of encouragement or kind notes as a bright light for someone in a possibly dim or cloudy day. These are posted in the hall for all to see.
The music program is blooming, and our students are blossoming into better musicians each week. Eric Anderson (aka "Mr. Banderson”) volunteers from Walla Walla Valley Academy to teach band during the day and again after school. Along with choir and private piano lessons, Mrs. Riffle teaches music appreciation, through which students learn music theory and explore instrument families.
When it comes to curriculum, in addition to the textbook requirements we strive to “think outside the books” and focus attention on keeping up with technology and multisensory learning. Beyond pen pals, reading buddies, and a culture with an emphasis on compassion and kindness, Milton Stateline Adventist School is one that will leave a lasting impression on the students and their families for years to come.
This is a place filled and overflowing with renewed love for Jesus every day. We have endured peaks and valleys, but Christ is by our side every step of the way.
The fifth- and sixth-grade class takes learning outside.
Milton Stateline Adventist School fifth- and sixth-graders participate in the spring concert.
Eric "Mr. Banderson" Anderson directs the MSAS band.
Booths fill the school fair.
Milton Stateline Adventist School hosts a fun school fair.
