SPRING 2014
The Official Publication of Metro Christian Academy Tulsa, Oklahoma
With Great Appreciation
…focusing on IMPACTING every Metro student Beginning in the spring of 2014, Metro Christian kicked-off an ambitious building expansion, that will continue through the 2014 summer. While students are away, contractors will be hard at work implementing PROGRESS – a parent-inspired initiative focusing on enhancing the facilities and enabling Metro to enrich academics and student programs.
PROGRESS projects include: 1) Two new high school science labs, a new classroom, and storage area 2) New state-of-the-art weight room and athletic office area providing access to the training room and locker room facilities 3) Two renovated elementary classrooms 4) Construction of a 10,000 sf (+/-) indoor practice facility accommodating and supporting athletic programs The impending PROGRESS projects provide numerous advantages and opportunities for the Metro community. Redesigning our existing facilities provides a cohesive secondary science lab area, adds the necessary elementary classrooms to meet market demand, and anchors the athletic department on the north side of the building. Students, families, and guests alike will be IMPACTed by PROGRESS - the benefit is unquestionable.
“Time is of the essence on all of these projects. While this is due, in part, to the significant demand for our elementary programs, it is also imperative to move quickly to allow our juniors and senior classes to take advantage of these great enhancements.”
At Metro Christian, spring is an incredibly busy time. Between heightened levels of academic loads, athletic competitions, standardized testing, drama productions, From the desk of fine arts events, Washington DC trips, Roger Gerstenberger, spring social functions, new construction Headmaster projects, and the typical fullness of family life, we are one very active community. Yet, in the midst of this busyness, I have been prompted to pause and reflect on one simple word – appreciation. I own a copy of Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language. Published in 1828, it is a behemoth of a book, but I love using it as it provides definitions of words that go much deeper than many of today’s more modern Dictionaries. In this edition, Mr. Webster defines appreciation as “a just valuation or estimate of merit, weight, or any moral consideration.” So how do I, as an administrator, begin to estimate the value and merit of all the people who are engaged in fulfilling Metro’s vision? How do we, as a community, begin to quantify the hours, the prayers, and the financial support; which are all directly responsible for the success we have achieved? How do we weigh the moral consideration of the spiritual truths, character, and integrity that is being established in our children’s’ lives? While we often ascribe appreciation as a verb, as in something that we do; Mr. Webster defines appreciation as a noun, or something we have. Either we have appreciation, or . . . we do not. If we have appreciation, it is because we stopped to pause and reflect upon those in our lives and the value, the merit and the weight they impart. So today, in the midst of all of the busyness and activity, I pause. I pause and consider the impact each of you have on our community as teachers, students, staff, parents, board members, coaches, and patrons. I stop to consider the grace and provision of our God as He blesses Metro in immense ways (Ps. 46:10). I stop to reflect upon the prayers that go forth on behalf of Metro and our staff, students and families. I appreciate you. You add to the value of this community and for this, I say “thank you.” I encourage each of you to stop, ponder and reflect on those around you and in your life who provide value, positive influence and moral guidance. Take a moment, stop the activity and seek to gain a true appreciation for all the wonderful people and things around you. With sincere appreciation, Roger Gerstenberger Headmaster
Last Splash Bash Roger Gerstenberger recently announced the closing of Metro’s swimming pool to make room for some much needed expansion and improvement to our existing facilities. For over thirty years the pool has been home to elementary swim classes, Science and Robotics experiments, and swim team practices. Several families participated in the Last Splash Bash, enjoying the indoor pool one last time. The event also caught the attention of the News on 6. We are excited about the opportunity for the enhancement and expansion of our athletic department, which in turn leaves room for classroom growth.