Aurora Christian School

Middle School hallway with moved lockers!

Friday, August 27, 2010

The past 2 weeks have been busy getting "Back to School!"  Along with adjusting current routines to facilitate the future move, we've already started some of the physical changes.  As you can see in the image at left, the 6th grade lockers have been moved to the MS wing, and the future elementary office space has been cleared and is ready for reconfiguration.  I had the opportunity to share just a brief update about consolidation at our Parent Orientations, and I loved getting your feedback in person.  I really am excited about our move in January!
 
Many of our faculty members (Mrs. Beck, Mrs. Beckley, Mr. Millies, Mrs. Schien, Miss Williams, and me) and many of our current parents experienced ACS UnderOneRoof many years ago as students.  We can all attest to the awesome opportunities and "family feel" that this consolidation will provide. Many other faculty members (Mr. Etchison, Mrs. Herbert, Mr. House, and Mr. Johnson) experienced ACS UnderOneRoof as school staff, and they are looking forward to the collaboration between students that they witnessed during the early years of ACS.  When you get the chance to see a varsity athlete "high five" a line of second graders and see the joy in their faces, you'll be as excited about this move as I am... it's going to be a great spring!

Miss House
 

FAQ:  WHY consolidate?!
Air conditioning, larger classrooms for elementary, more green space... for ALL Aurora Christian students!  While the decision was not based solely on finances, financial stewardship was one major factor.  Several other major factors tipped the scales in favor of consolidation:  unity, community, facility, convenience.
 
UNITY
The Serve-a-Thon last spring highlighted the fact that we have become "two schools."  Many parents had never even seen both campuses!  Although we want each school division (Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School) to have some unique identity, we also want to be one large school family.  Being UnderOneRoof will help to nurture faculty, staff, and student unity.

COMMUNITY
Daily interaction and events held on one campus will build our community.  Elementary students will have a glimpse of middle school life.  High school students will be able to provide leadership and mentoring to younger students.  Elementary students will provide motivation to middle and high school students to maintain an exemplary witness.  The "little kids" will have real-life positive role models as they watch and cheer on the "big kids!"  We're planning to bolster Eagle Pride from playground to college-bound!

FACILITY
At one time in our school's history, the Illinois campus was the "new" and coveted facility.  At this point in our history, the Sullivan campus can provide the best environment for our students.  The structure is newer, the elementary classrooms are larger, the technology is more current, there is room on the grounds to run and play!  Maintenance costs are also lower due to the age of the building.  This school year, construction and consolidation costs will just about equal the cost savings we will see by being on one campus.  Next year, we will begin to realize the cost savings of being on one campus.

CONVENIENCE
The Sullivan campus, located near the intersection of I-88 and Orchard Road, is more accessible to families traveling from surrounding communities.  Multi-student families can also make the Sullivan campus a "one-stop shop!"

Friday, August 13, 2010

MISS HOUSE ANSWERS THIS WEEK'S FAQS:
By far, the most Frequently Asked Qustion (FAQ) this week has been, "Where are you putting all the kids?"
I actually think that the best use of this week's consolidation update is to show you a map!

FAQ: "How will you keep the elementary and high school kids separate?"
We are scheduling so that preschool and elementary students will move throughout the building when MS/HS students are in class.

FAQ: "What about elementary and high school students sharing the bathrooms?"
The preschool/elementary and MS/HS students will not be sharing bathrooms.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.        
Ephesians 4:3-5

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Consolidation:

What changes will begin immediately?
We have staggered start times to facilitate morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.  Effective Monday, August 23rd, all ACS students will have new school hours:

• Preschool: Hours will stay the same
• Elementary Hours: 8:15am - 3:20pm
  
• Middle School & High School Hours: 7:45am - 2:50pm

Effective Monday, August 23rd, drop-off and pick-up locations will change for Middle School Students:
MS/HS Drop-off AND pick-up will occur at the main entrance doors off the parking lot (Door 11).

Where will I drop off & pick up my student in January, 2011 when the consolidation occurs?
Starting in January, 2011, Elementary drop-off will occur at the Sullivan Campus at the glass gym doors (Door 17).  Elementary pick-up will occur at the Sullivan Campus by parking in the main lot and walking in to the cafeteria (Door 11).  Procedural details will be explained as the move date approaches!

What will happen to the new Elementary Computer Lab?
The new Elementary Computer Lab will be “up and running” at the Illinois campus when school starts on August 23rd.  It will then be moved to the Sullivan campus with the students!

What changes will be made to the Sullivan Campus to accommodate younger students?
We will be altering the Sullivan Campus to make room for an elementary lunchroom, playground, bathrooms, and a separate preschool/elementary office (door #2).

How will it work to have all ages of kids in one building at the same time?
Elementary & Preschool students will move throughout the building for shared spaces (gym, music, chapel) at times when the middle & high school students are in class. We have also staggered start and end times to facilitate pick-up and drop-off. 

Will there be changes to the Extended Care Hours?
No. Extended Care Hours before and after school will remain the same.

What will happen to Preschool?
We heard your voice and have done everything we can to bring Preschool under one roof.  Preschool will be located at the Sullivan campus in January 2011.

What will change for my Middle/High School student?
Other than the immediate changes to start/end times and drop-off/pick-up locations, Middle and High School students won't see many changes, other than the awesome opportunity to mentor younger students and set examples through their behavior!

When will we be able to see the changes to the Sullivan Campus?
Elementary students and teachers will visit their new classrooms on mini field trip "preview days" in December.  Families will be invited to tour the Sullivan campus and visit classrooms during our December Open House events.

Will there be aesthetic changes made to the Sullivan Campus to make it more inviting to younger students?
Yes! We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring bright colors and exciting decor into the Sullivan Campus.  Every effort will be made to make the space look as inviting as the Illinois Campus, with painted walls, coat hooks instead of lockers, and stimulating decor.

Who do I contact if I want to help with the consolidation effort?
Thank you for your willingness to help!  More information will be available shortly, so be sure to read each volume of the underoneroof newsletter so that you can stay up to date with this exciting project & with our current needs. 

Continue to check this website for up-to-date Consolidation Information & to download our most recent newsletter!