Dear Families and Friends of Trinity,
The community came together over the Holiday break to remember a steadfast member that passed, way too young. Thank you to everyone that contributed to her memory. There are too many to thank, and I will forget someone. You know who you are, and Mrs. Funston is smiling down upon the Trinity community. New Year’s is the only holiday that commemorates the passage of time. Perhaps that is why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Predictably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offers the first of many important tools for “remaking ourselves!”
Resolutions are important to adults and children. It is a promise, a pledge, a proclamation of oneself. It is important to move forward with the New Year. Ask your children what their resolutions are and help them pronounce something they want to improve upon. Make sure you as a role model undertake a resolution. Together as a family write down your New Year’s Resolutions and help each other reach your goals. Accomplishments are important in children’s lives. For children, it is important to confirm and reward the hard work that is put forth in reaching that goal vs. the final product. Celebrate actions as often as possible and continue to grow not only as individuals but as a family and a community.
One program we want to improve upon is Stay and Play. I am happy to report that Stay and Play is thriving. Our K-8 students work hard to finish their homework and look forward to the games and activities we have available in extended day. We understand that it can be a long day for the students who participate in Stay and Play, and the After-School team constantly looks for ways to improve programming for your children. Below I would like to highlight a few changes for spring:
Parents and teachers may now enroll students in Homework Lab. Help ensure your child has a quiet, focused environment to work on assignments from 3:15 to 4:15pm by signing them up on a daily or weekly basis. The signup form is accessible at https://tesgalv.org/homework.
The Rosenberg Library is a quiet zone available to us on Wednesdays. I will accompany Stay and Play on weekly library trips geared toward reading, research and homework. Small groups may also explore different areas and services within Rosenberg.
Parents may now view and subscribe to a weekly activities calendar. Stay and Play Instructors facilitate structured and unstructured activities each afternoon. Structured activities run from 3:45-4:45pm and include art projects, LEGO building, group games, movie days and more. The calendar is accessible at https://tesgalv.org/play.
Providing feedback is now even easier. We love learning which things work and which need some work. The feedback form is accessible at https://tesgalv.org/play.
The pioneering psychologist Jean Piaget viewed play as the work of children – it is their opportunity to construct their ideas about the world. Thank you for entrusting us with your child. We are dedicated to providing your children with a safe and nurturing environment. As 17th century poet John Donne reminds us, “No man is an island… because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Happy New Year,
Mark Ravelli / Head of School
Trinity Episcopal School
720 Tremont Street Galveston, TX 77550
409.765.9391 https://tesgalv.org