Looking Ahead Fall 2008
Announcing the GSLS Middle School!
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2008 (download .pdf forms)
Please call the GSLS office to schedule a tour. 415-897-2510
We are very excited to offer a new option for Middle School in Novato.
download flyer (.pdf)
Middle School Development
Goal
Expand GSLS from K-5 to K-8 for the elementary school program in order to continue the enriched academic experience. Over the last 30 years GSLS has offered a nurturing Christian environment in education which has continued to grow and expand. Research and demand show that now is the time to expand to the next level which includes 6, 7 and 8th grades.
Vision
To offer a 6th grade class in the Fall of 2008 and grow organically each year thereafter through 8th grade. Possibly to some day offer 2 classes of each grade which will continue the small class environment while expanding numbers of students to offer a larger social setting.
Background
Starting in Fall 2006, a Middle School Development Committee formed to research Needs Analysis, Finance and Budget, Site and Facility, Program Development and Curriculum, and Operations and Communication. The Middle School Development Committee includes GSLS preschool and elementary parents, Board members, School Administrator and Staff, and Church Members.
Research Findings
Needs Analysis - Internal and external surveys have been completed to research the demand of the continuation of GSLS through 8th grade, along with demographic studies of student population growth and current educational choices within the population of Novato including household income, number of elementary age students in Novato, number of persons per household, educational status per household, comparisons of other K-8 school choices in Novato and surrounding cities.
Site Assessment - Site researched has focused on three options; a) building on the current GSLS campus, leasing properties owned by the City of Novato, b) leasing space at IVC, private property lease, and c) collaboration with other religious organizations and partnering with NUSD. As many as 30 different locations around Novato have been assessed. The decision is to initially launch a Middle School by partnering with another religious organization utilizing their excess facility space as a temporary location to insure financial viability. Negotiation of a permanent location and associated fundraising efforts will continue as the Middle School program grows at the temporary location.
Budget Analysis - Several cash flow scenarios have been developed to test different tuition rates, enrollment numbers, rental expenses, etc. to understand fiscal sustainability. The current GSLS operational budget was used as a tool for assessing associated expenses, incomes, etc. Financial consultants include current and former GSLS Board Treasurers and independent CPAs. An additional aspect of this research has been fundraising. Several different fundraising plans have been outlined in order to gain initial capital, future campus development funding and a portion of the operational budget.
Program Development - Carol Wise, GSLS School Administrator, has developed an initial outline of curriculum and program structure which closely follows the current enriched GSLS program while maintaining CA State Standards as minimum requirements. The vision of the program is to offer core curriculum and enrichment courses utilizing a project based program to insure that each student is well prepared to attend any high school of his/her choice. A central component of the program will be to continue to develop the Christian values in each child. Mrs. Wise has also researched necessary staff requirements and begun initial screening of potential qualified staff.
Communications
Both internal and external communications have been evaluated and addressed accordingly. Internal communications include updates of research and development to GSL Church Council, Adult Forum and general congregation, GSLS Board members, Staff and parents of existing student body. External communication has included Town Hall Advisory Meeting extended to Novato Community as well as GSLS community, publicity and information delivered through the Marin IJ, Novato Advance and Novato Mother’s Club publications. A dedicated information page is in development to post on the GSLS website for reference as well as a subscriber email update program.
Middle School Development Committee includes: GSLS parents, Board members, School Administrator and Staff, Church Members and GSLS preschool parents.
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