by Rachel Mozingo | Nov 5, 2024 | Student Devotionals
What 1 Samuel 16:7 means to me…
When I think of 1 Samuel 16:7, I remember how so many people only look at the outside, not the inside. I am reminded of how much God loves us. He will never care about our insecurities. Psalm 121:3-8 shows how much God loves and cares for us. He will always forgive us and watch over us.
In the book of Samuel, we see how looks can be deceiving. What’s on the inside matters most. I think of Saul. Samuel chose him because of his Jewish heritage and looks. It turns out that he was a very bad king. He made bad decisions and was disobedient to God.
In biblical terms, the heart shows our true character and relationship with God. For example, whenever I saw my great-grandma, I thought she looked scary, but I would not be here without her. She went from Colombia to New York and then brought her kids to Texas. One of her kids is my grandma, my father’s mom. If she never got to go to Texas, I would not be here.
My great-grandma helped many families. She helped them travel and provided food and water. She is now 93 years old. She is a lady whose heart God sees. We should all try to see as God sees.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for everything you have done for us. Help us not to look at the outside but on the inside. Help us to see as God sees, for we are all created in God’s image. In Jesus’ name, Amen. – Ava B., 7th grade
by admin | Oct 27, 2024 | News Flash
We’re excited to be named a Houston Metro Area Top Workplaces 2024 Award winner by the Houston Chronicle for the third consecutive year! The list is based solely on employee feedback from a confidential third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC, an employee engagement technology Partner.
“For the past three years, we’ve been recognized as one of Houston’s Top Workplaces. It’s an encouraging honor and a reflection of the work that our school community has done to cultivate our culture. It’s also meaningful because of the role employee feedback plays in determining the recognition,” says Nathan Wagner, WCS Head of School. “Our Wildcat educators love our students, our mission, and one another. They serve out of a deep sense of passion and purpose, and they work to create great experiences for students every day to faithfully pursue truth, grow in wisdom, and build relationships.”
The survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees’ feelings of Respect and Support, Ability to Grow, and Empowerment to Execute. “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.”
Thank you to our dedicated employees for sharing their experiences at WCS. This recognition testifies to the positive school culture and work environment we strive to achieve together.
by admin | Oct 22, 2024 | Alumni News
In the 15 years since Jasmine Matthew (’09) graduated from WCS, she earned an undergraduate degree in theater from Spelman College, a master’s at UNVL, and moved to California to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. Matthews has enjoyed much success and is best known for her roles in The Tomorrow War (2021), The Man from Toronto (2022), and Big George Foreman (2023). What was once an extracurricular at Westbury Christian School is now her profession.
“My job has many rewards and challenges. I love being able to inspire little girls by being a strong role model they can look up to. At times it can be challenging because of rejections in auditions. I have to put my faith in God, trust Him and be patient.” She credits Westbury Christian for giving her the spiritual formation in an industry that can be difficult for believers to work in.
“I often think back to my days at Westbury Christian and how it gifted me with such a firm faith-based structure that has served me well in an industry that can be, well, frankly put, full of rejection and superficiality,” said Matthews. “I think it’s important for kids to continuously be fed the reality that their dreams are not only attainable but also that the grounded spiritual foundation that WCS instills is vital to fulfilling their ultimate success and purpose.”
Among her favorite memories of her time at WCS are Chick-Fil-A lunch days with friends, learning about Shakespeare with Mr. Wagner, and the formative relationships with faculty, several who are still at WCS.
“Mr. Wagner was so cool because he would reassure me that there is nothing weird about loving Shakespeare. His class allowed me to have my moments full of expression and authenticity. I cherish that moment. He taught me to embrace what you love when no one else loves it. [Coach Hawley] was really impactful while I was there. I never had him as a teacher, but his kindness, compassion, openness, and availability made such an impact on me. He was just a light.”
Matthews adds, “Mrs. Annette Turner received me with open arms and created a safe space for me even when I wasn’t a student of hers. She made me feel seen, heard, and gave me a safe space during the day. I look back at my time at Westbury Christian and they just inspired me that I could do anything. I got the encouragement I needed from faculty and staff.”
If you graduated from WCS, we’d love to share your story with our WCS community. Please send your update to [email protected].
by admin | Oct 15, 2024 | Student Devotionals
What 1 Samuel 16:7 means to me…
To me, the verse means not to judge a book by its cover. I can apply this by not caring about how people look, but about whether they are kind, caring, or nice. It is hard when they’re not nice, even when I try to be nice. I can grow by continuing to be kind to them. – Kai F., sixth grade
The theme of the verse is to look at someone’s heart and personality instead of their looks or clothes. It is good to see as God sees because then we will live a more positive or love filled life. The first time I see someone, I don’t always look at them like God does. I can grow in those areas by looking at the positive in people. – Nile N., sixth grade
by admin | Oct 9, 2024 | Around Campus, News Flash
Celebrating Our Homecoming King and Queen
Westbury Christian School is excited to introduce our 2024 Homecoming King and Queen, Cristian H. and Jannieka H. These outstanding seniors embody the spirit of WCS through their dedication, leadership, and service to the Wildcat community. Let’s get to know a bit more about each of them and what this special honor means to them.
Cristian H. – Homecoming King
Class of: 2025
Years at WCS: 8
Sports/Clubs/Activities: Football, Track, National Honor Society, Student Ambassador, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Club Track.
What WCS Means to Cristian:
“Westbury Christian means so much to me. Ever since the 5th grade, the teachers, students, and staff have been so welcoming and encouraging. You can tell they genuinely want to help me succeed in everything I do. The Wildcat community is like family to me, and I’m very grateful to be a part of it.”
On Being Named Homecoming King:
“I am so honored to receive this title. Being Homecoming King isn’t just about wearing a crown; it’s a responsibility. It means that people see you as a role model, someone they look up to. I want to set a positive example for others by leading with integrity and showing kindness to everyone.”
“Working with our younger Wildcats in K3 reminds me that being a role model isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing others how to rise with resilience, lead with compassion, and grow through every challenge.”
Jannieka H. – Homecoming Queen
Class of: 2025
Years at WCS: 13
Sports/Clubs/Activities: Varsity Cheer (Head Captain), Track, Soccer, Theater, Senior Class Treasurer, International Thespian Society (President), National Honor Society (Publicity Officer), Interact Club (Secretary), National Spanish Honor Society, Student Ambassador, 2024-2025 Marketing Ambassador.
What WCS Means to Jannieka:
“WCS holds a special place in my heart! After 13 years, it has been my sanctuary and a pillar of support, shaping me into the person I am today. I’ve formed lifelong friendships here and will always be grateful for the environment that has allowed me to grow.”
On Being Named Homecoming Queen:
“The privilege of being Homecoming Queen means the world to me! Knowing that my peers chose me to represent our school is truly an honor. It’s a full-circle moment, remembering how I once looked up to past Homecoming Queens and now, being one myself, I hope to inspire others to shine their light and embrace who they are.”
We are so proud of Cristian and Jannieka for their accomplishments and the example they set for their fellow students. Their dedication, involvement, and character truly embody what it means to be a part of the Westbury Christian family. Congratulations to our 2024 Homecoming King and Queen!
by admin | Oct 1, 2024 | Student Devotionals
The theme for the 2024-25 school year is See As God Sees. Based on the verse 1 Samuel 16:7, the theme encourages students to look at one another as God looks at each of us, focusing on the heart.
One of our primary goals in Bible class is for students to study God’s Word, not just to memorize verses, but to learn how to interpret and apply scripture to their daily lives. It’s encouraging to see our students across grade levels embrace the Bible with such enthusiasm. We thought we’d share some of their responses to this year’s verse each week.
What 1 Samuel 16:7 means to me…
He always looks at the heart. He sees me by how I act. I want to see how God sees so I can know instead of assume. It’s hard to know someone when you don’t know them at the same time. I will grow by reading the Bible and to pray. – Henry M., sixth grade
To me the verse 1 Samuel 16:7 means don’t choose people based on their appearance, think about being friends with them based on the inside. This applied to me in real life whenever I came to Westbury and chose people to hang around with. I got to know them before I hung out with them. It’s important that we really get to know other people instead of judging them based on their appearance. – Braylon B., sixth grade
by admin | Aug 14, 2024 | Around Campus
Westbury Christian School in Houston, Texas has been awarded a prestigious 2023-24 Parent Choice Award by ParentPulse, a third-party provider that administers surveys for more than 130 private and independent schools in the United States.
Parent Choice Awards are presented to a select group of schools that logged an overall parent Net Promoter Score of 70 or greater for the period from Sept. 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024.
Net Promoter Score is a universal metric (expressed as a single number on a scale from -100 to 100) that seeks to measure overall customer satisfaction by asking survey respondents a single question – “How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or colleague?” The Net Promoter Score was developed by Bain & Company, an international management consulting firm, in 2003, and is used by millions of organizations across just about every industry.
Most researchers and survey scientists classify Net Promoter Scores of 30-50 as “good,” 50-70 as “excellent” and 70+ as “world class.” With a score of 70 or greater during the 9-month period, Westbury Christian School has achieved a truly elite parent satisfaction rate.
Unlike most survey platforms – which measure Net Promoter Score through a one-time survey blast – ParentPulse employs automated, rolling surveys throughout the year, so a school’s score is truly reflective of the entire academic year, and not just a single moment in time.
“Net Promoter Score truly captures the essence of an organization’s commitment to actively listen to and engage its customers,” said ParentPulse founder Ryan Ermeling. “We created ParentPulse to help private and independent schools better understand and leverage the paradigm of ‘parent as customer.’ Schools that receive this award have truly embraced this concept and are seeking to serve their families and continually adapt to the changing needs of their community.”
About ParentPulse
Most private and independent schools don’t have a year-round method for capturing parent feedback. That can lead to disgruntled families, unclear priorities and even enrollment decline. ParentPulse features an automated recurring survey tool that gives parents (and now students and staff as well!) a voice throughout the year, empowering school leaders to make more informed decisions and better engage their stakeholders.
by admin | Jul 18, 2024 | WCS Service
At WCS, we believe in empowering our Wildcats to serve those less fortunate.
A beloved annual fundraising drive to benefit impoverished children in Honduras and Haiti continued for its 26th year at WCS. During the spring semester, students from kindergarten through the senior class collected spare change in specially designed water bottles to benefit orphans in these two countries. Our third graders designed this year’s bottles for WCS students and families in this voluntary outreach.
HISTORY
Westbury Christian Middle School and High School Bible Teacher and Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach Steve Hawley spearheaded the collection that originated in Lebanon, Tennessee, at Friendship Christian School in 1995.
Honduras has a special place in Coach Hawley’s heart. His first mission trip to Honduras occurred in July 1998, weeks before he arrived at WCS. A few months later in October, Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras, and the project was introduced to the Westbury Christian 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 22 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 provide 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, who has provided wooden cross necklaces for our students for 15 years, earmarks the WCS contribution towards a different need annually.
This school year, the total donation was over $12,500, a school record, divided between Hope For Haiti’s Children and Mission Lazarus. The money sent to Hope for Haiti’s Children are earmarked for the lunch program. Following years past, the change was sorted and counted by WCS students.
In April, Coach Hawley attended the Hope for Haiti’s Children Houston breakfast. Third graders Miles and Zoe were selected to represent the third grade and juniors Oluwaseyi and Bella were invited to participate at the breakfast.
“What made this year extra special was alumni participation,” says Coach Hawley. “Caleb Godard ’18 spearheaded an alumni Go Fund Me page which netted $1,500 for the cause!”
Our Kindergarten class has had an impressive involvement this year. Mrs. Reynold’s shared her insight and favorite memories with the collection.
“It’s a treat and a privilege for those of us who teach our young Wildcats to model the importance of sharing God’s gifts with those who are not as blessed as we are,” says Mrs. Reynolds. “Our annual participation in helping the children in Haiti and Honduras goes hand in hand with our Lower School daily Bible and chapel curriculum. It’s an important part of who we are as Wildcats.
“For us, it’s always a thrill to see our Kindergarteners excited about their new water bottles, filled to the brim with their coins. The Kindergarteners love to carry their heavy bottles into class. They love hearing the coins jingle as they empty them into the larger water jug, and they love looking into the jug to see the wide variety of coins in it. It’s tangible, and it involves all of their senses.
“At the end of the project, the Kindergarteners get to use their knowledge of coins to sort them with the upperclassmen. Coach’s program not only brings our community together to help another community, but it also incorporates both cross-curriculum learning and our living WCS core values.”
To learn more about the benefiting organizations, visit missionlazarus.org and hopeforhaitischildren.org.
by admin | May 30, 2024 | Around Campus
Each graduating class leaves a distinct legacy to Westbury Christian and has played a special role in their time at the school. The Class of 2024 is no exception; their impact and influence will last for years. Let’s take a closer look at some of their defining traits and moments:
- The Class of 2024 left a lasting legacy at Westbury Christian. Of the graduating seniors, two students – Keiwan and Luke – have been at WCS since preschool, and Cooper spent most of his school career at WCS.
- The Class of 2024 will be making an impact across the country next fall as they head to college. From Savannah College of Art and Design (Levi) to Santa Clara (Richard), studying degrees from Computer Science to Early Childhood Education, Engineering, and Business. This year’s top collegiate destinations have been the University of Houston and Texas State University.
- The Class of 2024 has had service in their heart for years. In high school, they’ve collectively recorded over 1,400 hours of community service across a variety of different organizations and projects. Levi recorded an impressive 309 hours of service during his time at Westbury Christian. But this group has been serving the community together since middle school, frequently working in local ministries and other community organizations. There is no doubt hundreds of unrecorded hours that have been spent serving across our community.
- Over the past several years, the Class of 2024 has benefited from learning from other perspectives to enrich their understanding of the world. This includes classmates from other countries, including China (Yasmine and Felis) and Vietnam (Quan), who have learned alongside their American peers for the past four years.
- The Class of 2024 left a lasting legacy for Wildcat athletics. Three male athletes have signed their national letter of intent to play collegiate sports. Troy will play basketball at William Penn, Sebastian will play basketball at North Dakota State College of Science, and Cooper will play basketball at Hope College. Troy, Cooper, and Sebastian led the boy’s basketball program to multiple state tournament appearances and Final Four finishes. Carter, Rodrigo, and Vince led the way in a groundbreaking soccer season. Vince was also a pivotal player for the football team and baseball team. Gabi also explored her athletic interests in soccer, track, and cheer. Lauren left a lasting legacy on the track and field team by recording a new school record in the 100m (12.81).
- The Class of 2024 has been involved in a wide range of leadership roles and activities on campus. Keiwan, Richard, and Levi starred in Freaky Friday this spring with Jada and Keiwan serving in theater tech. Quan developed her leadership skills with the yearbook staff, serving as Editor this past year. Yasmine also delighted spectators with her artistic abilities. Luke and Felis were an integral part of the VEX Robotics team throughout their time at WCS and Chikere impacted Interact Club and found his passion in leading service opportunities for others.
- Perhaps most importantly, the Class of 2024 has grown closer over the years. They’ve overcome tragedies and challenges and shared exciting accomplishments and joys.
We will certainly miss the Class of 2024, but we know they will continue to grow as they depart WCS. We look forward to hearing how they make a Kingdom Impact in the future. Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2024!
