Development News

by Lon Swartzentruber, Executive Director, Grand Rapids Christian Schools Foundation

Circle of Friends Reception Recap

At the first annual April 24 dessert reception, Grand Rapids Christian Schools celebrated the gifts and abilities of all students served by the Educational Support Services (ESS) program. The Circle of Friends reception raised more than $100,000 from nearly 300 donors. This support will enable us to further the many services of ESS, such as short-term tutoring, testing, academic support, and inclusion services.

ESS serves 350 students at Grand Rapids Christian Schools with a variety of individualized service to help children reach their academic and social potential. Thank you to the dedicated committee of volunteers who made the Circle of Friends reception a great success.

If you would like more information on how you can get involved with and support the ESS program, please contact Lon Swartzentruber at 616-574-6383.

Celebrate the Finale of Get Healthy

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 for a fun-filled celebration of the opening of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Quest Center, the new gymnasium and fitness facility on the campus of Grand Rapids Christian High School. This commemorative day will celebrate the opportunities provided through the Get Healthy funding initiative. We welcome your participation – mark your calendar!

“Special Edition” Sports Clinics

As part of the Quest Center opening festivities on Sept. 6, Grand Rapids Christian Schools is pleased to offer a morning of sports clinics. Grand Rapids Christian High School coaches and student athletes will lead all clinics. The schedule is below; click here for more information and a registration form (due June 30).

Sports Clinic and Tour Schedule: Saturday, September 6, 2008

Clinic Tour
Wrestling (6th-8th grade) 8:30-9:30 a.m. 9:30-10 a.m.
Cheer (3rd-8th grade) 8:30-9:30 a.m. 9:30-10 a.m.
Girls Volleyball (3rd-8th grade) 10:30-11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-Noon
Boys/Girls Basketball (3rd-8th grade) 12:30-1:30 p.m. 1:30-2 p.m


New Gymnasium Construction Update

Construction of the Quest Center is moving along well. Due to be completed in late summer, the center will include the following:

  • Full-scale competitive gymnasium with bleacher seating for 1,828
  • Large, gracious lobby for events, food service, and small group gatherings
  • Ample space for simultaneous sport and athletic events
  • Connection to existing academic wing
  • New 3,500-square-foot space for cardiovascular, fitness, and strength training
  • New multipurpose space for cheer, wrestling, dance, and plyometrics
  • New concessions area
  • Additional office space
  • New locker rooms

This new facility will allow Grand Rapids Christian Schools to:

  • Strengthen our athletic and fitness education programs
  • Strengthen nutritional awareness
  • Improve hot lunch and food service programs
  • Provide equal opportunity for male and female student athletes
  • Secure additional space for team practice
  • Expand opportunities for high school and middle school students

Eagles Fund Reaches Goal

The Eagles Fund, our renamed annual fund, helps bridge the gap between parent tuition payments and the full cost of education. This year we increased our annual fund goal to $1.1 million, up 10 percent from 2007, and are pleased to announce we met our goal in 2008.

Your support is appreciated and will be used in the following ways in 2008-09:

  • Provide tuition assistance to today’s students, helping families afford something their children can’t afford to live without
  • Support educational support services and inclusive education programs, so that all students, no matter their learning style, abilities, or physical handicap, receive a Christ-centered education
  • Underwrite minority scholarship programs like ECCES and Scholars, which help keep the learning environment culturally, ethnically, racially, and socio-economically diverse
  • Maintain the Schools’ high educational standards, giving each student the opportunity to succeed

If you have any questions about the Eagles Fund, please call the development office at (616) 574-6310.