{"id":2403,"date":"2018-10-15T15:29:54","date_gmt":"2018-10-15T19:29:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emsdev.digpants.com\/?p=2403"},"modified":"2019-04-02T14:38:29","modified_gmt":"2019-04-02T18:38:29","slug":"eastern-mennonite-school-reviews-brand-and-introduces-revitalized-logo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/2018\/10\/eastern-mennonite-school-reviews-brand-and-introduces-revitalized-logo\/","title":{"rendered":"Eastern Mennonite School Reviews \u201cBrand\u201d and Introduces Revitalized Logo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Eastern Mennonite School K-12 has adopted an updated logo after nearly a year of conversation and processing around the school\u2019s overall \u201cbrand.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA \u2018brand\u2019 is really an evolving story,\u201d says Paul Leaman, head of school. And this review \u201cconfirmed that our brand is strong.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The review came at a pivotal time. Over summer 2018, the 13-year-old elementary program moved from offsite to the high school\u2019s long-time location at 801 Parkwood Drive. It is a new era in the first year of the school\u2019s second century with all grades, K-12, together on one site.<\/p>\n<h3>Brand assessment<\/h3>\n<p>Alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff and community completed surveys and joined discussions in early 2018 about the school\u2019s brand and logo. The review confirmed that stakeholders remembered and\/or currently experienced these consistent components of the school:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Excellent academics shaped by the arts, music, athletics and experiential hands-on learning;<\/li>\n<li>A foundation of Christian faith and values in the Anabaptist tradition;<\/li>\n<li>A community of caring and connection;<\/li>\n<li>A global outlook and respect for diversity among people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Revitalized logo<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-7784 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-300x214.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-630x450.png 630w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-333x238.png 333w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo-666x476.png 666w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2018-10-09_EMS_-_Full_Color_RGB_Logo.png 1281w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Recognizing that a school\u2019s logo is an important entry point into the school\u2019s story, the EMS leadership team discerned that the time was right to refresh the existing logo.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe review confirmed that the flame element of our logo brought strong and positive associations to many people\u2019s minds,\u201d notes Leaman. With the new century and new K-12 chapter, \u201cwe wanted a fresh look that would distinguish our unique story while honoring the legacy and recognition of past logos.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The updated logo retains three elements \u2014 or flickers \u2014 of a flame. Interpretations of the three flames vary, according to the research. Some respondents saw the Holy Trinity. Others were reminded of the school mission to join school, home and church to \u201ccall students to faith in Jesus Christ, academic excellence, personal integrity and compassionate service in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The flames on the updated logo respond to the survey data calling for a more active and less stationary logo.<\/p>\n<h3>Logo history and feedback<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8636 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IMG-1045-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IMG-1045-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IMG-1045-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IMG-1045-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/IMG-1045-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Esther Kniss \u201849 Augsburger founded the arts program at Eastern Mennonite High School in 1971 where she taught for nine years. In 1976, the board of directors approved the first logo \u2014 which Augsburger designed \u2014 for painting on the gym floor.<\/p>\n<p>In September 1981 the Today alumni publication switched from a masthead featuring Massanutten Peak to the flame logo. The change came as the school marked the end of one era \u2014 the leadership of Samuel Weaver \u201852 \u2014 and the beginning of another \u2014 the principalship of J. David Yoder.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8630 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/color-flame-294x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/color-flame-294x300.jpg 294w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/color-flame-440x450.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/color-flame-768x785.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/color-flame-1002x1024.jpg 1002w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/color-flame.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 294px) 100vw, 294px\" \/>The flame logo has served the school well in various forms to the present. In 2008 the current seal logo was adopted as branding for elementary, middle and high school together. Blue and white were formalized at that time. The yellow or gold that had been used in the logo over the years \u2014 particularly for Flames athletics \u2014 was phased out.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the 2017-18 brand review, alumni, donors, faculty, staff and students shared impressions of the EMS logo and suggestions for possible update. Responses to \u201cWhat comes to mind when you look at the EMS logo?\u201d included answers as varied as \u201chot air balloon\u201d to \u201cmovement,\u201d \u201clight,\u201d and \u201cHoly Spirit.\u201d Responses to \u201cWhat would you like the logo to reflect that it is currently not?\u201d included \u201cmore active,\u201d \u201creflect how EMS is evolving,\u201d \u201cservice,\u201d global,\u201d \u201cacademic excellence\u201d and \u201cpeace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8633 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/27C3A263-ECE1-400C-8CA7-BDAB3919ACD2-300x208.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/27C3A263-ECE1-400C-8CA7-BDAB3919ACD2-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/27C3A263-ECE1-400C-8CA7-BDAB3919ACD2-649x450.jpg 649w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/27C3A263-ECE1-400C-8CA7-BDAB3919ACD2-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/27C3A263-ECE1-400C-8CA7-BDAB3919ACD2-1024x710.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The revised logo was chosen by a design team including Andrew Gascho, communication technology teacher and IT support; Malea Gascho, art teacher; Paul Leaman, head of school; and Andrea Schrock Wenger, director of advancement. They heard input from the EMS leadership team, faculty, staff, students and board members. The process was led by Harrisonburg-based marketing consultants, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gravitygroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gravity Group<\/a>. The design retains the flame motif, but is removed from the closed circle to reflect the open and welcoming spirit of the school. An accent option of gold \u2014 drawing on the historic use of gold or yellow for Flames athletics teams \u2014 will be available for design purposes, alongside the blue logo.<\/p>\n<h3>A new era<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cA logo is a tricky thing\u201d admits Leaman, noting that change is hard for some and that personal preference varies greatly. \u201cThe most important thing,\u201d he says, \u201cis that our school\u2019s story is strong. People are proud to be part of this story and want to see us thrive in our new century. We are well on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8631 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/01-254x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"254\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/01-254x300.jpg 254w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/01-381x450.jpg 381w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/01-768x908.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/01-866x1024.jpg 866w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/01.jpg 877w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 254px) 100vw, 254px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-8632 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wildfire-300x287.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wildfire-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wildfire-471x450.jpg 471w, https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wildfire.jpg 513w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Rollout of the revised logo began with the Student Council Organization (SCO) revealing the logo during chapel with the middle and high school on Monday, Oct. 15. It was the first day of Spirit Week leading up to Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 19-21. On Wednesday, elementary students will learn about logos and see the new design in their weekly gathering. On Friday, everyone in the school \u2014 K-12, faculty and staff \u2014 will receive a grey T-shirt with the new logo. Some signed up to instead receive a blue \u201cWildfire\u201d T-shirt with white school logo on front and emblem on back \u2014 designed by Afton Rhodes-Lehman \u201920 \u2014 for the student pep club.<\/p>\n<p>The logo will be implemented as new print materials are rolled out. The new school website with the new design will be launched early in the new year. External signage and other updates will happen in a timely manner, while also taking costs into consideration.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eastern Mennonite School K-12 has adopted an updated logo after nearly a year of conversation and processing around the school\u2019s overall \u201cbrand.\u201d \u201cA \u2018brand\u2019 is really an evolving story,\u201d says Paul Leaman, head of school. And this review \u201cconfirmed that our brand is strong.\u201d The review came at a pivotal time. Over summer 2018, the\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7784,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[93],"class_list":["post-2403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-brand"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2403"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2403\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easternmennonite.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2403"}],"curies":[{"name":"gracias","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}