In the News

I remember reading articles in Educational Leadership, a professional journal for educators.. There are many fabulous articles over the years that have encouraged my thinking about teaching and learning.  I was thinking about the difference between engagement and compliance and remembered something I read in this journal.  I did some research and found the articles.

The first was a monthly principal column by Thomas Hoerr. He is the former Head of School of the New City School in St. Louis.  The second was a monthly column by Charlotte Danielson.  She is internationally known as an expert on teacher effectiveness and the creator of the Framework for Teaching.  I was fortunate to attend workshops that she led many years ago at the University of Virginia. In their articles both writers touched on the topic of engagement.

Mr. Hoerr emphasizes three factors necessary for students to truly be engaged. These are relevance, high interest, and the feeling of success. If these are present students will be engaged for the sake of learning and not for the sake of a grade or compliance. These factors all present allow for curiosity and wonder. These factors allow for the learning to be joyful and fun. Students are engaged because they want to be, not because they have to be.  These are the same factors considered by game designers to hook people to play or engage.

Ms. Danielson writes about effective lessons in the metaphor of a dinner. She asserts that we cannot become so focused on the standards that we are teaching that we forget about the student who is to learn it. In her metaphor the standards become merely ingredients. As teachers we have to combine the ingredients and consider who we are feeding. If we don’t make the dinner inviting and delicious the students may not eat it, or may bite and chew simply out of compliance.

It is my desire to be a leader of a school that has an intriguing menu. The classroom/dining areas are inviting and promote the discourse of learning. The students/patrons visit each day and can’t wait to return again.

Shortly after reading these columns in the journal, I came upon an ad for a particular session at an educational conference. It all came together in my mind when I see that this student is showing and saying exactly what Thomas Hoerr and Charlotte Danielson are sharing.  “Engage me, please.  I’ve mastered compliance.”

I love Christmas time at Trinity School. We worship together, keeping focus on the reason for the season, but we also do a great job of celebrating, being silly, and having fun. Additionally, the generosity of our community is on full display. I also love our trimester model and because students and teachers are not dealing with the stress of final exams before Christmas break, we can all fully enjoy this time in our academic calendar. 

I find it especially meaningful that we begin our Christmas vacation with our service of lessons and carols. The lessons and carols service has quickly become one of my favorite Christmas traditions since moving back to West Texas. Whatever Christmas traditions you and your family hold dear I hope that you get to enjoy them to the fullest. I send each of you a wish for a joyful Christmas filled with peace, rest, and moments of warmth with those you cherish.

I look forward to seeing everyone in January, the continuation of ambitious teaching and learning, and the observance of many more special Trinity School traditions.

Best wishes,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School

Trinity School of Midland

Book clubs are a vital part of our middle school curriculum. They are a powerful tool for fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a love for reading. In a middle school setting, they provide students with the opportunity to engage deeply with texts, explore diverse perspectives, and practice articulating their thoughts in a supportive environment. Here are a few key benefits they offer:

We have seen firsthand how book clubs inspire meaningful conversations and a sense of community among students. By participating in these discussions, your child is not only improving their academic skills but also developing the social and emotional tools they need to thrive.

Thank you for your support as we continue to provide enriching and collaborative learning opportunities. Please feel free to check our classroom pages to learn more about our book club activities or discuss ways to engage with your child’s reading journey.

December greetings from the college advising office! Below are a few updates for your family.

Many students in grades 9-11 have started to ask about how they should spend their summers. Multiple options abound, so we wanted to share some ideas with you.

Why are we telling you this in December? Planning begins now for some of the options above. Please let us know if you have questions.

In the next two weeks, several members of the Class of 2025 will receive decisions on their college applications, particularly if they applied under an early decision, restricted early action, or early action plan. In a perfect world, every student will be admitted to their first-choice college. In the real world, we will see a mix of celebration and disappointment. 

Please remind your children that what a college decides about them is not a success or failure on their part. Colleges are shaping a class, and even our students who did everything right might not get the response they are anticipating. We have trust in this process and believe students will find their perfect fit between now and May 1, and we stand ready to help them through the ups and downs of December.    

Reminder: if you are applying for financial assistance, the CSS Profile – required by many private colleges and universities – is already open for submissions. The FAFSA is also open. Each college where your child applies will outline its financial aid process on its website. You will also be able to find a Net Price Calculator, which will outline the anticipated cost of attendance for your family. 

Work with juniors began in November with an overview of the college admission process and continued last week with one-on-one conversations. 

Thank you to the parents who attended Junior Parent Night on Tuesday, December 3. We provided an overview of the college search, application and decision process. Parents have been asked to complete a questionnaire to help Mrs. Kramer get to know their child and family even better. We appreciate your insight into your son or daughter and look forward to learning more about your children through your eyes.

Over 500 students auditioned for the Middle School All-Region Band at Crane High School last Friday.

Trinity had 25 MS students earn a spot in the ATSSB MS All-Region Band.  They will participate in the All-Region Clinic and Concert on January 24th.  These fine students represented our school very well.  Please congratulate them on a job well done!

While the holidays can be a time full of joy and memories, it’s not always the most wonderful time of year for everyone. 

The holiday season is often viewed as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. However, for many people, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and sadness. As we head into the holidays, many of our students may have empty chairs at their tables, are separated from family members, experiencing new holidays in a new country for the first time, or are struggling with holidays in the midst of a difficult year. These circumstances alone are difficult, but adding on the feeling of lacking holiday cheer and adding the holiday stress can be especially heavy. 

It’s okay to not be okay. And, it’s okay to be okay. Don’t be afraid or feel guilty about having fun. Grief, anxiety, joy, hope and other emotions can co-exist. 

It’s okay to schedule 30 minutes in the morning to cry if that is what you need to do. Try to plan time throughout your day to give yourself a break. Taking a walk, playing a 5 minute phone game, breathing deep, praying, or calling a friend may all be things that help you take care of yourself as you navigate the complex holiday feelings. Take time to feel all of the emotions, and then try to get up and navigate your day to the best of your ability!

Acknowledge the parts of the holiday season that might be especially difficult, and work together as a family to decide how to work through them and cope. If you have lost a loved one, this might look like deciding to honor your loved one through an old tradition, volunteering at a local charity, or holding a candlelight vigil. If your family is new to America, this might look like starting a new tradition, or practicing one of your favorite ones from home. 

Traditions are an exciting and important part of holidays for many families. But, it’s okay to retire some of your old traditions and create new ones.

If you are in need of additional support this holiday season click the “Health and Wellness” tab on MyTrinity.

The old adage, “We rise by lifting others,” is true. The more that we pour out for others, the more we may find that our cup is filled. If you are struggling this holiday season with finding the cheer, sometimes the best thing to do is try to fill that cheer for others. Baking a dessert, sending a card, visiting someone who is struggling, wrapping presents for an overwhelmed parent, or inviting a new family over can be great ways to support others, while also finding that it helps you, too. 

For more tips and activities, click here to see our Handling the Holidays toolkit

Trinity proudly welcomed professional dancers Lindsey Donnell and Kouadio Davis of the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem for an engaging and educational event celebrating the rich cultural legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. 

Lindsey Donnell, a Midland native and graduate of Midland High, returned to her roots with a special connection to the audience. Having honed her ballet skills at Midland Festival Ballet, Donnell's presence served as an inspiration to students and attendees alike.

The dancers introduced students to the vibrant dance styles of the Harlem Renaissance, including the Lindy Hop, a lively and energetic swing dance synonymous with the era. They also gave a breathtaking ballet demonstration, showcasing the artistry and technical excellence that the Dance Theatre of Harlem is known for.

Students and adults from Trinity were joined by participants from Hillcrest School, Bynum School, and Manor Park, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for the arts.

 

With Thanksgiving having just passed, I want to say that I am thankful for trimesters.  Social studies classes ended the term with some taking traditional finals and some completing projects.  Kodi Dixon has a popular and meaningful project that caps the work of the seventh and eighth graders.  They create a biography of a famous person and then, in costume, portray their subject in a living museum in the Commons.  The seventh graders must depict someone in U.S. history and the eighth graders are free to choose anyone that has made an impact on global history.  The project is also one that is cross curricular.  The students create a 3D artifact using skills that they acquired in their Innovation and Technology class.  Everyone enjoys the living museum and the students have a lasting memory because they got to act out their newly gained knowledge.

I am also thankful for Trinity's willingness to offer a plethora of trimester classes for our sophomores over the course of the year.  This allows students to dig a little deeper into a subject than they might otherwise.  In the second trimester, Michael Midkiff begins a study of World Wars I&II, Todd Freese will start a class on the American Presidents and I will begin a new offering.  Our new class is the History of Inventions and Innovations.  It will cover inventions and innovations from ancient China and the Middle East until the fast paced discoveries of the 

present.  It should be fun!

The end of the trimester also lends itself to our staff getting to take advantage of the school’s generosity in allowing and encouraging faculty to pursue professional development.  We sent four from the Social Studies department, Karley Keener, Kodi Dixon, Michael Midkiff and Todd Freese, to Boston for the National Council of the Social Studies 104th annual conference.  They have not been able to share much about the events, but were excited to have attended sessions on historical podcasts, using movies in the classroom, annotating maps, the impacts of WWI, curriculum looping and the Westward Expansion.  They also expressed a great deal of enthusiasm for the “inspiring” presentation by Ken Burns regarding his new documentary on the American Revolution that comes out in 2025.   The group also posted visual evidence of a tour of the USS Constitution in the Boston Harbor.  All of the information garnered on this trip will be shared with colleagues and we will try to transfer the knowledge gained to improve the classroom experiences of our students.  We have a lot of exciting information to be put to use in the classroom and with finals behind us, I hope we can enjoy the Christmas season and all of the activities that it brings.

On this Thanksgiving, we hope the holiday offers you moments of peace, reflection, and togetherness. From all of us at Trinity School, thank you for being an essential part of our community. We wish you and your family a joyous and meaningful Thanksgiving.

 

The Middle School student council hosted a toy drive to benefit Centers Operation Elf, and gathered more than 120 toys to bring cheer to families in need this holiday season!

Dear Preschool Families,

We are excited to share updates to our preschool lunch program, starting after the Thanksgiving break. 

The new Preschool Specialty Menu will offer:

When ordering, you may select one main entrée (hot entrée, Preschool Specialty item, sandwich, or Lunchable), up to two nibble bar items (like baby carrots, cheese sticks, apple slices, pickles, fruit cups, or yogurt), two sides (salad or soup), and one drink (milk or water). Extra nibble bar items will also be available if students are still hungry.

While these changes help meet the immediate needs of our youngest learners, part of our role in preschool is to prepare students for the routines and expectations of Lower School. In Lower School, the broader menu does not include these specialty items on a regular basis, and students are encouraged to select from the options available. By involving your child in meal planning now—discussing what is being ordered and helping them feel confident about their choices—you can support this important transition.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your child’s needs are met while also preparing them for their next steps at Trinity. We appreciate your support and involvement in this process.

If you need assistance or have questions about the ordering process, please contact my administrative assistant, Correy Roy, at croy@trinitymidland.org. 

Best,

Megan Irwin

Head of Preschool

I recently shared with my 9th grade health class one of my favorite children’s books, My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon. This book is one of my favorite representations of grief, and we all agreed that more people should read it. (You can listen to it here: My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon). After reading this together, it reminded me how heavy that grief can feel, especially for the students who are walking our hallways with their ever-present “grief dragon.”

Navigating grief is difficult, especially for children and adolescents who are also navigating their normal developmental and social changes. Grief is an overwhelming journey that can impact a teenager’s sense of identity, routine, emotional well-being, and of course, academics.

Oftentimes, navigating grief while attending school and trying to focus on academic success is like walking through a fog—one moment, it’s hard to focus, the next it feels like nothing will ever be “clear” again, the path forward seems unclear, and sometimes the fog lifts for brief moments but clouds in again without warning. However, we know that with time, support, coping strategies, and consistency, the fog can lighten, and eventually lift, for our students. 

Trinity is committed to fostering a supportive and empathetic community that helps walk alongside our students who are grieving and helps provide the tools they need to be successful academically in the midst of grief. Here are some ways that we can help support students who are grieving: 

The best way that we can support students is knowing what is going on in regards to their grief/loss. If your student has suffered a significant loss please reach out to the Wellness Director or Head of School. At that point, the Wellness Director will help communicate this loss to students’ teachers and help formulate a plan to provide any additional academic support, time for breaks, and check-ins with the Wellness Director or other staff.

The Wellness Director can provide one-on-one support to students who are grieving and help them as they navigate their grief journey through coping skill building, talking, providing a quiet place to catch up on school work, and other modalities of support. When appropriate, students can also participate in peer-based support groups or lunch bunches as needed to help discuss grief.

The Wellness Director can provide support as your family navigates local or virtual resources. If you are looking for additional support related to grief, please reach out to Jessi Morgan at jmorgan@trinitymidland.org. You can always find our local and online resources, as well as our recommended book lists on the “My Trinity Page” on the Health and Wellness tab. 

Resources for supporting students who are grieving:

Dear Middle School Families,

A few weeks ago, after re-reading one of my favorite children’s books, I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, I found myself thinking, this is exactly what I hope our middle school students, teachers, and parents experience during their time at Trinity School. Middle school is a challenging but incredibly rewarding phase in a young person’s life, and as teachers and administrators, we are privileged to witness this beautiful and sometimes messy journey every day.

In her book, Rosenthal shares that she hopes we have “more ups than downs, more give than takes, more we than me, more will than hill, more can than knot, more pause than fast-forward, more hugs than ughs, more stories than stars, more bubbles than baths, and more woo-hoo than whoa.” These are the moments that fill our school days. We see teachers cheering on students who need a little more will, reminding them that they can on a difficult assignment, celebrating their wins with a woo-hoo, or offering a hug on the tough days. Watching this kind of support and encouragement each day fills my heart in ways words often cannot describe. 

All these small yet significant moments that happen in middle school help shape our students into their best selves. Academics are essential, but our mission goes beyond that to educate the whole person. Ambitious teaching and rigorous learning fill our classrooms; physical education, athletics, and break time strengthen our bodies; daily Chapel nurtures our souls; and BIGG projects and other service opportunities foster empathy and a passion for servant leadership. Through these experiences, we strive to provide more than just an education—we hope to instill a deep and enduring sense of purpose and community.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to share this wish with you: “I wish this all for you because you are everything I could wish for and more.” May your holiday be restful, joyful, and filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories. Please know how grateful we are for your partnership, support, and trust. Being a part of your child’s life is truly an honor and a blessing.

With warmest blessings,

Chrystal 

Gratitude and thankfulness are abstract, high level concepts that can be tricky for young children. In their early years, children are naturally self focused as a part of their development. However, as they grow, fostering a sense of gratitude helps them become more understanding of the needs and feelings of others. By ages 3-5, children can understand the concepts of gratitude and thankfulness more deeply and show appreciation independently.

Gratitude feels good! When we feel good, we do good! Having a positive outlook is good for our spirit, body and mind. Thankfulness also builds resilience in us. Gratitude builds deeper and stronger connections and bonds to those we love. We are more apt to show appreciation and kindness to others when we focus on the good and kindness of others. When we experience acts of kindness from others, we are more likely to do good unto others.

Research shows that thankful people tend to be more optimistic, less stressed, and generally happier. The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for developing these lifelong skills. By teaching children to appreciate what they have and recognize the kindness of others, we’re setting them on the path to becoming resilient, healthy adults.

I love Thanksgiving. Certainly there is good food (I haven’t missed many meals in my day) and time with family and special friends is always wonderful. I usually spend part of the break in the great outdoors which I always appreciate. But, I think it is the intentional act of being thankful and expressing gratitude that I enjoy the most. Maybe that is because at the basic physiological level expressing gratitude is important because it releases endorphins that limit pain and increase the feeling of happiness. Who doesn’t want to be happy?

In the Upper School, we have a lot to be thankful for. We have great teachers, hard-working students, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and supportive families, just to name a few of our blessings. However, it is often easy for us to look past these things and take them for granted. So at various times throughout the school year, we try to create opportunities to be intentional about showing gratitude into the student experience. 

Last week, we had all upper school students write thank you notes to someone on campus. We spent some time reviewing the purpose and intention of these notes as well as learning about how thank you notes should be constructed. I was away from campus during this activity, but I was pleased to return back to school and see a mound of notes on my desk. I am looking forward to distributing these notes to the recipients later this month.

I often share this quote with our Seniors before their senior year begins and I tend to go back to it myself many times each year. 

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” 

~ Melody Beattie

I hope each of us takes some time in November to reflect on life’s many blessings and express gratitude. I pray that you and your families enjoy this special season of Thanksgiving.

Kind regards,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School 

As part of our commitment to educating the whole child, Trinity School is partnering with the Midland Child Advocacy Center to share age-appropriate information with students to promote their health, safety, and wellness. The Midland Children’s Advocacy Center will present the Being Safe program to all students in grades Kindergarten through 4th grade on Monday, November 18th. 

Please see this letter which will be going home soon, that provides more information. This will need to be returned to school with your child by Friday, November 15th.

 

If you would like to view the information to be presented ahead of time please follow the directions found here.

 

Warm regards,

 

Christen Timmons

Preschool & Lower School Dean of Wellness

Thousands of students and educators worldwide cast their votes for the best haiku exemplifying a Membean word, making this contest the most popular in Membean history!

Ten outstanding winners were chosen, and William earned third place! 

Here is William's winning poem:

Mesmerize
A radiant smile
The Solar to my system
Entranced in her glow

On Thursday, October 31, Middle School students participated in their first Club Day of the school year. What a raging success it was! One of the most common questions we get from 5th graders, new students, and especially parents is, "What is Middle School Club Day?" It can be hard to explain without living the life of a Middle School student or teacher, but here's MS Clubs in a nutshell.

 

Results are in from the October administration of the TXML (Texas Mathematical League) Exam. Trinity scored 18 points as a team, placing us 12th out of 20 teams. We were competitive with many highly selective private schools in the DFW region. I am proud of our showing on our first attempt at this exam. There were three students who tied for first place in the school with 4 points each: Mary B. ’25, John G. ’27, and Sebastian V ’27. Please offer them congratulations when you see them.

 

The next test in the series is November 12th, please see below:

 

Peace without Limits was this year Lion's Club International Peace Poster theme.  27 7th graders competed in this year's contest from Mrs. Lunson's and Mrs. Bryand's classes. You can view all 27 posters including the winning pieces in the Atrium.

1st - Katie Drach

Here in Texas, we may not face the same winter weather challenges as schools in colder climates, but the focus on building independence and self-help skills is just as important. Our young learners—whether they are three, four, or just turning five—are at an age where developing these abilities can have a big impact on their confidence and growth.

In our preschool, we encourage children to take ownership of small but meaningful tasks, like putting on their jackets, fastening their shoes, or packing up their own belongings. This is one of the reasons we use the “famous” Trinity blue bags, which make it easier for students to load and unload their belongings independently. Each of these steps helps them feel capable and proud. There is a magic in hearing a child say, “I did it!” after they have managed a zipper or found their shoes without help.

As educators, we know that allowing children the time and space to practice these skills is essential. It can be tempting to jump in and lend a hand, especially when we are eager to get outside for play. However, giving them the opportunity to struggle a little and succeed on their own builds resilience and problem-solving skills. These small victories, though they may seem simple, are stepping stones toward greater independence and self-confidence.

When our children take the lead on these tasks, they are not only mastering practical skills but are also learning patience and perseverance. Each effort, no matter how small, prepares them for the next step in their journey. So, the next time you see your child working on a button or carefully placing a hat on their head, know that these moments are laying the foundation for their growth, both in preschool and beyond. As Mrs. Hammer shared with us this week: We can do hard things!

As we focus on encouraging self-help skills and independence in preschool, here are some wonderful picture books that support these concepts in a fun and engaging way. Reading these stories at home can help to reinforce the skills we are practicing in the classroom. Each book offers gentle lessons in perseverance, confidence, and the joy of saying, “I did it!”

Daily quizzes, bell ringers, prime times, homework quizzes—though we give them various names, their implementation and purpose are similar across the science department. These short (5-10 minute), independent assignments are given at the beginning of most class periods, asking students to recall information presented in the previous session. Research supports the idea that learners need to engage frequently with content to master it effectively. Naturally, students aren’t keen on frequent testing, so teachers spend time at the start of the school year explaining the impact of these formative tools. In this departmental update, I thought I’d take a few moments to do the same for our readers.

In freshman Biology, we start each class with a "Prime Time," during which students recall vocabulary, list characteristics or functions, sketch important molecules, and more. In my on-level class, I initially allow students to use their notes during Prime Time, though I set a time limit for answering. This encourages them to take good notes, stay up to date with classwork, and review material to quickly locate information needed to answer questions accurately. I emphasize to all my classes the importance of reviewing notes after each session—a proven technique for enhancing learning. Not only does this allow students to practice with the material, but it also reminds them to seek clarification on any confusing points. Honors students, meanwhile, complete Prime Times without notes, making it a true “daily quiz” in some respects. An informal survey of my Honors Biology class suggests that students appreciate the added push to continually review and the preview of question types they’ll see on summative assessments. If students fall short on recall for a particular topic, they immediately know what to work on. And as a teacher, I can see which topics students grasp well and which may need reteaching or further review. Overall, these activities enhance my classes—students perform better on assessments and experience less stress when it comes time to take them.

In Chemistry and Physics, where daily homework is more common, these knowledge checks often align closely with the previous night’s homework. Homework is graded for completion, and students are provided with an answer key. Then, the daily knowledge check consists of problems similar to those completed independently in the homework. The benefits here are many: it reduces time spent grading homework, discourages late submissions and copying from classmates, and provides teachers with immediate feedback on student understanding. If reteaching is necessary, it can happen immediately. Additionally, this approach shifts the teaching and learning culture. In my Honors Anatomy & Physiology class, I teach juniors and seniors who have experienced the “daily quiz” model in science for years. These students are now disciplined to study daily and work collaboratively—teaching one another and reinforcing understanding—not simply to complete a task.

In this age of social media, one thing that I really like is the “memories” that pop up.  Some are just from a year ago, while others are from ten or more years ago.  It’s interesting for me to see what I was thinking about back then, or less interesting to see how I looked (often much better than I do today). This popped up recently as a quote.

There’s plenty to unpack in this statement, and I certainly won’t empty all of it.

Change is part of life and change happens exponentially faster as we have moved from the 20th century to the 21st.  With change comes what is needed and wanted by society. These wants and needs dictate jobs and careers.  We really have no clue what this means for this group of 5 to 10 year olds today. What are the jobs of the near and distant future? Sure, we will probably need doctors, but will the skills and knowledge of the medical field be the same? The point is that we can’t help children develop with specificity. They need skills and knowledge that applies across a wide spectrum of careers. Another phenomenon of the early 21st century is how people quickly change careers/jobs. This is due to change in the wants and needs of society and also that people have the ability to be flexible in careers because of their skills. Currently, many educators are moving to other fields that require collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills.

I think about this daily. I’m not preparing these kids to be successful in the next grade level or in the next level of schooling. I need to instill more in them than that. I need to help them become great thinkers. Great problem solvers. Innovators. I need to feed their curiosity and nurture it. A curious mind is an active mind. Above all, I believe that I need to help them become good people. People that contribute to society through knowledge, teamwork, creativity, etc.

Wow! That’s a tall order. Preparing students to be successful in life. To have a life with purpose and meaning!

It sure is, but I embrace it and try to work in that direction every single day.

Trinity School of Midland

PSAT Scores
Students in grades 9-11 should receive access to their PSAT scores on either Thursday, October 24 or Thursday, November 7. College Board has a wealth of information about scores online and you are welcome to call or email Sarah Kramer with any follow-up questions. 

Bluebook, which our students downloaded to take the exam, will also be a great resource for your family. It includes full-length practice exams, preparation timelines, and other ideas to help students get ready for the SAT.

The 44 seniors in the Class of 2025 are making steady progress on their college applications: as of October 24, 90% have applied to one or more colleges and 55% have one or more college acceptances. Congratulations to our future Charger alumni on a successful fall semester. 

Parents, if you are applying for financial assistance, the CSS Profile – required by many private colleges and universities – is already open for submissions. The FAFSA is slated to open in December. Each college where your child applies will outline its financial aid process on its website. You will also be able to find a Net Price Calculator, which will outline the anticipated cost of attendance for your family. 

Though fall is a senior-intensive time in our college advising office, work with juniors begins in earnest this month. On Tuesday, we had our first of a yearlong series of junior workshops during advisory. This week, they were also invited to complete a survey about themselves (and their ideal college environment). We will also be asking parents to complete a survey about their children. Completion of both surveys will help make our junior family conferences (January and February 2025) even more productive. During the week of December 2-6, juniors will have a brief, one-on-one college meeting so that we can get better acquainted as the college advising process begins. 

Parents, you are invited to Junior Parent Night on Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. We will provide an overview of the college search, application and decision process.

Many students have also expressed an interest in a practice ACT. Becoming familiar with the format and comparing it to PSAT performance can be helpful as students consider college admission testing to be taken this spring or summer. We will offer this practice opportunity on Saturday, January 25, and more information will be shared in the coming months.  

Sophomores take their college trip March 4-7 (more details to follow). The intent of the trip is two-fold; first, we model for our students how to tour a school (e.g. questions to ask, things to observe, etc.); second, we show them different types of institutions (e.g. public, private, large, small, etc.). We look forward to working with your children and preparing them for college tours your families may take in the coming years. 

We are excited to announce that we will host our second annual College Conversations this winter. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. when we will hear from panelists Caroline Randall, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment, St. John’s College, Santa Fe, NM; Elena D. Hicks, Assistant Vice Provost and Dean of Admission, Southern Methodist University, Dallas; and Brandie Eneks, Director Freshman Admissions, Texas A&M University, College Station. Students in grades 9-11 will hear from these college admission leaders during their advisory and club time, and you are invited to attend the evening discussion.  

Tweens and teens are often difficult to understand. The social, physical, emotional, and behavioral changes they experience can leave them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, upset, angry, or even apathetic. But despite their "I don’t care" attitude, the truth is—they care deeply. They just struggle to handle all the changes happening within and around them, making it easier to say "it doesn’t matter."

A major driving force for adolescents is the desire to fit in and be accepted. They constantly seek approval and balance, unsure whether to participate more or less, which group to join, or what decisions to make. At the same time, they long for the simplicity of childhood while yearning to be productive young adults. This tug-of-war is exhausting, often leading them to escape into sleep or mindless activities like video games or binge-watching Netflix.

As Lisa Damour points out in The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, adolescents pull away from their parents during this time to develop their own identity. While it may feel like rejection, it’s a normal and necessary part of growing up. Teens don’t hate their parents—they just need space. Despite their behavior, they crave love, support, and boundaries. They need to know you're there for them, even on their worst days. Whether they’re in the mood to talk or just need you nearby, your presence is vital to their growth.

From my years of working with middle schoolers, I’ve learned that they need space and respect. Sometimes, their response is simply, “I don’t know,” and that’s okay. If they say they need alone time, don’t push—just let them be. Think about how you might enjoy a few extra minutes in the shower or car for some peace. Similarly, avoid yelling. When emotions are high, pausing the conversation and returning to it later can lead to more constructive communication. Yelling only reinforces their negative self-image.

Middle schoolers often think they need all the latest electronics—phones, gaming systems, VR. While they may want these things, they also secretly crave boundaries, even if they won’t admit it. They need you to set limits because they don’t yet have the willpower to do it themselves. Encourage face-to-face conversations and allow for boredom, which can lead to creative and fulfilling activities like reading or playing sports with friends. Yes, they’ll push back, but stick to your limits. After a few days, you’ll notice a happier, healthier child.

Adolescents are transitioning from childhood to young adulthood, which comes with increased responsibility. Instead of giving them everything, teach them the value of earning and saving for what they want. Though they may complain about it being unfair, their sense of accomplishment when they purchase something on their own is priceless. This independence is what they’re striving for.

Raising a teen is hard—it truly takes a village. Most children need someone other than their parents to talk to, whether it’s a mentor, counselor, or therapist. Help find them their person. As parents, you won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. The key is to remind your child daily that they are loved, valued, and irreplaceable.

I’ve been through it myself. There were times I wasn’t sure we’d make it, but now, my once-teenagers are thriving adults. Hang in there—you’ll make it through, too.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this important journey and part of your village!

Chrystal 

Within the last few months I have returned to a few books that I had previously read years ago by Sir Ken Robinson. One of these was The Element. The other is titled Creative Schools. More recently I listened to an audiobook by Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage. The emphasis in all of these texts comes around to some emphasis on the trait of curiosity.

Robinson makes the point that many schools today have evolved to the point of not appreciating curiosity. He cites that there is a curriculum to be delivered and there is no time or space for venturing off this delineated path. “Many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not – because the thing they were good at in school wasn’t valued, or was actually stigmatized” (Robinson). I think about my one granddaughter who just turned 6 in September. She is naturally curious. She asks a lot of questions and in play works through “what if” scenarios with toys and other everyday objects. We are all naturally curious like that, except for some that trait is diminished or extinguished.

We all want our children to be successful. We want our schools to prepare our children to be successful, but don’t we want them to continue to be curious? “Curiosity is the engine of achievement” (Robinson). We need to help students discover success by encouraging questioning. “Very many people go through their whole lives having no real sense of what their talents may be, or if they have any to speak of” (Robinson). We can counter this line of thought and action by knowing and encouraging the strengths in our children. We are data driven, but data reveals strengths, not just weaknesses. Let’s be student driven and not just data driven.

Shawn Achor is a Harvard researcher who has published The Happiness Advantage. His research reveals the benefits of curiosity toward happiness and success. His findings share that one of the keys to happiness is to exercise our innate sense of curiosity. This is pretty easy to understand. Do we want to always just follow scripts or do we want to pursue interests and passions?

Another recognized author and educator is Will Richardson. He has some interesting thoughts in regard to curiosity. Along with Achor and Robinson he acknowledges that “the most successful people moving forward will be the most curious. The ones who are constantly asking questions. The ones who are always wondering What if?” He poses an interesting question that I think is appropriate and enlightening for our students of today. Instead of asking “what do you want to be when you grow up,” the question should be, “what problem do you want to solve?”

I have the honor of being the Director of Student Life, also known as the Chaos Coordinator.  This correlates directly and, most importantly, with being the sponsor of the Upper School Student Council.  So far, the Student Council has proven to be full of energy, spirit, and fantastic ideas.  They take on the responsibility of being the voice of the student body, organizing fundraisers and events, and coordinating with leadership to represent students.  While this is fun, these students do a great deal of work to create social and other opportunities for their peers and the school.  I am excited about the plans they have in store for the 2024-2025 school year.

President: Madison Brooks

Vice President: Lauren Blaylock

Treasurer: Oliver Stotts

Secretary: Christian Gardea

The 12th Grade Rep: Lomi Lewis

The 11th Grade Reps: William Dorman and Mira Rakesh

The 10th Grade Rep: Kate Cooper

The 9th Grade Reps: Vivian Black and Ryker Graham

Volunteer Council Members: Alex Anguiano, Sofia Gil, Alice LaFarelle, Leila LaFarelle, Holden Cochran, Mary Brown, and Neena Salcone 

This talented group has designed a great schoolwide shirt, which was offered during the months of September and October, and will be delivered in the coming weeks.  Thank you so much for your support, as these orders fund many activities throughout the year.  We are closing the orders soon and those shirts will go out to student classrooms as soon as they come in. 

 

The Student Council has also planned a fun and original week of events for Homecoming 2024.

Start planning now for the following theme days on October 21-26:

Movie Monday: Jump into your favorite film! Dress up like your favorite movie or book character!

Team Tuesday: Show your love for your favorite team and wear a jersey!

Western Wednesday: Put your boots on and head West for some Western attire!  

Students not participating in the dress up day are required to wear standard Wednesday attire.

Tropical Thursday: Surfs up in paradise, wear your best tropical clothes!

Charger Spirit Friday:  Show your Charger pride by wearing our school colors!  Dress all out in blue, black, and white!!!

Saturday: Carnival.  Upper School Students are invited to the Homecoming Dance at the Trinity School Atrium.  More information to follow.

Sonja Erlandson

Director of Student Life

From birth, children are on a quest for independence. We see this in babies trying to feed themselves or insisting on taking off their own diapers. Preschool-aged children are no different—independence at this stage is an important part of their development. Encouraging independence fosters problem-solving skills, confidence, and nurtures self-esteem. Here are a few ways to help build independence in your preschooler:

It’s hard to believe that finals are just around the corner for our seventh and eighth graders.  This time of the year always brings with it all the emotions: nervousness, uncertainty, anxiousness and just an overwhelming feeling of being overwhelmed.  The pressure to do well often weighs heavily on students’ minds.  These feelings are often exasperated for our middle school friends with learning differences.  Whether a student has dyslexia, dysgraphia, or even ADHD, studying, in general, is challenging so we spend a lot of time in ESS classes preparing for finals. Here are some ideas that I use in my class that could be beneficial for your students at home:

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and happy!

 

1st: Elise Meyer

2nd: Lillie Smith

HM: Kaden Hajovsky

HM: Evie Heins

HM: Olivia Dacus 

HM: Charlie Schmallbach 

HM: Andrew Joubert

2nd: Bekah Walter 

3rd: Sienna Rosso 

HM: Wynne Bell 

1st: Madeline Edwards

2nd: Kamila Tanatar

HM: Angel Nalia

HM: Nora Bradford

HM: John Gordon

Middle School Parents,

As many of us have experienced, having access to cell phones often introduces a challenging phase where children may send unkind messages. It’s much easier for them to be hurtful behind a screen than face-to-face. In group chats, these comments can reach a larger audience, amplifying the hurt they can cause. We have seen this firsthand, working with several students who have been deeply affected by shared messages and/or social media posts.

What’s particularly heartbreaking is that students are also using these chats to process their fears about safety, including school shootings. We know it’s a heavy, extremely sad, and unfortunate reality for our kids to navigate. While it’s important they have space to share their feelings, these chats and social media postings are becoming unhealthy and causing a lot of additional stress and anxiety. 

We want to stress the importance of stopping these behaviors and reminding them about the safety measures we have in place at Trinity School. We encouraged them to speak up and share any messages that suggest someone may be a threat to themselves or others. 

This is where we would love your help. Please talk with your children. Help them understand what is appropriate in text messaging or social media posting. Discuss ways to handle conflicts with friends. Be open and honest about how to manage their worries about school shootings or their safety in general. We also encourage you to monitor their text messages and social media posts. Being transparent with your child about your responsibility to keep them safe and accountable will encourage better decision-making. Knowing that adults regularly screen their phones helps children make better decisions about their messages. Be realistic about what you will read. You will likely be appalled at spelling, grammar, language, and some of the content. Give your children appropriate space to experiment with harmless aspects of peer communication (Would you have wanted your parents to hear everything you said to your friends?!), and focus any follow-up conversations on addressing anything harmful or unsafe.

We have included some resources below to help guide these conversations at home. Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey in building your child’s character, intellect, and ability to positively impact Trinity School and the world around them. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Gratefully,

Chrystal Myers

National Association of School Psychologists: Talking with children about school violence:

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: 

Together Against Bullying: Family Texting Guidelines:

NCMEC NetSmartz:

Connect Safely: Cellphone Safety Tips:

Reconnect Blog: Group Chat Do’s and Dont’s

While not an “official” source, this blog provides good information specifically on group chats.

Believe it or not, we have already made it to the midpoint of the first trimester. In a little over a month, students will be sitting down to complete their first trimester exams. I know I am getting older, but I regularly question where the time goes.

Since early in the school year, there has been a prevailing feeling that we are off to a really strong start. That sentiment still rings true. We’ve packed an awful lot into the first months of the school year. We have recorded great accomplishments on the courts, fields, and race course. We have had noteworthy placements in all-region band and choir contests. We’ve developed new partnerships with local non-profit organizations.

Additionally, our students are performing well in their classes. As a center of learning, ambitious teaching and learning is the primary driver for why we all arrive on campus each day. In my professional career I have often noted that success can mean a lot of different things, at different times, to different people. I’ve also encouraged students, teachers, and coaches to control what they can control - their effort and their follow through. It is affirming to see our Upper School students embrace these tenets. 

I am encouraged by the positive start to this school year, by the demonstration of strong work ethic and achievement, and by the multitude of happy, smiling faces that populate the Upper School hallways and classrooms each day. I know we will continue to work hard, share joy, and delight in each other's accomplishments the rest of this trimester and throughout the school year.

We enjoyed hosting parents last week for Open House. However, our conversations and interactions do not have to be limited to these special events. If you ever have questions or concerns about your child, please contact me or your child’s advisor to schedule a time to visit. We want to partner with you to ensure a positive, professional experience for your child and for you as we all navigate these high school years together.

Kind regards,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School

1st: Olga Memnon

2nd: Samuel Li

HM: Katie Li

HM: Seth Lemons

Dear 8th Grade Parents,

 

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, all Grade 8 students will take the Digital PSAT 8/9 standardized test. For Grades 8 through 10, the PSAT is practice for the PSAT/NMSQT test taken by juniors across the country. The 11th-grade exam determines qualification for National Merit Scholarships. There is no need to run out to purchase test prep tutoring books or tutoring for this exam. It is a research-based and practice test and should be viewed as such. Students should get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school. Students with current documentation on file and receiving extended time will use that accommodation for this assessment. 

Students will test from 8:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and then resume their normal schedule. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

Chrystal Myers

Head of Middle School

We will be administering the PSAT on Wednesday, October 9. This is our second digital administration of this test. Last year, our students discovered that this test is easier to take, shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in calculator. 

For juniors, the PSAT serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It serves as practice for sophomores and freshmen. Sophomore scores, however, are important for two reasons. First, it could qualify some 10th graders for College Board National Program Recognition. Second, the score on the PSAT could help them with Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption. The TSI exemption is important when our students become eligible to take dual credit U.S. History coursework as juniors. Ninth graders take the PSAT 8/9, different from the PSAT taken by our older students.

All students should bring their test device, an external mouse or keyboard (if desired) and a pencil or a pen for making notes. Students are also allowed to bring a charging cord or power bank, snacks and a drink, and hand sanitizer. These additional items will be stored under the students’ desks or in their backpacks.

The following items are not allowed during the test or breaks.

We will plan to begin standard time test administration promptly at 8:45 the morning of October 9. Following test administration, we plan to provide lunch for all testers and then go to Midland Community Theatre to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All students will return to campus by 4:00 for participation in after-school activities. 

The senior class will have 8:45-4:00 available to make progress on their college applications or catch up with academic work. Mrs. Kramer will be in town October 7-11 and available for one-on-one meetings throughout that time.

Please reach out to Mr. Jones or Mrs. Kramer if you have any follow-up questions regarding the testing plan. 

Dear Preschool Families,

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for joining us at our "Through Their Eyes" open house event. It was truly a joyful evening, and the preschool team and I are deeply honored that you took the time to fully engage and immerse yourself in the world of your children.

It was inspiring to witness your curiosity, playfulness, and participation as you explored the spaces that your children experience every day. By stepping into their shoes—even if just for an evening—you had the opportunity to see how much learning and growth happens through their play and exploration. The way you embraced this perspective was truly a testament to the partnership we share in supporting your children's journey.

As I mentioned during the event, everything you saw—the artwork, the photos, the activities—was a reflection of the deep thinking, collaboration, and creativity your children demonstrate daily. It was our hope that through this evening, you gained new insights into the rhythms and routines of their day, as well as a greater appreciation for the power of play in nurturing their growth and development.

We loved seeing your enthusiasm, your questions, and your joy, and we hope that the experience sparked ideas for how you can extend this kind of learning at home. Please don’t forget to share any photos you captured with us, as we’d love to relive the evening and share those moments with the children!

Once again, thank you for your participation and for entrusting us with your wonderful children each day. We are honored to be a part of their lives and look forward to many more magical moments together.

Warm regards,
Megan Irwin

Click the headline to click through more photos!

Dear Parents,

We are excited to inform you that we have added Land's End as an additional uniform vendor for basic items! They offer a great selection of quality pieces, making it a convenient option for your uniform needs.

Please note that our Trinity plaid is currently unavailable from Land's End. However, they are actively working on this, and we will provide updates as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Best regards,  
Adrianne Clifton, MEd

Associate Head of School

Dear Parents,

We are excited to inform you that we have added Land's End as an additional uniform vendor for basic items! They offer a great selection of quality pieces, making it a convenient option for your uniform needs.

Please note that our Trinity plaid is currently unavailable from Land's End. However, they are actively working on this, and we will provide updates as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Best regards,  
Adrianne Clifton, MEd

Associate Head of School

The Trinity Math Department is proud to announce the return of the Math League Exams. Students who have completed at least Algebra 1 (including 8th graders who are currently in Geometry) are welcome to enter the contest. 

For each contest, students will have 30 minutes to complete 6 questions (a calculator is allowed). Each contest includes at least two questions requiring only mathematics from Algebra 1 and Geometry, while the remaining 4 questions may require knowledge from Algebra 2, PreCalculus, or Calculus. 

Students will compete for the highest individual score within the school, and the school will report the top 5 scores as our “league score.”

 This six-part high school series will take place from 7:45-8:15 am on:

Students must sign up in advance: https://forms.gle/V4zdYs3tohZwBGmb6

Stay tuned for details on future contests for Algebra 1, and for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8.

For questions, contact Carly Vollet, cvollet@trinitymidland.org

Dear Middle School Families,

We are super excited about you joining us for our Middle School Open House on Tuesday, October 1st. Below is our schedule for the evening. 

We will begin our time together with the whole group at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Freese and I will share a few words about Trinity Middle School, and our Fine Arts teachers will share about their respective courses. Following our whole group time, we will split into two groups: 5th and 6th grade will stay in the Commons, and 7th and 8th grade will meet in the Chapel, where teachers will share information related to the classroom and subject matter. Due to the limited time each teacher has, we cannot use this time for individual conversations; however, you will receive a sheet with all teacher contacts and office hours so you can set up a time to visit. Following the group sessions, teachers will be in their classrooms for those of you who want to visit your child’s learning space.  

We look forward to sharing our evening with you!

Chrystal

Dear Parents,

We are excited to inform you that we have added Land's End as an additional uniform vendor for basic items! They offer a great selection of quality pieces, making it a convenient option for your uniform needs.

Please note that our Trinity plaid is currently unavailable from Land's End. However, they are actively working on this, and we will provide updates as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support!

Best regards,  
Adrianne Clifton, MEd

Associate Head of School

Upper School Chapel is a delightful part of the morning at Trinity School. We’ve had two great Senior Chapel talks and are looking forward to many more in the coming weeks. I love hearing the students share their thoughts and experiences. When the Seniors aren’t speaking this trimester, we are Charging Forward in Faith by studying the attributes of God explored in the book The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. So far we have discussed that God is good (all the time!), God is trustworthy, and God is generous. We are also exploring Soul Training exercises that help us to replace the untrue stories we tell ourselves with the truth of what God says. So far we have talked about sleep, silence and finding joy in God’s creation. 

• Sleep. Sleep may not be the first thing we think of when talking about spiritual disciplines, but we all know that we cannot be our best selves when we are over tired. It is often hard to show up as the people Jesus calls us to be - loving, kind, patient, full of the fruit of the Spirit. It is even harder to do so when we’re already grumpy and not feeling well from getting too little sleep. When we surrender our worries and cares to God and allow ourselves to rest, we acknowledge that God is in control even and especially when we reach the end of our human capabilities. 

• Silence. We live in a noisy world, and our students have constant sources of noise and distraction at their fingertips in the form of text alerts, notifications, video games, earbuds for music, endless streaming options, etc. It’s rare to find silence. Taking time to be still and quiet is difficult for all of us. However, it is essential for connecting with God and hearing his voice in our lives. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

• Joy in God’s creation. The simple fact that the sun comes up every day and sets every evening is a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The beauty we observe in a West Texas sky or a flower in the garden or an interesting bug on the porch reminds us of the tremendous care God took in creating the world, and how deeply God must care for each of us and every detail of our lives. I encouraged our students to make sure they put their feet in the grass or look up at the stars as often as possible and remember the good and beautiful things in their lives, gifts of God. 

We are thrilled to announce that STUCO is officially up and running! We recently explained the membership process to the students, and we had an amazing turnout! Students self-nominate with the endorsement of two teachers, and these nominations are then reviewed by the committee to select the final candidates for the ballot. Each student creates a short video to share with their peers, highlighting why they would be an excellent grade-level representative. During our Advisory time, we watch these videos and allow the students to cast their votes.

This year, Middle School STUCO has some fantastic plans in store! The group will be responsible for planning, setting up, and dismantling all Middle School social events throughout the school year. Additionally, we are excited to introduce sub-committees this year. These sub-committees will enable STUCO members to serve our campus in various ways, such as trash pick-up, equipment collection during breaks, reading buddy programs, and even a Kindness Committee that leaves encouraging notes for peers in their lockers.

Our ultimate goal is to foster a spirit of servant leadership among these students. Through their involvement in sub-committees and social events, we believe that the students chosen by their peers will have a wonderful year contributing to our school and the greater Trinity community.

Faculty Advisors: Briana Bouldin, Rachael Solis, Vicki Setzler, Karley Keener, Kodi Dixon

Middle School Chapel is off to a great start. I love hearing the students sing and share their thoughts each morning. This trimester we are Charging Forward in Faith by studying the attributes of God explored in the book The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. So far we have discussed that God is good (all the time!) and God is trustworthy.  We are discussing ideas that we may carry in our heads that do not match up with what God says in the Bible. We are also exploring Soul Training exercises that help us to replace what we may have heard from others or that we tell ourselves with the truth of what God says. So far, we have talked about sleep, silence, and finding joy in God’s creation. 

Here is a link to the Middle School Chaplain’s Challenge where you can see more of what is coming up in Chapel. Any student who tries out the Soul Training exercises and records a bit about their experience will receive a reward at the end of each trimester. 

Our students tell me they know God is good because they love singing along with Taylor Swift music and cheering for Cristiano Ronaldo, but also because they go home to safe spaces and are loved by families like yours. Thank you for entrusting your children to Trinity School. They bring me joy every day.

Hi there! My name is Jessi Morgan, and I am the new Middle and Upper School Director of Wellness here at Trinity School of Midland. And yes, I am the lady with the dog, Winnie the Pooch!

 

Winnie and I are so excited to be part of the community here at Trinity—I have heard such wonderful things about the school as well as the community and feel extremely grateful to be a part.

 

I aim to be highly visible in the school and available for your child. Students can make appointments to come see me or stop by when needed. I encourage parents and guardians to reach out to me with any concerns they may have. 

 

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have more than 10 years of experience as a social worker in the Permian Basin. When I am not working you can often find me (and Winnie!) serving as a Disaster Mental Health Volunteer with the American Red Cross, or facilitating online grief groups through HealGrief: Actively Moving Forward. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoy my field and am passionate about supporting the mental health of those within our community, especially children and families.

My primary goal is to support students so that every student can reach their full potential and achieve academic and personal success. To accomplish this, the Wellness Program focuses on the social, emotional, and developmental needs of every student.

Some of the interventions I utilize to accomplish these goals include:

 

I maintain an "open door" policy to provide support for all students, please do encourage your child to stop by if they can benefit from my services. On my door your students can always find monthly tips, and resources.

You or your child can also find mental health resources on MyTrinity by clicking the “health and wellness” tab.

 

If your child is struggling at school or at home, please feel free to reach out or encourage them to stop by my office (Room 634). Winnie also always welcomes pets between classes! Please feel free to contact me anytime at 432-697-3281 Ext. 8634 or jmorgan@trinitymidland.org.

 

Looking forward to a great year ahead,

Jessi Morgan

The Toy Story movie and its subsequent sequels have placed some quotes and ideas into our modern culture and lexicon.  “To infinity and beyond” just might be the most memorable.  Can we really do that?  Can we go that far?  Can we achieve that much?

Today, there are so many phrases and mantras tossed around about believing in yourself, and I too, feel that this is an important trait to have. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with saying, “Believe you can and you are halfway there.” “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them,” was stated by Michael Jordan. These statements are correct. If we do not believe in ourselves, we cannot accomplish anything.

In Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear has a very high opinion of himself and his abilities. He does look quite incredible with his wings and his laser. Woody is ever pragmatic. He continually tries to remind Buzz that he is “just a toy.” This builds into a rivalry between Buzz and Woody that would lead to nothing if continued. It takes a belief in self and a willingness to trust others to achieve. What is eventually accomplished is amazing. The belief grows within the toy community, and through trust and collaboration, the rescue from Sid and a return to Andy is a success. As individuals, we can accomplish much with a belief in ourselves, but let us not forget that we can accomplish so much more by adding trust and collaboration with others.

Jealousy begins to develop in Woody even before Buzz is revealed to the toy community. Woody has emotions that he will no longer be good enough. This jealousy begins to grow within Woody and he uses his only known defense since he cannot build himself up. He puts Buzz down. “You’re just a toy” and “That’s not flying, it’s falling with style” are two well-known phrases. Eventually, Woody has to accept his weaknesses and treat Buzz as a partner. The lesson is that jealousy gets us nowhere. The best route is to accept who we are and accept what we can do. Also, acknowledge the strengths of others and gladly ask for and accept their help.  Together we can accomplish so much more than we can alone.

The plot moves along in the movie and shows how the toys need each other. They all have strengths and they all have weaknesses. Who could forget a severely insecure Tyrannosaurus Rex? Relationships are precious and should be nurtured. Friends are needed and the toys show that so much more can be done when we all work together.

You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got troubles, and I’ve got ’em, too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you

We stick together and we see it through
‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me

Perhaps the message is that we CAN go To Infinity and Beyond………with the help from our friends.

*Summer reading can be beneficial for teachers as well. It offers an opportunity to unwind, explore new ideas, and expand knowledge that can be brought back into the classroom. This is an activity that Trinity has facilitated for at least 20 plus years. Some years the reading is limited to one primary title and other years more choices are promoted through a curated list. This summer’s list of books were (I hope) an impressive mix, covering a range of important educational, developmental, and leadership topics. Here's a brief overview of what each book might have offered to our teachers:











**Your Brain on Art**: Explores the science behind creativity and the impact of art on the brain, which could be valuable for integrating more creative, arts-based approaches into education.

These titles reflect the diverse and holistic challenges our educators face today—from mental health to leadership, creativity, and innovative teaching strategies. Remember that your child’s teacher is an engaging educator that is consistently expanding their own repertoire of knowledge with regard to their profession and to the intellectual development of your child, our students. 

Adrianne Clifton, M.Ed.  

Associate Head of School 

Hi there! My name is Jessi Morgan, and I am the new Middle and Upper School Director of Wellness here at Trinity School of Midland. And yes, I am the lady with the dog, Winnie the Pooch!

 

Winnie and I are so excited to be part of the community here at Trinity—I have heard such wonderful things about the school as well as the community and feel extremely grateful to be a part.

 

I have had the privilege of meeting almost all of your children through Middle School Bootcamp, lunch duty, and chatting in the hallways. I aim to be highly visible in the school and available for your child. Students can make appointments to come see me or stop by when needed. I encourage parents and guardians to reach out to me with any concerns they may have. 

 

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have more than 10 years of experience as a social worker in the Permian Basin. When I am not working you can often find me (and Winnie!) serving as a Disaster Mental Health Volunteer with the American Red Cross, or facilitating online grief groups through HealGrief: Actively Moving Forward. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoy my field and am passionate about supporting the mental health of those within our community, especially children and families.

My primary goal is to support students so that every student can reach their full potential and achieve academic and personal success. To accomplish this the Wellness Program focuses on the social, emotional, and developmental needs of every student.

Some of the interventions I utilize to accomplish these goals include:

 

 

I maintain an "open door" policy to provide support for all students, please do encourage your child to stop by if they can benefit from my services. On my door your students can always find monthly tips, resources, and coloring/winddown sheets! 

You or your child can also find mental health resources on MyTrinity by clicking the “health and wellness” tab.

 

If your child is struggling at school, or at home, please feel free to reach out, or encourage them to stop by my office (Room 634). Winnie also always welcomes pets between classes! Please feel free to contact me anytime at 432-697-3281 Ext. 8634 or jmorgan@trinitymidland.org.

 

Looking forward to a great year ahead,

Jessi Morgan

This past week the Lower School kicked off their annual work of service that we call BIGG Projects.  BIGG stands for Big Ideas for the Greater Good. In 2014, Trinity alumna, Amy Bell '99, passed away unexpectedly. Because of the servant leadership values that were instilled in Amy during her time at Trinity, her parents gave a gift to endow the Amy Bell Charities Fund at Trinity School to enhance the BIGG projects.  Each grade level in the Lower School leads a service project each year.  This year Lower School is kicking off this effort with a service project by everyone in Lower School.

Everyone in Lower School is partnering with the West Texas Food Bank during Hunger Action Month.  On Tuesday, Dr. Peters emphasized one aspect of our Trinity Mission.  That is to Inspire Servant Leadership.  Throughout the school year each grade level will conduct their own individual project, but to start the year everyone in Lower School is helping to solve the problem of hunger in our community. The first Thursday of each month is dedicated to Thankful Thursday.  This happens monthly in Lower School Chapel when we hear from a local community leader about a service project or a service organization.  This week our students heard about the work of the West Texas Food Bank.

From Monday, September 9 through Friday, September 13 we are asking each student to share a box of cereal.  These will be collected throughout the week and then in a dramatic manner shared with the West Texas Food Bank on Friday, September 13.  

Hunger Action Month happens each year in September as a way to bring attention to the problem of hunger in our community and in our state.  Orange is the color of hunger, so we ask everyone in Lower School to wear something orange on Friday, September 13.  Please stay within the parameters of the dress code, but display orange.  Maybe an Orange shirt, or orange socks, or an orange hair bow as an example.

We look forward to working together on this project and begin this year’s work of Inspiring Servant Leadership in our students!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. The college advising office is busy supporting our seniors as they embark on their post-Trinity planning and college application process. The class of 2025 is finalizing their college lists, ensuring they have a wide/balanced range of options, fine-tuning essays, and thinking about how they want to spend their time after graduation. This rite of passage is student-led with the college advising office serving as each child’s “guide on the side”, and it is a fun and inspiring vantage point. We will share news throughout the year as their progress and decision-making unfold.

Last week, two seniors received their first college acceptances and rang the bell, a Trinity tradition. Congratulations to Lily McHale and Devin Jeffcoat pictured above.

Parents often ask what underclassmen should be doing to prepare for their senior year. Below is a grade-by-grade overview of what you and your children can be thinking about.

The grade point average for college admission starts now, and the freshman year in Upper School matters. During this foundational year, students should be doing their best and getting involved in the life of Trinity and the external community. When colleges look at our senior class, they are looking at the entirety of Upper School performance, plus how students have spent their time outside the classroom. 

For some students, this may be the first time they struggle in one or more subjects. It is important that our students use T-Block (8-8:45 a.m., Monday through Friday) to seek extra help. There are also online resources to help with study skills and academic support like Khan Academy. 

Students should begin keeping track of community service hours, extracurricular activities and awards. The “clock” for Upper School began in June 2024, so anything your child did this past summer can also become part of their college resume. 

This spring, our freshmen will begin course planning for sophomore year. It is important to think about Upper School as the building blocks for a bigger picture, so students should continue to challenge themselves appropriately. 

Sophomores will build upon their freshman year, continuing to do their best academically and staying involved inside and outside school with activities that align with their values, interests and abilities. Like freshman year, students should keep track of activities, awards and honors and seek extra help when they need it. 

The PSAT is going to be administered Wednesday, October 9. Students will have access to free practice exams and resources when they download Bluebook, an application designed by College Board. Stay tuned for more information. 

Our Expeditionary Learning trip in March will help set the tone for our conversations about post-Trinity planning. Students will tour multiple colleges, learning about a variety of school types while gaining experience about how to visit schools. We will share more information about this trip this winter. Keep in mind that we are showing student school types (public, private, small, large, etc.), so the actual selection of schools we visit is less important than the context students acquire about what might fit career goals and personality best.

Sophomore year can be a good time for families to start visiting colleges, too. If you are on a vacation or in a town that has a school of interest to your child, you could attend an Information Session and Tour. On any college website, you can click on “Admissions” and learn about how to visit. The majority of colleges require you to make a reservation in advance, but if you are not seeking something quite so formal, you can often find downloadable walking tours as well.  

 

Junior year is important. First, the three trimesters will be some of the most important when colleges begin evaluating their applicants. It will be important for students to enroll in courses that fit them and potentially what they want to study. One such option going into junior year will be to take dual credit coursework at Midland College. The majority of students will enroll in U.S. History this way, depending on their PSAT score and Texas Success Initiative exemption.  

The PSAT this year is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and held on Wednesday, October 9. We will coach our juniors and point them to all the resources that can help them prepare, including College Board’s Bluebook and Khan Academy.

Later in October, the college advising office begins a series of monthly junior workshops. Students will learn how to use Cialfo, our college application platform; take a series of assessments (personality, learning/productivity style, and intelligences) to start thinking about college majors/choice; learn about college admission testing (ACT/SAT); craft their college resume; seek teacher recommendations; write a rough draft of a personal statement/essay; and complete most of the Common Application, a universal application accepted by 1,000+ colleges across the U.S. and abroad.

Parent education during this time is also key, as we will be partnering in the months ahead to support our students. There will be a Junior Parent Night on Thursday, December 5 to provide an overview of what you can expect. Beginning in January, we will also offer two weeks of junior family conferences so that we can have individualized conversations about post-Trinity planning.

This is an exciting and important journey for our students, and the college advising office is happy to answer all your questions along the way. As parents of seniors know, our office is focused on seniors now through the end of December. However, the door is always open and students in grades 9-11 can ask their questions, too. It is an honor to work with Trinity Midland students and families. Next month, Mr. Jones and I will share more about the PSAT in grades 9-11. 

 

The "100 languages" metaphor, as introduced by Loris Malaguzzi, beautifully captures the idea that children express their understanding of the world in a multitude of ways beyond just speech. This concept lies at the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach, where each child's unique forms of expression—whether through art, movement, play, or emotions—are honored and encouraged. It's a way of recognizing that learning is not one-dimensional but deeply personal and diverse, tapping into expressive, imaginative, and cognitive realms.

Our preschool’s commitment to embracing these diverse modes of learning, as demonstrated through our adoption of the Reggio Emilia philosophy since fall 2022, speaks to a dedication to nurturing well-rounded, inquisitive children. It’s also noteworthy that your faculty and staff have immersed themselves in the rich, transformative content of The Hundred Languages of Children by Carolyn Edwards, Lella Gandini, and George Forman as an elective summer reading choice. While challenging, this kind of commitment helps ensure your students are receiving a deeply thoughtful, developmental experience as they prepare for their educational journey.

The Reggio Emilia approach's emphasis on observation, reflection, and child-led discovery promotes a shift in teaching, as beautifully stated by Malaguzzi’s quote: “Stand aside for a while and leave room for learning.” This philosophy is indeed challenging to explain in words, but the outcomes—children who explore, create, and grow in their own unique ways—speak for themselves.

At Trinity School, our values and competencies guide students and faculty, setting a moral compass for our community. Central to this is the Honor Code, which states: "Because I believe that integrity is essential, I promise not to lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do." This code is the foundation of trust for every Trinity Charger. However, there are times when the Honor Code is violated. When this happens, the Trinity Honor Council steps in to determine the appropriate course of action.

The Trinity Honor Council is composed of eight upperclassmen: two seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, and two freshmen. These students are nominated by their teachers, and the finalists are selected by their peers. Once chosen, they serve for the remainder of their upper school years. Council members participate in a summer training session to ensure their decisions are grounded in the latest research and best practices and are in line with the values of Trinity School.

Appearing before the Honor Council is not meant to be pleasant, but it is designed to be more restorative than punitive. The Council's goal is not to judge a student's character but to address the specific action that brought the student to the meeting. When a potential Honor Code violation is identified, the concerned teacher discusses it with the Dean of Students. Together, they decide if the matter warrants a Council hearing.

During the hearing, the student is allowed to explain the circumstances of the alleged violation, while the teacher provides a statement detailing why they believe the Code was breached. After reviewing all the evidence, the Council recommends a consequence, which may include a letter of apology, a grade reduction, or a chance to complete a new assignment to demonstrate mastery of the material. The final decision on consequences rests with the Head of School, Mrs. Hammer.

The Honor Council process is private and confidential. A student's advisor accompanies them throughout the process, offering support and clarification as needed. The goal is for the experience to be a one-time learning opportunity within a supportive environment—one that helps students understand the importance of integrity before they face potentially more severe consequences in college or beyond.

 

Occasionally, the Council hears the evidence and determines that the Code was not broken by the student and therefore not in violation of the Trinity School Honor Code. While this is rare, it does happen and often centers around the use of technology. As we enter this new brave world of AI, faculties, and students are learning how best to navigate this new frontier. We will continue to hold all students accountable, but will also attempt to determine how AI and other new technologies can best serve our students. 

By empowering students to administer the Honor Code, we hope to encourage the entire student body to take ownership of the code and hold one another accountable. The goal is for each student to learn from their mistakes and move forward positively. As Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This reflects the intended outcome of the Honor Code and Council process and the values of Trinity School. 

Due to the Grandparents Day performance in the Preschool and Lower School, and the trimester exams for grades 7 and 8, students in grades 5 and 6 will have a day off from classes on Friday, November 22, 2024. We hope this allows you to enjoy an early start to your Thanksgiving holiday!

Additionally, September 4th marks our first official Wednesday Dress Day. We understand that some students may not have the specific attire for this occasion, so please have them wear their Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday uniforms.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

At Trinity School, our values and competencies guide students and faculty, setting a moral compass for our community. Central to this is the Honor Code, which states: "Because I believe that integrity is essential, I promise not to lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do." This code is the foundation of trust for every Trinity Charger. However, there are times when the Honor Code is violated. When this happens, the Trinity Honor Council steps in to determine the appropriate course of action.

The Trinity Honor Council is composed of eight upperclassmen: two seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, and two freshmen. These students are nominated by their teachers, and the finalists are selected by their peers. Once chosen, they serve for the remainder of their upper school years. Council members participate in a summer training session to ensure their decisions are grounded in the latest research and best practices and are in line with the values of Trinity School.

Appearing before the Honor Council is not meant to be pleasant, but it is designed to be more restorative than punitive. The Council's goal is not to judge a student's character but to address the specific action that brought the student to the meeting. When a potential Honor Code violation is identified, the concerned teacher discusses it with the Dean of Students. Together, they decide if the matter warrants a Council hearing.

During the hearing, the student is allowed to explain the circumstances of the alleged violation, while the teacher provides a statement detailing why they believe the Code was breached. After reviewing all the evidence, the Council recommends a consequence, which may include a letter of apology, a grade reduction, or a chance to complete a new assignment to demonstrate mastery of the material. The final decision on consequences rests with the Head of School, Mrs. Hammer.

The Honor Council process is private and confidential. A student's advisor accompanies them throughout the process, offering support and clarification as needed. The goal is for the experience to be a one-time learning opportunity within a supportive environment—one that helps students understand the importance of integrity before they face potentially more severe consequences in college or beyond.

 

Occasionally, the Council hears the evidence and determines that the Code was not broken by the student and, therefore, not in violation of the Trinity School Honor Code. While this is rare, it does happen and often centers around the use of technology. As we enter this new brave world of AI, faculty members and students are learning how best to navigate this new frontier. We will continue to hold all students accountable, but will also attempt to determine how AI and other new technologies can best serve our students. 

For Middle School students, it can be quite intimidating to appear before the Council. For this reason, the Council treats these incidents with great care and endeavors to use the opportunity to teach what is expected and appropriate for students at Trinity School. For those Middle School students who appear before the Council, a previous issue of integrity has likely occurred and their appearance before the Council is an attempt to remedy that behavior. Just as it is better to correct an issue with honesty before attending college, it is also better to remedy this behavior before Upper School. 

By empowering students to administer the Honor Code, we hope to encourage the entire student body to take ownership of the code and hold one another accountable. The goal is for each student to learn from their mistakes and move forward positively. As Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This reflects the intended outcome of the Honor Code and Council process and the values of Trinity School. 

I heard a story at church years ago that goes something like this:

Three people were working, basically doing the same thing. They were asked the same question: What are you doing? The first responded by saying that he was laying bricks. The second individual explained that he was building a wall. The third person stated that he was constructing a cathedral.

What a difference in the mindset of these people who were all doing the same thing. It’s not hard to realize which person had more passion and purpose for the work. I bet there would be a difference in the quality of the work too based upon this passion and purpose.

Hearing this got me thinking about how this simple story applies to education, and for that matter, probably all walks of life. Having passion and purpose is so important.

I wasn’t there with these three individuals, but I bet the third person had more autonomy in the job and was included in the development and formation of the bigger picture of the work. There is a good chance that the other two were simply told by their boss what to do and where to do it.

We want teachers who are passionate and purposeful as well. For many years in Pennsylvania I worked with pre-service teachers who were learning the profession and/or completing internships within the schools. I can say from experience that nearly every one of these individuals was overflowing with passion. They were excited about teaching. They wanted to make a difference. They graduate. They obtain a teaching position and then in some cases the passion is lost.

We can prevent that as leaders. We can keep their excitement and passion burning. To do this we need to continually have conversations about the big picture, about inspiring students to be curious about their world, and to be innovative toward creating a brighter future. Each and every day can be an opportunity for a child to find or refine their passion. As educators we can model this every day. We can be excited about what we do. We can approach students with lessons that are relevant, meaningful, and have purpose. We can help students build lives that are cathedrals. As Head of Lower School I will do all I can to keep the passion burning for our teachers and for our students so as to avoid the job of just “laying bricks.”

As we draw close to the end of the first full week of school it is evident that this is going to be a great year to be a Charger. I’ve been really impressed by the positive energy of our students and faculty so far this school year. It’s nice to get back into the rhythm of school for all of us. Along with finding the rhythm, the start of the school year is an appropriate time to set goals for the school year.  In his book Legacy, by James Kerr, a leadership lesson of the famous New Zealand Rugby team, we are reminded to “Aim for the highest cloud, so if we miss we will hit a lofty mountain.” Along with our goals, it is important to build daily habits and follow the rhythm towards achievement. We’ve been discussing this in chapel this week and it is an important and timely message as we begin the year.

I know the news on cell phones was met with mixed emotions, but I wanted to share some anecdotal evidence of success with you. I've had teachers describe the productive mood of their classrooms being elevated from years past. And instead of seeing students with their faces glued to their screens all over campus I am seeing and hearing students talking, laughing, and interacting with one another in person instead of through a device. All good steps towards supporting the culture we want to promote for our students and for the teaching and learning environment on our campus.

I often share that we want the Trinity Upper School to be a place where every student is known, loved, challenged, and supported. If you find that your child’s experience is lacking in one of these areas please take time to visit with me. We also want to be the best partner to our families in their child’s educational journey.  

In that vein, I want to share a few dates with you all for planning purposes. We hope that you will make time to visit campus for our open house, and I hope that you will make note of these dates so that your child is available to be present and participate in these activities.

Expeditionary learning is an important component of the Trinity School experience.  As a school, we value these experiences and build them into our academic calendar.  Therefore, participation is expected. Expeditionary Learning is a powerful tool that we use to enrich the everyday experience for the students at Trinity School. All of these experiences afford the participants the opportunity to grow as individuals, to build self-confidence, and to learn to take calculated risks. Expeditionary Learning allows students to build deeper relationships with their peers and the adults who guide them. These activities help students build trust and a stronger sense of belonging to their community. Along the way, students also pick up skills and strategies that will remain with them throughout their lifelong learning journey.

All the best,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School

We are getting ready to begin our 2nd year with One School/One Book.  This is a school community-wide shared reading event.  Every student and every staff member in Lower School will receive a copy of Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins.  This is a special event for our entire school as we read, talk, share, and learn together.

Reading together at home is valuable because it prepares your child to be a more effective reader and it’s fun.  When children see others reading and talking about what they read, they see the purpose and joy that can come from working to improve themselves as a reader.

Your child will receive a copy of our book when we kick things off with a fun, Lower School Assembly on Wednesday, September 4. Along with the book, you will receive a reading schedule so that we stay together through our reading of Toys Go Out.  Generally, it may take 15-20 minutes to complete each section.  You may read aloud or read with your child, taking turns.  Our older students will be able to read independently and talk about the text. We will have sections of the book scheduled Monday through Thursday from September 4 to our conclusion of September 20.

In school your child will participate in short lessons, trivia, and discussion as all of Lower School reads Toys Go Out.  This a novel program in that children of all grade levels will be listening to or reading the same book.  Strange or daring as that may seem, it actually makes sound educational sense.  Reading professionals recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child’s own reading level.  It is also recommended that you should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves.  Toys Go Out is a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by younger students, and will still captivate and stimulate older students.

Watch for the book coming home with your student on Wednesday, September 4!  When a whole school reads a book, there’s a lot to talk about!  With your help, we can build a Community of Readers at our school.

Dear Middle School Families,  

We have made it through the first seven days of school, and this year is off to a great start! We had an excellent turnout and a crazy, fun time for Meet the Teacher and Meet the Chargers. I apologize for any delays with Chromebook setup, advisor assignments, or finding classrooms. It may have felt chaotic to some, but it really was organized chaos that allowed us to hit the ground running on Wednesday morning. I hope being on campus before the first day of classes eased any fears or unknowns your child(ren) may have had. A big thank you to our Trinity Ambassadors, who did a fantastic job as tour guides! 

With every new beginning comes challenges and victories. After a week and a half of school, we have made a few minor adjustments to carpool, individual schedules, and lunch routines with the students’ best interests in mind. We have visited in detail about policies, procedures, and expectations, and signed our names to the Honor Code. Our 5th graders have visited with Ms. Morgan, the Middle and Upper School Wellness Director, about kindness and our overall expectations of being part of and contributing to our community. Grades 6 through 8 will visit with Ms. Morgan next week, and you will hear from her in early September. All the butterflies and unknowns have dissipated for students and teachers, and we are well into our new daily routine. 

The students’ and teachers' smiles, excitement, and energy are infectious and have brought our building back to life. We look forward to building on that positive energy that has filled our classrooms, commons, chapel, and outdoor spaces to enhance authentic learning and create a safe and welcoming space for your child to flourish this school year. Middle School is truly a fun place to be!

We are so very grateful for the opportunity to spend our days with your child(ren) and look forward to a year full of learning and memories. Please know you are always welcome in the MS, and my door is always open. Stop by any time to visit or just pop in to check out the greatness that happens each day. 

Gratefully,

Chrystal 

Hey y'all, welcome back!

I hope everyone had a great summer and is ready for the 2024-2025 school year. As your student body president, I am honored to write this message to you. I'm excited for another year of growth and learning. I hope everyone is ready to establish a routine and start this year ready to "Charge Forward." I have been blessed to attend Trinity for 12 years and have had unique opportunities. I hope everyone is prepared to Charge forward in the classroom, during sports, and at home and that you carry this theme with everything you accomplish. I encourage you to try your best in everything you do and make a positive impact wherever you go! I'm so excited for everyone to Charge forward this year and do everything to the best of their abilities! I hope everyone has a fantastic school year, and GO CHARGERS!!

 

Thank you, 

 

Madison Brooks 

Dear Preschool Parents,

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for Meet the Teacher and Meet the Chargers. We loved meeting you and your wonderful children. The start of the school year is a time filled with excitement and new beginnings. We understand that it can also come with a mix of emotions for both you and your child. Please know that we are here to support you every step of the way, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth and joyful as possible.

To help you feel confident and prepared, here is some helpful information to ensure a smooth and positive start to the school year:

Blue Bags:
Please send your child with their Trinity blue bag every day and remember to check it each night. We kindly ask that all toys be left at home, and please do not modify the bag or add key chains, etc.

Rest Time:
Trinity provides a nap mat for your child, but we ask that you bring a small blanket (labeled) that can fit inside your child’s blue bag. We will send the blanket home each Friday to be washed. Please note that stuffed animals, lovies, and pillows should remain at home.

We are excited for the fantastic school year ahead and appreciate your partnership in making this a smooth and joyful start for everyone!

Sincerely,

Megan Irwin

Head of Preschool 

Parents, 

I am so excited to see your child's smiling face on campus! However, I know that more often than not, getting back into our regularly scheduled program can prove to be a difficult transition. I hope that this resource will help you prepare your family for the start of school. See you soon!

 

Christen Timmons

Parents, 

I am so excited to see your child's smiling face on campus! However, I know that more often than not, getting back into our regularly scheduled program can prove to be a difficult transition. I hope that this resource will help you prepare your family for the start of school. See you soon!

 

Christen Timmons

Dear 5th Grade and New Students,

I am looking forward to welcoming your students to Middle School Chapel. Worship booklets will be in the pews for your students to follow along. The biggest change in Middle School is the celebration of Eucharist (also known as The Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion) on Wednesdays. The Episcopal Church defines Eucharist as 

When we celebrate the Eucharist, your students have two options. They may come forward and kneel at the altar with arms crossed on their chests indicating the desire to receive a blessing but not the Sacrament, or they may kneel at the altar with hands held out indicating that they will participate in the Eucharist. If you are not comfortable with either of these options, they may stand to the side of the pew until their peers have gone forward and come back to their seats. Please discuss in advance with your student which choice is right for your family and best honors your own faith tradition. 

If your students choose to participate in the Eucharist, they may take only the wafer or they may receive the wafer and dip it into the wine (called intinction).  Receiving only the wafer is considered full communion.  If you have concerns about your students receiving the wine, please speak to them about this in advance.

Gluten free wafers will be made available.  Please contact me if you require gluten free so our Altar guild can prepare, and we can avoid any cross-contamination. 

Our first celebration of the Eucharist in Middle School Chapel will be Wednesday, August 28 at 9:40am. All 5th grade parents are invited to join us for chapel that day and participate.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  It is a joy and a privilege to share in worship with your students each day.

Many blessings,

The Rev. Shannon Weisenfels

Director of Spiritual Life and Community

The day is approaching and we can’t wait to see all of our new and returning Chargers!  Don’t forget that Meet the Teacher is on Monday, August 12 at 10:00 followed by Meet the Chargers in the Gym at 11:00.  The first day of classes will be on Wednesday, August 14.  

We are busy preparing for the arrival of our students and have some exciting activities and news to share.

The Lower School is as big as it has ever been!  That is great news as we have four sections in each grade level.  Lower School includes grades Kindergarten through 4th Grade and after a one-year hiatus, we are bringing Kindergarten back into the Lower School Chapel service.  This meaningful time is a great start each and every day.  With our numbers we have to move the Chapel service to the Commons in order to accommodate students and visitors.

Each year each grade level does one or more service projects.  We call these B.I.G.G. projects, or Big Ideas for the Greater Good.  This year we are going to start the year with a project in which all of Lower School participates.  We are partnering with the West Texas Food Bank for Hunger Action Month in September.  We will conduct a specialized food drive in early September.  More information about this will be coming soon.

Last year the Lower School participated in a school-wide reading project nationally known as One School/One Book.  Every student and staff member received a copy of a book.  There was trivia and activities each day for classes to participate in as everyone read the text.  With help from a TCA Grant, we are able to conduct this program again this year.  The selected book is Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins.  This will be kicked off with an exciting gathering of all of our students on September 4 and will conclude on September 20.  

All of Lower School will be participating in something called Positive Behavior Intervention System.  This is a school-wide option to have uniform expectations in common areas for all students from grades Kindergarten through Grade 4.  The magic of the system is that it helps everyone know and respect the expectations and also rewards students who are “caught” doing the right thing!  All students will be introduced to this as we begin the school year.

These are just a few of the exciting things that will happen with The Lower School at Trinity.  Have a fabulous final weekend of summer.  I look forward to seeing many new and returning families on Monday.

Dear Upper School Families,

I hope this summer provided you and your family some much needed time for reconnection, exciting vacation activities, and new experiences that created lasting memories. This summer was especially relaxing and restorative for me. I’ve logged many miles overland driving the last few months (which is a great way to see our country), read several books that have been gathering on my growing collection on the nightstand, and I was able to mark a few items off my bucket list like attending the Indianapolis 500 and learning how to fly fish. Mrs. Jones and I also enjoyed a lovely week in British Columbia, Canada. 

However, as the days draw closer to the beginning of the year, I find myself getting increasingly excited to welcome everyone back to campus and to re-engaging with our work of ambitious teaching and learning. I appreciate the slower pace and the quiet space to work in the summer, but frankly, the Upper School is pretty boring when everyone is gone. The daily interaction with students and teachers is what makes this work meaningful. 

This school year will feature the completion of the first compilation of completed Seek and Find Academic Research projects. I’ve been very impressed with the topics presented by the Class of 2025. I look forward to our students sharing their work with you toward the end of the year. 

You have likely seen, heard, or read about new warnings around student cell phone usage,  interruptions to learning, and associated challenges to teens in terms of anxiety and depression. Anecdotally, I have observed cell phones and associated technology usage negatively affect our person-to-person interactions in the Upper School and impede the focus of our students in the classroom. Merely asking students to put away their phones in pockets or backpacks has not helped curtail usage. In fact, research suggests that the presence of a smartphone in close proximity to a person limits their ability to focus. As a result, we will be asking students in grades 9 and 10 to place their cell phones in a specifically designated cell phone storage cabinet at the beginning of the day and during class periods throughout the day. Students in grades 11 and 12 will have the ability to maintain control of their devices, but the expectation is that cell phones will not be present or used during the school day. Students who fail to store their devices as expected will be issued infractions and will be subject to consequences according to our policies.

We have much to look forward to and be excited about for this school year. Mostly, I am looking forward to seeing everyone, watching the halls and the classrooms come back to life, and seeing  what we can accomplish individually and together as we charge forward.

All best wishes for a wonderful school year,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School 

Associate Head of School for Strategic Initiatives

Dear Preschool Families,

 

As the Head of Preschool at Trinity, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and extend a warm welcome to every one of you who will be joining us for the 2024-2025 school year. We are excited to embark on another year of discovery and growth with your children.

 

I hope your summer has been filled with laughter, adventure, and precious moments with loved ones. Whether you have been chasing butterflies in the park, telling stories under starry skies, or creating colorful masterpieces at home, I trust you have made wonderful memories to cherish.

 

At Trinity, we believe that preschool is a magical time of exploration and wonder. It is where curiosity blooms, friendships flourish, and the seeds of lifelong learning are planted. Our Reggio-inspired approach sees your children as capable, creative individuals with unique perspectives to share. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive, explore, and develop a love for learning.

 

Parents, your role in your child's learning journey is invaluable. We look forward to partnering with you, sharing observations, and celebrating your child's growth throughout the year. 

 

This year, we have enhanced some of our outdoor spaces to provide even more opportunities for nature-based learning and sensory experiences. We have added a new mud kitchen, turf in some areas, and other natural elements for children to explore. We will continue to follow your children's interests, documenting their discoveries and supporting their natural inclination to investigate the world around them.

 

To our young learners: we cannot wait to see your bright faces and hear your big ideas. At Trinity, every day brings new opportunities to wonder, question, and discover. From messy art projects that turn your fingertips into rainbows to story times that transport us to far-off lands, we cannot wait to ignite your curiosity and watch you bloom into confident learners. So, pack your Trinity Blue Bags with joy, curiosity, and a sense of adventure because together we will create amazing memories and learn so much.

 

As the days of summer slowly slip away, know that we are eagerly counting down the moments until we can welcome you back to campus. Together, we will be Charging Forward into a year filled with excitement, discovery, and endless possibilities. Until then, keep smiling, keep exploring, and keep enjoying every precious moment of your summer.

 

To make your transition back to campus smoother, we will be hosting a "Popsicles on the Prairie" event where families can connect with each other. Keep an eye out for details coming soon. 

 

See you soon!

Megan Irwin

Head of Preschool

If you, or someone you know can serve as a mentor and advisor to a student in one of these

areas, please let me know or share my contact information. Mentors would be asked to meet

with students several times throughout the school year to share ideas, review student work and

progress, and provide constructive feedback through project completion.

Thank you for your consideration,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School

• I believe that a school should foster an atmosphere of innovation and risk-taking. Someone once said that “everyone and everything is either getting better or worse. Nothing stays the same.” As individuals and as a school we should be in a mindset of continuous improvement. As leaders and educators, we model this practice so that students can attain the same mindset.
• I believe that a school should encourage creativity. Rote learning is increasingly unconnected to the world we currently inhabit and certainly will provide no advantage in the future. We must encourage students to seek and develop their passions. They will then refine them through creativity. This characteristic is certainly prevalent within the arts, but goes beyond, to the way we approach problems. Students need to develop creativity in order to solve the real-world problems related to math and science as well. “Every child is an artist.” Let’s not forget that and let’s not inadvertently discourage the creativity associated with it.
• I believe that a school should provide opportunities for collaboration and leadership. Everyone is a leader. The only way to hear the voices of all is through collaboration. Teachers must move beyond collegiality toward true collaboration for the benefit of all students. Collective thinking and solutions provide long term gain.
• I believe that all students can learn and want to learn. Everyone is born with natural curiosity. The school must adapt to this natural curiosity. Learning must be relevant and interesting to our students. Our students must see and believe that the learning and the products associated with it have meaning. Students must have opportunities to share their knowledge with an authentic audience. As educators we must keep that curiosity alive and not squelch it.
• I believe that future success of students is connected with communication. Students learn to receive information as well as transmit it. Reading and other forms of literacy are a foundation of gaining knowledge. The tools are continually changing, but it still comes down to understanding the message. Next, is the ability to use the information in some manner and transmit it to others in usable methods. These methods and forms, though also changing, still come down to writing and the transfer of one’s thoughts and ideas.

Kind regards,

Brian Peters

Interim Head of Lower School

Dear Middle School Families,

 

I hope this letter finds you well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready for the start of a great school year.  I am confident that this will be the best year yet! I am not sure where summer went; it flew by for me, but that is okay because a much slower and quieter pace is needed to reflect and prepare. I do not enjoy being on campus without the teachers and students; I thrive on loud hallways, busy schedules, smiling faces, and all the excitement and memories that fill our school days. I am counting down the days and cannot wait for organized chaos and to see the smiling faces brought by our community.

 

Reflecting on the 2023-2024 school year, one theme stood out: excellence. Gratefully, many of my memories of the past school year were priceless and brought smiles and happy tears to my face. A few examples of what made the year exceptional:

This is what makes the Middle School such a special place! It is a true blessing to love what you do! I am truly humbled and honored to be part of such a great community.  

This summer, we have spent much time preparing for the 2024-2025 school year. We are thrilled to continue offering rigorous, teacher-supported, and student-empowered academics. 

We are implementing additional advisory time during the first three days of school to emphasize policies, procedures and expectations, and discuss the importance of being part of and contributing to our Middle School community. This should help the transition for each student and allow them to Charge Forward into a great year! Our advisory program will emphasize social-emotional learning and servant leadership. We will provide leadership opportunities through various classroom activities, advisory groups, and student council. Additionally, we will foster a sense of community through Chapel and clubs. Club days were a huge hit last year, and I anticipate they will be even greater this year. We will keep you informed through our Middle School student-created Newspaper, The Charger Times. 

Our ongoing goal is to continue developing a culture where students, parents, and teachers feel welcomed, connected, and part of the Trinity Middle School community. We will continue to be intentional in putting the students first in all we do, maintaining an open and transparent line of communication, and continuing to meet our students where they are and helping them become the best versions of themselves. I welcome you to join us for school activities, events, or to simply stop by to say hello and see what’s happening at our school.

Many of you have heard me say Middle School is the much-needed, messy, full of mistakes dress rehearsal for life all adolescents have to endure. It is a time for them to take reasonable risks, fail while having a strong support system, understand their ever-changing bodies and emotions, build great habits and relationships, and learn the true meaning of empathy. This process takes time, and your role is to trust it and enjoy the ride. I will host several parent chats throughout the year to help us all gain a deeper understanding of the Middle School years. These chats are informal but productive, providing an opportunity to discuss books or simply share experiences about our fast-growing and ever-changing children.

As we move into the new school year, I am happy to share that with several retirees and increased enrollment, we have hired several talented new faculty members: Tim Baker (Grade 7 and 8 Math), Maria Bohorquez (Grade 7 and 8 Spanish), Briana Bouldin (Grade 5 and 6 Reading, Writing, and Grade 5 World Geography), Hannah Connor (Grade 6 Reading and Writing), Nicholas Imbornone (Grade 7 and 8 Latin), Jessi Morgan (Wellness Director), Lauren Party (Middle School Educational Support Services), and Vicki Setzler (Grade 5 and 6 Math, Science, and Grade 5 World Geography). We are super excited to have these outstanding educators join our team.  

We cannot wait to welcome you back to campus and look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 12th, for Meet the Teacher and Meet the Chargers. Finally, if you are a parent to a student who is new to the Middle School division, I would like to invite you to Middle School Orientation (parents only) on Thursday, August 8, at 5:30 PM in the Commons.

See you soon!

Chrystal Myers
Head of Middle School

Dear Middle School Parents and Students,

As we reach the end of May, it’s hard to believe how quickly the 2023-2024 school year has flown by. This year has been a remarkable journey of learning, growth, and letting our lights shine brightly across our campus, throughout Midland, and beyond. Together, we have created memories and achieved milestones that will stay with us for many years. The strength and dedication within our Middle School community truly make Trinity Middle School an extraordinary place.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our parents. Your support and involvement have been invaluable, and your commitment to your child's education shines through in every aspect of their growth. Your role as partners in their education is not just important, it is crucial to their success. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious gifts: your children.

A special thanks goes to our dedicated and caring teachers. Your unwavering commitment and passion have provided our students with rich, engaging, and well-rounded educational experiences. Education at Trinity School is mission-driven and fosters curiosity, joy, and social-emotional development; you have excelled in these areas. For this and so much more, I am deeply grateful.

To my incredible students, each of you holds a special place in my heart. Your energy, curiosity, and kindness have made this year unforgettable. You are valued and loved, and I am immensely proud of your accomplishments. Remember to stay true to yourselves, embrace each day with enthusiasm, and know that I am always here for you.

As we head into summer, I wish each of you a joyful, safe, and restful break. Take this time to enjoy face-to-face moments with your family, engage in meaningful conversations, play, and pray together. Consider diving into a good book, exploring new interests, or staying connected with our school community through summer programs.

I look forward to seeing you all in August and witnessing the incredible achievements we will accomplish together in the coming school year. For those of you moving on to new adventures, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Happy Summer, 

Chrystal Myers

Oro
Geneva Smith-Kuzmich

Honorifica

Tania Par 

Camila Molinero

Emma Castro

Cornelius Kham

Grant Levea

Olga Memnon

Enoch Odufuwa

Kobi Orji

Moore Sanni

Harvey Wu

Jack Zmigrosky

 

Max Merritt Magna Cum Laude

Rishi Ravuri Magna Cum Laude

Madelyn McBrayer Cum Laude

Anapaola Aldrete Gold Summa Cum Laude

Katherine Li Gold Summa Cum Laude

Simon Viviezcas Gold Summa Cum Laude

Mia Johnson Gold Summa Cum Laude

Lucy Berry Siver Maxima Cum Laude

Sienna Zmigrosky Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Sophia Johnson Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Georgia Molina  - Gold Summa Cum Laude

Joanna Thomas - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Lucas Kim - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Richard Black - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Sophie-Grace Campbell - Magna Cum Laude

Madeline Edwards - Magna Cum Laude

James K Wilson - Gold Summa Cum Laude

Jose Loya - Gold Summa Cum Laude

Stacy Jones - Gold Summa Cum Laude

Brian Tripp Arnold - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Kate Cooper - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Angel Patel - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

 

Love,

Mrs. Timmons 

 

Love,

Mrs. Timmons 

Wednesday we held our chess match between the faculty and the students.  We had 25 students participating, and since we were short faculty members, we asked parents to fill in on the faculty side.  

 

The format the of event was a mad scramble, where participants played as many games as possible in the allotted 75 minutes of playing time.  We then total points (wins) for each side.  The students had 70 wins, and the faculty plus parents had 8.5.  This was impressive for the kids, but not really a fair comparison since the students had so many more players.  So we also decided to total just the games that took place between the students and the faculty/parents.  With that scoring method, the students had 18.5 points and the faculty plus parents had the same 8.5 points.  So either way you score it, the students won the day. 

 

The following participants had four or more points for their team: Katie Li (Students – 4); John Reeves-Shaw (Students – 4); Charles Dorman (Students – 4); Sterling Wohlfahrt (Students – 5); Ollie Mathewson (Students – 6); Joaquin Gil (Students – 7); and Tobias Slatken (Team Captain for the Students – 9).

 

Thank you parents and faculty for giving our team a fun end of the season.  See you next year!

Wednesday we held our chess match between the faculty and the students.  We had 25 students participating, and since we were short faculty members, we asked parents to fill in on the faculty side.  

 

The format the of event was a mad scramble, where participants played as many games as possible in the allotted 75 minutes of playing time.  We then total points (wins) for each side.  The students had 70 wins, and the faculty plus parents had 8.5.  This was impressive for the kids, but not really a fair comparison since the students had so many more players.  So we also decided to total just the games that took place between the students and the faculty/parents.  With that scoring method, the students had 18.5 points and the faculty plus parents had the same 8.5 points.  So either way you score it, the students won the day. 

 

The following participants had four or more points for their team: Katie Li (Students – 4); John Reeves-Shaw (Students – 4); Charles Dorman (Students – 4); Sterling Wohlfahrt (Students – 5); Ollie Mathewson (Students – 6); Joaquin Gil (Students – 7); and Tobias Slatken (Team Captain for the Students – 9).

 

Thank you parents and faculty for giving our team a fun end of the season.  See you next year!

Hans Mauritsen, class of 2024, has been admitted to the highly competitive School of Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC). This remarkable achievement is a testament to Hans's talent, dedication, and exemplary performance both on and off the stage.

Each year, USC's School of Dramatic Arts admits fewer than 20 students into its prestigious program, making Hans's acceptance a remarkable accomplishment. His selection validates the exceptional qualities that Hans has shown during his time at Trinity: authenticity, charisma, and a bright intellect that shines both in the classroom and on the stage.

Sarah Kramer, our Director of College Advising, expressed her pride in Hans's achievement, stating, "We are proud of Hans. Earning a spot in this highly selective program validates what we have seen in Hans at Trinity, an authentic, engaging, and bright young man whose stage presence is dynamic. We look forward to hearing about his many accomplishments as an actor."

Mr. Jones echoed these sentiments. "The impact Hans has made in our community has been significant. He is a talented actor, evidenced by his leading roles in Mary Poppins and Newsies, but he's also a multiple sport letter winner and a great student in the classroom. We are excited for Hans to have this opportunity and know that he will thrive at USC and beyond. Bravo, Hans!"

Hans, who was also accepted to Auburn, Chapman, and Trinity Universities, has chosen to attend USC in the fall. With his remarkable talent and dedication, we are confident that Hans will continue to excel both academically and artistically, and will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the world of acting, stage, and screen.

On Wednesday we held our chess match between the faculty and the students.  We had 25 students participating, and since we were short faculty members, we asked parents to fill in on the faculty side. 

 

The format the of event was a mad scramble, where participants played as many games as possible in the allotted 75 minutes of playing time.  We then total points (wins) for each side.  The students had 70 wins, and the faculty plus parents had 8.5.  This was impressive for the kids, but not really a fair comparison since the students had so many more players.  So we also decided to total just the games that took place between the students and the faculty/parents.  With that scoring method, the students had 18.5 points and the faculty plus parents had the same 8.5 points.  So either way you score it, the students won the day. 

 

The following participants had four or more points for their team: Katie Li (Students – 4); John Reeves-Shaw (Students – 4); Charles Dorman (Students – 4); Sterling Wohlfahrt (Students – 5); Ollie Mathewson (Students – 6); Joaquin Gil (Students – 7); and Tobias Slatken (Team Captain for the Students – 9).

 

Thank you parents and faculty for giving our team a fun end of the season.  See you next year!

As we enter the final weeks of school, our advisories sessions begin to reflect a time of transition from one school year to the next. This week students are watching campaign videos for Student Council elections, and next week we will have a dodgeball tournament to celebrate our seniors' last advisory. 

Advisory is an important part of the Trinity School Upper School experience. This year we have successfully implemented many new features and activities during this shared time. We’ve had regular social events, used the #Win-at-Social curriculum, strengthened community and advanced student belonging, we’ve considered ways to make a positive impact locally, and shared insights on things happening in the world around us. Advisory is also a good opportunity for us to monitor student progress and achievement and to discuss individual goals and define opportunities for greater success. 

Some topics we have investigated include:

 

We try to balance our lessons and activities so that students have opportunities to learn, to share ideas, to build relationships, to reflect, and sometimes just to catch their breath. This approach seems to have been successful for us this year. As we begin planning for 2024-2025 we will continue to identify areas to improve the student experience but will continue to prioritize this time each week. 

Our Charger track athletes withstood distractions and multiple weather delays and qualified for state in EVERY running event each athlete participated in and they did it with class and humility. We are so blessed with this opportunity to coach our awesome track athletes. 

Incoming Preschool - 8th Grade

Basketball, Football, Tennis, and Volleyball

The Class of 2024 has had a busy, productive year. Our 25 seniors had 136 offers of admission to 77 different colleges in the United States. Students will attend college from California to New York and everywhere in between. In the May 7 Charger, Mr. Jones and I will provide an overview of this special and accomplished graduating class. 

Juniors are preparing for their college application process. Over the course of this spring, they have had workshops about various facets of the work ahead, including standardized testing, resume development, teacher recommendation selection, and essay writing. Earlier this week, they were joined by Lyn Fairchild Hawks from College Essay Guy for a session about writing their personal statement. 

Test scores continue to be a hot topic. Last month, The University of Texas at Austin announced that it was reinstating its ACT or SAT score requirement, joining other schools like Brown, Caltech, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, MIT and Yale. A number of public universities outside Texas already require a score, including Florida and Georgia. We recommend that all juniors take an ACT or an SAT between now and October so that any score requirements can be met. If you have questions, please contact me.  

Students should mark their calendars for Midnight Madness, which will begin at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31 and conclude at 12:30 a.m. August 1. A longstanding Trinity tradition, Midnight Madness commemorates the opening of the Common Application and the college admissions season. Provided students are ready, many of our seniors will be able to apply to one or more colleges that night.    

Expeditionary Learning for the 10th grade class gave our students an excellent introduction to college choice. Designed to show them public, private, large and small universities, the trip included tours of Abilene Christian University, Southern Methodist University, Tarleton State University, Texas Christian University, The University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Texas at Dallas. Sophomores also attended a TCU baseball game, interacted with college representatives at Top Golf, and toured the George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU.   

Five students in the sophomore and junior classes have been tapped for National Recognition Programs based on their October 2023 PSAT scores. Per the College Board website, “The College Board National Recognition Programs award academic honors to high-performing, underrepresented students. The five national recognition programs include the National African American Recognition Program, National First-Generation Recognition Program (beginning in 2024), National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program, and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program.” This brings Trinity’s three-year total to 14 students. We will know in early fall about any students who will be recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

In late March, the DFW Admissions Regional Network (DARN) visited Trinity for a Midland Swing, six high school college fairs in our area. Our students in grades 9-11 were fortunate to visit with college counselors from Abilene Christian University, University of Arkansas, Hampden-Sydney College (VA), University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Samford University (AL), Texas A&M University, and University of Tulsa. Students were also invited to the Lubbock College Fair hosted by the Texas Association of College Admission Counseling (TACAC) on April 9.

Some juniors are already visiting colleges of interest to them and will continue to do so this summer. For families of younger students, college tours can provide helpful context for the junior and senior years. If you are traveling this summer, and you will be near a college campus, you can set up an official information session and tour. Most colleges have a “Visit” tab on their websites and require students and their families to register in advance. Please note any age minimums or restrictions.

Dear Middle School Parents,

Grades 5 through 7 will take the digital version of the CTP5, often referred to as the ERB (published by the Educational Records Bureau), during the week of April 29 through May 2nd. This standardized test is administered by independent schools across the nation and is used to gather information about the school’s instructional program and individual student data. We will test from 8:00 to 9:55 a.m. Monday through Thursday.  

 
This test generates individual reports detailing each child’s level of understanding in critical areas of the curriculum and verbal and quantitative reasoning skills. This assessment provides the school with information to help guide our instructional goals.

 
We must all remember that scores on a standardized achievement test are only one benchmark of your child’s learning and progress. Unlike high-stakes testing, there is no preparation for the CTP5. However, a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast will fuel the brain to work at its best. Also, please help ensure that your child’s Chromebook is fully charged. 

 
If an absence occurs due to illness or a family emergency, we will schedule a time during the school day for your child to make up the missed sections of the test.

Parents will receive copies of the scores as soon as they are available.  Once you receive them, please schedule an appointment for guidance on interpreting the results, if needed.

Respectfully, 

Chrystal M. Myers

Head of Middle School

It has been a busy few days for Trinity Chess. 

 

The regionals were held on Saturday 4/20/24 at Bunche Elementary.  At the regionals: Charles Dorman came in 3rd place in the elementary school division; Joaquin Gil got a medal with 3 points out of 5; Katie Li got a medal with 3.5 points out of 5; Ollie Mathewson came in 3rd place in the middle school division; and the Trinity team came in second place overall in the middle school division.  This was a 30 minute per side rated tournament.

 

The final 3rd and 4th grade March Madness match between the winner of group A, John Reeves-Shaw and the winner of group B, Jaxson Willman took place on Tuesday 4/23/24.  The match was very closely contended with John taking the early lead.  Jaxson did not give up even though he was down a few major pieces.  He persisted, and eventually he promoted a pawn for a queen to take the lead.  Once Jaxson had the lead, he never gave it back, and checkmate came pretty quickly afterwards.  Both Jaxson and John were very good sports before, during, and after the match.  I was very proud of their attitudes.  Congratulations John for winning Group A, and congratulations Jaxson for being the overall 3rd and 4th grade winner!

 

Day two of the upper school chess tournament took place today, 4/24/24.  As a team Trinity scored 8.5 points for the week giving us a total of 19.5.  The top five scorers for Trinity as a team were: Tobias Slatken (3 pts); Katie Li (2 pts); Ollie Mathewson(1.5 pts); Joaquin Gil (1 pt); and Christian Gardea (1 pt). This puts us in a tie for second place with Greenwood, and only one point out of first place held by Homeschoolers.  In the individual portion, Tobais Slatken of Trinity is in first place with 5.5 points out of 6.  Second place is held by Jonathan Moneno of Homeschoolers with 5 points.  Third place is held by a tie between Zachary Pyle of Greenwood, and Drew Wiggins of MCA both with 4.5 points.  The final day of this tournament will be held next Wednesday 5/1/24.

It has been a busy few days for Trinity Chess. 

 

The regionals were held on Saturday 4/20/24 at Bunche Elementary.  At the regionals: Charles Dorman came in 3rd place in the elementary school division; Joaquin Gil got a medal with 3 points out of 5; Katie Li got a medal with 3.5 points out of 5; Ollie Mathewson came in 3rd place in the middle school division; and the Trinity team came in second place overall in the middle school division.  This was a 30 minute per side rated tournament.

 

The final 3rd and 4th grade March Madness match between the winner of group A, John Reeves-Shaw and the winner of group B, Jaxson Willman took place on Tuesday 4/23/24.  The match was very closely contended with John taking the early lead.  Jaxson did not give up even though he was down a few major pieces.  He persisted, and eventually he promoted a pawn for a queen to take the lead.  Once Jaxson had the lead, he never gave it back, and checkmate came pretty quickly afterwards.  Both Jaxson and John were very good sports before, during, and after the match.  I was very proud of their attitudes.  Congratulations John for winning Group A, and congratulations Jaxson for being the overall 3rd and 4th grade winner!

 

Day two of the upper school chess tournament took place today, 4/24/24.  As a team Trinity scored 8.5 points for the week giving us a total of 19.5.  The top five scorers for Trinity as a team were: Tobias Slatken (3 pts); Katie Li (2 pts); Ollie Mathewson(1.5 pts); Joaquin Gil (1 pt); and Christian Gardea (1 pt). This puts us in a tie for second place with Greenwood, and only one point out of first place held by Homeschoolers.  In the individual portion, Tobais Slatken of Trinity is in first place with 5.5 points out of 6.  Second place is held by Jonathan Moneno of Homeschoolers with 5 points.  Third place is held by a tie between Zachary Pyle of Greenwood, and Drew Wiggins of MCA both with 4.5 points.  The final day of this tournament will be held next Wednesday 5/1/24.

In a post-COVID world, it can be difficult to determine what is “normal” teen behavior and what needs more attention as far as your student's mental health goes. There is too much conflicting information to wade through when looking for help and it can be quite exhausting. In an effort to assist you in deciphering your student’s emotions, I have attached a couple of articles that are helpful and gives you next steps if there is a concern. 

If you have any questions or need additional assistance please feel free to reach out to me at kgarcia@trinitymidland.org. 

Khrystal Garcia 

LCSW

 

Tuesday, April 16 @ 6:00 PM

 

Midland Classical Academy beat Trinity in our last lower school match of the season.  The match was well fought, with MCA winning rounds 1 and 3 and Trinity winning round 2.  Our top three boards were manned by our team captains, Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, and Ollie Mathewson.  Twenty Five Trinity Chargers participated in the match, and two went undefeated: Ewan MacDonald, Micah Griffin.

 

One match that caught my eye was in round one between Ewan MacDonald and MCA’s top board Gregory Gallardo.  Most of the other games had already finished, but this game was still going on.  When I looked, Ewan had a comfortable lead in material, but he was down to 22 seconds on his clock.  He needed to get a checkmate with his king and rook in that amount of time.  Normally, that checkmate would be easy for him, but with 22 seconds...  Well he pulled it off with a few seconds to spare.

Despite the fact that it is spring on the calendar, English teachers are already planning for the 2024-2025 school year. During April and May, each teacher is making selections for the summer reading assignments that we use to maintain and grow literacy when we are not in school. Some of our teachers encourage choice reading, and others want students to come prepared to engage in a single story or theme.  No matter our chosen books, we all consider the summer reading assignment as a way to engage our students in the study, as Hamlet so eloquently phrased it, of “Words, words, words” (Hamlet 2.2.210).  

Through my conversations with various students and teachers, an idea emerged that I wanted to use for my own class: a faculty/student book club. My mind has unfortunately lost the name of the school who uses this method, but the idea has stayed with me. The time has come to give it a try.

In my four classes of English III Honors, English IV, and English IV Honors, the students will have the opportunity to choose a nonfiction book selected by a Trinity administrator. Sign ups will occur on a first come first serve basis and will be limited so that everyone can have a meaningful, book-centered conversation during the first weeks of school in August. Administrators like Mr. Jones and Mrs. Hammer are looking for a “favorite” title to share with the knowledge that they will lead the students in a discussion of the book. 

One of my goals is for the students to connect with the adults at school in a meaningful way through discourse focused on summer reading. We learn so much about ourselves and others through such conversations and in the way that others perceive a topic or writing style. Our critical analysis of the subject matter can tell us so much about our own values and emotions and develop our self-awareness.

Hopefully, preparing their nonfiction book choice and anticipating the discussion to follow will reinvigorate our students as they enjoy the lazier days of summer.

 

Midland Classical Academy beat Trinity in our last lower school match of the season.  The match was well fought, with MCA winning rounds 1 and 3 and Trinity winning round 2.  Our top three boards were manned by our team captains, Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, and Ollie Mathewson.  Twenty Five Trinity Chargers participated in the match, and two went undefeated: Ewan MacDonald, Micah Griffin.

 

One match that caught my eye was in round one between Ewan MacDonald and MCA’s top board Gregory Gallardo.  Most of the other games had already finished, but this game was still going on.  When I looked, Ewan had a comfortable lead in material, but he was down to 22 seconds on his clock.  He needed to get a checkmate with his king and rook in that amount of time.  Normally, that checkmate would be easy for him, but with 22 seconds...  Well he pulled it off with a few seconds to spare.

Tuesday, April 2 
MS Track @ Lubbock

Baseball vs Midland Classical Academy, 4:00 PM

On Wednesday, March 20th Trinity hosted Hillander for another chess duel.  I say another because Trinity vs Hillander is the longest-running school chess competition in all of Midland.  In the old days, Hillander had the upper hand, but lately the tables have turned, and Trinity has been beating Hillander.  Today Hillander played hard, but our top three boards of Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, and Christianne Meyer led Trinity to another victory with a final score of 32 to 25.  Three players went undefeated: Ewan MacDonald, Jouquin Gil, and Evan Holmes. 

 

One game that caught my eye was not a surprising check mate, but a smart draw.  Kayson Ferguson from Trinity was playing Zedd from Hillander.  The game got down to a king and queen for Kayson versus a king and rook for Zedd.  This is obviously an advantage for Kayson, but Kayson had less time left on his clock.  Kayson could win if he could fork the king and rook, but Zedd played it smart and kept his king and rook near each other to prevent that.  Kayson kept trying to separate the two, but to no avail.  When it looked like Kayson would lose on time, he did the smart thing.  He traded his queen for the rook.  Normally that would not be considered a smart play, but with his time running out, it was the exact correct play.  So instead of losing on time, Kayson got a draw which secured half a point for Trinity.

The March Madness Chess Tournament is in full swing. Click below to see the updated brackets:
3rd and 4th Grade Group A
3rd and 4th Grade Group B
5th and 6th Grade
7th and 8th Grade
Upper School


The 2024 Region 9 Scholastic Chess Championship will be held on April 20th. Click the link below for additional information.
Regional Chess Tournament Registration Information

As we finished discussing the seven character strengths of thrivers, we read the book, Helen’s Big World by Doreen Rappaport, about Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Both Helen and Annie are examples of people who thrived. Our children can also thrive if we teach them about the importance of self-confidence, self-control, curiosity, integrity, empathy, perseverance, and optimism. Focusing on these character strengths will help enable kids to be nurturing, determined, and contributing members of their communities.

Tuesday, March 26 
MS Track @ Garden City, 3:30 PM

Varsity Tennis @ Permian High School

Baseball vs Forsan, 6:00 PM

 

Thursday, March 28
Varsity Track @ Garden City, 2:30 PM

 

On Wednesday, March 20th Trinity hosted Hillander for another chess duel.  I say another because Trinity vs Hillander is the longest-running school chess competition in all of Midland.  In the old days, Hillander had the upper hand, but lately the tables have turned, and Trinity has been beating Hillander.  Today Hillander played hard, but our top three boards of Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, and Christianne Meyer led Trinity to another victory with a final score of 32 to 25.  Three players went undefeated: Ewan MacDonald, Jouquin Gil, and Evan Holmes. 

 

One game that caught my eye was not a surprising check mate, but a smart draw.  Kayson Ferguson from Trinity was playing Zedd from Hillander.  The game got down to a king and queen for Kayson versus a king and rook for Zedd.  This is obviously an advantage for Kayson, but Kayson had less time left on his clock.  Kayson could win if he could fork the king and rook, but Zedd played it smart and kept his king and rook near each other to prevent that.  Kayson kept trying to separate the two, but to no avail.  When it looked like Kayson would lose on time, he did the smart thing.  He traded his queen for the rook.  Normally that would not be considered a smart play, but with his time running out, it was the exact correct play.  So instead of losing on time, Kayson got a draw which secured half a point for Trinity.

The March Madness Chess Tournament is in full swing. Click below to see the updated brackets:
3rd and 4th Grade Group A
3rd and 4th Grade Group B
5th and 6th Grade
7th and 8th Grade
Upper School 

The 2024 Region 9 Scholastic Chess Championship will be held on April 20th. Click the link below for additional information.
Regional Chess Tournament Registration Information

I recently had the opportunity to attend this year’s National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Conference in St. Louis. Attendance at the NAIS conference is important to me not only to continue to grow professionally as an educational leader but also to reconnect with friends and colleagues from schools around the country while also having the opportunity to meet new people who share similar roles and face similar challenges in their work.

One of the sessions I attended was particularly interesting titled, “Balancing Excellence: Embracing the Tension.” The session opened with the following question. 

“We should be a school that…”

Of course, this is a trick question as schools should be doing both. I am proud of the work that the Trinity Upper School does across all of these areas. As a division we work together to promote a robust student experience embedded with appropriate support where each student is called to become their authentic self. During my graduate studies, we identified this as the double helix or the DNA of the student experience; where each category relies on the other to be as strong as possible. 

My short trip to St. Louis reminded me of those classroom lessons back in Nashville. It was and is affirming to see Independent Schools embrace this model and their work through their individual missions, to share ideas, and to commit to each school’s, and thereby our students’, success. 

The 2024 Region 9 Scholastic Chess Championship will be held on April 20th. Click the link below for additional information:

Regional Chess Tournament Registration Information

The March Madness Chess Tournament is in full swing. Click below to see the updated brackets:

3rd and 4th Grade Group A
3rd and 4th Grade Group B
5th and 6th Grade
7th and 8th Grade
Upper School

Trinity had a big bounce back win against Greenwood on March 6th 2024.  Seventeen students participated in the duel led by our top three boards of Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, and Christianne Meyer.  Of our seventeen players, nine of them had a perfect three out of three wins: Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, Tonny Patrick, Jaxson Willman, Chase Johnson, Evan Holmes, Micah Griffin, John Reeves Shaw, and Ty Waters.

 

One match that caught my eye was between Charles Dorman of Trinity vs Grant Murdock of Greenwood.  The game was back and forth, with Charles having the lead at one point, and then Grant taking the lead in the middle.  The game almost went into three fold repetition, but the players changed it up and the last minute to avoid the tie.  Then Charles took the lead with an extra pawn and a queen versus a rook, but he had half the time of his opponent.  The players furiously checked each other, and it looked like the game would soon be decided by time (which would mean a loss for Trinity and a win for Greenwood).  Then out of nowhere, Charles captured his opponents rook and declared “checkmate”.  Those of us who were watching, were surprised at how quickly the checkmate came.  Grant from Greenwood also looked shocked at the sudden checkmate.  The only person who did not seem fazed by the checkmate was Charles Dorman.

 

Final score: Trinity 35, Greenwood 11.

March Madness
Grades 3-6 completed the first round of play for the March Madness chess tournament. To see the results so far, click the link below:

March Madness - round 1 results 

Trinity had a big bounce back win against Greenwood on March 6th, 2024.  Seventeen students participated in the duel led by our top three boards of Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, and Christianne Meyer.  Of our seventeen players, nine of them had a perfect three out of three wins: Ewan MacDonald, Joaquin Gil, Tonny Patrick, Jaxson Willman, Chase Johnson, Evan Holmes, Micah Griffin, John Reeves Shaw, and Ty Waters.

 

One match that caught my eye was between Charles Dorman of Trinity vs Grant Murdock of Greenwood.  The game was back and forth, with Charles having the lead at one point, and then Grant taking the lead in the middle.  The game almost went into three fold repetition, but the players changed it up and the last minute to avoid the tie.  Then Charles took the lead with an extra pawn and a queen versus a rook, but he had half the time of his opponent.  The players furiously checked each other, and it looked like the game would soon be decided by time (which would mean a loss for Trinity and a win for Greenwood).  Then out of nowhere, Charles captured his opponents rook and declared “checkmate”.  Those of us who were watching, were surprised at how quickly the checkmate came.  Grant from Greenwood also looked shocked at the sudden checkmate.  The only person who did not seem fazed by the checkmate was Charles Dorman.

 

Final score: Trinity 35, Greenwood 11.

March Madness
Grades 3-6 completed the first round of play for the March Madness chess tournament. To see the results so far, click the link below:

March Madness - round 1 results 

Tuesday, March 19 
3:30 PM: 7th Grade Track @ Rankin

4:00 PM Varsity Tennis vs Legacy HS
6:00 PM Baseball vs Forsan

 

Thursday, March 21
3:00 PM Varsity Track @ Rankin

Varsity Tennis @ Big Lake

6:00 PM Baseball vs Holy Cross

Tuesday, March 5 @ 2:00 PM
8th Grade Track @ Big Spring

Dear Preschool Families,

As we strive to maintain a smooth and respectful environment for all students and teachers, we request your cooperation with our drop-off procedures. Please refrain from using the CEC entrance for morning drop-offs after 8:00 am. Instead, kindly enter through the main school office to ensure a smooth start to the day for all.

Additionally, when attending school events on campus, like class parties, we appreciate your cooperation in entering campus through the main school office. Our young CEC students may be napping during these times, and we want to create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for their rest.

The CEC entrance should only be utilized during the designated time for Preschool CEC, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Because the CEC is a classroom, your cooperation is essential to avoid any disruptions to the routines of the CEC teachers and their students.

Thank you for your cooperation in creating a seamless and respectful experience for all our students and teachers.

Sincerely, 

Megan Irwin
Head of Preschool 

Did you know that students on average spend 8.3 hours each day on screen media? It’s more important than ever to help students navigate their social world, including social media and technology, to fuel their health, happiness, and future success. 

We are thrilled to have a partnership with The Social Institute to provide students, parents, and our teachers with the #WinAtSocial Program. The program empowers students to navigate the complex world of social media and technology positively. We use these lessons during advisory time in the Upper School to help guide students and build their social and emotional capacity. As a reminder, as part of the program, there is a Parent Toolkit to help you empower your child(ren) with the skills, values, and experience to make positive, high-character decisions online and off. Allowing you to have conversations and reinforce what we are doing here at school.  If you haven’t set up your account, you may do so at https://thesocialinstitute.com/parent-toolkit/. 

This time of year in the Upper School seems especially busy. We are wrapping up the second trimester, getting ready for our expeditionary learning week, and beginning to plan all of our year end events. One thing I really love about the second trimester is that we do not give exams. This lends the second trimester to involve a good amount of project-based learning. The work of doing is powerful and research suggests this is one of the ways that retention of learning happens best.

For example, in the Entrepreneurial Leadership course that I co-facilitate with Trinity Parent, Mrs. Katie Boyd, our students have had a trimester-long project centered around creating a unique product and developing a business plan. This class has some direct instruction scattered throughout the class; lessons such as product development, target audience, competitive advantages, customer service and business ethics. They’ve designed company logos and made financial projections over several years of operations. We also regularly have guest speakers, community experts and entrepreneurs, who share their experiences and advice with our students. But perhaps the most impactful demonstration of learning for this course occurs when students present their business plans in front of their peers, their teachers, their parents, and guest judges. This is where our students get to practice public speaking, clearly articulate what they learned, show off their unique approach to solving a market need, and show off their passion for their product. The likelihood that these products go to market may be slim, but the learning that occurred during the development of these products through this project will last forever.

Next week, as we begin the third and final trimester of this school year,  I will share information about our upcoming expeditionary learning trips.

Kind regards,

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School

Trinity Chess Match Results vs Homeschoolers - Wednesday Feb 21, 2024

 

Two undefeated teams met today in the Trinity Commons.  Our top three boards of Joaquin Gil, Ewan MacDonald, and Christianna Meyer were ready for the task of playing the top boards of the Homeschoolers. 

 

After the first round, Trinity had a slight lead with a score of 7.5 to 6.5.  Round two increased Trinity’s lead to 16.5 to 11.5.  Round three clinched it for Trinity who beat Homeschoolers by a final score of 24.5 to 17.5.

 

Top performers for Trinity were Ewan MacDonald, Kelly Xie, and Micah Griffin who all went undefeated.

 

I watched the end of one of Kelly’s games (either game 2 or 3).  In the game she was down material, but she was up on time.  Her opponent moved one of his rooks into the ladder checkmate position, and he declared “CHECKMATE”.  Kelly did not flinch.  She just said “no”, and then she blocked the checkmate with her queen.  Her opponent (who had thought he had won) got flustered, and he eventually ran out of time after a few more moves.  Way to stay cool under pressure Kelly!

 

Our next match is against the only other undefeated team, Carver.  This will be a Tuesday Match, so we will have both a practice and a game next Tuesday!

As we’re quickly approaching the end of the 2nd trimester in Upper School, thoughts are already turning to plans for the next school year. Next week, teachers will present course previews and very soon Mr. Jones will begin meeting with the Class of 2025 to take course requests for their senior year. Students have been trickling into my lab or stopping me in the hallways for a few weeks now asking which science courses will be offered and for advice in creating a schedule that will meet their needs and their desires. I love these conservations. It’s exciting to plan for the future and very satisfying to find that so many students are looking to extend their Science and Technology transcript beyond what is required for graduation. Sometimes, though, this planning can be a little tricky. 

It’s important always to consider the student experience holistically when advising a course schedule and to ensure that elective/additional courses are added for the right reasons. We want our students to be successful in their academic endeavors but also able to sample a variety of extracurriculars to enrich their Upper School years. Students should be preparing for college with courses that provide a reasonable amount of challenge and they should be choosing classes for which they have genuine interest. We have so many great ones! Often students need help navigating this process because they tend to try to overload their schedules, especially in Junior year. For example, students who have been on an Honors track in science will generally move into Honors Physics this year, but they’re also now thinking about college plans and may view doubling up in science as an important factor in that preparation, especially if they’re considering a STEM major like pre-medicine or engineering. Trinity students regularly do this successfully, but I want to share some general thoughts for consideration. 

Doubling up on a core class is already going to increase workload; it doesn’t also have to be unnecessarily onerous. Science students choosing to add an honors or advanced topics course to their schedule need to consider what is a priority for them and what is manageable. Case in point, I recently advised a junior to change from Honors Physics to the on-level class in order to accommodate his strong desire to concurrently enroll in Advanced Topics in Biology (our highest-level life science course, which is offered in alternating years). For most of our students, two advanced science classes written into an already full schedule that also includes Honors English III would be untenable, and early on this student-athlete was feeling the stress. It was a very straightforward conversation to have. I asked the student what he was interested in and what he liked. He shared that he was hoping to go to college for an advanced degree in nursing, he loves biology, and he doesn’t care for physics nearly as much. Dive deep into what really and truly interests you! It’s always the right answer, even in high school. Fortunately, this student and his parents agreed with my assessment and so he adjusted his Physics class to provide relief in his workload and allow him to lean into his passion. It was absolutely the right decision. He’s still fully prepared by Mr. Lafarelle’s alternative course and enjoyed and even excelled in Advanced Biology, which will provide excellent preparations for his planned college courses.     

Students who wish to graduate from Trinity are required to complete Biology, Chemistry, and one additional year of laboratory science. Our college counselor advises students headed to STEM majors and those applying to more selective universities to complete four credits instead of three to be competitive. We offer a good selection of courses (both full-year and trimester length) to satisfy these requirements and also provide our students with 3 levels of computer science classes to serve as additional technology electives. With this in mind, I decided to dig into some data in recent weeks to ascertain the number of our graduates who are exceeding our graduation requirements, and by what measure. A quick glance at recent graduates reveals that 98% of our students exceed the 3-credit graduation requirement and a full third of our students have 5 or more science credits when they leave. Further, a little more than half of this population has completed at least 1 full year of computer science. Considering Science and Technology classes together, 39% of Trinity grads earned between 4 and 6 credits, while nearly a quarter (24%) have 6 or more. Trinity students love their science classes! As an Upper School faculty and administration, we are committed to helping them find the right mix of courses for their happiness and success.

Trinity remained undefeated against a tough Fasken chess team.  Our top tree boards of Ollie Mathewson, Ewan MacDonald, and Juaquin Gill again set the tone by beating the top three boards of Fasken in all three rounds.  In total, we had 26 players participate this week, and 11 of them went undefeated.  Sixth grader Akeri Amarasena was one of the undefeated today.  She had the pregame jitters, but she ended up with one of her best performances of the season.

 

Other undefeated by grade were:

5th: Micah Griffin, Tonny Patrick, and Ivan Mouget

4th: Chase Johnson, Nicolas Gan, and Sterling Wohlfahrt

3rd: Ty Waters

 

One game in particular that caught my eye today was Ewan MacDonald’s last game.  He got down to a pretty even end game with his opponent (just pawns and a bishop each).  Then the bishops got traded off, and like Magnus, he confidently pushed his pawns to queen before his opponent.  Who needs queens, rooks, bishops or knights when you can just promote a pawn!

 

Our next two opponents are the toughest of the season: Homeschoolers, and Carver.  We need all our top players available for those games in particular.  If you were a past player, and want to come back to the chess club, please come to practice next Tuesday.

 

Final score: Trinity 55; Fasken 21

Trinity remained undefeated against a tough Fasken chess team.  Our top tree boards of Ollie Mathewson, Ewan MacDonald, and Juaquin Gill again set the tone by beating the top three boards of Fasken in all three rounds.  In total, we had 26 players participate this week, and 11 of them went undefeated.  Sixth grader Akeri Amarasena was one of the undefeated today.  She had the pregame jitters, but she ended up with one of her best performances of the season.

 

Other undefeated by grade were:

5th: Micah Griffin, Tonny Patrick, and Ivan Mouget

4th: Chase Johnson, Nicolas Gan, and Sterling Wohlfahrt

3rd: Ty Waters

 

One game in particular that caught my eye today was Ewan MacDonald’s last game.  He got down to a pretty even end game with his opponent (just pawns and a bishop each).  Then the bishops got traded off, and like Magnus, he confidently pushed his pawns to queen before his opponent.  Who needs queens, rooks, bishops or knights when you can just promote a pawn!

 

Our next two opponents are the toughest of the season: Homeschoolers, and Carver.  We need all our top players available for those games in particular.  If you were a past player, and want to come back to the chess club, please come to practice next Tuesday.

 

Final score: Trinity 55; Fasken 21

Did you know that students on average spend 8.3 hours each day on screen media? It’s more important than ever to help students navigate their social world, including social media and technology, to fuel their health, happiness, and future success. 

We are thrilled to have a partnership with The Social Institute to provide students, parents, and our teachers with the #WinAtSocial Program. The program empowers students to navigate the complex world of social media and technology positively. We use these lessons during advisory time in the upper school to help guide students and build their social and emotional capacity. As a reminder as part of the program, there is a Parent Toolkit to help you empower your child(ren) with the skills, values, and experience to make positive, high-character decisions online and off. Allowing you to have conversations and reinforce what we are doing here at school.  If you haven’t set up your account, you may do so at https://thesocialinstitute.com/parent-toolkit/. 

     Varsity vs. Midland Classical, 4:00 pm

     Swim meet in San Antonio, 9:00 am

     Girls Golf in Andrews, 8:00 am

     Middle School Tennis vs Midland Classical Academy, 4:00 pm

     Boys Golf, 8:00 am

     Baseball game vs Midland Classical, 3:30 pm

     Boys Golf, 8:00 am

Please join Chrystal Myers for coffee or tea and conversation as we help each other find balance and gain a deeper understanding of the middle school years.

 

During our first Parent Chat, we will discuss the book The Emotional Life of Teenagers, Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour. Grab your book and join me and Khrystal Garcia for a great conversation on Wednesday, February 7th, at 8:15 am or Thursday, February 8th, at 3:00 pm in the Wolbert Media Center. We look forward to a time of great conversation and shared wisdom!

Since the start of school, we have been talking about the strengths of thrivers in chapel. So far we have talked about self-confidence and empathy, which help children develop a nurturing heart. We have also talked about self-control and integrity. These attributes help our children become thrivers, and so does our newest topic, curiosity, which is a key driver of learning.

In the book Thrivers by Michelle Borba, curiosity is defined as the recognition, pursuit, and intense desire to explore novel, challenging, and uncertain events. According to some studies, curiosity is more important than intellectual ability when it comes to performance in school. Additionally, students with increased curiosity have increased psychological well-being.

What is really interesting about the strengths that make kids “thrivers” is the multiplier effect. This happens when one of these characteristics is combined with another characteristic and empowers the student to be able to do even more. 

Curiosity + Self-confidence =  Openness to taking healthy risks

Curiosity + Empathy = More and stronger relationships

Curiosity + Perseverance = Deeper understanding of concepts

Curiosity + integrity = Start of social movements

So what can you do to help build your child's curiosity at home? The first thing the book suggests is giving them permission to stray off course and allow them to take safe risks. Parents should also help kids stretch their comfort zones by having them try things that are new. Another idea is to institute regular family meetings.  This is a great way for kids to use their creativity and curiosity to be able to problem solve and plan as a family. Another way you can help build curiosity is by encouraging divergent thinking and constructive arguments during family discussions.  

You can read more about this characteristic and the other six strengths of Thrivers in 

Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine by Michele Borba, Ed.D.

     5:30 pm: Boys and Girls White Team

     6:30 pm: Boys and Girls Blue Team

     4:00 pm: MS Tennis tournament at Midland High vs. San Jacinto

     8:00 am: Girls Golf tournament in Lubbock

     5:00 pm: Varsity Girls Basketball at Weatherford Christian

     6:30 pm: Varsity Boys Basketball at Weatherford Christian

     8:00 am: Girls golf tournament in Lubbock

     1:00 pm: Varsity Girls Basketball at home vs. San Jacinto **Senior Night**

     3:00 pm: Varsity Boys Basketball at home vs. San Jacinto **Senior Night**

College Conversations: The Admission Landscape in 2024

We are excited to share that Trinity will host College Conversations: The Admission Landscape in 2024 on Thursday, February 15. 

Featuring Ramon Blakley, Director of Recruitment at The University of Texas at Austin and Mary Randers, Interim Vice President Institutional Enrollment at Austin College, this night – open to all Trinity parents – will be a frank discussion about the college admission landscape. We will touch on how college admissions has changed in a post-pandemic, test-optional world, how Trinity students fare in holistic review, the value of an independent school education, what the looming higher education enrollment cliff might look like for students and colleges, and more. 

Our event begins at 6 p.m. in The Commons. It follows a day of activities for our students and faculty. Students in grades 9-11 will meet with Blakley and Randers during their advisory to learn more about college admissions, and upper school faculty will have an after-school session on the importance of the teacher recommendation.

Alumni Advice

A group of Trinity alumni joined the faculty and staff for lunch Monday, January 8 and Charger graduates served on a panel for current students on Tuesday, January 9. It is always a privilege to connect with our alumni, welcome them back to campus, and hear their insight into what a Trinity student can expect in college. They shared great advice, applicable to both the student and parent experience:

“Make sure to visit as many places as you can.”

“Don’t sweat the little things; you’ll land where you need to be.”

“Start early and finish early – before the deadlines. Don’t apply everywhere but find the best fit for you. Don’t just think about the school; think about the town and the location.”

“You only need one to two safety schools. Don’t waste your time applying to a ton of schools. You will end up at a good place.”

“Don’t go to a college that you feel pressured to go to.”

Class of 2025

Junior Conferences have been conducted over the last two weeks.. During this 45-minute session, the students hear an overview of the college application process so that we have a shared language and context as we go into the next 15 months, culminating with each student’s post-Trinity plan. 

The heart of the Trinity college advising philosophy is fit. The college match means different things to different people; this is normal. Ultimately, we will have discussions about where students see themselves thriving and what path they need to take to achieve personal and professional goals. 

Ongoing communication is highly valued in the college admission process. We feel strongly about the partnership required during these pre-college days and thank you for your support.

Class of 2024

Seniors are continuing to hear news from colleges. Trinity students are finishing their college applications, and all students will receive responses from their applications on or before April 1. They then have until May 1 to make their final post-Trinity plan. As of this writing, 100% of the seniors have completed one or more application(s) and 88% of the class has one or more college acceptance(s).  

Reminder: if you are applying for financial assistance, the CSS Profile and FAFSA deadlines are either looming or passed. The new FAFSA “soft launched” on December 31. Each college where your child has applied outlines its financial aid process on its website. You will also be able to find a Net Price Calculator, which will outline the anticipated cost of attendance for your family. 

The second trimester is almost half over and as usual, it has offered many rewards and challenges.  The season contains many breaks and short weeks, the weather brings hopes for snow days and the long basketball trips challenge both students and teachers to stay on a reasonable schedule of instruction and work.  On the other hand, we are not preparing for finals and most classes have a more relaxed atmosphere that is conducive to learning that can be measured with other outcomes.  We are particularly blessed in the Upper School History Department to have Mr. Todd Freese back in the classroom.  He is currently teaching his World Cultures class. This class brings a world history component to the wide variety of offerings from which 10th graders may choose.   He is utilizing many of our parents and Trinity resources as they can bring their first-hand knowledge of other cultures and countries to his content.  In the third trimester, he will be teaching the popular Civil War class.  We were not able to offer this class last year. As many of you know, going back to Mr. Bill Coombes, Trinity has a long tradition of offering instruction about this difficult period in our nation’s history.  It is a joy to have this excellent teacher back in the Dean’s Office and in his classroom.

Trinity School values professional development and they are willing to bear the expense related to sending teachers to events that will enhance their abilities in the classroom.  As a result of this, in the early days of December 2023, six of our history and social studies teachers traveled to Nashville for the 103rd National Council of the Social Studies Conference.  Terry Miller, Carter Sample, and Cathy Erlandson represented the Lower School while Kodi Dixon, Karley Keener, and Michael Midkiff represented the Middle and Upper School.  These teachers were able to participate in a walking tour of Nashville, visit the Hall of Fame of Country Music, see one of Elvis’s cars, and eat a panoply of good food.  They were also able to attend a wide variety of instructional sessions geared toward the grade levels they teach.  There was information on Artificial Intelligence and how we might try strategies that embrace it rather than fight it.  There was a session on cross-curricular projects that will surely help us be leaders as our 10th graders begin to create a big project to be completed next year.  They were able to be inspired by a session offering a breakdown of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.  And all of these experiences helped point toward one of the conference's sub-themes; The Future of Social Studies-What’s Next?  Hopefully, our department can sort that question out and continue to challenge our students to be prepared to succeed in this complex season of our nation.

Terry Little 

History & Social Science Academic Leader