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covenant classical school • spring 2018
savethedates SENIOR GALA MAY 18 YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION MAY 21 FINAL EXAMS (5-6) MAY 21 AND MAY 22
ORDER ONLINE • DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME
RECITATION & AWARDS (3-6) MAY 24 SENIOR GRADUATION MAY 24 SUMMER HOURS BEGIN MAY 29
HALF-DAYS OF SCHOOL MAY 21 THROUGH MAY 23
NEW FAMILY BREAKFAST JUNE 2
FIELD DAY (K-6) MAY 23
W W W. T R E E R I N G . C O M
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL MAY 24
FINAL EXAMS (7-12) MAY 21 THROUGH MAY 23
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION MAY 22
ORDER A 2017-2018 YEARBOOK
RHETORIC RETREAT JULY 29 THROUGH AUGUST 4 SUMMER CAMPS (SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO)
LATIN
covenant summer camps
volleyball • project paint drop • latin academy • basketball • world of water • strength & speed
learn more at www.covenantfw.org/summer-camps
from the head of school As I write this letter, our seniors are in the final stages of their Senior Thesis projects. By the time you read this, and by God’s grace, they will be celebrating the successful completion of this enormous accomplishment. I hope you were able to see their presentations! If you did see any of their amazing presentations, you might find yourself wondering if your child will be able to pull that off when he or she is a senior! My answer to that question is a confident, “YES.” One of the most beautiful things about classical education is that it’s inherently designed with the end in mind. The Class of 2018 has been preparing for these presentations for years. If you visit the 1st-grade hallway right now, you will see sea creature projects proudly displayed on the walls. This is the beginning of the Class of 2029’s Senior Thesis preparation! As they gather five facts about their assigned sea creature – with their parents’ and teacher’s help – 1st-grade students are learning how to research. As they choose images to include on their posterboard, they are learning to curate information in different media and think through what is communicated visually in their choices. When they present their projects in class and take questions from their classmates, they are learning to communicate articulately. It may sound a little grandiose to describe the 1st-grade sea creature projects in this way, but that is exactly what is happening at a developmentally-appropriate level. Classical education is purposeful and intentional at every stage, preparing students to accomplish not only their Senior Thesis projects one day, but to pursue lives full of purpose, wisdom and virtue. If you missed the Senior Thesis presentations, you will be able to find most of them on our YouTube account. And if you pass a senior on campus in these last days of the school year, congratulate them on completing a long and worthwhile journey! Eric Cook Head of School
1701 Wind Star Way, Fort Worth, TX 76108 OFFICE HOURS MONDAY-THURSDAY 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. FRIDAY 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. 817.820.0884 phone | 817.246.5027 fax info@covenantfw.org covenantfw.org
f/covenantfw ACADEMICS Document Cameras and Projectors
LIFELONG LEARNING Parents Partnering in Learning
FINE ARTS The Music Man JR.
ATHLETICS Basketball Season in Review
SENIORS Winter Formal & Trip to Italy
LOVING OTHERS Project Hope
CAMPUS LIFE Our School Year in Pictures
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4 • ACADEMICS
new tools of the classroom
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES GIVE STUDENTS NEW WAYS TO LOOK AT LEARNING
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s teachers describe the learning process, they’ll often say that getting a student to see something differently can be all it takes to increase understanding, explore new concepts or grasp new ideas. This spring, the newly installed document cameras and projectors in the Grammar classrooms are helping students – and teachers – look at learning differently. Results have included higher levels of engagement during math, literature, grammar, composition, Bible, spelling, logic time and memory work. The document cameras for the 2ndthrough 6th-grade classrooms were funded through the exciting “Paddles Up” game at the Covenant Auction in November. A subsequent donation provided funds for the Kindergarten, 1st-grade, art and music classrooms to be outfitted with document cameras and projectors over the summer.
How do they work? Objects are placed under the document camera and then projected via a ceiling-mounted projector onto the classroom’s white board. Teachers can manipulate or freeze-frame an object. Uses vary widely, from showing video clips to projecting an image for use in descriptive writing. A read-along novel can be freeze-framed, allowing the teacher to circle vocabulary words on the board while students follow along at their desks. Some teachers use the cameras to model Bible annotation techniques, review homework, use math manipulatives, observe famous works of art or demonstrate a hands-on science experiment. According to Latin teacher Marcus Foster, the cameras “bring technology to the students while keeping the humanity.” Teachers have noticed that students immediately snap to attention when the
cameras are used. Teachers also appreciate spending less time making copies now that so many things can be easily projected. “These cameras have brought joy into our classrooms,” said 5th-grade teacher Stephanie Boss. “They are a timesaver and make learning more fun. Plus, my students cannot wait to try a giant class selfie!”
5 • LIFELONG LEARNING
LEARNING TAKES FLIGHT one family’s inspiration to take learning to new heights
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ach year, Covenant’s 4th- through 6th-grade students dive into the study of historical figures as part of Living History. Through biographical research, memorized speeches and costumes, the students delve into the life of a person from the past to learn about how he or she shaped our world. Teachers traditionally assign the historical figures, but students are able to pursue other options, as long as they can justify their historical relevance. Lauren Karr, a 6th-grader in her final year of Living History, has read several books about the contributions of women during World War II and was inspired to research the life of Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneer of American aviation and one of the most prominent pilots of her generation. The school quickly approved her proposal and Lauren’s parents jumped into gear, too, eager to support her enthusiasm for this school assignment. As Lauren researched, she learned that Cochran – and more than 1,000 other female pilots – trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, between 1942 an 1944. Sweetwater is only three hours away from Fort Worth. Lauren’s dad, Colby, began planning a father/daughter day trip there so Lauren could visit the National Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) WWII Museum. There, Lauren was able to see some of the aircraft these women piloted, the hangars and runways where they trained, aviation artifacts and an exhibit dedicated to Cochran’s life and career. “I loved seeing her personal items and learning about her determination,” said Lauren. “Though she was a woman in a ‘man’s world,’ she was very feminine. After winning the Bendix Air Race Trophy in 1938, she made the press wait for an hour while she fixed her hair and makeup inside her airplane!” The museum curators were impressed by Lauren’s dedication. They’ve invited her to return on Memorial Day to meet the eight remaining WASP pilots and perform her presentation for them. After visiting the WASP Museum, Lauren and her dad visited an Army surplus store to find a flight suit and vintage WWII patches for her Living History costume. The extra effort is all part of the partnership the Karrs feel is part of the culture at CCS. “The school does an exemplary job of teaching our kids creatively,” said Colby. “I’m grateful that the school assigns tasks and projects that have the potential to grow and influence these kids. It’s up to us, as parents, to partner with Covenant when our children show a specific passion or interest.” Lauren says she enjoys all the knowledge she’s gained, but says the appreciates one lasting lesson the most: “These women inspired me to work hard and strive for success. Everyone should find a historical role model to push them to make a difference!”
6 • FINE ARTS
THE MUSIC MAN
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photography by Jacob Szymanski and Trish Woods
tudent-actors took nearly 800 ticketholders on a heartwarming, toe-tapping, leave-you-singing, make-you-smile trip to River City, Iowa, this spring as part of CCS’ production of The Music Man JR. Led by Theatre Director Kate Hicks, the cast and crew entertained ticketholders with three April shows. The show, set in 1912, evoked a simpler, nostalgic time. Students played farmers, traveling salesmen, snotty upper-class ladies, bickering school board members and parents concerned about negative influences over their children. A new-to-town con man causes a stir among River City’s parents by convincing everyone that the town’s new pool table will have a negative influence on their young sons. The answer? Signing the boys up for his new boys’ band, of course, complete with brand-new uniforms. Along the way, he romances the town’s suspicious librarian, losing his own heart to her and her stuttering, trusting little brother. Filled with popular musical numbers like Seventy-Six Trombones, The Wells Fargo Wagon, Shipoopi and Ya Got Trouble, the show also featured big dance numbers, multiple costume changes and studentand parent-created sets and props. “Our cast and crew had a wonderful time putting on this production,” said Hicks. “We enjoyed bringing this show to the stage for all of our audiences. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped us make this trip to River City possible!”
7 • ATHLETICS
HOOP IT UP with contributions by Ron Abrams and Jeremy Martin • photography by Trish Woods
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avalier basketball players treated “Cavs Nation” fans to an exciting season this winter, with several teams advancing to the playoffs and posting winning records. Around 70 athletes on nine teams developed skills, rallied together and energized fans with nail-biting finishes, quick play and aggressive defense. Covenant Coaches Ron Abrams and Jeremy Martin were joined by several volunteer coaches, including Bryce Danley, Tom Johnson, Tony Liebelt, Andy Platt, Kelby Pope, Jeff Rozanski, David Skeels, Andria Tucker, Cary Tucker, Aaron Tungate, Jason West and Brian Young. The Rhetoric boys had a stellar 20-7 season, making the state playoffs for the fifth consecutive year and finishing third in TCAF Division 2. Despite struggling early on, the Rhetoric girls finished 6-15 for the year, reaching the state playoffs for the first time in three years. The Logic teams had better seasons than their records implied, with the Burgundy boys finishing 3-6, the Navy boys finishing 3-7 and the girls wrapping up the season with a 1-9 record. Despite being the smallest teams in CSAF Division 1 competition, the players’ skill levels improved greatly. The Grammar girls finished 7-3 and qualified for the CSAF Bi-District Tournament. The Grammar Burgundy boys went 4-6, losing six games by an average of only four points. The Grammar Navy boys had an impressive 8-2 record and also qualified for the CSAF Bi-District Tournament. “From start to finish, each team progressed in their overall play while improving on individual skills,” said Coach Martin. “I am excited to use the momentum of this season to further our success in the years to come.”
8 • SENIORS
Oh, What a Night THE CLASS OF 2018 HOSTS THE SCHOOL’S FIRST-EVER FORMAL DANCE The “Senior Gift” is an annual tradition that began three years ago at Covenant. The Class of 2015 installed a concrete pipe on the Grammar playground – a relic from their Kindergarten recess days at one of CCS’ previous rented locations – and painted it with the logos of the colleges where they were headed. The Class of 2016 built a Gaga Pit, and the Class of 2017 donated picnic tables outside the Upper School building, where classes can often be seen meeting on sunny days. The Class of 2018 decided to go big with their gift, giving an experience they hope will become a tradition that will continue long after they’ve gone. This year’s senior class planned, promoted and hosted Covenant’s first official Winter Formal. The seniors set an elegant tone for the evening with a “Great Gatsby” theme and encouraged guests to wear long formal dresses and tuxedos. The seniors spent the afternoon before the dance decorating the
venue, The 4Eleven on S. Main Street. The venue and decorations were graciously donated by the Clark family, part owners of 4Eleven, and parents of senior Jessie Clark and Callen Clark (Class of 2015). On the night of the event, Covenant’s Rhetoric students and their dates enjoyed dinner prepared by Covenant fathers, then danced for hours thanks to CCS’ resident DJs, Academic Dean Andrew Elizalde and Assistant Athletic Director Jeremy Martin. “The best part was watching all the younger students walk into the venue that we had prepared,” said senior Jessie Clark. “The joy and excitement on their faces reminded us why we wanted to give a very special gift to our classmates!” “The Winter Formal was a fantastic, over-the-top event that allowed our students to enjoy an evening together,” said Upper School Head Brent Stevens. “The Seniors did a great job, and I’m sure that it will be a tradition long after they graduate.”
When in Rome Italy. Perhaps no other country on earth evokes as much feeling from the mere mention of its name. Food. Sightseeing. Rich, ancient history. Arcitectural marvels. Masterpieces of many kinds. Gelato. This year’s senior class experienced all this and more during March’s excursion to Italy. And in addition to feasting on delicous food and observing countless wonders, they made memories that will last forever as they prepare to go out into the world beyond CCS and graduation. This year’s seniors experienced some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including a chance to attend a Lenten penitential service with the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilicia in Vatican City. Several students joined
teacher and chaperone Marcus Foster for this unique worship service. During a tour of Pompeii, the students explored the town’s ancient amphitheatre, where two of the seniors, Zach McLemore and Dawson Danley, challenged one another to a spirited wrestling match. Their reenactment of WrestleMania drew a crowd, who cheered them on heartily. But perhaps nothing was quite as memorable as their “last supper” together in Italy, which consisted of a three-hour, multi-course meal. During the meal, each student offered a toast to the entire group, mentioning their favorite moments from their time together in Italy. Many of the toasts were followed by tears and hugs,
resulting in an emotional finale to their amazing trip – and a reflection of just how much these students have meant to one another as classmates and friends. “My favorite part of the Senior Trip was having the opportunity to learn more about our students over heaping dishes of pasta and endless gelato excursions,” said Upper School Head Brent Stevens. As these same students prepare to go in their own, new directions after graduation this May, the Covenant family wishes them all the best on their journeys ahead. Just like the students’ memories of their trip to Italy together, they will be gone, but never, ever forgotten. They have left their mark. Arrivederci, Class of 2018!
10 • LOVING OTHERS
The Covenant family has the privilege each spring of partnering with Como residents, leaders, ministries and schools to sustain the community’s vision for positive change. What appears to be one, big service project is actually an ongoing relationship with Como and the people who call it home. Decisions about worksites and projects are made after much prayer and consideration, and students who serve alongside members of the community are able to experience the talent, faith, joy, hope and love that thrives there. “Our students honor our partners with quality work,” said Covenant parent Michelle Pettke, one of Project Hope’s organizers. “They are a crucial component in accomplishing God’s purposes in this wonderful community.”
11 • CAMPUS LIFE
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1 - Project Paint Drop 2 - Cowtown Marathon 3 - 2nd Grade Recess 4 - Grandparents’ Day 5 - Upper School Science 6 - Grammar Choir Practice 7 - Moms’ Night Out 8 - Kindergarten Reading
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1701 Wind Star Way, Fort Worth, Texas 76108 www.covenantfw.org | 817.820.0884
front cover photo taken by Thomas Burgess back cover photo taken by Trish Woods