by admin | May 29, 2024 | Around Campus
[Houston, TX] – Westbury Christian School has dedicated the Jack & Mary Gray Student Life Center, a vital hub for student activity and spiritual development. The Jack & Mary Gray Student Life Center, which includes the cafeteria, stage, gymnasium, and fine arts hall, represents a major “heartbeat” area of the school. Most of the experiences and activities of school that happen outside of the classroom take place in this area of the building.
“These spaces are much more than classrooms, a cafeteria, a gym,” said WCS Head of School Nathan Wagner. “These places are where our students get to uncover and explore the gifts and talents that God has given them. Places where they often discover a new passion, places they may consider their home on campus. These are spaces where they are known, loved, and encouraged to do great things.”
The Jack & Mary Gray Student Life Center reflects the extraordinary generosity of Jack and Mary Gray. The Grays have been committed to sharing the Gospel throughout their lives, and they believed Christian education was an important part of that mission.
A Legacy of Christian Education
The Gray family became friends and donors to Westbury Christian School in the late 1990s. Mrs. Inez Gray, the family matriarch, was a matron of the school until her death. Following in his mother’s footsteps, her son Jack and his wife Mary became regular donors to WCS. In the year 2000, Jack Gray was appointed to the Westbury Christian School Board of Trustees. Mr. Gray served in that capacity for approximately fifteen years, faithfully accepting the role as an important responsibility.
During his tenure as a trustee, Mr. and Mrs. Gray became dependable friends of the school. Always present at many school functions, they encouraged others to support the school in their church and community. The Grays were liberal donors, helping in the building of Mundy Hall, making regular gifts for operations, and providing loans when needed. Their major financial offering to WCS will come in their final estate gift that will represent the largest gift in school history, to date.
A Heart for God and Students
Underlying all that Mr. and Mrs. Gray have done for Westbury Christian School is their undying love for God their Father, expressed by their belief that Christian education is a catalyst for preaching Christ and His crucifixion. In addition to supporting Christian education, the Grays have been faithful members of the Channelview Church of Christ since 1945. The Christian faith has been central to their lives.
“The money, the time and the love you and Mary have shared with this school have touched the hearts of students you haven’t met and have touched the lives of people who have yet to come through this door. We appreciate you more than you know it,” added former Head of School Robert McCloy.
The Jack & Mary Gray Student Life Center stands as a testament to the Grays enduring legacy. It will continue to foster a vibrant environment where students explore their talents, develop their faith, and build lifelong friendships.
by admin | May 24, 2024 | Around Campus
Sheila Kaldis first connected with Westbury Christian School as a parent, but it didn’t take long for her to join the school as a Wildcat employee. Over the past 35 years, Mrs. Kaldis has worked closely with our primary and elementary programs. She is often the first person many of our young Wildcats meet during the admissions process. Her presence has undeniably shaped the Lower School experience for countless students. Her contagious smile, patient spirit, and comforting hugs have made WCS a warm and welcoming place for students to learn and grow. We will miss her greatly as she steps into a new season of retirement. Mrs. Kaldis took the time to share her experience of working at WCS over the past 35 years.
What are some of your most cherished memories from your time at Westbury Christian School?
SK: Some of my most cherished memories include the privilege to see and be a part of the tremendous growth that WCS has experienced over the years. I was invited to be a part of the ceremonial groundbreaking crew to mark the construction of Mundy Hall. I was also honored to plan and be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open our brand-new preschool playground and the new Joan Partain Library. I also enjoyed being on the team that was responsible for WCS switching to school uniforms and choosing which items our students would wear.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your years here?
SK: Initiating plans to add the Lower School Community Service initiative – Project Hug, The Houses Program, and The Social Emotional Program here.
What are you most grateful to God for during your time here?
SK: For helping me develop an empathetic heart toward parents and a compassionate heart toward the students. I pray that I have always shined my light brightly for Jesus to all who needed to see it.
What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
SK: I am most looking forward to not setting an alarm and traveling to England, Greece, and France in August/September. I also plan to read all of the books I’ve gathered over the years and creating an English garden.
Will you stay connected to the Westbury Christian School community in any way?
SK: Most definitely! I bleed Blue and Gold.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with current teachers or students?
SK: Every morning, ask God to help you prepare each of your students’ hearts, minds, and souls every day according to His will. Remember, every child has a story, be a positive part of their story.
Is there a Bible verse that has been especially meaningful to you throughout your career? Why?
SK: Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me) This is my favorite life verse and has helped me so often at work when I have had a difficult task to accomplish or had to have a difficult conversation with a parent. It has helped me many times to keep my calm when I am trying to calm a student who is angry or upset.
You’ve touched the lives of so many students. Is there a particular story of a student that stands out to you?
SK: Not a particular student, but I am always touched when students who started with us in our primary department and are now in high school tell me that they remember me giving them their admissions test and lots of hugs.
What will you miss most about working at this school?
SK: Working alongside such talented and dedicated individuals. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of a team that supports, encourages, loves, prays, and learns together. I am blessed that the decision to retire has been so difficult because I love the WCS community so much.
As you move on to this new chapter, what are your prayers for the school community?
SK: I pray for a spirit of unity and harmony as the board of trustees, administration, faculty, and staff work together toward the common goal of continually improving the spiritual, academic, and student activities experiences for every WCS student.
by admin | Apr 15, 2024 | Around Campus
Congratulations to our WCS band program for the incredible achievement of finishing 3rd in the year-long state band competition held in Waco!
After earning 47 superior and excellent ratings at the solo and ensemble competition in February, our band program earned two superior and one excellent rating at the final large ensemble competition in March.
Here’s what some of our Wildcats band members had to say about the experience:
Penny W. – 7th Grade
“I loved being given the opportunity to go to this competition and bond with other Wildcats over something that we enjoy doing. Preparing for this competition allowed me the chance to get to know other students better, especially the high schoolers that we performed with. They made sure we felt included throughout the process.
It was nice hearing the opinions from the various conductors and directors who came in and helped us prior to the competition.
Competing in the beginning was a bit nerve-wracking, but being in the competition room and hearing everyone playing made me feel calmer and more comfortable. Overall, it was an amazing experience.”
Kaitlyn Marley – 10th Grade
“It was really fun, and it was a great way to build community with other Wildcats. And, I felt closer to other band members after the trip. Everyone was so supportive and honest with each other, and it really felt like a family.
I am extremely proud of our accomplishments, because regardless of placements God blessed us with the chance to compete, took away all of our anxiety, and gave us a reward for going out there and giving our best.”
Evelyn Carr – 10th Grade
“It was nice to have a band director and judge come critique us prior to the competition. This competition was meaningful because we were allowed the opportunity to just play for fun and just fellowship. Mr. Ward really helped us be the best we can be and pushed us to perform our best no matter what.”
We are incredibly proud of our WCS band program and their outstanding achievement!
by admin | Apr 4, 2024 | Senior Spotlight
Senior Richard Chandler takes the stage again this spring in one of the lead roles of Freaky Friday, the WCS spring musical.
This leading role is not new for Richard. Throughout his time in high school, he has consistently taken leadership positions, demonstrating his courage and desire to serve others and be an influence. He served on the Student Council for two years, currently as the StuCo President, and the National Honor Society for three years, including terms as both President and Vice President. He’s also a member of the National Spanish Honor Society and Thespian Society. In addition to these service organizations, he participated in football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Last spring, he found time to play the lead role of Aladdin in the WCS theatrical production of Aladdin Jr.
His six years at WCS have shaped him into the person he is today and inspired him to encourage and serve others.
“My favorite memory is going to the Middle School Retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh. It was so fun to do,” Richard said. “This year I got to go on the Middle School retreat to Camp Glenn and I loved watching others live through the same thing I did.”
Richard credits WCS for the growth of his spiritual walk during his time at WCS.
“My spiritual walk has grown a lot,” he explained. “One reason is our required yearly Bible classes. The eighth-grade boys’ Bible class taught me what it means to be a man and lead. I have also learned a lot from other Bible teachers during my time at Westbury Christian like Coach Hawley, Mr. Reid, Mr. Santos, and Mr. Wagner. They’ve truly shown me what it means to live and be a Christian in today’s society.”
When asked if a teacher had inspired him, he immediately credited Social Studies Department Head, Mrs. Courtney Hatfield. “She’s very proper and very smart! She motivates me. That’s what I want to be like in college.”
After Westbury Christian, Richard plans to study computer science and enter the tech industry.
“WCS has given me the resources that I need to gain experience beforehand. This year I am taking AP Computer Science, which is a class not a lot of people get to take. I am very grateful for that class. They also helped me get a year ahead in math, which helped me prepare for computer science. I truly value that.”
“The entire school is a very welcoming environment and everybody is so accepting. No matter what you do, where you come from, or your background, they always accept each other with open arms. It’s a community where everyone knows each other and says hello to everyone.”
Being part of the Wildcat family means everyone is willing to serve and help each other out. The students are genuinely involved and welcome those who are new and want to be a part of it.
When asked if he had any advice for new students, Richard said, “A lot of new students think Westbury Christian is like every other school where it will be hard to make friends. It’s not. That’s just not true. You are going to be immediately welcomed by one of our students. All you have to do is talk to them and say hi and you have a new friend now. It’s really easy to make friends here.”
“I appreciate being able to spend all my high school here, and if I got the chance to do it all over again I would do it here again.”
We are looking forward to seeing all that Richard accomplishes beyond Westbury Christian School.
by admin | Nov 28, 2023 | Around Campus
Westbury Christian School was one of just 200 local public/private entities or nonprofit groups — and one of just 96 in the small company category, for organizations with 50-149 employees — to be named to the Houston Chronicle’s Top Workplaces list for 2023. These Top Workplaces awards are determined on quantitative employee feedback, as well as the statements and demographic information that Energage, a Philadelphia-based research and consulting firm, collects within the Workplace Survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection. Employees also rated their companies in areas such as potential for culture, advancement, flexibility of work schedules, pay and benefits, and leadership, via the online survey.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
“It’s exciting to receive this recognition for two years in a row. For several years, we’ve worked diligently to cultivate a culture that reflects our values and mission,” says Nathan Wagner, Head of School. “We believe we have a special organization, so it’s rewarding to be recognized by the wider community for those efforts. Ultimately, great educators create great experiences for students. This recognition reflects the great work of our educators and students.”
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 17 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
by admin | Nov 2, 2023 | Around Campus
Westbury Christian is diverse like the Kingdom, a school where students, faculty, and families contribute their unique backgrounds, talents, and experiences in growing together. The school is recognized by Niche.com as the fourth most diverse private high school in Houston (Niche.com, 2023). We view this as an opportunity to reflect God’s glory and the beauty of His Kingdom.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. It also deepens our students’ understanding of and experiences with different cultures, especially the cultures and heritage of many of their classmates and teachers.
This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.” This theme reflects the importance Hispanic Americans have in building a stronger nation and reminds us that Hispanic Americans are an essential part of the fabric of American society.
At Westbury Christian, our students have been studying and learning from their faculty and staff members about the important contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the United States. Our Lower School students learned about famous Hispanic Americans and the history of Hispanic Heritage Month. They also learned the popular dance called La Raspa in music classes.
Westbury Christian High School students in Spanish III devoted time in their Spanish classes to prepare a special presentation for students about Hispanic Heritage Month and share their own heritage.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it allows people to be aware of the importance of the Hispanics, and how we’ve impacted the world,” shares Adriana A.’25. “It’s so inspiring to see successful Hispanic women. I feel so empowered when I see a Hispanic woman succeed because it allows me to think I have the chance to succeed just like anyone else. Hispanic Heritage Month not only shows the world how powerful Hispanics can be, but it also inspires adolescents within the Hispanic community.”
Watch the video below to see what our Wildcats shared at chapel with their fellow students.
by admin | Jun 14, 2023 | Around Campus
At WCS, we equip our students to be Christian leaders, lifelong learners, and Christian servants.
A beloved annual fundraising drive to benefit impoverished children in the Western Hemisphere continued for its 25th year at WCS in 2022-2023. During the spring semester, students from kindergarten through the senior class collected spare change in specially designed water bottles to benefit underprivileged orphans in the Western Hemisphere. This year’s bottles were designed by our third graders in this voluntary outreach for WCS students and families.
HISTORY
Westbury Christian Middle School and High School Bible Teacher and Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach Steve Hawley spearheaded the collection which originated in Lebanon, Tennessee at Friendship Christian School in 1995.
Coach Hawley with WCS Kindergartners ’22-23 showing their new water bottles for coin collection.
Honduras has a special place in Coach Hawley’s heart. His first mission trip to Honduras occurred in July 1998, weeks before his arrival at WCS. A few months later in October, Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras and the project was introduced to the Westbury family. The change receptacles evolved from used drink containers to Powerade bottles to unique bank bottles donated by a generous WCS family. For twenty years, this family supplied WCS students with bottles, which include the WCS crest, logos of the partnering charities, and James 1:27, the theme verse for the program. All 21 coin bottles are on display, tied into a mural commemorating these efforts, in Coach Hawley’s classroom.
MISSION LAZARUS HOPE FOR HAITI’S CHILDREN
The funds raised at WCS provides support to two nonprofit Christian organizations: Mission Lazarus, a holistic ministry focused on community development in Honduras through spiritual, educational, medical and agricultural outreaches; and Hope for Haiti’s Children, which utilizes in-country educators and professionals to nurture, educate and train poverty-bound Haitian children to become spiritual leaders. As in recent years, WCS has chosen to support the Hope for Haiti’s Children school lunch program. “The children at these schools are fed lunch every day. For some kids, this is the only meal they will get so this is incredibly vital,” says Coach Hawley. Mission Lazarus earmarks the WCS contribution towards a different need annually: one year, our donation purchased a pickup truck for the orphanage. This school year, the total donation was $9,149.65 divided between Hope For Haiti’s Children and Mission Lazarus. As always, the change was sorted and counted by WCS students. “The thing I am most…I hate to use the word proud… but the thing I am most proud of as a teacher and a coach is that we’ve been able to keep this project going for 25 years.” says Coach Hawley.
“We are so grateful to the students at Westbury Christian for their compassion, generosity, and prayers for the children in Haiti. Since 2010, they have raised thousands of dollars through their coin collection campaign to help feed the hungry and care for the needs of the orphaned children at the Cazeau Christian School and Orphanage. Thank you, Westbury, for spreading God’s love to the children in Haiti – you are making an eternal difference!! Your 2023 gift will pay for 12,000 meals! This will feed all 400 students at the Cazeau Christian School (grades K-10th) a school lunch every day for one month! For many, this is the only meal that they eat that day. Again, we are so grateful!”
Tonya Hunt, Vice President, Hope For Haiti’s Children
“The partnership between Westbury Christian School and Mission Lazarus that’s held strong for over a decade is special, across two countries. Our 7th grade students make the cross necklaces in their carpentry class and it goes a long way in helping them learn more about the importance of precision in cutting and finishing wood. Then at WCS, the gift of a cross necklace to all newly enrolled students goes a long ways as well, reinforcing a culture from day one for a new student. The subsequent donation of the proceeds from the coin drive is an investment directly back into our ministry in Honduras and the Mission Lazarus Refuge children’s home. Some of the residents of the home are the same students helping to make the cross necklaces every year. Proof that an intentional simple idea can have a far reaching impact, even an eternal one. Thank you WCS!”
Jarrod Brown, President, Co-founder Mission Lazarus
To learn more about the benefiting organizations, visit missionlazarus.org and hopeforhaitischildren.org.
by admin | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
At our end-of-year faculty luncheon, Steve Hawley–affectionately Coach Hawley to all, whether they’ve had him as a coach or not–was recognized for 25 years of service at Westbury Christian. During that time, he has taught hundreds of Westbury Christian students and has made an eternal impact that is beyond measure.
Tell us about your career path and what led you to WCS.
SH: Originally, I thought I was going to play in the NBA. I was a good high school player on a good team, but everyone in college was a good high school player. On my first day of college practice, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I decided I was going to be the head of the history department at UCLA by the time I was 30. I realized that was not going to happen. I played basketball and baseball for a couple years at York College, got my BA and my Masters, and got certified to teach. During summers, I coached American Legion Baseball in York, Nebraska, my hometown. A small Christian school in Georgia needed a history teacher and a baseball coach. The principal was from my hometown and had been my college professor. When I got there, the boys’ basketball coach found out I played college basketball and asked me to be an assistant coach. That’s how I got started. I said I would never coach girls, but we had an emergency come up and the rest is history. I coached the girls’ basketball team for four years and baseball for six years. I started working at a basketball camp at Lipscomb University. Through those connections, I had the opportunity to be the girls’ team coach at Friendship Christian in Lebanon, TN. I was there for 13 years. I knew Greg Glenn from Lipscomb University basketball camp. He brought me for an interview in Houston that included the 1998 graduation, which was fascinating. I fell in love with the place and with the mission of school. I have taught Bible 8 and Gospels for 25 years. It doesn’t happen anywhere else that you teach the same two classes for two and a half decades.
Any year from the 25 years that is memorable?
SH: One of my favorite memories here is preaching nine weddings of players/students/co-workers. Being asked to be part of someone’s very precious day is both humbling and an honor almost unmatched! In 2008-2009, my parents died, less than a year apart. The way the school wrapped their arms around me is very memorable. I also think March 12, 2020, a Thursday. We stacked it up at the end of practice and I told the girls, “See you tomorrow!” and then I didn’t see them again for six months due to COVID. Within a week, we were online. I had to learn Google Classroom, ZOOM, FlipGrid, and Screencastify on the fly. The school was really good about helping us through that.
My favorite year is usually the most recent year. The first year is also a favorite. It’s like being on a mission trip: you never forget the first one. My first year here was special. I had never coached middle school girls, and I did not think we would win a game; we ended up 24-2. We also introduced the Honduras project my first year. The school let me have an All School Chapel to share about the project, which we started in Tennessee. We raised about $12,000 the first year. The thing I am most proud of is keeping that project going for 25 years! Another point of pride would be the mural in my classroom painted by our AP Art students from different national backgrounds. It has become a kind of showplace over time. I’ve had this room for 24 of the 25 years I’ve been at WCS!
How have you seen the school change?
SH: We make very good use of the facilities and resources. Some great examples of upgrades are the addition of Mundy Hall, the building and turfing of the elementary playground, replacing the rubber gym floor with a wooden court, buying and refurbishing the West Campus, and the use of technology. Another great difference is SAGE Dining. It is a huge blessing we sometimes take for granted!.
How do you motivate your students?
SH: I wish I did a better job. I try to make the Bible and spiritual teachings applicable in their lives. We do a lot of writing, and I use videos to stimulate thought. I try to give my students a chance to be involved; 85-90% of our students in the past 25 years have been involved in the Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Children outreach, including 100% of the 8th graders-11th graders this year.
When you are at Westbury Christian, what do you love to see that happens at our school?
SH: I love to see our older kids interact with our younger kids. My classes have had a lot of those interactions. This year, I had it with the 1st grade and my 7th period Old Testament Survey class. What was neat is that Sarah Romain, their teacher, had been one of my students and had participated in the same work her children engaged in, helping us sort change. I really think our older kids are great role models. We have an excellent student body. Our kids get along with their teachers and like their teachers which is not the case everywhere. Our kids blend well. You see kids from our different ethnicities and interest groups hanging together!
What do you do in your free time?
SH: I work out with weights and on the treadmill as well as reading.
Tell us about vacations or trips that meant a lot to you
SH: Two things I look forward to are seeing my brothers at Christmas and Thanksgiving and going to Vietnam. Even starting a checklist for my Vietnam mission is something I enjoy. It’s out of my comfort zone to travel alone, but it’s better for me than to go in a group. I used to just hang with other Americans when I went to Honduras, Haiti, and China. I can do that in Houston. When I receive notice of a donation for my mission, I start to think, “Okay that’s 2.5 girls’ bikes or 2 boys’ bikes. It changed the way I think.
Have you ever met someone famous?
SH: I worked with Charlie Ward when he was the football coach at WCS. The interesting thing about Charlie was that the kids treated him like every other adult. Whenever we had families on campus, the dads were in awe of his fame!
