Remodeling the education process

By Bud Oliver, staff member and teacher

Since May, a dedicated team of Glenhaven educators has been diligently meeting and planning, and planning and meeting, in expectation of the new school year. Our task was to re-write both the teacher and student policy manuals, which we’re just putting the finishing touches on. I’m excited about this coming school year because we’re implementing a new incentive system that will create opportunities for our students to take greater ownership in their education. But, more on those incentives later.

Along with policy and procedural changes, Glenhaven’s education program has also made some staff and physical changes. Jeff Rice, who’s been on staff since 2006, is our new principal. His leadership has been influential as we’ve designed our newest programs for the school. At the moment, Jeff is spending time working on one of the classroom buildings itself. He and his wife, Leigh Ann, have been painting, and we’ve had dedicated volunteers help with remodeling for the expected installation of a new SMART Board. In the months to come, there are plans to install new roofs on the classroom buildings, as well as remodel the kitchen. Your generous gifts have made these improvements possible, all of which serve to create a positive learning environment for our students.

Okay, so I promised earlier to tell you about our new incentive programs. This year students will carry around a daily report and have the opportunity to earn up to five “Ranch dollars” per class. We’ve adapted this system from another youth facility in Georgia who’s employed it to great effect. This “money” will be used to buy school supplies, participate in auctions, buy items back from lost and found, and probably best of all, buy tickets to end of term field trips. Perhaps as you consider how you can impact the life of one of our students, you’d considering sponsoring one of these trips. You might even have an idea for a trip we’ve not even thought of yet. Some ideas on the table are trips to Dickey Stevens Stadium for a baseball game, short hiking trips, community service projects, and many others.

As we enter into the 2009-2010 school year—has a whole decade passed so quickly—we appreciate your prayers and gifts. The impact you have in the lives of our young people is no less significant than those of us who teach. Thank you so much for all you do.