ALUMNI MATTERS: February 14, 2012 Update

Happy Valentines' Day! Spring seems to be right around the corner here in southwestern Ohio. We've had an unseasonably warm and nearly snow-free winter. Slowly but surely we continue to build upon our Dayton Christian Alumni initiative! Here's some of the latest news that we'd like to share with you...

ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETING

The Dayton Christian Alumni Association Council met for the first time on Thursday, January 26th, 2012. The Council consists of three representatives from each of the four decades of Dayton Christian graduates. The 1970's are covered by Marty Casement Carroll '73, Paul Pyle '74, and Joanne Schindler Grove '78. The 1980's by Tom Wiggershaus '80, Karla Putnam Enix '82, and Amy Phillips Henkel '89. The 1990's by Kari Taylor Skolik '91, Jenny Campbell '91 and Amber Smith Rohrer '92. Finally, The 2000's by Lauren Lane '08. We are actively seeking two more representatives for the 2000's, so if you have any interest in this opportunity, please contact me via e-mail.

This first meeting was primarily focused on introducing ourselves to one another and on starting group discussions about our mission, priorities and goals for both the short and long term. We will be meeting again in late February to settle on organizational structure and to begin working on select projects that will directly benefit our alumni family.

We have also taken preliminary steps to upgrade our entire DC Alumni DataBase. A lot will be happening in the next 12 months, and we want to be able to spread the word to as many as possible. If you have helped organize class reunions in the past or have an interest in helping us find missing graduates and teachers – we would greatly value your assistance!

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – BRAINSTORMING SESSION

On Thursday January 19th, 2012 a group of 17 former and current teachers, parents, administrators and alumni gathered to generate ideas for Dayton Christian School System's "Golden Anniversary". This landmark celebration will begin with the start of the 2012-2013 school year. Over 120 suggestions were collected for a variety of categories that included "Anniversary Theme", "Communication & Engagement", "Interconnection", "School Activities", "Gala Celebration – Spring 2013", "All-Alumni Homecoming Reunion", and "Hall of Faith." The Anniversary Core Committee currently consists of Bud Schindler, Eddy Zakes, Doris Ewing, Dean Sellers and Bob Clements. We will be meeting in March to solidify planning and implementation strategies for the special activities and celebration events. Stay tuned for the exciting announcements later this spring!

HOMEWOOD AVENUE DEMOLITION UPDATE

The Dayton Schools Board of Education has been temporarily delayed in their plans to tear down the former home of DCS at 325 Homewood Avenue. Although the asbestos abatement continues, Judge Dennis Langer has scheduled a hearing on February 15th to consider a request to delay demolition for 6 months while Preservationists seek a buyer for the facility. If the delay is not upheld, demolition will likely move forward within the next month. For more information, you can link to the following Dayton Daily News articles :

• www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/judge-halts-demolition-of-former-julienne-high-1323902.html
• www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyle/losing-juliennes-intangible-spirit-a-heartbreak-1323655.html

DC OPEN HOUSES

Dayton Christian is inviting all of their Alumni to stop by for an "Open House" this spring – no prospective child required! If you haven't seen the new Miamisburg campus, would like to witness first-hand what the school is up to, or just want to reconnect with a former teacher - we'd love to have you join us! I'll be staffing an Alumni table in the cafeteria with lots of yearbooks and alumni information. Please be sure to stop by and say "hello".

Here are the remaining DC Open House dates and times :

• Tuesday, February 21st, 5:30pm – 8:00pm
• Sunday, March 11th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
• Thursday, March 29th, 9:00am – 11:00am
• Tuesday, April 17th, 5:300pm - 8:00pm

Hope to see you this spring!