YELLOWSTONE SCHOOLS Newsletter Winter 2021 Vol. 1 | No. 1

YOU BROUGHT SUCCESS TO A NEW YELLOWSTONE MOM & ADOPTED DAUGHTER!

REMOTE- LEARNING FRIENDSHIP BECOMES THE REAL DEAL

YOUR GIFTS BRING COVID RELIEF TO YELLOWSTONE

CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR 12 FAMILIES AT YELLOWSTONE Dear Friend, THE YELLOWSTONE PRIDE WINTER 2021 VOL. 1 | NO. 1 Are you as excited as I am to begin a new year? At Yellowstone Schools, we The Yellowstone Schools Newsletter You brought success to a new Yellowstone are so grateful for your faithfulness through all that 2020 brought us. is printed twice yearly for donors, volunteers, students, parents, alumni, and friends. Questions or mom & adopted daughter! From ensuring our students had access to internet service and their own comments? Contact advancement@ Chromebooks to providing extra special love and care for our teachers—you yellowstoneschools.org. BY DENISE BRAY HENSLEY Copyright © 2021 have been with us through your prayers, kind words, and generous support. EDITOR | Amy Tanner When Lisa Garces saw her daughter, Sky, receive the Future Lisa says it is at Yellowstone that she learned about services Thank you. WRITERS | Denise Bray Hensley, Traveler Award at Yellowstone Schools, she knew she had available to help Sky flourish and meet milestones. Sky is Thomas Parker, Brooke Pollock now a third-grader and a straight-A student. As we begin this new year, our students are more behind than they have picked the right school for her newly adopted daughter. PHOTOGRAPHY | Thomas Parker ever been, thanks to COVID-19. Thank you for your donations, volunteerism, DESIGN | Creative Element, LLC “They knew Sky. Really knew her. It wasn’t just an award and prayers which will help us undo this damage and provide a world-class where someone filled in the blank. It was an award from Christian education for our students, and we are so blessed because of it. With BOARD OF DIRECTORS people who knew my daughter and knew her interests and Clark Thompson - Board Chairman, your continued partnership, students will receive the academic interventions PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA GARCES Venus Anderson, Cedric Burgher II, talents,” Lisa said. “I was so proud and so glad.” they need for success and a spiritual curriculum that will last them a lifetime. Brad Childers, Ken Cowan, Les Csorba, “Sky loves everything about space,” she said, adding that David Dominy, Karey Dye, Bryan Fisher, I hope you will find joy in the pages of this newsletter and in the lives at Sherrill Garland, David Humphreys, she and her daughter have a family membership at Space Duane King, David Lumpkins, Center and visit NASA frequently. Yellowstone that you’ve impacted. There is a story of friendship springing up Kristi Lumpkins, Mark McCollum, in unexpected places on page 5—a friendship made possible only through Devin McCord, Trey McDonald, The path to Sky’s award that year was marked by many Phil Pace, Frank Tsuru, Elizabeth Wareing, your loving support. You’ll also read about how a new mom and her adopted Valerie Williams, James Zucker successes, and Lisa gives all the credit to Yellowstone and daugher found belonging and healing at Yellowstone. YELLOWSTONE COLLEGE PREP her decision to enroll her new child, age 6 at the time, in the BOARD OF DIRECTORS Academy. “I knew I wanted to adopt as a single mom, and I I hope you have your tickets to join us on April 8 at our Party in the Park. Lionel Jellins - Board Chairman, Janice Character, David Lumpkins, also wanted to offer a home to a child who likely would not With a COVID-19 vaccine being distributed, we are so looking forward to Trey McDonald, Tori Moore-Cofield, be adopted otherwise.” being together with you again! More details about the party are found at John Peavy, Valerie Williams www.yellowstoneschools.org/party. YELLOWSTONE SCHOOLS She did not know when a child would become available to LEADERSHIP TEAM her, so she had to be well prepared and ready for anything. Ryan Dolibois, MEd Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder what challenges and beautiful moments Executive Director / Superintendent She said her first step was to find the right school to help 2021 will bring. Because you continue to give, our students can look forward Melanie Brooks, CPA her new child be successful and for Lisa herself to be a good to brighter days ahead. Director of Finance parent. That school turned out to be Yellowstone, and Damon Jasmen Denton, PHR Gunn, director of campus services, became her guide through HR Manager Thank you. Thank you for your prayers, your words of affirmation, and your the maze of new parents, new students, and complicated continued giving. You are a blessing to our students. You are a blessing to Damon Gunn Director of Campus Services requirements and paperwork. their families. And you are a blessing to our staff and me. Wishing you and Kim Hansen, MEd “They were so supportive. They helped with afterschool yours a blessed 2021! Director of Program Advancement Candice Lapid, MEd childcare, and the complications of school enrollment. They Gratefully, Principal of Yellowstone Academy even helped me order uniforms,” she said. “It was wild but so Amy Tanner, MBA nice to have Damon help me through the system.” Chief Advancement Officer Mesha White, MEd Sky entered Yellowstone in first grade on Valentine’s Day Principal of Yellowstone College Prep and all the students already had valentines prepared for their ON THE COVER | First Grader, Cymiyah, new classmate, thanks to teacher LaVerne Gilliam. Neither Ryan Dolibois sporting her new daily accessory in her school uniform. mom nor daughter expected such a wonderful welcome on Executive Director and Superintendent Yellowstone Schools educates nearly a first day, especially for Sky, who had not felt like she fit in 500 majority Black children in Houston’s at other schools and places. historic Third Ward. Yellowstone is committed to partnering with students “Ms. Gilliam was always there for us with help and advice. and families, regardless of financial means, to provide an excellent education, She even supported Sky by attending many of Sky’s activities to develop faith and character, and to outside of school. I’d look up and she’d be in the audience,” prepare scholars for life beyond high school. At Yellowstone, we inspire, Lisa said. empower, and invest in students to achieve their highest potential and fulfill Lisa grew up with strong parents who worked hard, and their intended purpose. Yellowstone reinforced those expectations for Sky. Hard work The schools are comprised of Yellowstone and homework became the norm. Sky also learned to treat Academy and Yellowstone College Prep. The Academy is a private, Christian school others with respect and to expect the same from others. serving students in Pre-K through 4th grade and providing significant financial “It’s at Yellowstone where Sky learned how to make friends. assistance to families. Yellowstone I saw her confidence grow and grow,” said Lisa, who has College Prep is a tuition-free charter spent the most recent three years of her career at Depelchin school growing to serve students from 5th through 12th grade. Children’s Center, a foster care and adoption agency.

1 2 YELLOWSTONE’S SCHOLARS SOCIETY Members of the Scholars Society stand with our students and help repair our nation’s education system by providing high-quality, faith-based academics, regardless of economic status. Their gifts create a safe and supportive learning environment, promotes academic excellence, and encourages students’ spiritual growth. Thank you to all of our Scholars Society members.

SUMMA CUM LAUDE Christine & Warren Cole Katherine & Bob Dowdell Lynn & Terry Day Kristen & Andrew Johnston Janet and Brad Childers Marie & Steve Evnochides Christopher Jolivette Anne & Les Csorba Jeannie & Greg Frazier Lindy & Larry Neuhaus Karey & Phillip Dye Shawna & David Jackson Michael Norton Kristi & David Lumpkins Sarah & Jeff McParland David Oliver Linda & Phillip Pace Shelby & Eric Nielsen Taylor Overby Stephanie & Frank Tsuru Martha & Richard Owen, Sr. Theophilus Pham MAGNA CUM LAUDE Leslie & Chris Pine Jane & Keith Poe Joseph Shahda Anne & Billy Reed Carmody & Bob Baker Zach Springer Peggy & William Samuels Mary Anne & Cedric Burgher, II Kim & Jeffrey Van Gundy Tricia & Michael Dilick, II Betsy & Jim Winn SCHOLAR Kevin & Sherrill Garland Jeremy Bartholomew Julia & David Humphreys MERIT SCHOLAR Martha Baum Duane King Karen Arnold Brenna & James Beaver Jenni & Mark McCollum Regan & Chris Bailey Christi Bennett Devin & Ryan McCord Jan & Robert Benjamin Shelley & Doug Brough Amy & Brett Moody Pat & John Berry Sandra Brunow Wood Cynthia & Robert Blackburn Barbara Carter Tricia & Jim Zucker Treva & Gary Bonner Nancy & Ken Chickering CUM LAUDE Jo & Kyle Crake Clyde Cobb Kim & Ryan Dolibois Larry Cohn Krista & Dan Borgen Cyndi & Steve Ford Sarah & Samuel Cooper Kelly & Michael Boyd St. Francis Episcopal Church Mark Crippen Kathryn & Cedric Burgher, III Dalis & Byron Furseth LaTicia Douglas Keely & Carl Carter Debra & Harry Garison, Jr. Lynne Liberato & James Flodine Janice Character & Jiles Daniels, Jr. Charles Hackerman Ltanya & Joseph Foster Pat & Jim Cleary Pam & Larry Hall Karen & Barney Giesen Amy & Chris Connell Stephanie & Mark Hamilton Spread the love by Jennifer & Richard Gould Brooke & Rock Dawson, Jr. Sara & Philip Hawk Martha Gouldin Marisol & Jonathan Edwards Libby & Matthew Kafka Ted Green Lori & Bryan Fisher Kim & Matthew McClellan Sally & John Hopper Judy & Duane Hansen Martha A. McDade donating each month! Carrie Horne Jamie & Bobby Hillin, Jr. Julie & David Miller Audrey & John Jackson Lou & Mark Houser Mary Ann & Mark Miller Mary Ann Jackson Charic & Lionel Jellins Glennis & Jimmy Nokes Dionne Kubin Holly & Clay Krhovjak Rosanne & David Oelfke Sheena McCarthy Jane McCord Caroline & Jason Peters Shirley & John Meredith Lauren & Trey McDonald Lillie Robertson Susie & Robert Overbey, Jr. Making a monthly gift to Yellowstone Schools Anne & David Rae Bo Sanford Kelly Reynolds Katie & Richard Robuck Brandi & Steven Sikes Emily & Tom Ryan Lynda & David Tauber Sandy & Bill Swenson is a way to ensure you’re making an impact Heather & Brian Sasser Anne & Clark Thompson Amy Tanner Gabrielle & Bob Seekely The Horlock Foundation Ginya Trier Abigail Shulman throughout the year. Consider transitioning your Alyssa Turner DEAN’S LIST Elizabeth Stevenson Karen & Hunter White Venus & Darron Anderson Alicen Swift daily coffee shop stops into a gift that transforms Kate & Doug Bacon HONOR ROLL Edith & Henry Van Wageningen Kathy & Rex Bennett Melanie & Duane Brooks Laurie & Doug Vander Ploeg a life! A simple gift of $100/month adds up to a Jo & George Brueggeman, Jr. Jean & Angus Brown, Jr. Leslie & Matthew Verghese Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Wendy & Michael Dalton Jessica & Rudy Wrabel $1,000+ impact! Karoline & Tim Carlson Pam & Robert Doty, Jr. As of January 25, 2021

You are important to us, and we strive for 100% accuracy. If you see any problems with this list, we want to know! Email us at [email protected].

3 4 learned they would be in different classrooms. One day, Ms. Lapid YOUR GIFTS BRING COVID RELIEF TO encountered Connell in the hallway looking a little sad. YELLOWSTONE “We started chit-chatting in the hall, and I asked him if he was able to make friends in his class. He 72%+ ACADEMY said he did have friends but really STUDENTS ON 160,000+ missed his best friend, Carter,” CAMPUS MEALS Ms. Lapid said. PROVIDED 50%+ COLLEGE SINCE MARCH “I know I would feel so calm if I 0 KNOWN CASES PREP STUDENTS could see Carter. He makes me OF COVID-19 ON CAMPUS TRANSMITTED ON laugh,” said Connell. CAMPUS The principal happened to know that Carter sat in the front of his class, near the door, so she and Connell decided to walk by, look in, and give Carter a wave. 126,000 “They were so sweet,” Ms. Lapid ANTI- L-R: CONNELL, CARTER said. “When we walked back to BACTERIAL Connell’s room, he was in a different mood. A great mood.” WIPES 200+ That is when the principal decided to photograph the two 10,000+ REMOTE- boys together for Connell to keep with him and look at when MASKS GALLONS 300+ FACE OF HAND SANITZTER he is feeling uncertain or anxious. SHIELDS As of January 6, 2021. LEARNING “They were so happy together. Friends help us feel happy and safe,” Ms. Lapid said. Friends, you donated more than $1,000,000 specifically for Yellowstone’s COVID-related needs since March 2020. Look at FRIENDSHIP just a fraction of what you provided! See a photo of Connell’s desk with the picture on page 4. BECOMES THE Please continue to give generously to Yellowstone, as we know the fight is not over. While the need for face masks and desk shields will diminish, more costly expenses such as increased funding for reading and math specialists, will be needed to REAL DEAL combat the academic impact of the pandemic. www.yellowstoneschools.org/give BY DENISE BRAY HENSLEY Conscious Discipline Just when we need a pandemic story with a happy ending, CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR 12 FAMILIES AT Ms. Lapid noted that she used “Conscious Yellowstone students bring us a great one! Two third-grade boys met during their online classes at the beginning of Discipline” as a way to help Connell adjust. YELLOWSTONE the school year, when most campuses were closed. They Yellowstone Schools use this framework to BY THOMAS PARKER became virtual friends first and now are best friends in help students solve problems for themselves, For twelve Yellowstone families, this Christmas season was person. These 8-year-olds forged a friendship in a new way a source of dread instead of the usual holiday cheer. With in the uncertain times of COVID-19 and quarantine. stay on task, pay attention, and finish work. many finding it hard to secure stable employment due to Connell is a new student at Yellowstone, but his friend Carter Conscious Discipline teaches students to COVID-19’s impact on the economy, these families were hard- has been at the school since Pre-K. During remote learning, self-regulate and deal with their feelings pressed to pay their bills and still have enough left to celebrate they were placed in the same class. the season. Some had lost loved ones in the months leading – first by identifying what feeling they are “We try to encourage a classroom feeling even though up to December. Others had been forced to relocate as they having, and then by giving students tools to the students aren’t physically in the same room. They had downsized to meet their new economic realities. academic classes together, but also classes like Bible study help manage those feelings. Each family’s situation was unique, but they were all pointed and music,” said Candice Lapid, principal of Yellowstone To learn more about Conscious Discipline, towards the same outcome: a bleak Christmas with no Academy for our Pre-K through 4th Grade students. “They special meals, no gifts, and no time spent with beloved family connected well in all of their classes.” please visit our blog at yellowstoneschools. members. It would take a Christmas miracle to make their “I wasn’t sure how remote school was going for new kids in org/blog. To receive a weekly “round up” email holiday dreams come true. our school, like Connell,” Ms. Lapid said. “Apparently, it was of heartwarming Yellowstone stories and That Christmas miracle came in the form of a group of going really well.” photos like this, please email advancement@ Yellowstone supporters who banded together. Through their incredible generosity, Yellowstone was able to help each of Upon returning to campus for in-person learning, the boys yellowstoneschools.org. these families make this Christmas season special. 5 6 3000 Trulley St | Houston, TX | 77004 713.741.8000 | yellowstoneschools.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Your Impact is Growing!

Your donations of time, talent, and treasure directly support our students by giving them access to academic programs and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. Your investment in their education and spiritual life develops faith and character and prepares scholars for life beyond high school.

We are so proud of the Yellowstone alumni listed here for continuing to succeed in college! Thank you for helping to launch them forward!

MELQUISHA ADAMS TAYLOR COLBERT IO’SHA JOHNSON TAJANAE SORRELL Houston Community College Lamar University Sam Houston University Downtown TIMERA ADAMS CHRISTINE COOPER KERRI JOHNSON CEON SPENCER University of Houston Prairie View A&M Air Force Academy Houston Community College MARVIN ANARIBA TIATA DAVIS-COLLIER NICK JONES ADRIAN STARKS Houston Community College Houston Community College Houston Baptist University (‘20) Houston Community College JHADEA BABINEAUX TYRIQUE DAVIS LYNEISHA JORDAN KEYANNA TEZENO Houston Baptist University Southern University and A&M College Houston Community College Houston Community College BRYANA BAZILE LYRIC EDWARDS RAKIA LEWIS TSAI TEZENO Loyola University in New Orleans Houston Community College Grambling State University Prairie View A&M University HOPE BIZURU DAVAIJAE FOSTER JAIMIE MORENO ALEX THOMAS Houston Community College Kilgore College University of Houston Community College MATTHEW BRAZIL JERRICA FRANCISCO EMERANCE MUREKATETE IMANI THOMAS Arkansas Baptist Lamar University Houston Baptist University (‘20) Lamar University ANDREA BROWN RONEISHA GAMBLE SHUNTAE NOWLIN JUSTON THOMPSON Houston Community College University of Houston Houston Community College Houston Community College ASHLEY BROWN ALYSSA GERMON SHONQUERA RAMBO JASMINE WARD Houston Community College Lamar University (‘20) Houston Community College Houston Baptist University DARRIUS BROWN JOHNATHAN GOODEN SHUNDELL RAMBO AMARIS WEMIGWANS College of Health Professions University of Houston Houston Community College Houston Community College BLOSSOM BURKS INDYA GORDON KRISTIAN ROCKEMORE DESHAWN WILLIAMS Houston Community College Houston Community College Houston Community College Houston Community College JOSHUA BURLEIGH BREA GROCE ANDREA SHELTON BRANDON WILSON University of Maine Sam Houston University (‘20) San Jacinto College Southern University JAZLIN CARRIER ARIEL JOHNSON ARIANNA SMITH SIERRA WOODARD Houston Community College Prairie View A&M University Lamar University Blinn College

As of December 2020.