TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

School Set To Expand Technology, Upgrade Facility

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA FRAZIER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 8, 2007

Immanuel Lutheran School, on John Moore Road in Brandon, opened its doors in 1980 to 72 students in grades first through seventh. Today, more than 150 students in grades first through eighth are enrolled at the school.

The school's first mission was to establish a strong academic program in a loving, Christian environment.

Principal Dave Geidel, who joined the staff last year, said the school has a long history of academic excellence.

"Many of our students are on the honor roll when they go on to high school," he said. "In addition, our athletic teams are quite competitive in the Brandon Christian Athletic League, and that equips them well for sports at the high school level."

With core academics and extracurriculars in order, Geidel said it's time to start expanding the campus and upgrading its 27-year-old facilities.

"We're hoping to break ground in a month or so on a new youth room that will free up space for a larger computer lab," he said.

Geidel believes it's crucial to keep up with the latest improvements in technology available to students.

"The more we can deliver instruction through the technology-driven world our students live in, the stronger our academics will be," he said. "We're working diligently to keep up with all the advancements."

The school recently purchased projectors and computer software that teachers can use to show 10-minute video clips related to their lessons.

"I was a visual learner and I still am," he said. "The more modalities we can deliver our lessons in, the more effective they will be."

In addition to the computer lab, a Christian preschool is on the principal's wish list.

"Early childhood care is a big need for families today," he said. "A new facility for that would certainly be a blessing. We may even bring some modular classrooms in to establish our preschool sooner."

The school would also like to refurbish its playground. Proceeds from a Valentine Family Tea Party on Feb. 10 will go towards the purchase of new equipment.

"We'd like to add some slides and climbing apparatus and another swing set; things that would enhance the physical activity of our students."

Geidel and his wife, Mona, get their own outdoor exercise riding bikes around their neighborhood and taking walks on the Brandon Parkway.

The couple came to Brandon last July from Loveland, Colo., where Geidel was principal for 23 years at a Lutheran school with students that ranged from preschool through eighth-grade.

"We were fortunate enough to have four children and raise them all in Loveland without disrupting our lives," he said. But it was time for a change, and God led us here to Brandon. My wife and I are looking forward to getting to know the people here."

The Geidels have been busy settling in and haven't had much time to explore their new surroundings yet, but they'd like to. The couple enjoyed attending the Brandon Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker at Blake Performing Arts School in December. They plan to check out the Strawberry Festival in February and go see the manatees at TECO's Big Bend viewing center.

"We're looking forward to exploring Florida," he said.

About Brandon, Geidel said, "Everything is very handy, yet the town has some of the old time flavor and all these little communities around it, each with its own history and traditions."

Immanuel Lutheran School is at 2913 John Moore Road. Information: (813) 685-1978.

Laura Frazier can be reached at lfrazier@mediageneral.com or (813) 657-4523.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT