Rive Oaks Baptist School Summer 2019 Vine & Branch Magazine

VINE

& BRANCH A publication of River Oaks Baptist School

Spring 2019

What Is Your Genius? A strategic effort to mine the brilliance within each learner

River Oaks Baptist School is a private, Christian, co-educational day school for students in preschool, lower school, and middle school. Its mission is to prepare students to meet life’s challenges and lead tomorrow’s world through a superior educational program undergirded by faith in Jesus Christ and Christian principles.

“Treat a child as though he already is the person he is capable of becoming.” – Haim Ginott

RIVER OAKS BAPTIST SCHOOL

Contents 1 2 6 10 12 14 18 22 26 30 34 38 40 46 48 50 62 64 68 71

be the example 4 VINE & BRANCH

The Big Picture from Head of School The Next Three Years What’s Your Genius? STEAM Starts Early Family Portraits Student Comics The Road to Nationals Student Achievement Raiders Triumph High School Acceptances A Day in the Life of Rey the Comfort Dog Faculty Distinctions Small Things with Great Love Celebration of Service Legendary Status Alumni In Remembrance: Coach Dickey Volunteers: A Photo Essay Committed to Excellence Our Team

the big picture from the head of school Dear ROBS Family, Have you lived in a home while it was being renovated? The process is messy and tedious, full of big ideas and long on results. That’s what this year at ROBS has felt like. With construction on the Mosing Middle School building underway and another strategic planning cycle in motion, we are entrenched in mission-driven operations with our eyes fixed on the future. No matter how beautiful the design, a lofty renovation depends on a structurally sound foundation. Likewise, we continually assess the strength and durability of our core mission by asking the same questions over and over again. Does ROBS’ programming promote intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral, and social wellness? Does ROBS embody a spirit of inclusivity for all? How do we measure our performance as a faith-based school? That last question always gets me. The truth is I don’t know how to measure “Christian enough.” I bet each of us would have a different idea of how to measure it. If we move forward in academics, arts, and athletics, will it be at the expense of our faith mission? Conversely, will academics suffer from stronger faith curriculum? The beauty of ROBS is not only that we offer both, but that they are inextricably intertwined. It’s symbiosis at work, strengthening the whole education. Let me give an example using a recent experience in Julie Blackwell’s eighth grade English classroom. It was an introductory lesson in preparation of reading “A Christmas Carol.” Julie posted a statement based on a literary theme from the story and the students had to agree or disagree. They posted their opinions on Kahoot, then they lined up on either side of the room (agree to the left and disagree to the right). Next, they had to defend their opinion. The other side got to rebut the opinion. Good ol’ fashion debate! Their arguments employed strong fluid reasoning skills, but that’s not what impressed me the most. Each and every student employed his or her understanding of faith, Christ, and Christian principles into the debate. Each time a statement was posted, the debate included something about God or about their understanding of how Christ wants us to live. Not prompted by Julie, this was all student driven. One of the statements read, “Family is the most important

thing in life.” It was almost 50/50 with agrees and disagrees. The disagrees were ready to say, “No, God is the most important thing in life.” I could hear them discussing it. They thought they had this one in the bag. The agrees went first. They said, “God is our father. He is a part of our family. So, the family is the most important thing in life.” Immediately the disagrees had the wind taken out of their sail. Some even moved to the agree side. A few tried to come up with another reason why they disagreed, but in the end, they all said the agrees are right. There is nothing to debate. If you look for Christ at ROBS, you will see Him – everywhere. We don’t just devote time to Him in Chapel, advisory, or bible classes, He is infused in all we say and do. If you are ever in doubt of it, visit a classroom, sit on the bench with the athletes at a game, read the student work on the walls, sit on the floor with students in Preschool chapel. You’ll hear two-, three-, and four-year-olds who can recite Bible stories better than you and I can. Look for Him, and you will see Him. I am not sure we will ever be able to say that we are “Christian enough.” But I think that is a good thing. If we thought that we were good enough, we might quit trying to be better! ROBS’ commitment to better is precisely what fuels its growth, even when it’s messy. If this issue of Vine & Branch is any indication, the magic happens in the messy middle, in the day-to-day diligence of renovating. I’m pleased to share the many ways the ROBS’ students, faculty, volunteers, parents, alumni, board members, and others commit themselves to better. From strategic planning (p. 2) to faculty continuing education (p. 38) and students serving the community (p.40), these pages highlight just a few examples of how ROBS is getting better every single day.

Onward,

Leanne B. Reynolds Head of School SPRING 2019 1

2 VINE & BRANCH

The Next Three Years As construction crews broke ground on the new Mosing Middle School building— the physical culmination of the 2013 strategic plan—ROBS leaders were in a conference room next door talking about what comes next.

SPRING 2019 3

STRATEGIC PLANNING UNDERWAY

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

This school year, ROBS embarked on a journey to create the School’s next strategic plan. The strategic plan serves as the roadmap for the entire ROBS organization: We do what we say we’re going to do. Last fall, we began by seeking input from literally hundreds of people—parents, employees, board members, alumni, church members, and even students. Every group was asked how the School needs to evolve to best prepare students for the future, as well as what aspects of the School they hope will never change. Out of this extensive process, four priorities for improvement emerged. Because good strategic plans begin with exploration rather than concrete statements, the priorities include questions as starting points.

•

•

•

•

Differentiation: How do we adapt subject area content, teaching processes, classroom tools, and the learning environment to stretch each student to his/her full potential recognizing the uniqueness of each learner’s gifts and abilities? (See “What Is Your Genius” for a deeper look into differentiation.) Diversity & Inclusion: How do we nurture a culture of inclusivity, honoring the humanity and dignity of each student? Wellness: How do we advance programming that promotes emotional, intellectual, physical, environmental, social, occupational, and social wellness? Programming: How do we accomplish the above initiatives recognizing the practical limits of time (academic calendar) and space (ROBS’ campus)?

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20

4 VINE & BRANCH

WHAT NOW? These strategic initiatives sketch a picture of the 2019 Strategic Plan. Now it’s time to add some color. Over the summer the ROBS administrative team will synthesize the data, benchmark ROBS against top private schools, and research industry best practices. With this comparative and historical data, the team will flesh out each initiative with actionable deliverables, overlay a timeline, and forecast associated costs.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT While strategic plans allow for flexibility in terms of how and when to implement the tactics, they typically span a 5-year cycle. With the current planning effort coming on the heels of an expansion doubling the School’s square footage, these initiatives are very much an extension of the priorities set forth in 2013. ROBS leaders will develop action items within a 3-year framework.

COMING SOON Following approval by the ROB Board of Trustees, the School will share the full report with the ROBS community. Expect to see it soon!

SPRING 2019 5

WHAT IS YOUR GENIUS?

6 VINE & BRANCH

Good teachers recognize the genius within each child. Brilliant teachers know how to access and cultivate the genius within each child. This process of accessing and cultivating genius is what the academic community calls differentiation. It’s a movement to shift the focus from teaching to learning. That is, understanding how each student learns best and adapting the lesson accordingly. It’s ROBS’ mission at work, encouraging students to see themselves as uniquely created by God with special qualities and gifts for development. “ROBS educators have always seen each student as uniquely gifted by God, and they recognize that ‘onesize-fits-all’ teaching does not meet all their students’ needs,” says Dr. Todd Herauf, Associate Head of School for Academics. “Now we are working to make differentiation even more intentional and more clearly defined – providing additional training and tools for our faculty and embedding this concept into our culture.” To ensure that occurs, ROBS leaders have set differentiation as one of four major strategic focus areas as they build the new strategic plan. They are asking themselves: “How do we adapt subject-area content, teaching processes, classroom tools and the learning environment to stretch each student to his/ her full potential – recognizing the uniqueness of each

learner’s gifts and abilities?” The answer starts with the learners. Some love lectures and others quickly lose interest. Some learners want to be praised aloud, and others prefer a written note; some do well in noisy settings and some need quiet; some remember what they read and some have to hear it aloud; and some are highly advanced in one subject and struggling in another. Students’ interests also range widely, from space travel and movie making to painting, pop music, detective novels… and more. The variables are limitless, the combinations and permutations creating a learner as unique as his own fingerprint. Differentiation, in essence, maps each fingerprint and creates a formula for helping each student reach his full potential. The beauty is that it benefits all students, at every ability level. The challenge is doing it for 20 kids. In one classroom. At the same time. Once the educator understands each student’s learning style, interests, topic-readiness, attention capacity, and life experience, she can start adapting the lessons. The key to both understanding the learner’s profile and differentiating accordingly is to give students choice. As one would imagine, the lessons

SPRING 2019 7

Verbal-linguistic intelligence (word smarts)

Naturalistic intelligence (nature smarts)

Logical-mathematical intelligence (number smarts)

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (body smarts)

Interpersonal intelligence (people smarts)

Intrapersonal intelligence (self smarts)

Musical-rhythmic intelligence (music smarts)

Spatial intelligence (picture smarts)

can look as different as the learners. Depending on the learning objective, a teacher might allow choice in the end product: read-and-write learners write a book report, visual learners create a graphic organizer of the story, auditory learners give an oral report, and kinesthetic learners build a diorama illustrating the story. In process differentiation, students who love to listen to books may choose an audio book, while visual and word learners may use textbooks instead. In a language arts lesson on theme and genre, ROBS second graders pick an assignment from a menu of choices, each one appealing to a different learning preference: create a comic strip, write a paragraph, conduct an interview, write creatively, or edit and

8 VINE & BRANCH

revise a piece of writing. Students in Jeff Reynolds’ sixth-grade World History class embark on an African research expedition to gain a deeper appreciation of the world of past and present Africa. Learners choose from a list of research topics and research products, but also may suggest others. “Students showcase their new knowledge and skills in innovative, unique and meaningful ways,” Reynolds said. “They set appointment times to meet with me to design, create, and discuss execution of their research projects, some of which may include game design, web design and layouts for newsletters.” In ROBS Tech Integration, fourth graders working in a group must create an iMovie showcasing various regions of Texas. The group members decide how they

will create this multi-sensory experience, each one naturally drawn to a preferred mode of story-telling. Some students lead by conducting research, others spearhead scriptwriting, others lead by collecting applicable images and others contribute through engaging narration. Every group’s finished project is different and displays students’ unique gifts. In Prekindergarten, teachers break learners into small groups for reading instruction. They design the lessons specific to the learners’ level of letter and word recognition, interest (princesses or superheroes, for example), and comprehension ability. In Readiness, advanced readers are encouraged to read to younger children to build confidence and fluency. The teachers

will even add guided reading groups for students needing some additional support. Learners who are advanced in a particular subject may be “taught up,” gaining higher grade-level opportunities within the same classroom. Teaching up means starting with high level curricular expectations and using different methods to lift the kids up, rather than teaching at a level that’s too easily accessible. For example, currently Spanish is taught in multiple ways (i.e. conversation, projects, web-based applications) so that it resonates with all types of learners. Nearly all ROBS students place out of Spanish I in high school and many place out of Spanish II. ROBS also gives educators flexibility in rearranging their classrooms to shape a lesson or to accommodate different learning styles. Middle School teachers will conduct a brief lecture, then split the students into discussion groups based on their interests. Later, students may choose to continue to work on their project alone in a quiet space or collaborate on a presentation in a flex-space filled with comfortable seating. Students are allowed to read a book at a standing desk or lying on the floor, if that improves reading comprehension and focus, or to read wearing headphones to avoid distraction. “We have amazing faculty at ROBS, and they have always spent time getting to know our students,” said Leanne Reynolds, Head of School. “Taking differentiation to the next level allows us to be even more intentional in helping learners thrive and grow in their own distinctive, individual ways. All these kids are brilliant. It’s our job to help them find their genius.”

“Albert Einstein wrote, ‘Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’ The question I have for you at this point of our journey together is, ‘What is your genius?’” – Matthew Kelly, The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose

SPRING 2019 9

STEAM STARTS EARLY STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) programming prepares children to be excellent problem-solvers, creative collaborators, and thoughtful risk-takers.

Building with toothpicks and marshmallows is harder than it looks. Readiness student Lucas Chavez must use creativity, dexterity, and focus to generate symmetry and balance required for the delicate structure.

10 VINE & BRANCH

Exploring with blocks helps children learn math, science, and even language, as well as social skills such as collaboration. Rectangles, cylinders, and chutes inspire little engineers to create their own playscapes, environment, and activities. From obstacle courses to castles, there are endless possibilities to what our preschoolers can design.

SPRING 2019 11

Family Portraits Second graders apply artistic technique to highlight personal perspective

Shelby Lum The family portrait project is new this year and the second graders were completely engaged from the sketched start to the watercolor finish. We discussed different pose options, creative ideas for including pets, and ways to incorporate tributes to loved ones who are no longer with us. Students also added their own personal touches to their backgrounds by drawing a place that is meaningful to their family or keeping it simple, so the people are emphasized. They really had a great time merging their in-class knowledge with their individual perspective to illustrate how their family is unique. I wish the finished pieces could give you a peek into all the amazing conversations that happened during this project. It was truly a meaningful and fun artwork for all our students. –Ashley Mosely, Lower School Art Teacher

Ava Wood

12 VINE & BRANCH

London Wu

Emmy Beck

Emily Murphy

Hannah Amiralai

Jushin Sidhu

Micah McCord

Zoey Fisher

SPRING 2019 13

Student Comics The fourth graders flexed their creative muscles by using the figurative language techniques of onomatopoeia and idioms to make a short comic strip. Illustrations are a great way for visual learners to process and absorb concepts taught in class.

14 VINE & BRANCH

SPRING 2019 15

16 VINE & BRANCH

“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” – Albert Einstein SPRING 2019 17

The Road to Nationals Year-round practices, lunchtime conditioning sessions, weekend tournaments—the commitment is intense. Competitions often last eight hours or more, so players have to build stamina and endurance. Focus and speed are critical. Teams must be fluid, members instinctively anticipating each other’s moves and responding with agility. A disciplined offense has pushed ROBS’ newest team into an arena of elite competitors. But these students aren’t your typical athletes. They are quiz bowl players. Quiz bowl is a game in which teams compete headto-head to answer trivia. Questions cover myriad subjects, including history, literature, science, fine arts, current events, popular culture, sports, and more. Think of it as team Jeopardy!, but the questions are harder and you don’t win money. So why do it? The creators of quiz bowl say they’re shepherding 21st century Renaissance thinkers who can discuss Aztec mythology and enlightenment philosophy as effortlessly as they might food, football, or fashion. But the kids say they do it because their teammates are “radical” and they “like hanging out with fellow geeks.” In other words, it’s fun. A handful of ROBS Middle School parents spearheaded the creation of a ROBS quiz bowl team three years ago when they learned about it from friends at other Houston schools. Originally the parents conducted practices, but by its second year, sixth grade science teacher Suzanne Bryant—a former academic decathlete herself—had assumed leadership as the ROBS Quiz Bowl faculty sponsor and team coach. In addition, the team began training with an unexpected volunteer—executive director of the Texas Quiz Bowl Alliance and venerated quiz bowl champion, Dr. Chris Romero. Recognizing their raw talent and charmed by the team’s earnest determination, Dr. Romero asked if he could work with the ROBS kids. He attended weekly practices the entire year. The Middle School

18 VINE & BRANCH

team shouldered its way through local tournaments, ultimately placing second in the state championship. At the same tournament, the ROBS fifth and sixth grade team placed first in the state! This year the Raiders qualified for nationals in their first tournament. But that doesn’t mean they phoned it in for the rest of the season—there are no lifelines in Quiz Bowl. Each tournament is anybody’s for the taking, with unexpected victories and upsets. At one pivotal tournament in the fall, the Middle School team had fallen behind its opponent almost irreparably (40180). Suzanne Bryant, who ping pongs between the Elementary (grades 5-6) and Middle School (grades 7-8) team matches, discovered her crew looking lethargic at the buzzer. The ROBS team was understandably lackluster after a week of sports commitments, rehearsals for the fall musical, and the seventh grade class trip to T Bar M. A victory seemed out of reach. It would require not only winning every single question thereafter, but racking up extra points by buzzing early and earning bonus questions. A pep talk from Mrs. Bryant ignited their perseverance… motivating ROBS to a 185-180 win. Despite their achievements, ROBS’ reputation on the quiz bowl circuit may have more to do with team spirit. The ROBS players enter each tournament under different aliases. At Christmastime for example, the leaderboard listed AOS Team A, AOS Team B, SJS Red, SJS Black, and the ROBS Easter Bunnies. At another tournament, ROBS entered as cheese varieties—Team Gouda, Team Brie, and Team Cheddar. The players relish the camaraderie that comes from their unconventionality. Each warmup ritual includes a joke told by eighth grader Sophia Jazaeri. “It’s not that we don’t care,” she says, “but if we mess up, we just laugh about it and move on.” Their opponents may unravel after minor setbacks or exhibit frustration

Suzanne Bryant (second from left) and Julie Blackwell (third from left) conduct quiz bowl practice with the middle school team.

ROBS ELEMENTARY TEAM (GRADES 5-6)

ROBS MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM (GRADES 7-8)

Bobby Barrett (6th) Caden Brandt (6th) Amanda Brantley (6th) Carter Burke (6th) Anna Guerrini (6th) Henry Li (6th) Johnathon Li (6th) Zaniya Prasla (6th) Riley Pratka (6th) Hashim Saeed (6th) Luke Yard (6th)

Camron Baldwin (7th) Isabella Caruso (8th) Samantha Fowler (8th) Austin Howes (7th) Mason Howes (7th) Sophia Jazaeri (8th) Joseph Marshall (7th) Catherine Moursund (7th) Patrick Sullivan (7th) Ava Winn (7th) Ben Who (7th)

SPRING 2019 19

toward teammates who whiff questions, but the Easter Bunnies are often overheard encouraging each other after misses and congratulating each other on successes. Their positive determination just might be their secret weapon. Eighth grader Samantha Fowler says quiz bowl teaches them sportsmanship and perseverance because “we lose a lot.” Their humility and humor belie their actual record. The sixth grade team defended their title as state champions this year following an undefeated season. Sixth grader Luke Yard and seventh grader Camron Baldwin were invited to compete in the prestigious Individual Player National Championship Tournament. And Camron Baldwin, Samantha Fowler,

Sophia Jazaeri, and Catherine Moursund represented ROBS this May at the national championship tournament in Chicago, competing against some of the smartest kids in the country. In the end, ROBS placed 86th out of 176 teams from across the country. As usual the players represented the School with the good-humored spirit they’ve become known for, demonstrating resilience and optimism in defeat. “Winning is fun, but what these kids have is worth so much more than a trophy,” says Suzanne. “They’ve got character and faith.” Congratulations to the Easter Bunnies. You ARE the example.

Camron Baldwin was one of eight students in the country named a “Rising Star.” He ranked 38 out of 918 total players from across the country.

Sixth graders Caden Brandt, Johnathon Li, Henry Li, Amanda Brantley, Anna Guerrini defend ROBS’ title as state quiz bowl champions in their age group.

Camron Baldwin, Samantha Fowler, Sophia Jazaeri and Catherine Moursund compete at the national quiz bowl championship tournament in Chicago, IL.

20 VINE & BRANCH

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A SEVENTH GRADER? 1

2

3

This rock is felsic and has a lower specific gravity, but is otherwise very similar to, scoria. Volcanic eruptions near the ocean produce large rafts of this vesicular rock, which is often used as an abrasive. Name this extremely porous volcanic rock that floats on water.

Geraldine needs to find the value of x that satisfies the equation 4 times the quantity 2 raised to the x power equals one-half. By remembering that 2 to the x equals 1 over 2 to the negative x, she is able to compute. What is the value of x?

Although he wrote it during a happy time, this composer’s sixth symphony, in A minor, is nicknamed “Tragic.” This composer wrote “The Song of the Earth” and a symphony nicknamed for the large number of musicians it requires. Name this composer of the Symphony of a Thousand.

BONUS Round •

This country’s Gangkhar Puensum is often considered the world’s highest mountain that has never been climbed. Name that mountainous Asian country governed from Thimphu.

•

The king of Bhutan is named after this mythical fire breathing creature, one of which appears on the country’s flag.

•

Bhutan was part of this ancient “road” connecting Asia with Europe. It is named for a type of prized fiber produced from a particular worm. ANSWERS: 1. pumice / 2. x = -3 / 3. Gustav Mahler / Bonus Round: Bhutan / dragons / Silk Road SPRING 2019 21

Student Achievement AWARDS HIGHLIGHT ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

DUKE TIP The Duke Talent Identification Program allows high-achieving students to participate in high school level testing. Seventh graders who perform in the top 5 percent nationally on part of a standardized test are invited to take the SAT or ACT along with high school juniors and seniors. The test gives students another data point of academic ability. GRAND RECOGNITION Top 10% relative to high school upperclassmen Lea Voytovych Benjamin Who Benjamin Who (pictured above as con man Harold Hill in The Music Man) and Lea Voytovych (pictured below at the Singers concert) received Grand Recognition in the Duke TIP program.

22 VINE & BRANCH

STATE RECOGNITION Top 50% relative to high school upperclassmen Alden Davenport Charles Donnell Sarah Margaret Hill Abby Hou Austin Howes Sophia Hung Lucy Katz Andrew Konar Tori Livingstone Simon Marquez Joseph Marshall Serena Moore Farris Murchison Michael Murphy Michael Nguyen Amelia Novotny Corbin Robinson Lauren Shu Scarlett Suffel Nelson Wong Ella Yu

CHESS TEAM Only in its third year, the ROBS Chess Team continues to impress, achieving status as the second best elementary chess team in its division at the 2019 Texas Scholastic Super State Chess Championships. The team also placed seventh in the state’s Elementary Grand Champion Team Standing.

Top row (left to right): Patrick Guerrini, Tripp Goydan, Jayce Flowers, Keon Kwauk, Wes Kozar, Fred Oates, Graham Johnson, James Santana Front row (left to right): Adriana Popovic, Conner Lee, Evie Laskaris, Thea Popovic, Niko Laskaris

SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING CONTEST The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the most prestigious in the country for young artists and writers. Work is judged on originality, technical skill, and personal voice or vision. National Silver Key Samantha Fowler, Personal Narrative Regional Gold Key Samantha Fowler, Personal Narrative Sophia Jazaeri, Personal Narrative Garrison Rabalais, Personal Narrative Benjamin Who, Journalism Benjamin Who, Journalism

Samantha Fowler is the only ROBS student to receive a national Scholastic Writing award in 2019.

Regional Silver Key Danny Gilbane, Personal Narrative Christopher Karmonik, Personal Narrative Regional Honorable Mention Amy He, Personal Narrative Hannah Jones, Drawing

Danny Gilbane and Amy He serve as masters of ceremonies at the 2019 variety show, ROBS Has Got Talent.

SPRING 2019 23

NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM The National Spanish Exam is administered to students in grades 6-12, most of whom are in high school. Students are evaluated with others taking the same level of Spanish, regardless of age or grade level. Gold medal winners place at or above the 95th percentile of students taking the exam. Silver medalists place between the 85th-94th percentile. Bronze medalists score between the 75th- 84th percentile. SPANISH 2 GOLD MEDAL Samantha Fowler John Greeley Amy He Estefania Lopez-Salas Aileen Paredes Yousuf Saeed SILVER MEDAL Isabella Caruso Christopher Karmonik BRONZE MEDAL Jalen Bradley Jeremiah Broughton Caroline Hankamer Elizabeth Reed SPANISH 1B GOLD MEDAL Naomi Capdeville Charles Donnell Grant Greeley Sarah Margaret Hill Austin Howes Lillian Jones Eloise Klaasmeyer Tori Livingstone Vilmos Lo Catherine Moursund Zeke Rivera Mary Caroline Sudduth Lea Voytovych SILVER MEDAL Mya Broughton Caroline Girard Annika Haug Chandler Hollis Abigail Hou Mason Howes Sophia Hung Lucy Katz Mark Morris Michael Murphy Max Palermo Amelia Novotny Elisha Rabley Lauren Shu Scarlett Suffel

24 VINE & BRANCH

Sebastian Vlahos Mary Louise Wareing Billy Wheless Benjamin Who Nelson Wong Leo Zeng

Naomi Capdeville made a perfect score on the National Spanish Exam.

BRONZE MEDAL Camron Baldwin Nhu Chu Isabel Curran Jonathan Daniel Alden Davenport Joseph Marshall Lilly Bella Meiss Farris Murchison Mary Shepherd Ava Sklar Patrick Sullivan Rhyder Swen SPANISH 1A GOLD MEDAL Emma Chang Chloe Davis Bethanne Fitts Eva Misso Hashim Saeed Izzie Wheelock SILVER MEDAL Amanda Brantley David Capobianco Joshua Freeman Charlie Grace Robert Hamner Johnathon Li Lilly Mach Corbin Robinson Vivian Turbidy BRONZE MEDAL Daniel Fanning Ella Fox Stephen Gill Andrew Konar Serena Moore Bella Perdue Annie Wareing Alice Zhang

Anna Guerrini placed 15th in science at the state championship.

STATE MATH AND SCIENCE CHAMPIONSHIP Nine Raiders from the ROBS Math Club qualified for the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association state championship in San Antonio, which hosts more than 1,200 middle school students from across Texas. Camron Baldwin Samantha Fowler Anna Guerrini Andrew Konar Johnathon Li Zaniya Prasla Ben Who Alice Zhang Oliver Zhang

Science Science Number Sense / Math / Science Science Number Sense Math Number Sense / Math Number Sense / Math / Science Number Sense / Math / Science

Several Raiders also received special awards in regional meets this year. Anna Guerrini Anna Guerrini Zaniya Prasla Ben Who

12th place in Science 18th place in Science 14th place in Math 19th place in Number Sense

YEARBOOK HONORS In a publication almost solely recognizing college and high school yearbooks, the Balfour Yearbook Yearbook awarded ROBS an Honorable Mention for excellence in the production of the 2017-18 yearbook, the 11th consecutive ROBS yearbook to receive the award. The staff was led by Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Bragg and Assistant Editor Michelle Cai.

VARIETY SHOW More than 30 talented Middle School students performed in the annual ROBS variety show. This year’s show had it all—from standup comediennes to concert pianists, a ukulele master, and more. An illustrious panel of judges award the four top spots, while the students vote to determine “People’s Choice” winner.

Second Place: Henry Li, “Nocturne in C# minor” First Place: Michelle Liu, “Spring of Xingjiang” Third Place: Scarlett DuBose, “Never Know”

Honorable Mention – The Niew Niew Band: Austin Howes, Evelyn Mach, Lilly Mach, Ben Who

People’s Choice – The Weekenders: Charles Donnell, Hudson Holthouse, Annika Haug, Michael Murphy, Lauren Shu

SPRING 2019 25

Raiders Triumph PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF

FOOTBALL USA Football invited Stephen Gill to play quarterback on the U.S. National Team at the league’s Texas bowl game. Teams for bowl games are made of the best middle school athletes from across the country.

LACROSSE The eighth grade boys went head to head with St. Francis in the championship game, ultimately placing second in the conference. Team members include Matthew Bosarge, Dean Davis, Patrick Dobson, Brooks Danile, Danny Gilbane, Grant Greeley, Chandler Hollis, Powell Jordan, Jackson Kincannon, Will Lewis, Vilmos Lo, Mark Morris, Max Palermo, Garrison Rabalais, Robert Riser, Perri Soper.

26 VINE & BRANCH

SWIMMING The girls swim team captured the conference championship, propelling ROBS’ swim program to second place in the conference. Mya Broughton, Estefania Lopez-Salas, Tori Livingstone, and Elizabeth Reed set a new conference record in Girls 200 Medley Relay, originally held by ROBS. Estefania LopezSalas broke two more conference records, in Girls 100 IM and Girls 50 Breast Stroke.

HOUSTON JUNIOR PREPARATORY CONFERENCE SCHOOLS Annunciation Orthodox School Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart First Baptist Academy The John Cooper School The Kinkaid School Presbyterian School River Oaks Baptist School Second Baptist School St. Francis Episcopal Day School St. John’s School The Village School

SPRING 2019 27

Fight like a girl. Jump like a girl. Run like a girl. Finish like a girl.

Twelve ROBS girls named Track & Field conference champions 28 VINE & BRANCH

TRACK & FIELD The eighth grade boys and girls placed second in the track and field conference championship, with several Raiders winning individual events. 2019 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS Joshua Freeman 6th Grade 800 Meters Tori Livingstone 7th Grade 800 Meters, 1600 Meters Danielle Earles 7th Grade Shot Put Mason Howes 7th Grade Discus Emme Day 8th Grade 200 Meter Hurdles Samantha Fowler 8th Grade Discus Macy McCallum 8th Grade Triple Jump

Matthew Bosarge 8th Grade 100 Meter Hurdles Jalen Bradley 8th Grade 200 Meter Hurdles, High Jump Spencer Greeley 8th Grade Shot Put Zaniya Prasla, Lily Barker, Cate Turlington, & Laila Muslih 6th Grade 4 X 100 Lily Barker, Cate Turlington, Chloe Hollis, & Laila Muslih 6th Grade 4 X 400 Elisha Rabley, Emme Day, Macy McCallum, & Estefania Lopez-Salas 8th Grade 4 X 100

CROSS COUNTRY Tori Livingstone won the individual cross country conference championship (grades 7 & 8).

GOLF Powell Jordan placed 5th at the conference championship with a 1 over par 71. Amelia Novotny, Georgia Junell, and Annika Haug won the Village Invitational golf tournament.

SPRING 2019 29

“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!” –Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

30 VINE & BRANCH

High School Acceptances CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2019 As much as we love to see ROBS students enriching our classrooms every day, we also love to see them move on to the next level, knowing they are well prepared to succeed wherever they go.

1

9

St. Thomas High School

12

St. John’s School

8 4

St. Agnes Academy

8 2

The Post Oak School

The Kinkaid School

29

Houston Christian High School

Episcopal High School

62

15

14

12

1

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

ALL HIGH SCHOOLS CHOSEN

23

Bellaire High School (1) Episcopal High School (29) Harriton High School (Pennsylvania) (1) Houston Christian High School (2) The Kinkaid School (4) Lamar High School (1) Memorial High School (1) The Post Oak School (1) St. Agnes Academy (9) St. John’s School (12) St. Thomas High School (1)

11

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (11)

Attending Total accepted

SPRING 2019 31

“Educating the mind without educating

32 VINE & BRANCH

the heart is like no education at all.” – Aristotle

SPRING 2019 33

A Day in the Life of Rey the Comfort Dog Rey Reynolds joined the Student Support Office last fall as the official ROBS comfort dog. He was hired after two eighth grade students presented a proposal to have a comfort dog on staff—an idea which stemmed from their Capstone Scholar project. The students presented a compelling, research-based case, finding that comfort dogs can enhance children’s psychological development, improve social skills, increase empathy, and relieve anxiety. According to their research, simply petting a dog can decrease levels of stress hormones, regulate breathing, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, students often use a comfort dog as an excuse to visit the school counselor’s office. Newly adopted by Head of School Leanne Reynolds, Rey seemed like a perfect fit for the job. The mild-mannered King Charles Cavalier obtained certification as an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and was ready for his new role. Or was he? According to him, it’s not the glamorous gig everyone thinks it is. Contributors: MacLaine Gray and John Greeley

7:30 A.M. Mom and I walk to work. Even though we live behind the school, the walk takes FOREVER because everyone wants to stop and pet me. All the kids know I’m safe because I wear my official employee badge. I’m a bit of a celebrity around here. And let me tell you, it is hard work.

7:45 A.M. We finally make it to the elevator (mom knows I don’t like the stairs) and I sprint to her office to dodge any adoring fans. The first hour of work is my favorite, and perhaps the most important, because that’s when I take my first nap of the day. Mom says I’m her laziest employee but she’ll never fire me. My performance reviews are too good.

34 VINE & BRANCH

10:40 A.M. More snuggle time (err, listening time) with students. It’s a good thing I’m here to calm them down. Middle school life can be very stressful, especially when you forget to bring your morning snack. From what I can tell, this is a VERY SERIOUS SITUATION. It can even be deadly. My friends say they could die of starvation before lunch time. Dr. Gregg says they need to learn responsibility, but I think that’s just wrong. I mean, they could actually DIE. I am very attentive in these circumstances because I know how upsetting it is to be cheated out of a muchdeserved snack.

10:30 A.M. Dr. Gregg leaves the office in between appointments. I pretend to be asleep so she won’t put me in my kennel. Once the coast is clear, I dash to the trashcan where I am bound to find a feast. Candy wrappers, smoothies, salsa… the messier, the tastier. It’s called dumpster diving. You should try it!

9:00 A.M. Time for my first appointment. I am escorted to the student support office where I help the Middle School counselor, Dr. Melanie Gregg. I’ve already learned so much about being a good listener. You get REALLY CLOSE to the person talking and lie on top of them. Once comfortably positioned, you dose off. The louder you snore, the more comfortable you make people. Dr. Gregg’s listening skills could use some improvement if you ask me. She smiles and nods and asks questions and stays awake the WHOLE TIME. I try not to be too hard on her. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and she’s like 150 years old in dog years.

SPRING 2019 35

12:00 P.M. My friends Ava and Emily pick me up for my midday walk and potty break. I prefer to be carried in the loud and crowded hallways but I know I’ll get a treat if I cooperate so I walk. This is usually a mistake. All the giant people surround me, their hands fly toward my face, and their voices get higher when they see me. Everyone is obsessed with me—the STRUGGLE IS REAL. Luckily, I know exactly what to do: roll on my back and play dead. It works every time (and I get some extra tummy rubs).

12:15 P.M. After play time with my friends, I get to eat again. Yay! The vet told mom I’ve gained too much weight. I don’t know what that means but mom got irritated and told the vet to Speak Life! Then she gave me a treat for good behavior.

12:30 P.M. I have visitors! Kids pop in to Dr. Gregg’s office all day long just to see me. She is so nice and doesn’t seem to get her feelings hurt that they like me more than her. She’ll even ask them how they are doing and before you know it, they’ve been talking for hours… I think. It’s hard to keep time when I’m sleeping.

36 VINE & BRANCH

3:35 P.M. Dr. Gregg brings me back to mom’s office. We use the elevator, duh. After such a long day, I take an afternoon nap until it’s time to go home. I sleep easy knowing that I have done such a terrific job. Really, humans and dogs aren’t that different. We all just want to love and be loved on. It’s a good thing ROBS has me to #betheexample.

2:30 P.M. Hot diggity dog! A special delivery from my secret admirer. It’s true – I have a secret admirer. Doggy bones and squeaky toys with special notes addressed to me appear mysteriously. If you know who it is, will you tell her (or him?) that I love the treats but pleeeeeeeease stop sending the costumes? Mom makes me wear them to show my gratitude. You would be annoyed too if you had to go to work dressed as a sunflower.

SPRING 2019 37

Faculty Distinctions ROBS faculty actively seek opportunities to grow as educators and, by extension, improve the experiences for all of our students. ROBS faculty have also become sought after thought leaders, educating not just students but other educators. They are invited to share best practices at conferences far and wide.

The Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS) invited Leanne Reynolds to serve on the Board of Directors and to chair the Elementary Standards Committee. ISAS is the six-state regional arm of NAIS, which provides accreditation and promotes standards of excellence for private schools across the country.

Deidre Brooks presented her research on “Benefits of Digital Literacy in the Early Childhood Classroom” at the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC) annual conference.

Emily Matteson will receive her master’s degree in teaching this June. She also attended the Conference for the Advancement of Mathematical Teaching last summer.

Curriculum coordinators Sarah Graham and Dr. Kathy Hogan presented, “An Innovative Look at Differentiating Instruction in the Literacy Classroom” at the regional Reading and Writing Conference. Sarah also completed several literacy courses at Columbia University and Rice University. Rachel Gleitman presented “Power On: Amplifying Creativity with Digital Tools” at the Texas Computer Education Association annual convention which focuses on educational technology resources, innovative instructional practices, and curriculum integration.

38 VINE & BRANCH

“Who dares to TEACH must never cease to LEARN.” – John Cotton Dana

A joint program of the Harvard Business School and Harvard Graduate School of Education awarded Brian Mahabee and Sarah Graham the Certificate in School Management and Leadership for completing the Leading Change course.

Austin Rogers completed a master’s in education this May.

The Stanford School selected Leanne Reynolds and Dr. Todd Herauf to its Creative Catalyst Cohort—a group of educators from across the country who collaborate in workshop settings to drive design thinking work deeper at their respective schools.

The Southwest Educational Research Association selected Dr. Katie Alaniz to present her research paper “Investigating the potential of multimedia to expand teachers’ perceived effectiveness at engaging learners and enhancing student achievement” at the 2019 annual meeting. This presentation was one of 10 she delivered at conferences and universities statewide on the power of technology as a learning tool.

Maria Franshaw earned her Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership from HBU after defending her dissertation on upper elementary students’ and teachers’ perceptions of teaching and learning in math. In her free time she presented at half a dozen local and national conferences, including the National Math Teachers Conference.

SPRING 2019 39

40 VINE & BRANCH

Small Things with Great Love By Melanie Hightower

ROBS initiated an overhaul of the Service Learning program this year to prioritize quality over quantity. The Service Learning curriculum now emphasizes hands-on activities that revolve around one of three areas of focus: 1.

Poverty (including hunger and homelessness)

2.

Environmental sustainability (including clean water and biodiversity)

3.

Serving those who serve us (i.e. first responders and members of the armed services)

When our students leave ROBS, they will have a deeper understanding of some of the world’s challenges, as well as how they can help address them.

Prekindergarten student Bailey Fisher had just delivered a care package to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and her heart was full. Brimming with snacks and cards of appreciation, the colorful basket represented a gift of gratitude from River Oaks Baptist School to first responders as part of All-School Day of Service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The deputies were touched by the outpouring of love on the students’ cards, the special delivery of scrumptious treats, but most of all for being recognized on the day celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. The gesture’s impact was not lost on Bailey. “We need 100 baskets!” she exclaimed on the way home, pointing out every police car and fire station along the route. Creating opportunities for our students to share God’s love and experience the joy of serving others is the cornerstone of our Service Learning program. Service connects deeply to our mission to prepare students to become tomorrow’s leaders through a combination of academic excellence and Christ-like love. This year, we have been reshaping our Service Learning efforts to emphasize hands-on activities that revolve around one of three areas of focus: poverty, environmental sustainability, and serving others, especially those who serve us. To increase the impact of these experiences, before the activity students learn about the need that will be addressed; afterwards they take time to reflect. This three-part structure can transform even a small act of service into a powerful tool for building children’s empathy and fostering their belief that they can make a difference in the world.

SPRING 2019 41

ALL-STUDENT PROJECTS In 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that one out of five Houston children live in poverty. This sobering statistic frames the two projects that unite our entire student body. In the fall, students of all ages bring gentlyused coats and shoes for a drive benefiting the clothing closet at Christian Community Service Center (CCSC). Before delivery, students sort items by size and gender and tally the results. This year’s totals: 275 coats and over 400 pairs of shoes. In the spring, older students partner with their younger buddies to make 2,500 sack lunches for Kids Meals, which serves young children with food insecurity. In debriefing the experience, fourth grader Jack Ritter said, “When I would hear about a tragedy like someone’s house burning down, I used to feel hopeless. But now I realize there are things I can do to help, and that makes me feel useful.” Seventh grader Thompson Knight added, “Sometimes people aren’t responsible for the circumstances they’re in—they get sick, or they lose their car in a flood and can’t get to work, or maybe they’re a veteran with PTSD.” Another student had an epiphany, too: “One day, we could be the ones who need help.”

42 VINE & BRANCH

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10

The mission of Service Learning at ROBS is to advance the mission of the School through hands-on experiences that have a positive impact on our School, our city, and our world. We believe these experiences should: • • • • •

Integrate academic concepts with handson service and reflection; Build relationships with people with varied life experiences; Explore students’ individual and collective ability to make a difference; Connect service with Jesus’ call to love and serve our neighbors; and Strengthen students’ character and commitment to a lifetime of service.

VOLUNTEERING AS A COMMUNITY

GRADE-LEVEL ACTIVITIES Grade-level teams also choose age-appropriate service projects, often selecting activities that connect with their curriculum. Students recycle crayons, pen letters to military personnel and veterans, and tutor younger students at an HISD elementary school. This year, reflecting the true meaning of Christmas, fourth graders bypassed a holiday party and instead repackaged rice and beans for clients of CCSC and Mission Centers (formerly called Gano Baptist Mission). Afterwards, one student wrote, “I wanted to make sure every bag was perfectly packed, so the people who received them knew they were packed with love.”

We know children learn in part by observing the adults around them, so we create opportunities for the entire ROBS community to serve together. For example, ROBS celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as “a day on, not a day off.” This year, instead of sleeping in, over 450 students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni worked together on seven different projects around the city to address some of Houston’s biggest concerns. By the end of the day, ROBS families had donated over 1,200 hours of service—the equivalent of 150 people working for an entire day—to make the Houston community stronger. “Our family loved meeting and working with other members of our ROBS community,” said Kathleen Connelly, who volunteered at the Houston Food Bank with her husband and three daughters. “There were so many valuable moments, like the nurturing and kindness my girls received from other ROBS parents and students. At dinner, my girls wanted to know who would receive the food we packaged. I felt so proud of everyone’s willingness to help.” Week in and week out, we encourage our students to be the example. These words are more than a catchy phrase. Rather, they summarize what a ROBS education is all about. To cultivate a culture of service, we offer young hearts and minds myriad ways to do small things with great love. As Mother Teresa said, “None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” Melanie Hightower is the Director of Community Initiatives.

SPRING 2019 43

A Day On ROBS celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a “a day on, not a day off,” with more than 450 people participating in seven service projects across the city.

Volunteers like Jackson Pierce (grade 3) restocked food pantries with 1,000 pounds of beans, rice, flour, and coffee. Others organized and distributed food such as canned goods and frozen meat at the Houston Food Bank.

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Elliot (grade 5) and Lori Jazaeri make a no-sew blanket, one of 75 delivered to area homeless shelters.

Volunteers assembled care packages and delivered them to first responders at twelve local fire and police stations.

44 VINE & BRANCH

In keeping with this year’s character theme Speak Life, sisters Abby (grade 3) and Emma (Kindergarten) Leonard made valentines for Meals on Wheels recipients.

Alexa (grade 2) and Ronda Jones wrote messages of encouragement to children living in homeless shelters. Families assembled over 600 hygiene kits for CCSC.

The ROBS’ Service Learning program prepares students to be the leaders of tomorrow’s world through a combination of academic readiness and Christ-like love and service. Volunteers donated, sorted, and transported over 3,100 books to Books Between Kids for distribution to children in low-income neighborhoods. SPRING 2019 45

46 VINE & BRANCH

Celebration of Service Pastor Miley retires after 26 years In January, Pastor Martus Miley ended 54 years of ministry – 26 as the spiritual leader of River Oaks Baptist Church – by encouraging his congregation to love each other deeply and to love others as Jesus loves them… to “share life” in a truly meaningful way. He and his lovely wife and ministry partner Jeanie have shared life in a most special way, serving as spiritual mentors, role models, servant-leaders, and teachers of the Gospel – not only for their congregation but also for ROBS, which is a ministry of the church. Right out of seminary, Pastor Miley worked with young people as the leader of the Baptist Student Union at Angelo State University, then served as pastor of Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo. His ministry at River Oaks Baptist Church began in 1992. For more than a quarter century, he has preached hundreds of sermons and performed baptisms, marriages, and funerals for families he loves like his own. “Pastor Miley baptized my two daughters, and he performed the marriage ceremony for my oldest daughter,” said Gail Stewart, church member, longtime ROB trustee and former ROBS parent. “He handled the services for my husband when he passed away. He’s been such an important part of our family – not just as a spiritual leader and example, but as a kind and steady friend, too.” Jeanie teaches a popular Sunday school class, in addition to publishing books that help people apply biblical teachings to their everyday lives. “Jeanie has always been selfless in her support of the church,” Stewart said. “I have been in her Sunday school class for many years, and she has a great ability to build strong connections with all ages and with both women and men; it’s wonderful to witness.” Friends describe the Mileys as approachable, relatable listeners who put themselves last and who connect to people in an authentic way. Pastor Miley’s collaborative, humble leadership style has played a particularly important role on the ROB Board of

Trustees through the years, significantly strengthening the relationship between the School and the Church – and giving the School the space to grow and change in innovative ways without losing its Christian focus. His steady presence on campus demonstrated the Church’s steadfast support of the School, from attending events and cheering on the Raiders to just visiting with students in the cafeteria. The ROBS community came together in January to offer choral music, speeches, prayers and gifts to celebrate the life and service of the Mileys. They chose the song, “Speak Life,” as the special music for the allschool service because Pastor Martus has spoken life to so many. Over 25 years, nearly 2,000 ROBS graduates have left with his encouraging prayers covering them. The Mileys have three daughters and eight grandchildren. They enjoy country-western dancing, great restaurants, and time with friends and family. “Martus and Jeanie are dear to me and to ROBS,” said Leanne Reynolds, Head of School. “He has had a profound impact on my life, guiding me personally and professionally. He and Jeanie are mentors, teachers and friends. We love them, and we are so grateful for all they have done for the church, the school and the community.”

SPRING 2019 47

Legendary Status A hallmark of any great organization is its employees—people who value their work and stay for a long time. In this sense, River Oaks Baptist School is richly blessed. Teachers like Jeff Reynolds and Barbara Luengas are ROBS icons, weaving continuity through the School’s history and grounding alumni in shared experiences. The following faculty and staff members celebrated these milestones on their journey with ROBS.

“All I ask is that my students love this country.” – Barbara Luengas

48 VINE & BRANCH

BARBARA LUENGAS – 42 YEARS Barbara Luengas recalls with great clarity the Church’s beginnings with her father Walter Farmer, Dr. Carlos Hamilton, and a handful of other men. They first met in homes, then schools – they even had a stint in the River Oaks Theater where Sunday School was actually held in the foyer of the ladies restroom. When the sanctuary was completed in 1953, ten-year-old Barbara was the first member to be baptized there. Years later, when she had married and divorced, and found herself trying to survive and provide as a single mother, it was ROBC and ROBS that gave her work. “They not only made it possible for me to eat, they made it possible for me to support and educate my family.” To say she has given back is an understatement. She started teaching at ROBS 42 years ago in the fourth grade classroom, worked in the nursery, put on the first school play, coached students in public speaking, and even taught seventh and eighth grade Social Studies at the same time. But her love was and is U.S. History, and her greatest reward comes when students report that she influenced their ultimate career choice. “All I ask is that my students love this country,” Barbara says. And even as teaching techniques change, Barbara claims it is the unchanging Christian aspect of ROBS that provides the stability and strength moving forward. “We’ve never needed to teach Baptist doctrine here,” she says, “because we simply teach the love of Christ. That is our greatest offering.” Barbara concluded her final year of teaching at ROBS this May, achieving what many teachers only hope to become—a legend.

VICTOR PULICH – 28 YEARS Coach Victor Pulich’s 28 years of dedicated leadership and service at ROBS end in May as he retires from his current role as Dean of Students. Three years ago, Pulich transitioned from a quarter-century role as ROBS’ Athletic Director, passing the reins to his friend and longtime colleague Coach Jesse Martin. Pulich served as Head Tennis Pro at the Houston City Club prior to joining ROBS as Athletic Director in 1991. He began to lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes more than 20 years ago, and he and Martin led it together for many years. In addition to his work at ROBS, Pulich also served as interim Youth Minister at River Oaks Baptist Church for almost two years. In all aspects of his life, he incorporates character building with discipline, serving as a faith example for all those around him. “Coach Pulich’s faith is the hallmark of his life, and his students and colleagues know it,” said Leanne Reynolds, Head of School. “His ability to hold students accountable, apply fair consequences and offer them grace is what made him an exceptional coach and an even better dean. He is a great colleague and friend, and he has made a huge impact here. He will definitely be missed.” Pulich is not sure what is next – perhaps work in a ministry role. “I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with thousands of the brightest, most talented students and athletes Houston has to offer. lt was an absolute blessing to serve here for nearly three decades.”

SERVICE AWARDS 40 YEARS Penny Jackson

30 YEARS Holly Tindel

25 YEARS Gay Lee Pearce Sharon Reardon

20 YEARS Lila Mazzone

15 YEARS Sally Cooper Lisa Gilmore Diane Klinkerman Joy Lord Maritza Mora Kristin Poe Maria Reyes

10 YEARS JUDY MCCLOUD – 21 YEARS Judy McCloud retires after 21 years at ROBS, first as receptionist and then in the Admission Office. Judy was often overheard empathizing and counseling anxious applicants as if they were her own adult children, earning her the office nickname Mother Superior.

Henry Barrios Michelle Bunch Melissa Chavez Cecilia de Lankford Robert Garivey Linda Girala Sarah Graham Deborah Harper Melanie Hightower Brenda Martinez Francy Mitchell Tomasa Perez Ashley Plunkett Marco Quiroga Melinda Williams

SPRING 2019 49

Portrait of a ROBS Graduate CLASS OF 2014 Before they headed to college, members of the ROBS Class of 2014 distinguished themselves at their respective high schools. Check out what they have already accomplished.

50 VINE & BRANCH

Merrie Afseth earned the national Scholastic Silver Key award for Architecture & Design and an Effort Award for ceramics at EHS. Throughout her years, Merrie won various arts awards including Teacher’s Choice Award for Studio Arts and a Scholastic Gold Key for Architecture & Design. Ali Ammons received All-SPC for cross country and track and field while at Kinkaid. Ali was also President of Kinkaid Cooks for the Community. Alexander Andrews won an award for Excellence in Drawing at EHS. Alexander received a University Scholar Scholarship at Southern Methodist University. Lynn Ashby earned Academic All-District football awards both junior and senior years at Strake. He also received Honorable Mention All-District for football and lacrosse senior year. He was also named All-State Second Team for football by the Texas High School Coaches Association. Lynn received an academic scholarship at Rhodes College where he is also playing lacrosse. Charlotte Baird earned an award for Best Female Lead Performance for her role in “Women of Lockerbie” at EHS. She also earned an award for Best Ensemble Performance for “Godspell.” William Carpenter was All-SPC Honorable Mention for football while at St. John’s. Samuel Chen earned awards for Pre-AP Honors Spanish III and AP Chemistry as well as being named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Samuel also earned an AP Capstone Diploma at Carnegie Vanguard High School. A triathlete, Samuel received second place in the Fairfield Triathlon Aquabike Race. Matthew Chin received a Most Improved Player Award for junior varsity boys soccer his freshman year at EHS. In 2017, Matthew earned Honorable Mention for Drawing at a Visual Arts Student Exhibition. David Dickerson earned awards for a National Spanish Exam Gold Medal, AP Physics, and AP English III. David also earned an AP Scholar with Honors award at Westlake High School in Austin. He also received All-District and All-State Honors for varsity

football and lacrosse as well as Most Improved Player for varsity lacrosse. David received a full academic scholarship at United States Military Academy at West Point. Gabrielle Ducote received Most Valuable Player for girls lacrosse while at EHS. Ian Evans earned awards for Most Outstanding Crew Member for “Into the Woods” and for “Women of Lockerbie” while at EHS. Ian received an academic scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. Allison Favaloro earned an academic merit award at Kinkaid. She also received an award for being the school record holder in the 4x100 meter relay. She was also All-SPC for track and was the SPC champion in the 4x100 meter relay her junior year. Allison earned a school newspaper award in addition to a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown Award. Her junior year, Allison was a National Scholastic Press Association Honor Roll Journalist as well as a Pacemaker finalist. Allison received a Faculty Scholar Scholarship at Texas Christian University. Codi Fillmore received HISD Player of the Year while at Bellaire High School. Codi was also named first team All-District all four years in varsity basketball. Additionally, she was the district’s Most Valuable Player for volleyball and basketball her senior year. Codi was named as “Top 30 in the Greater Houston Area” for girls volleyball and basketball. Codi was also a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. Codi received both a merit scholarship and athletic scholarship to play volleyball at Dillard University. Justin Fox earned an Exemplary Effort award at EHS. He also received a Trustee Scholarship at Trinity University where he is playing baseball. Peter Geib earned a Commended National Merit Scholar award at EHS. He was also All-SPC for baseball sophomore and junior years. Peter is playing baseball at University of Texas at Austin where he received an athletic scholarship. Alex Graham earned awards in Algebra II Pre-AP, Spanish II Pre-AP, Geometry Pre-AP and was the valedictorian at Memorial High School. He was also an Academic

SPRING 2019 51

Scholar for the football team. At Memorial, Alex was a freshman Young Life leader. Daryn Grams earned a Climb Award at EHS. She also received a Most Valuable Player award for softball and was All-SPC all four years for softball. Daryn received an Academic Excellence Scholarship at University of Houston. Miranda Greenwalt received a Sportsmanship Award for varsity girls golf at EHS. Miranda earned a Scholastic Silver Key for Photography, APTI Honorable Mentions and first place awards for photography. She also earned Honorable Mentions, as well as first and third place awards at EHS art shows. Miranda also earned the title of Most Outstanding Advanced Photographer her junior and senior years at EHS. Miranda received an Academic Honors Scholarship at The Savannah College of Art and Design. Cole Hammer led the University of Texas golf team to the NCAA National Championship tournament against Stanford, ultimately placing second. Hailey Herrold earned a Highest Academic Honor award and an Effort Award at EHS. Greg Hilyard was on the honor roll at EHS. Sydney Holt’s short film, “Dissolution,” was an official selection for Austin Spotlight Film Festival, Austin Student Film Festival, and Red Corner Festival while she was at St. Agnes. This film also earned a Young Filmmakers Track - Cinema Ed Storyteller’s Citation. John Hornung earned an Editor of the Year Award and a National Hispanic Scholar award at Strake. Paul Hung earned the Eagle Scout Rank as well as a Boy Scout National Conservation Award for Troop 55 while at Strake. He also received an award for Distinguished Project Leadership of the Glenn and Melinda Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year. Matthew Irby received an award for Outstanding

52 VINE & BRANCH

Team Contributor for varsity rugby at Strake. Matthew received a Founder’s Scholarship at Creighton University. Catherine Jackson earned a Regional Scholastic Silver Key award for a persuasive essay and an award for Academic Honors at St. John’s. She also earned Presidential Service Awards all four years. For NCL, she won a Yellow Rosebud Award and a Yellow Rose Award, and an award for most hours in her grade level. Elizabeth Jesulaitis earned a Climb Award at EHS. Katie Leppert was on the honor roll at St. John’s. Scott Little received Most Improved Player for baseball his freshman year at EHS. Langston Louis earned an Arts & Humanities Distinction award at Strake. He was also a member of the district championship basketball team his freshman year. Langston was the No. 2 guitarist for All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2016. At Strake, Langston earned an Outstanding Jr. Knight of Peter Claver Award. Nick Malanga earned a Senior Leadership Award for debate at Strake. Isabelle Marlin was on the honor roll at HSPVA. Will Mercer is playing baseball at the University of Notre Dame. Madison Miller earned an AP Scholar with Honor award and an award for Excellence in the Study of Foreign Language at EHS. She also received a Most Improved Award for cross country, a Sportsmanship Award for field hockey, and was Player of the Week for soccer and for field hockey. Madison won an award for Honorable Mention at an EHS art show. Madison earned her NCL Completion of Service. Natalia Nassar earned a Spanish Bronze Medal Award and was a member of the Dean’s List at St. Agnes. She also received a Tiger Pride Award. Natalia also received a Presidential Service Award her sophomore year. Natalia is playing tennis at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she received an athletic scholarship. McKamie Quine received a Most Improved Award for swimming at Memorial High School. McKamie

also earned a Fred Gibson Servant of Christ Award. McKamie received an Academic Achievement Award Scholarship at University of Oklahoma. Madi Quine received Most Valuable Player for soccer and an award for Highest Season Point Scorer for track at Memorial High School. She also received an award for Most Outstanding Sophomore Girl. Madi received a Distinguished Scholar Award Scholarship at University of Oklahoma. Bailey Reynolds received an award for Best Cheer Flyer at Lamar High School. She also earned an award for her work for Best Buddies. Scott Robins was part of the Congress for the Future Medical Leaders of America at Strake. Wiley Rogers earned a spot on the U.S. Sailing Olympic team. Wiley is on the sailing team at Stanford University. Nick Smith won an award for guitar his senior year at EHS. Lexie Spalding was the field hockey team captain at Memorial for two years, and she received three offers to play field hockey at the collegiate level. Lexie received an academic scholarship at Baylor University.

Juliet Sweeney earned an academic effort award at EHS. She also received a Most Improved Dancer award as well as Best in Show for 3-D art, Runner Up Best in Show for 2-D art, and Runner Up for Most Outstanding in ceramics and in painting. She was also named Student of the Month for studio arts. Juliet received an academic scholarship at University of Texas at Austin. Bradley Thomson received an academic scholarship at Texas A&M University. Ellery Wheeler earned awards for AP Biology, National Spanish Exam silver medals, and an award for being National Merit Commended at St. Agnes. Sam Wilson won an Exemplary Arts Effort Award in 2015 and a Most Promising Studio Artist award in 2016. In 2018 EHS named her Student of the Month for studio arts, and she won awards for Outstanding Artist in Drawing and Academic Excellence in studio arts. Sam received a Merit Scholarship at Maryland Institute College of Art. Kelsey Womack earned Exemplary Effort awards both freshman and junior years at EHS. She also received a sportsmanship award for cheerleading her senior year. Kelsey received a Dean’s Gold Scholarship at Baylor University.

SPRING 2019 53

CLASS OF 2014 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

CEDAR CITY, UT David Grinstead Southern Utah University

UTAH 1

STANFORD, CA Wiley Rogers Stanford University

SANTA CLARA, CA Dennis O’Connell Santa Clara University

CALIFORNIA 8

LOS ANGELES, CA Ali Ammons University of Southern California Charlotte Baird University of Southern California William Carpenter University of Southern California Madison Miller University of Southern California Sydney Holt California State University Isabelle Marlin Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

54 VINE & BRANCH

AUSTIN, TX LUBBOCK, TX Samuel Chen Parker Davis University of Texas Texas Tech University Peter Geib Scott Robins University of Texas Texas Tech University Cole Hammer University of Texas Hailey Herrold University of Texas John Hornung University of Texas Katie Leppert University of Texas Michael Melody University of Texas John Peterkin St. Edward’s University Nick Smith University of Texas Juliet Sweeney University of Texas Sasha Vermeil University of Texas

SAN ANTONIO, TX Justin Fox Trinity University COLLEGE STATION, TX Greg Hilyard Texas A&M University Matthew Chin Texas A&M University Gabrielle Ducote Texas A&M University Preston Elsom Texas A&M University Alex Graham Texas A&M University Paul Hung Texas A&M University Elizabeth Jesulaitis Texas A&M University Nick Malanga Texas A&M University Sloane Soler Texas A&M University Bradley Thomson Texas A&M University

OMAHA, NE Matthew Irby Creighton University

NORMAN, OK Ian Evans University of Oklahoma Madi Quine University of Oklahoma McKamie Quine University of Oklahoma

COLUMBIA, MO Zachary Green University of Missouri

WEST POINT, NY David Dickerson United States Military Academy at West Point

SOUTH BEND, IN Will Mercer University of Notre Dame

MASSACHUSETTS 1 BOSTON, MA Victor Netland Northeastern University

NEW YORK 1

RHODE ISLAND 1 NEW JERSEY

NEBRASKA 1

MARYLAND 1

INDIANA 1

OKLAHOMA 3

ALABAMA 4

GEORGIA 2

LOUISIANA 3

FORT WORTH, TX Nicole Betts Texas Christian University Will Edens Texas Christian University Allison Favaloro Texas Christian University Julian Fertitta Texas Christian University Bettyann Leonard Texas Christian University Luke Schaeffer Texas Christian University

LEXINGTON, VA Drew Woodfolk Washington and Lee University

MEMPHIS, TN Lynn Ashby Rhodes College Austin Bell Rhodes College

WASHINGTON, D.C. Jordan Kramer Georgetown University Blake Ogle Georgetown University Ellery Wheeler Georgetown University

CHAPEL HILL, NC Reed Dickerson University of North Carolina WINSTON-SALEM, NC Alex Faison Wake Forest University

SAVANNAH, GA Miranda Greenwalt The Savannah College of Art and Design ATLANTA, GA Langston Louis Georgia Institute of Technology

DALLAS, TX Alexander Andrews Southern Methodist University Katie Erikson Southern Methodist University WACO, TX Margaret Connelly Baylor University Micah Morris Baylor University Will Nickell Baylor University Lexie Spalding Baylor University Kelsey Womack Baylor University

NORTH CAROLINA 2

TENNESSEE 2

BALTIMORE, MD Sam Wilson Maryland Institute College of Art

WASHINGTON D.C. 3

VIRGINIA 1

MISSOURI 1

TEXAS 40

PROVIDENCE, RI Noah Dahlberg Providence College

HOUSTON, TX Drew Caver University of Houston Daryn Grams University of Houston Catherine Jackson Rice University

NEW ORLEANS, LA Merrie Afseth Tulane University Codi Fillmore Dillard University LAFAYETTE, LA Natalia Nassar University of Louisiana at Lafayette

AUBURN, AL Nicole Zivley Auburn University TUSCALOOSA, AL Johnny Carrabba University of Alabama Scott Little University of Alabama Bailey Reynolds University of Alabama

SPRING 2019 55

Lifelong Community Lifelong community—it’s the sustaining gift alumni say they treasure most. The gift of knowing you were loved. The gift of knowing you are always welcome back with open and loving arms. The gift of a ROBS education can never be taken away.

FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD CHAIR A typical reaction when I tell people I am headed to River Oaks Baptist School for an alumni meeting is “for your middle school?” Most colleges and some high schools engage alumni through reunions and fundraising efforts, but it is rare for a school that ends in eighth grade to have an active alumni base. ROBS is different. It laid the foundations of my faith, cultivated lifelong friendships, and prepared me for high school and beyond. Head of School Leanne Reynolds says newly graduated alumni often pop in her office to tell her how high school is going (and how much more prepared they are than their peers). And many alumni are on campus every day with their own children who now attend ROBS. Graduates of ROBS belong to a community for life. If you have drifted, I encourage you to reconnect. I think you too will realize how extraordinary the ROBS experience still is—even as a graduate. Sincerely,

Laura Sellingsloh ’07 ROBS Alumni Board Chair

2018-19 Alumni Board Laura Sellingsloh ’07, Chair Kadriye Gunay Alcorn ’02 Kelly Bernard ’06 Stephen Brewer ’99 Carlisle Weaver Brock ’97 Brian Friday ’00 Collin Gerry ’96 Kevin Hassenflu ’07

Richard Howell ’97 Jerrien Johnson ’05 Lauren LaFollette Morris ’98 Lauren Murdock ’02 Sarah Sullivan ’04 Anna Grace Thompson ’08 Michael Weekley ’01

To learn more about the ROBS Alumni Board or to share a class note, email Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Mary Catherine Sharman ’94 at mcsharman@robs.org.

56 VINE & BRANCH

“Everyone says ROBS ends in eighth grade. But only the schooling ends. Not ROBS. You’re part of ROBS forever.” –Elizabeth Cox ’18

SPRING 2019 57

Class Notes

1988 Meredith McCord appeared on the Discovery Channel’s show Silver Kings on February 24, 2019.

1989 Ryan McCord was featured in an article in the Houston Chronicle on January 11, 2019. The article was about McCord Development’s project Generation Park in northeast Houston.

1992 Warren Ellsworth and his wife Rachel welcomed son Warren Aldrich IV on November 7, 2018.

1993 Knox Nunnally spoke to our Lower and Middle School students about the importance of honoring those who have served in the armed forces at our Veteran’s Day chapels in November of 2018.

1996 Jennifer Campo and Arthur R. Rogers welcomed son Tennyson Monroe on May 25, 2018. He joins big brother Riggs.

58 VINE & BRANCH

1997 Thomas McConathy and wife Elizabeth welcomed daughter, Julia Kimball McConathy, on December 27, 2017.

Taylor Harrell married Adam Brock on April 5, 2019.

1998 Houston Braly was named Physician of the Year at Memorial Herman Orthopedic and Spine Hospital.

1999 Travis Traylor married Mimi Hayes on March 17, 2018.

2000 Simon McCloud and wife Sally welcomed their second son, Thomas Wade McCloud, on April 1, 2019. He joins big brother Bowie.

2001 Kate Bomar rode on the UT Texas 4000 team to raise money for cancer. She was among 24 teammates who pedaled the Rockies Route from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska (4,000+ miles) in a period of 70 days.

2003 Grant Pinkerton, owner of Pinkerton’s Barbeque, was named to the Forbes 2018 30 under 30 list in Food and Drink. He is the first ever pitmaster honored on the list. He will open his second location in downtown San Antonio in 2020.

Taylor Webb Cason and her husband, Ryhn, welcomed daughter Caroline Elizabeth on August 17, 2018. She joins brothers Noah (7) and James (2).

2005 Morgan Bates married John Watson on March 16, 2019. Classmate Catherine Cohen traveled the farthest to attend the wedding. Catherine Cohen was recognized by W Magazine as one of “The 10 Women We are Thankful For in 2018.” Edmond O’Suji married Mia Brown on November 3, 2018. His brother Stephen ’10 as well as classmates Matthew Trauber, Jerrien Johnson, and Travis Masterson were all part of the wedding party.

2006 In January 2019 Katherine Kuntz launched her own travel company called Hope African Adventures. They offer personalized safaris and unique wilderness excursions throughout Southern and Eastern Africa.

2007 Matt LaFollette married Caroline Bennighof on November 17, 2018. ROBS classmates, Parker Fleming and Jordan Schuler, were groomsmen.

Todd Moore and his wife Morgan welcomed a son, Mills Gardere, on June 4, 2018.

2008 Anna Grace Thompson married Andrew Rohr on March 30, 2019. Tye Griffith served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids include Haven Deveau, ’15, and Caroline Paterson. Colette Mark married Caleb Ellis on March 9, 2019. Sister, Carissa ’07, was her maid of honor.

2009 Isabelle Graham married Jack Wagner on May 18, 2018. Her sister Frances, ’12 and brother, Alex, ’14 were in the wedding party. Isabelle will graduate from Texas A&M in May with a Masters in Architecture. Mia Gerachis was nominated by Broadway World for Best Actress in a Regional Production for her portrayal of Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde.

2010 Audrey Briscoe is attending University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Courtney Favaloro is attending Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. SPRING 2019 59

Class Notes

(continued)

2011

2016

Jeremy Colvin’s soccer accomplishments at Princeton earned him a spot on the 2019 MLS SuperDraft list.

Brennan Howell earned the Leadership Award at the Episcopal High School Varsity Athletic Awards in the fall of 2018.

2012

2018

William Kennedy will represent the United States at the Men’s Handball Junior World Championship in Spain this summer. William, a current chemical engineering major and handball athlete for Texas A&M, played at the collegiate national championship in April, and was the tournament’s overall leading scorer, helping his team win a fourth-place victory.

2014 Cole Hammer won the 116th Western Amateur Championship in August of 2018. David Dickerson received a scholarship from the National Football Foundation.

2015 Michael and Matthew Boling both graduated from Strake Jesuit this year, Michael as valedictorian and Matthew as the first high schooler in the world to break 10 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Matthew will run track at the University of Georgia and Michael will study aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech.

60 VINE & BRANCH

Allie Irwin, freshman at St. Francis High School, received a National Silver Medal in the 2019 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Alex Haug and Allie Irwin along with their classmates at St. Francis designed and built an art car inspired by their school mascot. Their car won third place in the school division of the 2019 Art Car Parade.

#ROBSHOUSTON

Do you LIKE us yet? Join our online community with just a few clicks: LIKE us on Facebook /RiverOaksBaptistSchool FOLLOW us on Twitter @robshouston & @robsathletics FOLLOW us on Instagram @robshouston CONNECT with us on LinkedIn

SPRING 2019 61

62 VINE & BRANCH

In Remembrance:

Coach Ronald James “Ron” Dickey Longtime ROBS Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator, Coach and P.E. Teacher Ron Dickey passed away on December 15, 2018, at age 61, of complications from cancer. During his 18 years at ROBS, Coach Dickey became a beloved presence on the ROBS campus. In the months since his passing, his legacy has grown even stronger. Because he taught P.E. classes, students at every level interacted with him. He coached football and track, but everyone knew basketball was his favorite. He last coached at ROBS in fall 2017 due to his illness. In keeping with his coaching legacy, his battle with cancer looked more like a team event to the caregivers at MD Anderson. ROBS students, teachers, and even past students made videos and posters. They wrote cards and letters. They filled his hospital room with words of hope and encouragement. ROBS was Dickey’s second family. After his passing, handmade tributes, cards, and memorabilia appeared on Coach Dickey’s office door, spilling into the hallway. The students were mourning the loss of their coach and friend. Parents, colleagues, and friends were doing the same, establishing the Coach Dickey Athletic Fund and naming the ROBS basketball court in his honor. At his memorial service just two days after Christmas, students, colleagues, and family members packed River Oaks Baptist Church – leaving standing room only. Alumni and students shared personal memories: the huge dimples in his cheeks, his laugh that made others laugh with him, and the kind and respectful way he treated everyone he met. Ron Dickey Court—created with donations given in his honor—preserves Coach Dickey’s name, but his daughter Taylor (’09) captures his real legacy: “There will never be another Ron Dickey. But I think if there were a few more like him – more kind, more gracious, more patient, loving, humorous and lighthearted – well then, the world would be a lighter and more peaceful and wondrous place.”

SPRING 2019 63

THANK YOU TO

64 VINE & BRANCH

OUR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers at River Oaks Baptist School truly shine. If you visit the ROBS campus on any given day you will find parents donating their time and talents in countless ways. From planning and implementing the annual Fall Fair, passing out sandwiches in the lunchroom, leading admission tours, or helping out in the Library, our volunteers are plugged into nearly every activity of the school. They are a key component at ROBS because they help make the smallest to biggest of tasks run smoothly and, most importantly, keep up the fun! We are so grateful for all the ways these parents serve our community and help make ROBS the special and unique school it is today.

SPRING 2019 65

66 VINE & BRANCH

“Intelligence plus character— that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

SPRING 2019 67

Committed to Excellence ROBS receives national recognition for campaign and Vine & Branch publication The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recognized River Oaks Baptist School with seven development and communications awards, including two gold and one silver in the prestigious Platinum category. CASE is an industry association for school advancement teams (development, communications, admission). In its 5-state district ROBS is the only school below the college level to ever receive a Platinum award. The majority of award recipients are institutions of higher education like Rice University and University of Texas. These awards demonstrate ROBS’ commitment to excellence in all things, but more than that, they reflect the exemplary efforts of our parents, students, faculty, staff, and many other supporters, all surrounded by an abundance of God’s grace. These are your accomplishments.

PLATINUM AWARDS

ACCOLADES

GOLD – Best Practices in Fundraising Challenge to the Finish: Completing the KIDS.LOVE.LEARNING. Campaign for River Oaks Baptist School

GOLD—Major Gifts/Campaign KIDS.LOVE.LEARNING. Capital Campaign

GOLD – Best Articles of the Year

SILVER—Institutional Identity Program Marketing and Admission Materials highlighting “Why Choose a School that Ends in Eighth Grade?” BRONZE—Design, Magazine Spread

SILVER – Best Practices in Communications and Marketing

68 VINE & BRANCH

HONORABLE MENTION – Publication Design Series Marketing and Admission Materials

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:11

SPRING 2019 69

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

70 VINE & BRANCH

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Jacques Hodges, Chair Jaime Casas Nell Frances Connally Susan Cox Josh Davis Tim Day Jim Donnell Angie Gildea Molly Glotfelty Scott Hill Terry Huffington, Emeritus Mark Jones Brandt Leibe Butch Mach Nkem Omebere-Iyari Joe Poff Dax Sanders Katie Stanton Gail Stewart Lois Wright, Emeritus Randy Wright

Leanne Reynolds Head of School Todd Herauf, Ed.D. Associate Head of School for Academics Deborah Harper Associate Head of School for Advancement Paul Mayhew Associate Head of School for Operations Dawn Hanson, Ph.D. Head of Preschool Amy Womack Head of Lower and Middle School Brian Mahabee Senior Technology Director Kristin Poe Director of Admission

Ex-officio Leanne Reynolds Martus Miley

Meghan Blanton Director of Marketing and Communications Paige Martin ’85 Director of Development

ACCREDITATION ISAS, ACTABS, Praesidium

Ex-officio Martus Miley Pastor, River Oaks Baptist Church

PUBLICATIONS Managing Editor: Meghan Blanton Writers: Meghan Blanton, Melanie Hightower, Cherise Luter, Michelle Morris Photographers: Donna Donnell, Jan Edwards, Cherise Luter, David Shutts, Paul Swen, ROBS faculty and staff Designer: C2-Studios, Inc. We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine. If we have made an inadvertent error, please accept our apologies. You may contact Director of Marketing & Communications Meghan Blanton at mblanton@robs.org regarding ROBS publications. SPRING 2019 71

River Oaks Baptist School 2300 Willowick Houston, Texas 77027 713.623.6938 www.robs.org

be the example

Ambitious academics rooted in abiding Christian values WATERCOLOR TREE Alight with playful color, the watercolor tree represents the beautiful potential and possibility-filled expanse of a child’s life. ACADEMIC PATH Deliberately engineered, research-based, and comprehensive, the School’s thoughtful academic curriculum builds upon itself from grade-tograde, laying a self-reinforcing foundation for students to be ambitious, courageous, resourceful thinkers. FRUIT BUDS Growing naturally from the academic path, the fruit buds represent the practice-based, immersive character curriculum that permeates every lesson and action at ROBS. The nine fruit buds known as the Fruit of the Spirit nourish children’s lives well beyond their time at ROBS. STYLIZED TREE Fastening together the academic path and the fruit buds, the stylized tree presents a child’s journey through ROBS—the way ROBS guides students toward shaping life direction, forming connections, and preparing them for all that comes next. LAYERED IMAGERY Layering the artistry of the watercolor tree with the technological imagery of the stylized tree signifies the School’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math—each a priority in our ongoing curricular enhancements and our new master campus plan.