The Year Ahead 2023-2024

Mission

Veritas is an independent Christian school in the classical tradition that prepares students for lives of service and learning through academic excellence, character development, biblical literacy, and intentional engagement opportunities.

Core Values

In pursuit of its mission, the Veritas community is guided by five core values. Our core values represent the philosophical commitments of our community; these values are reflected in our past and guide our commitment to the future. The core values of Veritas embody the promises made for our students’ development.

Academic Excellence

Veritas embraces a history of excellence in academic achievement. We are committed to challenging our students to their highest potential in academics and stretching their intellectual boundaries, seeking to model and impart the virtues of inquiry, preparation, and discipline, in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

Character Formation

Veritas educates holistically, both character and mind. Moral formation and mature behavior are of equal value with the acquisition of knowledge. We are committed to developing students’ hearts and minds, seeking to instill in them both knowledge and Christian values.

Biblical Literacy

Veritas seeks to shape our students’ thinking through scripture both by understanding biblical content and through a deeper awareness of its meaning and ethical application. We believe that our students’ minds are informed and fashioned through Christian studies and by mastering core competencies of the Bible.

Classical Foundation

Veritas is committed to a classical pedagogy to develop our students’ intellectual abilities and assist them to acquire the skills for good scholarship. The principles of classical thought inform and guide the school in its curricular aims to prepare our students for success beyond Veritas.

Intentional Engagement

Veritas values providing a variety of engagement opportunities, both curricular and co-curricular, for the development of each student. The classroom, the playing field, travel exposure, fine arts integration, and community service are all part of the laboratory of learning for Veritas students.

Welcome Back from the Head of School

Dear Veritas Parents,

I hope you have had an amazing and rejuvenating summer. Many of my colleagues have been planning and preparing for this upcoming school year, and we eagerly await our school to be filled with your children's smiling faces and joyful noises! This year is our 20th anniversary for Veritas, and we are so thankful to the Lord that we get to celebrate this new milestone and chapter. Please mark Saturday, September 30th, on your calendars for a special 20th-Anniversary Celebration on campus, where we will invite Veritas community members from the past and present.

Together, we get to begin writing a new chapter, guided by the foundation laid and tradition created two decades ago. We are excited to welcome a group of new, energetic Christian educators who will complement our returning faculty. I invite you to learn more about our new teachers in this publication and intentionally get to know some of them during our welcome back-to-school events. Many of our new teammates are multifaceted professionals with experience in education and other fields, and we are excited to see their unique skill sets translate directly into student success.

We have many new initiatives this year, and the first and most important one is not merely to maintain but rather to expand the Christ-centered foundation that Veritas is built upon. Part of how we will do this is by adding a Monday Chapel that all community members are encouraged to attend so that we can begin each week with corporate worship. During Monday’s chapel, we will introduce the Bible lesson of the week, followed by a deeper dive in Wednesday's Chapel. The new curriculum will be reinforced in all grade levels, including middle school advisory. Then, as the Bible exhorts us, we as a community will be listeners of the Word and doers of the Word.

Furthermore, we are rolling out a Veritas House system! The House system is a tested program at many schools nationwide that helps create a strong sense of belonging and identity, promotes positive peer relationships, encourages mentorship and leadership, elevates academics and character development, and enhances school spirit and tradition. You will receive more information about the Veritas House system before school starts and throughout the year.

Thank you to all those who contributed toward accelerating our STEAM efforts this year, which has translated into the renovation of our STEAM lab with new furniture, technology, and a new curriculum. Please read more about our STEAM initiatives in this publication.

Finally, this year our theme is “Community: Growing Together,” with the associated verse from Phillippians 2:2-4: “[M]ake my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Indeed, may this year be an incredible one filled with Gospel-catalyzed growth for all of us!

Blessings,

David Q. Hao, MA, JD Head of School

David Hao

Head of School

david.hao@veritasca.org

2023-2024 Veritas Administration

Kim Berger

Assistant Head of School kim.berger@veritasca.org

Alecia Gallegos

Director of Early Education & Lower School (PreK 3-Fourth Grades) alecia.gallegos@veritasca.org

Erin Marshall

Director of Middle School (Fifth-Eighth Grades) erin.marshall@veritasca.org

Zachary Villafuerte

Director of Student Engagement & School Services, Chaplain zachary.villafuerte@veritasca.org

Marilyn Hughes

Director of Finance

marilyn.hughes@veritasca.org

Erin McDaniels

Director of Fine Arts erin.mcdaniels@veritasca.org

Faculty and Staff Directory

Mary Kay Izard MS Mathematics

Mary Kearney First Grade

Molly El-Issa MS Dean of Students & Bible

Pierre Gonzales Facilities Coordinator

Thema Harris PreK3

Sarah Ann Holt MS English

Amanda Martinez Executive Admin Asst & Office Manager

Kathleen Lindsey Second Grade

Sandy Mashni PreK4

Davon McClung Kindergarten Aide

Jennifer McGuire First Grade

Nancy Mendez Kindergarten

Elizabeth Olmos MS History

Gladys Sakr French

Roosevelt Parker Physical Education & Athletics Director

Lillian Rivera Third Grade

Debbie Swindler Music and Band

Amanda Owen Admissions & Advancement Coordinator

Lisa Oriahi After School Care Director & EE Fine Arts

Savannah Wetch School Nurse

David Settle STEAM Coordinator & IPC

Laura Arrazolo MS English

Eli Arroyo Latin & Spanish

Phillip Coselli MS Science & Pre-Algebra

Danielle Breitenwischer Administrative Assistant

Sonya DeArman Fourth Grade

Katy Norra Visual Arts

Melanie Wilson Modifications Coordinator & Reading Resource

Kristen Kellough Third Grade

Lety Ayala PreK4 Aide

New Faculty and Staff

Lillian Rivera

Third Grade Teacher

Lillian Rivera was born and raised in Houston. She has had the privilege of living on the East and West Coasts and most recently in the Midwest. Her teaching experience spans 6 grades, 5 years, and 4 states, to include private, public, homeschool, and Sunday school settings. She has recently earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Liberty University and is a certified teacher in both Texas and Virginia.

Amanda Owen Admissions and Advancement Coordinator

Amanda Owen was born in Houston and currently resides in the Tanglewood area. She graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She loved school so much that she decided to come back to make it her profession. She was a previous second grade teacher at Lovett Elementary School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new foods, and traveling. You will often find her and her husband outside walking their 14-lb westie, Maui.

Savannah Wetch School Nurse

Savannah Wetch is excited to be the next Veritas school nurse! She is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Nursing Assistant. She has worked in both private and public care, most recently for the Memorial Hermann Surgical Center in the Pre-Op Department. She is a mother of two young boys and also does photography.

Eli Arroyo

Latin and Spanish

Eli Arroyo has previously taught at Alice Johnson Junior High School in Channelview where he served as a 7th and 8th grade History teacher. He graduated from University of Houston-Clear Lake with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a 7-12 Social Studies teaching certificate. He is also a native Spanish speaker and is excited to join Veritas as the Latin and Spanish teacher.

Katy Norra

Visual Arts

Katy Norra has a Fine Arts & Art Education Degree from the University of Houston and over 8 years of classroom experience in Art. She stepped away from teaching in 2018 and served as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Houston SaberCats Major League Rugby team for six seasons. Missing the classroom, kids, and colors, Ms. Norra made her way to Veritas! Additionally, she is still growing rugby in Houston and serves as a Board Member for the H.C.Y.A. Raptors Rugby Team.

Pierre Gonzales has had many years of experience within education. His most recent experience was at Richard Milburn Academy as the Student and Community Liaison. Prior to his time at Milburn, he worked with the Association of the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA), specifically at George I. Sanchez Charter School, serving as a teacher, mentor, counselor, and advocate for at-risk youth and their families. He was also an entrepreuneur working as a general technician.

David Settle STEAM Coordinator & IPC

David Settle is an enthusiastic educator with a deep passion for teaching in the fields of STEAM, with a particular focus on advanced math, including algebra. With years of experience in the classroom, he has dedicated himself to inspiring a love for these subjects among his students, significantly impacting their educational journeys. His commitment to excellence and innovation led to him being recognized as the Teacher of the Year for his outstanding contributions to education and earning the Platinum Partner in Education from Alief ISD. Mr. Settle is a father of five and is excited to join Veritas!

Physical Education and Athletics Director

Roosevelt Parker will step into Veritas as the new Physical Education teacher for Kindergarten through 8th grade and will also serve as the Athletics Director for the Middle School Athletic program. He has the goal of helping grow and mature Veritas students both athletically and socially. He plans to build a culture of confidence, desire, and success in sports, as well as demonstrate positive social skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, gamesmanship, and life skills through PE and Athletics.

PreK4 Aide

Lety Ayala is making a return to the Veritas community! She has previously served in various roles at the school, most recently as the school's food service provider prior to the pandemic. She has many years of experience both in the classroom, working previously as an aide, and as the After School Care Director at Veritas. She is excited to return to Veritas for the 2023-24 Academic Year!

Pierre Gonzales Facilities Coordinator

Roosevelt Parker

Lety Ayala

New Faculty and Staff (continued)

Mary Kay Izard Middle School Mathematics

Mary Kay Izard comes to Veritas with decades of experience in education. Over the years, she has taught English, math, religion, and social studies. She has even worked as an administrator during that time as well. Mrs. Izard is married with two grown children. Her hobbies and interests include traveling, hiking, cooking, and gardening. She is excited to be teaching 5th-8th grade math. Mrs. Izard values the Christian school setting and is looking forward to working with Veritas students.

Jennifer McGuire First Grade

Jennifer McGuire graduated from Texas State University in 2004 and this will be her 19th year of teaching. She has taught all grade levels with the exception of kindergarten and is so excited to teach 1st grade! She truly enjoys the younger grade levels and their enthusiasm for learning. She has three kids who keep her busy; two boys ages 17 and 15, and a daughter who is 12! She is elated to be teaching at Veritas this year!

Kathleen Lindsey Second Grade

Kathleen Lindsey earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston. Mrs. Lindsey enjoys working at a school that has a faith-based approach to education because it supports students’ spiritual growth alongside their academic and social development.

Davon McClung Kindergarten Aide

Davon McClung will join Veritas as the Kindergarten Aide in addition to continuing his role as the Boys JV Basketball Coach. His passion includes both music and basketball. His college experience included studying Urban Pop Music with a minor in Jazz. He currently serves as the drummer for Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church in Houston and was previously one of Veritas' substitute teachers in the 2022-23 Academic Year. He is excited to be part of the faculty and staff at Veritas continuing to make an impact on our students.

Returning Faculty and Staff in New Positions

Thema Harris

PreK3 Teacher

Thema Harris will remain in the Early Education division but will move into a new role as the new PreK3 Teacher. She had previous experience working with the early education age level and is excited to see the growth in our youngest students this academic year.

Nancy Mendez Kindergarten

Nancy Mendez will have the opportunity to loop with a few of the students in her PreK4 class from the 2022-23 Academic Year. No stranger to the Veritas Kindergarten classroom, Mrs. Mendez is excited to step back into Kindergarten, ready to challenge Veritas students to learn and develop.

Mary Kearney

First Grade

Mary Kearney will also have an opportunity to move with a few of the students in her Kindergarten class from the 2022-23 Academic Year. She will be stepping in as one of the veteran teachers in the Lower School division. She is excited for the opportunity to teach first grade.

Zachary Villafuerte

Director of Student Engagement and School Services, Chaplain

Zachary Villafuerte will remain as part of the Leadership Team at Veritas functioning in many of the same roles he has had over the many years he’s been at Veritas. His new role, however, will allow him to have a more intricate role in the formation of student and overall school culture. He remains the Chaplain for Veritas and will lead in providing a more comprehensive approach to student learning and development.

Theme for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Community: Growing Together

[T]hen make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:2-4 (NIV)

C

ommunity is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a unified body of individuals: such as a group of people with a common characteristic.” Community derives its origin to the Latin, communis or communitas, which implies the idea and thought of commonness or the sharing of a groups of people.

Paul speaks to the idea of community in his letter to the church at Philippi. He implores the church body to be unified, to have a sense of oneness bonded together through agape love (an unmerited, unearned, godlike love). This thought is best emulated through selflessness

- putting the needs of others above your own, but not forsaking yourself. Rather, having the ability to lovingly give up our own personal preferences for the sake of unity within the community.

As we embark on another academic year at Veritas, our commonality as the body of Jesus Christ, is the foundation of our community. Jesus is ultimately the center of our unity, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will endeavor to have the sense of oneness that Paul so eagerly encouraged the church at Philippi to have. So as we walk into our 20th Academic Year as a school, let us be bigger than just a place for academia, but rather, let us truly be a community.

2023-2024 Community Events

No School Days

Labor Day

Monday, September 4, 2023

Fall Break

Monday, October 9, 2023-Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 20, 2023-Friday, November 24, 2023

Christmas Break

Monday, December 18, 2023-Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 15, 2024

President’s Day

Monday, February 19, 2024

Spring Break

Monday, March 11, 2024-Friday, March 15, 2024

Easter Break

Friday, March 29, 2024-Monday, April 1, 2024

Early Dismissal Days

No After School Care is available on Early Dismissal Days

Early Dismissal Times:

Early Education and Lower School - 11:10 a.m.

Middle School - 11:35 a.m.

Friday, October 6, 2023

Friday, December 15, 2023

Friday, March 8, 2024

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Veritas Spirit Nights

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Fine Arts Productions

Early Education Christmas Production

Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 8:15 a.m.

Lower School Christmas Production

Friday, December 8, 2023, at 8:15 a.m.

Eighth Grade Production

Friday, May 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

All School Chapel Buddies

Students may wear their House colors with normal uniform bottoms or chapel uniforms.

First Semester

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Second Semester

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Wednesday, February 28 2024

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Jeans Day

Students may wear jeans with a Veritas Spirit Shirt - no dollar needed! (Not a free dress day)

First Semester

Friday, August 25, 2023

Friday, September 29, 2023

Friday, October, 13, 2023

Friday, November 17, 2023

Friday, December 15, 2023

Second Semester

Friday, January 26, 2024

Friday, February 23 2024

Friday, March 22, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, May 10, 2024

Fine Arts Week

Visual Arts Galleries

Monday, April 22, 2024 - Friday, April 26, 2024

Conservatory of Music Recital

Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.

Community Spaghetti Dinner & State of Veritas

Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Fine Arts Performances

Friday, April 26, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.

Middle School Orientation Retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh Fifth through Eighth Grades

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 - Friday, September 8, 2023

See You at the Pole

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Starting at 7:30 a.m. @ The Courtyard Flagpole

20 Year Anniversary Ceremony

Saturday, September 30, 2023

CHILI COOK OFF

Annual Chili Cook Off

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Book Fair hosted by Orchard Books

Monday, November 13, 2023 - Friday, November 17, 2023

2023-2024 Community Events

Family Day

Friday, November 17, 2023

Alumni Day

Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Go Texan Day

Friday, February 23, 2024

History and Science Fair

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

End of the Year Awards Chapels

Early Education

Friday, May 17, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.

Lower School

Monday, May 20, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.

Middle School

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 8:15 a.m.

Eighth Grade Graduation

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Campus Map

Foundation Hall

Under the Oaks

Foundation

Hall

Raad Learning Center

Raad Learning Center

A1 - Ms. Harris, PreK3

A2 - Mrs. Mashni, PreK4

A1 - Ms. Harris, PreK3

A2 - Mrs. Mashni, PreK4

B1 - Administrative Offices

B1 - Administrative Offices

B2 - Mrs. Kellough, Third Grade

B2 - Mrs. Kellough, Third Grade

A3 - LS Teacher’s Lounge and Mrs. Gladys

A3 - LS Teacher’s Lounge and Mrs. Gladys

A4 - Ms. Oriahi, Music & Movement

A4 - Ms. Oriahi, Music & Movement

A5 - Mrs. Mendez, Kindergarten

A5 - Mrs. Mendez, Kindergarten

A6 - Mrs. Kearney, First Grade

A6 - Mrs. Kearney, First Grade

A7 - Ms. McGuire, First Grade

C1 - Nurse’s Clinic

B3 - Mrs. DeArman, Fourth Grade

B3 - Mrs. DeArman, Fourth Grade

C1 - Nurse’s Clinic

D1D2D3 -

A7 - Ms. McGuire, First Grade

C2 - Mrs. McDaniels, Director of Fine Arts

A8 - Mrs. Lindsey, Second Grade

A9 - Mrs. Rivera, Third Grade

A8 - Mrs. Lindsey, Second Grade

A9 - Mrs. Rivera, Third Grade

C2 - Mrs. McDaniels, Director of Fine

C3 - STEAM Lab, Mr. Settle, STEAM

C3 - STEAM Lab, Mr. Settle, STEAM

MS Office - Mrs. Marshall, Dir of MS

Art Studio - Ms. Norra, Visual Arts

MS Office - Mrs. Marshall, Dir of MS

Art Studio - Ms. Norra, Visual Arts

D4D5D6D7D8 -

Oaks Prayer Garden

Center

Center

Fine Arts

Fine Arts

D1 - Mr. Arroyo, Foreign Language

D1 - Mr. Arroyo, Foreign Language

D2 - Mr. Coselli, MS Science

D2 - Mr. Coselli, MS Science

D3 - Mrs. El-Issa, MS Bible

D3 - Mrs. El-Issa, MS Bible

D4 - Resource Room and Mrs. Wilson

D4 - Resource Room and Mrs. Wilson

D5 - Ms. Holt, MS English

D6 - Mrs. Arrazolo, MS English

D5 - Ms. Holt, MS English

D7 - Mrs. Olmos, MS History

D6 - Mrs. Arrazolo, MS English

D8 - Ms. Izard, MS Math

D7 - Mrs. Olmos, MS History

D8 - Ms. Izard, MS Math

Gym - Coach Parker, Physical Education and Athletic Director

Gym - Coach Parker, Physical Education and Athletic Director

MS Office

MS Teacher’s Lounge

Art Studio

MS Office

MS Teacher ’s Lounge

Art Studio

1

2

3

Creative Learning Spaces: The STEAM Lab

When Veritas students return to campus for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, they will find a new and remodeled STEAM Lab awaiting.

As the project that was chosen to be funded by the Annual Auction & Gala for the 2022-2023 Academic Year, the STEAM Lab will provide Veritas students with the opportunity to exercise their critical thinking skills in conjunction with utilizing their creativity as they explore God's created world around them. Combined with a new curriculum, STEAM classes at Veritas are sure to be a hit.

The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum will offer Veritas students educational opportunities in interdisciplinary, evidence-based activities and projects. They will be engaged in problem-solving, critical thinking, design thinking, and computation thinking. Additionally, Veritas students will be immersed in hands-on activities and projects that build skills across computer science, engineering, biomedical science, and more. The curriculum is centered around various modules covering structure and function, stability and motion, energy and

collisions, and coding and computational thinking. The various activities in which students will be engaging in include designing and building structures, creating simple machines, exploring the properties of matter, and coding animations and games.

The STEAM Lab also received new equipment to support the creative learning that will take place within the space. These include maker space tables which provide various types of mobility for flexible working areas to promote teamwork and enhanced group working environments.

Lastly, technological enhancements were also a part of the STEAM Lab renovation. This includes a brand-new set of laptops for students to utilize for projects involving design, automation, coding, and robotics. This will be coupled with our current inventory of two 3D printers, which will help our students translate their digital creations into tangible models. Lastly, students will surely notice the brand-new 86" interactive television on the front wall of the STEAM Lab. This will further enhance learning and creativity for Veritas students with the ability to interact with digital components of their learning.

20 Years of Building a Foundation for Life

For two decades, Veritas Christian Academy of Houston has been living out the mission that God had created for the school. From its inauguration day on August 13, 2003 (see picture above) to the start of the 20232024 academic year on August 16, 2023, the school has seen 20 graduating classes, building foundations in the lives of men and women who are impacting the globe for the glory of God. This upcoming academic year finds the school stepping into its next 20 years with hope and celebration, continuing the great mission of preparing students for lives of service and learning through an academic program rooted in the classical tradition providing elements of academic excellence, biblical literacy, character development, and opportunities for intentional engagement. It is through this mission that Veritas continues to be a part of the overall mission of building up the Kingdom of God within the lives of the students and families within our school community.

This year will include times of looking back, getting a glimpse into the past, as Veritas sprouts from the seeds of the former Bellaire Christian Academy. There will be testimonies from those involved in the inception and creation of the school. These voices will include previous Veritas heads of schools, involved

in the various life stages of our community. It will also include parents and board members peppered throughout the school's history. Those involved from the beginning and even voices today.

There will also be testimonies of a very critical time in the life of the school - the transition from being a lessee of the Bellaire campus at 7000 Ferris, to becoming owners and setting up the roots for many more decades to come.

Our 20 year celebration will not only incorporate looking back into the past, but will also include a vision for the future of the school. Looking forward to the next 20 years of impactful educational experiences for Veritas students!

We invite you for our 20th Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 30th at 2:00 pm. Come be a part of this jubilant celebration, marrying the joys of the past with visions of the future!

2023-2024 Cultural Expeditions Program Trips

Texas History Trip - Fifth Grade

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - Friday, December 1, 2023

San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Austin

The Texas History Trip is a three-day excursion to San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Austin, where students learn distinctives of our state’s history, culture, and influential historical figures. Students visit the Alamo as they explore where the revolutionaries made their fateful last stand, tour the Capitol Building, and visit both houses of the Texas Legislature. This trip is intended to be a first hand encounter of Texas state history.

State Capitol • The Alamo • University of Texas - Austin

San Fernando Cathedral • Museum of the Pacific War Tower of the Americas • Riverwalk

Washington DC Trip - Sixth Grade

Monday, April 29, 2024 - Friday, May 3, 2024

Washington DC and Charlottesville, VA

As a part of our Cultural Expeditions Program, we believe that giving students the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of their own culture and history is of utmost importance. Visiting our nation’s capital is essential in the development of that understanding and encourages a sense of civic duty and identity as U.S. citizens. The trip is intended to immerse our students in the functions of the federal government, our nation’s history, and to experience one of the most powerful cities of the world.

The Capitol • Various Memorial Sites • Library of Congress

Monticello • Mount Vernon • Arlington National Cemetery

The Supreme Court • The Pentagon (9/11 Memorial)

University of Virginia • Smithsonian Institute Museums

2023-2024 Cultural Expeditions Program Trips

Philadelphia, New York, and Boston Trip - Seventh Grade

Sunday, October 15, 2023 - Friday, October 20, 2023

Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, and Boston, MA

The Philadelphia, New York, and Boston Trip is a continuation of exploring the history of our nation. Students will visit various sites which will touch on the history of the Revolutionary War, places which made America into the melting pot it is today, the bedrock of our financial institution, and our recent history at the 9/11 Memorial.

Independence Hall • Liberty Bell World Trade Center (9/11 Memorial) • Liberty & Ellis Islands Times Square • Freedom Trail • Harvard University Old North Church • Old State House

London and Oxford Trip - Eighth Grade

Friday, March 1, 2024 - Thursday, March 7, 2024

London and Oxford, United Kingdom

As the capstone experience to a Veritas education, our annual London Trip gives students the opportunity to explore and grow in their understanding of other cultures. International travel enhances students’ global awareness and appreciation for cultural differences and diversity. Every March, our eighth graders spend one week exploring London to take in its culture and history. The London and Oxford trip is an unforgettable experience.

Tower of London • Buckingham Palace • Globe Theatre

Parliament • Christ Church College • Bodleian Library

Westminster Abbey • St. Paul’s Cathedral • British Museum

Back to School Information

Back to School Events Back to School Events

All School Back to School Night

PreK3 through 8th Grade Families

Monday, August 14, 2023

5:30 -7:00 p.m.

Campus Prayer Walk for the Academic Year

Monday, August 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Our entire community is invited to pray for our community immediately following the conclusion of Back to School Night. We will meet at the flagpole in the Courtyard to begin.

First Day of School

First Day of School

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Students should be dressed in full chapel uniform. Early Drop-off at 7:00 am is available.

School Information

Daily Schedule Daily Schedule

Morning Drop-Off

7:00-7:40 a.m. Early Drop-off at the Gymnasium (complimentary)

7:40-8:00 a.m. Students go directly to class at Drop-off

8:00 a.m. School Begins (all grades)

Students dropped off at 8:00 a.m. or after must be walked into the School Office by a parent or guardian to receive a tardy pass prior to going to their classroom.

Normal Dismissal Times

3:10-3:30 p.m. Early Education and Lower School Carline (porte cochére)

3:35-3:45 p.m. Middle School Carline (porte cochére)

3:45 p.m. Remaining students dismissed to After School Care (Ram's Den)

Students going to Ram's Den will be charged the daily after school care rate of $25/day (reflected in your FACTS Account).

Before and After Care Before and After Care

Doors open for early drop-off at 7:00 a.m. • Regular Drop-off from 7:40 - 8:00 a.m.

After School Care (ASC) is available until 6:00 p.m.

Monthly ASC rate is $250/month

Daily ASC rate is $25/day

Students not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will be sent directly to After School Care and will be charged the daily rate.

Veritas’ After School Care will now be called Ram’s Den and will feature additional programming throughout the time students spend after school. This includes dedicated time for academic and fine arts engagement, as well as playtime and other physically engaging activities.

Supplies Supplies

All school supplies are provided by Veritas. Parents are not obligated to buy supplies for their students to use in the classroom; however, parents may purchase extra supplies for use in both home and school. A few include the following:

pencils • pens • lined paper • glue and/or glue sticks • notebooks • binders composition books • scissors • rulers

Additional needs, not supplied by Veritas:

Backpacks: no rolling backbacks for Early Education and Lower School students (PreK3-4th grade)

Lunch boxes/kits • refillable water bottles (sealable and leakproof, no glass)

Student Bible (1st-8th grades, purchase from the School Office)

Middle School Students may want to purchase locker shelves for their lockers. Locker widths are a standard measurement of 12 inches.

School Information

Academic Competitions Academic Competitions

Academic Competitions are offered through both the Association of Christian Schools International and Scholastic. Location and type of events, whether in-person or virtual, will be determined at a later date. Additional information regarding each academic competition will also be given to participants as the events draw closer.

Spelling Bee

Third through Eighth Grades

Math Olympics

Third through Eighth Grades

Speech Meet

First through Eighth Grades

Art Festival

Third through Eighth Grades

Creative Writing

Fourth through Eighth Grades

Scholastic Art & Writing

Seventh and Eighth Grades

Veritas Christian Academy and Road Runner Foods will be using a national web-based school lunch ordering service to make ordering, tracking, and paying for your child’s lunch easy and convenient!

Road Runner Foods, based locally in Sugar Land, has been providing healthy hot lunches for over a decade! Studies are showing a link between better food quality and higher achievement. This is what we keep in mind when sourcing and preparing our foods!

Visit www.veritasca.org/lunch/ for additional information, view lunch menu offerings, and ordering instructions.

Uniforms Uniforms

Visit www.veritasca.org/uniforms/ to view the Veritas Uniform Policy and place orders.

Middle

Nurse's Clinic and Athletics Information

From the Nurse’s Clinic From the Nurse’s Clinic

Parents should maintain direct contact with the school nurse and their student’s teacher if a child is absent from school at any time. To contact the school nurse, email nurse@veritasca.org, or call 713-628-8448.

Forms Needed Prior to the First Day of School for All Students

Up-to-date Immunization Records

Concussion Information and Consent

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Allergy Medical Forms (if necessary)

Asthma Medical Forms (if necessary)

Medication Consent Form and Accompanying Medication (if necessary)

Routine Vision and Hearing Test Results (if completed after January 2023 and applicable)

Middle School Orientation Retreat Forms (Middle School Only)

Visit www.veritasca.org/schooldocuments/ to download all necessary medical forms.

Username: parent

Password: 7000Bellaire!

Vision and hearing tests will be performed for students in specific grades in the fall for students who have not yet completed their annual vision and hearing tests.

Students wishing to participate in athletics should complete and submit physical forms by the first day of school, August 16, 2023 or first practice. Completed physical forms can be faxed (713-773-9753), emailed to nurse@veritasca.org, or submitted in the School Office.

Athletic Physical Forms must be in by the first day of school!

Veritas Sports by Season

Middle School Only (5th-8th Grades)

Fall: Boys Flag Football and Girls Volleyball

Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball

Spring: Co-ed Tennis and Co-ed Track & Field

FCA Huddles are for Middle School students and occur monthly on Tuesdays on the following dates from 8:00-8:45 a.m.

August

Parental Involvement

Veritas House System

Veritas House System

New for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, Veritas will adopt a House System for all students, families, faculty, and staff to further encourage a stronger sense of community. As part of the experience, the House System will include Chapel Buddies (within the houses), social events, and All School events and competitions.

VIRTUS virtue

FIDELITAS faithfulness

SAPIENTIA wisdom

INTEGRITAS integrity

Parent Teacher Fellowship

Parent Teacher Fellowship

The Mission of Parent Teacher Fellowship

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) exists to strengthen the relationships between home and school by promoting and encouraging communication and enhanced relationships among parents, teachers, students, administration, and the community. PTF provides support and enhances the educational experience at Veritas Christian Academy through activities, events, and fundraisers that bring the community together to worship, fellowship, and nurture one another in Jesus Christ.

Consider Where You Can Serve

Room Parents • Prayer Team • Chili Cook Off • Book Fair Annual Auction Gala • Used Uniforms • Fine Arts Night • Teacher Appreciation

Information regarding signing up to volunteer will be emailed soon.

Email ptf@veritasca.org for questions or to get more information

FACTS FACTS

View grades, attendance, homework, and more!

• Click on the FACTS SIS link on the front page of www.veritasca.org

• Select Parent in the login options

• Enter VCAH-TX into the District Code field

• Log in using your previously created credentials

If you have forgotten your username or password, click on the link provided by FACTS SIS.

Supporting Veritas

Each year, donations made to The Veritas Fund help supplement the cost of providing an invaluable education to each student. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of our operations. Donations to Veritas play a critical role in providing the best educational opportunities for our students. The Veritas Fund is a vehicle that provides our families with the opportunity to give in various ways - cash or check, stocks and mutual funds, and through non-liquid assets - which fit their lifestyle and philanthropic goals. We are thankful for the financial support of families and friends of Veritas. Our consistent aim is to have 100% participation from all of our families.

2023-2024 Fundraising Events

Annual Fund

Annual Auction Gala

All proceeds from the Annual Auction go towards various campus beautification and program enhancing construction projects. Previous enhancements include the Raad Learning Center (Tech Lab and Library), Foundation Hall, The Green, outdoor play and learning areas, and the STEAM Lab.

Chapel Theme

www.friendzy.co

Friendzy is a biblically-based social emotional learning program that will help to equip and teach our students to be really good friends thus creating a lasting impact on the next generation. The program is designed to change school culture through vital SEL lessons designed to proactively address aggressive behavior, reduce stress, equip with healthy relationships skills, and improve focus and academic performance, which will increase resiliency for success in school and in life.

Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in our chapels this academic year. Please see the time slot for your child’s Wednesday chapel service below:

Middle School (5th-8th grades) - 8:05-8:35 a.m.

Lower School (1st-4th grades) - 8:40-9:10 a.m.

Early Education (PreK3-Kindergarten) - 9:15-9:40 a.m.

There will also be an additional All School Chapel time on Monday mornings starting at 8:05 a.m.!