Families and supporters of the Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education came out in full force once again, but this time with buckets, brooms and garden tools for Clean-Up Day at CAPE's new school site at 380 Arneill Road.

With the same drive and energy that brought this new public charter school to fruition, approximately 150 parents and students participated on Saturday, July 7,during CAPE's first clean-up day to prepare the campus for its inaugural school year beginning this fall.

"The turnout was amazing," said Theresa Barraza, CAPE Facility Coordinator. "We were able to get a lot more done than any of us thought was possible in one day."

Volunteers worked together from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new campus, a former private school owned by the First Lutheran Church of Camarillo. The volunteers removed carpeting, cleaned bathrooms and classroom sinks, trimmed the school's trees, sorted and recycled old papers, and cleaned out the school building.

CAPE is already planning a paint day to be held in conjunction with the congregation of the First Lutheran Church as a way to introduce both communities to each other.

"The reception and cooperation we've received from the First Lutheran Church has been incredible," said Chris Parker, CAPE Board Member. "They have really welcomed us with open arms."

The 4-acre campus, which is complete with classrooms, offices and large play yards, will be able to accommodate the K-8 public charter school when it opens on Sept. 5. The school has already hired Janet Kanongata'a as its founding principal and nine teachers, and is also hiring additional staff for the growing school population.

CAPE, a charter school created by a group of parents and teachers from Los Senderos Open School in Camarillo, will preserve and enhance an Open philosophy school that has a 30-year history in the city.

Charter schools are public schools that are freed from many state and local regulations and rules but are still held accountable for improving student achievement. Charter schools also have more academic freedom and flexibility than a public school can get through magnet status or waivers. A charter school may not charge tuition and it may not discriminate. Charter schools are typically smaller than regular schools and they have specific academic targets and themes to achieve as a part of their contract with the chartering entity.

CAPE was chartered by the Oxnard Union High School District earlier this year as a K-12 charter school. It will open as a K-8 charter school this year, with the high school element to be added later only when both boards of CAPE and OUHSD agree to pursue a charter high school.

To learn more about CAPE, fall enrollment, and general information about charter schools, go online to www.CamarilloCharter.org or call (805) 445-1266.

CAMARILLO ACADEMY OF PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION (CAPE) is a non-profit organization established in 2007.