Trinity Episcopal School

The audience of more than 67 million viewers for last week’s presidential debate included Trinity’s 8th Grade, which watched the debate as part of the Seminar class. Students were tasked with listening for how the candidates communicated their values and their identities. The debate coincided with their Seminar class work exploring students’ own values and identities as they work through Trinity’s four essential questions of students: Who am I? Who are you? Who are we together? What are we called to do?

This week's #tbt for Trinity's 25th anniversary looks at the first of our three core values: creating scholars. It means more than simply making sure that students know information. For decades, Trinity's teachers have inspired students to think critically, problem-solve, and be curious about the world around them.

During Trinity’s 25th school year, we are looking back at Trinity’s history each #tbt. This week, we look at 25 years of Greet the Week. “Go outside and face the east and greet the day with some kind of blessing or chant or song that you made up yourself.” Those instructions from the book “The Way to Start the Day” by Byrd Baylor laid the foundation for a Trinity tradition: Greet the Week. Wildcats gather each Monday as a community for school announcements, songs, scripture, the Honor Code, and more. This Trinity staple began as a morning routine in founding staculty member Chris Weiss’ 5th Grade classroom. “You had to go out and greet the day before Morning Circle began,” she recalled. “I can actually picture them trickling out, standing on the deck facing east, and closing their eyes, saying a prayer or something else.” This made founding Academic Dean Liz Whisnant wonder if the entire school could do it. “It really then took on a life of its own,” Dr. Weiss said, as new elements became a part of the gathering, such as the Lord’s Prayer and music. What began on the deck of learning cottages 25 years ago continues today in the courtyard, sometimes in the gym or the field. “I am so glad Trinity is still honoring this tradition,” Weiss said.

Whether it was Kindergartners taking those first cautious steps down to the first floor, or 8th Grade students arriving for their last first day, the first day of school was milestone day for Trinity as we enter a milestone year: our 25th school year as the only independent K-8 school in Charlotte's center city. North Carolina Association of Independent Schools SAIS - Serving and Accrediting Independent Schools National Association of Independent Schools

As staculty returned to prepare for Trinity's 25th school year, they engaged in service learning - one of Trinity's cornerstones as students learn about their community and how to serve our neighbors. In addition to a lunch and learn with service learning partners, staculty lent their hands in a variety of ways, from packing sandwiches and school supplies, to working in the 8th Street Community Garden. Thanks to Roof Above, Carolina Farm Trust, Charlotte ToolBank, InReach NC, First Ward Community Fund, Nourish Up, The Epiphany School of Charlotte, Hope Haven Inc., and First Ward Child Development Center for their time and partnership.

As technology evolves, especially with artificial intelligence, there's much to learn. There are also foundational principles that remain in place, such as digital citizenship and responsibly using technology. Read about Trinity's approach to technology in learning in the latest issue of The Trinity Voice. https://lnkd.in/eYGmPM2A

As the curtain lowered on the school year, 5th Grade performed scenes from Shakespeare plays to cap their partnership with the Shepherd Shakespeare Company. Through a School Funding Opportunity Grant from the Arts & Science Council, Shepherd Shakespeare spent a month-long residency with the 5th Grade as they studied Shakespeare and theater. Our thanks to Shepherd Shakespeare and the ASC for this special learning opportunity!

A snapshot of the 2023-24 school year - and a look ahead to a big number coming up for Trinity!

Head of School Imana Sherrill was invited to contribute to the National Association of Episcopal Schools' monthly column for Episcopal school leaders. In her column, Mrs. Sherrill reflected on the scrutiny facing DEI work in schools, and the importance of DEI as part of our Episcopal identity and mission. https://lnkd.in/eKW_J7DG

46 Trinity 8th Grade students traveled to Washington, D.C., this past week, capping weeks of work in their Seminar class on how to lobby for community needs. The D.C. trip is a student-led process, from picking the topics they will advocate for, to scheduling meetings with lawmakers and lobbyists, to navigating their groups to their meetings and keeping their groups on schedule. Our thanks to Rep. Jeff Jackson for his time with students and to the staff members of the offices of Representatives Alma Adams, Dan Bishop, Deborah Ross, and Bobby Scott, and Senators Ted Budd, Thom Tillis (including Trinity alumnus Noah Carroll, TES '15) Shelley Moore Capito, John Hickenlooper, Sherrod Brown and Chris Murphy. Thanks also to the representatives of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the National Low Income Housing Coalition.