School News

As we mark the anniversary of the shut-down, let us keep in our prayers all those who have suffered and continue to suffer directly from the virus and from its impact. There has been much loss–lost lives, lost livelihoods, lost sense of meaning, lost community, lost security. Let us pray for comfort for all those who have suffered loss in any way. Let us also remember that God is good and we should not lose hope. He has certainly been gracious in granting us mercies throughout this difficult time. As we observe Lent, let us thank him for his great mercy toward us in sending His Son.

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5-7

We are pleased to announce that our classes are now able to gather for Morning Prayer twice a week. On Tuesdays it will be led by teachers on a rotating schedule. Mr. Marth will lead on Wednesdays with a focus on virtue. While we are eager to join together again, we have found that Morning Prayer in the classroom has been very beneficial, so we will continue in the classroom on other days of the week. Please note that we will still wear masks and spread out for singing when in the gym together.

We will have lunch outside whenever possible, but when we cannot be outside, we will rotate classes through the lunchroom. We hope these changes will lead to more times of togetherness and that students from different classrooms will be able to see each other more. Part of what makes Trinitas special is the interaction between our younger and older students, and we are eager for the day when we can return to our community life in its fullness.

Trinitas will host its own GeoBee on Wednesday, March 31. Please see the flyer that went home with students for more details, including tips and tools to prepare for the Bee.

Our 7th and 8th graders will be donning togas and observing the “Pie-ds” of March (Pi Day meets Ides of March) on Monday as they continue their study of the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. They will convene for a class Senate meeting to vote for the pie they will give Caesar, or in this case, Mr. Fynewever-Muyskens. Will they choose the one he wants? Stay tuned! While it may not provide a dramatic moment worthy of Shakespeare (et tu, discipule?), it will certainly be a fun and memorable way to learn Roman history.

Second semester parent-teacher conferences are optional. If you wish to meet with a teacher, or if a teacher requests that you do so, please contact him/her directly to set up an appointment for the week of March 29.

Helen Keller expressed the virtue of responsibility quite simply when she said, “I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today even though it may be hard.” She certainly knew what it meant for work to be hard. As we struggle at times to complete our own work, it would be good for us to remember Helen Keller’s words and her example.

The social distancing requirement has been reduced from six feet to three feet for all students according to Kent County Health Department guidelines (see Social Distancing in K-8 Classrooms Pilot Study from KCHD). To quote from KCHD’s rationale: “Local school data shows transmission of the virus in K-8 classrooms is extremely rare. When large numbers of students are quarantined due to a classroom exposure, very few students test positive during their quarantine period. Positive cases are most often related to exposure from a household contact.” In light of this change, we will be revisiting our restrictions and making adjustments where the new guidance allows.

In addition, we are also able to invite parents who have been fully vaccinated to volunteer in the school and classroom as long as it has been at least two weeks since their last vaccine dose. (Proof of vaccination must be provided to the school office.)

Last Wednesday, our hallways were full of characters: a king, an elf, a hobbit, Little Red Riding Hood, Mary Poppins, Paul Revere, and more. We even had a few crayons who fled their box!

Thank you, students and parents, for the time and energy you gave to help make Book Character Day a highlight again this year. We hope to share some photos soon!

Second semester parent-teacher conferences are optional. If you wish to meet with a teacher, or if a teacher requests that you do so, please contact him/her directly to set up an appointment for the week of March 29.