Twca newsletter june272014

THE WOODLANDS

THE C H WOODLANDS RISTIAN

A C A D E M ACADEMY Y CHRISTIAN JUNE 27, 2014

Commencement 2014 Commencement exercises for the Class of 2014 were held on Saturday, May 24 at Crossroads Baptist Church. The ceremony was highlighted by speeches from valedictorian Katie Van Horn, and salutatorian Katie Rogers. Another feature of the ceremony was the video presentation, Senior Reflections. This Woodlands Christian tradition featured photos of each graduate accompanied by brief personal reflections given by the students and several faculty members.

The twenty-eight member Class of 2014 received scholarship offers totaling $2,233,808.

Congratulations Class of 2014!

Katie Van Horn, Valedictorian Katie Rogers, Salutatorian

Class of 2014 The Woodlands Christian Academy

All photos by Sarah Borchgrevink Photography.

Lower School News Kindergarten Graduation

The class of 2026 formally made the transition from pre-schoolers to elementary school students with a special graduation ceremony held on May 23, 2014.

Well done kindergarten students!

Class of 2026 The Woodlands Christian Academy

Photos by Stephen Mawire.

JUNE 27, 2014

All School News New Faculty & Staff Spotlight Stephen Clark joins our administration team as Associate Principal-High School.

Mr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Education from Baylor University. Most recently, he was Academy Principal at Spring High School in the Spring ISD. “As an administrator, my most effective means of instilling positive change in a school has been through my unwavering passion to build relationships with my staff, students and community. To lead an organization courageously, relationships between leader, staff, students, and community must be built, maintained, and refined on a persistent and continual basis.”

Sherena Holmes joins Woodlands Christian as our college/guidance counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Masters degree in Psychology with a specialization in school psychology from Capella University. Most recently, she was the middle and upper school counselor and college guidance counselor at the Briarwood School in Houston.

“Christ is my life. Therefore, I am not good at leaving Him at home! I love people, plain and simple! I am interested in them. I have a sense of humor and it helps me to have the tough conversations with people when necessary. I try to bring authenticity, not churchiness.”

Sonja Miller will join the middle school faculty as an English teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in English from Marieta College (Ohio), and holds a Texas Educator Certificate in secondary English, ESL (supplemental) and secondary speech communications. She most recently taught at White Oak Middle School in Porter, Texas.

“I feel strongly that students become interested in the classroom when their classroom is an extension of them. A disenfranchised student does not engage, and a disengaged student does not learn. It is imperative to share with secondary students WHY they are learning the material in the curriculum and HOW the material will impact their futures.”

Dr. Charles Mooney will join our high school science department this fall. He earned his doctorate in Physical Chemistry from Purdue University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, with a minor in physics from Eastern Illinois University. He previously taught pre-AP/AP chemistry and physics at The Woodlands Preparatory School as well at the Academy of Science and Health in the Conroe ISD. “...I spark interest in the content with my own passion of the subject. Then I set high levels of challenge for the students, which usually becomes a high motivation for them to achieve or exceed my expectations. Finally, I connect with students on a personal level in a way that shows them I care about them and their lives, not just how they do in my class.”

JUNE 27, 2014

All School News New Faculty & Staff Spotlight -- continued Brenda Phillips joins our high school faculty as an English teacher. She holds a Masters and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Sam Houston State University. Most recently, she taught the dual credit English program at Tomball High School. Prior to that, she taught at Spring High School.

“In the classroom we work together as a team, supporting each other as we experience new ideas. It is never about MY classroom but OUR classroom. Our classroom is spontaneous and enjoyable. Because of the positive atmosphere, I find my students more willing to try new ideas, take risks, and share results. Every lesson has relevance to their lives. These significant lessons will facilitate effective thinking and positive contributions outside of the school environment. My enthusiasm for learning is an attitude I share with my students daily.”

Tayler Porter will join our early childhood team as a kindergarten teacher.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas-Tyler. She comes to Woodlands Christian from Francone Elementary in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She also spent two years teaching at a Christian international school in Ghana, West Africa.

“It’s super important to create a meaningful relationship with a child before you try and teach them. For me, it’s about relational capacity and respect.

This fosters a great learning environment for the student.”

Tanya Sharron joins Woodlands Christian as a first grade teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education with a specialization in reading from the University of St. Thomas. Most recently, she taught at Mueller Elementary School in the Klein ISD. “Each child in an individual, so as a teacher, I must know about each of their interests. Learning should be fun and yet challenging. Knowing your students and their interests is an important way to create interest in the classroom”

Palvin Williams will join our lower school 4th grade teaching team. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Houston. He taught most recently at Ginger McNabb Elementary in the Spring ISD. He is also serves as a leader with Christian Youth Theater.

“I love that as a school you encourage students to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, because that is the most important thing we do as created human beings. I desire to teach the Word of God as well as to prepare students to be college and career ready.”

JUNE 27, 2014

ALL SCHOOL NEWS Campus will be closed June 30 - July 6.

God Bless The USA!

Quito Quest 2014 Please keep our team of high school students and their chaperones in your prayers as they minister in Ecuador June 21-July 1.

The team will hold a vacation Bible school, assist in various construction projects and share the love of Jesus with a very desperate community in a remote jungle village.

Please pray for safety, good health, smooth travel, and for the excitement of the mission trip to spill over to the Woodlands Christian campus this fall!

Warrior Round Up! Get ready for back to school!

Wednesday, July 30 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

MPR

Lands’ End uniforms and more!

Campus will be closed August 7 & 8 for off campus professional development.

Classes resume Wednesday, August 13

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:86

JUNE 27, 2014