Christian Education

MIDDLE SCHOOL ON THE HORIZON

This past year has been nothing short of a miracle. After enduring a harrowing year with the ongoing pandemic, we persevered to continue providing an affordable and unparalleled educational experience to our students. With so many unexpected circumstances, extensive planning has gone into the continual longevity of the legacy that is and will continue to be St. Philip’s School and Community Center. Our launch of 7th and 8th grade over the next two years will extend our impact and programs to more students in the southern sector.

This expansion is one parents, donors, and community members have asked of us for close to two decades. Embarking on this new chapter will better position our alumni to matriculate to other ISAS private schools after graduating from St. Philip’s. It also solidifies St. Philip’s as the only faith-based PK through 8th grade private school in South Dallas.

Our esteemed Perot Family Headmaster, Dr. Terry J. Flowers, and George T. Lee, Jr. Principal, Kellee Murrell, are embarking on a journey that positions our school to continue the great work of transforming our community and world by FAITH, EDUCATION, and SERVICE. To make this transition one of ease and excellence, St. Philip’s welcomes Dr. Shaunaisea M. Henderson, who will serve as the new 7th and 8th grade Program Director. Dr. Henderson has been in education for 26 years, serving in an array of capacities from teacher, writing specialist, instructional coach, principal, chief academic officer, and educational consultant. Her experience and expertise come at a time that St. Philip’s needs it most.

Dr. Henderson believes in the power and necessity of a middle school addition. She understands middle school has the capacity to help our students remain on the trajectory of excellence St. Philip’s sets for its students. On her excitement about this new change, Dr. Henderson says, “middle School, [is] a journey that will advance all students to reach their goals, be confidently brave, and believe in the remarkable destination of success.”

St. Philip’s is overjoyed at this new and exciting change that will begin to take place within the next year. Parents and students alike are enthusiastic! It is the hope and priority of our school to continue to provide an unparalleled education positioning our students to succeed.

CHARTING STUDENT PATHWAYS

St. Philip’s School and Community Center believes in the power of education and the wonderful cohesion of an academic, emotional, and spiritual foundation. We desire for our students to experience and implement in their own lives, a Love of God, Love of Self, and Love of Learning. The school’s Student Pathway concept serves as an outline to prepare our students to be the future leaders and productive citizens God calls them to be, as they stand on the solid foundation laid by their St. Philip’s experience.

From Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School Prep, and Middle School, we have segments to teach St. Philip’s students valuable principles of EMPOWERMENT, RESPONSIBILITY, INDEPENDENCE, and

becoming CHANGE-MAKERS. Each segment includes color-coded segues that all lend to the wholeness of the pathways from early childhood to 8th grade.

In the graphic, each color-coded path will highlight an important skill that our students will learn and implement based on their grade level.

o Red = Intellectually Driven o Purple = Inter- and Intra-Personal Wellness o Green = Christ-Centered o Blue = Servant Leadership o Yellow = Cultural Awareness and Social Justice

Review the Student Pathway graphic on the next page for a deeper understanding of the leadership skills and growth each student will develop as they progress to the next grade. St. Philip’s is dedicated to helping its students to be the best version of themselves. This pathway aligns with the vision of our school in transforming the world by FAITH, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE.

Early Childhood EMPOWERMENT

Introducing fundamentals of foreign language

Discovering a heart for others and learning to collaborate through PBL & Service Learning

Gaining an awareness of their culture and others through Creed memorization and a well rounded curriculum

Learning about themselves, families, “communities” and ancestors, and SEL- Friendship building Emerging artistic talents & gifts Building imagination through the Arts/ Creative Play

Developing a biblical foundation through Chapel and memorization of the Books of the Bible/ ABC Memory Verses

Discovering a love of nature through science exploration

Middle School Prep INDEPENDENCE

Identifying personal strengths and weaknesses while recognizing the value that others bring (team sports, performances, PBL projects)

Learning the Pioneers of culture with a specific emphasis on African American contributions

Recognition of cultural influence and their personal power to impact the world (Civil Rights Trip)

Developing Independent Student Pathway

Mastering performing arts and productions

Starting fundamental building blocks in math and literacy Participating in servant leadership opportunities with the local and school community.

Lower School RESPONSIBILITY

Developing technological skills

Developing a sense of academic responsibility and learning to work independently Exploring independence through assignments, major academic projects and overnight academic excursions

Making connections to character and integrity through responsible decision making (Titan 3rd) Arising artistic talents and gifts (Young Strings, Fine Arts Programs)

Understanding key biblical concepts and applying them to their lives. Including an increased expectation of mastery of Christian principles (Chapel, Books of the Bible,

ABC Memory Verses)

for future leaders: St. Philip’s School & Community Center Student Pathway

Middle School CHANGE-MAKERS

Expression of artistic and academic talents through student directed arts productions and competitions (athletic, academic, arts)

Developing student voice and effective communication Embodies the tenants of The Creed and ABC Memory Verses

Understanding organizational skills, time management, and study skills (Advisory, SEL)

Independent Practice of 21st century skills (collaboration)

Making sense of change as individuals but also as a community through Rites of Passage I

Applying biblical principles to their daily lives and share their faith with others through Student led devotion and prayer

Developing artistic talents and gifts (performing, visual, musical programming)

Portfolio building begins

Greater comprehension of their emotions and empathy for others (SEL)

Synthesizing and applying the scientific method to real world problems

Advancing broadcast communication and media art skills

Leading, designing and implementing Student Service Learning opportunities

Demonstrating leadership skills, artistic talents and gifts

Establishing a personal Mission Statement for building a purpose on how they want to leave their mark on this world

Applying student voice and choice (Middle School Course selections/ Introduction of 2nd Foreign Language Option/ LASP, AP courses)

Implementation of Entrepreneur and Leadership Capstone Projects Mastering a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism and selfadvocacy (Rites of Passage II)

Applying leadership skills through participation in student leadership opportunities

Effectively applying organizational skills, time management, and study skills and understanding their personal learning styles (Advisory, SEL)

Sharing biblical principles with their peers by designing and articulating student led homilies

Application of 21st century skills through Real World Collaborations (Kidpreneur) Mastering and applying the tenants of The Creed

A NEW BEECON AT ST. PHILIP’S

There’s a big BUZZ on campus! Thanks to the generosity of our partners at Capital One, St. Philip’s had a beehive installed on its campus in September. Over the next three years, Alveole, an urban beekeeping company, will provide beekeepers and lead this exciting new program to encourage our students and neighbors to fall in love with bees, build ecological awareness, and in time, create a more sustainable community.

The beehive offers a unique expansion to our STEM offerings and science program, ensuring students receive hands on observation and interaction with nature and the science of beekeeping. An added bonus -- students will be able to harvest the honey to share with the community! Sweet!

EXPANDING THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT AT ST. PHILIP’S

St. Philip’s has created and implemented new changes to its already vast and unique tutoring and academic support program. A small group

Interventionist for Math and ELAR/Reading was added to the faculty, serving over 46 students in small groups on a weekly basis. This position, made possible with generous support from the Eugene McDermott Foundation and Hamon Charitable Foundation, was able to support St. Philip’s students in grades Pk4-6th grade.

This year, we offered services for students identified with characteristics of dyslexia, giving these students and their parents better tools to cope, understand, and continue learning and thriving in a safe and nurturing environment. St. Philip’s academic support services addresses the needs of students with Dyslexia, ADHD, and some speech challenges. Educational evaluations are also provided. The scope of our tutoring and academic support program is expanding to ensure St. Philip’s is able to reach and empower every child where they are, no matter their learning level and ability.

We are ecstatic to also share the establishment of the Landin Family Reading Specialist made possible by Rebecca and Rob Landin. This generous gift will ensure quality of leadership for the Academic Support Program in perpetuity.

STUDENTS THRIVING IN NEW AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

For over 10 years, St. Philip’s afterschool and summer programs have positively impacted hundreds of children. This year, St. Philip’s is excited to partner with Champions to bring the young people we serve exceptional afterschool programming. Champions is closely connected to the KinderCare family and partners with numerous schools throughout the country to provide before- and after-school programming.

Our program provides: o STEM activities including Coding, Digital Art and Design, Engineering o Creative Arts o Math and Construction activities o Puzzles and Games o Dedicated Library sessions o SEL (Social Emotional Learning) activities and curriculum

At St. Philip’s, we understand afterschool programming is necessary to the social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development of our students. Partnering with Champions allows us to do this effectively, while also providing a safe and supportive atmosphere for the children we serve to thrive.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION: ST. PHILIP’S I-LAB

St. Philip’s Innovation Lab (I-Lab), home to robotics, interactive technology, and other S.T.E.M. instruction on campus, is undergoing expansion and renovation. Texas Instruments has provided a donation towards the procurement of a muralist who will design a oneof-a-kind mural in the I-Lab, a favorite space for students prior to the pandemic. The stimulating and beautifully designed mural will further foster an environment of creativity and experimenting that comes with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

In addition, board member, Rev. Paul Rasmussen and Highland Park United Methodist Church will underwrite renovation costs to ensure a proper facelift for this dynamic space that will be utilized by both students, after school care participants, and summer camp scholars. Science Faculty Lead, Tia Stevens, manages this dynamic learning space that will be ready for full usage next school year.

ST. PHILIP’S WELCOMES NEW FACULTY AND STAFF

Antavia Mason, Philanthropy Writer Dee Velvin, Community Development Coordinator

Elijah Hubbard, Communications Specialist

Joshua Castillo, Database Administrator

Kawana Moore, Senior Accounting Manager

Kelsey Tiamfook, Administrative Assistant Kieairrah Seamster, Facilities Lincoln Morgan, Instructor

Maria Chapa, Facilities Michelle Peele, Staff Accountant Montrice Hodge, Staff Accountant

Neal Choate, Chief Financial Officer

Nicole Raphiel, Community Development Project Manager

Shaunaisea Henderson, 7th and 8th Grade Program Director Trenitta Comadore, Instructor

EMPLOYEE SNAPSHOT

AGE: Our employees represent a diverse range of multi-talented generations: Gen Z (3%) Millennials (36%), Gen X (38%) and Boomers (23%)

GENDER: Male: 19.7% /Female: 80.3%

TENURE: 45% of responding employees have worked with SPSCC over 5 years