Superintendent’s Update 3/27/09
Posted March 30th, 2009 in High School, K-8, Superintendent's Update Comments Off
Update on Upland Christian:
- Escrow is moving forward positively with final process and with our financing. As we have indicated in previous communication bulletins and parent meetings, it is a lengthy process to purchase church property, because of the due diligence process, as well as complications with the involvement of several organizations (a church, denominational school district, and Western). As shared previously, additional issues that have played into the time frame were the legal issues that were resolved and the National banking issues, in addition to the long process of receiving non-profit bond funds. We appreciate your continued prayers and support throughout this process. We look forward to the positive results of owning our own high school campus.
- Our current high school facilities in Covina have 32,000 square feet in comparison to Upland Christian which has approximately 96,000 square feet.
- We plan to schedule an open house event at Upland Christian in April, for parents and students to preview the sight.
- Our architects are currently working on plans to overhaul the current Upland Christian sports field. When completed, the sports field will be larger and able to accommodate an 11 man football team. The turf will be completely upgraded.
Update on Parent Survey:
I just received the last of the parent/student survey results yesterday. As we analyze the information and make plans to improve our school, I will share portions of our survey results, including our top rated areas as well as areas needing improvement. Thank you for your input and support.
Our parent survey ratings for “Top Reasons Parents Enroll at Western”:
4.6 Academic Quality/Spiritual Emphasis
4.6 Safety of our School
4.4 Student/Teacher Ratio
4.3 School Mission
4.2 School Personnel
Here are a few positive parent quotes from the survey:
“Christian education is the single most important thing a parent can provide to their children. There is nothing more important; not cars, houses, or any material thing can replace a vital education where the gospel of Jesus Christ is embraced.”
“Great job raising academic standards. Keep up the good work.”
“Great teachers. They are dedicated and professional, caring, and encouraging. Warm and caring front office staff. They go the extra mile. Great maintenance people. Beautiful campus!”
“I think Western Christian is a great place for children to learn and thrive. I have had nothing but positive experiences with the teachers, parents, and children at this school.”
“I love and believe in Western Christian! Thank you for continuing to improve our school and make it better.”
“I am proud that my son attends Western Christian. I have noticed a great change in my son since he started one year ago and I want to thank the staff at WCHS for this change. They are a great staff and care about their students. Thank you.”
“Your staff and teachers are top notch, the best we have seen in either public or private schools!”
“I love WCS! I am so grateful for our new Principal, Mr. Yovino. I think our Superintendent, Karen Winter, is a true blessing to WCS!”
“Many teachers are very involved with the students. They are encouraging, praying and loving the kids in a way that builds into their lives. They go above and beyond the call of duty. Teachers like Dawn Bartholomew, Stephanie Driscoll, and Jeremiah Blessinger show real concern for the kids both academically and spiritually.”
“Preschool staff is the BEST! Very caring and energetic.”
“So far, we have had Mrs. Heather Armstrong and Mrs. Sedory. We absolutely love them. We also love how helpful, friendly, and efficient the office staff are.”
“The administrative office has improved this year.”
“The relationship between your teachers and my child is outstanding.”
“The staff at Western has given my child an understanding of godly behavior and love for others through God. We have been blessed by the Christian education she has received through them.”
“The teachers at our school are what have kept us here. Most go above and beyond. Most important to me is when my child feels safe and happy in her environment.”
“I love Western Christian Schools for so many reasons! My kids love being there and the staff’s love for my kids is such a blessing!”
“Mrs. Mac and Mr. Letherer are particularly good, godly leaders to the kids. Great junior high drama teacher.”
“Appreciate it when administration calls back to follow up on a concern to be sure it was handled correctly. (Thank you, Mr. Yovino and Mr. Attwood).”
“Love the Western teachers and the Christian environment. The tuition is worth every penny. We are blessed and privileged to send our children to WCS.”
“Our daughter has been enrolled since she turned two. We were so impressed with the preschool program and staff that we decided to continue at WCS.”
“The teachers are heartfelt and graced by the Lord. We love them so much for it. Michelle Browning is very special to us and is always there when needed.”
“Keep demanding excellence and accountability.”
Here are a few areas of concern that we have addressed from the survey:
- Parents asked for more consistent communication from departments and updates about information and decisions. We now have weekly communication from all departments preschool through high school. Beginning this week, the high school newsletter will also be forwarded to Kindergarten through 8th grade families for your information, along with the bulletins. We also have a weekly Superintendent’s Update.
- The solution for the middle school rest room smell that occurred earlier this year (in the new modular).The problem was from faulty floor drain water flow restrictors. These water flow restrictors flow water into the floor drain trap when the sinks or toilets are used. The floor drain uses the water from the flow restrictors to fill the floor trap which filters the sewer smell. Silver Creek Industries (modular company) has replaced these water flow restrictors under warranty twice and they appear to be working correctly.
- Academic Honor Assemblies for students.We added semester Kindergarten through 8th grade honor roll assemblies in February. (High school will be held on Friday, April 3rd, at 2:30 pm). End of the year honor roll dates will be announced by each department.
- Improvement on food program (preschool through high school)In an effort to get more specific input concerning our food program we have prepared a questionnaire that will be sent out in the near future. Your input is valuable and will help us make the best decisions and improvements for our food program, including food selections.
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, be sure to let us know.
If you would like to refer back to any of the previous Superintendent’s reports go to the “News” tab at www.westernchristian.org.
Working together for our kids,
Karen Winter, Superintendent
