September 10, 2003

Constructive learning for GT Academy

Traverse City charter school celebrates final phase of building construction

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer

      Gathering for coffee or hot chocolate and conversation in the minutes before school begins, staff, parents and older students of the Grand Traverse Academy can meet, greet and socialize.
      The Grand Traverse Academy Coffee Shop is an amenity that embodies the school's completion - that the rough and tumble of three years of construction is finally over.
      It is a long way from the days when construction was stalled and the charter school's October 2000 opening had classes for the 271 students in kindergarten through sixth-grade anywhere they could find space. From the first weeks spent at either the Calvary Church or Twin Lakes Camp to years spent in an active construction zone, the school has forged itself into a community.
      "I think that because we were all part of the process and went for a couple of years without things, the students, staff and parents have a much greater sense of appreciation," said Kaye Mentley, principal and superintendent of the Grand Traverse Academy.
      Three years later, with three more grades, a preschool and 250 more students, the Grand Traverse Academy celebrated last week the completion of their final phase of construction. This phase included a gymnasium, including a stage, locker rooms and a weight room, as well as a teaching kitchen. With classrooms humming with learning and activity, Mentley reflected on the process, believing that the years of building created a sense of ownership among all involved.
      "I think in some respects we certainly learned patience and problem solving as we had to figure out how to do some things without all the space," Mentley noted. "We had to learn to cooperate, such as keeping our voices down when we were in the hallways doing physical exercises because other things were going on."
      The Grand Traverse Academy now boasts 535 students in kindergarten through ninth-grade. Last year, the school added a preschool program for ages three through five and has approximately 65 students enrolled.
      The 22 students in the ninth-grade will march forward together as the school adds one grade per year until 12th grade. Mentley said future plans include the addition of more classrooms and a science wing, but no dates are set and everyone is just enjoying the sense of completion.
      "Right now we have a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility," she said.
      Over in the coffee shop last Thursday, open for a 45-minute window before school begins, there was a brisk trade and a buzz of conversation. Parents dashed in after dropping off a car pool, teachers stopped by for a quick cup and junior and senior high students enjoyed warm, decaf drinks before heading to class.
      Despite the Grand Traverse Academy's growth over the past three years, the school retains its small community feeling. The coffee shop will be an integral part of maintaining that.
      "We didn't advertise because we wanted to build slowly so it's just been nice, building our business each day," said Allyson Apsey, assistant principal of the Grand Traverse Academy.
      The coffee shop is one of numerous business ventures at the school, all geared to teaching students lessons in responsibility, business principles, service and teamwork. Other endeavors by various grades include a lunchtime juice shop, pizza sales, bagel shop and Popsicle and ice cream sales.
      "The proceeds support charities and also school endeavors," Apsey said.
      Kat Ross, a ninth-grade student at the school, said her experience in the Grand Traverse Academy Coffee Shop will help her when she enters the work world.
      "It feels good because I can learn about responsibility and I like to serve people," Ross said.
     
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