Dear Trinity Families and Friends,
This year, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day were combined with Grandparents and Special Friends Day. After the Ash Wednesday Service, our special guests were honored with a special reception in which our choir and PK4 students performed magnificently. Faculty and staff helped make the day a memorable event by inviting our guests to visit classrooms and see first-hand what a typical day at Trinity is like. Students toured the school with their grandparents, who gained knowledge on the various enrichment classes such as: Art, Spanish, music, technology, piano, library, science and the Innovation lab. As one student shared, “I was able to spend some quality time with my Nana, sharing all that I do during my waking hours on my campus.” Students took much pride in sharing with their loved ones and showcasing their school.
I am reading How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character, by Paul Tough. Tough shares that often we adults believe childhood success comes from intelligence, hard work and high-test scores. Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter most have more to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, conscientiousness, optimism, pride and self-control than to do with intelligence. He also discussed how important it is to learn to fail. We as educators call this Grit.
The unspoken message of love and trust is paramount in a child’s development not only from parents, but from our grandparents. I believe one of the greatest things about Trinity is the level of trust between teachers and students and the level of trust between our teachers and parents. It is okay to fail, and it is okay for the students to fumble and muddle through the lessons in an atmosphere of acceptance and inquiry. We do have high standards and the children are expected to try their best, but they are also expected to be challenged and sometimes even fail. Those are the best lessons. Grandparents spoil their grandchildren; however, when they call their grandchild out on something most children will listen intently and heed their advice. The quality time you provided for your parents and children was immeasurable. Time is by far the most prized commodity and I thank you for sharing your extended family with our community. Most student went out to lunch with their grandparents and together they were able to create lasting memories.
A special “Thank you” to our loving parent Todd Schott, owner/operator of Chopin Mon Ami Catering for hosting and donating the refreshments for our Grandparent and Special Friends’ Day reception!
*Note: Randy Garcia, Juan Gonzalez, Randy Woods and myself were able to walk the campus Friday morning. We now have a solid punch list for the campus Workday. In looking at shrubs from the winter freeze and creating this punch list, we all agree we need an extra week to prepare for this all-important day. Juan Gonzalez is getting married on the 24th and it will be significant for Juan to be present for the workday. e.g. tools, organization, safety and materials. This will also give the shrubs another week to see if they will need to be removed or just cut back.
Therefore, we will need to push back the workday until Saturday, March 3rd. This will give us ample time to prepare resources and be very intentional with the work needed.
Thank you for understanding.
With warm regards,
Mark Ravelli / Head of School
Trinity Episcopal School
720 Tremont Street Galveston, TX 77550
409.765.9391 https://tesgalv.org