July 2014
Summer Update
Dear parents, Welcome to the 2014-15 School Year! In particular, welcome to all families new to Trinity School. Last year I was in your shoes, new to Trinity, and filled with a combination of excitement and nervousness. For those new families, especially the ones whose children are just beginning their educational journey, let me assure you from personal experience that you are joining an incredibly friendly, responsive, and supportive school community. Your family will love it here! In my countless conversations with parents, faculty, staff, students, and alumni over the past year, I heard Trinity described as a close-knit, family-like community where all are known and welcomed. It is a truly special and unique place, with a focus and commitment to elementary-only education, which celebrates children as unique individuals who are nurtured and challenged in a personalized manner. Trinity successfully balances a respect for its proud history and time-tested educational best practices with forward thinking and innovative approaches to learning. Trinity graduates are successful, contributing members of the community who achieve academically, possess a strong work ethic and emotional intelligence, and remain excited and engaged in learning. They utilize the skills of critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication (oral and written), which are essential for success in the Information Age. The foundation of all of these attributes is a dedicated faculty who teaches, loves, and inspires students each and every day. I recently read an article that encouraged parents to think of their child’s education as a “learning story.” This narrative metaphor captures the excitement, adventure, discoveries, disappointments, and wonder your child experiences each school year. All too often we, as parents, can fall prey to thinking that every grade or educational experience is simply preparation for the next step, stage, or grade. In doing so, we miss out on the magic of
the moment. My wife and I now reminisce on the special moments of our grown children’s school years, and we wish we had cherished them even more as we were experiencing them. As parents, we need to remind ourselves that all children have their own story that will unfold in its own way. I invite you to enjoy your child’s learning story this year! Administrators and staff members have worked assiduously this summer preparing the building and programs for the 2014-15 school year. Faculty met to work on curriculum and attended local, regional, and national conferences and workshops. I thank everyone for their work and dedication in continuing to enrich Trinity’s program and the experience of each child in our care. In the coming weeks, you will learn more about some specific enhancements for this year, including a new carpool system using RFID technology, our new food service provider – Flik – and physical enhancements to the Dining Hall, a daily morning meeting in each classroom, a Makerspace classroom, and new classroom web pages. These additions to Trinity’s program and facility were thoughtfully vetted and align with the School’s mission and vision, and each promises to enhance the overall Trinity experience. Enjoy these final weeks of summer. I very much look forward to seeing you and your children on Visitation Day, Wednesday, August 13. Again, welcome to the 2014-15 school year. Let’s make it another great year at Trinity School!
Sincerely,
Joe Marshall Head of School