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September 13, 2011
All Together Now - Christian school begins first year in new building
By Felicia A. Petro/Staff Writer Allied News
http://alliednews.com/local/x601185098/All-together-now
GROVE CITY — It's all about togetherness at Grove City Christian Academy. "We're thrilled to be together," said principal Kennedy Henriquez. "We all share the same space now. It's really been a joy for us." It has been over two decades since GCCA has operated in one place; however, students started classes this week at one location, which was paid for by the school out of pocket. "It's like we've been nomadic," said Nancy Spears, third grade teacher. "God has provided, but it's so wonderful to see it all come together." "It's the fruition of 40 years of prayers for this building," added Megan Maley, fifth and sixth grade teacher. Those prayers seemed to come together overnight when GCCA's $200,010 bid for Washington Kindergarten Center was accepted by Grove City Area School Board in July. The school is on Madison Avenue, in a quiet neighborhood in the borough. Since the completion of the district's new middle school -- which caused a shift in grades -- Washington was no longer needed for the kindergartners, who will now attend Highland Primary Center in the borough. GCCA estimated $1 million to $3 million to build a new school from scratch for its kids, which the board considered after purchasing land over 10 years ago near the YMCA in Pine Township. After years of fundraising -- with the its largest-ever donation coming in at $100,000 in November -- the affordable Washington purchase was paid off by GCCA outright, with money to spare for capital expenditures and scholarships. "We have no mortgage," Henriquez said. "We're elated. Our families are just thrilled." Grove City school district was happy to hand over the keys to GCCA, since it was established and would continue Washington as a school. The only other bid offered was $85,150 for the building by Filer Construction in Grove City. GCCA leaders were happy to learn that the costs to operate the former Washington would be less than what it paid to lease classroom space. Before securing Washington, the school leased for years with First Baptist Church on Cranberry Road in Pine Township for its pre-school to fourth grade kids; and First Church of God on West Main Street in the borough for fifth to eighth grades. However, GCCA operated in numerous locations besides its previous landlords. The school formed in 1971 as Lawrence County Christian School, and operated in the old school in Volant. It moved to Grove City in 1983 and became known as Jubilee Christian School, which was changed to GCCA in 2000. In the borough, "First Church of God was one of the first locations we were in," Henriquez said. "We're indebted to our landlords," he said, since they enabled the school to continue. When GCCA secured Washington, the churches "were happy for us and supported us," he added. Grove City schools took good care of the building, which needed little more than fresh paint and new carpeting. However, the new owners had little more than a month to spruce up the building and move in. GCCA's teachers were used to packing up their classrooms at the end of every school year in the churches, but gladly received the enthusiastic help of parent volunteers to help in their historic move. "We had 105 volunteers participating in packing, renovating and moving furniture here," Henriquez said. "Everyone invested sweat equity," Spears said. "They feel it's their school -- which it is." Crews were able to pack mostly everything in two days, Henriquez said. After painting and flooring were finished, teachers had about a week to get ready for school, Spears added. "There's room for everything," said secretary Sandy Grossman. "We don't have to put things in corners and it's ours." GCCA teachers joyfully accept the wireless Internet system already fitted at their new school, and students love the equipped playground already in place. Small improvements, like a window peeking into Grossman's office from the hall, are still under way. A school parent paid to have a contractor make that window, so she can greet students, teachers and visitors, Henriquez said. "This school is wonderful because I get to see all the kids and not just the older ones," Grossman added. The school offices had been housed at First Church of God. So far, $15,000 in donations have come in to pay for paint and carpet, Henriquez added. A security buzzer is being installed at the front door, he said. GCCA still needs to get some of its exercise equipment from First Church of God, "and things in a closet (there)," the principal stated. Boxes still need to be emptied for some staff to get fully settled. Henriquez was still unpacking this week. But by and large, "Things have gone very smoothly," he noted. The non-denominational school is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (www.accsedu.org). It teaches a "classical" model, using a traditional methodology called "Trivium" that relies on grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Subjects normally taught in public schools include a Christian world view in the model, as well as subjects like Latin and ancient history. "The curriculum is pretty rigorous. Our students are one to two grade levels above achievement tests we've chosen," Henriquez said. Memorization is important to the model, which involves fun ways of putting facts to mind through things like singing jingles, he said. "Children are raised to worship the Lord, not just be smart," Maley added. Average class sizes are between 10 and 14 students, but the new school has the capacity for up to 25 students per class, Henriquez said. The GCCA board wants to address growth at the school, he noted. There are currently eight full-time and eight part-time teachers. GCCA once had a high school. It now has a study center for high school students at Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church on Poplar Street in the borough, where about 12 subjects are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any high school student can take advantage of the center. GCCA charges a small fee for the year for classes. There are 28 students currently enrolled, Henriquez said. Since starting classes on Monday at GCCA's new place -- a week before Grove City schools -- togetherness was most enjoyed by staff early in the morning, when seeing GCCA's 120-plus students in the gymnasium for a short hymn and prayer time. "It's such a blessing," said Spears, who has taught with GCCA for 12 years. All her children also went to the school. "It's a perfect delight," said Maley, who's taught at GCCA for five years. "It's just great to see all the teachers and kids here to worship and have lunch together," Grossman said. "It's good for the little kids to see the big kids and the big kids to look after the little ones. "It's touching to watch all these kids care for each other, pray for each another. They are genuinely concerned for their fellow students." One building is helpful in many practical ways as well; for food and mail deliveries; making copies; and organizing weekly chapel. Before, students could only have chapel together in one place four times a year. "There's just one secretary, and that's me," said Grossman, who's worked for GCCA seven years. "I don't have to travel between two buildings each day to deliver things." For teachers, "It's easier to communicate together; share ideas and encourage one another," Spears added. "It's better for our morale." It's also lifted the spirits of parents and former students. "People have come to say, 'It's great. I went here 25 years ago,'" Maley said. "It's brought together the hopes of generations of families." "Clearly, God has blessed us. These things don't just happen," said Henriquez, who's begun his fourth year as principal. "We're all humbled by the whole experience."
All Together Now - Christian school begins first year in new building
By Felicia A. Petro/Staff Writer Allied News
http://alliednews.com/local/x601185098/All-together-now
GROVE CITY — It's all about togetherness at Grove City Christian Academy. "We're thrilled to be together," said principal Kennedy Henriquez. "We all share the same space now. It's really been a joy for us." It has been over two decades since GCCA has operated in one place; however, students started classes this week at one location, which was paid for by the school out of pocket. "It's like we've been nomadic," said Nancy Spears, third grade teacher. "God has provided, but it's so wonderful to see it all come together." "It's the fruition of 40 years of prayers for this building," added Megan Maley, fifth and sixth grade teacher. Those prayers seemed to come together overnight when GCCA's $200,010 bid for Washington Kindergarten Center was accepted by Grove City Area School Board in July. The school is on Madison Avenue, in a quiet neighborhood in the borough. Since the completion of the district's new middle school -- which caused a shift in grades -- Washington was no longer needed for the kindergartners, who will now attend Highland Primary Center in the borough. GCCA estimated $1 million to $3 million to build a new school from scratch for its kids, which the board considered after purchasing land over 10 years ago near the YMCA in Pine Township. After years of fundraising -- with the its largest-ever donation coming in at $100,000 in November -- the affordable Washington purchase was paid off by GCCA outright, with money to spare for capital expenditures and scholarships. "We have no mortgage," Henriquez said. "We're elated. Our families are just thrilled." Grove City school district was happy to hand over the keys to GCCA, since it was established and would continue Washington as a school. The only other bid offered was $85,150 for the building by Filer Construction in Grove City. GCCA leaders were happy to learn that the costs to operate the former Washington would be less than what it paid to lease classroom space. Before securing Washington, the school leased for years with First Baptist Church on Cranberry Road in Pine Township for its pre-school to fourth grade kids; and First Church of God on West Main Street in the borough for fifth to eighth grades. However, GCCA operated in numerous locations besides its previous landlords. The school formed in 1971 as Lawrence County Christian School, and operated in the old school in Volant. It moved to Grove City in 1983 and became known as Jubilee Christian School, which was changed to GCCA in 2000. In the borough, "First Church of God was one of the first locations we were in," Henriquez said. "We're indebted to our landlords," he said, since they enabled the school to continue. When GCCA secured Washington, the churches "were happy for us and supported us," he added. Grove City schools took good care of the building, which needed little more than fresh paint and new carpeting. However, the new owners had little more than a month to spruce up the building and move in. GCCA's teachers were used to packing up their classrooms at the end of every school year in the churches, but gladly received the enthusiastic help of parent volunteers to help in their historic move. "We had 105 volunteers participating in packing, renovating and moving furniture here," Henriquez said. "Everyone invested sweat equity," Spears said. "They feel it's their school -- which it is." Crews were able to pack mostly everything in two days, Henriquez said. After painting and flooring were finished, teachers had about a week to get ready for school, Spears added. "There's room for everything," said secretary Sandy Grossman. "We don't have to put things in corners and it's ours." GCCA teachers joyfully accept the wireless Internet system already fitted at their new school, and students love the equipped playground already in place. Small improvements, like a window peeking into Grossman's office from the hall, are still under way. A school parent paid to have a contractor make that window, so she can greet students, teachers and visitors, Henriquez said. "This school is wonderful because I get to see all the kids and not just the older ones," Grossman added. The school offices had been housed at First Church of God. So far, $15,000 in donations have come in to pay for paint and carpet, Henriquez added. A security buzzer is being installed at the front door, he said. GCCA still needs to get some of its exercise equipment from First Church of God, "and things in a closet (there)," the principal stated. Boxes still need to be emptied for some staff to get fully settled. Henriquez was still unpacking this week. But by and large, "Things have gone very smoothly," he noted. The non-denominational school is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (www.accsedu.org). It teaches a "classical" model, using a traditional methodology called "Trivium" that relies on grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Subjects normally taught in public schools include a Christian world view in the model, as well as subjects like Latin and ancient history. "The curriculum is pretty rigorous. Our students are one to two grade levels above achievement tests we've chosen," Henriquez said. Memorization is important to the model, which involves fun ways of putting facts to mind through things like singing jingles, he said. "Children are raised to worship the Lord, not just be smart," Maley added. Average class sizes are between 10 and 14 students, but the new school has the capacity for up to 25 students per class, Henriquez said. The GCCA board wants to address growth at the school, he noted. There are currently eight full-time and eight part-time teachers. GCCA once had a high school. It now has a study center for high school students at Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church on Poplar Street in the borough, where about 12 subjects are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any high school student can take advantage of the center. GCCA charges a small fee for the year for classes. There are 28 students currently enrolled, Henriquez said. Since starting classes on Monday at GCCA's new place -- a week before Grove City schools -- togetherness was most enjoyed by staff early in the morning, when seeing GCCA's 120-plus students in the gymnasium for a short hymn and prayer time. "It's such a blessing," said Spears, who has taught with GCCA for 12 years. All her children also went to the school. "It's a perfect delight," said Maley, who's taught at GCCA for five years. "It's just great to see all the teachers and kids here to worship and have lunch together," Grossman said. "It's good for the little kids to see the big kids and the big kids to look after the little ones. "It's touching to watch all these kids care for each other, pray for each another. They are genuinely concerned for their fellow students." One building is helpful in many practical ways as well; for food and mail deliveries; making copies; and organizing weekly chapel. Before, students could only have chapel together in one place four times a year. "There's just one secretary, and that's me," said Grossman, who's worked for GCCA seven years. "I don't have to travel between two buildings each day to deliver things." For teachers, "It's easier to communicate together; share ideas and encourage one another," Spears added. "It's better for our morale." It's also lifted the spirits of parents and former students. "People have come to say, 'It's great. I went here 25 years ago,'" Maley said. "It's brought together the hopes of generations of families." "Clearly, God has blessed us. These things don't just happen," said Henriquez, who's begun his fourth year as principal. "We're all humbled by the whole experience."
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