Several volunteers are putting a fresh face on Peoria's new Quest Charter Academy set to open next month.
Dozens of volunteers from Illinois Central College got started as early as 7 a.m. Monday morning, working inside inside Peoria's Quest Charter School. Charter School Board member Vicky Stewart says folks have stepped up in a big way to help in getting the school ready for opening next month.
"We couldn't open the school without all the help that we've had. It's really been wonderful to see all the different ways people have come forward whether it's helping us to establish a websit, whether it's to get the technology in place. The community really has rallied around this school," said Stewart.
Former District 150 employee Pete Thomas worked here when it was Loucks Edison. Thomas is coordinating the volunteer jobs.
"It's been furniture moving, painting, cleaning, building repairs, floors carpentry, plumbing and electrical," said Thomas.
Thomas says volunteers plan to finish all the work by the end of the week.
Nearly all of the staff has been hired. The principal says next week teachers will attend a summer institute for the charter school.
Engin Blackstone teachers will come to the charter school mid August to begin work.
"We are going to set our vision together as a team and we will talk about all details of our program and plan for 2010-11 school year," said Blackstone.
Two-hundred-twenty-five students will attend the first year. With some visual changes and fresh paint supporters say the charter school promises something different.
"You're starting over. These kids will have a chance to have the opportunity to have new staff, people that they've never met before and it's just a fresh start," said Thomas.
One that teachers and administrators here hope will mean higher academic achievement.
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