Cognitio

Coram Deo aCaDemy Winter 2013, Vol. 1, issue 2

“The process of getting to know something or someone”

Welcome Coram Deo academy Welcome to the second of three annual editions of Cognitio. Each seasonal edition will feature additional members of our excellent faculty and student leaders. Over the next few years we will introduce you to all the CDA teachers and several of our student leaders. The student leaders represented in Cognitio are elected by their peers and are either House Presidents or Senior Class Officers.

A classical Christian Education utilizes the Trivium of Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric to provide students with the tools of lifelong learning and instill in them a love of wisdom. The reason this type of education is so effective is that these three tools also cooperate with the God-authored design of the mind and are suited to support each level of a child’s formative academic years. The first tool, Grammar, is the learning of people, places and things. This naturally appeals to young children who eagerly look for these in their Bible, phonics, math, history and language lessons. The second tool, Logic, is the understanding of the rules that govern those things previously learned. Middle-school students are typi-cally attracted to this style as they learn to associate things and connect ideas in their classes. Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. High school students easily learn to apply sophisticated reasoning and strive for eloquence in their studies and in the totality of their lives.

Bill Rector Headmaster

Charlotte Cambell Grammar School Director

Angela BellAdministrative Assistantfor Grammar School FM Admissions Coordinator

Polly Dwyer Campus Administrator

Ellen Perry Administrative Assistant for Logic and High SchoolRegistrar

Laura NeibertAdministrative Assistant for Logic and High School

Kathy SchaeferTesting and GuidanceCoordinator

page 3-4 Letters from the Directors

page 5-6 Grammar School Instructor- Dawn Lewis

page 7-8 Logic School Instructor- Jan Sorrell

page 9-10 High School Instructor- Mary Ligon

page 11 Student Leader- Aubrey Dwyer

page 12 Student Leader- Ryan Southerland

page 13 Mission Statement

Table of Contents

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I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. Psalm 50:11Every spring a bluebird family makes a nest in the birdhouse located in front of the Grammar School. The birdhouse is placed where I can see it from my office and I must admit; bluebirds make me very happy. The location is ideal to observe the life cycle of the birds from babies to adult. The eye level nest makes it easy to see the tiny babies with little uplifted beaks anticipating their next meal. They are so cute, but it’s the parents that are truly amazing to me. The bluebirds begin in chilly February deciding if they want the little “apartment” located in our Texas Native Garden. About a dozen bluebirds flock together under the large live oak and they take turns flitting back and forth to the birdhouse. Finally, one couple claims the birdhouse as their home and they begin the task of making a nest. What a joy to watch the colorful birds carry sticks, grass, and other supplies into their abode as they prepare a soft bed for the eggs. My husband took a picture of the resident bluebird perched on top of the birdhouse and in its beak is a bright green caterpillar. I occasionally refer to the picture when people visit my office because I think it is a wonder-ful representation of one of the many natural elements on our campus. We also have a Texas Native Garden, a Butterfly Garden and a compost pile on the property. CDA High School science teacher, Mrs. Ligon, has been influential in the implementation and maintenance of the organic features on our campus, and she is now in the planning stages of adding a bluebird trail and a vegetable garden. All of these attractions establish an overall school environment that is an ideal setting to learn more about God’s creation inside and outside of the classrooms. Science is often a collaborative endeavor, and it is the combined efforts of the Grammar, Logic and High School teachers that has contributed to the beauty and conservation of our picturesque community.

Grammar school by Charlotte Campbell

logic school by Polly Dwyer

Letters from the Directors

Time Management is one of the best gifts that we can give to our children. The apostle Paul states to young Christians in Ephesus to live a life worthy of the calling [they had] received (Ephesians 4:1); to be imitators of God (5:1); to live as children of light (5:8); and be very careful…how you live – not as unwise but as wise (5:15). He then exhorted Christians to redeem the time (5:16).

Students of the middle school years are learning many things but time management may be the most important. With this skill, they can conquer all their subjects and extra-curricular activities. They can find peace knowing everything has a time to be accomplished. Things can get out of order but with good time management skills students can feel secure.

In January, we once again celebrated Alumni Day at CDA. A diverse group of alumni participated in a discussion on college admissions, preparation and ideas for success at college. The alumni said they were well prepared for college after attending CDA but Rhetoric was most helpful in preparing them for college presentations, writing on a deadline, and speaking with clarity. The AP classes at CDA also gave them an advantage by introducing them to the college style of testing and study skills while still in the supportive environment of their high school years.

Words of advice from the alumni included:• ApplyEarly: It helps in the admission process and allows you to enjoy your senior year. • Go to Class: CDA alumni indicated going to class was important. The CDA college-styled

schedule is an advantage. • Study: Alumni stated they were ahead of others with their study and time management skills. • GettoKnowYourProfessors: Attend office hours with the professors to form relationships.• Balance: Keep social life in balance with academic responsibilities. Too much of either can hin-

der academic success or diminish connection with the school.• GetInvolved: Investigate campus clubs and organizations to make friends.• ResearchyourMajor: By researching course requirements, students can minimize the need to

change their major.• FindaChurch: It is vital to find a church family and create a support network.

These things were important whether they attended a university which was small or large, Christian or secular. As parents and teachers we know these words of advice to be reasonable; however, it is good for the high school students of CDA to hear it again from the alumni. Finally, keep this scripture in mind, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:20-21 ESV

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High school by Polly Dwyer

What are some things you can do?

• Teach young adolescents how to plan out their day. Keep the schedule moving forward using small increments of 30 minutes or less.

• Teach the importance of reducing distractions (email, iPods, texting, TV...) during study times.

• Help create action steps to take when they get behind so they don’t panic and shut down. • Help plan in breaks for rest during the day and sleep well at night.• Give opportunities to exercise their bodies.• Fuel their bodies so they can think and work quickly.

These are just a few of the ways that parents can help their students to learn valuable, life-long skills. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Proverbs 118:24

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Fourth grade teacher Dawn Lewis, grew up as the daughter of an Air Force pilot. As a result, she learned to appreciate change as her family moved from place to place every two to three years. The experience of living in different places and seeing the world was invaluable, and gave Mrs. Lewis the ability to embrace change and adjust well to whatever life brings her.However, even though she embraces change, when Mrs. Lewis is asked about her favorite attribute of God she says, “I love that God is unchanging! He is the same yesterday, today and forever as stated in Hebrews 13:8. This truth helps me to stand firm in my belief of His sovereignty.”

Read more about the life of Mrs. Lewis in the interview below:

Tell us about your family.I have been married to Mark for 20 years. My daughter Allison is 17 and a junior at CDA. My son Brett is 14 and an 8th grader at CDA.

What degrees do you hold? B.S. in Elementary Education Endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education

Share with us some of your accomplishments and Accolades. I have 16 years of teaching experience. I also wrote educator resource material and was published by Creative Teaching Press.

What interest do you have outside of school? I enjoy spending time and traveling with my family. We spend time together boating and golfing in the warmer months. My hobbies include photography, cooking, reading and creating digital scrapbooks.

Do you have any pets? We have had several pets—my daughter especially has a soft spot for animals. Over the years we have had hermit crabs, guinea pigs, a hedgehog, a hamster, two dogs, a couple of turtles and a goldfish that will probably outlive us all!

Dawn LewisGrammar School4th Grade Teacher

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What Bible verse is foundational in your life? “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Our family went through a very difficult time when Mark’s father and my father were ill at the same time. Both ended up passing away within a year of each other. I remember God very vividly placing this verse in my heart, and it was so comforting to me. “Joy comes in the morning” kept playing over and over in my mind.

Describe a favorite moment in life.My favorite days have been the day I married my husband on March 13, 1993. The day Allison was born on November 5, 1995. And the day Brett was born on January 25, 1999. These were such fun, joyous moments that changed my life forever! God is good!

Is there something special you are known for by your students, family, or friends?I don’t know how special it is, but everyone knows that I love chocolate! It is definitely my weakness!

If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? I would tell CDA students to keep focused on the end result. It is so easy to think that the grass is always greener somewhere else; however, I have no doubt that the Christian worldview and college preparation that CDA provides will be so valuable as students leave high school and go to college. High school is only four short years. The preparation for life and the years after high school are what I think are so important. Have a solid foundation of what you believe as a Christian and more importantly, why you believe it!

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Fifth and sixth grade Latin teacher Jan Sorrell loves to run, read, work on the computer, and tutor students in Latin. She has been married to her husband Scott for 30 years and has three sons: Samuel, age 25, Luke, age 22, and Ben age 19.

Mrs. Sorrell attended college at Ole Miss for one year, but then trans-ferred to Baylor University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading.

Mrs. Sorrell shares more about her life and her accomplishments in the interview below.

Share with us some of your accomplishments and accolades. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Baylor. However, by far my greatest accomplishment is that the last 25 years of my life have been devoted to homeschooling our three boys. The Lord has graciously equipped me, shown mercy and grace, and definitely filled in the gaps in many areas!! It has been a com-plete joy and blessing to have been able to participate in the education of our children and watch them grow physically, mentally and spiritually through the years.

Are there committees you serve on at school, church and in the community? I have served on the Children’s Ministry Team at my church for the past 10 years, and I have served as the administrator for CHSA (Coppell Home School Association) for the past 8 years. This year is definitely a transition year for me as my youngest is now a freshman in college, and I have finished my homeschool-ing journey with our children. Thus I prayed all last year for the Lord to lead me to what He has next for me, and He graciously led me here to CDA. I continue to look forward to where the Lord will use me and have me serve in the future.

What Bible verse(s) is foundational in your life? I would have to go with two verses. First is Philippians 4:8 – “Finally brothers, whatsoever is true, whatsoever is noble, whatsoever is right, whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is lovely, whatsoever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.”

My children and I call this our “TENREPLAY” verse. We used this acronym, T for truth, N for noble, R for right, P for pure, L for lovely, A for admirable, to help us memorize it, and it has stuck! What a great verse to think about and apply to all areas of our lives.

Jan Sorrell Logic SchoolLatin

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My other foundational verse is Colossians 1:10 – “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” To me this is another great verse to not only pray over our children but also to seek to live out ourselves.

Describe a favorite moment in life? One of my favorite moments was a few summers ago when the five of us went to Boston, Massachusetts. It was our 25th wedding anniversary, and we decided to take a family trip. None of us had ever been there; we all love history and baseball so between the Freedom Trail and the Red Sox we had the best time with precious memories!

Besides the Bible, what was the last book you read? I usually am reading 2 books at a time – one “fun and light” read (usually historical fiction) and one theo-logical book. I have just finished reading The Tehran Initiative by Joel Rosenberg and also The Church – The Gospel Made Visible by Mark Dever. I am now reading Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Wor-ship – The Ultimate Priority by John MacArthur.

Do you have a life motto?I think my life motto would be a quote that has been on my white board in our schoolroom for years. It is “Rest your faith in the God who does ALL things well!” I cannot remember where I heard this, but it instantly resonated with me; I immediately wrote it on our white board, and it has never been erased since. I truly do desire to do this and to impart this to my children!

Do you have a favorite quote? I have several! But this is definitely one of my favorites and it is by Thomas Chalmers: “Christ our propi-tiation; Christ our sanctification; Christ in us the hope of glory; Christ our all in all.” That pretty much sums it all up!

What is your favorite attribute of God? My favorite attribute of God is His Sovereignty. Even though I know I will never really fully understand this attribute of God, it is always the one I am drawn back to when life throws its fiery arrows. I cling to this fact that God is Sovereign; it anchors me and keeps me from worry. He alone is in control and is working for His good pleasure in all things.

Mary Ligon

Not many teachers can say their notoriety can be summed up in composting and pancakes. But anyone at CDA can tell you this is what Mary Ligon is known for, composting with her biology class and making pancakes as the faculty advisor of the House of Wright.Mrs. Ligon teaches biology and environmental science. Her passion for these subjects is evident even outside the classroom, as she is a Master Naturalist, Master Composter, and serves on the Board of Keep Flower Mound Beautiful. She even designed three educational stations at Spring Lake Park in Flower Mound, which were part of a park improvement initiative that won first place in the State of Texas.

But, as her interview below relates, Mrs. Ligon is not just passionate about God’s creation, but the Creator Himself.

Introduce us to your family. I have been married for 39 years to Nelson. I have four children: Sarah (34 years old) married to Robert, who have produced the four most wonderful grandchildren in the universe; twin sons, John and Mark; and Anna who is married to James.

List the Colleges you attended and are currently attending.I earned a B.S. in Biology from UNT, and am currently working on my Masters in Geosciences at Mis-sissippi State University.

What interests do you have outside of school? My husband and I are involved in street evangelism and once a year we go to New Orleans and minister to a church in the Lower 8th Ward. They have become part of our family and we love them dearly. I also enjoy my volunteer work with Keep Flower Mound Beautiful, fossil hunting, gardening with na-tive plants, geocaching, and most importantly, time spent with my grandchildren.

What Bible verse is foundational in your life? “I have learned that whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11

I became a Christian at 24 years of age and before that time, we moved at least every year so that I would be happy. Living in a new environment kept my mind busy and helped mask my discontent and unhap-piness. After my new life with Christ began, I quickly realized that my source of contentment was Him and we did not move for 12 years!

High SchoolBiology, AP Environmental Science

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Describe a favorite moment in life? I have about 1,000 favorite moments! I cherish the memory of taking CDA students and their families to Enchanted Rock. We were climbing to the top on Sunday morning so we could have church overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Hill Country. I had spent time planning a moving sermon with many scripture verses, but on the way up, I realized to my horror that I had left my entire lesson with handouts in the car. So, I prayed and asked God what I was supposed to do.

The answer was at my feet in a beautiful vein of quartz that had filled in a crack in the pink granite. What He showed me was that our lives are like the pink granite of Enchanted Rock and when we suffer cracks (sin), He can come in and fill them. The importance of this is that as the granite weathers away (our flesh), the quartz (God) becomes more evident and is much more resilient than the granite. I knew that this was the lesson He wanted me to share. Every time I look at a rock, it now holds a deeper meaning.

If you were to give one piece of advice to CDA students, what would it be? Seek God’s direction and He will never waste your time. Pursue the thing you have a passion for and that gives you the greatest pleasure.

Do you have a favorite quote? “This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the per-fect preparation for the future that only He can see.” -- Corrie Ten Boom

What is your favorite attribute of God?His loving kindness. In all my imperfections, I rest and live with joy in the knowledge that he loves me and that everything He does for me and protects me from, is because He loves me.

Have you ever wondered who boosts CDA spirit at sport-ing events from inside the lion costume? It is Senior Aubrey Dwyer. In addition to being the first mascot at Coram Deo Academy, Aubrey is also President of the House of Wright and Symphonic Band Captain, where she plays the oboe.

Introduce us to your family. My father works as a commercial real estate ap-praiser. My mother is Polly Dwyer. My brother Jack is a freshman, and my sister Emma is in 7th grade at CDA.

What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you? I think an ethical servant leader would not only be humble, but they would also lead their class or organization in such a way that people focus on the positive forward movement of the organization. It is easy to break something apart. Building it up takes a lot more work.

What was the “secret” to success at CDA? Take lots of notes! If the teacher is taking the time to talk about it, it’s important! Also, don’t be afraid of tutoring! Everyone learns a little bit differently and one-on-one tutoring will help you understand concepts you couldn’t grasp in class.

What is common conflict or concern in school and how would you advise a peer to handle it? We don’t have much bullying at Coram Deo Academy, thankfully, but everyone will feel out of place, or left out at some point.

This feeling comes when people focus too much on their social lives. I understand how impor-tant friends are, and you never want to feel alone, but having a lot of friends or being

“popular” in high school does not mean any-thing in the long run. Once a person enters college and starts a career, trivial social issues quickly fade. I would tell students to be friendly, join elec-tives or athletics, work hard in school, and enjoy high school! One of the nicest things about high school is that you’ll always find a friend.

Do you have or did you ever have a nickname?My childhood nickname is Pilot Point. My grandpa called me this growing up because Aubrey and Pilot Point are neighboring towns in North Texas. However, it took me about 15 years to accept this nickname!

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you only were able to have your Bible and one other item, what would you choose?I would bring a lifetime supply of edible sun-screen because that would keep me protected from harmful UV rays, and I would be able to eat it if I couldn’t wrestle a coconut down or find a fish that day. I also wouldn’t get prema-ture wrinkles or die of skin cancer.

What Bible verse is foundational in your life? “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. I find comfort knowing God is watching me, and knows the end to all my troubles, even when I don’t.

aubrey DwyerPresident: House of Wright

enrolled since 2003

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Aubrey is an honor roll student and plans to attend University of Oklahoma next fall. Learn more about Aubrey and

her influence as a student leader in the following interview.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in an attractive well preserved body; rather to

skid in sideways, body thoroughly worn out, covered in scars and screaming ‘yahoo what a ride!’” -Anonymous

Considering one of his possible career aspirations is to be an Air Force Pararescueman, it is no surprise this is

Senior Class Vice President Ryan Southerland’s favorite quote. Ryan’s adventurous personality and motivation

to work hard is evident in his academic, extracurricular, community, and church activities.

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Introduce us to your family. My father, Kurt, is a safety manager at United Rentals. My mother, Jennifer, is a second grade teacher at CDA. My brothers Aaron, a freshman, and Jordan, a fifth grader, also attend Coram Deo Academy.

What degree do you plan to work on when at college? I plan to go pre-Med and become an orthopedic surgeon. Another option is to enlist in the Air Force after college, become a Pararescueman, and then become a Physician’s Assistant.

Share some of your accomplishments and ac-colades. I became an Eagle Scout in April of 2011; I am the captain of the football team, and Senior Class Vice-President.

Are there committees or teams you serve/play on at school, church and in the community? I am on the CDA football, basketball and track teams this year. I serve as puppet team leader, run the soundboard, and teach kids in Sunday School at my church, Wellspring Church in North Rich-land Hills.

What does “ethical servant leadership” mean to you?I would describe servant leadership as being a good leader, able to make decisions and call the shots, who is not afraid to get down and dirty, and do the menial tasks. Jesus is a great example of this. He was able to lead us, show us how to live, while at the same time washing the disciples’ feet. That is the ultimate statement of servant leadership.

What was your best class at CDA?My favorite class would have to be Rhetoric or Apologetics. Rhetoric is handy, for school now, and life in the future. It teaches you to speak and write clearly and effectively. Apologetics is just plain fun. Mr. Jordan is a fantastic teacher, and the class is useful in everyday life.

What is your favorite attribute of God?My favorite attribute of God would have to be His omniscience. He knows all, sees all, and has a plan for each one of us. This has comforted me many times, knowing that anything and every-thing that happens has a purpose.

ryan southerlandSenior Class Vice President

enrolled since 2005

Read the interview to learn more about this ambitious young man.

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Our Mission

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

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

Collaborative CDA is a genuine school-home collaboration, where students receive professional instruction on campus two to three days per week and work at home under the tutelage of their parents for the balance of the week allowing the family to be the primary influence on the child’s life.

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