THE WOODLANDS THE WOODLANDS
CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY A C A D E M Y SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
21st Century Tools & 21st Century Learning- by Steve Zeal, School Principal In my two previous articles, I unpacked the concept of 21st century learning. I began by explaining why the way in which we teach skills and learning needed to be rethought and reengineered if we were to truly serve the needs of students facing a world that has been transformed by exponential technological advances, the knowledge revolution and a global economy. Next we looked at what these new skills are - creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and collaboration. Collectively referred to as The 4 C’s. In this final installment, we will look at how ever changing technology impacts the impartation and development of these 21st century skills. We now live in a technology and media-driven environment, marked by access to an abundance of information, rapid changes in technology tools and the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. If they are to positively impact their world for Christ, our students must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to technology. The selection of The Woodlands Christian Academy as an Apple Distinguished School in 2014 was recognition of our successes in enhancing and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful and innovative implementations of technology. However, classrooms at Woodlands Christian are not just about technology. They are about learning!
Classrooms are no longer places where teachers tell and students listen. They are places where teachers and students are actively engaged in the learning process. They are places where students are media producers, not just consumers. It’s not just about learning how to use technology or even teaching with technology tools, it is about students creating and constructing with technology. At Woodlands Christian we are using 21st century tools such as MacBooks, iPads and even iPhones to assist students in developing 21st century learning and innovation skills. The mix of tools will evolve and change in the future. What is cutting edge today may be obsolete tomorrow. It is impossible to predict which tools will be essential for learning and working in the years to come. This is why it is vital for our students to acquire the learning skills that will enable them to learn to use next-generation technology. One final thought, “If we teach today the way we were taught yesterday, we aren't preparing students for today or tomorrow.” Woodlands Christian is looking toward a future where digital educators design and develop digital age learning experiences that inspire learning and creativity, and teach digital learners to be technologically savvy, innovative critical thinkers and problem solvers.
5800 ACADEMY WAY . THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS 77384 . 936-273-2555 . WWW.TWCA.NET
 
Warrior Fund
The 2015 Warrior Fund Campaign Is Now Underway! Congratulations to the Class of 2016 for being the first grade level to reach 100% participation! Join us for our Warrior Fund Celebration! Friday, October 23 2:30-3:30 p.m. Each class reaching 100% participation will receive a Kona Ice sno-cone! The first lower school grade reaching 100% participation will enjoy a water balloon activity! The first middle school grade reaching 100% participation will get to dunk Mr. Laugen and four other individuals* in the dunking booth! The first high school grade reaching 100% participation (already won by the 12th grade!) will get to dunk Mr. Clark and four other individuals* in the dunking booth! The grade level raising the highest dollar amount will get to dunk Mr. Zeal in the dunking booth! *All students selected for the dunking booth will be approved in advance by the appropriate administration.
Click here to view a special message from Julie Ambler, Head of School and to see the latest grade level results!
Your participation in the Warrior Fund is vital to the financial health of our school. Thanks for your support!
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
 
Lower School News Students Participate In Mathletics Over the summer break, students entering the 4th and 5th grades were given the option to participate in Mathletics, a web based math program designed to help students enjoy math and improve their results. Students received certificates upon correct completion of units covering various math skills. Those students earning four or more certificates enjoyed a special pizza party hosted by Mrs. Ledbetter and Mrs. Gonzales. Well done ladies and gentlemen!
Fourth grade - (front row) Jake Bigler, Barbara Koulikova, Philip Catron, Emerson Swanner, Aidan Gaige. (back row) Gracie Good, Aubrie Edmondson, Luke Adams, Vanessa Yakunovich, Cami Schlagel. (not pictured) Arden Blake
Fifth grade - (clockwise from left) Tori Wiesner, Katie Wise, Josie Flatham, Abby Good, Mitchell Gunthorpe, Justin Crocker, Ben Paylor. Information and photos submitted by Sandy Ledbetter.
International Observation Of The Moon Night Presented by Rene Gedaly, President of the Houston Astronomical Society Saturday, September 19 7:00-8:30 p.m. Meet in MPR Observation will take place on football field. If available, please bring a pair of binoculars. Join us for a presentation of images and facts about the moon then enjoy a telescope observation of the moon out on the football field. Please RSVP by Friday, September 18 to Mr. Robert Roach rroach@twca.net SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NEWS Warriors Prepare For First Home Game On New Field
The Warriors are putting their bye week to good use as they prepare to make their home debut on Friday, September 25 when they face Brazos Christian. The team is coming off of back to back losses against Westbury Christian (13-41) and Cypress Christian (13-49) and is looking forward to turning things around next Friday night. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Make plans to come early and be loud as we welcome our Warriors to their new home field!
Warrior Volleyball Set To Begin District Games The Warrior varsity volleyball team suffered two tough losses in their recent matches with SATCH (0-3) and Northland Christian (2-3). The team will now have a short break and an opportunity to regroup before beginning the district portion of their season on Tuesday, September 22 with a home match against Logos Prep. Start times are 5:00 p.m. for junior varsity and 6:00 p.m for varsity. The team takes to the road for a district match with St. Thomas on Thursday, September 24.
Warrior Cross-Country Earns Top Spots At Meet
Varsity girls cross-country team
On Saturday, September 12 our middle school and high school teams competed in the Rosehill Christian Cross Country meet. Both the high school boys’ and girls’ teams finished in third place overall out of 20 schools. The middle school boys finished in second place and the middle school girls finished in fourth place out of 17 schools competing. We had an amazing 12 individuals win medals by finishing in the top 15 of their races. Up next, the high school and middle school teams will travel to College Station to compete in the Allen Academy Cross Country meet on Saturday, September 19. Information and photo submitted by Coach Tom Earle.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
All School News See You At The Pole Wednesday, September 23 7:30 a.m. A global day of student led prayer. Join our students as we pray for our school and our nation.
Flu Shot Clinic Thursday, October 1 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. Timothy Building - MPR Registration deadline is September 25! This year we are pleased to offer the Quadrivalent vaccine which covers four flu strains. Regular flu shot - $32 (ages 6 months and up)
Lower School Movie Night Friday, September 18th 6:30 - 10:00 p.m. MPR Pre-Kindergarten - 4th grade
Childcare provided by the Interact Club (high school students)
Preservative-free flu shot - $36*
Pizza, popcorn and drinks will be provided as we watch Tangled and Big Hero 6 (Rated PG)!
*Limited supply
Cost: $30 for the first child, $15 for each additional child
To register please click here.
RSVP: interact@twca.net by Thursday, September 17
(ages 6 months and up)
Questions? Contact our nurses at nurse@twca.net
All proceeds will benefit:
Order Your Pie In The Sky Today! Order online by clicking here! Orders due by Wednesday, September 30.
All items are $20. Pies can be frozen and enjoyed during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays!
Pies will be delivered to Woodlands Christian on Friday, November 13 All proceeds benefit the Junior/Senior Prom.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015