Test Addition

Parents,

There will be an English 7 test this Wednesday. This was left off our list for this week by mistake.

Thanks!

Middle School Notes

The Palmer family absolutely loves Chick-fil-A. In fact, we often find ourselves comparing other fast food chains with our favorite, and they never seem to match up. (Maybe Subway, but I don't think of that in the same category.)

Most people would agree that there is something different about the Chick-fil-A franchise. The stores are clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is usually ready quickly. It is also interesting to note that these stores are closed on Sunday, one of the busiest "eating out" days of the week.

Recently, I have spent a considerable amount of time studying the management systems of Chick-fil-A, trying to discover what leadership techniques allow for such consistent quality from location to location. I am constantly asking myself what I can do in my position at Trinity to make the working environment better for my employees, while providing a great school experience for students and parents.

My readings have introduced me to a remarkable man, S. Truett Cathy - the CEO of Chick-fil-A. Cathy's website is full of great information for aspiring leaders. But what caught my eye was his "Seven Reminders for Building Children." You see, S. Truett Cathy sees his Chick-fil-A franchise as a mission field, ministering to thousands of teenagers who work for his company. Perhaps that is why the kids seem so friendly -- they are being mentored by caring adults on the job. In any event, I have re-printed Cathy's reminders, hoping that you will see a couple of nuggets of wisdom that you can use as you navigate the middle school waters.

Seven Reminders for Building Children

by S. Truett Cathy - Founder of Chick-fil-A

1. Every child I know who overcame long odds and grew into a responsible adult can point to an adult who stepped into his or her life as a friend, mentor, or guide.

2. Don't be too concerned that your children don't listen to you. But be very concerned that they see everything you do.

3. Be so consistent in your discipline that you're boring.

4. Stop arguing in front of your children.

5. You may think children have outgrown the desire to be rocked to sleep tonight. They haven't.

6. Children will never believe in the covenant of marriage unless they see you living it with their own eyes.

7. How do you know if a child needs encouragement? If he or she is breathing.

As we start this new week, let's think about ways we can connect with and encourage our kids. After all, they are looking to us for guidance.

Here are our tests for the week:

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Social Studies

7th Grade:

Wednesday - Math 7

8th Grade:

Wednesday - Science

Thursday - US History (McLemore)

Go out and make this a great week!

Raising Leaders

Parents,

Here is a great story from motivational guru Zig Ziglar which contains some really good food for thought for those of us raising kids in this day and age. Enjoy!

It has often been said that you don't develop leaders or champions on feather beds. The "eagle approach" works best. Eagles build their nests high on mountains, exposed to the first rain, the first snow, the strongest winds.

When the mother eagle builds the huge nest, she starts with limbs and rough pieces of bark. Inside of that, she puts glass, stones, branches, etc. Next she picks up leaves, cloth and similar objects. Finally, she puts feathers - some from her own body - on top, and it is in this nest that she lays the eggs. When the little eaglets make their appearance, the eagle parents nurture their babies with food they have eaten and regurgitated. As the eaglets grow, the mother eagle removes the soft down from the nest, reducing the comfort level of the eaglets. Still later she removes the leaves, soft branches and cloth, further discomforting the eaglets.

By now the young birds are beginning to climb up the sides of the huge nest; their comfort level is minimal. Finally, the mother eagle removes the smaller sticks and everything else so the eaglets are exposed to the glass, cans, rocks and other uncomfortable bedding. Now the eaglets are staying on the sides of the nest. And here is where tough love really begins to show. Once the eaglets reach the top of the nest, the mother eagle nudges them over the side and they go hurtling to apparently certain death on the rocks below. At what appears to be the last instant, Mother Eagle swoops underneath and catches the eaglet on her own back. The process is repeated until the eaglets are flying on their own. Mother Eagle's job has been done - she has worked herself out of a job. That's what parenting is about - working yourself out of a job, and, in the process, developing our leaders for the future. Think about it, give your kids a chance to soar like the eagles by not making their lives too comfortable and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Courtesy - Zig Ziglar

Middle School Notes

Well, just one more week before Spring Break! Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit so we can enjoy this great season of the year.

We've had a great week here at Trinity. Our beginning band students enjoyed a concert presented by the Montgomery Symphony on Wednesday, and our dance students attended a presentation of Peter Pan today. In the meantime, we've enjoyed the Upper School production of Hello Dolly.

Here are a couple of important reminders:

1. Some of our students are growing out of uniforms that were purchased at the beginning of the school year. Please help us out by consulting the Trinity Handbook and ensuring that your child's skirt length, etc, is appropriate. Boys should also be able to tuck in their shirts and they should remain tucked in throughout the day. This becomes difficult once the shirts become too short. Your attention to these dress code matters is greatly appreciated.

2. Many of our students are involved in sports, which highlights the need for good study skills and time management. You might want to refer to this post which highlights some tips for setting aside time for study and homework, as well as some good organizational tips. Please remember to check your child's agenda book daily for assignments and upcoming projects, quizzes, and tests. Several of our teachers now have Wikis, with relevant information posted.

3. Please remember to help us out during carpool by picking your middle school student up by the steps in front of Willett Hall. Middle school students should not be exiting the school building via the front entrance immediately after school.

Here are our tests for this week:

6th Grade:

Thursday - Social Studies

Friday - Science

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Keyboarding, Old Testament

Thursday - Math 7, Pre-Algebra

Friday - Economics

8th Grade:

Tuesday - US History (Weeks)

Wednesday - Bible, English

Thursday - Science, Algebra I

Friday - US History (McLemore, Franklin), English

Have a great weekend!