A Venn Diagram Story

This marble sign, still in place, is placed to the right of the main entrance of what was originally The Econo Lodge of Murphy and Dragon Palace Restaurant, Murphy, NC. The May 1982 date marks not only the completed construction of this Town of Murphy landmark but, interestingly, also the birth date of an idea to found The Learning Center at Green Cove Road in Brasstown, NC. The school would move to the old Ogden School, then to two other locations in Murphy before purchasing the 945 Conaheeta Street Campus, first occupied in 2000. Twenty one years later, the growth in enrollment and programs now warrants an additional second campus to be located at the 78 Terrace Avenue site memorialized in the above picture.

In August 2021, The Learning Center Charter School, started renovation of the 10,000 sq. ft. ballroom level of this hotel for additional campus space. The long-term goal is to complete a full renovation of the structure creating a collaborative educational facility.

As an educator I am reminded of a Venn Diagram that has the ability to pictorially represent two circles, their differences and similarities, ultimately capturing the common elements of the sets represented by the area of overlap in the circles.

Time has brought the concept of learning into a different light. We now understand better the benefits of fluid, open space that allows students the room to create, to collaborate, to tinker, to problem solve, to impact and add value. To have two campuses that capture a strong and significant sense of place in our greater Community of Learners opens our doors to increased possibility and potential.

The differences between the two circles will disappear as a full PROJECT BLU SKY eclipse occurs. The shared similarities will still exist in the strong bones of the building and the creative community spirit infused into the space from Dr. and Mrs. Kong.

How Many Dumpsters Later?

Last Thursday's blog prompted several people to ask for an update on the10,000 sq.ft. renovation project taking place in what has commonly been called "the Ballroom" level of the original Econo Lodge at 78 Terrace Avenue, Murphy, NC.

The picture above captures the first two dumpsters brought to the renovation site at the end of July 2021. The work of taking out all that did not lend itself to an incredibly creative learning space would soon begin. Now, four months and 23 dumpsters later, along with major renovation of every aspect of the original space, we are looking at late January 2022 for occupancy.

Anyone who has tackled a renovation project knows to be prepared for daily adventures. The unexpected is something you can count on. Additionally Covid impacted our work crews, as delays continue to challenge the delivery of much needed material or equipment. Fortunately we have the privilege of working with dedicated and skilled contractors who take pride in their work and know how to ride-out the challenges.

As you look at the above picture, I ask that you look beyond "the start" and see the incredible view from the main floor, a view that captures the beautiful view of blue sky and mountains above the ribbons of highway crossing to form the intersection that leads into the town of Murphy.

What an honor to have our community reach out in support of the undertaking. As people and businesses have given both time and money to our expansion project, our gratefulness grows. We look forward to working with James Hanis Architect as we embrace this historic building and bring it lovingly into its future as a collaborative educational arena designed to grow and add value to our Community of Learners.

The Curve Ball

The recent November 18, 2021, blog "Our Niche` as We Reach for the Sky", developed a February 2021 point on the PROJECT BLU SKY timeline: the educational initiative behind the facility replacement project Blu Sky Observatory was put into words. The seemingly simple act of getting an idea into words had the amazing ability to release even more creative energy. As we worked to mold and shape Right the Future NOW FOR Education into the written form, little did we expect March 2021 would herald in an unexpected curve ball.

For years, some of our parents had asked that we start a high school. The timing had not seemed right up to this point. As Ryan Bender, Head of School, often says, "The stars aligned. Based on students' needs and parents' interests, we knew our Community of Learners was ready for another high school choice." The Learning Center Charter School K-8th grade program officially announced the addition of 9th grade starting with school year 2021-2022, with grades 10 through 12 to be added over the course of the next three school years.

The curve-ball need for expansion to a second campus came quickly as enrollment in all grades increased along with increasing the number of grades we serve. The second campus location at 78 Terrace Avenue deserves its own story in future blogs.

PROJECT BLU SKY, presented here in small, timeline increments has all the makings of a powerful narrative that stands to Right the Future NOW FOR Education.