Vine & Branch Summer 2022 by River Oaks Baptist School

VINE

& BRANCH

4 The Big Picture: Reflections on

a decade at ROBS 8 Backstage: Peeking behind the curtain of a ROBS school day 26 Lifelong Learning: A faculty study on Mind, Brain & Education science research

A publication of River Oaks Baptist School

Summer 2022

Contents 4 8 10 16 20 26 28 32 34 36 38 42 44 54 56 61

RIVER OAKS BAPTIST SCHOOL

The Big Picture from the Head of School Backstage Tours Who am I? What’s for Lunch? Meet the Counselors Lifelong Learning Academic Achievements Athletic Achievements Charlie Raymond Fall Fair Portrait of a Graduate Imago Dei Where are they now? Class of 2017 Honors & Awards Alumni Events Class Notes In Memoriam

COVER ART The culminating project in the Middle School Painting Intensive elective, this scene showcases the skills mastered through the course. Control of color, depth, and perspective allows the artist’s true vision to come to life. Artwork by: Lillian Novotny, Seventh Grade

be the example 2

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SUMMER 2022

The Big Picture: Reflections on the Last Decade at ROBS From the Head of School August 2022 marks my 10-year anniversary of joining ROBS as head of school. My tenure happens to coincide with the School’s 10-year ISAS accreditation cycle. As part of the accreditation process, the School conducts an in-depth “self study.” It’s an intense reflection on what we do accompanied by data that speak to how well we do it. The timing strikes me as providential – the gift of an obligatory pause to reflect on God’s goodness at work over the last decade. The busyness of the day-to-day has a way of obscuring the big picture. This is especially true when we’re talking about carpool schedules, learning plans, and the emotional needs of more than 900 children! The pages of this issue offer many glimpses into the excitement and joy of daily school life. But in the spirit of reflection, I offer you the big picture (or at least, the last 10 years of it).

POP ART Inspired by the works of Jasper Johns and his penchant for transforming everyday items into art, second graders used oil pastels and water-painted bleeding tissue paper to create their very own pop art. The everyday, ordinary subjects of these masterpieces? Numbers, letters, maps, and flags, just to name a few.

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Curriculum realignment. Working with an internationally renowned authority on 21st Century Learning, our academic leaders, curriculum coordinators, and teachers conducted a 5-year, deep dive into every content unit to ensure continuity between grade levels and curricular relevance applying what are called the 6 C’s of learning (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication, cross-cultural competency, and character). The resulting framework – completed in 2018 – serves as the foundation from which we continue to refine our curriculum.

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Safety and security overhaul. Our security infrastructure has increased from 34 security cameras and four security officers to a 27-person team led by a full-time director of safety & security. The team monitors 175+ interior and exterior cameras.

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The ethnoracial diversity of our population has almost doubled, from 17% to 33% who identify as persons of color.

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Completion of a $65 million capital campaign, the largest in the country at the time for a school ending in eighth grade. Giving way to …

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Immense physical growth. The size of our physical plant has increased more than 120%, from 168,000 to 372,000 square feet creating more learning space (and parking!).

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Smaller classes. In 2019 the School initiated a five-year growth plan to increase Lower School and Middle School grades by 10 students and add a class section to each grade level, allowing us to decrease the number of students in each class.

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Enhancement of STEAM programming. Theatre, makerspace, music, art, and additional science labs have been woven into a full complement of fine arts and innovation programming in Lower School, with a progression toward the nearly 30 elective options available in Middle School.

Artwork by: Walker O’Black, Second Grade

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A second library. A new Middle School library is now dedicated entirely to adolescent readers. The original library was redesigned for Preschool and Lower School learners, with reading nooks, learning coves, and age-appropriate texts. Fun fact: the ROBS libraries house 37 books per student, exceeding the national recommendation of 20 books per student.

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National recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as a model of best practices for schools across the country (2019 National Blue Ribbon Award).

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Endowment size. Assets have grown to $45 million from $21 million – a much closer resemblance to the industry recommendation of an endowment size at least two times the annual operating budget.

Once known as “that sweet little school” with two teachers and 30 children, ROBS has matured over the years. Yet the mission is unwavering: to provide children a superior academic education, supported by faith in Jesus Christ and Christian principles. Not a day goes by without students hearing about God’s abundant love for them and the example Jesus gives us for how to live. That’s the essence of ROBS: our mission manifested through thousands of everyday moments. My cup runneth over with gratitude for the teachers, parents, grandparents, administrators, volunteers, security officers, food service workers, maintenance and custodial staff, and so many others who worked every day to realize these accomplishments. When people work very hard for a purpose that glorifies God, He joins them. Yes, indeed.

By His grace alone,

Leanne B. Reynolds Head of School

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Fifth and sixth graders are enrolled in an exploratory

Backstage

Tours

Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall of your child’s classroom? Last fall the School launched a Backstage Tour series designed to give parents this perspective. More than 100 families attended one of the 18 tours offered throughout the winter and spring. The common refrain among attendees: “I had no idea!” The tours not only gave a peek into the classrooms but also lent insight into curriculum design, student wellness initiatives, expanded STEAM programming, spiritual life philosophy, and even lunch. We’ve pulled a few of the highlights from the Lower School and Middle School tours. Take a look!

Lower School

Book talks. Baseball multiplication. Robot coding. Student-created board games. Volcano eruptions. Model car racetracks. KROB broadcasts. Fashion shows (in Spanish). Chapel singalongs. Lower School at ROBS often feels more like a learning adventure park than a schoolhouse. And that’s by design. Our master teachers, instructional coaches, learning specialists, and administrators have purposefully crafted a program that gives students choice and freedom within an advanced curricular model. Students become the authors of their choose-yourown-adventure learning story. Because when kids are engaged, connected, and challenged, the learning sticks.

CORE SUBJECTS Language Arts Math Science Social Studies

SPECIAL AREA SUBJECTS Art Bible Digital Lab Library Makerspace Music Spanish Theatre 8

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Middle School The learning adventure course gets bigger and faster in Middle School. The school day experience—redesigned in 2020 to accommodate vast programmatic enhancements— gives students exposure to new subjects for longer periods of time. As the students grow each year, so do their opportunities—with nearly 30 elective options by the time they get to seventh grade. The goal is simple: to grow adolescents into the young men and women God made them to be.

Beginning in sixth grade, students can compete in their choice of 10+ sports against schools in the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference. At least one participatory sport is offered each season so all students who wish to join a team may do so.

Mind, Brain & Education science research (MBE) guides the learning program in Middle School. MBE – a multidisciplinary field that bridges neuroscience, psychology, and education – drives instruction, assessment, and the learning environment for our Middle Schoolers. With all Middle School faculty trained in MBE teaching and learning practices, students not only maximize content knowledge but also improve skills in executive functions like planning, self-monitoring, working memory, time management, and organization.

A combination of whole group, one-on-one, and small group guided lessons allows for differentiation within the classroom setting. Movement and choice are incorporated as developmentally appropriate, giving students the opportunity to find and understand how they learn best.

The Lower School is growing! By the 2024-25 school year, all Lower School grades (K-4) will have five classes. More students means more teachers, special area offerings, and smaller classes. The Lower School added theatre and makerspace to the special area rotation last year, for a full complement of fine arts and STEAM programming.

Because growing brains crave movement, all Lower School students have recess and P.E. every day— supplemented by lots of active learning during class time.

rotation of elective courses. Exposure to visual art, makerspace, theatre, beginning strings, and choir helps our students determine in which areas they want to grow during their later middle school years. Seventh and eighth grade students choose from nearly 30 elective options which range from orchestra ensemble and musical theatre to speech and debate, ceramics, and coding and robotics. Opportunities abound for students to find their voice and follow their passion.

Student wellness is a priority. The Lower School counselor, a licensed psychologist, is available to meet with students individually and in small groups to address social-emotional needs, and she conducts monthly character lessons based on the biblical fruit of the spirit for every Lower School classroom. The office of student support also includes two dedicated instructional coaches who help teachers differentiate lessons for neurodiverse learners, as well as a team of learning and reading specialists.

Character lessons, morning devotionals, readalouds, and morning meetings infuse Christ into the daily fabric of school life, which is reinforced through weekly chapel and Bible class. The Bible curriculum follows the religious calendar, with a focus on the Old Testament in the fall leading up to the birth of Jesus in December. Spring is all about the New Testament and the awesome works of Christ on earth, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of hope.

The newly adopted schedule is an example of Mind, Brain & Education science research in practice. Gone are the days of dreading first-period English every morning. The “waterfall” block schedule means students experience their subjects at different times each day, resulting in improved performance across the board.

Beyond Bible class, Middle School students apply spiritual lessons from weekly Chapel during advisory, where they visit with peers and a faculty leader. Advisory lessons combine social-emotional support with the Christian principles that undergird a ROBS education. Our seventh and eighth grade students are also encouraged to take on faith-based leadership opportunities, like Chapel Worship Team and KROB.

Our signature high school counseling program guides families throughout the application process. From personalized counseling sessions and mock admission interviews to weekly emails with important reminders and upcoming deadlines, a dedicated counselor equips students and parents to tackle the process with confidence and, dare we say, excitement.

All Middle School students attend a Bible course each year. The curriculum encourages students to take a deeper look at the Christian faith, with the four-year sequence guided by these crucial questions: What is the Bible? Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who am I?

A peek into daily school life at ROBS For those who were unable to join us for an in-person Backstage Tour in spring 2022, this tour series will continue in the fall. SUMMER 2022

AUGUST 2021

? I m a ho Nearly every artist’s body of work contains a self-portrait, inspired by one simple question: who am I? In the Preschool years, the self-portrait is more than an exploration of personal identity; it’s a valuable assessment tool of learning growth in the earliest years. As Preschoolers grow, they begin to glean more from the world around them. Their thoughts and perceptions change just as their appearance does. Progression through the developmental stages of early childhood helps their understanding grow. And with evolved awareness and experience, comes evolved perspective. Prekindergarten learning portfolios include examples of self-portraits from the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, along with a writing sample. We see these children move through the stages of drawing development like they would any other developmental stage. We see clear growth in self-concept, artistic expression, and fine motor skills through these portraits – which, in turn, is a clear sign our children are right on track.

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APRIL 2022

ARTIST 1 A happy portrait dominated by a large, circular head and favorite colors gives way to a more realistic depiction of a face, including brown hair, green eyes, eyelashes, and eyebrows. The artist has moved from a “fantasy portrait” to a more careful analysis of self, though her work continues to be dominated by the face. By the end of the year, her style has evolved to include a toothy grin, long eyelashes, a dress, arms, legs, and feet. Her observational and reflective skills have grown tremendously over the course of the year.

Can you see the growth?

AUGUST 2021

DECEMBER 2021

APRIL 2022

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JANUARY 2022

APRIL 2022

ARTIST 2

ARTIST 3

This young artist begins with a portrait that includes many features – a monochromatic rectangular body with arms and legs, a head, mouth, eyes, and hair. His evolution shows a developing sense of self – now his portrait features his hair color and eye color distinguishable from his body. His hands, though disproportionate to his body, have five fingers. His blue eyes remain for the final portrait, and the work itself shows an increased awareness of the proportionality of the body.

This artist begins with a well-developed idea of what her portrait should include – all major facial features, hair, a body, arms, and legs are present. The shoulder-length dark hair personalizes the otherwise generic portrait. Her mid-year portrait shows a clear sense of self as she has recreated her skin color and sports her signature ponytail and bow. The continuity seen in her final portrait reflects an artist with clear attention to detail and self-concept.

SUMMER 2022

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

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SUMMER 2022

Chef Lorraine’s Chocolate Orange Bread Pudding with Orange-Vanilla Sauce Ingredients: Butter 8 cups French or Italian bread cubes (1-inch cubes)

⅛ teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

Vanilla whipped cream (optional)

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Directions:

I’ve made it to campus… Remainder of in the dark! Breakfast SAGE staff arrives SAGE staff is already here while we’re prepping and working. for breakfast.

Assembly line in order…time to make breakfast tacos.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter a 2 1/2- to 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Place bread cubes in prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and chocolate. Cook over medium heat until the chocolate melts, whisking frequently. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, orange peel, vanilla, and salt. Gradually whisk in the chocolate mixture. Pour mixture over bread in the baking dish. Press lightly with back of spoon to be sure all bread cubes are moistened.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until evenly puffed and set. Cool for 30 minutes; serve warm with sauce. If desired, serve with whipped cream.

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Gotta glaze the About 150 students cinnamon rolls… our and parents breakfast friends are filter through the almost here. Commons for breakfast. I love seeing the students with their parents.

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Load up the car and head to school.

Candied Orange (optional garnish)

8 eggs, lightly beaten

Hours before students arrive every morning, the SAGE Dining team is on campus prepping for the breakfast rush, and after, the 2.5-hour lunch window. It’s quite a feat for any chef, much less a new one. Thankfully, ROBS’ new director of food services Chef Lorraine Matiling has a decade’s worth of culinary experience preparing food for large groups of people. She has added new menu items (hello, spanakopita and churro donuts!), refreshed the salad bar, and won a fanbase of happy eaters. See what it takes to feed 775+ kids and 200+ more faculty, staff, and daily visitors.

Wakeup call… I’m up and about and ready to head to the gym!

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups milk 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

What’s for Lunch?

1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel

Daily staff meeting: We review the menu, student allergies, catering requests for meetings, the school calendar, and any upcoming school drills or performances in the Commons that might affect our week. Being prepared is key!

Orange-V anilla Sauce Ingredien

ts:

½ cup un salted b utter 1 cup fir mly pac ked ligh 2 teaspo t brown ons oran sugar ge zest ¼ teaspo on kosh e r salt 1 cup he avy whip ping cre 3 tables am poons v anilla ex tract Directions:

In a small saucepan, melt butte medium h r over eat. Whisk in brown orange ze sugar, st, and sa lt until dis Add cream solved. , and brin g to a boil for 3 minu . Cook tes. Whisk in vanilla (Mixture extract. will bubble up.) Trans small bow fer to a l. Let cool completely .

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Mac and Cheese Ingredients:

1.5 lb Elbow Macaroni 1 cup water ½ cup Heavy whipping cream 1 1/3 tablespoons Zero trans fat margarine or butter 8 oz American cheese

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Stock the salad bar and deli. We’re closing in on lunchtime.

Here comes Kindergarten…and the whirlwind begins!

Nine grades of students and 200+ adults rotate through the Commons during this 2.5-hour period. That’s a lot of mouths to feed.

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:0 My favorite part of the day—school pickup for my son.

SAGE team dismissal. I’m ready to call it a day and head home.

Clean-up time.

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>9 It’s a fan favorite… pizza day! Time to get the pizza in the oven so it’s ready for our Kindergarteners.

Place in serving vessel and hold warm for service.

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In tilt skillet or large pot, combine water, heavy cream & margarine. Add cheese, a little bit at a time, stirring constantly. Add more water if needed for desired consistency. Add pasta, heat to proper temperature.

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Prepare elbow macaroni according to recipe directions.

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Directions:

Bedtime… gotta rest up to do it all again tomorrow.

SUMMER 2022

Meet the Counselors A discussion on social, emotional, and spiritual wellness at ROBS

Our Roadmap 2020, the School’s current strategic plan, identified wellness as an area of strategic focus. Psychologists Dawn Hanson, Ph.D., and Karrie Hilliard, Ph.D., and licensed professional therapist James Blackwell, who serve as counselors for the Preschool, Lower School, and Middle School, respectively, are particularly invested in this strategic initiative. In an interview with Communications Associate Kara Neumann, they talk about the most common struggles students experience, how they work to support students both proactively and reactively, the intersection of character education, social-emotional learning, and faith, and why they are so committed personally to this effort.

Lower School Counselor Karrie Hilliard, Ph.D., helps third grade teammates prepare for a game in which teams earned points for demonstrating conflict resolution skills.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ENTER THIS FIELD? K: As early as adolescence, I was very interested in child development and psychology. After teaching bilingual kindergarten in HISD through Teach For America, I became convinced school is where the magic happens for children. D: Like Karrie, I have always found fulfillment in working with children. Early in my Christian walk, my desire has been to teach about Jesus and apply a biblical understanding to life’s challenges. Serving in both education and counseling in a Christian school allows me the privilege of pursuing that calling. J: My English literature major in college taught me to see the world through the arts – film, literature, and music to name a few. At first glance, this may seem disparately connected to mental health, but my studies afforded me quite a bit of insight into human expression. I find working through the many complexities of the human experience and wellbeing both intriguing and fulfilling. DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WEEK IN YOUR ROLE HERE AT ROBS. WHAT KIND OF THINGS DO YOU WORK ON? J: Most of my time is spent meeting individually with students where I responsively employ a variety of therapeutic modalities to foster emotional health and growth. Additionally, I craft our weekly advisory lessons, which relate directly to the week’s chapel message, bolstering our community’s sense of connection, empathy, and faith. K: Like James, I also meet individually with students at the request of the teacher, the parents, or the child. Depending on our goal, I might meet with a child just once, or map out a sequence of learning objectives to cover across three or four (or more) sessions. Routine communication with classroom teachers ensures I am aware of the students in the Lower School who need support. Some weeks also include character lessons on socially and spiritually important themes in Lower School classrooms. D: It’s a little different in Preschool. I don’t typically see individual students on a scheduled basis. Counseling in Preschool more often involves thoughtfully responding to children who are telling us through their behavior that they need extra attention or help in negotiating uncomfortable feelings. Sometimes distressing feelings or behaviors might be the result of an important life event at home – gaining a sibling or moving to a new house, perhaps – while other times they are related to something else entirely – frustration with a friend on the playground or difficulty meeting classroom expectations. When these children need us, we find what works for them – sometimes we go

on a calming walk around campus, other times we talk through the situation making sure the child feels heard and understood. Simple activities such as feeding the fish in my office, reading a book, talking about God’s love, or playing games help our children feel safe, supported, cared for, and loved when they’re at school.

KARRIE, WHERE DO YOU GET THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR LOWER SCHOOL CHARACTER LESSONS? K: At the heart of the character lessons are the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I focus my lessons on concrete skill development in these areas. How can we show kindness with our peers, even when we’re frustrated? How can we demonstrate self-control in the classroom by respecting others’ personal space? In collaboration with our teachers, I tailor these lessons to be relevant to current classroom dynamics at a developmentally appropriate level.

Middle School Counselor James Blackwell encourages Leah Hadnott in fifth grade advisory.

JAMES, HOW DO YOU PLAN THE ADVISORY LESSONS? J: To craft the advisory lessons for Middle School, I collaborate with Christi DeSpain, Director of Spiritual Life, who curates our weekly chapel talks. This collaboration allows me to delicately weave our chapel messages into questions, prompts, and activities that reflect the School’s Christian mission to mold our students into responsible, caring individuals. I view each advisory lesson as a new opportunity for our students to grow closer to one another, their advisors, and God.

SUMMER 2022

J: In Middle School, our students most commonly face varying degrees of acute anxiety. By design, ROBS offers a rigorous course of study, and much is expected of the students that attend our School. But the stress that can accompany these high expectations can prove taxing. I provide our students a safe and secure space on campus where we work through complex emotions and devise various coping strategies. In instances where students require support beyond our scope, I partner with parents to determine which available off-campus mental health resources would best serve their child.

TO WHOM ARE THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S SERVICES AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS? K: Anyone and everyone! I have even fielded calls from parents of alumni, just because they trust that the person in this role will be eager and well-prepared to serve them. We all maintain an open-door policy for any student who might be in need, as social and emotional health is vital to our students’ best learning and growing.

Head of Preschool Dawn Hanson, Ph.D., who serves as the de facto counselor for our littlest learners, embraces Charlotte Cornett after the morning chapel lesson.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES YOU SEE ON OUR CAMPUS? K: In Lower School, I find that I most often help our students learn to respond in a healthy way to big feelings. Those feelings might be frustration, rejection, ineptitude, nervousness, sadness… all the feelings that we humans experience in an imperfect world. My goal is to enhance our students’ ability to recognize appropriate response options and select the one that is most favorable for the situation.

WHAT IS YOUR PERCEPTION OF THE EMOTIONAL WELLBEING OF THE SCHOOL? J: Despite the ravages of Covid-19 and the myriad challenges because of it, I am enormously proud of the resilience that our students have displayed. Middle school has never been easy, pandemic or not, but students remain dedicated and empathetic, ready to adapt on the fly and continue encouraging and supporting one another through each new challenge. D: Through the many challenges of the last two years, our Preschool has still remained our happiest place on Earth. Our children are joyful and thriving, learning each day about God’s love and the joys of the world He created. K: I, too, have been impressed by the resilience and optimism within our community. Every day I see children and adults who are happy and thriving. If there has been a blessing embedded within this pandemic experience, it is that it has caused many of us to pause and consider the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Greater awareness seems to have engendered a greater resolution to take care of ourselves and ask for help – two needs that have always been part of God’s design for us.

“I view each advisory lesson as a new opportunity for our students to grow closer to one another, their advisors, and God.”

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MOSAIC Middle School students enrolled in Painting Intensive completed a variety of “painting labs” throughout the course, designed to build technical proficiency in various painting mediums and techniques. Experimentation with both watercolor and acrylic paint, as seen in these works, allowed our students to hone their skills in color blending, texture, and brushstroke techniques.

SUMMER 2022

You are God’s dear children, so try to be like him. Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2

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Lifelong Learning

Milestone Years of Service ROBS teachers stay for a long time. In fact, nearly 30% of ROBS faculty and staff have worked here for more than 10 years. This is especially notable given reports from the National Education Association of educators leaving the profession in record numbers. We are honored to recognize the following faculty and staff members who celebrated these milestone years of service with ROBS.

Educating our Educators The most compelling research in the education marketplace points to teachers as the strongest indicator of high achievement in students. Our goal at ROBS is to hire the best teachers and then help them become even better. Just like a surgeon or accountant must keep up with new developments to remain effective, so too must teachers. This past year every ROBS teacher completed somewhere between 2040 hours of professional learning (the range accounting for differences in roles and length of employment). Areas of training vary from refresher courses on how to implement Handwriting Without Tears in the classroom to national conferences on the latest research and best practices in projectbased learning, differentiated instruction, and Mind, Brain & Education science research. All faculty and staff also participate in various safety seminars on how to protect children, including training to prevent situations that could give rise to abuse, seminars by experts on how to keep children safe online, and first aid classes such as CPR and the use of defibrillators. Professional development also happens through our evaluation process, which has several layers. Every year, each faculty member meets with his or her division head to mutually set goals and, at the end of the year, to assess progress. Our instructional coaches conduct regular educational sessions with grade-level teams; they also visit each classroom routinely and provide individual feedback in areas such as professionalism, collaboration, and communication. Our entire process is designed to support outstanding teachers in our classrooms who work every day to love and teach your children.

10 15 20 25 30

100

of ROBS teachers participate in professional development each year

YEARS

Betsy Jansa Discovery Teacher

Jan Edwards Yearbook Teacher

Leanne Reynolds Head of School

Paige Martin Director of Development Marie Michel Readiness Teacher

YEARS

Janet Atkins Integrated Physics & Chemistry Teacher

YEARS

Marguerite McHard Financial Manager

YEARS

Jesse Martin Athletic Director

Mary Furman Algebra Teacher

Tarsy Wagner Middle School Learning Specialist Amy Womack Head of Lower School

RETHINKING HOW KIDS THINK Despite its central role in learning, the brain is relatively under-studied in the education world. Fortunately for our students, ROBS teachers are well-versed in Mind, Brain & Education science research (MBE) – a new multidisciplinary field that examines how the brain works best and how to apply that knowledge into teaching practices. In 2020 the Middle School faculty embarked on a group study of MBE through the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. Since then, all teachers, advisors, and coaches in the Middle School have completed (or will complete depending on the faculty member’s start date) the center’s 12-course certificate program that imparts teaching practices based on the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and education. Group studies of the books Neuroteach and Powerful Teaching that outline strategies based on cognitive science have supplemented the Middle School learning effort.

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Academic Achievements How do you measure superior academics? Very simply, you look at the students. State and national awards offer an objective snapshot of student performance relative to peers across the country. ROBS students stand out among their peers.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

A record 32 ROBS students received national recognition from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program – the most prestigious in the country for young artists and writers. Notable past recipients have included Ken Burns, Stephen King, Robert Redford, and Andy Warhol. Luminaries from the literary arts judged personal essays submitted by eighth graders on originality, technical skill, and personal voice or vision.

REGIONAL GOLD KEY Madison Bibb Lauren Bohn Khoi Chu Andy Hao May Jones Hudson Holton Daniel Krasny

Keon Kwauk Bryanna Micu Priyanka Nayar Emmy Neylon Sheamus Quinn Aiden Wu Bryan Zhao

REGIONAL GOLD KEY Owen Almy Madelyn Bass Bennett Danile Kori Hagins

National Spanish Exam SPANISH 2

SPANISH 1

GOLD

Bryanna Micu (8)

GOLD

Christian Atwood (7) Mabrey Stokes (7) Evan Williams (7)

NATIONAL SILVER KEY Gold medal winners in the regional contest advance to the national contest for review.

Daniel Krasny Sheamus Quinn

SPANISH 01

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 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.

GOLD

Emily Hines (6) Mateo Leal (7)

SILVER

Khoi Chu (8)

SILVER

Lily Black (7) Elizabeth Brantley (7) Catherine Dick (7) Graham Johnson (7) Evie Laskaris (7) Sebastian Loebe (7) Jack Solcher (8) Suraj Verma (7)

SILVER

Madeline Bell (6) Alexandra Brown (6) Riley Canonico (6) Harrison Hadnott (6) Patrick Marcoux (7) Savannah Petit (6) Taylor Synnott (6)

QUIZ BOWL NATIONALS

Henry Harkins Jackson Holton Anna Lo Craig Ringwald

BRONZE

Madelyn Bass (8) Parul Budhiraja (8) Priyanka Nayar (8)

BRONZE

Owen Almy (8)

BRONZE

Carly Frances Burgoyne (6) Ballard Hill (7) Josh Jenks (6) Mackenzie Marshall (7) Adam Mirza (6) Annika McNulty (7) Aashi Pawar (7) Mac Sayers (6) Savannah Schutt (7) Bennett Thomas (6) Will Thompson (6) Gavin Yue (6)

REGIONAL HONORABLE MENTION Hrishika Bhosale Coltan Blossom Parul Budhiraja Meagan Ondrias Palmer Popov

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Boone Roeser Caroline Wood Elliot Jazaeri Maddox Kuy Claudia Matti

Elise Sanders (7), Evie Laskaris (7), Bryanna Micu (8), Eugenie Montz (8), and Priyanka Nayar (8) at the 2022 Quiz Bowl National Championship Tournament in Chicago on May 7, 2022. Tournament participation is by invitation only, based on the team’s performance at state competitions. Bryanna Micu and Priyanka Nayar placed 57th and 68th, respectively, out of nearly 700 players in the individual overall standings.

CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP Evie Laskaris (7) was named US Chess Federation’s 2022 National Middle School Championship Finalist.

SUMMER 2022

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Athletic Achievements

ROBS is the only school in the conference to field sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teams in every team sport it offers.

Students in grades 6-8 compete against middle school teams in the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference. Of the 11 sports in which they compete, five ROBS teams claimed championship titles!

{

Conference Champions

{

Finalist Teams

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LACROSSE

Football: The eighth grade football team defeats The John Cooper School 34-16 to claim the HJPC conference title. Track: Seventh graders Elizabeth Brantley, Winnie Hughes, Lillian Nicholson, Thea Popovic, Emma Musslewhite, and Savannah Schutt with Coaches Neighbors and Bell after the team’s HJPC championship win. Medalists not pictured: Hanley Carlock, Catherine Hamner, Maggie Johnston, and Evie Laskaris.

XC CHAMP

Field Hockey (Girls 8) Cross Country (Girls 7/8) Cross Country (Boys 6) Lacrosse (Girls 8)

3rd

Golf (Boys) Track & Field (Girls 6) Track & Field (Boys 7) Track & Field (Girls 8)

SPORTS

TEAMS

FOOTBALL

TRACK

2nd

11 > 13 46

Football (8) Cross Country (Girls 6) Lacrosse (Boys 8) Golf (Girls) Track & Field (Girls 7)

HJPC FINALIST TEAMS

Cross Country: Sixth graders Taylor Synnott (right), Savannah Petit (middle), and Vivian Connelly (left) led the cross country team to a decisive championship title with 1-2-3 individual finishes, respectively. Golf: The girls golf team defended their title at the HJPC championship tournament, finishing 76 strokes ahead of the second place team! Eighth graders Katie Hodges (right) and Ella Rothwell (left) placed second and third, respectively, in the individual standings. XC Champ: Palmer Popov finishes the cross country championship meet as the fastest eighth grade girl in the conference.

CROSS COUNTRY

Lacrosse: The eighth grade boys claim another conference championship, this time in lacrosse, before closing out the year.

GOLF

HOUSTON JUNIOR PREPARATORY CONFERENCE SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS

Annunciation Orthodox School

The John Cooper School

Second Baptist School

The Awty International School

The Kinkaid School

St. Francis Episcopal Day School

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Presbyterian School

St. John’s School

River Oaks Baptist School

The Village School

First Baptist Academy

SUMMER 2022

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8

Fall Fair, the most anticipated day of the season for ROBS students, was renamed last year in honor of Charlie Raymond. The annual event is filled with games, snow cones, music, dancing, popcorn, and most of all, FUN–a fitting tribute to the beloved student who passed away during his Kindergarten year at ROBS. Known for his captivating smile and fun-loving spirit, the Charlie Raymond Fall Fair will forever capture Charlie’s legacy of pure joy and inexpressible faith.

Charlie Raymond 2015 - 2020

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ROBS graduates Zoie Pierce and Ava Black dedicated their Girl Scout Silver Award Project to Charlie’s memory by coordinating a toy drive for cancer patients at M.D. Anderson (where Charlie was treated). The young women collected donations from school families in the weeks leading up to the Charlie Raymond Fall Fair. After the event, they delivered the toys to the hospital where staff said it was one of the largest toy collections they had ever received. Seated from left: Zoie Pierce ’21, Ava Black ’21, Allie, Jack, Leigh Anne, and Lizzie Raymond

SUMMER 2022

PORTRAIT GRADUATE

CLASS OF 2022 HIGH SCHOOLS CHOSEN

of a

RIVER OAKS BAPTIST SCHOOL PROVIDES STUDENTS THE FOUNDATION TO PERFORM WITH DISTINCTION AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, TO BECOME ENGAGED AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS, AND TO LEAD SUCCESSFUL AND REWARDING LIVES BY PREPARING GRADUATES:

To think CRITICALLY, CREATIVELY, ANALYTICALLY, and INNOVATIVELY

To ACCESS, EVALUATE, SYNTHESIZE, and COMMUNICATE INFORMATION EFFECTIVELY

To DEMONSTRATE CURIOSITY, INITIATIVE, and PERSEVERANCE To develop ROBUST INTERPERSONAL SKILLS including EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, EMPATHY, APPRECIATION FOR HUMAN DIFFERENCES, and COLLABORATIVE WORK HABITS To UNDERSTAND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, EXHIBIT STRONG MORAL CHARACTER, and MODEL THEIR LIVES ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.

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When they get to high school, ROBS graduates PERFORM AS WELL OR BETTER than they did at ROBS. 85% of ROBS graduates PLACE OUT OF ALGEBRA I IN HIGH SCHOOL The majority of ROBS graduates COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH I, and roughly half also COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH II, by the end of eighth grade The majority of ROBS graduates PLACE INTO HONORSLEVEL SCIENCE AND HISTORY CLASSES (if offered)

6 5 4

8 35

7 20

Episcopal High School – 35 St. John’s School – 20 The Kinkaid School – 7 St. Agnes Academy – 4 Strake Jesuit – 5 Public School – 6 Boarding School – 3 Other Private – 8

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARDING SCHOOLS

OTHER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Bellaire High School Carnegie Vanguard High School Elkins High School Lamar High School Memorial High School (2)

St. George’s School S t. Swithun’s School The Taft School

The Awty International School (3) Houston Christian High School The Post Oak School Second Baptist School St. Thomas High School (2)

ROBS is the only school of its Houston-area peers to have a dedicated office of high school counseling.

SUMMER 2022

IMAGO DEI Of the many questions our students contemplate during their time at ROBS, perhaps none is more important than “Who am I?” ROBS students hone in on this question during their eighth grade year—a culmination of the spiritual education curriculum that starts on day one. As students turn their gaze to the future, to high school and beyond, they reflect on this question through a study of Imago Dei. What does it mean to be made in the image of God?

Who am I? I am Imago Dei – Latin for reflection of God, perfect in his image. There is not a hair on my head that God does not know perfectly. He loves me just the way I am, and he created me to mirror him here on earth. There are two types of wisdom: God’s wisdom and human wisdom. God’s wisdom is perfect and comes directly from him, whereas human wisdom is flawed and is the opposite of God. God gives us his wisdom. All we have to do is ask for it. God wants me to take care of the world that he’s put me in with the wisdom and strength that only comes from him. In the book of Philippians, the Roman prisoner Paul is writing to the people of Philippi. Paul is updating them on his recent life, encouraging them to keep their faith strong. Even though Paul is suffering in jail, you can see how much joy he is experiencing as he writes the letter. He is constantly praising and thanking God and urging his friends in Philippi to do the same. Joy doesn’t depend on where you are or what you are doing. Joy comes from God and can be felt any time as long as you are faithful and accepting that the Lord is in control of it all. I can experience God’s peace and joy anywhere, anytime simply by leaning on him and remaining grateful. My past twelve years at ROBS have helped me understand all of this. Even though this is my last Bible class, all my classes have made a huge contribution to how I see myself, God, and the world. This school has unquestionably played a role in my connection with Christianity. My name is Katie Hodges and I am His friend.

Redacted from the video submission of Katie Hodges for her final Bible class assignment.

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CHARACTER THEME POSTERS Bible meets art in this project inspired by this year’s character theme, More Like Jesus. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade visual art explored the attributes of Jesus as they designed a work of art that expressed what being more like Jesus meant to them personally. The ultimate challenge of this project? The nuance and deft skill required to convey a linguistic message visually through art. Artwork by Caroline Wood, Eighth Grade

SUMMER 2022

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 40

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SUMMER 2022

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 47% 53% OUT-OFSTATE

IN-STATE

STUDENTS FROM THE ROBS CLASS OF 2017 JUST COMPLETED THEIR FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE CLASS OF 2017

Elizabeth Afseth

William Allen

Pierce Ashby

Peter Blomquist

Hannah Chang

Mary Cate Connelly

Natalie Davis

Aaron Deutsch

Episcopal High School Texas Christian University

Houston Christian High School Purdue University

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Texas A&M University

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Washington & Lee University

St. John’s School New York University

Valor Christian High School Baylor University

Lamar High School Southwestern University

Episcopal High School University of Arizona

Ellie Alban

Marisa Angulo

Emily Biskamp

Lila Cary

Zoe Chen

Colin Crane

Felipe DePinho

Emily Farnan

St. John’s School Texas A&M University

Episcopal High School University of Oklahoma

St. John’s School Southern Methodist University

St. John’s School Texas A&M University

Carnegie Vanguard High School University of Texas

Episcopal High School Southwestern University

Episcopal High School University of Virginia

Xavier Educational Academy Southwestern University

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SUMMER 2022

Class of 2017 Honors & Awards

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE (CONTINUED)

ROBS prepares its students to perform with distinction at the high school level, which is exactly what these students have done. With pride, we share this compendium of the achievements of ROBS graduates from the Class of 2017.

Collegiate Scholarships

51 Academic Awards

WILLIAM ALLEN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • TOP 10 IN CLASS (#9) STUDENT COUNCIL VP (9) • CAPTAIN, BASEBALL TEAM ALL CONFERENCE SHORTSTOP • COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYER

MARISA ANGULO SCHOLARSHIP (OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY) • HIGHEST HONOR ROLL (11, 12) • EXEMPLARY EFFORT AWARD (X2) CLIMB AWARD (X4)

National Honor Society Recognitions

Collegiate Athletes

Varsity Team Captains

ELIZABETH AFSETH WHITE AND PURPLE SCHOLARSHIP (TCU) • EHS COUNCIL MEMBER • VARSITY BASKETBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (9) • VARSITY BASKETBALL MOST IMPROVED (10) TICKTOCKER SERVICE AWARD FOR NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE (50 HOURS IN ONE YEAR) • YOUNG LIFE LEADER

EMILY BISKAMP PROVOST SCHOLARSHIP (SMU) • HILLTOP SCHOLARS PROGRAM (SMU)

PETER BLOMQUIST NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • PRINCIPAL’S HONOR LIST AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION • FRESHMAN RETREAT GROUP LEADER • CRUSADER CREW ADVISORY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD (10)

Student Leadership Positions

HANNAH CHANG HONOR ROLL (9-12) • EXCELLENCE IN PRECALCULUS ADVANCED AWARD • COLLEGE BOARD AP SCHOLAR SCIENCE AND MATCH CLUB OFFICER • SJS PEER LEADER • VARSITY TENNIS TEAM CAPTAIN • ALL SPC TENNIS (9, 10) • SPC CHAMPION (9) • TEXAS MUSIC TEACHER ASSOCIATION THEORY TEST SILVER MEDALIST

PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD • SJS BOLIVIA SERVICE TRIP • COMPATRIOT YOUTH TAIWAN CULTURE STUDY PROGRAM • COLLEGIATE TENNIS PLAYER ZOE CHEN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY • OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ART I OUTSTANDING NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY • OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ART I OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN PRE-AP GEOMETRY OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP IN SPANISH III PRE-AP OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE IN PE/HEALTH OUTSTANDING ALGEBRA 2 STUDENT PERFECT SEMESTER AVERAGE IN COMPARATIVE WORLD MYTHOLOGIES • OUTSTANDING AP ART HISTORY STUDENT • DILIGENCE AND ENTHUSIASM IN THE STUDY OF CHEMISTRY (PRE-AP CHEMISTRY) • OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN AP SPANISH IV LANGUAGE AND CULTURE OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP IN AP WORLD HISTORY AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION AWARD CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION IN AP CHEMISTRY MARY CATE CONNELLY HONOR ROLL (11, 12) • CONSERVATORY ARTS RECOGNITION COLIN CRANE MERIT SCHOLARSHIP (SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY) SCHOLASTIC SILVER KEY FOR POETRY • EFFORT AWARD FOR ENGLISH IV • CLIMB AWARD FOR CHEMISTRY ART PILLAR AWARD NOMINEE • MOST IMPROVED JV BASKETBALL PLAYER (X2) • COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL PLAYER

CLASS OF 2017

Gibbs Fertitta

Olivia Fowler

Cameron Garland

Alexandra Gill

Maribelle Gordon

Billy Hall

Camille Hanna

Gage Herrold

Episcopal High School Texas Christian University

The Kinkaid School The University of Chicago

St. John’s School University of Arkansas

St. John’s School University of California, Los Angeles

The Kinkaid School Fordham University

Episcopal High School University of Mississippi

Episcopal High School University of Texas

Max Finkelstein

Tanner Fox

Jake Giesler

Pierce Glanville

Sebastian Graham

Haley Hammer

Maddie Harrell

Preston Herrold

Episcopal High School University of Virginia

Episcopal High School Rice University

Episcopal High School Texas A&M University

St. John’s School Tulane University

Trinity College School of Ontario Western University, London Ontario

Episcopal High School The University of Chicago

The Kinkaid School Rice University

Episcopal High School University of Texas

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SUMMER 2022

FELIPE DEPINHO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • JSA CLUB PRESIDENT SCHOLASTIC SILVER KEY FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AARON DEUTSCH TRINITY TIGER AWARD SCHOLARSHIP • HONOR ROLL (10,11) • FOOTBALL TEAM CAPTAIN • FOOTBALL TEAM MVP • SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD EMILY FARNAN SCHOLARSHIP (SOUTHWESTERN) • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT • PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD (GOLD) MAX FINKELSTEIN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY • GRADUATED SUMMA CUM LAUDE AP SCHOLAR WITH HONORS • HIGHEST HONOR ROLL EFFORT AWARD • CLIMB AWARD • PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY • STUDENTS OF SERVICE PRESIDENT • STUDENT COUNCIL (9-12) • JV BASKETBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD • JV TENNIS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD • ALL-SCHOOL HUMANITARIAN AWARD (12) • ACHIEVEMENT IN RELIGION COURSE MEDALIST • EAGLE SCOUT OLIVIA FOWLER NATIONAL SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLAR • HIGH ACADEMIC HONORS ENGLISH II AWARD • POLICY DEBATE TEAM PRESIDENT WELLNESS COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENT & STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE • CURRICULUM COMMITTEE ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR • PEER MENTOR • PAWS CLUB VICE PRESIDENT • ENGINEERING CLUB VICE PRESIDENT • CROSS COUNTRY TEAM CAPTAIN JV SOCCER TEAM CAPTAIN (9)

TANNER FOX COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL PLAYER CAMERON GARLAND ROBOTICS CLUB LEADER JAKE GIESLER NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL MATH HONOR SOCIETY • CLIMB AWARD FOR MATH • ACOLYTE OFFICER VARSITY FOOTBALL CAPTAIN (12) • MOST IMPROVED VARSITY FOOTBALL PLAYER (11) • SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD FOR LACROSSE (11) • SPC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM (10) • EAGLE SCOUT • BOYS STATE REPRESENTATIVE • LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY STUDENT OF THE YEAR SECOND PLACE FINALIST ALEXANDRA GILL NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST • HONOR ROLL (9-12) • YEARBOOK SPORTS EDITOR • COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER • COMMUNITY SERVICE ADVISOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PEER LEADER • SPANISH III FINALIST • PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD GOLD (10, 11) MARIBELLE GORDON ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP (FORDHAM UNIVERSITY) HONOR ROLL (11-12) • JV CHEERLEADING CAPTAIN YEARBOOK PEOPLE’S SECTION EDITOR (10-12) YEARBOOK STUDENT LIFE EDITOR (11) • YEARBOOK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (12) NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE CLASS PRESIDENT (11) HALEY HAMMER PHI BETA KAPPA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF GREATER HOUSTON ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY PRESIDENT • NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY NATIONAL MATH HONOR SOCIETY • MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE STUDY OF ENGLISH • FOURTH PLACE WORLD CHAMPION HUNTER RIDER • ATPI HONORABLE MENTION IN ADVANCED PORTFOLIO (PHOTOGRAPHY)

MADDIE HARRELL NATIONAL SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY • COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL RECOGNITION PROGRAM (12) • NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM GOLD MEDALIST (9, 10, 11) • AP SCHOLAR (11) • MODEL UNITED NATIONS DELEGATE - HARVARD UNIVERSITY (11) • MODEL UNITED NATIONS DELEGATE STANFORD UNIVERSITY (12) • GIRL UP CLUB PRESIDENT STAGE MANAGER • WELLNESS COMMITTEE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE • VARSITY GOLD LETTERS (11, 12) • BEST STAGE CREW AND TECHNICAL EXECUTION TOMMY TUNE NOMINEE (9, 11) PRESTON HERROLD HONOR ROLL (10, 11, 12) • NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY EXEMPLARY EFFORT AWARDS IN HISTORY AND ENGLISH VARSITY TENNIS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER (10) VARSITY TENNIS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (11) • RIVER OAKS COUNTRY CLUB JUNIOR TENNIS CHAMPION PHOTOGRAPHY SELECTED FOR LIGHTS AND SHADOWS PUBLICATION TATUM HILL SOCCER CAPTAIN (FIVE GAMES) • RISING STAR CERTIFICATE, JV SOCCER (9) BECK HOLLAWAY HONOR ROLL (9) • COMPUTER MUSIC STUDENT OF THE MONTH REED HUFFMYER NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL (9-12) • MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENDORSEMENT (12) • STEM ENDORSEMENT (12) • VARSITY LACROSSE (10, 11, 12) VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM CAPTAIN • EAGLE SCOUT

BAILEY JUNELL FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP (TCU) • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY QUILL AND SCROLL HONOR SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS STUDENT COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT (11) • STUDENT BODY PARLIAMENTARIAN • JV FIELD HOCKEY CAPTAIN VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY CAPTAIN • NEWSPAPER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • ACOLYTE CAPTAIN • HONOR COUNCIL • DISCIPLINE COUNCIL • FAMILY LEGACY CLUB CO-PRESIDENT • EFFORT AWARD (11, 12) • JV FIELD HOCKEY MVP • JV FIELD HOCKEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD • VARSITY SOCCER MOST IMPROVED • JV GOLF LEADERSHIP • SCHOLASTIC SILVER AWARD FOR KNIGHT TIMES • OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBER KNIGHT TIMES (2X) COOPER KINCANNON NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL MATH HONOR SOCIETY • SOCCER CAPTAIN • CLIMB AWARD, BIOLOGY (9) • HIGHEST HONOR ROLL • CLH CAMP COUNSELOR BENNETT MACH ROBOTICS TEAM CAPTAIN • PEER MENTOR • EAGLE SCOUT MARY LOUISE MANNON HONOR ROLL (9-12) • CHUCK GARWOOD HISTORY AWARD • TURK ANDROGE EL-HAKAM FELLOWSHIP IN SCIENCE • VARSITY LACROSSE MOST IMPROVED PLAYER HANNAH MARTIN MERIT SCHOLARSHIP (OU) • HONOR ROLL (9, 10, 11) BOYS LACROSSE MANAGER • CLIMB AWARD, CERAMICS PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD JACK MCGREEVY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • JV SOCCER CAPTAIN JV GOLF CAPTAIN • STUDENT SENATE • FRESHMAN ADVISORY MENTOR • JV SOCCER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD • FOOTBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

CLASS OF 2017

Tatum Hill

Cameron Hoover

Finn Johnson

Cammy Kennedy

Bennett Mach

Hannah Martin

Khaki McCool

Caroline Miller

Lamar High School Sam Houston State University

St. John’s School University of Texas

St. John’s School Tulane University

Santa Fe Christian Schools

The Kinkaid School Trinity University

Episcopal High School University of Oklahoma

Episcopal High School Northeastern University

Episcopal High School University of Mississippi

Beck Hollaway

Reed Huffmyer

Bailey Junell

Cooper Kincannon

Mary Louise Mannon

Kate Martinez

Jack McGreevy

Annelise Miller

Houston Christian High School University of Toronto

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Texas A&M University

Episcopal High School Texas Christian University

Episcopal High School University of Texas

St. John’s School University of Texas

Lamar High School University of Georgia

Episcopal High School University of Texas

Episcopal High School University of Southern California

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SUMMER 2022

MIA MITHOFF NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • ACOLYTE OFFICER STUDENT SENATE • FAMILY CHAPEL LEADER • CHEER PROGRAM SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR • JV TENNIS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD KRISHNA NAYAR FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP (GRINNELL) • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • QUIZ BOWL • JV QUIZ BOWL TEAM CAPTAIN • PRESIDENT’S HONOR ROLL (9-12) 200+ COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS LILLY OREN CLIMB AWARD, PHOTOGRAPHY LUKE PROVENZANO MERIT SCHOLARSHIP (MIAMI) • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • STUDENT SENATE OFFICER • FRESHMAN ORIENTATION LEADER • HIGHEST HONORS VARSITY LACROSSE GEORGE RENTZ NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • ROUND-UP CLASS CAPTAIN ACADEMIC LETTER • ACADEMIC AWARD IN WEB DESIGN LIBERTY ROBSON HONOR ROLL (11) HASSAN SAEED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP (TRINITY) • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • SOCCER CAPTAIN (9) • HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB SECRETARY • PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM GOLD

MAXX SHEAROD GATES SCHOLARSHIP • JACK KENT COOKE FOUNDATION COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP • RON BROWN SCHOLARSHIP YALE SCHOLARSHIP • PROGRESSIVE MATRONS CHARITY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP • QUESTBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLAR • AP SCHOLAR • COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN RECOGNITION QUESTBRIDGE COLLEGE PREP SCHOLAR • AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFINITY GROUP CO-PRESIDENT • PHOTO EDITOR FOR THE REVIEW • VARSITY TENNIS CO-CAPTAIN SJS FASHION COLLECTIVE FOUNDER & PRESIDENT SOPHOMORE CLASS VICE PRESIDENT • LEADER OF IMAV RADIO • QUESTBRIDGE NATIONAL COLLEGE MATCH FINALIST • PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD (9, 10, 11) MEGAN SMITH NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY VICE PRESIDENT • NATIONAL SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY VICE PRESIDENT • NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY • MATH HONOR SOCIETY WORLD AFFAIRS CLUB AMBASSADOR • 2D STUDIO ARTS COMPETITION SECOND PLACE • 2D STUDIO ARTS COMPETITION HONORABLE MENTION MARCO STIX FACULTY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (BOWDOIN) • NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLAR’S PROGRAM • HONOR ROLL (9-12) STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE • COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER (11) • VARSITY SOCCER (12) • VARSITY SOCCER CAPTAIN (10) • BOYS TO MEN CLUB PRESIDENT FRENCH II AWARD • SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (11) ALL-SPC SOUTH ZONE • DIGITAL APPLICATIONS IN VIDEO AWARD • PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD GOLD (X3) PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD SILVER (12) • CAPTAIN’S AWARD (11, 12) • WILL MCKONE CLASS OF 2020 AWARD (11) • HEADMASTER’S AWARD (12) • EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD (11, 12)

CLASS OF 2017

Mia Mithoff

Lilly Oren

Julia Rae

Liberty Robson

Parker Rose

Maxx Shearod

Megan Smith

Ian Storck

Episcopal High School University of Texas

St. John’s School Washington & Lee University

Lamar High School Louisiana State University

St. John’s School Boston College

St. John’s School Yale University

Episcopal High School University of Texas

Krishna Nayar

Luke Provenzano

George Rentz

Lindsay Rorschach

Hassan Saeed

Keith Sill

Marco Stix

Lily Tindel

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Grinnell College

Episcopal High School University of Miami

St. Thomas High School Texas A&M University

Episcopal High School Southern Methodist University

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Trinity University

Episcopal High School Wake Forest University

St. John’s School Bowdoin College

Kinder High School for the Performing & Visual Arts University of Texas

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SUMMER 2022

LILY TINDEL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • MOST ENGAGED IN BIOLOGY (9) WILL TURLINGTON CLASSIC SCHOLARSHIP (UGA) • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • VARSITY BASKETBALL CAPTAIN • VARSITY FOOTBALL CAPTAIN • FAMILY LEGACY CLUB VICE PRESIDENT • ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL • AP SCHOLAR • ACADEMIC EFFORT AWARD • JV BASKETBALL MVP (10) • VARSITY BASKETBALL LEADERSHIP AWARD (12) • VARSITY FOOTBALL LEADERSHIP AWARD (12) DEBATE AWARD BEN WASDEN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL MATH HONOR SOCIETY STUDENT BODY VICE PRESIDENT • JUNIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT • MATH CLUB VICE PRESIDENT • NATIONAL MATH HONOR SOCIETY VICE PRESIDENT • HIGHEST HONOR ROLL • AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLARS • CLIMB AWARD • JV BASKETBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD EMMA CLAIRE WHITE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY • NATIONAL LATIN HONOR SOCIETY NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY • VARSITY CHEERLEADING CAPTAIN • SOS SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR • KNIGHT AMBASSADOR • STUDENT SENATE WORLD AFFAIRS DIPLOMAT • NATIONAL LATIN EXAM CUM LAUDE • EXEMPLARY EFFORT AWARD • JV CHEER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD • ART SHOW NEW NOMINEE AWARD • SILVER KEY SCHOLASTIC AWARD FOR CREATIVE WRITING • PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD GOLD (9,10) PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD SILVER (11) MIMI WILSON MAGNA CUM LAUDE • COLLEGIATE FIELD HOCKEY PLAYER DYLAN WOO FOUNDER’S SCHOLARSHIP • NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY RISE AWARD

DRAWING INTENSIVE Reality meets creativity in this piece. Students enrolled in Drawing Intensive were challenged to create a realistically drawn object that captured a full range of value and form. The twist? The work must also include a dreamlike component that pushes the piece beyond reality, inspired by the Surrealist movement. Artwork by: Aiden Wu (rocketship) and Max Talamas (planets), both Eighth Grade

CLASS OF 2017

Will Turlington

Ben Wasden

Alex Williams

Dylan Woo

Episcopal High School University of Georgia

Episcopal High School University of Texas

St. John’s School University of Virginia

Episcopal High School Texas Christian University

Kate Vlasek

Emma Claire White

Mimi Wilson

The Kinkaid School Southwestern University

Episcopal High School University of Texas

Episcopal High School Sewanee: The University Of The South

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SUMMER 2022

STILL LIFE Can you draw what you see? Observational drawing is a foundational skill in the repertoire of any great artist. Our Kindergarten artists are no exception, and they sharpened their observational skills with a still life drawing. Flowers, fruit, a rooster, and a hat were the starting point. Vibrant watercolor crayons completed this vivid foray into Still Life. Artwork by Sammy Scoggins, Kindergarten

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SUMMER 2022

How to Stay Connected to ROBS?

HAPPY HOUR November 18, 2021 Alumni from River Oaks Baptist School, Annunciation Orthodox School, and Presbyterian School gathered just before Thanksgiving at Kirby Ice House for a joint happy hour. It was the first alumni event of this makeup, and it won’t be the last!

ALMOST ALUMNI LUNCH

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Make sure we have your current email on file. Reach out to Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Mary Catherine Sharman at mcsharman@robs.org with your preferred email address.

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Attend an alumni event.

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Keep an eye out for your CLASS AGENT – a representative of your graduating class – who will become your point person for alumni events and communications. Class agents will be announced later this year and published on the ROBS website.

April 28, 2022 Almost Alumni Lunch – so named for the soon-tobe ROBS graduates in attendance – is the first of many celebratory rites of passage for the eighth grade class. At a catered lunch at school in their last month at ROBS, they get to hear what it means to be an alum. That is, no matter where they go or what they do, they always have a home here at ROBS.

Sarah Sullivan ’04, Alston Edwards White ’06, Andy Thompson ’05, Jerrien Johnson ’05, and Edmond O’Suji ’05

Interested in serving as a Class Agent? Contact Mary Catherine Sharman at mcsharman@robs.org. •

Katherine Brock ’06, Rachel Robins Hamblen ’07, Holden Hamblen ’07, Kelly Bernard ’06, and Alston Edwards White ’06 India Rucker ’07, Chris Gibbs ’00, and Farris Shenaq ’00

Alumni Events

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD CHAPEL May 1, 2022 The ROBS Class of 2020 is distinguished as the only graduating class not to have a graduation. In fact, they completed their final months as ROBS students from their own homes. In recognition of their sacrifice, resilience, and strength, ROBS conferred the Class of 2020 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. On May 1, 2022, the graduates were formally recognized at a special chapel in their honor. Members of the class of 2020

Former teacher Penny Jackson and Richard Howell ’96

CLASS OF 2018 RECEPTION April 25, 2022 Every year in late spring, ROBS invites graduates who are current high school seniors back to campus for a reception before they head to college. Graduates from the Class of 2018 joined former teachers and administrators to reminisce and celebrate their next big step. As per tradition, the students wore their college letters.

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Mitchell Glotfelty, Preston Popov, Alex Finkelstein, Scott Martin, and Corby Martinez

Joe Schaffer, Reed Hightower, Michael Jeffery, Mitt Black, Blake Noteboom, and Wells White Kathryn Bragg, Evie Barrett, and Mary Ann Cabes

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Class Notes 1992

2004

Warren Ellsworth and wife Rachel welcomed daughter Eloise on June 24, 2021. She joins big sister Isabelle and big brother Warren ’33.

Kat Turnham Brown and husband Graham welcomed son Marshall Hamilton on June 26, 2021. (8)

1996 Frank Braly and wife Brooke welcomed daughter Aidyn Vale on July 11, 2021. She joins big sister Avery. (1)

1997

(3) AXL WEAVER & GWYNETH EVELYN BROCK (1) AIDYN VALE BRALY

(2) TALKINGTON WEDDING

(4) ROBERTS WEDDING

Courtney Traylor Hoffman married Matthew Ale Talkington on October 16, 2021, at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas. Bridesmaids included fellow ROBS alumni Amy Malone Wallner, Ali Farish Guill, Leslie Farish Cammuso and Taylor Harrell Brock, all ’97. (2) Carlisle Weaver Brock, husband Cullen, and big sister Genevieve ’31 welcomed twins Gwyneth Evelyn and Axl Weaver on July 11, 2021. (3)

2000 Morgan Harcrow and Michael Roberts were married in a meadow in the mountains outside Beaver Creek, Colorado, on July 30, 2021. Her sisters Ashley Harcrow Moseley ’01 and Stephanie Harcrow ’98 served in the wedding. (4)

2001 (5) SCOTTY BAKER SHARMAN

(6) HUNTER HENDERSON WEEKLEY

(7) TOLAR NUMA HAMBLEN

(8) MARSHALL HAMILTON BROWN

Joe Sharman and Whitney Easterling Sharman ’04 welcomed daughter Scotty Baker on December 29, 2021. (5) Michael Weekley, wife Kristen, and big brothers Will ’32 and Austin welcomed Hunter Henderson on July 26, 2021. (6)

2002 Tolar Hamblen and wife Stephanie welcomed son Tolar Numa Hamblen V “T5” on January 15, 2022. (7)

(10) GEORGE TURNER EASTERLING (9) KAUFMAN WEDDING

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(11) HAMBLEN WEDDING

(12) WEAVER WEDDING

2005 Emmie Curry and Geoff Loucks were married on May 31, 2022, in Killarney, Ireland. Catherine Cohen’s debut comedy special premiered on Netflix in March 2022. Kate Woestemeyer and Chico Hulburd were married on February 12, 2022, in Punta Mita, Mexico. Matthew Seligmann and wife Shelby welcomed daughter Susie on January 7, 2022.

2006 Evelyn Pustka and Michael Kaufman were married at the Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on April 3, 2022. Her sister, Audrey Pustka White ’00 served as Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids included Lexi Trauber ’06 and Brittany Hildebrand ’06, Vivienne White ’31 served as flower girl, and Dallas White ’33 served as ringbearer. Evelyn and Michael will reside in Brooklyn, New York. (9) Laura Turner Easterling, husband William, and big sister Anna Kate welcomed George Turner on April 1, 2022. (10)

2007 Rachel Robins and Holden Hamblen were married on February 26, 2022, in Florida. Bridesmaids included Anna Edelman, Blakely Hamblen, Laura Sellingsloh, Ryan Cranfield, and Lauren Rothwell, all ’07, and groomsmen included Tolar Hamblen IV ’02 and Graham Bayley, Keven Hassenflu, Parker Fleming, and Luke Reed, all ’07. (11)

2008

2003

Kate Boswell and Graeme Weaver were married on June 4, 2022, in Lexington, Virginia. Serving as Matron of Honor and Maid of Honor were her sisters Virginia Boswell Thompson ’06 and Emily Boswell ’12. Libby Gerstner ’08 served as a bridesmaid. (12)

Monica Foote and husband Graeme Durante welcomed daughter Maeve Paloma Foote-Durante on February 15, 2022.

Luke Cone married Carson Miller on April 2, 2022, in Brenham, Texas.

Susie Bowen Tucker and husband Payson welcomed daughter Florence Elizabeth on February 15, 2022. She joins big brother Elliott.

Claire Valera married Chris Starkey on April 16, 2022. Her sister, Alina Valera Mitchell ’10 served as Matron of Honor and Alexandra Waits ’08 was a bridesmaid. Claire and Chris reside in Atlanta.

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Class Notes

(13) HANCE WEDDING (14) REESE MARIE SEGNER

(15) SCHICK WEDDING

2009

2012

Kit Klaes married Davis Hance on May 21, 2022, in Pebble Beach, California. Taylor Dickey ’09 served as Maid of Honor and bridesmaids included classmates Corinne Collard Bacon ’09, Courtney Favaloro ’10, and Sarah Nelson ’09. Brothers of the bride Chaz Klaes ’01 and Dakota Klaes ’04 served as groomsmen, and ROBS classmate Luke Harper ’09 served as an usher. Niece Mary Frances Klaes ’30 served as flower girl and nephew Charlie Klaes ’32 served as ringbearer. (13)

Sara Bobb graduated Magna Cum Laude from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting this spring. She was named Outstanding Senior in the School of Business and will intern with Price Waterhouse Coopers this summer. Sara will return to GWU in the fall to pursue a Master’s Degree in Accounting.

Lizzie Hughey will attend the John P. and Katherine G. McGovern Medical School in fall 2022.

Charlotte Baird will begin studies at the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in fall 2022.

Will Bomar will begin his psychiatric residency at the University of Colorado at Denver in fall 2022.

Cole Hammer, member of the University of Texas golf team, helped bring home the NCAA championship title on June 1 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has graduated from UT and is now pursuing a professional golf career. (19)

Isabelle Graham Wagner and husband Jack welcomed son Robert Bowker “Beau” on June 17, 2021. Christian Segner and wife Torri welcomed daughter Reese Marie on October 30, 2021. (14)

2010 Jack Murphy received an MFA from Chapman University in television & film production, producing two films for his thesis. He will complete his joint JD/MFA degree in May 2023. Carter McAdoo graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and will work as an associate at Washington Heights Veterinary Clinic. Courtney Favaloro graduated from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, and began her residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital this summer. (16) MITCHELL WEDDING

(17) BREN WEDDING

(18) VAN BRUNT WEDDING

Ryan Schick married Valerie Johnson on April 23, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Michael Timte ’10 and brother of the groom Jake Schick ’13 both served as groomsmen. (15) Alina Valera married Benjamin Mitchell on November 16, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Her sister Claire Valera Starkey ’08 served as Maid of Honor. (16)

2011 Merritt Baker and wife Alexandra welcomed son Henry Joseph on May 12, 2022. Katherine Layne Bomar married Jake Warren on April 30, 2022. The Brens (Bomar + Warren) reside in Austin, Texas. (17) Taylor Betts is the owner, event planner, and designer at Betts & Co. in Austin, Texas.

2014

Kelsey Womack graduated from Baylor University and begin studies at the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in fall 2022.

2015 Matthew Boling has moved to the No. 2 spot on the University of Georgia’s all-time top 10 list in the 60-meter dash with a 6.56 second time during the NCAA Championships prelims. Additionally, he tied for the SEC 60m title after speeding to a 6.64 second finish, and was part of the school record 4x400 relay team at the SEC Championships that captured the school’s first title in the event.

2018 Andrew Debnam, Alex Finkelstein, William Moursund, and Wells White achieved Eagle Scout status with Boy Scouts of America. Sophia Black, Calli Colvin, Isabella Goytia, and Ellie Pratka are Girl Scouts Gold Award recipients.

2019 Mattie Pincu is the 2022-23 Student Council Secretary, Jillian Greely is the 2022-23 Student Council Vice President, and Chandler Hollis is the 2022-23 Student Council President at Episcopal High School.

2021 Ava Black and Zoie Pierce are Girl Scouts Silver Award recipients and are working diligently toward the Gold Award.

Current ROBS Preschool teacher Madelyn Hilyard married McCartney Van Brunt on June 11, 2022, in Houston, Texas. (18) (19) COLE HAMMER

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Allie Hughey will attend Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in fall 2022. SUMMER 2022

In Memoriam

PATTY THOMPSON STREATER Principal, 1968-1984 Former ROBS principal Patty Thompson Streater, recognized for her leadership during the largest growth period in the School’s history, passed away on March 29, 2022. She served as principal (now called head of school) from 1968 through 1984. When Patty accepted the role as principal, ROBS was a nursery school that ended in first grade. Over the next ten years, under Patty’s headship, the School grew to extend through eighth grade. To make room for the growing student body, Patty helped lead the School’s first fundraising campaign to build what is now the Hightower Education Building (current Lower School building). The growth and transformation during this time speak to her visionary leadership, but she would say that her finest legacy is the people she brought to ROBS. Her ability to pick outstanding faculty reverberates through campus today. She hired second-grade

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teacher Nancy Hightower, who would go on to serve as head of school (1989-2011), as well as Penny Jackson, Susan McDaniel, and Barbara Luengas (all of whom retired within the last four years). The teachers Patty hired during these years credit her for encouraging them to teach each student individually and to think for themselves. What a tribute to her skill and wisdom as an educator. Patty is pre-deceased by her parents Dr. Paul and Sue Petit. She is survived by her husband Allen Streater, her siblings Paul Petit (Sara), Judy Monaghan (Charlie), Mike Petit (Elizabeth) and her children, George (AnnMarie), John (Karen) and Teal Thompson; Allen’s children, Roger (Kristen) Streater, Laura (Richard) Riehm, John (Gail) Streater and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews and one great grandchild.

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2021-22 Leadership

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Head of School Leanne Reynolds

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Gail Stewart, Chair Jarod Bonine Kristy Bradshaw Brian Bravo Jaime Casas Josh Davis Angie Gildea Mignon Gill Scott Hill Jacques Hodges, Chair Emeritus Terry Huffington, Emeritus Jakeen Johnson Mark Jones Brandt Leibe Tracy Livingston Mike Poe Leanne Reynolds, Ex-officio Dax Sanders Katie Stanton ’90 Jenny Webster ’92 Crystal Wright

Associate Head of School for Academics Todd Herauf, Ed.D. Associate Head of School for Advancement Deborah Harper Associate Head of School for Operations Paul Mayhew Head of Preschool Dawn Hanson, Ph.D. Head of Lower School Amy Womack Head of Middle School Connor Cook, Ed.D. Director of Innovation Brian Mahabee Director of Admission Kealey Johnson Director of Marketing & Communications Meghan Blanton

ACCREDITATION ISAS, ACTABS, Praesidium

PUBLICATIONS Managing Editor: Meghan Blanton Contributors: Meghan Blanton, Kara Neumann, Sarah Bello, James Blackwell, Sarah Graham, Dawn Hanson, Karrie Hilliard, Lorraine Matiling, and Ashley Moseley Photographers: Olive Shoot Photography, Jan Edwards, Kara Neumann, ROBS faculty and staff Designer: C2-Studios, Inc.

Director of Development Paige Martin ’85 Director of Safety & Security Chris Baltazar

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine. If we have made an error, please accept our apologies. You may contact Meghan Blanton at mblanton@robs.org regarding the publication.

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SUMMER 2021

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.