Houghton Academy Fall 2020
From the Head of School Praise God. We have successfully navigated the first quarter of our 2020-21 school year. As I listen to accounts from colleagues, parents, and even students in schools across this area and NYS, I am deeply thankful that things have gone as well as they have. We are truly blessed to have our students back on campus and following their regular schedules. With the start of this new school year, I cannot say enough about our exceptional faculty and staff. They have responded to the changes and challenges imposed as a result of the COVID pandemic with herculean efforts, grace, and positive servant attitudes. It is an absolute privilege to work with this group of educators. Our students undoubtedly benefit from their commitment to providing a demanding but Christ-centered educational experience. In this challenging environment, we have not only provided a full in-person learning experience, but we have also continued, renewed, and even initiated several new academic programs and opportunities. We are excited to offer a blended grade 6/7 classroom with a dedicated teacher who works with our students in their core academic courses, allowing deeply integrated daily instruction. 8th grade students are scheduled into
Quarterly Report
Earth Science, where they have the opportunity to earn their first high school science credit. Our 10th grade students are privileged to be taking Intro to Computer Applications, where they will earn computer science and math credits. Additionally, students may earn two college Mr. Jonathan Retz with homestay daughter Emily Tankeh '23 (left) and daughter Emma '23 (right). credits in this dual credit course through (student intern), who made this initiative Roberts Wesleyan College. possible. Seeing and interacting with our Once again, our seniors have the opportunity to enroll in college courses on the Houghton College campus—a great experience for our students to earn college credit while sitting in a college classroom. These students have big shoes to fill, as the cumulative GPA earned by the 31 students attending Houghton College classes last year was slightly better than 3.8. Another new program we are proud to launch this year is our live streaming program, where students who are unable to be on campus can live stream into their daily classes. Thank you to Penny Gray, Dr. Anthony Petrillo, and James Jun '21
classmates from across the US and around the world is a wonderful option when they cannot be physically present with us. Schooling in this current COVID pandemic is a challenge for US schools and schools around the world. Houghton Academy has navigated these challenges in a way that allows us the precious opportunity to come together to learn and fellowship. I truly feel that God’s hand of protection has been upon us, and we pray for His continued blessing upon our Academy. Sincerely, Jonathan Retz, Head of School
Board Report Inside This Issue Annual Fund Report ......................2 Phil Stockin........................................3 Residence Life Update..................4 “Hogwash!”........................................4 An “Old” Program Returns...........5 “100 Club”..........................................6 “Together Again!”............................7
We are pleased to announce the addition of Jordan Dover '98 as our newest board member. After graduating from the Academy, he went on to study Political Science and International Relations at Seattle Pacific University. His education continued with master’s degrees earned at Korea University (Korean Studies) and the University of Hawaii (International Relations). Prior to his current role as a Diplomat within the U.S. State Department, he served at NASA in the Department of International Affairs. (Continued on Page 2)
Kristin '97 and Jordan '98 with their children Stella, Jaqi, and Knox.