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RRCA Faculty and Staff RRCA Board of Directors School Stats Seniors Secondary Highlights Collegiate Athletes Athletics Elementary Highlights Early Childhood Highlights Serving Others Extracurricular Activities Arts & Culture Fundraising
Notice of Student Non-Discriminatory Policy
RRCA admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.
ADMINISTRATION
Rebecca Blauser, Head of School Tiffany Jaksch, Secondary Principal Rayeanne OBrien, Elementary Principal Kelly Counts, Early Childhood Principal Dan Headley, Athletic Director Lindsey Boyd, Development Director
MISSION STATEMENT
Round Rock Christian Academy is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school equipping and developing students to effectively integrate Biblical truth and academic learning into their daily lives to impact their community for Christ.
The 2012-2013 school year was filled with many successes not only in academics, but also in exciting athletic events and fine arts achievements. Continuing the tradition of academic excellence, the seniors in the Class of 2013 have been offered on average $42,000 in scholarships from colleges and universities, and college entrance scores continue to be well above state and national averages. The Senior Class of 2013 included Commended Scholars, All State Academic recipients, and State Champions. This past year will long be remembered as one of the most successful in RRCA athletics history, with TAPPS 3A State Championships in volleyball, swimming and track, as well as Regional and State Final Four appearances in girls and boys basketball. Four of the graduates have signed commitment letters to compete at the collegiate level in volleyball, track, and basketball. As you look over this summary of the 2012- 2013 school year, we hope that you will see what makes RRCA an exceptional school. Whether you have contributed financially, served on the PST, coached a team, or volunteered as a homeroom parent, your investment in the lives of RRCA students is one of the key factors to our success. Financially, the school has had a prosperous year and plans have been made to add additional technology components to the academic program for the new school year. RRCA strives to bring Christian morals, ethics, and teaching into an overall program that provides education excellence for students and families. In partnership with parents and churches, we share biblical truth and provide excellence in academics that enables students to discern, embrace, and promote a Christian worldview. Our goal is to help develop young leaders who embrace a Christian worldview and are able to make a lasting impact on future generations. God continues to bless Round Rock Christian Academy greatly and we cannot wait to see what He has in store for us in the future. Thank you for joining us in this journey. Sincerely,
Rebecca Blauser
Rebecca Blauser, Head of School
2012-2013
My first year in 1995, RRCA had about 150 total students in preschool through 8th grade, and all the classrooms were in the main building and one portable building. Through the years, I have watched the worship center/gym be built, seen a dozen portables brought in, parking lots created, the three-story building constructed, and a variety of vans and buses purchased.
I cant narrow it down to one specific memory. However, in looking back I would say it is the spirit and heart of RRCA. Everyone always pitched in, loved the students and each other, and got the job done. The support that I received from Susan Owen, Becky Blauser, and Tiffany Jaksch (my administrators while at RRCA) was and is unparalleled. I will always treasure their support and friendship. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the secondary staff when I had my cancer surgery in 2011. My husband and I ate the food they brought us for almost a month! I have made lifelong friendships that I will always treasure.
My first goal is to get some rest and take a vacation in July. This summer I am going to once again make time for my two favorite hobbiesquilting and amateur photography. I also intend to be more involved in the Agape Pregnancy Resource Center, a charity that I have worked with since its inception. My long-term goal is to start teaching womens Bible studies during the week and to speak to womens groups. My husband and I help co-parent our grandson since our son is a single dad, and that will continue to be one of our highest priorities.
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2012-2013
The Board of Directors acts as the legislative body in formulating policy for the conduct of the school. The Board is directly responsible for approving the Mission and Vision Statement of the school and the policies under which the school operates; approving the Strategic Plan and overseeing its preparation and implementation; hiring the Head of School; approving the annual operating budget, including tuition levels; approving major capital expenditures; and approving fundraising programs. The Board is responsible, through its oversight, for ensuring that the curriculum and all of the activities of the school conform to the Mission Statement and the applicable policies of the school. The Board has delegated to the Head of School the authority for the day-to-day operation of the school.
2012-2013
Rick Akins Elizabeth Brenenstuhl John Eckford Don Eddleman Terry Hagood Nancy Madsen Judy McLeod Susan Oglesbee Brent Orred Bonnie Sells Kathy Smith Wade Sutherland Todd Whitley
The Board of Trustees acts as the fundraising oversight body for the schools Annual Fund and capital campaigns. The Board is responsible for assisting with the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective donors; advising staff and leadership on matters related to fundraising and campaigns; advising staff on the investment of endowment funds; and communicating with the Board of Directors on matters related to fundraising programs. The Board has delegated to the Executive Director of the Round Rock Christian Academy Foundation the authority for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.
Jim Boles
Summit Commercial
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School Stats
RRCA offers AP and dual credit courses through Austin Community College to help graduates obtain college credits during high school. Dual credit students earn on average 18 college credits while attending RRCA. 71% of high school students participate in RRCA athletics, and 68% of high school students participate in fine arts (choir, drama, art, and forensics). Kindergarten 11th grade students consistently score higher than 80% of the nation on yearly standardized testing.
Class of 2013
National 1504* Texas 1458* RRISD 1614* Class of 2013 1634 5 year RRCA 1677 Average
ACT Composite
21* 24 24.2
Student Body
2012-2013 Recap
Enrollment PreK Students Teacher/Student Ratio Elementary Students Teacher/Student Ratio Secondary School Teacher/Student Ratio Senior Class
Ethnicity
African-American Asian Biracial Caucasian Hispanic Indian Other
8% 5% 2% 69% 11% 1% 3%
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The 2013 Valedictorian, Josh Cook, attended RRCA beginning with 7th grade. While at RRCA, Josh was active in football, baseball and Student Council. Outside of school, Josh works for the Round Rock Express baseball team and is active in his church youth group and mission trips. Josh plans to study Biomedical Engineering and Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado and will be in the schools Honors Program. His fellow class member and Salutatorian Daniel Eldred attended RRCA since the 6th grade. Daniel played football and was named a Commended National Merit student. Daniel volunteers at a local food pantry and assists with Backyard Bible Clubs. Daniel was selected to be in the Texas Christian Universitys Honors Program and will study mechanical engineering.
I think RRCA gave me not only knowledge, but a drive and work ethic that made my first year at college more successful than many of my peers. Elizabeth Birkman, Class of 2012, Texas Tech University
RRCA prepared me well for college. By the time I graduated, I already knew how to study and manage my time well, which is really useful when you are balancing multiple college courses. Jenna Grosser, Class of 2012, University of North Texas
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was offered $852,836 in scholarships from various colleges and organizations, which is an average of $42,000 per graduate.
Moriah Mae Adams
Austin Community College Nursing
Class of
The
Jonathan D. Fenwick
Missouri Southern State University Business Management
Daniel R. Eldred
Texas Christian University Mechanical Engineering
RRCA was intricate in preparing me for my college career. From the comprehensive English and science courses, to the challenging math classes, I was well prepared for university academics. My freshman year I was admitted to the honors English courses at Oral Roberts University, and I can definitely point to RRCA for equipping me to succeed. Bennett Seibert, Class of 2012, Oral Roberts University
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Secondary Highlights
Homecoming
week was filled with excitement as students showed their school spirit leading up to the big game on Friday. The Student Council planned themes for each day of the week so students could show off their school spirit. Monday students came to school Dressed to Impress, Tuesday students dressed like their favorite Disney character, Wednesday students dressed in their favorite collegiate wear, Thursday was class color day and Friday students wore their Crusader spirit t-shirts. Thursday night the high school students cheered on the team at a Homecoming Spirit Rally with games, pizza and an inspiring speech by Coach Rodnei. On Friday, the team was pumped up for the game with a school-wide pep rally. The Crusaders were victorious with a score of 4219 against the Williamson County Homeschool Falcons.
The Homecoming Court was recognized during half-time, and members of the court included:
Freshmen: Madison Whitley and Zach Adams Sophomores: Rachel Grosser and Jacob Parker Juniors: Rebecca Wolff and Josh Jacks Seniors: Mallory Blauser and Josh Cook Tia-Ashley Jones and Jonathan Fenwick Sydney Counts and Caleb Moore Ashley Shelton and Wade Smotherman
After the Court was presented, the highly-anticipated moment arrived for the crowning of King and Queen. Mallory Blauser was crowned Queen and Jonathan Fenwick was crowned King.
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Collegiate Athletes
It has been an incredible year for several student athletes, and four of the graduating seniors plan to continue their athletic pursuits at the collegiate level in the fall. Mallory Blauser, who was awarded the TAPPS 3A Athlete of the Year, will become a Bearcat playing volleyball at the University of Cincinnati. Tyler Severson and his track shoes will head off to HardinSimmons University. Sam Berg will take his hoop dreams to Kerrville to play basketball at Schreiner University, and Gabe Oates will be playing basketball at Howard Payne University. Each of these athletes received scholarships to attend school and compete in their respective sports.
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Athletics
Volleyball
The Varsity volleyball team and Coach Susan Hart returned to unfinished business in August, anticipating a playoff bid with 6 returning starters from the previous season. Led by Seniors Mallory Blauser and Ashley Shelton, the team went to work in several pre-season tournaments, winning first place in the West Tournament against several public schools and defeating 5A Copperas Cove. The team completed their storybook season by winning the TAPPS 3A State Volleyball Championship and posting a 38-3 final record for the season. In route to the first state volleyball championship in RRCA history, the team played tough matches against Lago Vista High School, which gave the Lady Crusaders 2 of their 3 season losses, and outlasted a feisty Austin Brentwood team for the outright district championship. Their playoff run was nearly perfect (15-1) with one loss in the state semi-finals, and the Lady Crusaders finished with an overall best season record and first state championship for the RRCA volleyball program.
Basketball
The Lady Crusaders basketball program has seen a lot of success over the years and looked to continue that tradition for 2012-13 with Head Coach Doug Doty. The Crusaders boys were learning a new system under new Head Coach Christian Mueller. Both the basketball teams were competing at a high level once district play began, and the excitement continued as the teams stayed on top in the district race during January. Mallory Blauser for the Lady Crusaders and Jesse Richards for the Crusaders both had game-winning baskets to beat the buzzer and win key games. The Crusaders won the district championship, fulfilling their team slogan of Worst to First, and the Lady Crusaders came in as the second place team in the playoffs. Both teams went on to host the first and second round playoff games and won those games in dramatic fashion. In Regional playoff action, the Crusaders drew a tough team in The Woodlands Christian Academy, two-time defending state champions who had defeated the Crusaders two years earlier. The Crusaders fought to the very end but were not able to continue their playoff run. For their Regional match, the Lady Crusaders battled Tomball Rosehill, who has been a tough rival for several years. The Lady Crusaders pulled away in the second half on some great defensive stops, winning the game and advancing to the State Final Four match. The Lady Crusaders were up against hometown rivals Austin Brentwood for the state semi-final match, against whom the Crusaders had split the regular season district games, with each team winning on their own court. The Lady Crusaders run at a second state championship in one school year fell short, but both basketball teams had successful seasons and believed they could dream big and made it happen.
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Swimming
Freshman Madeline Tweden, a devoted yearround swimmer, and Sophomore Cayden Orred, who swims during the summer season, took to the water to represent RRCA in TAPPS competition. Both swimmers competed at the TAPPS Regional swim meet, where Madeline won first place in both the womens 200 yard freestyle and the 500 yard freestyle. Cayden finished third in the mens 100 yard backstroke and fifth in the mens 100 yard freestyle, and their finishes qualified both swimmers for the TAPPS State swim meet. Madeline swam her way to a state championship in the womens 200 yard freestyle and then placed 3rd in the 500 yard freestyle. Cayden came away from the state meet with his personal best times, finishing 5th in the mens 100 yard backstroke and 10th in the 100 yard freestyle.
Soccer
This spring was the inaugural season for a co-ed 5th and 6th grade soccer team with over 20 students. After a few practices, the team went straight into league games, where they caught everyone by surprise. The team, coached by Andrea Cermak and assisted by Nathan Curley and Earl Samaroo, kicked their way through the season, finishing undefeated and the top seed in the end of season tournament. The Crusaders won both games and were named the ACAA Elementary Soccer Champions!
Varsity Track
In high school track, Tyler Severson had a personal goal to defend his 2012 state championships in the 100 meter and 200 meter. After medaling once again in his favored events at District and Regionals, Tyler made his last appearance at the TAPPS 3A track meet at Baylor University on May 11, 2013. With Coach Rutherford, family, and friends on hand to cheer Tyler on, he repeated his gold medal performance in the 100 meter and won the silver medal in the 200 meter. Tyler finished his RRCA high school career as one of the most decorated RRCA track athletes, with 3 state gold medals, 2 state silver medals, and numerous 1st place finishes at the District and Regional level.
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Elementary Highlights
The kindergarten through fifth grade elementary classes continued to lay a strong spiritual and collegepreparatory educational foundation at RRCA during the 2012-2013 school year.
RRCA Families were invited to build relationships through various activities during the year. Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, Grandparents Day, and the Daddy-Daughter dance were all a big hit with elementary families. The Parent Support Team (PST) hosted the first Family Movie Night and families had a great night out at the movies (in the gym) complete with popcorn, hot dogs, and their RRCA friends.
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Unique learning activities continued throughout the year with an elementary mock Presidential
Election, a Rock Solid Fire Safety program, spelling bees, Math Olympics, Dental Health week, Black History month activities, induction into the National Junior Honor Society and Honors Award chapels. A special emphasis was given to make our Terra Nova Testing (TNT) dynamite during the spring, accompanied by our B.U.G.S. (Becoming Useful Godly Servants) to emphasize the importance of serving others in our homes and communities.
The elementary Reading program included many new exciting activities this year, along with the addition of a new librarian, Jennifer Mayo. Teachers built classroom libraries and added browsing boxes with Reading Response journals to their instructional programs, as teachers continued to differentiate reading according to each students ability. As part of the Scholastic Summer Reading program, our elementary readers ranked 158 in the world and earned free books at one of our two Scholastic Book fairs held this year.
Teachers and administrators were involved in professional development all year. Kindergarten and first grade teachers attended conferences by Dr. Jean, a nationally known author and presenter of cognitive songs and learning activities. First through third grade teachers learned about educational best practices at the Texas State Conventions for their grade levels, and fourth and fifth grade teachers attended language arts training. Teachers were also instructed in how to use new technology in their classrooms with Mimeos (interactive white board systems) and document cameras. Teachers also participated in workshops on writing benchmarks, non-negotiable spelling words by grade level, and Professional Learning communities.
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Early Childhood
Preschool Goes to the Movies
On Thursday, May 24 the Early Childhood department all went to the RRCA drive-in movie theater. The Prekindergarten students worked diligently to create a character-themed cardboard car to drive to school. From Spiderman to Speed Racer, and Mater to Disney Princess, the cardboard cars were on parade as they travelled across the campus to the Centrals Youth Building to watch Wreck It Ralph on the big screen. Mrs. Howards 3 year old class arrived in style in a cardboard stretch limousine that was handcrafted by Danny Tam. Mrs. Engelbrechts class watched the movie from a beautifully constructed school bus created by parent Holley Kitchen. The students and parents had such fun with this annual tradition.
Foam Party
The Early Elementary department did an awesome job with securing pledges, raising over $9,500 for the jog-a-thon! So many families participated in our annual jog-a-thon by giving sacrificially and volunteering their time to help supervise or count laps. Every class in the Early Childhood department earned a party in a sudsy, splashy, foamy pit of fun. The students had a terrific time sliding around with their classmates on May 29 in celebration of a great accomplishment for the Academy.
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Serving Others
Students at RRCA are encouraged to participate in local service opportunities as well as mission trips in the United States and beyond. For the second year in a row, RRCA partnered with the Backpack Coalition to provide weekly food for 70 underprivileged students at a local elementary school. Parents and students participated by purchasing food items, donating funds, making the food kits, and distributing the food each Friday of the school year. In addition to local service opportunities, many of our high school students choose to take mission trips with their churches and youth groups. Below are highlights from recent mission trips our seniors participated in.
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Extracurricular
Activities
Round Rock Christian Academy strives to provide students a complete high school experience. Students at RRCA have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extracurricular and student activities. RRCA students are able to compete in choir, forensics, art, drama and academics. In addition, students can be members of the Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club and Service Clubs. These clubs provide students with opportunities to be more involved in their communities and develop leadership skills by serving in officer positions. RRCA encourages students to be involved in several organizations in order to develop well-rounded Christian leaders.
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How has RRCA grown and changed through the years? When I started,
the school was called Lake Creek Baptist Academy and had around 80 students, from PreKindergarten to 6th grade. The school name was later changed to Central Baptist Academy, then Round Rock Christian Academy.
What is one of your favorite parts of the music program? For many
years, the middle school choirs have travelled to local nursing homes and retirement centers to sing to the residents. I enjoy hearing the choir students comments in the van after they have performed. The comments from the students are the same after each trip, and include: That was so much fun... That lady (or man) didnt want to let go of my hand...One of the elderly folks said it reminded them of when they were young and sang in a choir...One of them thought I was their son (or daughter)...They sang with us!...I wish we could go more often.
What has helped you grow professionally? When the school added middle school and high school grades,
I plunged into areas that were totally new to me. The thing that has helped me keep my head above water has been attending the Texas Music Educators and the Texas Choral Directors conventions each year. I am so appreciative of the school allowing me to attend these professional development opportunities. They have been my choir lifeline.
What is in store for your high school students this year? Since 2008, the High Call Choir has been taking
out-of-state trips every two years. In the spring of 2014, the choir will be travelling to New York City and will be performing with other Christian school choirs at Carnegie Hall.
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RRCA Fundraising
Annual Fund
Through the support of generous donors, over $320,000* was raised for the Annual Fund at RRCA during the 2012-2013 school year! Here are just a few examples of how these dollars benefitted RRCA this year:
Mimio projectors for 85% of the 1st 12th grade classrooms 16 new laptops and computers Trajectory Computer Curriculum to be offered to RRCA students in 2013-2014 school year Monitors and software for 30 student computers Security and camera system for main building and education building
* This amount includes in-kind gifts
Sponsors
Crusader Sponsor Sandra and George Littlejohn Bronze Sponsors Austin Coatings Becky and Jeff Blauser V.I.P. Reception Sponsor Lindsey and Will Boyd Alpha Painting & Decorating Co., Inc. Sandra and David Brougher Community Impact Newspaper Platinum Sponsors Don Eddleman, efg&m, L.P. Photography by Denise Hagood Engineering Associates Georgann and Todd Whitley Tiffany and Todd Jaksch/ Rayeanne OBrien Gold Sponsors KAHickman Architects and Beth and Charles Avery Interior Designers Monti and Jim Boles Judy and Wade McLeod Summit Commercial Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships Leffingwell & Associates, Pamela and Arlyn Owens P.C. Attorneys at Law Jeanne Stearns, Perfect Tree Realty R Bank Silver Sponsors Suzy and Jeff Rusk/ Andrea and Dan Cermak The Rusk Law Firm Joyce and Mark Fritz Stephanie and Todd Severson Law Office of Victoria Soto Tricor Technologies, Inc. Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP Wells Fargo Bank
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Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors Alpha Painting & Decorating Co., Inc. Leffingwell & Associates, P.C. Attorneys at Law Gold Sponsors Gattis Pizza Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP Silver Sponsors D&N Tool, Inc. Independent Bank Round Rock Karate Academy Triple Crown Dog Academy Watkins Insurance Bronze Sponsors Akins, Nowlin & Prewitt, Attorneys and Counselors at Law Athletic Tune-Up Professionals Community Impact Newspaper Don Eddleman, efg&m, L.P. Odyssey Technical Solutions Real Estate by Stuart Sutton Scott & White Health Plan Wag-A-Bag
Crusaderball
On Friday, April 12, all high school students competed in the 2nd Annual CrusaderBall dodgeball tournament, raising over $18,000 for the Annual Fund. The students were placed on teams that worked together to raise funds prior to the event, and then enjoyed a barbecue lunch to kick off the tournament. The Dodgers, led by team captain Josh Cook, won the ultimate prize as the winners of the tournament and had their team name added to the CrusaderBall trophy. Team Abusement Park, led by captain Wade Smotherman, was treated to an off-campus lunch for being the top fundraising team, raising a total of $7,575.
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Mission Statement
Round Rock Christian Academy is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school equipping and developing students to effectively integrate Biblical truth and academic learning into their daily lives to impact their community for Christ.
Vision Statement
Round Rock Christian Academy will be the standard for college-preparatory, Christian education.
301-A North Lake Creek Drive Round Rock, Texas 78681 512.255.4491
Accreditation/Affiliations
Association of Christian Schools International; Texas Private School Accreditation Commission; Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools; Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; International Association of Christian Schools and Administrators; National Association of Secondary School Principals; The College Board; Southern Association of College and Schools; and the Texas Gifted and Talented Association; Member, Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Texas Association of Non-Profit Organizations, Greenlights for Non-Profit Success