Coram Deo Academy
Cognitio
Winter 2014, Vol. 2, issue 2
“ The process of getting to know something or someone
Welcome
Coram Deo Academy
Welcome to the second year of Cognitio. Cognitio is Latin for “the process of getting to know someone or something”. Each seasonal edition over the next few years will feature members of our faculty and student leaders for the purpose of acquainting the reader with the many excellent people at CDA. The student leaders represented in Cognitio are elected by their peers and are either House Presidents or Senior Class Officers. A classical Christian education utilizes the Trivium of Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric to provide students with the tools of lifelong learning and instill in them a love of wisdom. The reason this type of education is so effective is that these three tools also cooperate with the God-authored design of the mind and are suited to support each level of a child’s formative academic years. The first tool, Grammar, is the learning of people, places and things. This naturally appeals to young children who eagerly look for these in their Bible, phonics, math, history and language lessons. The second tool, Logic, is the understanding of the rules that govern those things previously learned. Middle-school students are typically attracted to this style as they learn to associate things and connect ideas in their classes. Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. High school students easily learn to apply sophisticated reasoning and strive for excellence in their studies and in the totality of their lives.
Bill Rector
Polly Dwyer
Charlotte Cambell
Angela Bell
Ellen Perry
Laura Neibert
Headmaster
Administrative Assistant for Grammar School, FM Admissions Coordinator
Campus Administrator
Administrative Assistant for Logic and High School, Registrar
Grammar School Director
Administrative Assistant for Logic and High School, Communication Assistant
Beth Brake
Administrative Assistant for Logic and High School, Record Keeping
Kathy Schaefer
District Testing and Guidance Coordinator
Table of Content s page 3-4
Letters from the Directors
page 5
Grammar School Instructor- Cynthia Sadler
page 6
Logic School Instructor- Robin Henderson
page 7
Logic & High School Instructor- David Johnson
page 8
High School Instructor Deborah M. Loe
page 9
Student Leader- Rebecca Harris
page 10
Student Leader- Kyle Swank
page 11
Student Leader-Emily Mooney
page 12
Mission Statement
Letters from the Directors Grammar School
by Charlotte Campbell
DEVELOPING A WORLD VIEW I watched a little girl at church one morning twirling around and around while humming a tune. I commented that I thought her dress was pretty, and she said it was a birthday present from her grandmother. I smiled and asked the child her age. She said she was five, then paused and corrected herself by saying “No, I am six now. I was five for such a long time!” As we know, children measure time from a different perspective than adults. The Grammar School students study Creation through modern day events. Our Biblical history timelines provides the children with reference points to help them connect the past with the present. The rhyme, rhythm and recitation stage of the grammar lessons introduces facts and supports the students in their future studies. Teaching history is a way of enlightening the minds of young learners. Good social studies should teach children the truth about the people that lived before them. In this way we can share the burdens of generations of people that have lived before us by relating to their trials, and rejoicing when their contributions improve society. We study ancient history to learn more about God and His people. In this regard, studying history helps families have a better understanding of Biblical truths and strengthens family values. “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this world.” C. S. Lewis
Logic School
by Polly Dwyer
If you are wondering where your sweet little one went and who came into your household and replaced them, you have entered the middle school years! In the grammar school years, children progress through the stages of parallel play to group play. They can enter a conflict and leave it quickly. As students mature beyond the middle school years, they learn to accept each other for the differences they see in each other. But in the middle school years, they place value on sometimes insignificant things, such as length of hair, color of shirts, and who has the coolest backpack...Do we “roll” this year or place the backpacks upon our backs? Can we wear pants on cold days or must we freeze in our shorts because --- wears shorts every day? You may never know until the peer group decides and then invariably you have purchased the wrong one! Oh! The horror of it all! This is a great time for parents, teachers, and coaches to open our young tweens’ and teens’ hearts to the purpose of differences. Listen well, speak truth into their hearts, and over time, that sweet one you gave birth to will return. What is the best advice? Pray often, give them lots of service opportunities, keep them involved in their churches, and help them enjoy the time of discovery.
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High School
by Polly Dwyer
Mr. Jordan and I have had the opportunity to talk with the high school students about the connection between prayer and scripture. How many times do we read the scriptures but never pray that it becomes a part of our lives? If our students learn knowledge but don’t put wisdom to use in their lives, they could become like clanging cymbals. But if our students apply God’s wisdom in their daily decisions, then perhaps the highest possible ranking on the honor roll is not as important. It is difficult in an academically-driven school to maintain balance, especially in the third quarter when grades seem paramount and the school year has no end, but it is the most important thing we do as Christians. I love the CDA high school students. Because of their faith, along with the pastors, parents, and teachers that God has put into their world, they have the real opportunity to build a foundation that will hold them steady for rest of their lives.
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Cynthia Sadler Grammar School, Art Mrs. Sadler is a talented artist and accomplished dancer who has been with CDA’s grammar school for many years. She has helped countless children who have taken her classes find the art within themselves and be able to express it through paint, ceramics, mixed media, and paper all with true joy in the process!
Introduce us to your family. My husband of 28 years is Dickerman Sadler. I have a son, Cade, who is 26, and two daughters, Rachel, who is 24 and Kaki (Katherine), who is 22. I attend St Philip the Apostle. I teach art in the grammar school.
Is there something unique about you? I made a living as a professional ballet dancer and was fortunate enough to dance with the San Francisco Ballet and developed leading roles with the San Antonio Ballet.
List the colleges you attended. Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
What advice you would give to CDA students? Be open to what excites you and follow your passion. You will be happier and in turn will share your happiness.
Share with us some of your accomplishments. My marriage of 28 years (and counting!) We raised the two oldest children through college graduation, debt free and are working with our youngest, who has Down Syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, to give her as much independence as possible. Also I was certified as a teacher through the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, U.K.
Do you have a favorite quote? Martha Graham, An American modern dancer and choreographer of the 20th century whose influence on dance has been compared to that of Picasso on art, had this to say about creativity, “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is Are there committees you serve on at school, not your business to determine how good it is nor how church and in the community? valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It I have taught religious education when our children is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to were young and also served on a committee to raise keep the channel open.” fund for a new building. I have also been a volunteer instructor at Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding. What is your favorite attribute of God? The loving and forgiving nature of our Creator. I What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? rest in that love and as I make mistakes for which Curiosity is a wonderful habit to cultivate, along with I am truly sorry, I know I will be redeemed to try keeping an open mind. Knowing about who and again. This gives me great comfort and hope that I what came before you is also helpful in life. can someday be all that God intends. What have you read lately? “1491” about the Americans before Columbus 5
Robin Henderson Logic School Math and Science From beloved 4th grade teacher to beloved Logic School teacher and Yell Leaders coach, Robin Henderson has served Coram Deo in a variety of capacities. Read more about this faithful, joyful, and highly competitive teacher.
Introduce us to your family. I have been married to Joe for 17 years. I have three children Jake, Reid, and Jolie. Jake is a junior, Reid is a freshman, and Jolie is in 6th grade. We have two dogs, Zippy, a Maltese, and Bella, a Boxer. We attend First Baptist Church of Keller
What bible verse is foundational in your life? Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
List the University Degrees that you hold. What’s your favorite meal? BA from Baylor and a Master of Science in Social My family is Italian and I have so many good memoWork from The University of Texas at Arlington ries involving the preparation of food in my grandmother’s kitchen. Share with us some of your accomplishments. My biggest accomplishment in life is becoming a Is there something special you are known for? mother. I also walked on to the Baylor University My students, as well as family and friends, know track team my freshman year and competed for two that I am an extremely competitive person. My stuyears. In high school I was named an All-American dents have experienced this first hand through playMascot and became the first female mascot for Baylor ing dodge ball with me. My friends and family have University. I have served on the Parks and Recreation experienced this with everything else in my life! I Board of Haltom City. Currently, I teach Life Science also have a creative side. I enjoying cake decorating, Algebra 1A in 7th grade, and 8th grade Physical Sci- scrapbooking, and sewing when I have time (which ence, coach for the Yell Leaders and Pride, and am a is almost never!) professional “taxi driver” for my kids. What advice would you give to CDA students? What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? I went to a large public high school. Looking back, I used to see vulnerability as a weakness. I prided my- there are so many people I never got to know. In colself on being independent and strong, both physi- lege, there are even more people and it can be intimically and mentally. As a result, I relied on myself to dating trying to make new friends. Attending CDA figure things out rather than asking for help from gives our students a unique opportunity to attend others, or more importantly, from God. When I was smaller classes. As a result, they can really get to know 34, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes, their fellow classmates, if they put in the effort. I remade me EXTREMELY vulnerable. However, I can alize that I am biased, but I think CDA has some of truly say that it was a blessing in disguise. I learned the coolest kids around! I would encourage students that I cannot rely on myself, but must rely on God to work on developing lifelong friendships while at for everything. It is through His grace that I make it CDA. through each day. 6
David Johnson High School Chemistry, Economics and Logic School Health and Fitness This Shakespearean actor, engineer, and chemistry teacher has traveled around the world. Having seen many wonders as well as God’s mercy, he is thankful for every day and enjoys the classroom with our CDA students. Introduce us to yourself I grew up in Southern California, where my father taught high school chemistry and physics for nearly forty years. I have three sisters and two brothers, together with six nieces and two nephews. I attend First Baptist Church of Colleyville. I teach the Chemistry Labs, History, Economics at the high school level and Health and Fitness in logic school.
What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? Having traveled around the world in the Army including a combat tour in Iraq, I think that I have learned to maintain perspective on life. No matter how bad things may seem to be for us here, our problems pale in comparison to those faced by so many others. God has truly been very gracious to us.
What interest do you have outside of school? I enjoy acting and have worked with many theaters in the DFW area. I love Shakespeare and had the opportunity to be part of one summer season with Shakespeare Dallas. Most recently, I played Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire at Runway Theatre in Grapevine.
If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? You always have to plan for the future, but don’t let that keep you from living in the present.
What’s your favorite meal? List the colleges you attended. When going out to eat, I love Indian food, with hot United States Military Academy, West Point curries and naan bread. When making food for myself, I like making pablano or jalapeno peppers with a University of Oxford I hold a Bachelor of Science- Civil Engineering and variety of spicy stuffings. Master of Arts- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? Share with us some of your accomplishments. I enjoy historical fiction. Arturo Perez Reverte is a I graduated 5th in a class of 902 from West Point, Spanish author who has written a series of books including top graduate from the Department of Civil about Captain Alatriste, a 17th century soldier of and Mechanical Engineering. I won a Marshall Schol- fortune. His books are both well-researched and wellarship to study in the United Kingdom for two years. written.
What bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 7
What is your favorite attribute of God? I am very thankful for his mercy, without which we would stand condemned without hope.
Deborah M. Loe High School Rhetoric, Logic and English Ms Loe, the mother of six children and five grandchildren, finds that her teaching opportunities never end! She holds four degrees and worked with the Wycliffe Bible Translators. She brings her expertise of language and composition to CDA through the English department Introduce us to yourself. I teach Logic 9, English 10, and Rhetoric (AP English Language and Composition). I worship at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Flower Mound. This year I want to work with Keep Flower Mound Beautiful and am pleased to have had the blessing in my life to work with the Wycliffe Bible Translators.
Do you have a favorite quote? “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau. We need dreams to motivate us to action, and action always brings success of some kind.
What colleges did you attend. From the University of Maryland, I have degree in nursing studies. I attended University of Virginia and earned a B.A. Russian and German. From the University of Texas at Arlington, I earned my M.A. Linguistics. Currently, I am attending Texas Woman’s University where I am considered ABD in Rhetoric.
Do you have any pets? Yes, two dogs and two cats. One of the cats, Momo, was rescued from CDA many years ago in December, when we found her shivering in the snow on the gazebo. It took her three years to be friendly. We just kept on loving her.
What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? My favorite attribute of God is forgiveness. As we What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? Never give up, never surrender. Just “Keep A-Goin’ have been forgiven so we forgive another. Forgiveness then breaches the gap between us, making us one in (poem by Frank Lebby Stanton). spirit, enabling us to experience on a small scale the unity we have with God. What Bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 What is your favorite meal? Any meal that includes family, friends and good conversation. Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks. Persian poetry.
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Rebecca Harris Senior Class Vice President Active in tennis, her church, and serving as Vice President of her senior class all while earning Summa Cum Laude every year at Coram Deo, Rebecca Harris has some great advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps. enrolled since 2009
Introduce us to your family. I have a father named Ken, a mother named Karen, and a younger sister named Colette who is in 10th grade at Coram Deo. I attend church at Saint Nicholas in Flower Mound, where I am an acolyte and a member of the St. Nick’s youth group. List the colleges to which you have applied. I applied to Texas A&M, Baylor, John Brown, and The University of Arkansas. I plan to study engineering in college. Share some of your accomplishments. I qualified as a USTA Champ tennis player in the 14s, 16s, and 18s age groups. I have been a quarterfinalist, semifinalist, and finalist in the TAPPS state tennis tournaments. What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you? I believe “ethical servant leadership” means serving others in the name of Christ. It means placing God and others before yourself and serving with a humble heart. The perfect example of an ethical servant leader is Jesus Christ. He came to Earth to humbly serve others and by doing this he gave us a perfect example of how leaders should act. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 9
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:3-8 What was your best class at CDA? I really enjoyed Algebra, Trig, and Theology. What was the “secret” to success at CDA? The “secret” to success at CDA is working hard and always giving your personal best. It is important to have a good work ethic regarding schoolwork and manage your time well. Do you have any pets? I have a dog, named Popper, who is a mix between a Bedlington Terrier and a Standard Poodle. Bedlington Terriers are very unique dogs and they look like lambs when they are groomed. What bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 What is your favorite meal? My favorite meal is my Oma’s (grandmother) lasagna. She makes it every Christmas for our family and it takes two days for her to make. It is a family tradition and it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without it.
Kyle Swank Senior Class Treasurer
As treasurer of the senior class, Kyle has chosen to take on the tasks of reconciling accounts and making sure money is appropriated properly. His dedicated to the task will prepare him for many of life’s responsibilities and his potential majors in Industrial Design and Environmental Engineering. enrolled since 2009
Introduce us to your family. My dad, Calvin, is a CPA at Hanson Building Products and my mom, Susan, is a part-time accountant at the National Center for Life and Liberty. My brother, Daniel, is sophomore at Temple Christian Academy and my sister, Claire, is an 8th grader at CDA. I attend church at Temple Baptist Church. List the colleges you are considering. Texas A&M and Cedarville University. I would like to study Industrial Design or Environmental Engineering. Share some of your accomplishments. I have earned Summa Cum Laude from 8th to 11th grade and received 1st place in the TAPPS state photography. My art work was chosen “Best in School” at the Michael Burgess Congressional Art Competition. I earned the Artes Elegantes award from CDA in 2012. Are there committees or teams you serve/play on at school, church and in the community? I play on the Tennis team at CDA. I’m a part of the Temple Youth Missions group at my church, and I’ve been on three trips to Barbados, Ireland, and England. What was the “secret” to success at CDA? For me the secret to success is to avoid getting swamped by keeping organized and staying on top of all your assignments.
What does “ethical servant leadership” mean? An ethical servant leader is a person who serves others in a Christ-like manner. They use their abilities to lead and direct, while showing the love of Christ to those around them through their actions and attitudes. What was your best class at CDA? My favorite class was AP Environmental Science with Mrs. Ligon and not just because we had fun field trips and ate cookies during class. It was interesting to learn how everything in the environment connects and how our lives affect the cycles. What are your hobbies? I enjoy playing the piano, creating art using various mediums, and whenever I get the chance, I love to go snowboarding. What kinds of pets do you have. Our family has a fat cat named Jake. I also have an aquarium with both fish and live plants. Do you have a nickname? Not just true of myself, my family is often given nicknames made from a play on our last name. One of the most interesting and common has been the Swankinator. What is your favorite attribute of God? My favorite attribute of God is his mercy. It is comforting to know that God will always love and can forgive you for anything you do. 10
Emily Mooney
Senior Class Events Coordinator Emily serves in leadership roles at CDA as the Senior Class Events Coordinator, Captain of the CDA Yell Leaders and Co-Drill Captain of the Varsity Tennis team. She also serves as an integral part of the yearbook class producing a great yearbook for the students to enjoy for many years to come. enrolled since 2003
Introduce us to your family. I have been blessed with two amazing parents, John and Kris Mooney. My dad has been a navy pilot for the past 24 years. He inspires me tremendously with his leadership and strong worth ethic. My mom is my very best friend and worked as a social worker helping military families, before having children. She now enjoys working part time at the Grammar School. I’m the oldest of four children. I have two sisters, Caroline (freshman) and Katherine (4th grade) and one brother, Jack (6th grade). I attend Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, TX. List the colleges you are considering. I have applied to DBU, Baylor, University of Arkansas, University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, University of Mississippi, TCU, and University of Texas. I plan on earning a degree in nursing. Share some of your accomplishments. Some of my accomplishments are receiving first place at district and third place at state for tennis in doubles, being Vice President of the House of Wright my junior year, and receiving Summa Cum Laude as a Freshman and Junior.
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What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you? Ethical servant leadership means setting an example by the way you live your life by serving others. I think it means putting other’s needs before your own and making decisions that will influence people in the most positive way. An ethical servant leader
sets an example and lives their life in order to glorify God and bless those by their leadership. What was the “secret” to success at CDA? The secrets to success are time management, a strong work ethic, and lots of coffee. What is common conflict or concern in school and how would you advise a peer to handle it? A common concern at our school is comparing ourselves to our peers, especially with grades. My advice would be not to beat yourself up or feel inferior if you don’t make as good of grades as someone else but just challenge yourself to do the best you can. If you are working your hardest, you should be very proud of your accomplishments regardless of others. Describe a favorite moment in your life? As a part of a military family, I have had the opportunity to travel to many different places and experience a lot of different things but one of my favorite moments would be traveling to Paris, France with my parents and sister Caroline during the summer of 2009. It was so memorable getting to see all the beautiful art and architecture I had learned about in 6th grade Art Appreciation. It is such a magnificent city with so much history and character. I just have so many great memories from that trip. Favorite quotation: “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa
Our mission is to train ethical servant leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.
Christ ian
CDA seeks to nurture children in an atmosphere consistent with historic Christian belief through a faithful and committed faculty while restoring the biblical priority of the family.
Classical
CDA educates youth in a historic Christian worldview through a rigorous Trivium-based curriculum. Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of each subject are acquired with increasing sophistication as age, grade level and ability rise.
Collaborat ive
CDA is a genuine school-home collaboration, where students receive professional instruction on campus two to three days per week and work at home under the tutelage of their parents for the balance of the week allowing the family to be the primary influence on the child’s life.
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