2015-2016 Calendar Hill Country Christian School

The Basics
3-4
Absence
Annual Fund
Athletics Booster Club
Board of Trustees
Carpool
Door Dads
Dress Code
Educational Support
Services (ESS)
Family Knight Socials
Homecoming Mums
Homeroom Moms
Knights Store
Knight Under the Stars
Knights Unite
Lunch
Moms in Prayer
New Parent Orientation
One Call Now
Parent/Student Handbook
Parent Teacher Fellowship
Re-Enrollment
School Hours
School Publications
Shutterfly
Travel Shirts
Tuition Assistance
Veracross
Visitors
Volunteer Hub
Website
lower School
(Pk-5th)
Important Events
Chapel
Ecclesia
Knights Care
Service Projects
Major Grade-Level Events
Extracurricular Activities
5-6
upper School
(6th -12th)
Important Events
Chapel
Course of Studies
One to One Technology
Service Projects
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics
7-8
academic calendar
9
our School
Statement
10 Mission
The 3 C’s
Classical Education
Our Promise to You
contact information
Head Master, Bill McGee
[email protected]
Director of Fine Arts, Lisa Brewer
[email protected]
Upper School Principal, Joy Young
[email protected]
Director of Library Media Center, Marcelle Simms
[email protected]
Lower School Principal, John Petrey
[email protected]
Executive Director of Advancement,
Carmen Hamilton
[email protected]
Director of Preschool, Elaine Burleson
[email protected]
Director of Christian Life, Richard Tinsley
[email protected]
Dean of Students, Scott Horne
[email protected]
Dean of Student Services, Debby Krohmer
[email protected]
Director of Guidance Counseling,
JoEllen Goldsberry
[email protected]
Director of Athletics, Pete Craycroft
[email protected]
Director of Admissions, Michi Joy Ishimura
[email protected]
Director of Marketing, Sherry Pendleton
[email protected]
Executive Director of Business Services,
Susan Dehnel
[email protected]
Director of Operations, Philip Hudgens
[email protected]
Director of Technology, Jacob Rotich
[email protected]
(512) 331-7036
(512) 257-4190 (FAX)
12124 R R 6 2 0 N o r t h
Aus tin, TX 78750
www. Hi l l Countr yChr i s tianS cho o l.o r g
ABSENCE
DRESS CODE
When a student is absent, the parent/guardian should call the
school at 512-331-7036 or email the office before 9:00 a.m.
Lower School parents should email [email protected], and Upper School parents should email [email protected].
For dress code requirements, see the “Lower School Parent/
Student Handbook” or “Upper School Parent/Student Handbook,” located under the “Parents” tab of our website.
ANNUAL FUND
ESS provides individualized services for students with highfunctioning neurodiversities. For more information, visit ESS
under the “Academics” tab of our website.
This campaign provides funds to enhance your student’s Hill
Country experience. Annual Fund launches in the fall with
Knight Under the Stars, a fun evening for parents. Visit the
“Support Us” tab of our website or contact Carmen Hamilton
at [email protected] for information.
ATHLETICS BOOSTER CLUB
This group of parent volunteers promotes school spirit and
supports athletics needs. For information, contact Pete Craycroft, [email protected].
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A board of trustees, under the authority of the elder board of
Hill Country Bible Church, governs the school. Visit the Board
of Trustees page under the “About” tab of our website for
information.
CARPOOL
MORNING
Students in PK-5th grade should be dropped off through carpool line at the school entrance between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.
Students in 6th-12th grade should be dropped off at the school
entrance or at a portable in time to report to class by 9:00 a.m.
on Monday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
AFTERNOON
PK students who do not attend enrichment should be picked
up at 12:00 noon through carpool line outside the school
entrance.
Students in K-5th grade should be picked up at 2:00 p.m. on
Monday and 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday through carpool line outside the school entrance or at walk-up outside the
worship center lobby.
Students in 6th-12th grade may be picked up at 3:30 p.m. or
after their after-school activity.
DOOR DADS
Dads are invited to open car doors and welcome students during morning carpool, Monday-Friday from 7:30-8:00 a.m.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES (ESS)
FAMILY KNIGHT SOCIALS
Our PTF organizes socials throughout the year for the school
community to fellowship together. Watch for announcements
in Knightly News.
HOMEROOM MOMS
This PTF committee coordinates teacher and classroom needs
and communicates those needs to parents. Homeroom moms
also coordinate social events for each class/grade level.
KNIGHTS STORE
Show your spirit by purchasing a wide variety of Hill Country
gear. Spirit gear will be available for purchase throughout the
school year. Visit the Knights Store under the “Parents” tab of
our website for information.
KNIGHT UNDER THE STARS
This Annual Fund kick off event for parents is held each fall.
The 2015 event will take place on Saturday, October 3, at the
University of Texas Golf Club. Don’t miss this evening of food,
fun, and inspiration. Visit Knight Under the Stars under the
“Support Us” tab of our website for more information.
KNIGHTS UNITE
The Knights Unite Back to School Event is held just before the
start of school each fall. Students drop off school supplies and
meet teachers. Information about clubs, extracurricular activities, and parent organizations is available.
LUNCH
Lunch is served in the gym. Parents are welcome to check in
at the front desk to have lunch with their student. Students
may bring lunch or purchase hot lunch, offered daily. Lunch
accounts are managed through mymealtime.com. The monthly
menu is available on our website under the “Parents” tab.
MOMS IN PRAYER
Groups meet at various times each week to pray for our school,
families, and staff. For information, contact Caroline Davis, [email protected].
NEW PARENT ORIENTATION
At this orientation in August, we discuss carpool,
grade level parent meetings, and everything new
families need to know.
ONE CALL NOW
One Call Now is a text message system used to
communicate information such as school delays or
closures due to inclement weather. Sign-up information will be provided in August.
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
Lower and Upper School have Parent/Student
Handbooks, located under the “Parents” tab of our
website on the “Forms” page.
PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
(PTF)
This organization develops a positive and welcoming climate while assisting the faculty, administration, and school board in meeting school needs.
RE-ENROLLMENT
Re-enrollment begins in January. The tuition
deposit and tuition protection plan fee are due in
January. You may also apply for tuition assistance at
this time.
SCHOOL HOURS
PK begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at noon, with enrichment available until 3:00 p.m. for an additional
fee. Grades K-5 begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 2:00
p.m. on Monday and 3:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Grades 6-12 begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday and 8:30
a.m. Tuesday-Friday, and end at 3:30 p.m.
SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS
Knightly News: Emailed every Tuesday, this
newsletter contains important announcements and
upcoming events.
Knights’ Realm: Emailed twice a year; contains
events, successes, and pictures from all school
levels.
Senior Newsletter: Mailed once a year; celebration
of our graduating seniors.
Visions and Values: Mailed as needed. The primary
contributors are the head master and the chairman
of the board of trustees.
SHUTTERFLY
Shutterfly is a secure website on which parents may
upload and share photos of school events and activities. Visit hillcountrychristianschool.shutterfly.
com to request access.
TRAVEL SHIRTS
All K-5 students must wear a travel shirt on school
trips. Shirts are purchased from Parker Uniforms
at parkersu.com or 7756 Northcross Drive #111,
78757. Shirts will be available for purchase at the
Knights Unite Back to School Event.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Tuition Assistance is available to qualified families
who apply during re-enrollment. TADS reviews
submitted applications and recommends award
amounts to the finance committee.
VERACROSS
Veracross is our school information system. Parents
are able to view grades, student schedules, directories, and more.
VISITORS
Visitors must sign in at the front desk and present a
driver’s license to run through Raptor, our background check system.
VOLUNTEER HUB
Volunteer Hub is the tool to sign up for volunteer
opportunities throughout the school. Visit hccsaptf.
volunteerhub.
WEBSITE
Our web address is HillCountryChristianSchool.
org. Visit the “Parents” tab for pertinent information, such as the school calendar, newsletters, lunch
menu, and forms.
Fall Semester
KNIGHTS UNITE
BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT
Before the first day of school, families visit school to meet
teachers, drop off school supplies, and fellowship. Volunteer
and extra-curricular sign-ups are available.
GRADE LEVEL PARENT MEETINGS
In August, Lower School teachers hold meetings to present
detailed information about your child’s grade level.
HEALTHY KNIGHTS 5K & FAIR
In October, our school comes together to run or walk a 5K. A
variety of booths promote healthy eating and living.
TALENT SHOW
In December, students have the opportunity to showcase
their talents through our annual talent show.
Spring Semester
CHAPEL
K-5th grade students attend chapel every Tuesday from
8:10-8:50 a.m., in the 3rd floor auditorium. Preschool students attend chapel every Wednesday from 8:30-9:00 a.m.,
in a preschool classroom. Parents are welcome to attend.
ECCLESIA
Every morning at 7:45 a.m., Mr. Petrey greets 2nd–5th
grade students in the 3rd floor auditorium. He leads the
students in pledges and various activities (e.g., Shurley
grammar and history timeline chants), takes prayer requests, and prays with the students.
KNIGHTS CARE
Fee-based after school care (Knights Care) is offered for
PK-5th graders until 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. To enroll,
submit the registration form (located under the “Parents”
tab of our website) and submit the deposit. After school
care is offered free of charge on Monday afternoons from
2:00-3:00 p.m. exclusively for families who have both
Lower and Upper School students. A registration form
should still be completed. Contact Knights Care Director
Annette Vickers at [email protected], for information.
SCIENCE FAIR
In January, 5th graders participate in a science fair competition. K-4th graders complete a class science project.
SPEECH MEET
In February, 1st-5th grade students participate in speech
meet, presenting a memorized selection to a panel of judges.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
In March, grandparents of K-5th graders are invited to an
open house in their honor. This event is held in conjunction
with Evening of Truth, Beauty, & Goodness.
EVENING OF TRUTH, BEAUTY, & GOODNESS
In March, students showcase their accomplishments in the
visual and performing arts.
FIELD DAY & READING RALLY
K-5th graders participate in a fun day of activities that develop mind and body.
KNIGHTS OF CELEBRATION
In late May, K-5th graders and their families celebrate the
school year on this evening by visiting their classrooms,
where they receive a portfolio of schoolwork. Everyone then
gathers in the Worship Center for a slide show and celebration.
END-OF-YEAR PARTIES
K-5th graders have end-of-year parties at various fun locations. Parents are encouraged to attend.
SERVICE PROJECTS
All Lower School students participate in Operation
Christmas Child and grade-level service projects during the year. Details will be announced after the start of
school.
Major Grade-Level Events
PRE-K
Thanksgiving Service Project and Feast–November
Christmas Program – December
Sock Hop/Valentine’s Celebration – February
Easter Party and Egg Hunt – March/April
End-of-Year Program and Luau – May
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS (K-12th)
KINDERGARTEN
Supporting Our Troops Service Project – Fall & Spring
Creation Program – September
Elegant Day Tea Party – September
Muffins for Moms – October
Donuts for Dads – October
Valentine’s Celebration – February
Kindergarten Graduation – May
CHESS CLUB (1st-5th)
CHOIR (3rd-5th)
FIRST GRADE
Thankful for Dads – November
Christmas Around the World – December
Valentine’s Celebration – February
Nursing Home Service Project – April
Mother’s Day – May
DESTINATION IMAGINATION (4th-12th)
KNIGHT GUARD (boys, PK-5th)
SECOND GRADE
Baby Shower for Jesus Service Project – December
Founding Fathers – February
Valentine’s Celebration – February
Model Moms – May
Egyptian Day – May
THIRD GRADE
Greek Olympics – November
Christmas Celebration – December
Valentine’s Celebration – February
Nursing Home Service Project
& Egg Dyeing Party – April
Roman Market Day – May
MUSIC CONSERVATORY (2nd-12th)
PEP SQUAD (girls, PK-5th)
FOURTH GRADE
Christmas Heritage/Tradition
Celebration – December
Valentine’s Celebration – February
TX Baptist Children’s Home Service Project – April
Medieval Festival – May
RUN CLUB (K-5th)
FIFTH GRADE
Exploration Day – October
Christmas Service Project
with ESL Students – December
Valentine’s Celebration – February
Living History Museum – May
SAFETY PATROL (5th)
SODALITAS HISTORY CLUB (3rd-5th)
Fall Semester
KNIGHTS UNITE
BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT
Before the first day of school, students receive their schedules
and lockers and visit classrooms.
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
All 9th-12th grade students attend an off-site retreat each fall.
BACK TO UPPER SCHOOL PARENT MEETING
In September, staff highlight events and updates for the new year
and provide important overviews.
HOMECOMING WEEK AND DANCE
High school students participate in theme days throughout the
week and attend the homecoming dance on Saturday night.
SIXTH GRADE RETREAT
The 6th graders attend a retreat at Pine Cove each October.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP
Students in 11th and 12th grade are eligible to participate in a
Thanksgiving mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
Spring Semester
EIGHTH GRADE RETREAT
The 8th graders attend an off-site retreat each spring, which is
led by high school students.
SEVENTH GRADE NASA TRIP
The 7th graders take a trip to Johnson Space Center and the
Houston Museum of Natural Science each spring.
KENYA MISSION TRIP
Students in 8th-12th grade are eligible to serve on a Spring Break
mission trip to Kenya.
PROM
In April, 11th-12th graders are invited to attend Prom (off-site).
HONORS CONVOCATIONS
At these end-of-year awards ceremonies, the school community
celebrates the academic, leadership, and service accomplishments of students in grades 6-8 and 9-12.
HIGH SCHOOL END-OF-YEAR PARTY
All high school students are invited to an end of year party
hosted by the Student Council.
BACCALAUREATE & COMMENCEMENT
Our entire school community is encouraged to attend this special ceremony honoring our graduating seniors.
CHAPEL
Upper School students attend chapel every Monday at
9:00 a.m., in the 3rd floor auditorium. Parents are welcome to attend.
COURSE CATALOG
Detailed course information, including our Course Catalog, may be found under Upper School on the “Academics” tab of our website.
HOUSE SYSTEM
Led by juniors, seniors, and faculty, the Upper School
houses promote school spirit, community, and positive
peer pressure. Students in 6th-12th grade and staff spend
the school year gathering, learning, growing, and serving
together.
ONE TO ONE
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
All high school students are issued a Chromebook for use
during the school year.
SERVICE PROJECTS
All Upper School students participate in service projects
during the year, including special emphasis on Operation
Christmas Child.
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
CERTAMEN
ATHLETICS
Baseball
Basketball
DESTINATION IMAGINATION
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CLUB
(high school)
DRUMLINE
FELLOWSHIP OF
CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
INTERNATIONAL
THESPIAN SOCIETY
(high school)
KNIGHTS THEATRE CLUB
(middle school)
LATIN CLUB
MUSIC CONSERVATORY
NATIONAL HONOR
SOCIETY (10th-12th)
NATIONAL JUNIOR
HONOR SOCIETY (7th-9th)
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
STUDENT COUNCIL
(high school)
Cheer
Cross Country
Flag Football
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track and
Field
Volleyball
Hill Country Christian School
2015-2016 Calendar
Days Count
August 2015
Instructional Days: 175
Quarter 1: 40
Quarter 2: 40
Quarter 3: 47
Quarter 4: 48
Staff Development Days: 11
S
M
T
W T
September 2015
F
S
S
M
1
3
4
5
8
9
10 11 12
5
F
S
1
2
3
8
9
10
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
18 BQ
19 20 21 22 23 24
New Staff Orientation
NS
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
27 28 29 30
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Staff Development
SD
30 31
Beginning of Quarter
BQ
Early Release/End of Quarter
ER
Bad Weather
BW
December 2015
S
M
T
W T
F
S
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14
S
6
M
7
6
W T
16 SD
17 SD
18 SD
19 BQ
20 21 22
5
4
T
H
November 2015
H
7
2
M
H 13 14 15 ER
11 12
16 17
•  On the Conference Days, students in the
respective division do not attend class.
•  April 25 will be a holiday unless it is
needed to make up a bad weather day.
•  During final exams, high school students
are only on campus while testing.
6
1
S
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Notes
8
S
10 11 NS
12 SD
13 SD
14 15
Major Holidays and Events
7
F
9
New Staff Orientation
August 12
Staff Development
August 13-19
First Day of School
August 20
Labor Day
September 7
Knight Under the Stars
October 3
Columbus Day
October 12
End 1st Qtr./Early Release
October 16
L.S. Conference Day
October 28
Thanksgiving Break
November 23-27
End 2nd Qtr./Early Release December 18
Christmas Break December 21-January 4
Staff Development
January 4
MLK Birthday
January 18
U.S. Conference Day
February 3
Presidents' Day
February 15
Evening of TB&G
March 10
End 3rd Qtr./Early Release
March 11
Spring Break
March 14-18
Good Friday
March 25
Bad Weather Day
April 25
Senior Final Exams
May 16-18
High School Graduation
May 28
8th-11th Final Exams
May 24-26
Last Day/Early Release
May 27
Memorial Day
May 30
Staff Development
May 31-June 3
School Office Closed
July 4
6
W T
3
Holiday
5
T
2
Key
4
October 2015
7
January 2016
T
W T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10 11 12
S
M
T
W T
3 SD
4 BQ
5 6
7
F
S
H
1
2
8
9
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
13 14 15 16 17 ER
18 19
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
H 24
H 25
H 26
H 27
H 28
22 23
H 22
H 23
H 24
H 25
H 26
20 21
H 19 20 21 22 23
17 18
29 30
H 29
H 30
H 31
H
27 28
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
February 2016
S
7
March 2016
M
T
W T
F
S
1
2
3
5
6
8
9
10 11 12 13
4
S
6
M
7
April 2016
T
W T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10 ER
11 12
S
3
M
4
T
5
W T
6
7
F
S
1
2
8
9
H 16 17 18 19 20
14 15
H 15
H 16
H 17
H 18
H 19
13 14
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
H 26
20 BQ
21 22 23 24 25
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
28 29
27 28 29 30 31
24 BW
25 26 27 28 29 30
May 2016
June 2016
S
M
T
W T
F
S
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14
5
S
5
M
6
T
7
W T
July 2016
F
S
SD
1 SD
2 SD
3
4
8
9
10 11
S
3
M
H
4
T
5
W T
6
7
F
S
1
2
8
9
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
22 23 24 25 26 ER
27 28
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
H SD
29 30
31
26 27 28 29 30
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Mission Statement
Hill Country Christian School is a Christ-centered community that partners with Christian families to inspire
and equip college-bound students to become lifelong learners, effective communicators, and servant-leaders who
impact the world with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ.
• Christ-Centered Community
• Classical Education
• College-Preparatory Curriculum
At Hill Country Christian School of Austin, a Classical Education will be defined as:
Classical education is a time-tested approach that aligns curriculum to a child’s cognitive development and consists of three stages known as the Trivium:
• Grammar (memorization and foundational skills) in grades PK-4
• Logic (logic and critical thinking) in grades 5-8
• Rhetoric (art of effective communication and reasoning) in grades 9-12
This creates a progression of learning from knowledge to understanding to wisdom.
Curriculum and biblical worldview are integrated across subject areas so that students develop depth of knowledge
and wisdom, giving them the tools to become independent, critical thinkers and life-long learners who impact the
world with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ.
Our promise to you:
e will
Wknow
your child.
We will
love your child.
Weprepare
will
your child.