Red Bank school observes Charter School Week

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s we celebrate National Charter Schools Week 2000, those of us who have been closely associated with this exciting and thriving educational initiative have much to be proud of and grateful for. Nationally, the movement has grown close to 1,700 schools in 30 states and the District of Columbia. In New Jersey alone, there are 67 approved charter schools since legislation was passed 2 1/2 short years ago.

Sometimes after the approval of our initial application to start a charter school, the founders and new trustee members alike realized that the necessary level of work and commitment was like an iceberg — while the part above water (representing our application) was huge, the part below the water (representing everything to follow) was even more demanding. Throughout the last two years of the school’s operation, everyone’s involvement and commitment have remained strong. Our practice of being resourceful and thinking "outside the box" has garnered the support of individuals and organizations beyond the four walls of our school. This has allowed us to meet with even greater success.

Initially the support of Trinity Episcopal Church (where we call home), Dr. Bob Nogueira, McCarter-English, Mrs. Judith Stanley, the borough of Red Bank, the Red Bank Library, Patock Construction, Siperstein’s and countless other pioneers created a strong foundation for our school during its preparation and first year. Now, well into our second year, we continue to seek and receive support from many "friends" of the Red Bank Charter School.

We want to mention and thank our growing list of partnerships since their ongoing support has enabled us to meet with such success in such a short period of time. Today, they include the YMCA, Red Bank Armory, Monmouth Boat Club, Prown’s, Salomon Smith Barney, The 4-H Seeing-Eye dog program, the Language School, the Count Basie Learning Center, the Kathryn Barnett School of Dance, the Red Bank Senior Center, Drummer’s Alley, Project U.S.E., and many others who have worked very hard to make this school thrive for so many children.

We especially want to thank the parents, students, staff, and faculty of the Red Bank Charter School for living our vision so beautifully every day. The idea and practice that "it takes a village to raise a child" is alive and well here at the Red Bank Charter School. In observing National Charter Schools Week 2000, we celebrate and give thanks to all our partners in learning.

Michael Stasi

President

Board of Trustees

Red Bank Charter School