JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Parents and students eagerly flooded the hallways of the Imagine Andrews Public Charter School as it opened for the first day of school here Aug. 22.
Approximately 260 students, both military and civilian dependants, kindergarten through fourth grade began school at Imagine Andrews PCS for the 2011-2012 school year.
The mission of Imagine Andrews is to create a challenging learning environment for students in the Andrews community while addressing the specific needs of the child. Students of Imagine Andrews will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful students and responsible citizens through effective classroom instruction.
"I am excited about the charge to work with military families and bring the civilian families within the base community," said Marquis Dwarte, Imagine Andrews PCS principal.
The school is particularly unique because it has afforded the opportunity for non-military children to access the base to attend the school. The school maintains a ratio of 35 percent non-military to 65 percent military students.
"The biggest reason for placing my child in Imagine Andrews PCS was the diversity," said Laneka Allison, fourth grade teacher and Imagine Andrews PCS parent. "My child gets to meet children from all walks of life, who have traveled to different places as a product of being in military families, and it's very important to me that he has that opportunity."
As a parent and 5-year Prince George's County teacher, Allison says she also appreciates the opportunity to provide academic rigor for her students. According to Allison, Dwarte knowledgably brings a 'no excuses' philosophy in the classroom challenging both students and teachers.
"It is our goal to have 8th graders that leave Imagine Andrews PCS ready for advanced placement as they enter high school," said Dwarte.
The charter school faculty and staff have worked diligently to prepare for their first year at a brand new school.
"It may take us a month or so to get into a solid routine, but I'm sure it will be a great year," said Erin Nauman, Imagine Andrews PCS kindergarten teacher.
"The staff has embraced the challenge of starting a school from the ground up, and I appreciate all the hard work they have been doing," said Dwarte.