Who is FOCUS

FOCUS started in winter 2007 as a small group of Oakdale Christian School parents who became aware of consolidation plans for elementary schools within Grand Rapids Christian Schools. These parents believed that Oakdale had a unique mission — within its neighborhood, the GRCS system, and the entire Grand Rapids community — that had to be saved.

Since then, FOCUS has hosted two meetings with over 45 parents representing more than 60 Oakdale students. We also have reached over 170 parents, alumni, and friends via email, and twice that with standard mail.

The ideas and values expressed in those discussions led to this provisional statement of what we want for Oakdale Christian School:

We seek to continue providing an excellent education with a Christian worldview that emphasizes the diversity and worth of all God's people. We aspire to expand our already strong commitment to racial and socio-economic diversity. We wish to further reach out in our neighborhood to be Christ to our neighbors. We believe that Oakdale can be a school attractive to people who are looking for the highest quality Christian education in a diverse, urban community.

FOCUS is now intent on the following:

1. open and transparent dialogue with GRCS administration and Board
2. involving as many parents as possible in the following areas:
   1. recruitment and marketing
   2. fundraising
   3. ensuring continuity of Oakdale's future
   4. pursuing communication and accountability within the Grand Rapids Christian School System

If you would like to join our efforts, please email Tracey Gebbia.