The Good News January 2014
In This Issue: 1 -From The Headmaster
From the Headmaster: On the Strategic Plan
2 -Welcome New Students
3 -Welcome New Faculty and Staff -Thank You, Father Tom -Teacher Feature
4 -Class of 2013 College Choices -The Barn -Grandparent’s Day
5 -Debate Team 6 -National Merit Semifinalist -Golf tournament -A Christmas Carol
7 -First Grade Mexican
Possada -ECC Breakfast with Saint Nicholas -Stay in Touch with CES!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! AATP 2014 Celebrates America the Beautiful April 4 and 5, 2014
This is what we are about: We plant seed that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capability.
We may never see the results, But that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; Ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.” Archbishop Oscar Romero ++++++++++++
Just as they did in 1994, 2002, and again in 2008, our Board of Trustees is engaged in the development of a new Strategic Plan for Christ Episcopal School. This new plan will serve as road map for our Board and Administration for the next five years, as we navigate the curves and obstacles in the long and winding road set before us. We are confronted today with the challenges of an emerging high school program, the need to expand and improve facilities to serve students on both campuses, the challenges of ever-changing educational trends and curricula, and the demands of the increasing impact of technology in the lives of our students. And those are the just challenges we know are coming. History has taught us -- just as Archbishop Romero suggests -- that we are “prophets of a future” we simply cannot predict. Our job here is to be prepared and to do our best to develop strategies which address the most important issues facing us today. In order to do that most effectively, the Board has decided upon a planning procedure that will take seven months to complete. The initial organizational and information-gathering meeting took place in November, and the process ahead will include surveys of parents, students, faculty, and general public, the creation of focus groups, and the conducting of individual interviews. All will culminate with a multi-day Charrette in April, an event which will give an opportunity to all of our constituencies to provide input. The Strategic Plan process adopted by our Board is ambitious, comprehensive, and collaborative. We will be led by a team of experienced, qualified facilitators who are committed to a transparent and disciplined process. By May, the Board of Trustees will unveil a new Strategic Plan for 2014 and beyond. Each of you will be asked to participate in this process. We ask that you respond to surveys in a timely manner, and if you care to participate in Focus Group discussions or interviews, please let us know. Our intention is to listen to as many people as we reasonably can and to have our new Strategic Plan honestly reflect the vision and priorities of the families we serve. We believe our new Strategic Plan will provide us direction, encouragement, and enthusiasm as we gather to celebrate the school’s 30th birthday in August. I thank you most sincerely for your faith and trust in us as we proceed with this challenging and important venture. And I pray that God will continue to bless and protect our school as we Act Justly, Instill Peace, and Imitate Christ in renewing our commitment to fulfill the mission of Christ Episcopal School.
John Morvant Headmaster
Welcome to new Christ Episcopal School students! Early Prekindergarten Wade Holly and Travis Biggs
Griffin Stacie and Scott Brownell
Sicily Nicole and Jason Conn
Sophia Kathy and Chris Cuadrado
Sophie Liz and Sidney LaSalle
Carter Christy and Gordon Reese
Oliver Noelle and Greg Scarpelli
Gigi Rebecca and Erik Soine
Anna Grace Ashley and Henry Tyler
Harper and Brooks Katie and Jason Wonch
Pre-Kindergarten Chandler Angela and Donald Avant
Reid Kristen and Warren Berthelot
Caroline Kelli and Peter Blessey
Scarlett Kim and Kevin Boone
Myles Michelle and John Boudreaux
Roman Dana and Todd Brasuell
Hatcher Lisa and John Carter
Noah Amy and Daniel Clark
Adam Nikki and Chris Connell
Olivia Jessica and James Connolly
Audrey Richelle and Charles Cynowa
Chas Alexis and Todd Ducorbier
Su-Jin Richard and Tiffany Dull
Carolie Susan and David Ellis
Morgan John and Sheri Flatt
Sydney Mandy and Patrick Fraher
Ava Elizabeth and Kelly Gibson
Logan Montz Casey Stouder
Wyatt Jennifer and Michael Nicaud
Jacob Elizabeth and Jerrold Ostadal
Chloe Jennifer and Cody Perilloux
Savannah Rachel and Jason Reina
Taylor Shawn and Thomas Richards
Piper Gena and Ken Shell
Amelia Natalie and Emmett Smith
Addie Laurie and Jonathan Thompson
Matthew
First Grade Myleah Robin and Boyd Acosta
Georgia Simone and Curran Burke
Skylar Shequela and Shannon Cardwell
Nevada Mia and Kenneth Charity
Sofia Richelle and Charles Cynowa
Victoria Sandi and Ryan Jaeger
Chase April and Michael Ravain
Second Grade William
Jessica and Kip Ulmer
Elizabeth Ward and Edward Campbell
Kayleigh
Cassi and Chaz
Katherine and Justin Williams
Kindergarten Juliette Lee and Malcolm Andry
Myles Michelle and John Boudreaux
James Chrissy and Patterson Conner
Olivia Melissa and Adam Currier
Ava Donna and Todd Hornbeck
Annie Shaun and Craig Landwehr
Ethan Sidney and Liz LaSalle
Emily Caryn and Scott McDougal
Grace Collette Melancon and Kristine Berger
Jennifer Copeland
Brady Thyme and Shawn Doyle
Travis Brandee and Stephan Manning
Hadley Randi and Cameron Mary
Ryan Caryn and Scott McDougal
Grant Danielle and Richard Voyles
Amelia Bonnie and John Whittemore
Third Grade CeCe Lisa and John Carter
Montana Mia and Kenneth Charity Jake Cameron and Graham Doyle
Nate Driscoll
Sabella
Tiffany and Richard Dull
Samantha and Harold Prestenbach
Shelby Marie Marija and Shelby LaSalle
Jonathan
Cam
Lauren Ray
Aubrie Nicole and John Reilly
Ava Nicole and Steven Ripoll
Julian and Kai Lisa Whiteman
Emma Rae Rachel Wilcox
Lily Robyn and Brad Williams
Randi and Cameron Mary
Christian Erin and Justin Schaumburg
Catherine Ruth and Dennis Siporski
Maggie Thyme and Shawn Doyle
Fourth Grade Joseph Elizabeth Ward and Edward Campbell
Haley Linda and Chris Couch
Bree Ashley and Paul Hollis
Olivia Loukatos Kathy and Chris Cuadrado
Bela Shruthi and Pramod Menon
Juliana Day and Charles Morris
Izabella Christina and Martin Thompson
Brianne Vicknair Sandi and Ryan Jaeger
Fifth Grade Aidan Melissa and Brandon Cambre
Cooper Ragan and Cord Cantrelle
Chandler Jennifer Copeland
Shawn Thyme and Shawn Doyle
Emily Mark and Kathy Farrow
Dell Juliee Montelaro and Dan Mokry
Shepherd Erin and Justin Schaumburg
Sixth Grade Alyssa and Luke Robin and Boyd Acosta
Dakota Mia and Kenneth Charity
Keaton Anne-Marie and John Isbell
Drew Kelly and Matthew Putfark
Emmie April and Michael Ravain
Johnathon Denise and Joe Sheffield
Seventh Grade Eli Carolyn and Michael Applebaum
Zoe Linda and Chris Couch
Ethan Kathy and Mark Farrow
Ben Kathy and Daniel Seiden
Eighth Grade
Nina
Camden
Matthew
Stephanie and Nathan Harrison
Ragan and Cord Cantrelle
Cindy Rome and Kim Carroll
Aiyana
Laurel and Phillips Jenkins
Sydney
Priscilla and Kenneth Thomas
Madilyn
Shequela and Shannon Cardwell
Isabel Nicole and Blake Kennedy
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Ninth Grade Cameron Wendy Smith-Margavio and Jeffrey Smith
Gabrielle Kristen and Donald Trosclair
Tenth Grade Abby Mary and Nicky Nicaud
Eleventh Grade Kyle Lisa and Collum Swords
Asha Priscilla and Kenneth Thomas
Twelfth Grade Caroline Mary Louise and John Clark
Welcome New Faculty and Staff The philosophy of Christ Episcopal School reflects the reasons for its origin: to provide a superior academic opportunity within the framework of a warm and nurturing Christian environment. To that end, CES is happy to welcome aboard the newest members of our great faculty and staff. Jerry Henson Director of Advancement
Kim White Business Office Assistant
Christy Reese Third Grade Teacher
Beth Burkenstock Algebra II Teacher
Greg Carnovale Athletic Director
Michele Gremillion ECC Assistant
Nancy Lilly Language Arts Teacher
Anne-Liese Fox Fine Arts Teacher
Gina Jenkins Worship Coordinator
Chantel Dean Third Grade Teacher
Elizabeth Ryan Spanish Teacher
Barbara Darcey Language Arts Teacher
Rebekah Schroeder Language Arts Teacher
Teacher Feature
Christ Episcopal School is so privileged to have such a committed faculty and staff, over half of whom have served the School for more than twelve years! Our community of students, parents, and colleagues has benefitted greatly from the dedication and rich experience of these individuals. This year, we recognize and thank those faculty and staff members celebrating a five-year increment of service to Christ Episcopal School!
FIVE YEARS
Julie Boudreaux Second Grade
Shelly Deynoodt First Grade
Millie Farmer Pre-Kindergarten
Angela Nunez Spanish
Ruth Siporski Art
Allison Smith Kindergarten
TEN YEARS
Kristin Bulloch Pre-Kindergarten 3
The Barn
Since 2006, The Barn has provided a refuge on Christ Episcopal School’s campus not just for animals, but students, too. Students in all grades aboard the Christwood Boulevard Campus stop by to visit and interact with the animals. Some as part of a wildlife education class, others out of love for the animals, or for the unique experience of spending lunchtime or a quiet moment with both domestic and native Louisiana wild animals. Before its function on campus became more formalized under the aegis of Margaret deLaureal, The Barn was home to goats and chickens that wandered the campus freely. In the interest of creating a predator-proof facility, The Barn has undergone a complete renovation, with spaces designed for rehabilitation and display. While it has been home to pelicans, hawks, squirrels, owls, kittens, and even coyotes in the past, The Barn’s current residents include rabbits, ducks, and, most famously, our swan, Clara. Donations of animal feed, bedding, and cleaning supplies are always welcomed. Specifically, garbage bags, paper towels, latex gloves, dish soap, bleach, spray bottles, and newspaper are neeeded. Donations of all types of greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, hay, wild birdseed, and whole wheat bread are certainly appreciated. The Barn is such a wonderful resource, a unique feature on our campus that provides innumerable teachable moments each day about how to care for pets, wildlife, and the environment. The program would not be possible without the support of generous donors and longtime volunteers like Pat Thomson, Connie Brennan, Elizabeth Felthun, Vanessa Miles, Stephanie Fried, and Alison Lagarde. Duties and schedules for volunteers are very flexible, so if you are interested in receiving some training and helping out in The Barn, please contact Margaret deLaureal directly at 985.502.4747. Your interest in supporting The Barn by donating time, supplies, or money is invaluable to the program.
Class of 2013 College Choices Sam Batson Auburn University
Graham Beck College of Charelston
Matthew Murphy Mandy Savage Spring Hill College Moody Bible Institute (Chicago) Mason Sheen Washington College
Clayton Williams St. John’s College
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Debate Team CES is the only school on the North Shore that is a member of the National Forensic League, a national honor society for students of speech and debate. Students develop communication skills through interscholastic competitions, dozens of which are held every weekend across the country. A typical tournament offers four types of debate, two extemporaneous events, public speaking contests such as original oratory or declamation, and interpretive events such as poetry and prose interpretation and duo dramatic acting. Students receive awards and points for their performances, which are cataloged nationally. An added benifit to the debate circuit is that students exposed to a wide variety of literature, discussion about current events, and philosophy. Our team started three years ago with five sophomores who all competed in Lincoln Douglas Debate, one on one argumentation of both sides of a topic that changes every two months. Every member of the team won at least one novice championship, and Carter Friend qualified for NFL Nationals, and competed in Indianapolis. Matt Koshak qualified and represented CES at Catholic Forensic League Nationals in Baltimore. Last year, four members of the team - Carter, Matt, Leah Bell, and Gordon Bailey, qualified for CFL Nationals in Philadelphia, competing in LD Debate, Original Oratory, and Duo Dramatic Interpretation. This year, the team has eighteen members and its captain, Matt Koshak, has already qualified in LD Debate for the Tournament of Champions in Kentucky, arguably the most prestigious debate competition in the country. Matt has also been named an Academic All-American by the NFL and has achieved the rank of Premier Distinction, the highest rank awarded by the NFL. Matt has also qualified for the State Championship in both LD and Congressional Debate. Another senior, Jack Bevolo, has qualified for State in Congressional Debate, and freshman Ashley Gilly has qualified in Novice LD Debate. At its most recent tournament at St Augustine, Matt won first place in both LD and Congressional Debate, and third in Extemporaneous Speaking. Ashley Gilly and Brianna Oubre tied for third in Novice LD Debate. Eighth Graders Rebecca Bell and Emmett McComiskey took first in Duo Interpretation in the Middle School Division. The team won its first ever Sweepstakes Trophy, gaining fourth place overall best team with the help of Devin McCrory and Emery Gilly in Duo. The calendar year will wrap up with a tournament at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. For students who might be interested in participating, the Debate Team meets at 3:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays in the Resource Room of the COI. It is never too late to join!
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Congratulations to our National Merit Semifnalists! The National Merit Scholarship program is an annual academic competition open to all high school students in the U.S. About 1.5 million students in more than 22,000 high schools entered the competition by taking the 2012 PSAT/NMSQT last October. The 16,000 students named as semifinalists represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors. Three CES seniors achieved status of National Merit Semifinalist: Jack Bevolo, Carter Friend, and William Willis. In addition to our three, at least three other local semifinalists were former CES students: Muldrow Etheredge (Covington High), Max Morvant (Saint Paul’s), and John Croxton (Mandeville High).
The Third Annual Fore! Wildcats Golf Tournament
This year’s golf tournament was a huge success due to the efforts and support of so many members of the Christ community. Thanks to all of our sponsors, and to the staff at Money Hill Golf and Country Club, who could not have been more accommodating, helpful, and professional. Congratulations to the prize winners. The Low Gross Winners were Kirk Michel, Evan Rhodes, Eddie Price, and Ross Levee. The Low Net Team was Mike Cormaci, Ryan Richard, Taubin Richard and Leah Bartlett. The proceeds from the golf tournament benefit our Wildcats athletics, so thanks to everyone for your generous support!
A Christmas Carol CES Students presented Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol on December 5, 6, and 7. This was the school’s first production in its new Center of Inquiry theater and featured the talents of a cast of nearly 30 students. Concession sales each night raise funds for different charities in St. Tammany Parish, including Louisiana Horse Rescue Association, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and pediatric patients at St. Tammany Hospital. Congratulations to our young actors and all of those students, parents, and teachers who helped make the production such a success. Our stagecraft continues to grow with our campus and academic program thanks to the efforts of Peggy Aultman (director), Ruth Siporski (set design and costumes), Jack Danos and Emma Costa (lights and sound), Cove Geary (piano and acompaniment), Stephanie Fried and Margaret Zelenka (Make-up), and Catherine Zelenka (poster artwork)!
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Breakfast with Saint Nicholas
ECC students and families joined Saint Nicholas for seasonal fun and treats on Saturday, December 7.
First Grade Mexican Posada
The Mexican tradition of Las Posadas, meaning shelter or lodging, is a traditional community enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in preparation for the birth of Jesus. Students in the First Grade visit classrooms and offices at the CBC seeking shelter each year.
Stay In Touch with CES!
For the latest news from Christ Episcopal School, please visit http://www.christepiscopalschool.org/news. There, members of the CES community can view the school calendar, the Go Home, and the CES News Broadcast.
Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/christepiscopalschool and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CESWildcats84. 7
Non-Profit Presort Standard U.S. Postage Paid Covington, LA 70433 Permit No. 80
80 Christwood Boulevard Covington, LA 70433 (985) 892-9156 Early Childhood Center (ECC) (985) 871-9902 Christwood Boulevard Campus (CBC) www.christepiscopalschool.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
2013-2014 Board of Trustees Mrs. Anne Bailey Mrs. Melissa Biggs, CESPA Rep. Mrs. Erika Briggs, Secretary Mr. Charlie Caplinger, Treasurer Mr. Patterson Conner, Vestry Rep. Mr. Steve Croxton Mr. Jeff Danos Mr. John Dubreuil Mr. Bert Duvic
Mr. Sam Giberga Mr. Clark Heebe Mrs. Beverly McQuaid Mr. Jim Miles, Chairman Mr. John Morvant, Headmaster Mr. Barbee Ponder, Vice Chairman Mrs. Jane Slatten Mrs. Beth Tees, CESPA Rep.
Christ Episcopal School is and ISAS member. We seek to enroll all qualified students regardless of race, creed or ethnic background.
Save the Date! Friday, August 29, 2014 Christ Episcopal School’s 30th Anniversary Celebration