Renovation Update

As the new school year draws closer, the urgency to finish some of the renovation projects has become greater.  A number of things have been completed or are near completion and they should be ready by the time school starts.  If all goes according to plan, the library will have the rest of the books moved tomorrow.  The tile floor was started last Saturday and it should be grouted tomorrow night.  The new offices have been strapped and are ready for drywall.  The teachers are hoping to move math and science supplies to the storage shelves later this week, which will return the Art/Music room to a usable teaching space.  Also, I hope that the new doors will also be installed by the end of the week.  Thanks to the many volunteers who have helped to make this renovation possible and successful.  Here are photos to show the progress of the renovations.

 Pastor Duane installing strapping in the new offices

 Al installing the library shelves

 The fruits of Al's labour

The floor is being prepared for the new tile

 New tile partially installed

Chris finishing a few necessary small jobs.

Mrs. Parker using the new sink in the Art/Music room.

Painting Day - An Example of Community

Today the school was again filled with volunteers.  This time they were painting the foyer and the library shelving.  I subtitled this this blog as an example of community because this day was a perfect example of community.  One of the hallmarks of a community is that it comes together for a common purpose.  I have had to send out many requests for help during the summer and two things always cross my mind as I send out these requests.  First, are people getting tired of me asking for help since I am the new guy and asking for help has been the bulk of my communications with the supporting community?  Secondly, what happens if no one responds?   Today, after worrying that no one was going to show up, a large group of joyful volunteers arrived and completed a fantastic amount of work towards completing our renovation project.  They eased both of my worries and once again demonstrated why this school, Community Christian School, has the word community in a prominent spot in its name.  

Demolition

This past Saturday another team of volunteers worked hard on our renovation project.  We were able to remove the chimney, widen the hallway, remove floor tile, rip out carpet, remove paneling, remove a sink and widen a door.  The workers were enthusiastic and we had a great day.  Check out the photos below.  The next step includes a lot of painting.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Ray Verburg through his school email account.

The New Library

This morning the school is buzzing with the sounds of excitement and work.  Volunteers, many of them our regular library volunteers, are busy stacking the shelves of our new library with books from the junior library.  After a month of preparing the space, also completed with the hard work of volunteers, it is great to see the books on the shelves.  While the junior library is being placed on the shelves, the senior library is being packed.  This will allow us to begin the second phase of our renovation.  This Saturday, we plan to take down a chimney, cut some more holes in the wall and remove a sink, some carpet and a tile floor.  Next week, we will start painting the foyer and perhaps the new offices.  I would like to thank all of our volunteers for their help. Check back soon for more pictures.