Coram Deo Academy
Cognitio
FALL 2013, Vol. 2, issue 1
“ 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- Kelly Whitney
page 6
Logic School Instructor- Leng Ea
page 7
High School Instructor- Bridget Schober
page 8
Band Director- Elizabeth Bowen
page 9
Student Leader- Lauren Boyer
page 10
Student Leader- Samuel Perrone
page 11
Student Leader-Bryton Praslicka
page 12
Mission Statement
Letters from the Directors Grammar School
by Charlotte Campbell
CDA Mission Statement To train ethical servant – leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God. At our Grammar School Parent Orientations we begin the process of analyzing Coram Deo Academy’s mission statement. The purpose of the examination is to discover the best way to apply the mission statement objectives to the Grammar School students. We started the conversation by breaking the mission statement into three parts: ethical servant-leaders, wise thinkers, and shaping the culture for the glory of God. Servant leadership begins with Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Grammar students are often eager to offer assistance to others, and they learn the importance of serving from their parents. CDA parents appreciate they are building a strong academic and spiritual foundation for their children. Godly parents know Christian values are supported when their children receive instruction to obey God’s Word which will produce good character and servant leadership. Children have a heart for serving. We want to instill the joy of serving the Lord with gladness all the days of their lives. We can accomplish this by assuring they have a good education and provide them with strong role models to guide them toward becoming ethical servant-leaders.
Logic School
by Polly Dwyer
During the recent lunch meetings with Mr. Jordan, Mrs. Dwyer and the students, the logic school students read and discussed Luke 10: 26-37. It states in part, “And behold, a lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Having discussed this passage, the logic school students are looking for ways to make this command a reality in their lives. Logic level kids naturally think about themselves first (as we all do). Giving them opportunities to make decisions that are supported by their beliefs and exhibit the working out of their faith through the service to others is some of the greatest work parents can achieve each day.
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High School
by Polly Dwyer
“But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ... He (the lawyer) replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10: 29 and 37. At the high school level, students gather in groups that make them feel comfortable. “You go, and do likewise” are five of the most difficult works stated in the Bible. It is a brave thing to separate from those like us to minister to or befriend those unlike us. In the filming of the Planets of the Apes (1968) it was once stated that, while in costume, the actors ate with those like them, i.e. the “big apes” ate with the “big apes”, the “little apes” ate with the “little apes”, and the “humans” ate with the “humans.” Human nature is powerful and even though we can purposely redefine ourselves, we will always seek those “like” us. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit and a person open to daily reminders to seek after those unlike us for the purpose of ministry. When you see school-aged students gathering about each other and wonder why they form groups the way they do, give your high school-aged student opportunities to stretch themselves in ways they cannot without your total support and love. Help them to learn who their neighbor is.
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Kelly Whitney Grammar School, 2nd Grade Mrs. Whitney is a Grammar School teacher and mother of multiple Coram Deo Academy students. With a senior at home, this parent/teacher has wisdom to share with those still in the middle of their journey!
Introduce us to your family. I have been married to Geoff for 21 years and we have four boys. Max is a senior, Sam’s a sophomore, Jack’s in 8th grade, and Ben is in 3rd. Our cockapoo, Charlie, and our hedgehog, Chauncey, round out the Whitney household.
What’s your favorite meal? Does pie count?? My grandmother makes the most amazing pies in the world. They are famous in our family and we fight over them. :) (It’s all about the homemade crust.)
Where do you attend Church? Our family attends Gateway Church in Southlake.
Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts
List the Colleges you attended. I attended Messiah College in Grantham, PA. What degree(s) do you hold? I have a BS in Early Childhood Education. What interests do you have outside of school? I LOVE to read and usually spend my summer inhaling as many books as possible! My family and I also love watching movies. What Bible verse is foundational in your life? Isaiah 26:3 is my Life Verse: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” It is my constant reminder to keep my mind focused on Him and to trust in His perfect ways no matter what my circumstances may be. Describe a favorite moment in life? The birth of each of my four sons would be my most favorite moments in life. It is so absolutely miraculous and such an amazing blessing!
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If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? We have worked hard in our home the last 11 years at organization and time management when it comes to school work. I have seen that hard work pay off with my older students. My oldest is a senior this year, and I have watched how he is intentional with the planning of his school work time, looking ahead, and being organized and neat with his work. He has been very successful at CDA and I think his willingness to implement these things has been key! What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? It is so hard to choose just one attribute that I love about God. But when I started really thinking through it, I discovered something . . . every attribute I pondered was rooted in His love for me. I love his faithfulness . . . but His faithfulness to me is because He loves me. I love that He is always present with me . . . but that is because He loves being with me. He always forgives me, provides for me, sustains me, and died for me all because of His great love for me. My favorite attribute of God is the way He loves me. What an example that sets for me to love others!
Leng Ea Logic School, 5th Grade
A teacher for over 11 years at Coram Deo Academy, as well as a parent of two boys, Mr. Ea is a member of our 5th Grade team and holds a teaching certification in Elementary Education. He also leads our Tennis program and regularly leads students to victory in TAPPS district and state competitions.
Introduce us to your family. I am married to my wife, Paula, and have two boys attending CDA. Samuel is in 5th grade and Greyson is in 2nd grade on Monday/Wednesday. We attend Christ Presbyterian Church of Flower Mound.
What’s your favorite meal? I love spaghetti and meatballs (Italian) and my mom’s curry dish (Asian).
If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? Share with us some of your accomplishments and “You can never mature beyond the gospel.” Sanctification is a process that a Christian must go through accolades. I finished my 11th year of teaching at CDA in 2013 no matter how immature or mature, young or old, or and feel blessed to see many of my 5th graders gradu- poor or rich they are. ate to go on to college. I have coached the Varsity Tennis team for over 6 years and have enjoyed tak- Do you have a life motto? ing players to compete in TAPPS annually. The girl’s “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of tennis team have secured the 3A All-District title for many witnesses, entrust to reliable men, who will also be the last two years and won state singles title in 2012. able to teach others.” II Timothy 2:2 What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. I know that it is in my nature to forget and doubt the promises of God in times of trials and tribulation. The fallen world and the fallen nature of man mean that things have to change in order for it to be made right with God. Those changes are often painful and difficult. Jesus Christ came to experience those same changes as a man but He never wavered What Bible verse is foundational in your life? in His resolution to die for my sins. His steadfastness “Jesus Christ came to save sinners, of which I am the freed me up to sing what Isaiah sang in the land of chief ” 1 Timothy 1:15 Judah, saying, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Trust Do you have or did you ever have a nickname? in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting How did you get it? rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4. Growing up, my mom and my siblings referred to me as ah-soi, which means little one, because I was the baby of the family. What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? One valuable life lesson which I have learned and continue to apply is to remember that my identity or value as a person is found in Christ and what He did on the cross for me. His commitment to completing this task inspires me to imitate in like manner. I can be faithful because He is faithful and I can love my neighbors as myself because He first loved them.
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Bridget Schober High School, Science Mrs. Schober is Chair of our Science Department and teaches Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Physics courses. She has been a teacher for years, but has begun her journey as a parent of a CDA student this year!
Introduce us to your family. I am married to Rudy who is a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines and speaks fluent German. I have two wonderful daughters, Anneke, 10 (5th grade at CDA) and Greta, 7.
Describe a favorite moment in life? Besides marrying my husband and the births and baptisms of my two children, a favorite moment was sitting by myself on the side of a mountain in the Alps, looking at wildflowers and feeling God’s presence.
Where do you attend Church? I attend First United Methodist Church - Lewisville
What’s your favorite meal? I enjoy anything with good friends and good conversation (as long as there are no olives).
What university did you attend? What is your degree? I have a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, The Ohio State Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? University The Little House series with my girls. Share with us some of your accomplishments and accolades. I graduated from college Magna Cum Laude and I was a National Merit Finalist when I was in high school.
If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? Learn time management and how to make progress on multiple fronts each day. Don’t procrastinate!
Are there committees you serve on at school, church and in the community? I currently serve on the Adult Education committee at church and I have been a La Leche League leader for seven years.
Do you have any pets? I have a Bichon Frise/Poodle mix named Sammy.
What interest do you have outside of school? I enjoy gardening, knitting, and sewing. What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? Be open to God’s plan for your life. Do everything you can to make it easy for Him to get you where you need to be (education!), but be open to following His plan and not yours.
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What Bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you only were able to have your Bible and one other item, what would you choose? Why? A fully charged satellite phone. I wouldn’t be stranded for long! What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? Love. The depth of the love I feel for my children, and the knowledge that it is just a tiny sliver of what God feels for His children, humbles me. I strive to be the best person I can be, but God loves me and reaches out for me regardless of my sin.
Elizabeth Bowen Band Director Elizabeth Bowen is CDA’s beloved Band Director. After starting the Band program in 2003, she now leads our students from their first year of Beginning Band all the way through Symphonic and Jazz Bands. In all contests, CDA award-winning bands score high amongst the competition.
Introduce the CDA family to your family. I have been married to John Bowen for 24 years and have three children. John is the Digital Program Director at Salem Communications and freelances as a bass player and voice over talent. Hannah, my oldest child, CDA class of 2011, is beginning her junior year as a music education major at Ouachita Baptist University. Angela, CDA class of 2013, is beginning her freshman year as a music major with a business minor. Our son, Nathan, is beginning his 8th grade year at CDA. We attend Crossroads Bible Church. What university did you attend? I received by Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas. I was also drum major of the marching band for two years and worked as a Teaching Assistant in charge of directing the University Band and the Basketball Band.
What Bible verse is foundational in your life? 2 Corinthians 12:9 is a pivotal verse in my life. “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? I would say two things: First, watch what you say! I Thess. 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
Second, I would remind them to regularly read all of James 3. Here is a small excerpt: James 3:5-6 “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is Share with us some of your accomplishments and a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among accolades. our members as that which defiles the entire body, and In addition to seeing all three of my children en- sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” joy music, I am probably most proud of taking this program from 16 students in a single band to 113 What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? students, performing in three Concert Bands, a Pep Peace – Phil. 4:6-7 Band, and a Jazz Ensemble. I also started a CC band “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and last year and look forward to its growth and success supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made in the near future. known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds What is a valuable life lesson you have learned? in Christ Jesus.” Hold onto things with open hands. God gives and God takes away, but always trust Him in everything. He is full of surprises! 8
Lauren Boyer
President: House of Homer
Lauren Boyer is a senior at Coram Deo Academy preparing for her college years at Baylor or TCU as a Physician Assistant. She is active in the House system and band as well as athletics. A key to her success at CDA is her great attitude, time management, and leaving her worries at the feet of her Lord. enrolled since 2005
What leadership role do you serve in at CDA? I am serving as President of the House of Homer and Captain of the Symphonic Band. Introduce us to your family. My mother’s name is Kathy and she works as a real estate agent. My father is Alan and he works for Akili. I have one brother named Reid (8th grader at CDA) who plays football, basketball, and tennis. He also plays trombone in Intermediate Band. We attend Valley Creek Church. Share some of your accomplishments and accolades. Some of the accomplishments I am most proud of is winning the Artes Elegantes award for music last year and being elected Band Captain and House President. Are there committees or teams you serve/play on at school, church and in the community? I play the French horn in the Symphonic Band. I also play softball and run cross country. What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you? To me, ethical servant leadership means to lead others by serving them and providing an example of what service is. What was your favorite class at CDA? My best class at CDA so far has been Rhetoric because it improved my writing skills and prepared me 9
for the types of papers I will be writing in college. What was the “secret” to success at CDA? The secret to success at CDA is 100% time management. As long as you don’t get behind and know how to balance school and other activities, you will always succeed. What are your hobbies? My hobbies include cooking, reading, and being outdoors. What kinds of pets do you have? I have two dogs, Ellie and Dingo. Do you have or did you ever have a nickname? How did you get it? One of my nicknames is Lulu, which was given to me by my mother’s best friend when I was little. Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? The last book I read was The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz. What Bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? A verse that I believe is foundational to my life is Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” This verse reminds me that God has a plan for me and therefore I do not need to worry.
Samuel Perrone
Senior Class President
Samuel Perrone is a senior at Coram Deo Academy and serves as the 2014 Class President. His interests include Football, Track, Debate, Drama and did we mention FOOTBALL.
enrolled since 2007
Introduce us to your family. I have two awesome parents, Greg and Tammy. I have three beautiful sisters; Anna, Mary and Elizabeth. And I have a great little brother named Michael. I also have the best dog ever named Arthur. We attend Calvary Chapel. List the colleges you are or want to apply to? I would like to attend Texas A&M or Oklahoma State. I also hope to have a chance to play football in college. Share some of your accomplishments and accolades. I have enjoyed finishing each year of high school with Magna Cum Laude, also 1st Team All-District Line Backer 2013 and Academic All-State 2013. What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you? To me, ethical servant leadership means leading and serving others by conforming to God’s standards and morals. I believe that by leading you must not dominate over others and give orders, but serve others and lead by example. In 1 Peter 5:3 it says “Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” If one is to assume the role of leader, then he must lead and serve others by being loyal to a higher standard that will encourage others to follow.
What is common conflict or concern in school and how would you advise a peer to handle it? One thing that I think is a common conflict/concern for CDA students, is feeling overwhelmed with everything on their plates. My advice is to make sure that you stay focused, take everything one step at a time and NEVER wait until the last minute to do something. What’s your favorite meal? Why? I love my mom’s homemade Macaroni and Cheese; for some reason it makes me happy when she makes it. If you were stranded on a deserted island and you only were able to have your Bible and one other item, what would you choose? Why? I hope this island has food and water. I would choose to have a football because when I have a football I have fun. Ever since I began to love football, I have always carried around a football to toss up to myself. What is your favorite attribute of God? Why? My favorite attribute of God is his everlasting mercy. I sin every day, but every day I have the ability to ask God to forgive me. I find it very reassuring that because of God’s mercy and because of His love, I get to live forever with God in heaven.
What was your favorite class at CDA? I really enjoy history and my teachers, which makes it a little bit easier for me. 10
Bryton Praslicka President: House of Lewis
Bryton Praslicka is a junior at CDA and serves as the President of the House of Lewis. He is actively involved with the CDA Band and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout
enrolled since 2005
What leadership role do you serve in at CDA? I serve as President of the House of Lewis. Introduce us to your family. My dad, Bron, is a semi-professional photographer who loves nature. My mom, Teri, is the school nurse for CDA and an excellent florist for weddings and events. My brother, Brice, attends UNT majoring in Business. My sister Brianne works at a veterinarian clinic and is engaged to Jonathan Pond, who has served in the military for more than a decade. Brianne graduated from UTD, May 16 of 2013, with a degree in Art and Technology. We have a “Br” thing going on, if you haven’t noticed. Where do you attend Church? I attend Valley Creek List the colleges you are or want to apply to? I want to attend University of Texas (in Austin), UTD, or Rice and study engineering, most likely in aerospace or electronic. Share some of your accomplishments and accolades. Many superior performance ratings at TAPPS for band though I am more proud of making it as 8th chair percussion at TPSMEA in band this past year, and as 6th chair for ATSSB in percussion as well.
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What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you? Leading for others, not for yourself, in a way that lifts them up and gives them a chance to shine.
What was your favorite class at CDA? Advanced Algebra with Mr. Rector or Chemistry with Mrs. Schober What was the “secret” to success at CDA? Organization! From organized time management to simply an organized room, if you can manage your time, study habits, homework habits, and know the difference between the time to be serious and the time to goof off – you will be successful. What Bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? James 1: 2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Do you have or did you ever have a nickname? How did you get it? Brytie-Bear, B-ry, B, and Bry Bry. There are long stories behind each of them... Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? John Milton’s, Paradise Lost If you were stranded on a deserted island and you only were able to have your Bible and one other item, what would you choose? Why? A genie who would grant infinite wishes!
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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