School News

Our yearly standardized testing for grades 3-8 is scheduled for the week of May 3rd. On-site Iowa Basics testing is no longer available to us. We will be using ERB (Educational Records Bureau) testing instead. ERB is an independent educational advisory with over 90 years of experience in academic testing. The tests will provide objective tools for us to evaluate student performance as groups and individuals as compared against independent schools and national norms. They will help us identify trends, both strengths and gaps, and help us devise targeted instructional intervention for various content areas as needed. As with the Iowa Basics, parents will receive detailed reports for their student(s).

For grades K-2, we have begun using DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). Our teachers are pleased with this series of shorter tests administered three times per year to help them assess student acquisition of literacy skills and monitor the effectiveness of intervention strategies. We have begun using a series of math assessments produced by DIBELS as well. Parents receive reports during parent-teacher conferences and/or with report cards and as needed.

Watch for more details about what to expect for students during ERB testing week as the time approaches.

Tuition deposits for 2021-22 are due in March. If you are enrolled in FACTS, you should have received a notification of the upcoming withdrawal. If you are not enrolled in FACTS, the 10% deposit is due on March 5. Please contact Mary in the office if you have any questions.

Book Character Day is almost here! Students and teachers have the opportunity to come to school on Wednesday, March 3 dressed as a Biblical, historical, or literary (classic or modern) character. Character ideas require approval from the student’s teacher. See the flyer that was sent home for further details.

Thoughtful Reader Book Club discussions and activities will be Friday, March 5, during the school day. All students in grades K-2 will have the opportunity to participate in some fun animal-themed activities inspired by Kipling’s Just-So Stories. All students in grades K-8 who participated in TR by setting reading goals should bring their list of books they read. Students in grades 3-8 should also remember to bring their discussion book and the discussion guide which can be found in the school newsletter.

Please remember that all planned absences should be reported directly to the office as well as to your child’s teacher(s). If requesting assignments in advance to take on a trip, please give teachers sufficient time to prepare plans and materials.

While the National Geographic GeoBee is not being held this year, Trinitas will host its own GeoBee on Wednesday, March 31, during school hours. The GeoBee is designed to inspire students’ curiosity about the world. K-2 students will enjoy geography-themed activities. All students in grades 3-8 will compete in classroom rounds much like the Spelling Bee. Top scorers will advance to our school finals. Watch for more event details and tips on how to prepare.

The staff would like to thank everyone who helped with this week’s appreciation lunch, whether by preparing food or supervising students during recess and lunch. The food was fantastic as was the time of relaxed fellowship. Thanks to the PSF Committee as well for their coordination and their continued support for our community, both families and staff.

Being RESPONSIBLE with our words means we need to THINK before we speak (or write or post). Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? Practice THINKing this quarter.

With the presence of the new variant in Kent county, there have been many questions about double masking. When two people are both wearing single masks, and they are worn correctly and consistently, the risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is reduced by about 84%. If a person is wearing a second cloth mask over a surgical mask that protection increases to about 96%.

Requiring students and staff to wear two masks is impractical and will increase the resistance to wearing a mask at all. However, if a students or staff must be in a situation where they cannot maintain other risk reduction practices such as social distancing, hand washing, avoiding crowds, we highly recommend that a second cloth mask be worn over the surgical mask. Such examples might be when traveling on a plane or being in an airport, or attending a sporting event.

To learn more, click on this CDC link.