Pantherbeat - Fall 2018

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

FALL 2018

Pantherbeat Feature: Student-athletes score scholarship offers from more than 60 colleges and universities. > Story on page 3

The award winning Parish Rover is now on display at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. It will be part of an exhibit in the Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall for a year.

ï‚„www.parishepiscopal.org/

roverperotmuseum

WISDOM

|

HONOR

|

SERVICE

PAGE 2 | FALL 2018

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Parish Online

parishepiscopal.org Blessing of the Blazers One of the traditions that kicks off the new year is the “Blessing of the Blazers” for our 9th graders. #wisdom #honor #service

Parish Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoHEguoHYk_/

Balance not Burnout First Day of School at Hillcrest It was another great #parishfirstday at the Hillcrest and Midway campuses! https://www.facebook. com/parishepiscopal/ videos/2174801632793653

Denise Pope, PhD worked with Parish faculty late this summer to discuss how to “Challenge Success.” Mr. Monaco and Dr. Pope sat down for a quick podcast on the topic.

From My Angle Podcast

https://soundcloud.com/user-203363571/from-my-angle-dr-denise-pope

Rain, Rain DON’T Go Away Ms. O’Brien & Ms. Schneider’s PreK 1 class make the most of the rainy weather in Dallas.

@OBrienSchneider

https://twitter.com/OBrienSchneider/status/1050824077999566848/photo/1

Sweet Dreams AP Art Show Parish Episcopal School AP Arts students showcased their summer work in the Jonsson Gallery at the Midway Campus. The Sweet Dreams show ran September 20 - November 8.

Parish Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/291179887 Practically Perfect This year’s Middle School musical, Mary Poppins Jr., was a huge success and featured more than 50 students including a flying Mary Poppins.

Quiz Bowl Members of the Parish Quiz Bowl captured the Hornet Hullabaloo tournament at Greenhill on September 22, knocking the reigning National Championship team out of the finals.

Parish News

https://www.parishepiscopal.org/parish-life/media/news/details/~board/ parish-news/post/parish-quiz-bowl-wins-first-tournament-of-the-season

https://www.instagram. com/p/BohmMF4g4CC

MS Honor Code Signing Following the lead of Upper School, Middle School students participated in an honor code signing ceremony on September 14. Each advisory created an official statement on what honor means to them.

Parish News

https://www.parishepiscopal.org/parish-life/media/news/details/~board/ parish-news/post/middle-school-honor-code-signing-ceremony

New Addition:

Design Den Expansion There’s more room for innovation and exploration at Parish’s Midway campus. During summer, the Middle and Upper School computer labs were renovated creating 4500 square feet of new “maker” spaces for students and faculty.

“What were three computer labs in the building - formerly ExxonMobil’s data center - has now become five classrooms,” said Paul Tidmore, director of educational technology at Parish. “The spaces now accommodate three computer studies and digital arts classrooms, the Innovation Studio and the Virtual Reality and Design Commons also known as the VRaD.” Along with the fresh look comes new and updated equipment: two 3D printers; all-in-one computers that replace desktop computers; a wide variety of hand tools; and a virtual reality system with the HTC Vive headset and hand controllers. All rooms are equipped with new furniture and accessories including glass dry-erase boards, computer desks, workbenches and three collaboration tables; four of the five spaces have new carpet over the existing, raised metal floor. Additionally, a hallway is now open between the renovated area and the existing Design Den giving Parish a total of 8500 square feet of space to be used for design and creation at Midway. ( Continues on page 5)

WISDOM

|

HONOR

|

SERVICE

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

FALL 2018 | PAGE 3

Pantherbeat Feature:

Parish student-athletes receive unprecedented number of college scholarships On any given weekday, when the school day ends, Parish Episcopal School students change out of their school uniforms and into their sports gear. They take a break from the mental challenges of school work and test their physical limits as Parish Panthers. Some students are there to simply explore new skills, while others come to hone their techniques and take their game to the next level. ALL student-athletes will push themselves and learn valuable life lessons about adversity, accountability, camaraderie and teamwork.

The reach of athletics goes deep at Parish with 70 percent of Middle and Upper School students participating in the program. Parish offers 22 programs for student-athletes: fall sports include field hockey, volleyball, football, cheerleading and cross country; winter offers basketball, soccer and swimming; spring has baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, golf, and track & field. There is a tremendous amount of opportunity for students to get involved. Middle School does not have “cuts” and has several teams in each sport so athletes can compete. Upper School offers JV and varsity teams for each sport. While coaches advocate for students seeking college scholarships, they also support athletes who do not want to compete beyond Parish.

Parish student-athletes have benefited from scholarships in football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse, golf, tennis, baseball, and track & field. The athletic department says the reason is simple: talent.

“Scholarship offers vary from year to year,” said McCabe. “We are seeing more this year due to the size of our football senior class and their abilities. Over the last five years, we have had a lot more student-athletes moving on to compete at the collegiate level.

I would say this is because Parish has been fortunate to attract higher level athletes.”

The majority of sports start receiving interest from college recruiters during an athlete’s junior year. However, in football, seniors are

“From day one, we are connecting with many families in the Parish Community,” said Brett McCabe, Parish Athletic Director. “Throw in all the events we host over the course of the school year and it’s easy to see how the community feels involved.”

The Parish athletic department continues to grow as does outside interest in our student-athletes. Scholarship offers have soared this school year with nearly 20 students getting multiple offers in two sports: volleyball with three offers (Reagan Cooper ‘19, Washington State, Hannah Osborn ‘19, Hill College, and Maisen Sturt ‘19, Toccoa Falls College) and football with an unprecedented 15 students being offered scholarships from more than 60 schools. (More offers are expected. The final list will be released at the end of football season.)

“An athletic scholarship for an athlete is one of the highest honors they can receive,” noted Taylor Robinson, Head Coach for Parish Varsity Volleyball. “It is very difficult . . . there are so many factors that go into it.”

“I think there are two things you need to look at when you get an offer,” added Daniel Novakov, Head Coach for Parish Varsity Football.

“Number one, the validation of all of your hard work and the good play on the field; second, it’s an opportunity to go to a really good college at a better price, if not for free.”

More athletic scholarships are expected to come this year in other sports including soccer, tennis and baseball. In previous years,

WISDOM

|

typically the hottest commodity because they are ready for college competition. Parish has 17 talented seniors on the football team this season, creating more interest and opportunities for scholarships.

As always, the goal is to secure scholarships for all seniors on the football team and the coaching staff is close to making that happen.

Another bonus for Panther Football is Preston Stone, the #1 rated quarterback in the class of 2021. He has singularly captured the attention of dozens of colleges and universities. To date, he has around 40 scholarship offers. His skill has encouraged other talented, area athletes to make the move to Parish as well. In return, top college recruiters are coming to see players at Parish, helping athletes avoid the expensive and time consuming travel to summer camps so they can be noticed. Coaches in all sports do their part to secure scholarship interest, but it takes a herculean effort behind the scenes. The coaching staff generates interest by advocating for their athletes, sending in tape and stats, building relationships and getting recruiters on the Parish campus to see student-athletes up-close and in action.

“If your school program has a number of student-athletes receiving athletic scholarships, you are bringing a lot of positive attention to your program,” added Robinson. “It will help in creating interest for future years, as well as building the reputation of a successful program.”

Colleges and universities frequently offer scholarships to students in those strong programs; that means more financial help for families to offset the rising cost of higher education. For some students, that can mean the difference between graduating debt-free or with a stack of student loans. It can also give them an “edge” over other applicants to get into the college of their choice.

HONOR

( Continues on page 4)

|

SERVICE

PAGE 4 | FALL 2018

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Parish Feature Story (continued from page 3) “The ultimate goal of going to a good independent school is to be well prepared for the next step; and for most, that’s getting to a great college,” stated Novakov “The publicity that comes out of these offers, at these fantastic schools, only helps Parish. I think it will ultimately benefit us in admissions and attracting students, especially student-athletes who want to accomplish similar goals.”

Like most coaches, Novakov advises student-athletes to pick the college or university where they can succeed academically and personally. He asks them to consider this question: Where can you see yourself being happy, even if you can’t play?

Not only do the scholarship offers and awards benefit our current student-athletes, it also attracts prospective students and families who are looking for an independent school that offers strong academic and athletic programs.

One only needs to point to the athletic department’s Wall of Fame to see the success of Parish students competing on the collegiate level. Additionally, Parish sits in a competitive TAPPS district going up against highly skilled teams. This tough competition attracts the interest of top Division I schools as well.

“We do our best to provide opportunities for the kids to participate and have a positive experience,” said McCabe. “We hire the best

coaches, allow them to develop our players and coach them up, and then we let them compete.”

The spirit of competition extends beyond the players too. On average, more than 150 students – players, cheerleaders, Rosettes, Drumline and athletic trainers – participate in Friday night lights, basketball games and other sporting events throughout the year.

Not to mention the numerous fans and the army of parent volunteers taking tickets, working the concession stand, running booths and assisting student performers with meals, setup and equipment. Ask any Parish coach or instructor and they will tell you that most people don’t realize the amount of hours put in by the players, coaching staff, athletic trainers, teachers, athletic directors, volunteers and the many others who help athletes succeed.

“I think the one thing that needs to be highlighted in this whole thing is what great kids we have,” noted Novakov. “If people knew the individual personalities and how awesome a lot of these kids are, I think they would really be proud of them and the efforts they put in.”

Parish athletics maintains that these sporting events bring people together and create a sense of pride in the School community no matter if their role is athlete, volunteer, spectator or performer. It’s a chance to get together, bond and create some lasting memories.

Learn more about Parish teams and schedules at parishepiscopal.org/ athletics.

Ask Pete What are booster clubs and who can join?

Booster clubs help support Parish students involved in athletics, arts and STEM by promoting awareness about the programs, student achievements, and by providing assistance and funding. Parish offers three booster clubs memberships - The Arts People, Athletic Booster Club and sySTEMs - and everyone in the community is invited to join. There are different levels of support in each club; all offer perks such as yard signs, activities and fellowship opportunities.

The Arts People (TAP) champions PARISHarts and supports the arts within the broader community. Membership dues and fundraising go directly to specific needs throughout PARISHarts and to the Limitless campaign to build a Performance & Community Center. TAP also hosts gatherings for Parish families and the PARISHarts faculty and staff.

The Parish Athletic Booster Club (ABC) is a group of parents and friends committed to raising funds and awareness for the Parish athletic program which offers 22 sports. The group helps by promoting team spirit, building a sense of community and recognizing our Parish student-athlete’s participation, sportsmanship and achievement. Member support helps fund a number of items including equipment, sports banquets and transportation to tournaments.

This year, Parish added a new booster club called sySTEMs, Supporting Your STEM Students at Parish. Members of sySTEMs provide support for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, and community events for parents, faculty and staff. The club is the result of the strong STEM program and the growth it has made over the past 10 years. Students in PreK-12th grade participate in STEM at Parish.

Learn more about our booster clubs and how to join! https://www.parishepiscopal.org/support/get-involved

WISDOM

|

HONOR

|

SERVICE

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

FALL 2018 | PAGE 5

Design Den Changes (continued from page 2 ) The Innovation Studio benefits students in computer studies classes; provides additional work space for STEM classes; gives all core and enrichment classes room to design, create and build using workbenches and tools in the space. The VRaD area is designed to give students a place to explore and learn more about advanced technologies including VR, AR, 3D design, CAD, 360 video, coding and more.

“Classes are not scheduled in the VRaD area,” added Tidmore.

“Students are invited to use the space during their free periods throughout the day, whether it be for any of the areas mentioned or as a quiet place to study and collaborate with their classmates.”

Classes across all three divisions - Lower, Middle and Upper School – are utilizing the new spaces and equipment. Students in 3rd grade religion will use the Innovation Studio for their upcoming STEM crossover project; Middle School students are busy with Parish, Inc.,

robotics, wood shop and 6th grade science. Upper School courses include contemporary religious issues; English II which recently used the Innovation Studio to make replicas of the Shield of Achilles from their lesson on the Iliad; and Spanish and Latin which have been taking virtual field trips allowing students to experience other locales and cultures. There are also plans for ParishAbroad to take virtual reality field trips, while the MedSci group explores virtual anatomy studies.

There is plenty of room for computer studies courses, digital music and STEM. These design spaces give students the opportunity to try new skills and engage in authentic and meaningful work. The unique formula of relevant hands-on learning, in fully equipped spaces, leads the way for Parish students to become the next generation of innovative and creative thinkers.

There’s still time to

EARN YOUR WINGS

Give to the Limitless campaign before Dec. 31 to reap a year-end tax deduction and help Parish toward its goal of a Performance & Community Center.

To reach our target, we need 200 leadership gifts of $25,000+ in the 2018-19 school year (or $5,000+ annually for 5 years).

Help us build momentum and be a Parish Pilot. Contact Amanda Meter at ameter@parishepiscopal.org or 972.852.8757.

Limitless ad???

WISDOM

|

HONOR

|

SERVICE

parishepiscopal.org/limitless

PAGE 6 | FALL 2018

PARISH PANTHERBEAT

Alumni Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight:

Bob Marshall

By Lauren Ware Henderson, ‘07, Associate Director of Alumni Life after Parish Episcopal School is great for our alumni Longhorns and Sooners. In fall 2018, the alumni team - Lauren Henderson and Diane Webber - took road trips to Austin and Norman to catch up with Parish graduates and host dinner for them.

Austin, TX Under a full moon, deep in the heart of Austin, the Parish alumni team had dinner with more than 20 Parish alumni ranging from Class of 2008 to 2018. Some of the conversation centered on their experiences at Parish and how they are adjusting to college life. College juniors and seniors talked about job interviews and internships, and the anticipation of future job offers.

Others said they were excited about Panther Football and the new programs at Parish.

Norman, OK Parish’s Alumni Red River Rivalry was completed in Norman. Topics of conversations, among the Parish graduates, included ParishConnect,* college degrees, hectic schedules, work, internships and life after graduating from OU. Our Sooner Nation alumni were entertaining and appreciative to have dinner with Parish friends.

Bob Marshall has a simple reason for his devotion to Parish Episcopal School: his granddaughters, Ryland ’22 and Avery ’24. Marshall is also passionate about private and public education and has served on various school boards, finance committees and foundations in the Dallas area for more than 20 years.

Bob currently sits on Parish’s Board of Trustees; chairs the Budget & Finance Committee and serves on the Executive Committee. Along with his wife of 42 years, Mary Ann Marshall, he also co-chairs the grandparent committees for the Limitless capital campaign and Parish Fund.

“I believe education is one of the most important aspects of growing up,” said Marshall. “I love serving the community, mainly the students; it is another way for me to participate in the lives of my granddaughters.”

Bob and Mary Ann have two children, Noelle and Rob (and daughterin-law Erin). He is retired after a long career in computer software having worked for Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Frito-Lay and MarCon & Associates, Inc., a computer consulting and software development company. When he’s not busy golfing or fly fishing, you can find Marshall volunteering at Parish. He got his start at the Hillcrest campus in 2009 dropping his granddaughter off in the kindergarten carpool line. He’s now in his third year as a Parish board member and recently helped with the School’s accreditation process.

“Bob’s help with accreditation was just the latest example of him offering a generous supply of his wisdom, insight and good humor to our work here at Parish,” noted Dave Monaco, Allen Meyer Family Head of School.

In Austin and Norman, we continued to hear that Parish prepared alumni for their college experiences. Our alumni “on the road” trips are such a great way to stay connected and a refreshing way to see our alumni successes. Thanks to our alumni that joined us for the Red River Rivalry meals!

Marshall is always ready with a funny joke and a hug for his granddaughters if he bumps into them in the hallway. He loves going to the annual gala, football and soccer games; and he thoroughly enjoys volunteering and meeting new people in the community.

“Parish has a tremendously talented and dedicated board, faculty and staff that exemplifies excellence in many ways,” added Marshall. “[It’s] fun to be a part of that kind of organization.”

* For more networking opportunities, checkout ParishConnect @ parishepiscopal.org/alumni/parish-connect.

PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL NEWS

FALL 2018

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Mills Managing Editor/Editorial . . . . . . . . Heather Behrens

Contributor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Meter Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Joyner

Alumni & Archives . . . . . . Lauren Ware Henderson ‘07

Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiley Williams

What’s inside: Pantherbeat Feature: Parish student-athletes receive unprecedented number of college scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parish Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Addition: Design Den Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ask Pete: What are booster clubs and who can join? . . . . . . . . . .

Alumni Spotlight: Alumni on the Road in TX & OK . . . . . . . . . . .

Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intern, Paul Quinn College . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sierra Paris

Pantherbeat is the magazine of Parish Episcopal School | 4101 Sigma Road | Dallas, Texas 75244 | parishepiscopal.org

WISDOM

|

HONOR

|

SERVICE

3 2 2 4 6 6