Ald. Emma Mitts (37th Ward), Congressman Danny Davis and others joined By The Hand and Moving Everest officials snipping the ribbon at 416 N. Laramie Ave, Chicago, to mark the opening of the 52,000 sq. ft., three-story By The Hand Club, which will lease the facility to Moving Everest Charter School during the school day.
“If you wish to move a mountain tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today,” said Donnita Travis, founder and executive director of By The Hand, quoting an African proverb. Children and guests were given small stones, signifying the words of the proverb.
“The stones represent the opening of this new building and school as more steps we are taking as a community to give children in Chicago opportunities to achieve fulfilling and abundant lives,” Ms. Travis said. “It happens one step at a time, or in this case, one stone at a time.”
“Classes begin August 24 with kindergarten and first grade and a grade will be added each year,” explained Michael Rogers, executive director of Chicago Education Partnership and founder of Moving Everest. The school will accommodate 540 students, kindergarten through fifth grade.
“Moving Everest is here to provide parents in Austin with a compelling educational choice that will prepare their children for academic success, help them become proficient and enthusiastic readers, develop strong character and allow them to enter and excel in a college preparatory high school, “ Mr. Rogers added.