New Christian Elementary School - Fall 2010
Plans for the construction of the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School are well underway! The Pre-K through 4th facility, located in the heart of one of Grand Rapids’ most historic neighborhoods, will bring together our three traditional-calendar Christian elementary schools onto one, state-of-the-art campus, scheduled to open in August 2010.
According to Grand Rapids Christian Schools Superintendent Tom DeJonge, we have reached an important milestone, one which “signals a new beginning, maximizes resources to support Christ-centered teaching, strengthens programs, increases access to families from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, and sends a visible message to the community that Grand Rapids Christian Schools is serious about its commitment to the City of Grand Rapids and continuing the legacy that began more than 100 years ago.”
In designing the new facility and campus, architects from AMDG Architects Inc. went to great lengths to preserve the look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood. Peter Baldwin, AMDG Architect, said the buildings design actually grows out of the existing neighborhood context in two primary ways: 1.) through the massing and sloped roofs that follow suit with the traditional construction represented in the appearance of the surrounding homes, and 2.) through the brick and stucco material which is also common to the area.
Additionally, architects were able to incorporate elements from Iroquois Middle School into the new facility, and as a result, preserve its legacy within the new composition.
The new school’s design also adds to the integrity of the neighborhood:
- The design respects the pedestrian nature of the neighborhood by increasing pathways through the site.
- The design enhances the open/green space of the site - strengthening the park-like quality of the campus and decreasing the ‘footprint’ of the new school.
- The park on the east side of the property, known as Pontiac Field, will be preserved and will include a renovated track, soccer field, and improved playgrounds for student and neighborhood use.
- An outdoor amphitheater will be created on the east side of the new school for student and neighborhood use.
Architects also took environmental responsibility seriously in the formation of the new campus. According to Baldwin, “The design of the facility is incorporating sustainable principles and will be both more energy-efficient as well as more user friendly with respect to providing a healthier environment for the students and staff.”
- Through demolition and construction of the new school, ground and building contaminants identified in comprehensive environmental quality assessments will be appropriately removed according to Department of Environmental Quality standards.
- More than 1 acre of green space will be added to the property.
- Ground water retention and absorption rates will be increased.
- Energy use will be dramatically decreased by utilizing green and white roofs, a more efficient physical plant, increasing the tree canopy, and decreasing the size of the building by 65%.
To see more exterior renderings and interior as well as aerial layouts, click here.
Guiding Principles - Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School
Christian core values guide comprehensive academics and committed instruction
Dedicated Grand Rapids Christian Schools teachers, principals and administrators have been working tirelessly toward the formation of Guiding Principles for the new elementary campus. The principles that follow represent core values at Grand Rapids Christian Schools and will guide the educational programs and delivery of instruction at the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School.
Knowing and Serving God
- A comprehensive academic program that combines high academic standards with a wide range of educational and extracurricular opportunities - all taught from a Christian worldview by committed and highly-qualified Christian teachers - offers an enriching education grounded in God’s truth without compromise.
- The faith of our students is deepened-as the Spirit works in each of us-through meaningful relationships with Christian role models, testimony, biblical knowledge, and opportunities to reflect Christ within the school, immediate neighborhood, and broader community. Students are equipped to discern right from wrong, which prepares them to be agents of change in every aspect of their communities.
- Classrooms with students of all ability levels representing ethnically and socio-economically diverse communities, taught by trained Christian teachers committed to the unique cause of Christian education, reflect God’s kingdom and best equip students for lives of service in a global community.
- A Christian community—rooted in shared faith, strengthened through prayer and love for each other, and joined in practices that nurture faith and worship God—becomes united in purpose.
Knowing and Serving Children
- Teaching, learning, and the formation of faith in the lives of students are a shared responsibility, occur in community, and are accomplished best when done in partnership with parents and the church.
- Faculty committed to personally knowing and fully supporting students and families academically, spiritually, and socially creates a nurturing environment unique to a Christian education that values each child as a unique image-bearer of God.
- Teachers’ collaborative response to individual student performance, measured against rigorous academic standards, strengthens teaching and prepares students for future learning.
- Relevant instruction that is differentiated and delivered individually and in small and large groups results in high levels of student achievement.
- Early interventions and challenges, along with appropriate corresponding validation, are critical components in students’ mastery of academic standards.
- High expectations, a challenging curriculum for all students, and a belief that every child can succeed are important hallmarks of a high-quality Christian school.
For questions about the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School, please call 616-574-6370.
To view construction progress at the site of the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School, located at 1501 Iroquois, please click on the Rockford Construction webcam (a digital camera designed to take digital photographs and transmit them over the internet) at: http://rcciwebcam1.axiscam.net:2550.