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GRAND
RAPIDS
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
Tom DeJonge, Superintendent
1812 Sylvan SE
Grand Rapids MI 49506
Phone: (616) 574-6370
Fax: (616) 245-6187 |
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| Grand Rapids Christian Elementary Students Break Ground on Their New School |
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The largest group of VIPs in Grand Rapids Christian School history officially broke ground this evening on the site for the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School, slated to open in the fall of 2010. Equipped with pint-sized shovels, several hundred Grand Rapids Christian elementary school students dug in following a cue from Superintendent Thomas J. DeJonge at tonight’s ground breaking ceremony at 1501 Fisk St., SE, the site for the future school.
“This groundbreaking is symbolic of how the programs and people of Grand Rapids Christian Schools continue to shape this community,” DeJonge said in his remarks. “Our schools have undertaken a challenging and invigorating process of reflection and renewal and have emerged strengthened and uniquely positioned to serve the children of our community. Enhanced programming at this state-of-the-art facility, along with our strong inquiry-based and environmental elementary programs, will offer urban and suburban families real choice in Christian education.”
The plans for the new facility emerged from the Schools’ recent strategic planning process which called for consolidation of the organization’s four city-based elementary schools. DeJonge announced that Grand Rapids Christian Schools has raised nearly $11.5 million in capital funding – over 90 percent of dollars needed to complete the new consolidated elementary facility.
Speaking to a crowd of GR Christian Schools families, neighbors and community members, DeJonge briefly outlined plans for the new elementary facility and grounds, including restoration of Pontiac Park, a green space in the heart of the Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
DeJonge also announced the public launch of the Schools “All God’s Children” Campaign, a fund raising initiative designed to:
• Complete funding for the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School.
• Expand need-based scholarships so more families can benefit from a Christian education.
• Strengthen the Schools’ high quality educational and co-curricular programs.
• Increase endowment to secure the Schools’ long-term future.
In addition to over 90 percent completion of the campaign’s capital goal, the Schools recently announced a 55 percent increase in its tuition assistance fund, greatly expanding the Schools capacity to assist current and new families.
“While there will be opportunities for all of our families to participate in each of the campaign segments in the coming months, we have been blessed with very generous early support by some major donors, and we are well on our way to reaching our goals,” DeJonge explained.
Click on the links to learn more about the new Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School and "All God's Children" campaign. |
| GRCS - New Preschool - 4th Grade Elementary Campus |
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| Click here for an informational PDF. |
| 2009-2010 Enrollment Agreements |
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2009–2010 Enrollment Agreements
Enrollment Agreements for the 2009–2010 school year were mailed Monday, March 30, 2009. It is very important to return enrollment forms as soon as possible. This will help school principals and other administrative staff confirm your child’s 2009-2010 teacher. Promptly returning your enrollment agreement will ensure a smooth start to the upcoming school year and parents will avoid paying a $100/child late fee that will be added to tuition. Questions? Please call Jay Laninga, CFO, at 574-6370 or the school office. Thank you. |
| March 16, 2009 Letter from Superintendent Thomas J. DeJonge |
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Monday, March 16, 2009
Dear Grand Rapids Christian Schools Family and Friends:
For many years, Grand Rapids Christian Schools has faced a mountainous challenge - how to resolve the financial debt that accompanied our past facility improvements and operational deficits. Over the past four years, we have taken solid measures to reduce this burden. For instance, in our recent Get Healthy campaign, hundreds of individuals within our community generously contributed toward debt reduction, bringing the level from a high of $20 million to a balance of $12.5 million.
The 2008-2013 Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Trustees in June 2008, challenged us to retire the remaining portion of debt as soon as possible, and we have joined with you in praying for a resolution. We trusted that God would provide the answer. He has.
We praise Him that today, at our 2009 Annual Meeting, we were able to announce a gift of $10 million from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation - a gift that is specifically allocated for debt reduction. With this gift and the successful completion of all aspects of the strategic plan, we are confident that we will eliminate our long-term debt once and for all. Mr. and Mrs. DeVos’ extraordinarily generous gift comes from the hearts of people who are unwavering in their belief in the value of Christian education. It also comes from the hands of truly committed alumni who, as parents and grandparents of Grand Rapids Christian students, have seen the difference our schools continue to make in the lives of children and in the fabric of our community. I have enclosed a letter from Mr. and Mrs. DeVos to our community, which speaks to the inspiration for their gift.
The elimination of debt is very significant for our Christian school community. It restores Grand Rapids Christian’s financial stability, allows us to confidently plan for our future without the burden of debt, and eliminates the threat of significant tuition increases to fund debt payments. The Board of Trustees and the administration have implemented operational practices and policies that ensure this level of debt is never again incurred.
As we look to the future, we do so with grateful hearts and enthusiasm for an exciting new beginning at Grand Rapids Christian Schools. Please join me in humble thanks to God for His steadfast love seen throughout the generations of families and students whom we have been called to serve.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. DeJonge Superintendent |
| New 2 You – Record sales means we need more donations |
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New 2 You Shoppe needs more donations. We are very busy and sales are great but that also means we need more items to sell. We especially need mattresses, beds, bed frames, bikes, couches and furniture. Please remember us during spring cleaning. We are happy to pick up larger items—call the shoppe at 616-942-2929.
Also, please consider joining the fun and success—-consider becoming a New 2 You volunteer, once a month, once a week, or whatever time you can help with. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kristy Boes at 942-2929.
Be sure to visit us and shop at New 2 You—2929 29th Street. Store hours are Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Many thanks to all who have donated.
About New 2 You: New 2 You is an upscale thrift store run by Grand Rapids Christian Schools. The store’s profits go toward tuition reduction for parents of children in the system. |
| Board of Trustees Annual Meeting Monday, March 16, 7:00 p.m. |
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Board of Trustees Annual Meeting—March 16, 7:00 p.m.
Please join us for our Annual Meeting on Monday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship. There will be an opportunity to discuss the proposed 2009-2010 budget, future tuition rates and other important business matters. A copy of the 2009 annual meeting document can be viewed by clicking here.
We also plan to make a momentous announcement--one that marks a new season of hope for our schools, reestablishes a solid foundation for our future, creates a reason for celebration among our families, and represents yet another illustration of God’s gracious hand in our schools and in all of our lives.
The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 16 in the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship on the campus of Grand Rapids Christian High School, 2300 Plymouth.
Join us for what promises to be an informative and celebratory discussion. |
| Grand Rapids Christian School Board Approves Iroquois Purchase |
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In executive session on Monday, the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the former Grand Rapids Public Schools Iroquois Middle School property in southeast Grand Rapids. This approval marks the selection of this property as the site for the new consolidated Grand Rapids Christian elementary school, slated to open in the fall of 2010.
The purchase is still contingent upon zoning and other governmental reviews and approvals, a process expected to be complete by March. As part of Monday’s vote, the board directed Grand Rapids Christian Schools Superintendent Tom DeJonge to exercise the option set forth in the purchase agreement to extend by up to 90 days the period allowed for satisfaction of these remaining contingencies.
“We considered several options for our new consolidated elementary,” explained Grand Rapids Christian Schools Board of Trustees President Tricia Dodds. “In all categories – estimated capital costs, capacity to meet academic and recreational program requirements, accessibility and traffic flow and location within the city – the Iroquois site rose to the top. It is clearly the best choice for what will be an unsurpassed educational facility.”
DeJonge personally contacted Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr. with the details and will present a copy of the board’s resolution approving the agreement to Dr. Taylor in a meeting scheduled for today.
“We are privileged to stand side-by-side with the Grand Rapids Public Schools as we each make sustained investments in high-quality schools in the City of Grand Rapids,” stated DeJonge. “Grand Rapids Christian Schools is committed to continuing these investments to ensure that excellent Christian education is increasingly accessible to all students and families, regardless of socio-economic level, learning style or ethnic background.”
Dr. Taylor expressed satisfaction with the board’s decision.
“GRPS is fortunate to have a strong relationship with both the Grand Rapids Christian Schools and the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association. It has been a pleasure working with these two groups to reach an agreement that benefits the school districts, the neighborhood, and the city as a whole,\" said Dr. Taylor.
Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Rapids Public School administrators have worked closely with the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association throughout the purchase process to identify neighborhood priorities and concerns, ensure the highest and best use of the property and to discuss the future of the school building itself. OHNA President Mike Van Denend voiced continued neighborhood support for the initiative.
“The Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association is fully behind the outcome of these important negotiations between Grand Rapids Public and Grand Rapids Christian Schools,” said Van Denend. “We were pleased to be invited to the table for these discussions, and we feel satisfied that we have played a meaningful role in the process. This is a wonderful outcome for the neighborhood and for the community as a whole.”
In January, a School Design & Construction Committee – comprised of Grand Rapids Christian School parents, faculty, administrators and technical personnel – is scheduled to begin working with the lead architect and construction management firm to determine whether complete demolition or partial demolition and renovation of the building will be required. The group will take into consideration factors such as academic, athletic and recreational program requirements; capital costs; safety and efficiency of the current structure; environmental issues; and design aesthetics.
As design takes shape, lead architect AMDG will work with the City of Grand Rapids to secure zoning and other applicable governmental approvals for redevelopment of the property. The design and governmental approval process is expected to be complete by March 2009 when construction management firm Rockford Construction will begin to solicit competitive bids. A groundbreaking is tentatively planned for spring 2009.
Once complete, the new Grand Rapids Christian elementary school will consolidate operations of the four Grand Rapids Christian elementary schools currently operating within the City of Grand Rapids – Millbrook, Oakdale, Evergreen and Creston Christian. The move is an outcome of the Schools’ 2008-2013 Strategic Plan which outlines a strategy to develop a single, comprehensive best-in-class Christian elementary school within the City of Grand Rapids.
As directed by the strategic plan, the board and administration will continue working to determine the best use and highest value of the current elementary campuses, including potential sale of the properties. |
| 2009-2010 Enrollment at Grand Rapids Christian Schools |
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You are invited to visit Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Visit our Elementary Schools:
Creston & Evergreen Christian Elementary School (K-5)
1031 Page NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, 574-6500
Millbrook Christian Elementary School (K-5)
3662 Poinsettia SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49508, 574-6000
Oakdale Christian Elementary School (K-5)
1050 Fisk SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, 574-5700
Rockford Christian School (K-8th)
6060 Belding Road, Rockford, MI, 49341, 574-6400
Information about Preschool to Free School -- Parents can receive a $500 gift certificate toward their child’s kindergarten tuition and another $500 toward first grade tuition by participating in Preschool to Free School at GRCS.
Participation is easy. Simply enroll your child in a GRCS preschool for the 2009-10 school year. Then, enroll your child in kindergarten in 2010-2011 and in first grade in 2011-2012 and your tuition expense for the first two years will be reduced by $1,000. Contact Amy Orr, Associate Director, Recruitment & Admissions, 574.6385, for more information.
Visit our Middle Schools:
Grand Rapids Christian Middle School (6th-8th)
1875 Rosewood SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-574-6350
Contact: Mrs. Mary Broene, Principal
Rockford Christian Middle School (7th-8th)
6060 Belding Road, Rockford, MI, 49341, 574-6400
Contact: Mrs. Jan VanderWerp, Principal
Visit Grand Rapids Christian High School (9th-12th)
Prospective GRCHS students and parents! Looking for a good fit in a high school? Visit Grand Rapids Christian High where, together, you can talk to teachers and students, tour our campus, and learn about our newly expanded financial aid program. You\\\\\\\'ll see firsthand how a Christ-centered, child-focused approach to learning has made us one of West Michigan\\\\\\\'s top-performing high schools--and such a good fit for so many kids. We look forward to meeting you. We are located at 2300 Plymouth SE in Grand Rapids, MI, 49506. For more information, contact Mr. Jim Primus, principal, at 616-574-5500 or visit www.grcs.org/highschool. |
| Grand Rapids Christian Schools Board Approves Five-Year Strategic Plan |
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In a 9-4 vote on June 16, 2008, the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Board of Trustees approved its 2008-2013 Strategic Plan, which includes a call for a single-campus consolidation of the four elementary schools Grand Rapids Christian Schools operates within the City of Grand Rapids. The consolidation plan was one of four major strategic initiatives approved as part of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools 2008-2013 Strategic Plan, and is aimed at strengthening core programs, accessibility and funding.
“While the call to consolidate our elementary schools is by far the most visible element of the strategic plan, the plan should be viewed in its entirety as a bold new vision for Grand Rapids Christian Schools,” said Superintendent Tom DeJonge. “We recognize that the environment for Christian education is very different today than it was when this organization was formed 40 years ago. This forward-thinking plan sets us up to define and develop the finest Christian education for a new generation of students in the Grand Rapids area.”
In addition to consolidation, the plan calls for an aggressive advancement campaign; multiple strategies to reduce tuition and make the schools more accessible; a renewed commitment to build and support a socially, economically and culturally diverse Christian school community and strengthening and implementing programs that align with current educational standards and serve to educate and enrich Grand Rapids Christian School students in mind, body and spirit.
“This vote is a clear call for unity among our schools, our staff and leadership, and our families as we move ahead with significant operational, advancement and program initiatives for the enrichment of our schools and our students,” stated Tim Wiersma, chairperson of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Strategic Planning Committee, the group charged with implementation of the plan. “We are extremely grateful to the scores of individuals who participated in this strategic planning process. Their work – and their commitment to Christian education – is invaluable. We look forward to continuing this collaborative effort as we implement these strategies over the next five years.”
Over the course of the summer and early fall, the Strategic Planning Committee of the board will continue to work with members of the Grand Rapids Christian School community and the community at large to build a framework for implementation of the plan.
For more information about GRCS Strategic Planning, please click here. |
| Official Times of GRCS School Days 2008-2009 |
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Official Times of School Days for 2008-2009 at GRCS:
GR Christian High School: 7:50 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., half days dismissing at 11:30 a.m.
GR Christian Middle School: 7:45 am - 2:50 pm, half days dismissing at 11:35 am
Creston and Evergreen Christian Elementary School: 8:45 a.m. - 3:40 p.m., half days dismissing at 12:00 p.m.
Millbrook Christian Elementary School: 8:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m., half days dismissing at 12:05 p.m.
Oakdale Christian Elementary School: 8:25 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., half days dismissing at 11:55 a.m.
Rockford Christian School: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., half days dismissing at 11:40 a.m. |
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