THE WOODLANDS THE WOODLANDS
C H R I S T I AACADEMY N CHRISTIAN A C A D E M Y OCTOBER 23, 2015
A Note From The Governance Board
The primary role of the Governance Board is to assure that The Woodlands Christian Academy, in cooperation with families, achieves its God-given mission: to graduate Christ-centered students inspired to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives as leaders – spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially. To perform its job, the Board adopted John Carver’s model of Policy Governance® in 2008. Policy Governance® boards have a three-fold job description: (1) write wellcrafted governing policies, (2) assure acceptable organization performance, and (3) connect with fellow stewards who are committed to and engaged with the stated Ends of Woodlands Christian. In accordance with this model, Julie Ambler and her Leadership Team have done an excellent job of prayerfully pursuing the spiritual formation of our students, implementing innovative educational practices, and consistently improving the quality of all programs at Woodlands Christian. In addition, the consistent use of Policy Governance has allowed the Board to confidently shift its energy from focusing on the day-to-day operations and programs of the school to a long-range strategic focus on the future. One aspect of focusing on the future is involving others who are committed to the Ends of Woodlands Christian in dialogues about what is on the horizon for our students. The Board regularly meets with focus groups, Christian education experts, local pastors, community leaders and others to ask such questions as: How is our organizational environment changing due to politics, culture, or economics? What are trends that will significantly impact (positively or negatively) our ability to see the mission accomplished? How will we know when we have accomplished our mission? Perhaps the most important part of focusing on the future is to consider “What is God doing at Woodlands Christian, and where does He want the organization to go?” There are many aspects of our Ends that can only be accomplished through God’s provision because He is the one who transforms the hearts of people. Therefore, the board has been committed to spending more time in prayer, both individually and corporately, in order to better discern God’s leading. Amazing things are happening every day at Woodlands Christian! We look forward with great anticipation to all that God has in store for our school. Gratefully, Governance Board The Woodlands Christian Academy Janice Freet, Chief Governance Officer Anthony George Michelle Hanigan Drew Howard Gary Mueck Jim O’Connor Paul Rogers Bill Wheeler Michael Yanochik 5800 ACADEMY WAY . THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS 77384 . 936-273-2555 . WWW.TWCA.NET
Lower School News  
Art Student Earns Honor In Countywide Contest Lower school art students in Mrs. Susan Peterson’s classes recently participated in the 2015 Conflict Resolution Bookmark Art Contest sponsored by the Dispute Resolution Center, a non-profit, volunteer organization which provides mediation and conflict resolution training to businesses, agencies, and the courts in Montgomery County. Over 1300 students entered the 2015 Conflict Resolution Bookmark Art Contest, and we are pleased to announce that Lizbeth Er, 2nd grade, received first place honors for her artwork. (See photo at left.) Lizbeth received her award from the Judge Kathleen Hamilton of the 359th Judicial District Court in a special ceremony held at the courthouse. (See photo below.) Additionally, her bookmark will be reproduced and distributed by the Dispute Resolution Center. Congratulations Lizbeth! Information & photos submitted by Susan Peterson.
Early Childhood Students Learn About Community Helpers Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students enjoyed a visit from The Woodlands Fire Department as they learn about community helpers. Students heard from the firefighters about what to expect should a firefighter enter their home in an emergency. They had the opportunity to see a firefighter don his full gear, hear the noise of his breathing apparatus, and how his voice sounded through his protective face shield. Thank you Woodlands firefighters for keeping us safe!
OCTOBER 23, 2015
Lower School News
The Library Is Going Camping! Mrs. Lunsford has created a very special reading corner for lower school students. She has placed her familiar rocking chair inside of a full sized camping tent which students enter to enjoy their reading time. (See photos top row below.) The tent reflects the theme of this year’s upcoming book fair which is Camp Read S’More: Let the Book Bugs Bite. While the book fair is a fun time for students, it serves an important purpose. With funds from past book fairs, the library is now equipped with a set of iPads which students may use during their library period each week. (See photos bottom row below.) The book fair begins Tuesday, November 3!
Learning About Landforms In their study of geography, students in Mrs. Atler-Derr’s first grade classes are learning about landforms. To prepare for a recent quiz, the students created a landform memory game with pictures and definitions. Way to go first grade! Information & photos submitted by Ariana Atler-Derr.
OCTOBER 23, 2015
Homecoming 2015  
Homecoming 2015 was celebrated in grand style with a rousing pep rally, the dedication of our new football stadium, and a wonderful time at the Booster Club pre-game barbecue dinner. Woodlands Christian students and their families really showed their Warrior spirit! Congratulations to our 2015 Homecoming Queen, Hailey Hanigan and to our Homecoming King, Luke Hudson. A big thank you to all those who made homecoming such a wonderful time of fellowship and school spirit!
#twcawarriors
Photos clockwise from top Hailey Hanigan and Luke Hudson 2015 Homecoming Queen & King; There’s no place like home - varsity cheerleaders with the Warrior mascot; the Warrior pep band shows their spirit; Head of School, Julie Ambler offers a prayer of dedication and thanks for our new football stadium; lower school cheerleaders fire up the pep rally crowd.
OCTOBER 23, 2015
Upper School News
Creative Writing Students Earn Recognition Three students from Mrs. Saenz’ creative writing class recently earned recognition from the online teen magazine, Teen Ink. Students from around the country submit short fiction, poetry and photographs which are then reviewed by the Teen Ink staff and chosen for publication. Congratulations to Meredith Frey and Nari Mathis for being recognized in the realistic fiction category and to Shelby Newcomb for being recognized in the historical fiction category. Their writings may be viewed by clicking the appropriate link as follows: Meredith Fry, Nari Mathis, and Shelby Newcomb. Nicely done Warrior writers!
Head Of School List - Spring Semester 2015 Congratulations to the following high school students who earned Head of School List honors for maintaining a cumulative grade average of 4.1 or higher for both quads for the spring semester of 2015. 9th grade
10th grade
Melissa Birdwell Destiny Brass Wyatt Hall Jacob Howorth Sarah Mirbahaeddin Azaria Ragbir Rio de Robertson
Eungyeol Cheon Holden Glover John Harkins Matthew Michel Ben Mueck Nicholas O’Connor Rylie Ray Jacob Rogers
11th grade
12th grade
Jacob Adams Haven Albiez Anna Berent Micah Dial Christian Mardaga Sam Mueck Marielle Olivier Emily Rogers Darcy Sanford Chloe Scrushy Hannah Shearer Hailey Watterson Cameron Webb
Katherine Albertson Hannah Bub Matthew Dew Hailey Hanigan Kyle Clark Brooke Farrelly Luke Hudson Amanda Hunnicutt Riley Farra Michelle McAden Shelby Newcomb Patrick O’Connor Megan Powers Baylee Rubich Brendan Seeman Avery Tudor Alex Yanochik
OCTOBER 23, 2015
Upper School News  
Student Council Sponsors Blood Drive The Student Council would like to thank all the students, faculty, staff, and parents who took the time to donate at the blood drive on October 20. A total of 36 units were collected making this blood drive the most successful in the ten year history of this event. Thank you for Committing for Life!
Tech To The Future!
High school faculty and their colleagues from lower and middle school recently attended the Tech to the Future conference sponsored by the Aldine Independent School District. This annual conference emphasizes the integration of technology and curriculum for better teaching and learning. Pictured above - Moree Simon, lower school music theory; Janet Coe, Instructional Technology Coordinator; Susan Peterson, lower school art; Melinda Cohea, middle and high school art; Debbie Gonzalez, 5th grade math; Crystal Chapman, high school English. Information & photo submitted by Cyndee Farra.
OCTOBER 23, 2015
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
Warriors Go On The Road Against Rosehill Christian The Warriors felt their first sting of defeat in district play with a tough 35-75 loss against Legacy Christian in the homecoming game last Friday night. The team looks to turn things around this week in their game with Rosehill Christian on Friday, October 23. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The regular season concludes with back to back home games against district opponents Lutheran North on October 30 and Legacy Prep on November 6. The race to the playoffs is on so come out and support your Warrior football team!
Warrior Volleyball Looking For Playoff Spot The Warrior varsity volleyball team chalked up two district victories with wins over Lutheran North (3-0) and St. Joseph (3-1). The team is now in a battle with Katy Faith West for the final playoff spot in TAPPS 3A District 6. The deciding match will be played at home on Thursday, October 22 when the Warriors face off against the Eagles at 6:00 p.m. The junior varsity team gets the action started at 5:00 p.m. The regular season finale will be a White Out. All fans are encouraged to wear their brightest white apparel to the game. Additionally, members of the Class of 2016 will be honored in a special pre-game ceremony. It’s win or stay home so bring your Warrior spirit to the match on Thursday night!
Warrior Cross Country Prepares For District Championship Meet We had a number of amazing performances at the cross country race last weekend. The high school team (those not getting ready for homecoming!) ran on a VERY fast, flat course at the St. John’s Maverick Ramble. It showed that not only can we attack hills but that we also have the flat-out speed to be competitive. For the girls, the highlights from last week’s meet include the following: - Olivia Gregory ran a 12:16 in the 2-mile run for a new school record! - Season or personal best marks for Hannah Shearer, Megan Worthington and Brittany Rogers - Hannah Shearer, Megan Worthington and Olivia Gregory earned medals for finishing in the top ten places overall out of 104 runners. (See photo top center.)
On the boys’ side, in order to give everyone some extra sleep we entered the team in the JV race. It was obvious our guys belong in varsity races, though. Here are the highlights: - The boys team scored a perfect score of 15 (taking each of the top five places). Our boys filled out seven of the top ten places resulting in seven medals earned by Joshy Shearer, Jake Adams, Alex Yanochik, Cade Glover, Jacob Rogers, Ross Jackson and Matthew Cheon. - Every one of the boys ran a personal or season best time. (See photo bottom center.)
This sets us up well for the district championship on Saturday, October 24 which will be held on our new track! The following week, October 31, our runners will travel to Waco for the state championship meet. Information submitted by Coach Tom Earle. Photos courtesy of Leah Shearer & Julie Jackson-Schmidt. OCTOBER 23, 2015
All School News
Warrior Pink-Out Day! October 27, 2015
Sponsored by the Interact Club to benefit St. Luke’s* To assist the local efforts of St. Luke’s Hospital, the Interact Club is sponsoring an all school Warrior Pink-Out Day Tuesday, October 27. On this day, all students who make a $5 donation will be allowed to wear pink! Simply come to school dressed in your pinkest pink (jeans are acceptable), your English teacher will note your name, and the $5 donation will be billed to your Woodlands Christian business office account. ** Important Notes ** If you choose not to participate in this event, please wear your regular school uniform. Students must be dressed modestly and appropriately. No pink hair or face paint.
*All proceeds will benefit St. Luke’s Cancer Awareness and Education Program.
A Reminder From The Business Office Please take a moment to review and pay your invoice by logging on to your Parents Web account in RenWeb as follows: Click - Family Information Click - Family Billing To view all open invoices click - Details To pay invoices click - Pay Now enter the amount of payment for each billing category and your credit card information. Please note that each billing category must be paid separately.
Questions? Contact Kathy Montes in the Business Office kmontes@twca.net or 936-273-2555, ext. 1005.
OCTOBER 23, 2015
All School News
Campus Tour October 28 at 9 a.m. Experience the Difference Independent, Christ-centered, college preparatory education
PK - 12th grade
We encourage our families to invite friends who may be interested in learning more about Woodlands Christian!
www.twca.net/admission
OCTOBER 23, 2015