2026 SBSUM Parent Kick-Off: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026-2027 SBSUM Parent Kick-Off Information

9:35am CDT

Reading Pagan Literature: What It Means to Plunder the Egyptians

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:25am CDT

Twice in the book of Exodus, God calls his people to plunder silver and gold as they depart from captivity in Egypt. Reflecting on this fact, the early Christian writer Augustine urges God’s people to plunder truth from pagan literature. Come and learn how Augustine’s reflections can inform a beneficial Christian engagement with pagan books.

Speakers

Wesley Young

Academic Specialist, Second Baptist School University-Model

Mr. Wesley Young is a graduate of the Honors College and School of Christian Thought at Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University). Previously, he attended a classical Christian school in Nacogdoches, TX, where he developed a passion for the gospel and its proclamation... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:25am CDT
J-High Room (SE Lobby)

5th-12th Grade

Grade Levels 9th-12th, 5th-8th
Subject Literature

9:35am CDT

Writing Beyond the English Class

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:25am CDT

Williams House (North Side across parking lot)

Understand the scope and goals of writing at UM, including writing in different subject areas an for different purposes. Review how progymnasmata is used to train students in various writing elements and the scope of our L&R writing manual. Video Recording

Speakers

Zarah Parker

Upper School Academic Coordinator - Memorial, Second Baptist School University-Model

Zarah Parker has taught multiple humanities courses for three years at SBSUM. She has also taken on the role of Academic Coordinator for Upper School at the Memorial campus. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts. Zarah is a published poet and an avid reader of any... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:35am - 10:25am CDT
Williams House (North Side across parking lot)

5th-12th Grade

Grade Levels 9th-12th, 5th-8th
Subject Writing

10:35am CDT

Athletics - Co-Curricular philosophy and practical adjustments for the 5th grade and beyond family stage

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am CDT

L331

Athletics requires a shift in expectations and commitment in the Logic & Rhetoric level as we shape character on the field, the court, and the stage.

Speakers

Wes Uffelman

Dean of Athletics, Second Baptist School University-Model

Wesley Uffelman is starting his 5th year at SBSUM and his 15th year in Athletics. He spent 11 years in collegiate athletics on the East Coast before making the transition to Houston, Texas. Along with serving as the SBSUM Dean of Athletics, he also coaches Varsity Boys Basketball... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am CDT
L331

5th-12th Grade

Grade Levels 5th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Athletics

10:35am CDT

Essential Eloquence: Why classical students memorize, analyze and create poetry

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am CDT

L324

Speakers

Zarah Parker

Upper School Academic Coordinator - Memorial, Second Baptist School University-Model

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am CDT
L324

5th-12th Grade

Grade Levels 5th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Poetry

12:30pm CDT

From Thesis to Tomorrow: Senior Thesis introduction

Saturday August 15, 2026 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT

L330

Senior Thesis is the final capstone and the manifestation of our portrait of a graduate. This year long project is daunting at first on the front end but results in being a lasting and pivotal moment for each of our SBSUM seniors. Come and learn what to expect and how to support them in this final leg of the journey. In addition, we will cover all of the special features and traditions of senior year and all of the particulars leading up to graduation to help prepare you and your student for this amazing year.

Speakers

Pamela Dollins

Head of University-Model, Second Baptist School University Model

Pam and her husband, Beau, founded a classical christian university-model school in Houston, Texas in 2012. They now serve five campuses with Second Baptist Church and spend most of their time working together to train families and faculty in this unique model of education. Pam is... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
L330

5th-12th Grade

Grade Levels 12th Grade
Subject 12th Grade

12:30pm CDT

Logic & Rhetoric School Academics: Introduction and Overview

Saturday August 15, 2026 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT

L 243 Jump Theater - 2nd floor L Building

If you are new to 5th-12th grade this session is for you! Come learn how to best assist and supervise your child onthe satellite days as well as what to expect in terms of materials, communication, grading, and more! This is an orientation for new families with children entering the Logic and Rhetoric phases of our program. Video Recording

Speakers

Chris Walter

Dean of Upper School - Cypress Campus, Second Baptist School University-Model

Christian Walter worked as a public high school history teacher for over twenty years before joining SBSUM in 2022. He has also worked as an adjunct history professor as well as a CollegeBoard AP exam grader and developer. He holds a BA in History, an MA in Teaching, an MA in School... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 12:30pm - 1:20pm CDT
L 243 Jump Theater - 2nd floor L Building

5th-12th Grade

Grade Levels 9th-12th, 5th-8th

2026 SBSUM Parent Kick-Off

9:35am CDT

Wesley Young

9:35am CDT

Zarah Parker

10:35am CDT

Wes Uffelman

10:35am CDT

Zarah Parker

12:30pm CDT

Pamela Dollins

12:30pm CDT

Chris Walter

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