Christmas Clearing House

Thanks to our middle school students for raising $581 today for Christmas Clearing House!  We received individual gifts that ranged from $1.00 to $20.00.  However, what is more important than the amount is the idea that we have been given much, so we too should give.

Thanks for supporting this ministry!

Middle School Matters

Exam Week

Here is our exam schedule for the upcoming week.  Please encourage your child to study this weekend, and to get plenty of sleep each night before exams.  Students are only required to attend school for the periods in which they have an exam to take.  Sixth grade students are dismissed each morning at 9:30, Tuesday through Friday of this week.

Tuesday, December 14

6th Grade Test - Math (8:00-9:30)

7th and 8th Grades:

1st Period Exam - 8:00-9:30

2nd Period Exam - 10:00-11:30

Wednesday, December 15

6th Grade Test - Social Studies (8:00-9:30)

7th and 8th Grades:

3rd Period Exam - 8:00-9:30

4th Period Exam - 10:00-11:30

Thursday, December 16

6th Grade Test - English (8:00-9:30)

7th and 8th Grades:

5th Period Exam - 8:00-9:30

6th Period Exam - 10:00-11:30

Friday, December 17

6th Grade Test - Science (8:00-9:30)

7th and 8th Grades:

7th Period Exam - 8:00-9:30

Have a great week!

Monday Dress-Down Reminder

Good Friday Afternoon!

I hope everyone has enjoyed a fantastic week!

Just a quick reminder of our dress-down day Monday:

Our middle school division has been promoting a "3-2-1 Dress Down Day" to support the Christmas Clearinghouse.  Your students may have mentioned this to you.

Due to the cold weather, our lower and upper school friends have decided to dress down and keep warm.  However, to encourage our students to participate in "3-2-1," we are allowing all students in the middle school who donate to wear sweat pants or hats if they like (the other kids don't get to do this!!).  If they choose not to participate, they may observe the same casual dress code as the lower and upper schools, but with no sweatpants or hats.

Please encourage your children to give a few bucks to this worthy cause, and dress warmly -- it is going to be chilly!

Look for our regular weekly blog post to follow on Saturday.

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

We have had an exciting and eventful week here at Trinity.  I will highlight some of the things we did together, share some exciting news, and give you a sneak peek into what is upcoming during the next two weeks.

Apple 1:1 is Coming to Trinity!

Trinity has been making tremendous strides in the area of technology.  One of our primary goals is to prepare students for jobs that do not yet exist, and one of the best ways we can do this is to leverage the technology with which they are already so familiar.

Next year, we will pilot a 1:1 program in our 7th and 9th grades.  This means that all 7th and 9th grade students will be issued an Apple Macbook computer which will become a powerful educational tool.  If you'd like to know why we think Apple is such a great choice for the education world, simply click here.

Look for more information about this exciting move in the coming weeks.

Project Give

All week, students have been contributing to Project Give by purchasing t-shirts or wristbands.  The money will go to fund two new wells in Zambia so that people living in extreme poverty may have something you and I take for granted - clean drinking water.  

Take a few moments to watch this video to see what one well can do for someone in need.  Please contact the school office if you would like to donate to this worthy cause.

Peter Pan

Our entire middle school traveled to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival earlier this week to attend their outstanding production of Peter Pan.  The students behaved exceptionally well, and we received many compliments from the ASF staff.  For their cooperation and for the outstanding impression they made, we chose to reward the kids with a dress-down day and a very special dessert treat during lunch.  Give your child a pat on the back for representing Trinity with class!

'Twas the Night

Our middle school students ushered in the Christmas spirit once again with a fabulous set of performances at our annual 'Twas the Night arts extravaganza.  Artwork was displayed in Willett Hall, and we enjoyed outstanding performances by the Trinity Treble Choir and several dance groups, in addition to our Guys and Dolls Show Choir.  Congratulations to everyone for a job well done!

Bible Service Project

Our 7th grade Bible students have been completing a service project this week without ever leaving campus.  Mrs. Elisa Bowden has been taking the students to our lower school to read and teach math lessons.  The students took this project very seriously and I'm eying a few for future teaching slots here at TPS!

Christmas Chapel

Students need to remember to wear chapel dress Monday for our Christmas Chapel.  As usual, we will have Lessons and Carols in the sanctuary of Eastwood Presbyterian Church, across the street from the school.

Exam Time

Please remember that exams are coming up quickly.  Remind your child to study for exams a bit each day, even now.  Consult the calendar on the Trinity Website for specific exam days and times.

Tests Next Week

6th Grade: - None

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Science

Wednesday - Math 7/Pre-Algebra

Thursday - English

Friday - Old Testament

8th Grade:

Monday - Latin

Tuesday - US History (McLemore, Franklin), Spanish

Wednesday - US History (Weeks), English

Thursday - Algebra I/Pre-Algebra, English

Friday - French

Have a Great Weekend!

Middle School Events This Week

Good Evening --

I hope you and your family had a happy Thanksgiving!

Here are some important events happening this week at Trinity:

Tomorrow - ASF Field Trip to see Peter Pan - Chapel Dress

Tests This Week

6th Grade:

Wednesday - English Novel Test

7th Grade:

Wednesday - Pre-Algebra

8th Grade:

Wednesday - Algebra I/Pre-Algebra, History (Weeks), Science
Please note: Most of our students do not have three tests on this day.  Arrangements have been made for those who do.


Thursday - All Foreign Language, History (Franklin)

Friday - Science

Have a great week!

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

It felt more like a Monday around here as we all returned to work and school after a holiday yesterday.  I certainly hope that you and your family took time to remember and honor our veterans while we had a little time off.

Thanksgiving Break

Please remember that next week is the final week of school before our Thanksgiving holiday.  This year, we will observe Thanksgiving for the entire week of November 22-26.

Congress Day

Trinity Middle School will be hosting Congress Day next Friday, November 19.  Students in grades 6-8 will learn how a bill becomes law by participating in the legislative process throughout the entire school day.  Many thanks to Rebecca Helms and our Student YMCA for organizing this event for us.

Online Parent Resources

Common Sense Media has a section for parents which is full of helpful advice on a variety of topics.  You may brows their offerings by clicking here.

Tests for Next Week

6th Grade:

Wednesday - Social Studies

7th Grade: 

Tuesday - Old Testament

Wednesday - English

Thursday - Math 7

8th Grade:

Tuesday - Pre-Algebra

Wednesday - US History (McLemore), Latin

Thursday - US History (Weeks), Science

Have a great weekend!

What a Fine Looking Group!

Here is a photograph of our seventh grade students with Governor Bob Riley on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol Building.  Governor Riley was gracious enough to alter his schedule in order to make this photo possible.  Our seventh grade students represented Trinity very well as they toured the Capitol Building, State House, Judicial Building, and Pike Road Town Hall in a field trip designed to complement our Civics curriculum.

Middle School Matters

Greetings!

I hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful weekend!  I have just returned from three days at Camp Cosby with our sixth grade students and parents.  We had a wonderful time, and I will work to prepare a full report, complete with pictures and video, this week.  It is also time for me to post pictures from our recent seventh grade field trip to the various government buildings here in Montgomery and in Pike Road.  Look for both of these "reports" coming soon!

In the meantime, here are our tests for this week:

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Social Studies

Wednesday - Math

7th Grade:

Monday - Pre-Algebra

Tuesday - Science

8th Grade:

Tuesday - U. S. History (McLemore, Weeks), Latin

Wednesday - English, U. S. History (Franklin)

Friday - Algebra I

Remember: No school this coming Thursday.  

Have a great week!

Middle School Matters

Greetings from the Middle School!

This post is a bit late due to our 7th grade Civics field trip yesterday.  We had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol, Judicial Building, State House, and Pike Road Town Hall.  Students were able to meet and visit with Governor Bob Riley, Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, House Speaker Seth Hammett, Representative Jay Love, and Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone.  Many thanks to Whitting McLemore for putting this trip together, and to Connie Cantey, Kelly Long, and Carol Jackson for serving as chaperons. Julie Green was also a big help as she brought our boxed lunches, lovingly prepared by Greg Fuller and the SAGE Dining staff, over to the Capitol for our lunch on the Capitol grounds.

Camp Cosby

I am really looking forward to next week because it means another trip to beautiful Camp Cosby with our 6th grade students, teachers, and parents!  We will be leaving Wednesday morning, and we are set to return to campus Friday afternoon.  Please be in prayer for all of us as we make this trip and continue the Camp Cosby Tradition.

Peter Pan Field Trip

Our middle school English classes will be going to the Shakespeare Festival November 30 to attend a performance of Peter Pan.  You will receive more information regarding this trip within the next couple of weeks.  A fee of $18.00 will appear on your November statement.

Bible Studies

We are so blessed to have parents who are willing to lead our students in Bible studies on a weekly basis.  I would like to draw your attention to two new studies, and invite you to encourage your child to participate.

Our 6th grade boys and their fathers engage in Bible study on Monday mornings at 7:15 in the lobby of Willett Hall.  Breakfast is served, along with a short devotional.  If you haven't had a chance to join this group, they would be happy to have you starting this week.

Patricia Watts has started a Bible study for our 8th grade girls.  This week, they will begin meeting in our choral room which is located directly underneath Willett Hall adjacent to the band room and the "Old" Gym.  We would like to encourage all 8th grade girls to take part in this wonderful opportunity!

More Information on Screen Time

Last week's post included an article on screen time from the folks over at Common Sense Media.  This week, John Tesh adds his two cents to the conversation.  You may access this informative article by clicking here.

Tests for Next Week

6th Grade:

None

Wednesday-Friday - Camp Cosby

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Civics

Wednesday - Math 7

Thursday - Old Testament

Friday - Pre-Algebra

8th Grade:

None

Have a Great Weekend!

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

We have had a spectacular week here at Trinity!  I hope yours has been good as well.

Congratulations Gene and Karen Butler!

Congratulations to our band director, Gene Butler, and his wife, Karen, on the birth of their first child this week.  Julie Elaine Butler came six weeks early, but is doing well in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Medical Center-East here in Montgomery.  She weighed in at 4 lbs. 1 oz, and was 17 inches long.

Please continue to be in prayer for the Butlers as they are looking at a lengthy hospital stay for little Julie.

Here are some important announcements, as well as a parenting resource you may find useful:

7th Grade Government Field Trip

Our seventh grade students will be attending a field trip to the State Capitol, State House, Judicial Building, and Pike Road Town Hall, this coming Friday, October 29.  We will have lunch on the Capitol grounds and will have our picture made with Governor Bob Riley.  Many thanks to Whittington McLemore for putting this outstanding trip together.

Parent Resources Page

We have added a Parent Resources page to our Trinity Website.  I invite you to explore this new section which is filled with a tremendous amount of potentially useful information.  It may be found among the tabs located at the upper left corner of the homepage.  We would appreciate any feedback you may have about this page, or any suggestions for additions to it.

New Bible Studies

We have two new morning Bible studies beginning in the Middle School next week.  Here are the specific announcements regarding these new opportunities:

6th Grade Boys Bible Study


All 6th grade boys and their fathers are invited to a weekly Bible Study on Mondays beginning October 25 at 7:15 am in the lobby of Willett Hall.  Breakfast will be served followed by a short devotion.

8th Grade Girls Bible Study


I am excited to let you know about a new Bible study for 8th grade girls that will be led by Patricia Watts.  We will begin on Tuesday, October 26 at 7:15 am in Coach Barringer's room (606).  Each meeting should be completed by 7:50 am.


We invite you to prayerfully consider joining us as we discover what it really means for us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

Teens and Screen Time

Common Sense Media provides some interesting information this week regarding setting limits on the amount of "screen time" your child gets in any given week.  Their helpful article is worth a look, and may be found here.

Tests for Next Week

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Social Studies

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Science

8th Grade:

Monday - Spanish, Algebra I

Tuesday - English

Thursday - Science

Friday - US History (McLemore)

Have a Great Weekend!

Middle School Matters

Happy Weekend, everyone!

I am happy to report that our annual standardized testing went very well.  Now, we await the results within the next few weeks.  Once received, our faculty will carefully examine how we did, and make adjustments to our instruction for the remainder of the school year.

We had a tremendous turnout for our "Minute to Win It" 5th Quarter event after Friday's exciting victory over T. R. Miller.  The kids seemed to have a great time.  Our chaperones were very impressed with the way in which our students conducted themselves.  Give them a pat on the back for a job well done!

Here are our tests for the coming week:

6th Grade:

None

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Civics, Pre-Algebra

8th Grade:

Monday - Spanish

Tuesday - US History (Franklin, McLemore)

Wednesday - Latin, English

Thursday - US History (Weeks), Pre-Algebra

Friday - Algebra I

I hope you have a great week!

Middle School Matters

Happy Saturday!

Please pardon the late post.  I was out of the office yesterday and I'm wrapping some weekly items up on this beautiful Saturday morning.

SAIS Visit

Our SAIS accreditation visit ended this week and was a wonderful experience for us in the middle school.  The team members had some very nice things to say about our program, and they were particularly complimentary of our students.  One of the team members told me that there was a tremendous amount of energy, enthusiasm, and innovation in our division, and pointed out that the teachers seemed passionate about their work and demonstrated a genuine love for your kids.  They described Trinity as a "family," and stated that that quality separates us from most schools.

Needless to say, I was very pleased with the entire process and I look forward to sharing specifics when we receive the written report in a few weeks.

No Columbus Day Holiday This Year

For many years, Trinity has observed the Columbus Day holiday which falls this Monday.  However, in order to have Thanksgiving week off, we had to "steal" a couple of days and this holiday is one of those.  Monday will be a regular school day this year.

Achievement Testing

Please remember that we will be conducting achievement testing next Tuesday and Wednesday.  School will dismiss at noon on both of those days, and lunch will not be served.

Please help your children by ensuring that they get a good night's sleep, eat a big, healthy breakfast, and come to school with the necessary supplies (complete with the obligatory no. 2 pencils!) to take these standardized tests.  We use the results of these tests in a variety of ways to help your children throughout the remainder of the year, so please encourage them to do their very best.

A Minute to Win It Competition

Our student YMCA programs are putting together what promises to be a great social event following the TR Miller game next Friday night.  The event will be held in Willett Hall immediately following the game and will last until 11:15pm.  Admission is one can of food to be given to the Montgomery Area Food Bank.  Please encourage your child to attend this exciting, fun-filled event!

Tests Next Week

Tuesday and Wednesday - Standardized Achievement Testing - Noon Dismissal

6th Grade:

Thursday - English

Friday - Science

7th Grade:

Friday - Math 7

8th Grade:

Monday - Latin

Friday - French

Have a great weekend!

Fields of Faith

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE FIELDS OF FAITH event on Wednesday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Boykin Field.  The event is for the entire TPS family, K-12, and will feature a LIVE praise band and testimony from TPS students and students from other schools across the city.  One Day, One Message, One Stand!  Check it out on Facebook:  Montgomery Fields of Faith

Middle School Matters

Happy Homecoming Friday!

We enjoyed a great homecoming week here at Trinity, complete with our annual parade and pep rally.  Everyone seems to be looking forward to enjoying the game tonight as we take on the Catholic Knights!

Here are some important reminders as we go into the weekend:

SAIS Visit Next Week

We are looking forward to welcoming a visiting team from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) next week as we complete requirements for dual accreditation.  Trinity is currently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) but will soon be accredited by both SAIS and SACS.  Many thanks to Laura Williams, our accreditation coordinator, for helping us get ready for this upcoming visit.  Check back next week for a full report.

Driving and Parking

We are asking that you please be very careful when approaching Trinity through our surrounding neighborhoods.  Please remember that children are walking to Vaughn Road School and will sometimes need to cross the street without the aid of a crossing guard.

Additionally, please be careful not to park in teacher spaces (especially in the Willett Hall parking lot) when attending or leading a Bible study before school.  We have visitor spaces along the left side of the front drive, and in the parking lot directly adjacent to the south end zone of Boykin Field, our football stadium.  Thank you for your attention to both of these matters.

Art Contest Winners

Our art department is at it again!  Several of our middle school students have won prizes in recent art contests around town.  You may see the list by clicking here.  Many thanks to Jennifer Bricken and Becky Miller for the outstanding job they do teaching our art students each day!

Achievement Testing

Please remember that achievement testing for the middle school division will be Tuesday, October 12, and Wednesday, October 13.  Both of these days will be half-days, with a 12:00pm dismissal.  Lunch will not be served.  We will discuss achievement test preparation in next week's post.

Tests for Next Week

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Social Studies, Science

7th Grade:

Wednesday - Civics

Friday - Old Testament

8th Grade:

Monday - Science

Tuesday - Algebra I

Wednesday - English

Friday - US History (Weeks)

Have a Great Weekend!

GO CATS!

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

It has been an exciting day here at Trinity!  We began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new Media Center, and then had a ground-breaking ceremony for the new lower school addition.  The halls were filled with excitement for both of these ceremonies, and it was great to see the new technology in the Media Center being used just minutes after all of the dignitaries and guests left the room.  Look for coverage of these events tonight on WSFA-12 and WAKA-8.

Becky Shepherd, our guidance counselor, has been visiting classes in order to help our students figure their current GPAs.  We are making worksheets available to you so this may be done at any time.  Simply click the link to access and print the worksheet:

Middle School Semester GPA Worksheet
Middle School End-Of-Year GPA Worksheet

Please remember to consult the Trinity Website for homecoming information.  There are many activities going on next week and you'll certainly want to remain in the loop.  The most important announcement, of course, it the fact that Friday of next week is a half-day.  I hope you can make it out to our homecoming festivities and game.  It promises to be a great time!

Mark your calendars: October 12 and 13 are testing days in the middle school and will be half-days.  Students will dismiss at 12:00 noon, and lunch will not be served.

You have heard me mention Common Sense Media on this blog many times, and for good reason.  The folks over there provide a plethora of valuable information for parents, and I will continue to send you helpful tidbits as I find them.  This week, the focus is on to what extent we should "snoop" into the online activities of our children.  You may access the article by clicking here.


Here are our tests for next week:

6th Grade: None

7th Grade: 

Wednesday - English

Thursday - English Vocabulary

8th Grade:

Wednesday - US History (McLemore)

Thursday - English

Please remember to check individual teacher blogs and wikis 

by clicking the tab at the top of this page.

Have a great weekend!

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

We have had another good week here at Trinity, complete with a Partner with the Principal luncheon and the election of our Student Council for this year.  Keep reading to find out more.

Partner with the Principal

Many thanks to Thomas and Jodie Champion for opening their home to the parents of our 7th grade students Wednesday.  It was a pleasure to meet with so many of you and I enjoyed our time together.  Thanks for your support of Trinity School!

Student Council Elections

This week, the middle school division held an all-out campaign for our student council positions for this school year.  Our halls have been lined with colorful and creative posters, and the students did an outstanding job with their speeches at lunch each day.  Congratulations to all of the candidates for a job well done!  I am very proud of each of you!

Here are the results of our voting today:

Trinity Middle School

Student Council

2010-2011

President - Carter Vance

Vice President - Jarrett Moseley

Secretary - Betsy Byrne

Treasurer - Anna Lee Curles

8th Grade Representative - Madison Cornett

7th Grade Representative - Wilson Shanahan

6th Grade Representative - Will Windham

Congratulations Stan Milton!

Congratulations to Stan and Misty Milton on the birth this week of their daughter, Mary Mason.  She weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. and was 19 1/2" long.  Mother and baby are both doing well.

College Day

Please remember that we will dismiss at 12:00pm next Tuesday, September 21 as our upper school students observe College Day.  Middle school students will not be served lunch next Tuesday.

Social Networking

We live in a digital world where communication is instant.  While this can be good, it also poses problems to parents trying to raise their kids in a far different world from the one in which they grew up. Common Sense Media provides some helpful suggestions for dealing with social networking and your middle-schooler.  You may access the article by clicking here.  While on their site, you might want to check out the tons of other great resources they have to offer.

Tests Next Week

Here are our tests for next week.  Please remember that Tuesday is a half-day.

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Social Studies

7th Grade:

Friday - Civics, Pre-Algebra/Math 7

8th Grade:

Monday - Algebra I

Friday - Pre-Algebra

As always, remember to check out the Teacher Blog and Wiki tab at the top of this page.  If you are receiving this post in an email, you may access the live blog site by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

College Day

Parents,

Please remember that the middle school will dismiss at noon next Tuesday, September 21, as our upper school observes College Day.  Middle school students do not participate in College Day events.

Have a great week!

Middle School Matters

Good Afternoon!

I hope your Friday has been a good one!

Here are some important announcements for next week:

Come Join Us for the Middle School Blast!

Here is a message from Ann Amster, PTO president for this year:

Monday, September 13, our middle school football team will play MA at home.  So, come cheer on our Wildcats, and enjoy some food and fellowship.  The MS game begins at 5:00, and the JV will play immediately following.  Pizza and cake will be served to the MS students on the practice field from 6:00-7:00, allowing our football and volleyball players to join in on the fun.  The concession stand will be open for everyone throughout both games.

Admission to the game is free for Trinity students and $5.00 for adults who do not have a Trinity Booster Pass.

Thank you for your support of Trinity, and GO WILDCATS!

Thanks to Leah Johnston and her team for planning this event.

Wildcat Watch

Our Wildcat Watch Bible study for 7th grade boys begins September 14 at 7:00 a.m. in Willett Hall.  Breakfast will be served.

Tests for Next Week

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Science

Wednesday - Math, English

Thursday - Social Studies

7th Grade: 

Tuesday - Math 7, Old Testament

Wednesday - Science

Friday - Old Testament

8th Grade:

Monday - US History (Franklin, McLemore), Latin

Wednesday - US History (Weeks), Science

Never Forget

It was a typical morning at Jefferson Davis High School.  I was in my office gathering materials needed to teach my music appreciation class.  As I headed out the door into the band room, the phone rang.  Usually, I wouldn't take a call just before class, but expecting one, I quickly grabbed the receiver.  My percussion instructor was on the line and he told me to turn on the TV - a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City.

I envisioned a small prop plane which had somehow gone terribly off course.  I could not have imagined what I would see when I hit the power button on the television set mounted on the wall at the front of the room.

My students and I watched in horror as the second plane slammed into the tower.  It became quite evident that this was no accident and that we were under attack.

School effectively shut down at JD that day as we were all glued to our sets watching events unfold.  As teachers, we didn't know what to say or how to answer the questions the kids posed to us.  The biggest being, simply, why?

One year later, I prepared a halftime show to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on Septebmer 11, 2001.  The memory was still fresh and emotions still ran high.  Cramton Bowl fell silent as taps was played, and many were moved to tears.

With each passing year, however, we hear less and less about the tragic events of that day.  In fact, a large portion of our students here at Trinity are too young to have any memory of what we so commonly refer to as "9-11."  We call it "Patriot Day," and rightly so.  But we must never let it become just another "day."

In the midst of our football games and fun this weekend, I encourage you to spend some time remembering the events of September 11, 2001.  Let's make sure our children understand that ever since our founding, we have had to fight for our freedom in this country.  Help them to honor and appreciate those who are in harm's way even now to protect my right to compose these words, and your right to send your children to a Christian school.  Let us never forget.

May God bless you richly, and may God bless America!

New Teacher Blog and Wiki Link Page

Good Morning!

If you are reading this blog post in an email, please click here to see the live blog for a very important design change.  You will notice a tab entitled "Teacher Blog and Wiki Links" located directly above the most recent blog post.  Clicking this tab will take you to a page which holds links to blog and wiki sites for each of our middle school teachers.  You may want to bookmark the new page as a handy resource for finding out what is going on in your child's classes.

I hope you find this new addition to "Middle School Notes" to be helpful.

Have a great day!

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

I hope you are looking forward to a wonderful three-day weekend.  Remember, NO SCHOOL MONDAY!

We have been focusing on Friendship this week throughout our middle school program.  Students have been challenged to "Make Friendship a Fine Art" by reaching out to people they don't know, refraining from picking on others, and sticking up for victims of bullying.  Please take some time this weekend to discuss these themes with your child as well.  By partnering with us, we can teach our kids how to build and maintain healthy relationships.

Speaking of relationships, sometimes we find that students engage in relational situations that are anything but healthy.  Bullying tends to rear its ugly head during the middle school years, and we want to give you the tools to combat it at home as we work to prevent and deal with such instances here at school.  This CNN article provides some advice to that end that you may find to be helpful.

Absences

Please remember that excused absence requests must be handled through Randy Ragsdale, our middle school dean of students.  Coach Rags has created a new Absence Request Form which will be made available on Edline and in the front office.

Make-up Work

Making up schoolwork after an absence can be challenging.  To make this easier, we have assigned each subject a designated make up day:

Monday - Electives

Tuesday - English

Wednesday - Science

Thursday - Social Studies

Friday - Math

Please contact your child's individual teacher for times and other specifics regarding make-up work.

Moving Day!

We will be moving books into our newly-renovated library next Tuesday.  If you are able to help, put on some work clothes and stop by anytime during the day.  We could use a few more strong backs!

Teacher Blogs and Wikis

In an effort to improve communication with parents I have asked our teachers to create some sort of web presence.  Once these are completed, they will be linked to the middle school page of our school website as well as the home page of this blog.  As of today, the following teachers are hosting blogs and/or wikis.  You may access the site(s) simply by clicking the name of the teacher.

Please note: Some of these sites will be activated next week.  Others not listed will appear next week.

6th Grade

Anita Ellis - Social Studies/Bible
Stan Milton - Math/Bible
Kay Kirtland - Science/Bible
Latrell Fussell - English/Bible

7th Grade

Whittington McLemore - Civics
Elisa Bowden - Bible
Connie Cantey - English
Kelly Long - Math 7, Pre-Algebra

8th Grade

Elisa Bowden - Pre-Algebra
Kristi Weeks - US History
Whittington McLemore - US History
Karen Harris - Algebra I

Electives/Technology/Speech/Etc

Gene Butler - Band/Choir
Jennifer Bricken - Art Blog
Jennifer Bricken - Art Wiki
Rebecca Helms - Forensics/Public Speaking
Kristin Barringer - Introduction to Mac/Bible 8

Here are our tests for next week:

6th Grade: - None

7th Grade:

Friday - Civics, Pre-Algebra

8th Grade:

Thursday - Spanish

Friday - English, Pre-Algebra

Have a Great Labor Day Weekend!

Middle School Test Update

Parents,

The 7th grade English test scheduled for tomorrow has been changed to a quiz.  Students will be given a test in 7th grade English this Friday instead.

Thanks!

Middle School Matters

Good Day, Everyone!

We have completed another outstanding week here at Trinity, focusing on Enthusiasm and how it is an important cornerstone in our Pyramid of Success.  You my read more about our Pyramid and Enthusiasm in particular by referring to this post from Thursday of this week.

Thank you so much for attending our PTO Open House this past Tuesday night.  We had a great crowd, and I have heard wonderful things from teachers and parents alike.  Thanks also for your help with carpool. Things are running a little more smoothly and will continue to improve with cooperation from everyone.

Please put the following Fall PTO dates on your calendar.  More information about these events will be sent via email as the specific dates approach:

Monday, September 13: 

Middle School Blast - TPS vs. MA Middle School Football Game

Wednesday, September 15: 

7th Grade Partner with the Principal

Friday, October 1: 

Homecoming

Wednesday, October 13: 

8th Grade Partner with the Principal

Organizing Your Child's Spaces

As we typically do this time of year, we are helping your child (especially 6th-graders) adjust to using lockers and changing classes.  Additionally, many students are having difficulty organizing themselves, which can cause trouble across the board at school.  This post from the 2008-2009 school year focuses on organizing your child's spaces.  I hope you'll find it helpful.

Here are our tests for this week:

6th Grade:

Tuesday - Math

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Math 7

Wednesday - Civics, English

8th Grade:

Friday - Algebra I

Have a great weekend!

Building the Pyramid of Success - The Second Cornerstone

Enthusiasm
"Your energy and enjoyment,
 drive and dedication will stimulate
and greatly inspire others."

This semester, we are learning about character as we build John Wooden's famous Pyramid of Success together.  Each week, we will focus on another "stone" in the pyramid, culminating with Competitive Greatness the week of first semester exams.   Please take some time this week to discuss Enthusiasm  with your child.


The following is an excerpt from Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections:  I have included in this excerpt a section which is directed more at adults than children.  We can certainly learn some valuable lessons from the Pyramid as well.

Enthusiasm

On the other side of the Pyramid's foundation is my second powerful cornerstone: Enthusiasm.  Simply put, I mean you must love that which you do.  Your heart must be in it.  Without Enthusiasm you cannot work up to your fullest ability and potential; you're just going through the motions.  And just going through the motions won't bring you to the level of competitive greatness we seek whether in basketball, business, or life.

If you don't like what you're doing - knocking it all the time - get out.  Don't whine, complain, and continually make excuses.  Leave.  Maybe you can't leave immediately, today, right now, but understand you must eventually do so.  Why?  If your heart's not in your work you cannot prepare and perform at your highest level.

Enthusiasm brushes off on those with whom you come into contact, those you work with and for.  You must have Enthusiasm especially if you're a leader or wish to become a leader.

So, as the cornerstones of the Pyramid of Success I put these two essential and irreplaceable qualities in place: Industriousness and Enthusiasm.  You must be willing to work hard, to be Industrious.  You must join that with Enthusiasm.  Separately each is powerful in its own particular way.  Joined together they become a force of almost unimaginable force.  They power all that follows in the Pyramid.  Industriousness and Enthusiasm are the engines of your success.

And if you are a leader who possesses them, you will instill Industriousness and Enthusiasm in those under your supervision by your example.

Middle School Matters

Happy Friday!

We have enjoyed a spectacular week here at Trinity!  I hope yours has been good as well.

I enjoyed meeting with many of our 6th grade parents at our Partner with the Principal luncheon Wednesday.  Many thanks to Craig and Jodi Dillard for opening up their home to us.

Speaking of 6th grade parents - you will want to be sure and mark your calendars for our annual trip to Camp Cosby.  The dates for this year's trip are November 3, 4 and 5.  Kay Kirtland and Ahna Baggett  work very hard to make this week special both academically and spiritually.  Please be in prayer now that the Lord will use this time as a life changing experience for your children.

We all are painfully aware of how frustrating carpool can be.  When Trinity was first located here, there was absolutely nothing around the school.  Today, however, we find ourselves landlocked, thus making for a challenging drop-off and dismissal.

Please help us by following our carpool rules.  All middle school students are to be picked up on the steps of Willett Hall each afternoon.  Students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades will not be allowed to exit through the front door of the building, and we ask that parents remain in your cars during the loading process.  Additionally, please pull all the way forward in the circle adjacent to the Willett Hall steps.  We will send your child to you at the bottom of the hill near the band room doors.  This keeps traffic from backing up onto Trinity Boulevard and, ultimately, Carmichael Road.  Thanks so much for your cooperation!

Please be reminded of our PTO Back to School Night next Tuesday beginning at 7:00.  You will have an opportunity to follow your child's schedule, meeting teachers and learning about the various courses your child is taking this year.  I look forward to seeing each of you there!

Being the parent of a middle school student is a tough job!  Here is some advice from Common Sense Media that I hope you will find to be helpful as you guide your "tween" through these years.

Here are our tests for the coming week:

6th Grade:

Thursday - Science

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Civics
Friday - Pre-Algebra

8th Grade:

Tuesday - Science
Friday - US History (Weeks, McLemore)

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

Building the Pyramid - The First Cornerstone

INDUSTRIOUSNESS
"Success travels in the company of very hard work.
There is no trick. No easy way."

This semester, we are learning about character as we build John Wooden's famous Pyramid of Success together.  Each week, we will focus on another "stone" in the pyramid, culminating with Competitive Greatness the week of first semester exams.   Please take some time this week to discuss Industriousness with your child.


John Wooden on Industriousness 
(Excerpt from Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections)

Industriousness?  In plain language, I mean that you have to work - and work hard.  There is no substitute for work.  None.  Worthwhile things come only from real work.

Businessperson, clergy, doctor, lawyer, plumber, artist, writer, coach, or athlete; all share a fundamental trait if they achieve competitive greatness.  They work very hard.  It is essential and only you really know if you're doing it - giving it everything you've got.

Grantland Rice understood this when he wrote "How To Be a Champion."

You wonder how they do it,
You look to see the knack
You watch the foot in action,
Or the shoulder or the back.
But when you spot the answer,
Where the higher glamours lurk,
You'll find in moving higher
Up the laurel-covered spire,
That most of it is practice,
And the rest of it is work.

So I chose work - Industriousness - as the first cornerstone in the foundation of the Pyramid of Success.  I called it Industriousness to make very clear it involves more than merely showing up and going through the motions.  Many people who tell you they worked all day weren't really working very hard at all, certainly not to the fullest extent of their abilities.

You can work without being Industrious, but you cannot be Industrious without work

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. - Colossians 3:23

Back in Business!

The halls of Trinity have been abuzz the last few days as we have successfully opened another school year.  This year is very special as we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Trinity Presbyterian School. We will be remembering the people who helped found this school while looking toward what promises to be a very bright future.

If you are new to the middle school, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog by typing your email address in the "subscribe" section on the right side of this page.  This is my primary means of communication with parents, and you won't want to miss out on important information each week.  Parents of last year's 8th grade students may wish to unsubscribe from this blog.  You may do so by clicking on "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email you received today.

If you are the parent of a 6th grade student, you are cordially invited to our "Partner with the Principal" luncheon Wednesday, August 18 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the home of Craig and Jodi Dillard.  You should have received an email today with contact information and an address.  If not, please contact the school office.

Beginning Monday, we will introduce our new character education program for this year.  We are basing  our program on the famous Pyramid of Success developed by legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.  Each week, we will discuss a different theme, gradually building the pyramid throughout the first semester.  Next semester, we will focus on Coach Wooden's Seven Point Creed and Twelve Laws of Leadership.  You may read more about Coach Wooden by clicking here.

Here are our tests for this week:

6th Grade - None

7th Grade - None

8th Grade -

Tuesday - US History (McLemore), US History-Map (Franklin)

Have a great weekend!

Middle School Notes

Happy Friday!

With the end of the year upcoming, please keep encouraging your children to work hard on their schoolwork, and begin preparing even now for exams. It is easy to let up when spring is in the air, but we're not across the finish line just yet!

Congratulations to the following middle school students who made the Headmaster's List for the first semester. These students have the highest GPAs in the middle school. Our second semester Headmaster's List will be announced at the conclusion of the school year:

Robert Adams, Jack Albritton, Jessie Allen, Forrest Bankston, Colton Bassett, Beth Birchfield, Sam Bishop, Elisabeth Bowman, Jackson Byrd, Betsy Byrne, Fox Carlson, Grant Chambliss, Chloe Champion, Tori Chancellor, Katie Chandler, Alyssa Clark, Will Cook, Anna Lee Curles, Wesley Curles, Cole DeBardelaben, Millie Beth Dill, Turner Duraski, Savannah Elrod, Preston Etheredge, Cassie Felder, Lance Freeman, Anna Gentry, Haley Gentry, Regan Goocher, Hannah Green, Carter Green, Sarah Green, Reed Grice, Marshall Griffin, Janie Hampton, Carson Hartzog, Hadley Hayes, Hannah Haynes, Weston Heartsill, Braxton Hicks, Sadler Hinton, Joseph Hixon, Christina Hogan, Hudson Huffam, Emory Johnston, Bray Jones, Katrina King, Ali Lincoln, Anna Claire Loftis, Addison Love, Carly Mattox, Jordyn Meeks, Meredith Moore, Becca Murdoch, Stephen Neu, Mary Elizabeth Newman, Stuart Newsome, Clayton O'Barr, Emma Paramore, Hammond Parsons, Ankil Patel, Daniel Phillips, Leeanne Phillips, Mark Pickering, Caleb Redden, Jacob Redden, Miranda Register, Virginia Reid, Parker Reynolds, Leslie Schuneman, Jackson Scott, Michael Sellers, Anna Slawson, Steven Smelley, Daniel Smitherman, Caroline Stewart, Emily Stone, Aaron Tasseff, Ann Louise Teel, Autumn Thaggard, Den Trumbull, Tyler Vermillion, Grant Watson, Claire Wilder, Pat Williams, Dawson Williams, Layne Williams, Emily Windham, Katie Windham, Abby Windham.

Congratulations to these outstanding students for a job well done!

Social networking sites are becoming more popular than ever, and students and parents alike are using them more and more. However, as we all know, there can be a dark side to this new media. The New York Times published an article in Thursday's edition highlighting the potential dangers with a new form of social networking called Formspring. You may access the article by clicking here.

Here are our tests for next week:

6th Grade: None

7th Grade:

Tuesday - Science

Wednesday - Keyboarding

8th Grade:

Monday - Algebra I

Tuesday - Pre-Algebra

Wednesday - English

Have a great weekend!