JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- –
Many topics were discussed and more answers were provided during the second Imagine Andrews Charter School town hall meeting Feb. 16 at the Base Theater.
Patrick Crain, Imagine regional director, stressed to parents to not wait until the last minute to register for the lottery. Mr. Crain said they need to see the number of potential students and if there are any special needs students so they can staff accordingly.
The issue of base access for the non-military parents was addressed. According to Col. John Long, 11th Mission Support Group commander, non-military parents of the selected students will undergo a criminal background check before the child will be admitted for school. Also, members of the 11th Security Forces Group are working to establish a badge system that will only allow the civilians onto base during school hours and during events.
There were many questions pertaining to the 65 percent to 35 percent ratio. According to Col. Ken Rizer, 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander, if the parents live on Andrews and their orders state either Andrews or Naval Air Facility Washington, then they are part of the 65 percent. The 35 percent includes everyone else; military members stationed at Andrews or NAF Washington who live off base in Prince George's County, military members who live on Andrews but are stationed at other bases, and the general public living in Prince George's County.
Mr. Crain stated that the temporary school should be finished mid-July and the permanent school is scheduled to open for the fall 2012 school year. The temporary facility will be kindergarten through fourth grade and will accommodate 260 students. The permanent school will house kindergarten through fifth grade in 2012 and through eighth grade in 2014.
"This is going to be a great school that will offer excellent educational opportunities for the students attending, enhancing the tie between the community and the base," said Colonel Rizer.
The deadline to register for the school lottery process is no later than 5 p.m. March 18. If interested in enrolling, check out http://www.imagineandrews.org/enroll-your-child.html.
For more information pertaining to the student ratio call Annette Hershey, acting school liaison, at 703-693-9460 or e-mail her at Annette.hershey@afncr.af.mil.
For more information on enrollment and any other school questions, e-mail Imagine Andrews at info@imagineandrews.org. For future updates, check
www.imagineandrews.org.