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 | Feb 15, 2024 | Middle School News
Last week, nine of our Middle School Wildcats participated in the Great History Challenge, a nationwide academic competition for middle school students to showcase their history knowledge. Earlier in the fall semester, our students signed up by taking a History-themed test. All of the Westbury Christian students who signed up qualified for the regional event in Houston, Texas. At the regional event, our Wildcats competed against other students from the Houston area in an in-person “Jeopardy-style” game with three clues per question, across three rounds of 25 questions each.
Of the 9 Wildcats who attended the regional competition, 7 achieved high scores and qualified to attend the Great History Challenge National Competition in Chicago this May.
“Our Wildcats represented our school well by portraying good sportsmanship and supporting each other between rounds,” says Social Studies Teacher and Faculty Sponsor Mr. Reece Anderson. “I am extremely proud of the students who participated! These students did a phenomenal job preparing for the event as they studied on their own before the competition. The subjects ranged from Ancient and Modern History to US History. This was our first year participating in The Great History Challenge and I’m very excited about our school’s future in this competition.”
Congratulations to our WCS Middle School National Championship Qualifiers!
8th Grade National Championship Qualifiers
Ben Ramos (placed top 5)
Christian Bird (placed top 5)
William Taylor (placed top 5)
Derron Robinson
Rothanak Heng
7th Grade National Championship Qualifiers
Catalina Dewberry (placed top 5)
6th Grade National Championship Qualifiers
Wyatt Carr (placed top 5)
For more information about the Great History Challenge, please visit: https://www.greathistorychallenge.com/
by admin | Jan 31, 2024 | Lower School News
The 100th Day of School at Westbury Christian School was marked by joyful celebrations, engaging mathematical activities, and an exploration of how math is intertwined with everyday life. This year our classes celebrated one hundred days of being together and growing academically, spiritually, physically, and social-emotionally.
This school year’s 100th Day of School celebration was extra special thanks to a “Math is Cool” Assembly organized by Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs. Maria Reynolds and Preschool Teacher, Mrs. Kayla Garcia. The assembly’s highlight was a dynamic panel of working professionals, all parents within the Westbury Christian School community, demonstrating the real-world applications of mathematics across various career fields. The panel of experts shared with WCS Lower School students their careers, specifically how they use math in their everyday work.
“Our goal for the panel was to have parents from a variety of fields, who use math in many different ways. All too often, students only see math in a textbook and do not see how it is applicable in so many areas outside of the classroom,” says Lower School Principal Amanda Archer.
This year’s Math is Cool Assembly Parent Panel consisted of:
Mr. Jason Jones, Former NFL defensive lineman for the Titans, Lions, Seahawks, and Dolphins and current real estate investor and entrepreneur
Mrs. Rachel Murphy, Dietician at UT Health
Chef Terry Fontenette, Head Chef and Food Services Director at WCS
Mr. Christopher Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of Life Cycle Power
Mr. Jason Bates, Senior Vice President of Stellar Bank
“Our students were reminded that the math they are learning from their teachers is something they will continue to use every day of their lives, added Archer. “We heard about the difference in finance and economics, as well as how money moves from the US government to banks to people/businesses. Some of our experts shared how math has helped them know how to save, spend, and donate as well.”
Our students were thrilled to hear from their classmate’s parents and asked great questions to our panelists. Special thank you to our parent panel for generously volunteering their time to share with our students. Additionally, we thank Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Garcia for their dedicated efforts of organizing the first annual “Math is Cool” Assembly.
by admin | Jan 26, 2024 | High School News
Westbury Christian School Social Studies Department Head Mrs. Courtney Hatfield created a real-world simulation for her students in her senior Economics class. The students found themselves in a captivating simulation designed to explore scarcity, decision-making, productive resources, technological benefits, and the power of trade.
The class was divided into three groups to represent three fictitious countries. Each group had to select a name and a leader for their country. The leader received their country’s unique resource endowments to meet the needs of their citizens. But a problem awaited them – they quickly learned they didn’t have enough resources in their own country to make what their citizens needed.
“This forced the students to either get creative to figure out how to balance the scarcity of their resources with the wants and needs of their citizens, or learn how to trade with other nations to get what they needed,” says Mrs. Hatfield.
The scarce resources simulation demonstrated the importance of trade with other nations and for students to learn the art of diplomacy. They answered the three most important questions in economics: What do we produce? How do we produce? For whom do we produce?
After the simulation, students debriefed through a guided discussion to dive deeper into economic concepts. A few of the topics they discussed include:
- How did each country solve the problem of not having all the resources it needed to satisfy the needs and wants of its residents?
- Did the countries with capital goods have advantages in quality and quantity of production in comparison with countries lacking capital goods?
- How do diplomatic relationships between countries affect trade? Give some real-world examples.
Mrs. Hatfield’s students gained valuable insights into the complex and interconnected world of economics and international relations.
by admin | Jan 24, 2024 | High School News
Recognized for Improving Gender Representation in AP Computer Science Principles
HOUSTON, TX─ Westbury Christian School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses.
More than 1,100 institutions achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population during the 2022-23 school year. In 2023, Westbury Christian School was one of 834 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles (CSP).
“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and Mrs. Leeson on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” said High School Principal Kaitlyn Ballard. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others pursue and achieve success in computer science education and careers.”
“I am so excited to generate interest for young women in high school to explore more STEM classes and fields, especially computer science,” says WCS STEM Director, Colleen Leeson. “The digital world is foundational to how we interact with each other and to bring new ideas to life in our current society. Until the approach of the AP Computer Science Principles class, many young women could not see themselves in the roles of coding, processing, and transforming data into new applications and insights. These are skills that we are all capable of leveraging. This class has encouraged many of my female students to pursue computer science and data science fields in post-secondary studies. I am proud to see each of them continue the journey of learning and impacting our world with STEM skills.”
“Computer science is the source code of our economy and much of the career landscape,” said Trevor Packer, Head of the AP Program. “In the six years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Westbury Christian School welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
The first year of AP Computer Science Principles in 2016-17 attracted more students than any other AP course debut, and participation is on the rise. In 2023, 164,505 students took the AP CSP Exam—more than triple the number of exam takers in the course’s first year. In 2023, 55,572 women took the AP CSP Exam, more than four times the number who tested in 2017.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to driving innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $100,530 in May 2022. However, women represent just 24% of the five million people in computing occupations.
That’s why College Board research about AP CSP is so encouraging. According to the data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation who did not take CSP. The study also finds AP CSP students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA, and that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.
These findings highlight the importance of schools nationwide achieving gender parity in AP computer science classrooms. Overall, female students remain underrepresented in our high school computer science classes, accounting for just 34% of AP Computer Science Principles participants and 26% of AP Computer Science A participants. Currently, 57.5% of the nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science. The 1,127 schools that receive this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as inspirations and models for all U.S. high schools.
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About Westbury Christian School
Westbury Christian School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school for students from age 3 to 12th grade. A vibrant community of learners, WCS reflects the Kingdom: Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Since 1975, we have provided our students with a safe and diverse environment with challenging academics taught from a Biblical worldview and personalized instruction. WCS strives to support families in Christian education and cultivate relationships that build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Students are encouraged to find their God-given talents by participating in our student-led clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs. WCS develops students to become Christian servants, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who are prepared for here and eternity.
by admin | Jan 9, 2024 | Middle School News
Imagine a classroom where imagination takes shape, not just on paper, but in tangible, three-dimensional forms. At Westbury Christian School, that’s exactly what occurred in one middle school classroom thanks to the WCS Makerspace and the magic of 3D printing.
Mrs. Leeson, the WCS STEM Director, challenged her Middle School Engineering I class to learn a new computer design software and use their skills to create a 3D-printed animal toy. Students learned how to use TinkerCAD, a user-friendly basic computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows students to explore using shapes to create forms in art. The middle school students worked through 12 self-paced lessons to learn to place, view, move, rotate, resize, group, copy, duplicate, hide, align, create holes, and use camera controls.
“We also learn how to focus the screen on particular parts of an object, how to change color, and most importantly how to measure!” explains Leeson.
Before the students were ready to design an animal toy project, Leeson tasked her students to recreate a LEGO piece to serve as a replacement part for their EV3 robotics kits.
“Students have three tries to get the sizing right for the length, width, height, diameter, and spacing of the holes. With each print, they test it out with other pieces in their kits to see how well it matches up and works as a replacement piece. They get to physically determine what they need to do to improve,” Leeson explained.
Armed with their new TinkerCAD skills, students then demonstrated their skills and creativity on an animal toy to 3D print. With just two prints – one for the initial prototype, one for the final masterpiece – they brought their vision to life, line by line, layer by layer. Students and Mrs. Leeson beamed with pride at the final results.
As we watch these students experiment, design, and create, we know that their future is bright!
by admin | Dec 8, 2023 | Athletics
The Varsity Cheer Squad traveled to Belton, TX for the TAPPS 3A State Cheer Competition at Bell County Expo Center. After a competitive day of competitions, the WCS Varsity Cheer Team was awarded 2nd place, improving from their 4th place ranking last year.
Head Varsity Cheer Coach De’Jeanne Hall says, “I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of our finish at the 2023 TAPPS State Cheer Championships! Winning a State Runner-Up Award the second year of competing is absolutely amazing! This is a young team, with no seniors, so I am excited to see the growth this program makes in the next few years!”
All State Awards
Sydney Smith – 1st Team All-State
Jannieka Heng – 1st Team All-State
Makayla Delsabour – 2nd Team All-State
Kynedi Collins – Honorable Mention All-State
Congratulations to the Westbury Christian Varsity Cheer Team!
