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August 9, 2022

To Our Gan Ami Families,

We are excited to announce a significant investment in our Mequon Campus that will positively impact the future of our school!

Since moving into the Linda & Fred Wein Family Center 5 years ago, our Gan Ami-Mequon program has continued to grow. Much of this growth is due to the exceptional work of our educators who create spaces that encourage exploration, build opportunities for our little learners and their families, and inspire Jewish moments for our diverse school community.

It is also due to the tremendous support we have received from you – our Gan Ami families – who continue to share your love for our school with other parents. All of our current classrooms are now on waitlist and prospective families are consistently calling to inquire about available spots for infant care.

Thanks to a generous investment from our school's benefactors, Linda & Fred Wein, construction will take place this fall to expand the footprint of our school facility allowing us to sustain our mission and growth moving forward!

Read all the details below to learn more about what you can expect as this project begins and to save the date for our upcoming Family Info Webinar on Zoom.
What Will the Project Accomplish?
  • The north side of the building will be expanded and redesigned
  • Addition of 6th classroom
  • More functional gross motor space
  • More functional teacher resource room

  • Security upgrades will be installed
  • Cement bollards outside building
  • Security cameras in hallways and building exterior
  • Emergency pulls in classrooms that go directly to police dispatch

  • Additional Work
  • Exterior cement repair to take place during August Professional Development closure
Expansion Timeline
The project is expected to take 75 working days to complete.

August 22 - Construction to begin during Professional Development closure

December 25 - Expected completion date
How is this Project Being Funded?
  • The expansion project is made possible through a generous investment by Linda & Fred Wein. After the initial investment that allowed Gan Ami-Mequon to move into our current space, the Weins have been frequent visitors for Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Seeing firsthand the need to expand to serve more families, they have generously made an additional investment which makes this construction project possible. We are blessed to have benefactors like the Weins who remain committed to the children and families in our Mequon school community.

  • The security project is made possible by grants from the Department of Homeland Security which were secured in partnership with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Room Movement Plan
  • Infants - remain in place during construction and move to two new rooms after project completed
  • Toddlers – Room 1 will be split in half and become two rooms of Toddlers during construction. This has already been approved by our State licensor.
  • Twos - remain in place throughout construction and after
  • K3 + K4 - move to new permanent space before construction begins with increased square footage and more natural light
Construction Safety Plan
  • Construction site will be fenced off on the exterior of the school, adjacent to the playground

  • Construction team will not have access to interior of school
  • Outside doors will continue to be locked at all times
  • Fob access in the school for families and staff only
  • Construction space will be blocked off with plywood and double locks
  • All tools and trucks will remain locked outside of the school space

  • Security cameras are being installed in school hallways and building exterior
Construction Experience Plan
  • Access to Site – Thanks to the cooperation of the Zimmerman Family (JCC members and owners of Jilly’s Car Wash), teams will have access to the construction site from their newly acquired property directly north of the school. This northern access allows us to minimize the impact to our playgrounds and parking lot during construction.
  • Playgrounds – The small playground and ¾ of the large playground will be fully accessible for classroom use throughout construction. Side panels will be added to our 2 tents during construction. This will give the children access to gross motor space with a barrier to rain and wind during construction.
  • Noise – While it is expected that some construction noise will be audible within the school, the construction team is aware of the desire to minimize loud noises during the 1:00-3:00 nap period.
  • Trusted Partner – The JCC has worked with this construction team and the majority of the contractors in the past, and they are familiar with our needs as an early childhood program.
While this announcement is exciting, it may also leave parents with questions and concerns. Please contact Karen or Staci with any questions you may have now or in the future.

We are hosting a Family Info Webinar via Zoom on Monday, August 15 in the evening. During this webinar, families will have an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions. Stay tuned for timing and the link to join the meeting which will be sent out later in the week.

Thank you for continuing to trust us with the care and education of your children. It means everything to us! We are excited to have this opportunity to improve our school facility for your children and to welcome more families to our vibrant community.

Best,
Karen Faust
Gan Ami-Mequon Site Director
Staci Wellentin
Staci Wellentin
Chief Operating Officer
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