June 27, 2024
Dear CtRCS Families,
A warm, or should I say "sweltering", hello to each of you. I hope you are enjoying these summer months despite the heat, and finding time for family, fun, and faith!
Our administrative team is hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year. As we embark on this new chapter together, I encourage you to take advantage of the remaining weeks of summer to relax, explore, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
While our offices will be closed next week in honor of the July 4th holiday, please remember that our school office remains open throughout the rest of the summer should you have any questions or need assistance. We are here to support you in any way we can. Our summer office hours are M-Th: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and F: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Finally, I would like to take this moment to welcome the many new families who are now part of the Crusader family for the first time! We look forward to seeing you at our New Family Orientation on August 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. May the remainder of your summer be filled with blessings and warmth (perhaps a bit less warmth than we experienced in June, though!).
While our offices will be closed next week in honor of the July 4th holiday, please remember that our school office remains open throughout the rest of the summer should you have any questions or need assistance. We are here to support you in any way we can. Our summer office hours are M-Th: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and F: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Finally, I would like to take this moment to welcome the many new families who are now part of the Crusader family for the first time! We look forward to seeing you at our New Family Orientation on August 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. May the remainder of your summer be filled with blessings and warmth (perhaps a bit less warmth than we experienced in June, though!).
In Him,
Daniel J. Courtney, M.A., M.Ed.
Principal
Faculty and Staff Changes
Each year, it is bittersweet to bid farewell to some members of our Crusader family while eagerly welcoming new ones. Faculty and staff members sometimes take on new roles within the school.
We are deeply grateful for the following individuals who have dedicated their time, faith, and talents to CtRCS, helping to shape it into the wonderful community it is today. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
We are deeply grateful for the following individuals who have dedicated their time, faith, and talents to CtRCS, helping to shape it into the wonderful community it is today. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Kathy Schwarzbach
Michelle Pye
Jennifer Soliman
Mark Dolce
Missy Vuyk
Mary Ann Addis
Elsa Delgado
Beth Robinson
We are excited to announce some adjustments to our current faculty assignments.
- Carrie Durham will be moving from 5th grade to 1st grade.
- Angie Templin will remain our BASP coordinator and will now teach Spanish in lower elementary and 7th grade. Please note that we are still looking for a part-time Spanish teacher for upper elementary and 6th and 8th grades. Please help us spread the word.
- Angela Broussard has been named the Director of Admissions, which is well-deserved since, as our registrar, she has essentially served in this role for many years already!
- Lisa Sansbury will be moving from 5th grade to MS Theology Teacher.
- Beth Micek will remain part of our MS team as a part-time math support specialist, while Deanna Negrete will continue as our 7th-grade math and 8th-grade pre-algebra teacher. Mrs. Lebas will remain in her current role in our MS math department.
Welcome to our New Teachers & Staff!
MS Literature
Debbie Lewis, a native of Dallas, has been married to her husband Jim for 37 years. As a devoted parishioner of Christ the Redeemer, she is the proud mother of four grown daughters and grandmother to four grandchildren. Debbie holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Master's degree in Literacy Studies from the University of Houston/Victoria. With a teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught English Language Arts (ELA) for 16 years in Dallas and 11 years in Houston, most recently serving as a Literacy Coach at St. Cecilia. Debbie enjoys gardening, sewing, and spending time with her family. Her passion for literacy and inspiring students to achieve is evident in her dedication to education.
4th Grade Math/Science
Amanda Burken, a graduate of Texas A&M University, joins us as our new 4th-grade teacher. With a teaching career primarily in Cy-Fair ISD. Amanda brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having most recently taught middle school at Rosehill Christian School in Tomball, TX. Prior to this, she was a Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She also served as a grade-level representative for district and curriculum planning. Amanda holds a Master of Science from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. She is certified as an Early Childhood through 4th Grade Generalist and in English as a Second Language. Amanda has two daughters, Tynsleigh and Morgan, who will be joining CtRCS in the fall. She enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, knitting, and caring for their backyard chickens. Amanda's dedication to education and her varied experiences make her a valuable addition to our team.
5th Grade ELA/Social Studies
Kristen Reich (pronounced “Rich”), a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BS in Education in 1997, brings 25 years of teaching experience in public education, all in the N and NW Houston area, to her new role at Christ the Redeemer Catholic School. Kristen and her husband, Joseph, have been married for 22 years, and they have two children: Spencer, who is 20, and Sadie, who is 17. Kristen loves spending time with her family, is an avid reader, enjoys crafting jewelry, and is a self-proclaimed Netflix junkie. She is extremely excited about continuing to serve her community as an educator at CtR!
5th Grade Math/Science
Pam Wooddell, a native Houstonian, is a seasoned educator with a rich background in teaching. A graduate of Northland Christian High School in Houston and Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, Pam has dedicated 35 years to the field of education. She taught 3rd grade in Aldine ISD for 15 years and later taught 4th grade for 5 years and 5th grade for 15 years in CFISD. Pam resides in the Fairfield subdivision with her husband of 35 years, David. They have two sons: Austin, 28, who is married to her wonderful daughter-in-law, Maggie, and recently welcomed their first grandchild, Jackson, in February 2024; and Logan, 25, who lives and works in Cypress. Pam enjoys spending time with family and friends, floating the river, and reading as part of a book club with friends. She is very excited about joining the staff at Christ the Redeemer Catholic School this year!
Music Teacher
Robert Murillo is a Houston native and Music EC-12 Certified Educator, holding a bachelor's degree from The University of St. Thomas (2011) and a Master of Music Education from Texas Christian University (2017). He and his wife, Megan, recently moved from Austin, where he served as the director of music for the St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church and operated his music studio business. Robert has taught general music and middle school ensembles all across Texas. The Murillo family is blessed with two beautiful basset hounds, Ruby and Jasper, and two cats, Daisy and Bruce.
Business Manager
Christina Trinh has over a decade of experience in business management and operations, specializing in financial planning, budgeting, and general accounting. She holds an MBA from St. Thomas University with a focus in Marketing and Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Houston. In her recent role at Insperity, she excelled as a Marketing Financial Operations Manager, managing the marketing department's budget portfolio and optimizing processes. Christina's analytical mindset and data-driven approach inform her business decisions and streamline workflows. Previously, she worked at Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift of America, advancing from Staff Accountant to Manager of Financial Planning and Part Pricing. Outside of work, Christina is an avid marathon runner and volunteers as a Catechist and choir member at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She and her husband have two children attending the University of Texas at Austin.
Debbie Lewis, a native of Dallas, has been married to her husband Jim for 37 years. As a devoted parishioner of Christ the Redeemer, she is the proud mother of four grown daughters and grandmother to four grandchildren. Debbie holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Master's degree in Literacy Studies from the University of Houston/Victoria. With a teaching career spanning 27 years, she taught English Language Arts (ELA) for 16 years in Dallas and 11 years in Houston, most recently serving as a Literacy Coach at St. Cecilia. Debbie enjoys gardening, sewing, and spending time with her family. Her passion for literacy and inspiring students to achieve is evident in her dedication to education.
4th Grade Math/Science
Amanda Burken, a graduate of Texas A&M University, joins us as our new 4th-grade teacher. With a teaching career primarily in Cy-Fair ISD. Amanda brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having most recently taught middle school at Rosehill Christian School in Tomball, TX. Prior to this, she was a Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She also served as a grade-level representative for district and curriculum planning. Amanda holds a Master of Science from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. She is certified as an Early Childhood through 4th Grade Generalist and in English as a Second Language. Amanda has two daughters, Tynsleigh and Morgan, who will be joining CtRCS in the fall. She enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, knitting, and caring for their backyard chickens. Amanda's dedication to education and her varied experiences make her a valuable addition to our team.
5th Grade ELA/Social Studies
Kristen Reich (pronounced “Rich”), a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BS in Education in 1997, brings 25 years of teaching experience in public education, all in the N and NW Houston area, to her new role at Christ the Redeemer Catholic School. Kristen and her husband, Joseph, have been married for 22 years, and they have two children: Spencer, who is 20, and Sadie, who is 17. Kristen loves spending time with her family, is an avid reader, enjoys crafting jewelry, and is a self-proclaimed Netflix junkie. She is extremely excited about continuing to serve her community as an educator at CtR!
5th Grade Math/Science
Pam Wooddell, a native Houstonian, is a seasoned educator with a rich background in teaching. A graduate of Northland Christian High School in Houston and Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, Pam has dedicated 35 years to the field of education. She taught 3rd grade in Aldine ISD for 15 years and later taught 4th grade for 5 years and 5th grade for 15 years in CFISD. Pam resides in the Fairfield subdivision with her husband of 35 years, David. They have two sons: Austin, 28, who is married to her wonderful daughter-in-law, Maggie, and recently welcomed their first grandchild, Jackson, in February 2024; and Logan, 25, who lives and works in Cypress. Pam enjoys spending time with family and friends, floating the river, and reading as part of a book club with friends. She is very excited about joining the staff at Christ the Redeemer Catholic School this year!
Music Teacher
Robert Murillo is a Houston native and Music EC-12 Certified Educator, holding a bachelor's degree from The University of St. Thomas (2011) and a Master of Music Education from Texas Christian University (2017). He and his wife, Megan, recently moved from Austin, where he served as the director of music for the St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church and operated his music studio business. Robert has taught general music and middle school ensembles all across Texas. The Murillo family is blessed with two beautiful basset hounds, Ruby and Jasper, and two cats, Daisy and Bruce.
Business Manager
Christina Trinh has over a decade of experience in business management and operations, specializing in financial planning, budgeting, and general accounting. She holds an MBA from St. Thomas University with a focus in Marketing and Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Houston. In her recent role at Insperity, she excelled as a Marketing Financial Operations Manager, managing the marketing department's budget portfolio and optimizing processes. Christina's analytical mindset and data-driven approach inform her business decisions and streamline workflows. Previously, she worked at Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift of America, advancing from Staff Accountant to Manager of Financial Planning and Part Pricing. Outside of work, Christina is an avid marathon runner and volunteers as a Catechist and choir member at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She and her husband have two children attending the University of Texas at Austin.
July 1-5: School offices closed for 4th of July holiday
July 18: Summer Crusader Chronicle #2
July 18: Summer Crusader Chronicle #2
Aug. 3: Used Uniform Sale
Aug. 8: Summer Crusader Chronicle #3
Aug. 12: New Parent Orientation; 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
Aug. 14: Meet the Teacher and Popsicle Party
Aug. 15: First Day of 2024-2025 School Year (Full Day)
Aug. 15: First Day of 2024-2025 School Year (Full Day)
Aug. 23: Back to School Bash
Used Uniform Sale: Now Collecting
Used Unifrom Donations
Collection bins are in the school lobby during summer hours for you to drop off your used uniform donations. To ensure you receive credit for your donation, please complete the credit form below and attach it to your donations. Be sure your donations are placed in a bag or box and clearly marked with your name.
*If you wish to donate your used uniforms without receiving credit, place the items in the donation bins without a credit form attached.
*If you wish to donate your used uniforms without receiving credit, place the items in the donation bins without a credit form attached.
CtRCS Before and After School Program (BASP)
Theme Shirt Orders
Each year CtRCS has a theme shirt that students wear throughout the year, on field trips, special spirit days, and other events. There is no charge for your child's field trip/theme shirt. Each child will receive (1) shirt. Please complete a separate form for each child enrolled for the 24-25 school year.
PLEASE NOTE: This form is ONLY for students enrolled at CtRCS for the 2024-25 school year. Volunteers and other family members can purchase the theme shirt along with additional spirit wear in July.
How do I know my child's teacher?
Homeroom teachers will call each family to inform them of their child's homeroom teacher from Aug. 9 to 10. Please be sure to answer any unknown numbers!
From the Nurse
Dear Crusader Parents,
I hope you are enjoying your summer vacation and soaking in some family time! In preparing for the upcoming school year, I would like to provide you with the 2024-2025 health care documents. If your child has a medical need (asthma, diabetes, medications, etc,) please visit the nurse webpage to obtain the necessary documentation. Please note that all documentation must be filled out by a physician. This includes the use of over-the-counter medications while at school. I will not supply children with over-the-counter medications unless ordered by a physician (medication to be provided by parent).
If your child received immunizations (typically 4 years and 11 years), please provide me with their updated immunization records. If your child received their sports physical for the upcoming year, please provide that information to Coach Melissa Harabis at Melissa.Harabis@ctrschool.com. Please see below for information regarding sports physicals.
Please reach out if you need to discuss any medical needs your child may have for the upcoming school year. All medications will need to be provided to me prior to or on the first day of school. I will be available to collect medications Aug. 7-17. Please email me to schedule a time to drop off your child’s medication. They will not be accepted by the front desk, as I need to check and verify all medications in person. As always, reach out if you have any questions. I am looking forward to a great school year, Go Crusaders!
I hope you are enjoying your summer vacation and soaking in some family time! In preparing for the upcoming school year, I would like to provide you with the 2024-2025 health care documents. If your child has a medical need (asthma, diabetes, medications, etc,) please visit the nurse webpage to obtain the necessary documentation. Please note that all documentation must be filled out by a physician. This includes the use of over-the-counter medications while at school. I will not supply children with over-the-counter medications unless ordered by a physician (medication to be provided by parent).
If your child received immunizations (typically 4 years and 11 years), please provide me with their updated immunization records. If your child received their sports physical for the upcoming year, please provide that information to Coach Melissa Harabis at Melissa.Harabis@ctrschool.com. Please see below for information regarding sports physicals.
Please reach out if you need to discuss any medical needs your child may have for the upcoming school year. All medications will need to be provided to me prior to or on the first day of school. I will be available to collect medications Aug. 7-17. Please email me to schedule a time to drop off your child’s medication. They will not be accepted by the front desk, as I need to check and verify all medications in person. As always, reach out if you have any questions. I am looking forward to a great school year, Go Crusaders!
CHRISTUS School Clinic: Aug. 3
CHRISTUS offers FREE sports physicals and immunizations for all elementary and middle school students in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Registration begins early July. See the flyer below for more details.
ISEE Test Prep for 8th-Grade Students
Please see the two options being offered here at CtRCS. One option is over the summer and the second option is an 8-week course over the fall. Registration Links will be provided in a separate email. For questions, please email info@saotg.com or Mrs. Stacey Garcia, stacey.garcia@ctrschool.com.
Athletics
FALL 2024 VOLLEYBALL SEASON
Tuesday - July 30, 2024
Open Gym at the RAC, 10 a.m.-noon
Wednesday - July 31, 2024
Volleyball tryouts (day 1), 10 a.m.-noon
Thursday - August 1, 2024
Volleyball tryouts (day 2), 10 a.m.-noon
**Please note this is ONLY for girls entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. More information will be given as we get closer, but we wanted to get these dates out ASAP so everyone can plan accordingly.
Tuesday - July 30, 2024
Open Gym at the RAC, 10 a.m.-noon
Wednesday - July 31, 2024
Volleyball tryouts (day 1), 10 a.m.-noon
Thursday - August 1, 2024
Volleyball tryouts (day 2), 10 a.m.-noon
**Please note this is ONLY for girls entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. More information will be given as we get closer, but we wanted to get these dates out ASAP so everyone can plan accordingly.
Practices: 3:30 -4:45 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday
2024-25 CROSS COUNTRY
- The first practice will be on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 7-8 a.m. at Cole's Crossing Trail
Please contact Coach Harabis, melissa.harabis@ctrschool.com, with any questions.
Reminders:- Have your child dress in lightweight clothes and proper shoes. Girls must have their hair pulled back
- BRING WATER. What your athlete drinks & eats 2-3 days prior is huge in how they will feel & perform for practices/meets/etc.!
- Positive attitude/mindset
Please bring the new school year physical form filled out & completed & turned into Coach H. You can email your completed form to Melissa.harabis@ctrschool.com or bring a copy to the front office.
Summer Opportunities
Volleyball Camp at Incarnate Word Academy
IWA is excited to share that registration is open for our upcoming Volleyball Camp, designed specifically for middle and high school girls eager to improve their skills and have fun in a supportive environment.
IWA Middle School Volleyball Camp
Dates: Monday July 15th - Thursday July 18th
Location: Incarnate Word Academy - 609 Crawford St Houston, TX 77002
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $175.00
IWA High School Volleyball Camp
Dates: Monday July 15th - Thursday July 18th
Location: Incarnate Word Academy - 609 Crawford St Houston, TX 77002
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $175.00
For questions, please get in touch with the office at admissions@incarnateword.org or call 713-227-3637.