The Chronicum, Vol VI

Celebrating 20 Years of Impactful Learning

Volume VI 2024

On the Cover: 20th Anniversary Event in Foundation Hall.

Inside Cover: 8th grader, Joceli, PreK4 student, Reese, and 3rd grader, Sherry, hanging out during a House Chapel Buddies day.

3

Inside this Volume 4

From the Acting Head of School

5

Get to Know the New Admins

6

20 Years of Community Impact

8

House System and Chapel Buddies

10 Annual Fund: Thank You! 11

Annual Auction: Rock & Bowl

12

Christmas Productions: Early Education to Middle School

14

Cultural Expeditions Program

15

Athletics Update

16

The First Semester in Pictures

18

Chili Cook-Off

19

Alumni Spotlight

20 Parent Information 22 Remaining Events 23 2024-2025 Preliminary Calendar

Volume VI | 2024

4

From the Acting Head of School Dear Veritas Community, My heart is filled with gratitude for the grace and generosity displayed by our incredible community. Your commitment to Veritas Christian Academy has been a pillar of strength, and I am excited to share the vision for our school.

As we look ahead, we recognize the Lord’s enduring faithfulness throughout Veritas’s rich 20-year history.

Our mission remains unwavering – we are dedicated to supporting Christian parents as they provide their children with a timeless and transformative classical education, all in the pursuit of glorifying God. Our approach to education is deeply rooted in the classical tradition that seamlessly weaves faith into exploring the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. In conjunction with our classical foundation, the educational experience at Veritas is guided by our core values of academic excellence, character formation, Biblical literacy, and intentional engagement. We strive to provide a holistic educational experience that builds our students into young men and women of God. We are engaging in several initiatives in our continued pursuit of academic excellence. Prioritizing ongoing teacher development and training in classical education will ensure our educators are equipped with the tools they need to empower our students with a lifelong love of learning. Also, we are assessing the existing curriculum to provide an education that is rigorous and firmly grounded in Christcentered principles. Through these endeavors, we strive to create an educational experience that is both enriching and transformative for our students.

As we navigate the ever-changing education landscape, strategic planning lies at the heart of our vision for Veritas Christian Academy. We are in the beginning stages of crafting our next comprehensive strategic plan.

It will serve as a roadmap for our future and will incorporate several areas of our daily school life and culture.

Each component is meticulously considered, from academic excellence and teacher development to campus infrastructure and community engagement.

This fall, the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), our accrediting organization, will review our initiatives in the strategic plan. A reaccreditation committee will assess the plan and visit our campus in the fall of 2025, with final recommendations and commendations for approval.

In conclusion, I am so grateful for your continued support. As we seize the opportunities ahead and address the challenges, I invite you to join us in prayer for the continued growth and impact of Veritas Christian Academy on our current and future students, all for God’s glory.

In His service, Kim Berger Acting Head of School

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Get to Know the New Admins Molly El-Issa Middle School Team Lead

Molly El-Issa has been a founding teacher for 20 years and served as a middle school lead teacher for 14 years. She has been our Dean of Students for the past six years and has taught pre-algebra and middle school math for 13 years. In addition, she has been teaching middle school Bible for the past 15 years.

Mrs. El-Issa has 30 years of teaching and educational experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Psychology. She was formerly a director of a Center for Language Instruction in Canada. Her center ranked in the top five educational centers in Toronto. She also has an ACSI Secondary Teaching Certificate and a Secondary Administrator Certificate.

Melanie Wilson Early Education and Lower School Team Lead Melanie Wilson is a founding teacher and team leader of Veritas Christian Academy.

She has been in Christian Education for over 38 years. Mrs. Wilson currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and Special Education, along with being a licensed dyslexia therapist with certifications as a CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist) and LDT (Licensed Dyslexia Therapist).

Amanda Owen Director of Admissions Amanda Owen began her time at Veritas during the summer of 2023 as the new Admissions and Advancement Coordinator. She has helped to bring new life into the Veritas social media presence and has helped in providing the necessary aid needed for the Admissions Department at Veritas. Her background includes time in the classroom as a teacher in HISD.

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20 Years of Community Impact Veritas Christian Academy opened its doors in the fall

school’s early years as God clearly had His hand in

of 2003 to a little over 100 students. With the help of

the daily life of the community.

the founding Head of School, Steve Zeal, and Assistant Head, Lamia Raad, the school formulated a plan to

Even in the midst of lean fiscal years for the school,

begin serving students with Biblical and rigorous

the teachers and families remained committed to

academics within a Christian framework. With the

delivering a life-changing and biblically-integrated

first Board of Trustees - Arden Morley (Chair), Chris

learning experience. Parents knew that their children

Weber (Vice Chair), Barbara Boucher (Secretary),

were in a Christ-centered environment where they

Stuart Hudson (Treasurer), Silvia Hassell, Malcolm

were loved but also challenged.

Marshall, and Jeff Whittle - the school

The classrooms,

breezeways, and chapel all echoed the

finalized its bylaws and other

school’s previous motto, “Deep in

governing documents to begin

Learning. Deep in Christ.”

its quest of building a foundation of life into its

Alumni of the school

students.

began to move into high school at some

The following school

of the larger and

year (04-05), Veritas

longer

began to put down

institutions

its roots in Bellaire

Houston.

Upon

at

current

entering

these

location - securing a

schools,

Veritas

partnered lease with

students would excel

then Bellaire Central

and it became evident to

its

Baptist Church.

The

established in

others in the community

church’s leadership at the

that great work was being

time was looking for ways

done

to utilize its resources to impact

at

Veritas,

preparing

students for both academia and for

the surrounding community and found

life. The reputation of the school, carried

the mission of the school a good fit for that impact.

on the shoulders of its alumni, began to grow among

God provided for the school in obvious and tangible

other Houston schools, and those schools began to

ways. Arden Morley recounted, “We needed lockers

seek Veritas graduates to be a part of their high

for the school so as a board, we prayed during our

schools.

meeting for that need. Two days later, one of Lamia’s neighbors, who happened to be working at a local

Today, students of Veritas have gone on to both

Catholic school, offered their used lockers to Lamia

private and public high schools. These include Strake

for the school.” Many similar stories accompanied the

Jesuit College Preparatory, Houston Christian High

7 School, St. Agnes Academy, Fort Bend Christian Academy, St. John’s School, Second Baptist School, etc.

Veritas students also have gone on to continue their educational experience at local public schools, mostly in concentrated magnet programs. These schools include Bellaire High School, DeBakey High School, Carnegie Vanguard High School, Clements High School, Dulles High School, Seven Lakes High School, etc. Regardless of where Veritas alumni choose to go, they oftentimes find themselves as some of the top students in the school, continuing the standard and expectations that Veritas places on its students.

To celebrate the impactful existence of the school, Veritas hosted a 20 Year Anniversary celebration in early fall. This celebration invited the entire community of the school - from founding faculty and staff to early alumni and families. Steve Zeal (founding head) and Lamia Raad (founding assistant head) were some of the VIP guests at the 20 Year Celebration. A tribute video, encompassing various members of the board, families, and administration from the past to the present, highlighted the evening’s festivities. With interviews from all of the previous heads of schools including Brad Sewell (2016-21) and Lina Delgado (21-22 Interim Head).

In addition, conversations filled Foundation Hall - stories of past shenanigans, memories shared between faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and laughter of current students interacting with one another and old friends. The event proved to be a great time of reminiscing and visiting with friends and family.

8

House System and Chapel Buddies Community is an intrinsic part of the student and family experience at Veritas. The familial atmosphere that is ingrained in our school community is evident from the moment you step onto campus. One of the initiatives implemented in the 2023-2024 Academic Year to strengthen our community was to create a new House system that would incorporate events and gatherings to enrich our close-knit community at Veritas.

Veritas Houses Sapentia - Wisdom Integritas - Integrity Fidelitas - Faithfulness Virtus - Virtue

The specific house names are characteristics that are expected and taught to students at Veritas. Each house was also assigned a specific color and logo that would be represented on “house shirts” which students wear on All School Chapel Buddy days. The houses include Sapentia (Wisdom) Purple, Integritas (Integrity) - Blue, Fidelitas (Faithfulness) - Red, Virtus (Virtue) - Gold.

Each house also has a Bible verse that corresponds to each characteristic.

Sapentia house’s verse is James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Integritas house’s verse is Proverbs 10:9 - “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his way crooked will be found out.” Fidelitas house’s verse is Psalm 117:2 - “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” Last, but certainly not least, Virtus house’s verse is Philippians 4:8 - “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Additionally, our house system incorporates the school’s Chapel Buddy program. Older students are assigned younger students to have as chapel

9 buddies within each house. The Chapel

other.

Dads had the opportunity to

Buddies Program encourages a sense

catch up with one another as the girls

of oneness and family across all of the

played with each other. Everyone also

school’s divisions. Older students have

enjoyed a Texas classic, Blue Bell Ice

an informal mentoring opportunity as

Cream, with all the fixins. This fun

they get to know and build relationships

event jump started the House Events

with our younger students.

for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.

These relationships are reflected not only

Another event, hosted by Virtus House, was

during All School Chapel Buddies time,

the Mother-Son Kickball Game. Though

but throughout daily student life at

the common Houston rains tried to

Veritas.

There are waves, hugs,

put a damper on the game, Virtus

high-fives, and “hi’s” in the school

house moms were able to regroup and

breezeways as younger and older

moved the game indoors to the Veritas

students alike see their chapel buddy

Gymnasium.

during the school day. Oftentimes, the older students receive “celebrity”-like status

The boys helped carry

their moms and their teams to home base with this event!

as many of their younger buddies whispers to their classmate, “That’s MY chapel buddy!”

The most recent event, hosted by Sapentia House, was a Father-Son Dodgeball Tournament. The dads did not hold

During All School Chapel Buddies

back on their sons, regardless of the

Chapel Days, students get to spend

age, as they relived the glory days from

time together during play, building

their own PE or recess experiences

cameraderie. Cheers often can be heard

playing a classic game of dodgeball.

in the morning as houses meet together

Even the Veritas boys were able to get a

in the Veritas Courtyard.

The excitement

few “licks” in on their dads.

electrifies the atmosphere which carries into Foundation Hall. Chapel Buddies

Additionally, an All House Bingo is on

and Houses sit together during chapel

the School Calendar for mid-March.

and are dismissed for playtime after

The final event of the academic year,

receiving Mr. V’s Bible message for

hosted by Integritas House, will be

the week.

held in April and will feature a MotherDaughter event.

Another aspect of the new Veritas House System is the introduction of House Events.

The House System will continue to grow

A specific House will host an event into which

from its inaugural year, and will undoubtedly

all the other houses are invited.

The

grow in what it offers and in how it will

first of these events was the Father-

encourage Veritas to get closer to one

Daughter Ice Cream Sundae Social.

another. Community continue to get

Fidelitas House hosted and Veritas

stronger through the Veritas House

dads and daughters were able to

system.

spend time together amongst each

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2023-2024

Thank You for your support!

100% Participation Reached!

Over $131,000 raised!

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Saturday, February 10 | 6:00-10:00 p.m.

PINSTRIPES 3300 Kirby Dr, Houston | pinstripes.com Saturday, Attire February 10“Rock-n-Roll” | 6:00-10:00 p.m.

- Casual Raising money for Veritas people & places • Teacher Enrichment - Fulfilling teacher-requested grants • Classical Education - Bringing classical training to our teachers & community • Community Spaces - Renovations to gymnasium floor

Current Sponsors

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Christmas Productions

13

Early Education to Middle School

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Cultural Expeditions Program The Cultural Expeditions Program (CEP) consists of four annual trips - one trip per middle school grade level from 5th through 8th grades. It starts locally with a trip in-state and culminates to an international trip to London, United Kingdom. Two of the four trips take place in the first semester, with the seventh grade class taking the initial trip in October. That trip is a three city tour of the Mid-Atlantic and the greater Northeast with visits to Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. Sites visited include Independence Hall, Philadelphia’s Love Park, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Freedom Trail, historic Quincy Market, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Added to this year’s itinerary were a tour of the United Nations Headquarters in New York and a concert at hallowed Carnegie Hall.

The Texas History trip is the inaugural trip for Veritas middle school students. This is a three city tour of the Texas Hill Country - San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Austin. Visits to The Alamo, Riverwalk, Tower of the Americas, Mission San Jose, National Museum of the Pacific War, University of Texas at Austin, and the Texas State Capitol are highlights of the trip. As with last year’s trip, Veritas alum, Hannah Nicholas, provided a tour of UT, where she is currently a student. CEP for second semester will feature the capstone eighth grade trip to London and Oxford, and then will end with the sixth grade trip to Washington DC.

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Athletics Update Veritas Athletics has been going well for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. With nearly

Houston

Christian

(WHCAC).

Athletic

Conference

The teams will begin

65% of the middle school students

their playoff schedule with a bye

participating in at least one sport

game and then will host the

in fall and winter, the athletic

semi-final game the week of

program at Veritas has been

February 12th with a potential

steady making a comeback

for playing the championship

since the pandemic put a

game later on in the same

hiatus on sports.

week, should they win their playoff game.

One notable accolade is that for the first time in Veritas’

Anchored by a large eighth

history, both the Boys and Girls

grade

Varsity Basketball teams have

program will conclude with

earned the first seed in the West

class,

the

athletics

spring sports, beginning soon.

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2023 - 2024 Academic Year

17

First Semester in Pictures

18

Chili Cook Off

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Alumni Spotlight Hannah Nicholas Veritas Class of 2018 Hannah Nicholas is a current student at the Cockrell School of Engineering at The Univerity of Texas at Austin in their Pre-Med Biomedical Engineering program.

Currently in her sophomore year, her goal is to become a Navy Medical Officer once she completes her medical doctorate program. For the past couple of years, Hannah has graciously given our fifth grade students a tour of UTA during their annual Texas History Cultural Expeditions Program trip.

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Parent Information Standardized Testing

April 8, 2024 - April 19, 2024 (window for testing)

First through Eighth Grade

In preparation for standardized testing, please ensure that your child: • Does not have any appointments during scheduled testing times • Has a good night’s sleep • Eats a healthy breakfast daily • Arrives to school on-time daily

Parent Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher Conferences strengthens the communication between parents and teachers, as both share the common bond of the success of the student. This time is set apart to provide a dedicated meeting time for deeper discussion regarding student progress, observations within the classroom, addressing any potential issues, and providing encouragement for continued student growth and success. See division specific dates below to schedule your conference.

Early Education PreK3 and PreK4

Early Education Parent Teacher Conferences are mandatory and are available throughout the month of March. Please wait for your child’s teacher to reach out to you regarding a conference.

Lower School First through Fourth Grades (with K) March 20 to 29, 2024

Lower School Parent Teacher Conferences (including Kindergarten) are optional. Your child’s teacher will reach out with an opportunity to schedule a conference, should you choose.

Middle School Fifth through Eighth Grades March 20 to 29, 2024

Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences are optional. Your child’s teacher will reach out with an opportunity to schedule a conference, should you choose.

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) President: Crystal Newsom • Vice President: Jeff Frey • Secretary: Jason Wiley • Tresurer: Heidi Obie PTF Meetings for the remainder of the 2023-2024 Academic Year: March 1 • April 5 • May 3 • All meetings begin at 8 a.m. in Foundation Hall

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8th Grade Production of

Thursday, May 16 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 17 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

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Remaining Events MAR

Community Events

Parent Teacher Conferences PreK3-PreK4 (mandatory)

MAR 20

MAR

Lower School (optional) Kindergarten included

MAR 20

MAR

Middle School (optional) Fifth through Eighth Grades

29

29

FEB

10

FEB

Go Texan Day

FEB

Veritas Spirit Night

FEB

27

FEB

19

MAR

8

MAR

MAR

APR

11 29

MAY

22

15 1

23 5

Early Dismissal starting at 11:10 a.m.

MAR

MAR APR

President’s Day

Spring Break

APR

12

APR

18

Easter Break

APR

Last Day of School Early Dismissal starting at 11:10 a.m.

22

APR

25

APR

26

Middle School Only International Thespian Society &

MAY

2

MAY

TBD National Honor Society Inductions at 8:10 a.m.

17

MAR

8th Grade CEP Trip

MAY

6th Grade CEP Trip

MAY

1

APR

29

MAY

21

MAR

7

MAY

3

London & Oxford

Washington DC

Eighth Grade Graduation

hosted at Pinstripes

23

27

School Closures

Annual Auction “Rock & Bowl”

16

20

MAY

21

Chick-fil-A (South Rice & Westpark) from 4-8 p.m.

History & Science Fair All Houses Event - Bingo Kindergarten - 5th Grade Boys Campout All Houses Mother and Daughter Event - TBD Athletic Awards Ceremony APR

26

Fine Arts Week - Art Galleries

Spaghetti Supper & The State of Veritas Fine Arts Performance Night National Day of Prayer Early Education End of Year Chapel at 8:15 a.m.

MAY

17

Eighth Grade Production featuring Cinderella

Lower School End of Year Chapel at 8:15 a.m.

Middle School End of Year Chapel at 8:15 a.m.

Visit our website for more information or to view more upcoming events on our School Calendar

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2024-2025 Preliminary Calendar August S M T W T F S

September S M T W T F S

October S M T W T F S

November S M T W T F S

1

2

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

13

14

15

16

17

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19

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

29

30

27

28

29

30

31

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

22

23

24

25

26

27

29

30

31

7

1

2

3

4

8

9

10

11

February S M T W T F S

March S M T W T F S

1

5

6

21

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

9

10

11

28

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

16

17

18

26

27

28

29

30

31

23

24

25

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

11

12

13

14

15

12

13

14

15

9

10

19

20

21

22

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

26

27

28

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

F

15

20

January S M T W T F S

T

December S M T W T F S

30

April S M T W T F S 2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

8

9

10

KEY

KEY

Event

No School

First/ Last Day

No School - Professional Development

A

6

1

May S M T W T F S

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

27

28

29

30

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

31

Half -Day

Dates and Events

November

R

August 9 12 14 27

New Parent Orienta on Back to School Night First Day of School Spirit Night

September

2 No School - Labor Day TBD MS Retreat 22 House Event (Father/Daughter) 25 See You at the Pole/Parent Coffee

TBD School Portraits 9 Veritas Annual Campaign Ends 11 House Event (Mother/Son) 12-16 Book Fair 16 Family Day 19-23 No School - Thanksgiving Break 28-30 CEP - Texas History Trip

January

6 No School - Teacher In-Service 7 First Day of School 13 No School - Mar n Luther King Day 17 House Event (Father/Son) 22 Open House (Admissions)

February

TBD No School - Fall Break TBD CEP - Phila/NY/Bos Trip 16 Open House (Admissions) 21 Veritas Annual Fund Begins 21-25 Spirit Week 26 Chili Cook Off

TBD Gala 17 No School - President's Day 13 Lower School Christmas Produc on 25 History & Science Fair 16-20 Middle School Midterms 25 Spirit Night 18 Early Educa on Christmas Produc on 19 Alumni Day 20 Middle School Christmas Concert 1-7 CEP - London/Oxford Trip 20 Early Dismissal (1/2 day) 7 Early Dismissal (1/2 day) 23-3 No School - Christmas Break 10-14 No School - Spring Break 19 School Yearbook Pictures 22 House Event (All)

Grading Periods

Progress Reports

D

October

December

March

August 14 - October 11 October 14 - December 20 January 6 - March 7

Q3

September 19 November 15 February 6

Q3

October 17 January 9 March 20

Q4

March 17 - May 21

Q4

April 17

Q4

May 29

Q1

Q1 Q2

4 7-11 11 17 18-21 22-25 23 24 25

May

5-9 14-20 16 16 19 20 20 21

K-5th Grade Boys Campout Standardized Tes ng Window House Event (Mother/Daughter) Athle c Awards Ceremony No School - Easter Break Fine Arts Week Conservatory Recital Spaghe Supper & State of Veritas Fine Arts Performance

CEP - Washington DC Trip 7th & 8th Grade Finals EE End of Year Chapel 8th Grade Produc on LS End of Year Chapel MS End of Year Chapel 8th Grade Gradua on Last Day of School / Early Dismissal

Report Cards

Q3

Q2

April

Q1 Q2

7000 Ferris Street Bellaire, TX 77401 www.veritasca.org 713-773-9605

7000 Ferris Street • Bellaire, TX 77401 www.veritasca.org • 713.773.9605