Dear Parents:
First, let me say thank you for entrusting PPAS with your student(s) to the ministry of PPAS. We were excited to welcome this year’s ambassadors to campus, Sunday, July 16. What a great group of students and they are already working and planning for the arrival of new and returning students. We look forward to all the students arriving to campus soon and are praying and planning for a great school year!
Second, just a few lines about me. I retired in 2019 after 40 years of service in Christian Education. During those 40 years I have served as teacher/coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Principal, and Head of School. I have coached every sport except swimming with my primary coaching responsibility being varsity boys’ basketball compiling a 517-240 overall record and being blessed to guide 5 state championship teams. I am excited to announce that I will be coaching the PPAS varsity boys this year.
Even though I was “retired,” I continued to be involved substituting at the school I retired from, Prince of Peace Christian in Carrollton, TX, and at my first place of ministry in Texas, Addison-Trinity Christian Academy. That included coaching 8th grade boys basketball for two years at TCA and teaching two theology classes this past school year at POPCS. And then to make sure I wasn’t retired, the Lord brought PPAS into my life and I am grateful and excited to serve in this great ministry.
Campus Updates
Dorms – We are pleased to announce that Ana Zavala has assumed the role of Dorm Administrator within our organization. In her capacity as Dorm Administrator, Ana will be responsible for overseeing the smooth operation and management of our dormitory facilities. Supporting her in this leadership role will be a team of dedicated dorm supervisors Ms. Contreras, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ms. Treviño. If you have questions or concerns about dorm life please direct those to Ms. Zavala via email, [email protected] or via cell phone, 361-455-3524. Ms. Zavala reports directly to me so I will be very vigilant regarding dorm life.
Signage
Accreditation banner - a corrected banner is now in place in front of the Administration Building showing Cognia as our accrediting association. Cognia acquired AdvancEd so nothing has changed with our accreditation with the exception of the name.
Directional Signs – soon there will be new directional signage installed at the campus entry way. This will help you and visitors better find their way around our campus.
Soccer Field, now being referred to as Eagle Stadium – A sign at the stadium entrance will soon be installed. This sign welcomes our guests to Eagle Stadium and also chronicles the success of the soccer program over the past years.
Speed limit signs – faded speed limit signs are also being replaced. I take this opportunity to remind us that the campus speed limit is 20 MPH.
Athletics
Coach Teh is assuming the role of Athletic Director. Mr. Teh attended the TAPPS new Athletic Director seminar this summer and is equipped and ready to serve in this new role.
Uniforms/Equipment – the soccer team will enjoy new uniforms, new soccer balls, new goals and nets, new corner flags. The volleyball team will enjoy new volleyballs as well as the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.
Golf – PPAS will add golf to our spring sports offering with Mr. Zamora serving as coach.
Campus Security
It is my desire to heighten the security of our campus to provide a safer and more secure environment. Over the next three weeks an array of new cameras will be installed in and around the dorms as well as the common ground. We are also looking to add an emergency alert system. This would allow anyone on campus to raise an alert that goes directly to staff phones via an app should something nefarious be occurring. This system would also alert and log our safety drills conducted throughout the school year.
Facilities
The swimming pool is ready for use and looks amazing thanks to Mr. Zavala and his crew’s hard work. They also have our fountain functioning once again. New country flags at the fountain will be going up in the next few weeks. The chapel sidewalk has been stained to match the other walkways on campus.
Staffing
I’ve already mentioned Ms. Zavala’s and Coach Teh’s new roles. Additionally, Mr. Mebane returns to teach chemistry and physics and Mrs. Mebane comes aboard to teach Biology. We were very saddened at the passing of Wen Almanza, Director of Technology. Due to his passing, we have decided to move forward with contract technology assistance from Intertech and the entry level issues being addressed on campus by Mr. Salinas, Dr. Plascencia and Zane Mrotek.
Questions, you may email at [email protected].
I may have missed something but I think this gives you a quick overview of what’s been happening and what will be happening here at PPAS. Again, thank you for being part of the Pan Am family, I look forward to meeting each of you! In the meantime, as you pray for your student’s well being also lift up PPAS. Your prayers and our prayers are the engine that helps us realize the fulfillment of our mission.
In His Service and wising you,
Blessings,
Coach G.