Coram Deo aCaDemy Fall 2014, Vol. 3, issue 1

“The process of getting to know something or someoneCognitio

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 typi-cally 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 Headmaster

Diana WallGrammar School Director

Angela BellAdministrative Assistantfor Grammar School, FM Admissions Coordinator

Polly Dwyer Campus Administrator

Ellen Perry Administrative Assistant for Logic and High School,Registrar

Laura NeibertAdministrative Assistant for Logic and High School, Communication Assistant

Kathy SchaeferDirector of College Guidance and Testing

Beth BrakeAdministrative Assistant for Logic and High School, Record Keeping

page 3-4 Letters from the Directors

page 5 Grammar School Instructor- Jennifer Southerland

page 6 Logic School Instructor- Cindy Moore

page 7 Logic & High School Instructor- Bernadette O’Shea

page 8 High School Instructor- Julie Tally

page 9 Student Leader- Julianne Heath

page 10 Student Leader- Brenna Hennings

page 11 Student Leader- Rachel Meade

page 12 Mission Statement

Table of Contents

Grammar school Directorby Diana Wall

My name is Diana Wall and I am the Grammar School Director at CDA Flower Mound. I am mar-ried 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 Chris-tian 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 aca-demically 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 ul-timately 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.

Letters from the Directors

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My name is Polly Dwyer and I have been the Campus Administrator for the Flower Mound cam-pus 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.

logic & High school Directorby Polly Dwyer

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Introduce us!My husband, Kurt, and I have been married 23 years and have 3 boys. Ryan, a sophomore in Biomedical Sci-ence at Texas A&M. Aaron, a junior at CDA, who is the Parliamentarian for the House of Wright, and Jordan who is a 7th grader. We also have a golden retriever named Maggie. My family attends Wellspring Church.

Share with us some of your accomplishments.My greatest accomplishments are my three boys, but I attended the University of Texas at Arlington and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have also loved working in children’s ministry for 19 years includ-ing serving for a time as a children’s pastor. I have taught parenting classes with my husband. I have also been tutoring students from K-12 as well as college Anatomy and Physiology.

What is a valuable life lesson you have learned?People always tell me I am always so calm and “zen” but I used to suffer from anxiety. God has shown me over the last 10 years, that He has everything under control and He loves me fiercely so why would I need to worry about anything. My life’s motto is pretty simple, “ Love God and love others.”

What is your favorite meal? I love mexican food, especially Nachos Al Carbon and Brisket Tacos

Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read?1000 Gifts by Anne Voskamp and Living Right Side Up by Debbie Morris

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? A boat, need I say more?

What is your favorite attribute of God? His lovingkindness because all of His other attributes flow from His love for us.

Jennifer southerlandGrammar School, 2nd GradeHer favorite chapter in the Bible is Isaiah 61 because it is what she strives to do on a daily basis. Isaiah 61 says to proclaim good news to the poor. “...Bind up the brokenhearted,...proclaim freedom for the captives,...proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,...comfort all who mourn.”

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Introduce us!My husband is Mike. I have 2 kids, Kayleigh (11th grade) and Ryan (9th grade). We attend Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in July. I love seafood and Mexican food but my all-time favorite is Texas BBQ!

List the Colleges you attendedStephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I have taught for ten years in three different states!

What is a valuable life lesson you learned?I am learning to listen before I speak. . . although it’s a work in progress! Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in trials, and constant in prayer.” I am amazed by God’s unconditional love. I stumble and fall every single day, and yet He loves me anyway – He’s awesome!

Describe a favorite moment in life?The most exciting moment in my life was finding out I was pregnant after years and years of trying—‘be patient in trials’ became near and dear to my heart!

What is that special something about you?My kids and husband love it when I make Chicken Pot Pie in the winter….and my kids agree that my favor-ite saying is “Come unload the dishwasher!”

Do you have a nickname? My nickname is Cindy, but I didn’t get it until I was hired for my first teaching position when I was 23 years old. The principal decided that ‘Cynthia’ was too long and she introduced me as ‘Cindy’ and since it’s much shorter to write, I kept it!

If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be?Manage your time wisely. . . and if a teacher gives you extra time in class to start on homework, take the op-portunity.

Cindy moore Logic School, 5th Grade

Our 5th Grade teacher on T/Th has served on her church’s Fellowship Com-mittee, been involved with Women’s Ministries and taught Vacation Bible School every summer since she was a teenager.

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Introduce us! I go to Gateway Church Southlake. My degree is from Pensacola Christian College and the University of Ari-zona Distance Learning Program. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and CEU Paralegal Studies. I considered becoming a lawyer. I was encouraged to take a paralegal course…I discovered quickly I was a teacher at heart and law was just a hobby. I now get to use my experience in the Mock Trial high school class at CDA. I love ethnic foods, Greek, Chinese, Iranian, Thai , and I am true to my Puerto Rican culture. I love Arroz con Gandules, Pernile, and Tosdones!

Share with us some of your accomplishments. My greatest accomplishment has been parenting my two boys. Career wise, I hold a teaching certificate from Association of Christian Schools International, Member of International Association of Educating Young Children, Conference Speaker for ACSI and IAEUC, Recommended Expert Speaker for Children’s Ministry Academy, Featured Writer for Children’s Ministry Magazine and Christianity Cove. I speak and write on top-ics about Avoiding Burning Out, Effective Teaching Principles, Classroom Organization, and Dealing with the Effects of Bullying.

What interest do you have outside of school?I love anything outdoors, travel, and spending as much time in Colorado as possible!

Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read?I am a book worm…I read several books at once. The one that made a significant impact on my life, career, parenting, even my marriage was The Way They Learn. I highly recommend everyone to read this book.

If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be?Organization is essential! Figure out the best way to organize yourself and stick with it. Being organized gives you a sense of peace, confidence, and security that flying by the seat of your pants never will.

What is a valuable lesson you have learned?I have learned that you should not take yourself so seriously. Give yourself a break and learn to laugh! I Cor-inthians 13:13 says, “...now abide Faith, Hope and Love...but the greatest of these is love.”

Bernadette (rodriguez) o’shea Logic School TheaterWhy fit in when you were made to stand out! –Dr. SeussOur Logic School Theater teacher is very proud of her Puerto Rican Heritage. Her husband is Patrick and her sons are Patrick J (13 years), and Joey (10 years). She is surrogate mom to a 10lb miniature dachshund who thinks he is human and a Mountain Horned Dragon who tolerates her.

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Introduce us! My husband, Tracy, and I have been married 24 years. We have four incredible daughters—Emily, Elizabeth, Erica, and Ellen. Tracy owns a seed business. Emily is a CDA graduate (2012), currently a junior at UT Aus-tin. Elizabeth is a CDA graduate (2014), now a freshman at the University of Alabama. Erica is a senior at Liberty, and Ellen is in 6th grade at CDA. I am honored to have been hired to teach Spanish at Coram Deo Academy. Valuable lessons I have learned are, “When in doubt, don’t.” and “Seek help from teachers from when you need it.”

List your colleges and accomplishments.While attending Texas Tech, I was a member of Fashion Board, Alpha Phi, Rho Lambda (sorority honor-ary), and Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish honorary), I also participated in the Mexico Field Course in the summer of 1984. I graduated from Texas Tech, Cum Laude, in 1986. I received my Lifetime Secondary Teaching Certificate through North Texas State University (now UNT) in 1987. In 1987-88, I taught middle school Spanish and seventh grade Introduction to Second Languages in Irving I.S.D. From 1988-90, I worked as a Bilingual Secretary for an international cotton company. From 1990-95, I trained clients on computer soft-ware for ExecuTrain . In 1992 I received a Service Award for Outstanding Client Service from ExecuTrain. More recently, Tracy and I were selected to co-chair the American Seed Trade Association Convention Plan-ning Committee in 2009 and 2012. In 2010, I was honored and privileged to have been hired to teach high school Spanish at Coram Deo Academy

Describe a favorite moment in life?Being a mother to each of my daughters and watching them change and grow daily has been more incredible, enjoyable, exciting, and painful than I ever could have imagined. I am convinced that God gave them to me to mold my character and to teach me about His unconditional love.

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? I would choose to have my husband, Tracy, with me because I wouldn’t want to be alone, and we could help each other survive!

Is there a special motto by which you live? “Never underestimate your influence over others!”

Julie TallyHigh School Spanish I and Spanish II Tuesday/Thursday

“‘Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.” Alfred Lord Tennyson, is a favorite quote of Senora Tally. Her favorite attribute of God is His forgiveness for our sins. She is famous for her delicious brownies and chocolate pie! She attends The Village Church with her family.

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Julianne serves as the Senior Class President, plays on the CDA Varsity Volleyball team and participates in drama. She was on the award winning

TAPPS One Act play last year and is participating in One Act again this year. She attends Providence Presbyterian Church in Dallas with her par-

ents, John and Nancy, and her younger brother, Grant (CDA,10th grade), where she is involved in the children’s ministry. She is the co-leader of the

CDA Junior/Senior Girls Bible Study on Friday mornings.

Julianne HeathSenior Class President

enrolled since 2002

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To what colleges are you applying?Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Abilene Christian University. My plan right now is to major in either Marketing or Management.

What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you?When I think of someone who exhibits ethical servant leadership, I think of someone who can be in the powerful position of a leader, yet have the humility to share the power they are given with others and put others’ needs before their own.

What was your best class at CDA?Rhetoric because it taught me how to stay organized as a student, but also improved my speaking and writing skills which have been beneficial in my other classes.

What was the “secret” to success at CDA? Between homework, sports and any extracurricular activities, my “secret” to success at CDA is learning how to man-age my time.

What are your hobbies?I can usually be found spending time with family and friends, baking or playing volleyball.

What is your favorite attribute of God? The freedom we have to be able to talk to Him about anything, at any moment throughout our day.

What kinds of pets do you have OR... IF you could have any pet in the world, what would youlike to try and why? My family has one dog named Lucky, and two rabbits named Cinnamon and Sugar. Do you have a nickname? My family has always called me JJ because my initials are JJH.

Brenna is the Senior Class Events Coordinator. She attends Valley Creek with her parents, Chad and Tammy Hennings, and her older brother,

Chase (CDA 2012, UNT Junior, major: Entrepreneurship), where she serves in the nursery. For the past four years, she has played on both varsity volleyball and basketball teams. Brenna is co-leading the CDA

Junior/Senior Girls Bible Study on Friday. Brenna helped paint the Lion on the Upper School. She believes, “I don’t have to strive for things,

I get to strive from things.”

To what colleges are you applying? Abilene Christian University, Texas Christian University, and Oklahoma State University. I would like to major in Image Management and Public Relations. What are your accomplishments?In 2013, Varsity Volleyball team made it to the final four and had won the title of district champs three years in a row. I have won 2nd team All-District and have received the Lion Heart Award in basketball. Lastly, I have been on the honor roll every year since Kindergarten.

What does ethical servant leadership mean? It is someone of character who follows biblical truths by always putting others before themselves, who inter-acts in ways that will build up the community around them, who listens, understands, and is able to initiate that action.

What is the “secret” to success at CDA? The “secret” to success at CDA is, believe it or not, do your homework! Don’t take short cuts! If you actu-ally do the work you are assigned, read the books, and take notes in class, then you will do well in any of the classes.

What is your favorite attribute of God? God’s patience and faithfulness. He never ceases to amaze me, especially this past year with the rehabilitation of my ACL. This injury has taught me so much about God’s faithfulness. There’s no amount of failure I can do because in Him I am made righteous. He is continuing to teach me about patience.

What are your hobbies? My hobbies include anything and everything! My creativity drives me to want to try new things whether it is volleyball, photography, baking, spending time with friends/family, etc., you name it!

Brenna HenningsSenior Class Events Coordinator

enrolled since 2002

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Rachel serves as the President of the House of Lewis. She attends Fel-lowship Church, with her parents Luis and Lisa, brother, Max (10th,

CC Campus) and sister, Emily (8th, CC). Philippians 1:20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have suf-

ficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” reminds her to be bold and that her fears

are insignificant compared to the joy she has in Christ.

To what colleges are you applying?By the time this is published, I will have applied to the University of Texas at Dallas, Baylor University, and Texas Tech. I hope to major in Biology while participating in my school’s Pre-Law program, in preparation for work in intellectual property patent law.

Share some of your accomplishments?The Duke TiP summer program during the summers in Genetics and Electrical & Computer Engineering Courses. I am also proud to have received the Artes Elegantes Award at the Flower Mound Campus and the Distinguished Student Award at the Collin County Campus. Rachel placed at the state competition in Speech last year and is on her way to same accomplishment this year.

What does ethical servant leadership mean?We sometimes get the idea that we must draw the masses and incite the miraculous in order to be effective leaders. However, some of the greatest leaders are simply those who refuse to watch the injustices of the world continue unaddressed. The greatest leaders get their hands dirty, completely out of the limelight. They help others, despite the norm of neglecting to get involved. Ethical servant leadership is getting involved without expecting anything in return.

What kinds of pets of you have?My black lab mix, Spike, called Doodle. He is very sweet. My King Charles-pomeranian mix is named Roxie. We call her Killer...she’s my arch enemy. My frog is called The Chosen One. We used to have two frogs named Crazy and Clueless. One decided to hop out of the tank and passed away. They looked so similar that we didn’t know which one survived. Thus, the surviving frog is known as The Chosen One.

What was the last book you read?Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley

Upon the publishing date of this document, Rachel has been named a National Merit Semi-finalist. Congratula-tions!

rachel meadePresident House of Lewis

enrolled since 2010

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Christian

Classical

Collaborative

CDA educates youth in a historic Christian worldview through a rigor-ous Trivium-based curriculum. Knowledge, understanding, and wis-dom of each subject are acquired with increasing sophistication as age, grade level and ability rise.

CDA seeks to nurture children in an atmosphere consistent with his-toric Christian belief through a faithful and committed faculty while restoring the biblical priority of the family.

Our mission is to train ethical servant leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.

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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