Coram Deo Academy
Cognitio
Spring 2015, Vol. 3, issue 3
“ The process of getting to know something or someone
Welcome
Coram Deo Academy
Welcome to the third 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
Diana Wall
Kathy Schaefer
Angela Bell
Ellen Perry
Laura Neibert
Beth Brake
Headmaster
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
Director of College Guidance and Testing
Administrative Assistant for Logic and High School, Record Keeping
Table of Content s page 3-4
Letters from the Directors
page 5
Grammar School Instructor- Kimbra Moer
page 6
Logic and High School Instructor- Patty Gaskamp
page 7
High School Instructor- Bob Schaefer
page 8
Student Leader- Emma Weatherford
page 9
Student Leader- Jake Henderson
page 10
Mission Statement
Letters from the Directors
Grammar School Director by Diana Wall
My name is Diana Wall and I am the Grammar School Director at CDA Flower Mound. I am married to David Wall who swept me off of my feet 24 years ago. We are both from Central Ohio and are Buckeyes through and through. We moved to Texas in 1997 because of a job transfer for David. Texas is our home. Our children are our five awesome animals. We have two Bichon Frise, Lola and Cozmo, as well as a lab mix, Lucy. We also have two tabby cats, George and Holly, who are always tied at the hip to one and another. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. My primary and secondary education was through Christian schools. From there, I went to The Ohio State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Education and my Masters in Special Education. My first job out of college was at a school that specialized in Special Education. This was extremely rewarding and helped develop me into the teacher I am today. I have always looked for schools that stressed academics but also had a Christian-based curriculum and included manners and ethics. It is extremely important to me that each child receive a well-rounded education so that when they continue to the next level, they are not only prepared academically but they are also prepared socially. With 30 years of teaching experience in Christian schools, I am looking forward to all the fun adventures of the years to come. I LOVE Coram Deo Academy students! I look forward each year to the collaboration with our students, parents, faculty and staff which ultimately bring glory to our Lord and Savior through this educational mission with which He has so richly blessed us. In my spare time, I love to read, walk my dogs, and swim in our pool. Also, as of Labor Day weekend this year, I have dedicated my early mornings and my evenings to helping take care of my mother. I feel so blessed to have her living near us and am thankful every day that I have the ability to hug and kiss her every morning and every night. I feel so humbled and honored to be able to lead our Flower Mound Grammar School. Each and every teacher, parent, child, and visitor makes a difference in my life and the future success of our amazing school.
3
Logic & HIgh School Director by Polly Dwyer My name is Polly Dwyer and I have been the Campus Administrator for the Flower Mound campus for seven years. Prior to that time, I was the Logic School Director and a classroom teacher. I love teaching! I was born in Houston and raised in east and south Texas. I moved to the North Texas area in my middle school years. My parents are from Oklahoma. When it came time for college, I traveled north to the University of Oklahoma where I received a scholarship as a music major. I studied French Horn formally but then switched to education. I remained within the music department as a performer for the rest of my college years. I have my Education degree with four minors from the University of Oklahoma. After college, I taught in rural Oklahoma, having up to 36 in my class each year. I loved it! I returned to the University of Oklahoma to teach teachers and earn the first of my two master degrees, School Administration. I started on my PhD in Curriculum Development and Teacher Supervision, but soon I married my husband, Paul, who moved me home to Texas! I worked for Highland Park ISD. In order to keep my job, HPISD required a second master in the area in which I taught, science. My second master’s degree is from UTD. Afterwards, I enrolled in UNT (it might have been NTSU at the time) to again work on my PhD. Then came my lovely children. I have three children, Aubrey (sophomore, OU/4th generation, Boomer!), Jack (Junior, CDA), and Emma (Freshman, CDA). I have one dog who claims me, a standard poodle, Molly. My kids have another dog, Bear, who is so sweet and is the same age as Jack. They also have three cats, Remi, Sam and Nat. Paul would prefer a life without pets but he married into a family who loves pets. Paul is the love of my life! We attend Denton Bible Church. I arrived at Coram Deo Academy when I enrolled my oldest child in CDA. I taught History, Physical Geography, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1A, Algebra 1, Physical Science, and Geometry before I entered into administration. I have taught or been an administrator for 29 years. I do not have my PhD yet but I have enjoyed each and every day of my family, my job, and my life.
4
Kimbra Moer
Grammar School
Kimbra is the proud parent of Ben, Zach, and Hannah. Her husband is Gary Moer. They attend Bridge Way Church. She uses her amazing voice for God’s glory as she has lead worship both at church and with the school faculty.
Kimbra Moer teaches K-4 Music at CDA. She is married to the love of her life, Gary Moer, who runs his own Commercial Landscape Management company. They have three beautiful blessings, Benjamin, Zachary, and Hannah Grace! Benjamin is a CDA graduate and graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Zachary is also a graduate of CDA and is a 6’10” basketball player basketball at the United States Air Force Academy. Their daughter Hannah Grace will be a senior and is as talented and lovely as her mother. The Moers attend Bridge Way Church. Kimbra graduated from UNT with a degree in Music Education with a concentration in voice and a secondary in piano. She taught 8 years in public schools where she was honored as Teacher of the Year before retiring to stay home with her children. In addition to teaching, she loves writing music and leading worship for churches, ladies’ and marriage retreats, and Ziglar Women Conferences. Musical Theater is also a love of hers. A few of her favorite parts to have played are Maria in The Sound of Music, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Kate in Kiss Me Kate, and Robin in Godspell. Her family and friends call her the “yard sale queen” since she loves treasure hunting and has furnished and decorated her home with garage sale finds. She loves old dishes and pink depres5
sion glass and would describe her decorating style as farm house chic. The most valuable life lesson she has learned is that no matter what trial we may face, God always takes care of us and causes all things to work together for our good. Her favorite quote is “Faith is the bird that sings while the dawn is still dark”. The motto she loves the most is “Worry is calculating a problem leaving God out.” Kimbra’s favorite attribute of God is His unconditional love. There is nothing we can do to make God love us any less. The best advice she can give to students is to trust in The Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight! “I am so blessed to have taught at CDA for the last 12 years.”
Patty Gaskamp Mrs. Gaskamp is our beloved Latin teacher. After taking her courses for years, our students are still occasionally surprised to learn something new about her! Read on for your opportunity to do the same.
Introduce us to your family: My wonderful husband Allan and I have been married for 26 years. Al has many of the qualities that I would like to have – he is outgoing, confident, and encouraging. We have one son, Patrick, who graduated from Coram Deo last year. He is spending his time doing volunteer work learning how to run tech systems for meetings and worship services. Where do you attend Church? Denton Bible Church. What degree(s) do you hold? I have a BS in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, and have completed the course work for a State of Texas Certificate in Blended and Online Learning.
What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? Most recently: Security is an internal God-given quality. If I truly believe that God is in control, it should (and does) give me a sense of security no matter what my external circumstances are. God will use it for my good and His glory. Describe a favorite moment in life. Every day is filled with favorite moments. If something gives me joy the first time I see it, it still gives me joy the 100th time I see it! What’s your favorite meal? I love Plain cheese pizza or really good lasagna.
Do you have a favorite quote? “You learn it with such absolute certainty that you can always steer by the shape that’s IN YOUR Share with us some of your accomplishments and HEAD, and never mind the one that’s before your Accolades. eyes.” Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi I am a member of Mensa. This has always reminded me that what we see is not Are there committees you serve on at school, all that exists and we should live by Who we have in church and in the community? our hearts and not by what we see before our eyes. I am the sponsor for Coram Deo’s chapter of the National Junior Classical League. I am a volunteer in the What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? library at our local senior center and with Operation His unconditional love and forgiveness because I Christmas Child. need it every day. What interest do you have outside of school? I like to read anything well written (except horror), I love old movies (to listen to while grading), and I like to bake. I also love roller coasters, going new places and seeing new things. I really love learning – about almost anything! 6
Bob Schaefer Our faculty and students excel in their lessons with Mr. Schaefer. His excellent use of the Socratic method challenges students and has proven to be effective (and entertaining) year after year. Mr. Schaefer teaches our Dual Credit Physics course.
Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? Introduce us to your family: I am married to Kathy (everybody knows Kathy). My Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: A fascinating look at how much of our thinking is done sons are BJ and Tommy. without thinking, and not always to our benefit. Where do you attend Church? Do you have a life motto? Saint Francis Catholic Church in Grapevine Teaching is the greatest act of charity -St. Augustine What degrees do you hold? I have a B.S. Astronautical Engineering (USAF Academy), and a M. A. Education (Harrison Middleton What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? Mercy. University) Compared to God’s Power I am powerless. Compared to God’s Knowledge I am ignorant. Compared What interest do you have outside of school? Cooking, Great Books Discussions, Home Improve- to God’s goodness I am mean-spirited. But in light of ment Projects and Reading. I also study teaching His Mercy, I am worth the sacrifice of His only Son. methodology. My life is filled with interests both inside and outside of the classroom. What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? The key virtue for learning is humility. Pride makes all of us want to defend our opinions and preconceived notions as if they are part of us. The key to genuine learning is to welcome being wrong.
7
Emma Weatherford Salutatorian, House of Wright President Emma graduated in May and is headed to Baylor University as a pre-Med student. Read more about the House of Wright’s 2014-15 President, and the recipient of the 2014-15 House Joshua award!
enrolled since 2004
Introduce us to your family. My parents are Kim and Diana Weatherford. My sister, Abby, is in the 11th grade at CDA. Where do you attend Church? Garden Ridge Church of Christ What degree(s) do you plan to work on when at college? I plan to major in Medical Humanities and minor in Biology. Medical Humanities courses examine medicine through the fine arts, social sciences, and humanities- for example, you might take classes on how Americans approach dying or how medicine is portrayed in classic literature. The goal is to see patients as individuals experiencing their condition in a unique, personal way, rather than just as a medical problem. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue an MD/PhD. Share some of your accomplishments. Speech and Debate team (four years): TFA State qualifier in Domestic Extemp (two years), TAPPS 3A State Champion in Persuasive Speaking (two years) and Original Oratory (one year), NSDA Nationals qualifier in Domestic Extemp (one year), NFL Member (Degree of Special Distinction), Symphonic Band (six years): First chair flute (three years), TPSMEA All-State Band on flute (three years) and piccolo (one year), Girls State: Outstanding Citizen, Girls Nation 2nd Alternate, Ballet (fourteen years), National Merit Scholar.
8
Describe “ethical servant leadership”. A servant leader uses his position to serve others, rather than exalt himself. He does not consider any task beneath him and prioritizes the needs of those he leads over his own. An ethical servant leader guides all his actions by his moral compass. In short, an ethical servant leader strives to imitate Christ in all aspects of his life. What was the “secret” to success at CDA? One “secret” to success is doing whatever the teacher recommends, even if there isn’t a grade attached to it. Making outlines, taking notes, doing practice problems, and so forth often aren’t graded or even assigned, but without doing these things it is much harder to keep up with the class. Also, it is important to actually read all assigned materials. What kinds of pets do you have? I have a cat named Helia (like “helium”, but with a feminine ending). I adore her, but she has a shaky relationship with the rest of the family, especially the family dog. What Bible verse is foundational in your life? “But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 41:3
Jake Henderson
President of the House of Homer
Jake graduated in May and is headed to Baylor University to study Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as pre-Law. Read more about the House of Homer’s 2014-15 President! enrolled since 2006
What leadership role do you serve in at CDA? I serve as the President for the House of Homer, captain of the tennis team (co-captain with Tommy Hansen), and Treasurer for the Senior Class of 2015. Introduce us to your family. Robin, my mom, the fearless and commanding leader of both the House of Homer and the House of Henderson. Joe, my dad, a discerning introvert with a great sense of humor. Reid, my brother, born with the tenacity my mother displays, but also very loyal with a great sense of humor. Jolie, my sister, the most creative and kind-hearted person in our family, and possibly the second loudest in the family as well (second to my mother). Together we attend First Baptist Church of Keller Tell what you plan to do after high school. The Monday immediately following graduation, I will start an internship as an accountant for Scott Brown Properties. This will be my second year, and I am excited to return. I also plan to continue my job as a marketing team member at the Chick-fil-A in Roanoke. That’s right, this man has two jobs. What college and what degree do you plan to work on when at college? I will be attending Baylor University in the fall and will major in Electrical and Computer Engineering. In addition, I am enrolled in the Honor’s College and the pre-law program, and aspire to go into intellectual property law with my engineering background.
9
Share some of your accomplishments during high school.
TPSMEA I on a Class III solo at regional competition (2012) TPSMEA I on a Class I Ensemble at both regional and state competitions (2014) The Joshua Award for House Service (2014) CDA House of Homer Events Coordinator (2012-2013) Vice-President (2013-2014), and President (2014-2015) CDA Class of 2015 Senior Class Treasurer (2014-2015) CDA Symphonic Band Brass Sergeant (2013-2014) and Second Lieutenant (2014) Being selected for the Baylor2Baylor Law Program
What does being a “wise thinker” mean to you? I see a “wise thinker” as a person whose decisions are based upon all available sources of knowledge, chief among which being the Bible, and therefore strives for actions glorifying to God. That being said, a wise thinker does not consider himself the smartest or the wisest “in the room,” but considers himself to be willing to hear all points of view in order to achieve the wisest decision. Describe “ethical servant leadership” ? Ethical servant leadership can best be described by Jesus himself. While this answer may seem cliché, truly the blueprint for servant leadership can best be seen in the One who came to serve, not to be served, and through whom we have life. More specifically, ethical servant leadership, to me, means leading a group of people, serving the group through their ethical decisions and actions as a whole, but also being willing to do the job of everyone in the group, including the lowest rank so as to lead by example.
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.
10