The community needs to consider how to expand programming for a community of EGR’s size.
St Stephen’s offers space and parking to expand community programming for art, dance, and senior activities. The location away from EGR schools and businesses has ample parking and classrooms.
GR and Forest Hill have broader programming available for out of district participants. Dance, card games, art, films, lectures, textiles, hobby groups, crafts, out of town bus tours, etc.
Consider Summer camp STEAM camps. Art, green screen film, architecture, drawing, jewelry, stained glass, tilework.
Invest in the future–
EGR FIRST robotics teams of all levels can use a dedicated program space year round. These teams are already up and running at every elementary, middle, and high school. When FIRST teams have established practice spaces, team meeting spaces, and full or partial versions of practice fields, these teams improve. Teams reach out to other teams and EGR students get valuable real life experiences — teamwork, networking, PR, programming, career & college options. Scholarships. And it is also just plain fun!
St Stephen’s classrooms could be used for expanding these EGR community programs.
Revenue source —
by approaching GRCC to offer soft electives and enrichment courses at St Stephen’s.
GRCC could offer electives utilizing art rooms and other spaces, paying EGR a fee per class and per student. In another state, I was able to take a drawing elective at night 2 times a week at an active school. It was a middle school, but St Stephen’s and EGR HS or middle schools are good options too. Daytime courses could be offered since this school is closed.
Implementing these programs at existing schools competes for parking with school sports or drama events and community parking.
Wealthy School was turned into expensive housing. Consider using St Stephen’s for the entire community, FIRST robotics teams and potential revenue stream that expands the reputation of East beyond our city.
Thank you for your time.