Knights' Realm Fall 2011

Fall 2011

The Knights’ Realm All-School Newsletter

The mission of Hill Country Christian School of Austin is to provide a Christ-centered, classical, college-preparatory education that inspires students to become life-long learners and effective communicators who impact the world with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ.

Table of Contents

Upper School News Pg. 2

Lower School News Pg. 4

Preschool News Pg. 7

Admissions Office Update Pg. 8

Athletics Update Pg. 9

Conservatory News Pg. 12

Library News Pg. 13

The Learning Center News Pg. 14

PTF Update Pg. 16

Upcoming Events Pg. 19

Preparing for College. Preparing for Life.

The fall delivered a flurry of activity here at Hill Country Christian School. From prayer gatherings to pep rallies, from Kindergarten Creation plays to high school Creation debates, we have been blessed to see all of our students learning and growing. Though we couldn’t begin to report on every event, we hope this newsletter gives you a glimpse of some of the many exciting things happening throughout our school.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, the faculty and staff want you to know that we are indeed thankful you have chosen Hill Country Christian School for your child’s education. It is a privilege to partner with you, and a

responsibility that we take very seriously. We are grateful for God’s favor to us and ask for your continued prayers for wisdom and direction as we disciple these future world-changers for Christ.

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Hill Country Christian School of Austin Fall 2011

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Scholarship Fund for Graduating Seniors Established

We are excited to announce that Hill Country Christian School is the recipient of a generous gift to establish an endowment that will provide annual college scholarships to at least two Hill Country graduates. The endowment, to be known as the Legacy Scholarship Fund, was created to honor the memory of Stephen Kent Fritschle, who passed away from a sudden illness in 2008. Steve was a highly respected engineer, community leader, philanthropist, and devoted husband to his wife, Melinda, dedicated father to daughter, Teresa, son, Cliff, and his wife, Hope, and beloved grandfather of current Hill Country students, Stephen and Dannah. He was passionate about higher education and had a heart for those who worked hard to overcome difficult obstacles in their lives.

The purpose of the Legacy Scholarship Fund is to support Hill Country Christian School in its pursuit to inspire life-long learning in its students. The fund will award one scholarship each year to the recipient of the Court of Honor Award and will grant one or more academic scholarships each year to graduates who personify Christ-like character, exhibit academic potential, and demonstrate financial need. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the end-of-year Honors Convocation, beginning with the Class of 2012.

The vision of the Legacy Scholarship Fund is to provide assistance to students in their pursuit of higher education and in their desire to contribute to the advancement of the Gospel through those pursuits. It is the desire of the

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benefactors to continue to grow the fund so that as many graduates as possible can pursue their dream of a college education. It is hoped that other individuals and families will want to honor their loved ones through similar contributory endowments to the fund.

We are extremely grateful for this significant gift that will be a blessing to so many Hill Country families. How appropriate it is to honor the memory of a man who embodied honesty, integrity, loyalty, and strength of character--the very qualities that we strive to cultivate in all of our students. What a perfect way to honor a life well lived!

If you are interested in contributing to this fund or finding out more information, please contact our Executive Director of Advancement, Carmen Hamilton or visit our website, http://www.hillcountrychristianschool.org/support-us/ways-to-give/.

Stephen Kent Fritschle

Upper School News Bill McGee, Head Master and Upper School Principal

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Hill Country Scores Exceed Public and Private School Norms

As members of the Texas Association of Non-public Schools (TANS), we are automatically members of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE). CAPE is the “voice of America’s private schools” as it represents the interests of all private schools to public policymakers. One of its essential functions is conducting research and communicating statistics that demonstrate the efficacy of private schools.

CAPE reported in its October 2011 newsletter the results of the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics. Roughly 20,000 ninth graders in public and private schools were tracked in this study. According to this report, private schools produced better results than public schools in all five categories measured, including math and science achievement, expectations, experience, counseling goals, and absenteeism and tardiness. For example, 91.3% of private school ninth graders were enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry, while only 78.8% of public school students took the same courses. Private school students also took more challenging science courses, with 76.2% of ninth graders enrolled in biology or physics, compared to 57.0% of students in public schools. At Hill Country 100% of our ninth grade students are enrolled in these

challenging courses.

At the high school level, counseling plays an important role in steering

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students to the next step in their education. According to this report, 73.4% of private school counselors identified “helping students plan and prepare for postsecondary schooling” as their primary goal. In public schools, the percentage dropped to 46.6% affirming that goal. At Hill Country, we have a dedicated position, our Dean of Student Services, whose very job description is to provide personalized counseling services to every high school student.

The CAPE newsletter also reported the most recent SAT scores for college-bound seniors in religious and independent schools. According to the College Board, the average national SAT scores were 497 in reading, 514 in math, and 489 in writing, for an average combined SAT score of 1500. Students in religious schools scored an average of 531, 533, and 528 in each of these areas for a combined average score of 1592. Students in private independent schools scored 541, 579, and 550 for a combined score of 1670. Hill Country’s Class of 2011 scored an average of 620, 560, and 580 in critical reading, math, and writing for a combined average score of 1760! These statistics prove that Hill Country Christian School is achieving excellence in preparing students to succeed in college and career.

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Dear Parents,

What an excellent start we’ve had to the new school year! One of the greatest blessings to me so far this year has been to see so many new faces, and I thank God for each new family that He has brought to Hill Country. Praying God’s blessings on you and your family as we transition into the fall season. May we look forward to cooler weather, falling leaves, and time to reflect and gives thanks for ALL that we have.

In His and your service,

Kristine

Pine Cove Outback 6th Grade Retreat

For the fourth year, Hill Country’s sixth grade students went on a retreat to Pine Cove Christian Camp in Columbus, Texas. On October 3-5, students participated in team building activities, a high-ropes course, and a science program called The Institute of Wilderness Studies (IWC) that is a Christ-centered program correlated with our sixth grade science goals for the year. Many wonderful things happened over the course of three days! Students built and strengthened relationships with one another and with their teachers. They learned to trust themselves, others, and God more completely. They saw God all around them and His perfect design in the animals, organisms and environment He created, and they had FUN and made memories that will last a lifetime!

Lower School News Kristine Kruse, Lower School Principal

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Sodalitas Induction Ceremony

On Thursday, October 6th, we inducted 35 students into the Sodalitas History Club. The purpose of the club is to encourage in our 3rd – 6th grade students a love of history, or what we like to refer to as a love of “His story.” The word Sodalitas is the shortened form of the Latin phrase Sodalitas Pro Studiis Rerum Antiquarum, which means “a community for the study of ancient things.” Sodalitas members participate in a wide variety of activities to further their knowledge and deepen their interest in culture, people, places, and events throughout time. At monthly meetings members learn more about history through hands-on learning, conducting research, and listening to guest speakers, in addition to taking a history field study in the spring.

The following students successfully completed an extensive history project that demonstrated their passion for the study of history and have been inducted into the Sodalitas History Club for the 2011-2012 school year:

Aiden Cline Garren Ferreira Mandy Glace

Luca Celestino Mariah Vacek Brady Horne

Steel Kupec Mikayla Vacek Travis Hurn

Kelii Horvath Peyton Horne Marshall Burleson

Brayden Smith Liam Ferreira Nathanael Saavedra

Emma Hatley Brant Conway Caleb Burleson

Cameron Stewart Anthony McElhaney Gretchen Scott

Presley Rosenbeck Reid Conway Mason Nelson

Will Pryor Mason Brooks Cecily Smith

Haley Dise Heather Power Paige Glace

Jared Vickers Austin Grendel Carlie Calvert

Evan Dickinson Ty Rasmussen

Lower School students Mikayla Vacek, Peyton Horne, and Mariah Vacek perform their historical play that qualified them for Sodalitas.

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CTP 4 Testing Results Last spring, Hill Country moved from the Stanford Achievement Test to the Comprehensive Testing Program 4th Edition (CTP 4) for students in 1st – 8th grades. The CTP 4 was developed for the Educational Records Bureau to serve the needs of high achieving students and schools that aspire to higher standards. Below is a table showing the performance of our students in comparison to students in similar private, independent schools. Many of the independent schools that make up the norm group are some of the finest academic schools in the country. The data clearly shows that Hill Country students are academically competitive with the top students in the country. First and second grade results are not included because their results are communicated in a narrative format rather than a statistical one. One of the reasons for moving to the CTP 4 was that teachers receive detailed reports that provide them with information about student performance. Assessment data has already been analyzed to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses among our individual students and grade levels, giving teachers the information they need to tailor instruction and meet the needs of all students.

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Little Knights Preschool News Margaret Jackson, Director of Preschool

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Warning…

Children Learn What They Live!

Wow. Does that put the fear of God in you? It does me! At Little Knights Preschool, a quality education is built on God’s Word. Children are blessings from God. We believe God wants us to teach children about Him. It is through the knowledge of their Creator and Savior that children learn the true motivation for doing their best. Through Christian education, good character is built. Since “children learn what they live,” it is our goal at Little Knights Preschool to partner with our parents in educating their children. How?

• Sharing Jesus, • Loving their Children, • Encouraging and Supporting their Families, • Lots of Prayers.

We want to capture your child's enthusiasm for learning!

How preschoolers learn and the methods preschoolers use to learn are just as important as the materials used. Preschoolers need to be actively involved most of the day. There needs to be constant interaction between the children, the teachers, and the

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classroom environment. Ideas and thoughts are happily exchanged. Children are encouraged to

explore, experiment, and carry out their own ideas. Our program at Hill Country is busy, active, exciting, and joyful, yet there is a definite sense of order in the classroom for the children!

Thank you for trusting us with your sweet children!

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Enrollment Update The Admissions Office had a busy spring and summer. We are pleased to report that we have enrolled 504 students to date for the 2011-2012 school year, and inquiries are still coming in every week! Of these 504 students, 126 are new to our school. Enrollment increased 8% over last year, even in these difficult economic times. We believe that God’s favor and our expanded efforts in marketing over the past year have helped to fuel our enrollment expansion. We recently conducted a survey of our newly enrolled families and received wonderful feedback we will use to improve our efforts. Some facts from the survey include:

Top 3 ways new families found Hill Country:

1. Web search/Google 2. Family/Friend 3. Hill Country Bible Church NW

Top 3 reasons people chose us:

1. Christ-centered education 2. College-Prep education 3. Classical education

Also highly ranked: quality teachers/staff and school reputation. Top 3 school options considered prior to choosing Hill Country:

1. Summit Christian Academy 2. Public school 3. Regents

Comments from the survey included:

• “I think the thing that sold me on the school was the (School Preview) event given in

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February. Teachers/staff so knowledgeable and friendly. My son said after his shadowing: ‘Everyone is so joyful!’ That just said it all for me.”

• “We are blessed to have found you.” • “I have not seen (my son) this happy in a long time! • “We moved to Austin and the transition from the

previous school has been wonderful due to the organization of HCCSA. May God continue to bless this school.”

A New Face in the Office Sheryl Belloni joined the Admissions Office in

August, serving as part-time Administrative Assistant to the Admissions Director. She continues to serve as Substitute Coordinator and at the receptionist desk. Welcome aboard, Sheryl! The addition of extra staff means that we will be able to more

effectively manage the increase in inquiries and admissions we are seeing. Planning Ahead: Re-enrollment Re-enrollment begins in January 2012, and all processing will be done online through TADS. The re-enrollment form will allow you to not only re-enroll your child(ren), but also to apply for a sibling and/or tuition assistance, if you wish. A Tuition Deposit and Tuition Protection Plan Fee will be due at the time of re-enrollment. The 2012-2013 tuition and fees will be announced school-wide in December 2011, but just so you have an idea - last year’s fees were $500 (Tuition Deposit - part of next year’s tuition) and $125 (Tuition Protection Plan - a form a insurance for your tuition) per student. Just a reminder, if you pay for tuition semi-annually or monthly, you will still make a tuition payment in January, in addition to the re-enrollment fees.

Admissions Office News Shannon Ficklin, Director of Admissions

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Knights Athletics off to Strong Start

Hill Country’s athletics teams are gaining momentum in the early going of the 2011-2012 school year, on the heels of an unprecedented run in 2010-2011 that saw every high school team make the playoffs.

High School Football News

Leading the charge is the Knights varsity football team, which many observers believe to be the strongest in the ten-year history of the program. Led by seven seasoned seniors – Brandon Simpson, Brandon Pappas, Cole Bland, Austen Smith, Britton Smith, Cash Barker and Dustin Turner – the Knights are also getting key contributions from younger players like Evan O’Laughlin, Shane Jasek, Matthew Pantoja, Justin Meredith, and freshman twins Noah and Jackson Monteiro.

After dismantling UIL’s Abbott High 52-6 last Friday, the Knights’ record stands at 5-2 on the year. The only two losses have been to defending TAPPS state champion Bulverde Bracken, and defending UIL champion Richland Springs. After an off week, the Knights return to

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action Oct. 21 in the district opener at Cedar Park High School against Temple Holy Trinity Catholic.

The Knights JV football team has ended their season with a 4-1 record. They were tested this season in two of their five games, with their only loss to Austin Veritas’s varsity football team, and with a hard-earned win over Marble Falls Faith Academy. It should be an interesting season next year, as these two tough opponents will be joining the Knights in district play for the 2012-2014 re-alignment. Although their games are over, the JV Knights continue to hone their skills during team practices throughout the fall. According to Coach Philip Hudgens, “The best thing for next season’s team is going on right now during practice, Monday-Thursday. During that time our current JV players are going up against some of the best players in the state, our seven seniors. Many of our younger players are already contributing to the varsity team on Friday nights, and we are very proud of them.”

High School Volleyball News

With the strongest varsity volleyball team since the 2006 Final Four team, Coach Janean Greer led her Lady Knights to contention for a playoff berth after a road victory over Kerrville Our

Athletics Department Update Pete Craycroft, Director of Athletics

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Lady of the Hills. With seniors Megan Thurman and Elizabeth Johnston leading the way, a supporting cast of Chloe Policke, Karen Baker, Andrea Bandow, Sara Jackson and Abby Jasek fought through close matches throughout district play. The team suffered a heartbreaking loss at Waldorf last Wednesday, resulting in a fourth place finish in district, missing the playoffs by just one spot.

The JV team has also had a strong season, despite having to overcome the obstacles of a great number of injuries as well as being a young team. Captains are Baley Hutchinson (outside hitter) and Grace Neumann (libero). Other key players are setters Kendal Burleson and Sarah Loveday, middle blockers Jessica Lowry and Emily Pendleton, and outsides Sam Houghton, Alex Logan, and Jessi Mocha. Currently, they are 8-8 overall and 3-4 in district. High School Cross Country News

The varsity cross country team is gearing up for State

on Oct. 22 with strong showings in their meets this fall. Top placers for the boys have been Preston Glace, Cody McCourt and Britton Smith. Andrea Bandow has done well at the races while also playing volleyball. For the first time in a while, both boys and girls have the numbers to compete at the state meet as full teams (five runners are required to compete as a team). Coach Toby Thurman thinks the boys have a chance at a top four state finish.

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Middle School Sports News

Defending Hill Country’s rich tradition in middle school football, the younger Knights

are once again undefeated. They’ve been blasting people all year, but their most impressive win was Thursday, in a 13-12 slugfest with public school Coolidge from northeast of Waco. Colton Radney scored both Knights touchdowns, and Jaedon Payne plowed into the end zone for the winning point-after-touchdown. Colin Rasmussen had a key fourth down reception to keep the winning drive alive, and Grant Baker and Seth Jackson had major contributions on defense. Going into the game, neither team had lost a game in two years, and the middle school Knights teams have lost only two games in the last six years.

Middle School Volleyball News

It’s been a challenging year for the middle school Lady Knights volleyball team as they adjust to life in the larger and more competitive Austin Inter-Parochial League (AIPL). Coach John Horvath’s upper team – or 4A in AIPL parlance – is led by Jordan Andrews, Hannah Brooks, Avery Dooley,

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Elissa Myers, Grace Tinsley and Katie Werdenberg. The 2A team is led by Caroline Carver, Sarah Jane Farrell, Emma Laughlin, and Alex Perez. Both teams are heading into the heart of their AIPL schedules.

Cheerleading News

The Knights cheerleaders, captained by Courtney Phillips, have welcomed a new coach, PaToya Hall, into the fold for the 2011-2012 school year. The cheerleaders won the Camp Champs award as the best overall team at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders camp in Waxahachie over the summer.

Spirit Group Added

This fall we debuted our newest spirit group for Lower School boys: The Knight Guard. These 56 PreK-6th grade boys help foster school spirit by

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assisting with run through lines at pep rallies and

home football games and by encouraging our high school football players.

Not to be outdone, our Lower School girls have maintained strong Pep Squad participation in its second year, with 78 students on the squad, and the Dance Team has expanded to include 5th-7th grades.

Looking Ahead

High school basketball practice begins on Monday, Oct. 17, and the Knights will once again be hosting the Hill Country Hoops Classic on Dec. 8-10.

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Conservatory Students Serve in the Community

Members of the Knights Drumline performed for the kick-off of the Austin regional meeting for the AutoZone Corporation at the Holiday Inn-Highland Mall on October 12th. The drummers have been working hard in recent weeks, adding choreography and movement to the drum cadences they have composed.

They enjoy entertaining at Hill Country Christian School pep rallies and supporting the varsity football team at home games.

Members are: 3rd graders Carsten Rawls and Landon Wiste, 5th graders Charlie Abboud, Nathan Cagle, Andrew Ledesma and Kelsey Logan, and 6th graders Andrew Pendleton and Taylor Wiste.

Conservatory Welcomes New Guitar Instructor

The newest member of our instructional staff is Mr. Dean Kline, a talented guitarist and pianist. He is the co-founder of the American Academy of Music and Dance here in Austin (www.aamdonline.com), and a member of the acoustic band “Lohman’s Crossing.” A former youth minister at Lakeway Church, Mr. Kline is eager to share his Godly gifts and talents with our young guitar students.

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Several 6th – 9th grade Conservatory students will be taking their instruments into the Sunday School classrooms of Hill Country Bible Church’s special needs children and young adults on Sunday mornings. We appreciate the willingness of these young musicians to share their time and talent on a weekly basis.

Conservatory News Karen Bolen, Director of Music and the Conservatory

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Upgrade Update “Where are the books on amphibians?”

“Is my school summer reading an AR book?”

Students may now answer the first question themselves as they access our library database, ATRIUUM by Booksystems. They use their personal login on library computers to search for the information they need.

The second question can be answered both at school and at home as students utilize Accelerated Reader Book Finder at www.arbookfind.com. AR gives 2nd semester 1st through 6th grade students comprehension practice, with the option of vocabulary practice, and the chance to earn points toward personal goals. Since upgrading to Renaissance Place, the selection of books with quizzes has increased by thousands, which has delighted our book connoisseurs who stand anxiously before our library counter wondering when the next delectable book in their latest favorite series will be ready to consume. These upgrades were made possible through book fair proceeds from the previous two years. Thank you for supporting our book fairs!

Fall Book Fair Imagine students of all ages paging though hundreds of the latest publications by Scholastic as they share their views with friends and point out their newest find. Book Fairs are fun! Mark your calendar for our FALL BOOKFAIR: OCTOBER 24TH - 28TH. Come and browse on the 3rd floor, or sign up to help on Volunteer Hub. Instructions to access Volunteer Hub may be found on the PTF Volunteer page of the school website at http://www.hillcountrychristianschool.org/campus-life/parent-teacher-fellowship-ptf/ptf-volunteer/.

Students Enjoying All School Read and Hat Day

A book reads the better which is our own, and has been so long known to us, that we know the topography of its blots, and dog's ears, and can trace the dirt in it to having read it at tea with buttered muffins. ~Charles Lamb, Last Essays of Elia, 1833

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Author Visit After giving students clues such as, “Who lived on a ship?” and “Who has traveled around the world?” students were introduced to our visiting author Renee Meloche. Ms. Meloche has written 30 biographies for children based on the lives of historical figures and Christians who have made a difference. She actually lived on a ship for three years. While she was here, she held brief writing workshops with our 2nd – 6th grade students.

Library Update Marcelle Simms, Director of Library Services

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REMINDER: CHECK STUDENTS’ DATE DUE SLIPS IN THEIR LIBRARY BOOKS, AND BE SURE THEY KNOW THEIR LIBRARY NUMBERS.

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Kinder LEAP In September we launched a brand new program in TLC called Kinder LEAP. It is a science-based program that incorporates math, language arts, and social studies in a fun and engaging format.

The little LEAPers have been very busy this month learning about changes. The students have learned that God is a God of order, and what may appear to be “magic” is really His scientific laws at work. Lower School GATE Bacteria and Viruses Galore!

Did you know that pathogens are everywhere? Do YOU know what pathogens are? The 3rd – 6th grade GATE students know exactly what they are.

The students have swabbed various surfaces and have grown bacteria in agar and used petri dishes for the experiment. One of the most disgusting surfaces was Mrs. McGee’s cell phone. Many unknown microbes were found! One student said, “Mrs. McGee, don’t you ever clean your phone?” Apparently, not often enough!

The 6th grade GATE group watched a live webinar featuring Mark Sanchez from the New York Jets. Mr. Sanchez was promoting healthy habits for

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students. Mrs. McGee mentioned to the students that he has chosen to use his money to promote various charities and causes. This led to a moral discussion of: Was Mr. Sanchez a Christian? Can you not

be a Christian and still do good things?

The students are concluding this study with a “Mystery Disease” project. They are writing a story describing the disease and how they will cure the disease. They will also make a model of their microbe from “trash.” The students discussed Bible verses on how God wants us to solve problems.

The GATE students have enjoyed looking at fungi and other microbes. They seem to especially enjoy dealing with moldy and smelly items!

Upper School GATE

Our 7th-12th grade GATE students meet one Friday per month, expanding and enriching their knowledge of math, science, language arts, and social studies with instructors Jane Reed and Angelo Milicia. They kicked off their year in September with a study of physics concepts, then put those concepts into practice by designing miniature rollercoasters. They are planning to do some long-term construction projects this year, either by modifying and improving existing products or by designing iPhone apps.

In addition, they targeted creativity, critical thinking, and artistic talents by creating personal logos which reflected their unique, God-given personalities and gifts, as well as their interests. Ask some of these Upper School students to share their logos with you!

News from The Learning Center (TLC) Irma Plaza, TLC Director

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The students also prepared for a future debate. They brainstormed topics and decided upon the ethics of keeping animals in captivity. They researched killer whales and the unfortunate whale attack on a Sea World trainer last year. This month the students will travel to Sea World in San Antonio to gather facts and conduct interviews with Sea World staff.

While in San Antonio they will also take a field trip to Fiesta Texas, where they will get a chance to put their physics education to use by examining the speed, acceleration, velocity and potential vs. kinetic energy of roller coasters up close.

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More Information About The GATE Program

The Gifted and Talented Enrichment (GATE) program is designed to extend and enrich learning opportunities for students who qualify academically for the gifted and talented program. While Hill Country Christian School offers a challenging, Christ-centered, college-preparatory curriculum for all students, some are motivated to achieve at a different level. These students benefit from further challenges, designed to stretch their creative problem-solving capacity.

Eligibility Criteria: Students are assessed during multiple measures of general intellectual ability, aptitude/achievement, creative/divergent thinking, and non-verbal reasoning. Students must score at or above the 95th percentile and demonstrate superior cognitive and/or academic skills on nationally standardized tests in order to be identified as gifted and talented.

Evaluations: Testing is available throughout the school year for students in grades 1-12; however, due to limited enrollment, eligible students may be placed on a waiting list for services. Testing for kindergarten students begins in March of each year. Students who do not meet eligibility criteria for the GATE program may be re-evaluated after one full year.

Lower School: Students meet once weekly for a period of three hours. Services will be offered for a total of thirty-two weeks each school year beginning in September.

Upper School: Students will meet once monthly and may enroll in either the full-day program or

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a half-day program (Math/Science or Language Arts/History). Rhetoric students receive elective credit for program participation. Some may be eligible for independent study opportunities as well (additional fees may apply).

Kinder Leap (Learning Enrichment Activities Program): This program is designed to add depth and complexity to our Kindergarten curriculum while providing activities that are fun and engaging. Students meet twice a week for a period of one and a half hours. An evaluation is not required for enrollment.

More Information about TLC Programs

Overview: The Learning Center (TLC) provides tutorial services, specific accommodations for learning differences, and enrichment programs in order to address the educational needs of all learners.

Comprehensive Program: TLC staff work closely with classroom teachers to provide appropriate instructional accommodations and strategies for enhancing academic success. These accommodations may include preferential seating, note-taking assistance, extended time to complete assignments and tests, reduced homework assignments, reading assistance, access to audio books and test formatting provided by TLC staff.

Dyslexia Intervention Program: Students who are identified as having dyslexia or who exhibit dyslexia-like characteristics may enroll in the remediation program and receive direct instructional services with an Academic Language Therapist.

Speech Therapy Program: TLC offers one-on-one therapeutic intervention services for articulation impairments, apraxia, autism, language disorders and/or dysfluency. Speech therapy services are performed by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Tutorial and Academic Coaching Program: TLC offers individual tutorials in all core subjects. Academic coaching is available for the enhancement of

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organizational and study skills.

Individual/Small Group Courses: These courses are appropriate for students who benefit from an individualized learning environment for one or more subjects. Classes are limited to no more than 5 students and follow the traditional curriculum.

Rocket Reader Program: Students enrolled in this supplemental reading program receive small group instructional services, which target the development of phonemic awareness skills. Participation in this program is by invitation only and is designed for students who score below the school’s expected Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) level for their grade.

Evaluation Services: TLC offers evaluation services that help identify students’ relative strengths and weaknesses. Administered by licensed specialists, these evaluations assist in identifying specific disabilities and in determining further educational needs. TLC is currently providing the following evaluations: comprehensive, dyslexia, dysgraphia and speech/language.

For more information, visit: www.HillCountryChristianSchool.org/academics/learning-center.cfm.

Or contact: The Learning Center, 512-331-7036, [email protected].

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Pencils, Paper, and Popsicles!

Monday, August 22, Hill Country students were welcomed back to school by their teachers as they brought their school supplies to their classrooms, then headed to the Café for the annual Ice Cream Social organized by the PTF. This year, over 900 yummy ice cream novelty treats were served as parents reviewed a dozen informational tables highlighting extracurricular or enhancement activities at Hill Country. It was a sweet time of fellowship for returning families to reconnect and a time of welcoming new families to our community. Thank you to all who donated to the PTF spring auction in April. The auction funded this and many other activities. Thank you to Kelly Winslow and her talented volunteers for organizing this fun and informative annual event.

Just for Dads

The Hill Country Dads Group was formed last year to give dads a venue for fun and fellowship with other dads, as well as to equip them with

information about the school that is of special interest to fathers. At their last meeting on October 5th, they enjoyed a presentation from

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) Update Contributions from PTF Committee Chairpersons

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Debby Krohmer, Director of Student Services, entitled "Our College Guidance Program: Ensuring a High Return on Your Investment." The entire PowerPoint presentation may be viewed on the Dads Group page of our school website, but here are some of the highlights:

Hill Country Families are investing in: Academic Excellence

• 14% of Hill Country graduates have qualified as National Merit commended or finalist.

• Average National SAT Scores for 2011 (total

of Critical Reading, Math, Writing): o Public: 1500 o Private/Religious: 1592 o Private/Independent: 1670 o Hill Country Christian School: 1760

Quality Counseling Program

• National ratio of college guidance counselor to senior is 1:457.

• Hill Country ratio of college guidance counselor to senior is 1:17.

Relationships

• Our head master, Bill McGee, writes a letter of recommendation for each high school senior.

• Faculty provides mentoring and discipleship and know each student personally.

OVERALL RESULTS: A Hill Country graduate will have opportunities:

• Scholarships due to high standardized test

scores, Valedictorian or Salutatorian status, non-ranking of strong students, community service, athletic participation, and/or student leadership.

• College credit for high school work – CLEP; AP

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exams; dual credit; independent study. • Prepared for college academics. • College choice: Average of 22% (since 2009)

of graduates attend college out of state. Texas average is 18%.

• Guaranteed holistic review by all colleges and universities due to Hill Country’s non-ranking policy.

• Strong students who would not have been ranked in the top quarter or half, due to a competitive class, are not penalized.

• Scholarships can be awarded on merit regardless of rank – colleges are not tied by rubrics.

• To be a world-changer for Christ! Head Master Bill McGee closed out the meeting by discussing The Annual Fund and where your contributions to the fund are distributed.

Athletics Booster Club

Friday night football at Hill Country has never been more fun or exciting! At Homecoming you might have seen something to help kick our excitement and spirit up a notch: a big white flag with our Knight emblem crossing the track after

every touch down. Thank you to seniors Megan Thurman, Cody McCourt, and Reid Aldridge for being our first-ever spirit flag carriers. The PTF

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Athletics Booster Club purchased the spirit flag to be carried by a senior after every Knight touchdown at our home games. Thank you to everyone who made this possible by supporting the PTF Athletic Booster Club, whether through volunteering or through your purchases at tailgate/concessions or our Knight Store. Your support helped bring a new tradition of Knight Spirit to Hill Country. Thank you! If you have not had a chance to attend a game, we encourage you to come out and experience Knight football. We have two home games remaining, October 21st and November 4th.

Looking Ahead

Family Knight Socials, coordinated by the Events Committee, had great turnouts last year, and we are looking forward to continuing the tradition! The first social of the fall will be November 1st, at Moonie’s at Anderson Mill Road and Highway 183. Dine at Moonie’s anytime that day, tell them you are with Hill Country, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to our PTF. The next social will be December 6, location TBA. See the PTF events page of the school website for details.

Mark your calendars now for the annual Main Street Bethlehem train trip on Saturday, December 3rd. Join other school families on this train trip on the Hill Country Flyer, departing from Cedar Park and travelling to Burnet. In Burnet we will enjoy the First Baptist Church’s annual Christmas production. (Visit their website at http://www.fbcburnet.org/mainstreetbethlehem.htm to learn more.) Look for more details regarding ticket sales soon. Last year the tickets sold out within hours, so make your plans now!

Join us at the next PTF meeting on November 8th at 6:30 P.M. All parents and staff are invited!


Save the Date: 1. October 19: Lower School Conference Day. Lower

School students will not have class, but Upper School students are on normal schedule.

2. October 21: Friday Knight Lights resumes. Pep Rally at 2:30 in the gym, followed by tailgate at 6:15 p.m. and varsity football game at 7:30 p.m. at CPHS.

3. November 11: Fall Drama Production ,“The Magician’s Nephew”

4. November 15: Operation Christmas Child All-School Chapel

5. November 18: Grandparents’ Day for K-6th Grades

6. November 20-25: Thanksgiving break

7. December 8: Spelling Bee for 3rd-8th Grades

8. December 16: End of 2nd Quarter, Semester Exams, Early Release Day

9. December 19-30: Christmas Break

Hill Country Christian School of Austin 12124 RR 620 North Austin, Texas 78750

Knights' Realm Fall 2011

Documents

hill country graduates

lower school news

legacy scholarship fund

high school creation

preschool news

library news

conservatory news

scholarship recipients