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Friday, August 26, 2011
Grade Level Wikis
Good Morning!
I hope your day is off to a great start!
I will be posting my regular weekly blog post later in the day, but I wanted to go ahead and make all parents aware of our new method of providing you with information on our classes. Please click on the links below to see each class in a particular grade level. Just think of it as one stop shopping!
Over the weekend, I will make some changes to this blog site, removing old links and highlighting these Wiki spaces.
Here they are:
6th Grade Wiki
7th Grade Wiki
8th Grade Wiki
You will notice that some of our subjects to not have active links next to them just yet. Many of these subjects (such as 8th grade Bible) do not begin until the second semester.
Have a great day!
I hope your day is off to a great start!
I will be posting my regular weekly blog post later in the day, but I wanted to go ahead and make all parents aware of our new method of providing you with information on our classes. Please click on the links below to see each class in a particular grade level. Just think of it as one stop shopping!
Over the weekend, I will make some changes to this blog site, removing old links and highlighting these Wiki spaces.
Here they are:
6th Grade Wiki
7th Grade Wiki
8th Grade Wiki
You will notice that some of our subjects to not have active links next to them just yet. Many of these subjects (such as 8th grade Bible) do not begin until the second semester.
Have a great day!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
We had officially made it through the first week of school! I hope your child has had a great week.
Here are some important items to be mindful of as we enter the weekend:
1. Please remember to attend our PTO Open House scheduled for next Tuesday evening. We will meet in Willett Hall at 6:30pm, and then you will have the opportunity to proceed through your child's schedule, meeting all teachers and getting a general idea of how his/her school day flows.
2. It is very important that we maintain open lines of communication. If you have any concerns regarding your child, academically or otherwise, please let us know. We are happy to arrange single-teacher or multi-teacher conferences. Open communication fosters relationships between teachers and parents, and this ultimately benefits the student.
3. In the coming weeks, you will be receiving an invitation to a Partner with the Principal luncheon sponsored by our PTO. I hope that many of you will be able to attend. I enjoy the opportunity of meeting you and telling you about the exciting things we have planned for your students this school year.
Here are our upcoming tests this week:
6th Grade: None
7th Grade:
Wednesday - Civics
Thursday - English, Science
Friday - Math7/Pre-Algebra
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (W. McLemore, O. McLemore, Franklin), Pre-Algebra
Friday - Spanish
We had officially made it through the first week of school! I hope your child has had a great week.
Here are some important items to be mindful of as we enter the weekend:
1. Please remember to attend our PTO Open House scheduled for next Tuesday evening. We will meet in Willett Hall at 6:30pm, and then you will have the opportunity to proceed through your child's schedule, meeting all teachers and getting a general idea of how his/her school day flows.
2. It is very important that we maintain open lines of communication. If you have any concerns regarding your child, academically or otherwise, please let us know. We are happy to arrange single-teacher or multi-teacher conferences. Open communication fosters relationships between teachers and parents, and this ultimately benefits the student.
3. In the coming weeks, you will be receiving an invitation to a Partner with the Principal luncheon sponsored by our PTO. I hope that many of you will be able to attend. I enjoy the opportunity of meeting you and telling you about the exciting things we have planned for your students this school year.
Here are our upcoming tests this week:
6th Grade: None
7th Grade:
Wednesday - Civics
Thursday - English, Science
Friday - Math7/Pre-Algebra
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (W. McLemore, O. McLemore, Franklin), Pre-Algebra
Friday - Spanish
Have a great weekend!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Off to a Great Start!
Good Afternoon,
Thank you so much for making the opening of the 2011-12 school year one of the best yet. We have been so pleased with things, and we are looking forward to a great year ahead!
Here are just a few reminders for each of you, especially if you are new to our middle school program.
- Please subscribe to my blog for weekly updates and resources. I will make every effort to have this blog updated each Friday with important information and parenting resources. You may also peruse the archives for past articles to get a feel for our program if you are new to the division or new to Trinity.
- Please remember that all absence requests are to be presented to Randy Ragsdale, our dean of students, for approval. It is most important that these requests be submitted at least one week in advance, except in the case of an emergency such as a death in the family.
- Please take some time this weekend and consult our Middle School Handbook very carefully. This handbook outlines our dress code requirements, as well as other information and procedures that are very important.
- Each teacher in the middle school division is required to have an online “presence” of some sort. Our grade levels are working to develop central locations for all of this information. Your children’s teachers should be making this information available to you in the very near future if they have not done so already.
- Middle school students who have siblings in the lower school are allowed to exit the building through the front entrance each afternoon. All other middle school students are to be picked up on the steps of Willett Hall. It is very important for you to pull all the way forward when getting your child. We will move them down the hill toward your car. Also, it is best if you do not arrive before 3:15, as this causes a traffic “tangle” with our lower school parents. We have had two very smooth carpool days, so I am optimistic about our prospects for a great year in this area.
- The PE department will be sending home an order form for uniforms. Be looking for this in the coming days.
Thanks once again for your assistance in making our opening of school one of the most successful in recent memory. You are deeply appreciated!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Paw Print Dress-Down Days for Exams
Parents,
If your child has Paw Prints, they may redeem them in order to dress down for exams. One Paw Print may be redeemed per article of clothing. For example, if a student has one Paw Print, that student would be able to redeem it for, say, a shirt of his/her choice. All other garments would have to be TPS uniform attire. Paw Prints are to be redeemed daily - they do not carry over.
With respect to skirt/short lengths, we will use the same dress code we did for the Biscuits game Wednesday. I am happy to report that our kids did a FANTASTIC job meeting our dress code requirements for this field trip. That influenced our decision greatly.
Please let your students know that the faculty voted OVERWHELMINGLY to allow this as a thank you to our students for a fabulous school year.
Coach Rags and I will accept Paw Prints at the beginning of every exam, each day.
I hope you are having a great weekend!
If your child has Paw Prints, they may redeem them in order to dress down for exams. One Paw Print may be redeemed per article of clothing. For example, if a student has one Paw Print, that student would be able to redeem it for, say, a shirt of his/her choice. All other garments would have to be TPS uniform attire. Paw Prints are to be redeemed daily - they do not carry over.
With respect to skirt/short lengths, we will use the same dress code we did for the Biscuits game Wednesday. I am happy to report that our kids did a FANTASTIC job meeting our dress code requirements for this field trip. That influenced our decision greatly.
Please let your students know that the faculty voted OVERWHELMINGLY to allow this as a thank you to our students for a fabulous school year.
Coach Rags and I will accept Paw Prints at the beginning of every exam, each day.
I hope you are having a great weekend!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Middle School Matters
Wow, the end of the year is upon us! We have several important events coming up, so get your calendar out and jot down these dates:
Monday, May 2
Abstinence Education Begins for Eighth Grade
2nd Period each day
Tuesday, May 3
Honors Assembly
8:20am - 9:20am - Willett Hall
Thursday, May 5
National Day of Prayer - Prayer Breakfast
7:15am - Willett Hall
Wednesday, May 11
"Grand Slam" School Day with the Montgomery Biscuits
Students will need money for lunch.
Boxed lunches are $4.00
Thursday, May 12
Eighth Grade Completion Ceremony
9:00am - 10:00am
Ceremony - Old Gym
Reception - Library
Monday, May 16
Exams Begin
6th Grade:
Wednesday - English
Thursday - Math
7th Grade:
None
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (McLemore)
Thursday - English
Friday - Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Science
Monday, May 2
Abstinence Education Begins for Eighth Grade
2nd Period each day
Tuesday, May 3
Honors Assembly
8:20am - 9:20am - Willett Hall
Thursday, May 5
National Day of Prayer - Prayer Breakfast
7:15am - Willett Hall
Wednesday, May 11
"Grand Slam" School Day with the Montgomery Biscuits
Students will need money for lunch.
Boxed lunches are $4.00
Thursday, May 12
Eighth Grade Completion Ceremony
9:00am - 10:00am
Ceremony - Old Gym
Reception - Library
Monday, May 16
Exams Begin
Tests for Next Week:
Wednesday - English
Thursday - Math
7th Grade:
None
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (McLemore)
Thursday - English
Friday - Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Science
Have a Great Week!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
. . . and He Took the Cup
With these words, our church completes the act of taking communion -- something we did this week to prepare our hearts for the observance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, this time, my pastor re-focused us on the choice that Christ made, and we traveled to a moon-lit Garden of Gethsemane to examine the most critical decision in all of human history.
The Gospel accounts tell us that Jesus was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" in the hours just before his mockery of a trial and ultimate execution (Mark 14:34). We are told that his sweat was like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). He knew what was coming, and his human side was in anguish over the very thought of his fate.
Although Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer as model earlier in his ministry, I believe that the most beautiful prayer ever uttered actually occurred in this moment - a moment where a decision on the part of the sinless Son of God paved the way for our redemption.
Luke records it beautifully for us:
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:39-42, emphasis added).
Authentic prayer is dangerous. Seeking God's direction can be frightening. However, real peace comes only from knowing and doing the will of God. As in all things, our ultimate example is Christ Jesus. May we learn to pray as he did, humbly submitting ourselves to God's beautiful, wonderful, perfect will.
My prayer is that you and your family will draw closer to the Savior during this most holy of seasons.
The Gospel accounts tell us that Jesus was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" in the hours just before his mockery of a trial and ultimate execution (Mark 14:34). We are told that his sweat was like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). He knew what was coming, and his human side was in anguish over the very thought of his fate.
Although Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer as model earlier in his ministry, I believe that the most beautiful prayer ever uttered actually occurred in this moment - a moment where a decision on the part of the sinless Son of God paved the way for our redemption.
Luke records it beautifully for us:
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:39-42, emphasis added).
Authentic prayer is dangerous. Seeking God's direction can be frightening. However, real peace comes only from knowing and doing the will of God. As in all things, our ultimate example is Christ Jesus. May we learn to pray as he did, humbly submitting ourselves to God's beautiful, wonderful, perfect will.
My prayer is that you and your family will draw closer to the Savior during this most holy of seasons.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope you have enjoyed a fantastic week!
Treasure Island
This morning, our 8th grade students enjoyed what has become a tradition around here over the last few years. As the culminating event of their study of Treasure Island, students participated in a treasure hunt all over our campus for the first two hours of the day today. They collected prizes if they could correctly guess who certain teachers and administrators were based on some very clever clues. As you might imagine, we all had great fun!
Here are some pictures of the party we had just before break today:
A Day with the Montgomery Biscuits
Play ball! Our middle school students will be headed out to Riverwalk Stadium to see our very own Montgomery Biscuits play! We will be taking some time out of school May 11 as a reward for the outstanding cooperation we have received from our kids throughout this year. The cost of admission is free, and students will only be responsible for paying for whatever they want from the concession stand during the game. More information will follow in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Tests Next Week
6th Grade: None
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Economics, Old Testament
Thursday - Science
8th Grade:
Tuesday - US History (McLemore)
Wednesday - US History (Franklin)
Thursday - Gettysburg Address (Weeks)
I hope you have enjoyed a fantastic week!
Treasure Island
This morning, our 8th grade students enjoyed what has become a tradition around here over the last few years. As the culminating event of their study of Treasure Island, students participated in a treasure hunt all over our campus for the first two hours of the day today. They collected prizes if they could correctly guess who certain teachers and administrators were based on some very clever clues. As you might imagine, we all had great fun!
Here are some pictures of the party we had just before break today:
A Day with the Montgomery Biscuits
Play ball! Our middle school students will be headed out to Riverwalk Stadium to see our very own Montgomery Biscuits play! We will be taking some time out of school May 11 as a reward for the outstanding cooperation we have received from our kids throughout this year. The cost of admission is free, and students will only be responsible for paying for whatever they want from the concession stand during the game. More information will follow in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Tests Next Week
6th Grade: None
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Economics, Old Testament
Thursday - Science
8th Grade:
Tuesday - US History (McLemore)
Wednesday - US History (Franklin)
Thursday - Gettysburg Address (Weeks)
Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope this week has been a good one for you!
Social Networking
Liz Carter, a local attorney, will be speaking to our middle school students next week about safety when it comes to social networking. This is a timely topic, and will be of tremendous benefit to our students. Our upper school students have already participated in this assembly.
Ms. Carter will be speaking to our students in two separate assemblies with grade-appropriate content. The assemblies will be held Tuesday, April 12, at the following times:
Parents are welcome to attend this event. Also, we encourage you to speak with your children about the topics covered when they get home from school Tuesday. As always, we are working hard to partner with you as you navigate the difficult waters we call parenting.
Tests Next Week
6th Grade:
Thursday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Tuesday - English, Math 7
8th Grade:
Friday - Scavenger Hunt!
I hope this week has been a good one for you!
Social Networking
Liz Carter, a local attorney, will be speaking to our middle school students next week about safety when it comes to social networking. This is a timely topic, and will be of tremendous benefit to our students. Our upper school students have already participated in this assembly.
Ms. Carter will be speaking to our students in two separate assemblies with grade-appropriate content. The assemblies will be held Tuesday, April 12, at the following times:
7th and 8th Grades
9:00 a.m.
Old Gym
5th and 6th Grades
1:30 p.m.
Old Gym
Parents are welcome to attend this event. Also, we encourage you to speak with your children about the topics covered when they get home from school Tuesday. As always, we are working hard to partner with you as you navigate the difficult waters we call parenting.
Tests Next Week
6th Grade:
Thursday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Tuesday - English, Math 7
8th Grade:
Friday - Scavenger Hunt!
Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful day! Here are a couple of important announcements as we head into the weekend:
Katherine Wolf
We are so pleased to have Katherine Arnold Wolf here at Trinity on Wednesday, April 6 at 8:50 a.m. to speak to our middle & upper school students in Willett Hall. In April of 2008, Katherine had a massive brain-stem stroke. She was not expected to live or recover. In the time since her stroke, she has relearned to eat, to speak, and is now relearning to walk. To read more about her story of Hope check out her website by clicking here.
Khan Academy
If you have not checked out Khan Academy, you need to. This tremendous resource is the most incredible collection of educational videos I have ever seen in one place. Your child is certain to find many helpful videos here, and they are all free! Have a look, and let the learning begin!
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Monday - Math, Social Studies
Tuesday - English
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Old Testament
Friday - Economics
8th Grade:
Monday - Algebra I
Thursday - Pre-Algebra, Science
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful day! Here are a couple of important announcements as we head into the weekend:
Katherine Wolf
We are so pleased to have Katherine Arnold Wolf here at Trinity on Wednesday, April 6 at 8:50 a.m. to speak to our middle & upper school students in Willett Hall. In April of 2008, Katherine had a massive brain-stem stroke. She was not expected to live or recover. In the time since her stroke, she has relearned to eat, to speak, and is now relearning to walk. To read more about her story of Hope check out her website by clicking here.
Khan Academy
If you have not checked out Khan Academy, you need to. This tremendous resource is the most incredible collection of educational videos I have ever seen in one place. Your child is certain to find many helpful videos here, and they are all free! Have a look, and let the learning begin!
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Monday - Math, Social Studies
Tuesday - English
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Old Testament
Friday - Economics
8th Grade:
Monday - Algebra I
Thursday - Pre-Algebra, Science
Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope your first week back in the saddle was a good one!
Our children are more connected now than ever before. Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and others, have made the world a smaller place. The trouble is, our kids seem to know more about these communication avenues than we do, so we don't always know just what is going on.
Connect Safely recommends some privacy settings for your young Facebook user. You may want to take some time this weekend and view this chart with your child. Together, you can decide which privacy settings are best for your particular situation.
Many thanks to Dr. Frank Buck, who made me aware of this outstanding resource.
Here are our tests for next week:
6th Grade:
Wednesday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Important Announcement: Students in Mrs. Cantey's English class are reminded to purchase a copy of The Hiding Place. Please see Mrs. Cantey for more information.
Tuesday - Science
Wednesday - Math
Thursday - Economics
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (McLemore), English
Friday - US History (Weeks)
I hope your first week back in the saddle was a good one!
Our children are more connected now than ever before. Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and others, have made the world a smaller place. The trouble is, our kids seem to know more about these communication avenues than we do, so we don't always know just what is going on.
Connect Safely recommends some privacy settings for your young Facebook user. You may want to take some time this weekend and view this chart with your child. Together, you can decide which privacy settings are best for your particular situation.
Many thanks to Dr. Frank Buck, who made me aware of this outstanding resource.
Here are our tests for next week:
6th Grade:
Wednesday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Important Announcement: Students in Mrs. Cantey's English class are reminded to purchase a copy of The Hiding Place. Please see Mrs. Cantey for more information.
Tuesday - Science
Wednesday - Math
Thursday - Economics
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (McLemore), English
Friday - US History (Weeks)
Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope you and your family are looking forward to spring break! My prayer is that you have a happy and safe vacation.
What's Right with Our Schools
Recently, WAKA TV-8 did a fantastic report on how Trinity is using technology. You may view the report by clicking here.
Our school is poised to be a leader in this area by becoming the first school in the River Region to implement an Apple 1:1 computer program. Exciting times are ahead!
Talk About It
Let's face it, being a teenager can be tough! Ever since I arrived at Trinity three years ago, I have been looking for ways for us to be more proactive when it comes to bullying prevention. To that end, we are partnering with a company to institute an electronic means for students to let us know when they are being bullied or when they see bullying take place on campus. The program is called Talk About It, and you can visit their website by clicking here.
Talk About It allows students to let us know what is going on via text message or email. The messages go to a special account which routes the information to key school personnel. If necessary, students can report anonymously. Students can also let us know when they are experiencing excessive stress or other difficult situations.
Again, Trinity will be the first school in the River Region to implement such a revolutionary reporting program.
Stay tuned for more details on the ways Trinity School is utilizing technology to improve instruction and, now, to help prevent bullying. Our primary job is to do everything we can to make your child's school experience the very best possible.
Once again, my prayer for each of you is that you have a safe and happy spring break. I look forward to seeing your children again when we return to school March 21!
I hope you and your family are looking forward to spring break! My prayer is that you have a happy and safe vacation.
What's Right with Our Schools
Recently, WAKA TV-8 did a fantastic report on how Trinity is using technology. You may view the report by clicking here.
Our school is poised to be a leader in this area by becoming the first school in the River Region to implement an Apple 1:1 computer program. Exciting times are ahead!
Talk About It
Let's face it, being a teenager can be tough! Ever since I arrived at Trinity three years ago, I have been looking for ways for us to be more proactive when it comes to bullying prevention. To that end, we are partnering with a company to institute an electronic means for students to let us know when they are being bullied or when they see bullying take place on campus. The program is called Talk About It, and you can visit their website by clicking here.
Talk About It allows students to let us know what is going on via text message or email. The messages go to a special account which routes the information to key school personnel. If necessary, students can report anonymously. Students can also let us know when they are experiencing excessive stress or other difficult situations.
Again, Trinity will be the first school in the River Region to implement such a revolutionary reporting program.
Stay tuned for more details on the ways Trinity School is utilizing technology to improve instruction and, now, to help prevent bullying. Our primary job is to do everything we can to make your child's school experience the very best possible.
Once again, my prayer for each of you is that you have a safe and happy spring break. I look forward to seeing your children again when we return to school March 21!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope you have had a blessed week. I certainly have!
Social Media Awareness Meeting
I hope each of you will make plans to attend our first-ever Social Media Awareness meeting this coming Monday evening, March 7, at 6:30 in Willett Hall. Liz Carter, a local attorney and social media law expert, will be speaking about the potential land mines associated with this new technology. The truth is, our kids understand it better than we do, and it poses more dangers than we think it does.
Please don't miss this important event. It is important that we all have a clear understanding of just what our children are facing these days.
Common Sense Media
The folks over at Common Sense Media recently released their annual Spring Movie Preview. This brief article gives you a heads-up on the hottest spring movies that your kids may ask to go see. You may access the preview by clicking here.
End of Third Nine-Weeks
It is hard to believe that our third quarter is officially in the books! Please encourage your child to bear down and work hard in this final stretch!
Spring Break
Next Friday we'll be celebrating the beginning of spring break. Please remember that there will be no school the week of March 14-18.
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Thursday - Social Studies
Friday - Math
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Old Testament
Friday - Economics, Math 7/Pre-Algebra
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (McLemore)
Thursday - US History (Weeks)
Friday - Science, US History (Franklin)
I hope you have had a blessed week. I certainly have!
Social Media Awareness Meeting
I hope each of you will make plans to attend our first-ever Social Media Awareness meeting this coming Monday evening, March 7, at 6:30 in Willett Hall. Liz Carter, a local attorney and social media law expert, will be speaking about the potential land mines associated with this new technology. The truth is, our kids understand it better than we do, and it poses more dangers than we think it does.
Please don't miss this important event. It is important that we all have a clear understanding of just what our children are facing these days.
Common Sense Media
The folks over at Common Sense Media recently released their annual Spring Movie Preview. This brief article gives you a heads-up on the hottest spring movies that your kids may ask to go see. You may access the preview by clicking here.
End of Third Nine-Weeks
It is hard to believe that our third quarter is officially in the books! Please encourage your child to bear down and work hard in this final stretch!
Spring Break
Next Friday we'll be celebrating the beginning of spring break. Please remember that there will be no school the week of March 14-18.
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Thursday - Social Studies
Friday - Math
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Old Testament
Friday - Economics, Math 7/Pre-Algebra
8th Grade:
Wednesday - US History (McLemore)
Thursday - US History (Weeks)
Friday - Science, US History (Franklin)
Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
Trinity Fun Run
I hope you will make plans to join us for the first-ever Trinity 5K and Fun Run. The fun starts tomorrow morning, bright and early. Visit the Trinity website for more information.
Junior Youth Legislature
I had the great joy of watching several of our middle school students represent Trinity at Junior Youth Legislature held today at the Alabama State Department of Archives and History. As has been the case in recent years, we had the largest delegation there.
The best part of the day today was having lunch with a table full of our wonderful middle school students downtown. We had great conversation and fellowship, and I couldn't have been more proud of them! Many thanks to Rebecca Helms for making our Youth in Government program one of the very best in the state.
Carpool Changes
Thanks so much for your cooperation with our new carpool procedure. Our system is running more smoothly, and we are moving people through much faster than we were before. Thanks for your help!
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Tuesday - English Novel Test
Wednesday - Math
7th Grade:
Friday - Economics, Old Testament
8th Grade:
Tuesday - US History (McLemore)
Thursday - English
Friday - Algebra I
Trinity Fun Run
Junior Youth Legislature
I had the great joy of watching several of our middle school students represent Trinity at Junior Youth Legislature held today at the Alabama State Department of Archives and History. As has been the case in recent years, we had the largest delegation there.
The best part of the day today was having lunch with a table full of our wonderful middle school students downtown. We had great conversation and fellowship, and I couldn't have been more proud of them! Many thanks to Rebecca Helms for making our Youth in Government program one of the very best in the state.
Carpool Changes
Thanks so much for your cooperation with our new carpool procedure. Our system is running more smoothly, and we are moving people through much faster than we were before. Thanks for your help!
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Tuesday - English Novel Test
Wednesday - Math
7th Grade:
Friday - Economics, Old Testament
8th Grade:
Tuesday - US History (McLemore)
Thursday - English
Friday - Algebra I
Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Presidents' Day Weekend!
Holiday Monday
Due to the Presidents' Day holiday, there will be no school Monday. Enjoy your time off!
Carpool Changes
Please remember that beginning Tuesday, February 22, middle school students who have siblings in lower school will be allowed to exit through the front entrance of Trinity School at the end of the school day. This applies only to those middle school students who have brothers and sisters in lower school. All other middle school students are to meet their rides on the steps of Willett Hall each day. It is our hope that this will improve our carpool process tremendously. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
Youth In Government
Several Trinity students represented our school well in recent Youth in Government activities. More are slated to participate in events at the Alabama Department of Archives and History next week. Many thanks to Rebecca Helms for providing our students with such outstanding opportunities to develop their leadership potential.
Tests for Next Week
Due to the Presidents' Day holiday, there will be no school Monday. Enjoy your time off!
Carpool Changes
Please remember that beginning Tuesday, February 22, middle school students who have siblings in lower school will be allowed to exit through the front entrance of Trinity School at the end of the school day. This applies only to those middle school students who have brothers and sisters in lower school. All other middle school students are to meet their rides on the steps of Willett Hall each day. It is our hope that this will improve our carpool process tremendously. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
Youth In Government
Several Trinity students represented our school well in recent Youth in Government activities. More are slated to participate in events at the Alabama Department of Archives and History next week. Many thanks to Rebecca Helms for providing our students with such outstanding opportunities to develop their leadership potential.
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Thursday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Tuesday - English
Wednesday - Pre-Algebra
Thursday - Science
Friday - Economics
8th Grade:
Thursday - Pre-Algebra
Have a Great Weekend!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Middle School Matters
Greetings!
It was good to be back in the saddle this week after a great trip to Washington, DC, with our 8th grade students. As usual, these students did Trinity proud with their outstanding behavior. In fact, an usher at the Kennedy Center said that our kids were the best behaved she had seen at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra. Needless to say, I am very pleased!
iPads and Kindles
We are starting to see several of our students with iPads and Kindle readers on campus. For the time being, we are asking that these be kept out of the classrooms until we can craft policies to assist us in managing such devices. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Carpool Changes
Beginning February 22, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade siblings of lower school students will be allowed to exit through the main entrance of Trinity School at the end of the school day. This should alleviate some of the carpool problems we experience in the area around Willett Hall. Remember - this begins on February 22, and only applies to middle school students who have siblings in the lower school. All other middle school students will dismiss from the steps of Willett Hall as usual.
Here are our tests for the coming week:
6th Grade:
Friday - Social Studies Map Test
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Old Testament, Math 7
8th Grade:
Tuesday - Pre-Algebra
Wednesday - US History (Franklin, McLemore)
It was good to be back in the saddle this week after a great trip to Washington, DC, with our 8th grade students. As usual, these students did Trinity proud with their outstanding behavior. In fact, an usher at the Kennedy Center said that our kids were the best behaved she had seen at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra. Needless to say, I am very pleased!
iPads and Kindles
We are starting to see several of our students with iPads and Kindle readers on campus. For the time being, we are asking that these be kept out of the classrooms until we can craft policies to assist us in managing such devices. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Carpool Changes
6th Grade:
Friday - Social Studies Map Test
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Old Testament, Math 7
8th Grade:
Tuesday - Pre-Algebra
Wednesday - US History (Franklin, McLemore)
Have a great week!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
DC Day Three
Good Morning!
Unfortunately, some equipment issues prevented us from uploading our latest DC video late last night as we have the last couple of days. However, we have a long ride back tonight and wifi on the bus, so we may be able to push something out this eventing covering yesterday and today.
For our third touring day, we visited the National Cathedral, drove down Embassy Row, and spent a good amount of time at Arlington National Cemetery. However, we were unable to participate in our customary wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier due to a major ceremony that was taking place when we arrived there.
Our students witnessed an impressive ceremony as the Minister of Defense of Columbia placed a wreath at the Tomb. "Pershing's Own" United States Army Band played our national anthem, and most had to fight back tears as our own flag was honored in such a dramatic way. We walked up just in time to see three, massive cannons present a 21-gun salute, and we heard the playing of taps as the ceremony ended.
We instead placed our custom-made Trinity wreath at the Vietnam Memorial, and several of our students had the opportunity to pay their respects to family members who gave their lives on the battle field of that war. We also visited the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean memorial.
Our day was capped off with a magnificent "Disney" concert presented by the National SymphonyOrchestra in the world-famous Kennedy Center. It was an unforgettable evening!
We head out to the White House after breakfast this morning, then hit it hard all day long. Once we're underway tonight, our production crew will get started on some videos. Thanks to modern technology, we may be able to get them to you as we drive to Home Sweet Home!
Unfortunately, some equipment issues prevented us from uploading our latest DC video late last night as we have the last couple of days. However, we have a long ride back tonight and wifi on the bus, so we may be able to push something out this eventing covering yesterday and today.
For our third touring day, we visited the National Cathedral, drove down Embassy Row, and spent a good amount of time at Arlington National Cemetery. However, we were unable to participate in our customary wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier due to a major ceremony that was taking place when we arrived there.
Our students witnessed an impressive ceremony as the Minister of Defense of Columbia placed a wreath at the Tomb. "Pershing's Own" United States Army Band played our national anthem, and most had to fight back tears as our own flag was honored in such a dramatic way. We walked up just in time to see three, massive cannons present a 21-gun salute, and we heard the playing of taps as the ceremony ended.
We instead placed our custom-made Trinity wreath at the Vietnam Memorial, and several of our students had the opportunity to pay their respects to family members who gave their lives on the battle field of that war. We also visited the grave of John F. Kennedy, as well as the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean memorial.
Our day was capped off with a magnificent "Disney" concert presented by the National SymphonyOrchestra in the world-famous Kennedy Center. It was an unforgettable evening!
We head out to the White House after breakfast this morning, then hit it hard all day long. Once we're underway tonight, our production crew will get started on some videos. Thanks to modern technology, we may be able to get them to you as we drive to Home Sweet Home!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
DC Day Two
We had another great day here in our nation's capital. In fact, the weather was downright "Alabama-like" with highs in the 60s in the afternoon! I don't think we'll get that today, however!
Here is our latest video, filmed, edited, and produced by our students. Enjoy!
Here is our latest video, filmed, edited, and produced by our students. Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
DC Day One
Good Morning!
Our eighth grade students are having a blast on our annual trip to Washington, D. C. Here is a video of some of the things we have been doing. Enjoy!
Our eighth grade students are having a blast on our annual trip to Washington, D. C. Here is a video of some of the things we have been doing. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
DC Bound!
Please be in prayer for our students and teachers as we make the 17-hour bus ride up Interstate 85 beginning at 5:00 Monday morning. We will then spend the entire week in Washington, visiting such sites as Mount Vernon, the White House, the Capitol, the Pentagon, the United States Naval Academy, among many others. We will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, take in a play at the historic Ford's Theater and we will hear the National Symphony Orchestra present "Disney in Concert" at the Kennedy Center.
Videos, created by our students, will be posted on the Trinity SchoolTube site as well as this blog. Our kids are very excited about filming, editing, and producing these videos themselves, and I am sure that their work will be absolutely outstanding.
Again, we would appreciate your prayers as we embark on the trip of a lifetime!
Here are out tests for this week:
6th Grade:
Thursday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Economics, Old Testament
8th Grade:
DC 2011!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Middle School Matters
Happy Friday!
I hope that this four-day week has proven to be a good one for you and your family. We have had a very smooth week here at Trinity, and I continue to be most pleased with some of the things our students are doing.
In particular, I would like to mention to you some comments we recently received from our maintenance staff. Each day, we emphasize to our students the importance of picking up after themselves on campus, especially in the cafeteria after lunch. Apparently their ability to do this well has not gone unnoticed. Maintenance personnel recently pointed out the remarkably clean condition of Willett Hall immediately after the last of our 220 student had left the room. They basically said that our middle schoolers are a delight because they take care of their own trash and don't leave it for the custodial staff. They even wipe down the tables and check underneath for anything left over.
Please congratulate your children on a job well done, and continue to encourage them to take responsibility for their belongings - even their trash. We are proud of our facilities here at Trinity and we want to make sure that they always look their best. Your children are helping us accomplish that goal each day and, for that, we are most appreciative.
John Gonleh is Coming to Trinity
John Gonleh, the pastor of The Refuge Church here in Montgomery, has an amazing story to tell. Taken from his home in Africa in the middle of the day, beaten, and taken to a field to be executed, John and his wife Bessie found themselves running for their lives as their country disintegrated into civil war right before their very eyes.
Rev. Gonleh tells a dynamic story of his faith in Jesus Christ in his book, Refuge, and he will be sharing his riveting story with our middle school students in a chapel service this coming Thursday, January 27, at 8:45am in the Old Gym. Parents are invited, and copies of Refuge will be available for $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students. We have extended our chapel time to one hour on this day to allow Rev. Gonleh plenty of time to share his inspiring story with our students. I hope you can be there as well!
6th Grade Boys Bible Study
Our weekly 6th grade boys Bible study will resume next Monday, January 24, at 7:15 a.m. in the lobby of Willett Hall. Corporate Bible study is a great way to start the week, so all 6th grade boys are encouraged to attend!
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Tuesday - Math
Wednesday - English
7th Grade:
Wednesday - English
Friday - Public Speaking, Math 7
8th Grade:
Tuesday - Pre-Algebra, English
Thursday - US History (McLemore)
Friday - English, US History (Weeks)
I hope that this four-day week has proven to be a good one for you and your family. We have had a very smooth week here at Trinity, and I continue to be most pleased with some of the things our students are doing.
In particular, I would like to mention to you some comments we recently received from our maintenance staff. Each day, we emphasize to our students the importance of picking up after themselves on campus, especially in the cafeteria after lunch. Apparently their ability to do this well has not gone unnoticed. Maintenance personnel recently pointed out the remarkably clean condition of Willett Hall immediately after the last of our 220 student had left the room. They basically said that our middle schoolers are a delight because they take care of their own trash and don't leave it for the custodial staff. They even wipe down the tables and check underneath for anything left over.
Please congratulate your children on a job well done, and continue to encourage them to take responsibility for their belongings - even their trash. We are proud of our facilities here at Trinity and we want to make sure that they always look their best. Your children are helping us accomplish that goal each day and, for that, we are most appreciative.
John Gonleh is Coming to Trinity
John Gonleh, the pastor of The Refuge Church here in Montgomery, has an amazing story to tell. Taken from his home in Africa in the middle of the day, beaten, and taken to a field to be executed, John and his wife Bessie found themselves running for their lives as their country disintegrated into civil war right before their very eyes.
Rev. Gonleh tells a dynamic story of his faith in Jesus Christ in his book, Refuge, and he will be sharing his riveting story with our middle school students in a chapel service this coming Thursday, January 27, at 8:45am in the Old Gym. Parents are invited, and copies of Refuge will be available for $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students. We have extended our chapel time to one hour on this day to allow Rev. Gonleh plenty of time to share his inspiring story with our students. I hope you can be there as well!
6th Grade Boys Bible Study
Our weekly 6th grade boys Bible study will resume next Monday, January 24, at 7:15 a.m. in the lobby of Willett Hall. Corporate Bible study is a great way to start the week, so all 6th grade boys are encouraged to attend!
Tests for Next Week
6th Grade:
Tuesday - Math
Wednesday - English
7th Grade:
Wednesday - English
Friday - Public Speaking, Math 7
8th Grade:
Tuesday - Pre-Algebra, English
Thursday - US History (McLemore)
Friday - English, US History (Weeks)
Have a Great Weekend!
Getting My Game On
The following is Mr. Palmer's address to the middle school student body Thursday, January 20, 2011
Over the course of the three-day weekend we just enjoyed, I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things – play with my kids. In the past, this involved running around outside, riding bicycles, or going for a walk. However, I am now regularly challenged to some sort of video game, and I must admit that it usually becomes a humbling experience, to say the least!
Over the course of the three-day weekend we just enjoyed, I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things – play with my kids. In the past, this involved running around outside, riding bicycles, or going for a walk. However, I am now regularly challenged to some sort of video game, and I must admit that it usually becomes a humbling experience, to say the least!
Monday, my six-year-old son challenged me to a game of Mario Cart on his new DSI game system. As I watched him play, I became convinced that, with my twenty-five years of driving experience, I would show him the ropes when it came my turn. I was wrong.
No sooner did I begin a race than I was blown off the track by everyone – including Donky Kong! Just when I thought I was getting ahead, some little ghost-looking critter floated above my windshield and promptly covered it with oil, almost completely blocking my view of the track. The next thing I knew, I was crossing the finish line in 8th place.
I finally won ONE race, but I wondered if that was just a fluke. I also discovered just how challenging the “rainbow run” can be!
However, the more I played (yes, I did enjoy it and I couldn’t put it down!), the better I got. Before I knew it, I was handling that little cart like a real pro (or at least I thought so!).
You see, what seems like a daunting task is doable if you stick with it. I’ve heard it said that you must be bad at something before you can be good at it, and I have found that to be true throughout my life. I’ve also heard a great term for the attitude of perseverance – “sticktoitiveness.” Sticktoitiveness is simply the art of staying with something until you are good at it. It could be mastering a musical instrument, playing a sport, or improving your basic math skills – anything that takes consistent, hard work.
As we continue through this semester, I invite you to take a lesson from me and keep after that thing that is giving you trouble. Apply some “sticktoitiveness.” Like me, you might just get your game on yet!
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Future is NOW!
Exciting days are ahead at Trinity, and they begin right now!
As most of you probably already know, Trinity is blazing a new trail in the River Region by becoming the very first Apple 1:1 school in our area. Schools who run a 1:1 program issue computers to each individual student. Students use the computers at school, and take them home as well. This concept promises to revolutionize education.
As of today, our entire campus has wireless Internet connectivity. We are also utilizing three Apple mobile laptop carts throughout the school. These carts are loaded with 25 MacBooks each, and may be taken throughout the school building. Our recently-renovated middle/upper school library is state of the art, and includes a 21st century research room. Our lower school addition, set to open this fall, will also include a state of the art library for our students in grades K-5.
The exciting news is that we are ready to put laptop computers in the hands of every student in grades 7 and 9 NEXT YEAR! After that, the program will begin to spread throughout the school. Time will only tell how the a 1:1 laptop program will ultimately look, but we believe that it will take the academic program at Trinity to the next level.
Apple 1:1 Information Meeting
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Willett Hall
This event should answer many of the questions you may have about the new direction we are taking here at Trinity. However, any of us on the administrative team would be happy to discuss the program with you at any time.
I hope to see you Tuesday!
Bullying Town Hall Meeting
Many of you may be interested in attending an upcoming town hall meeting on bullying. Information is listed below:
Here are our tests for next week:
REMEMBER - NO SCHOOL MONDAY
6th Grade: - None
7th Grade:
Wednesday - Economics, Pre-Algebra
Thursday - Old Testament
Friday - Science
8th Grade:
Wednesday - Science
Thursday - Algebra I/Pre-Algebra
Have a Great 3-Day Weekend!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Inspirational Life of Booker T. Washington
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| Booker T. Washington in his Tuskegee Office |
The following is Mr. Palmer's address to middle school students Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Over the Christmas break, I took a short drive up the road to a practically deserted Tuskegee University. I can’t begin to describe the profound difference between the city of Tuskegee and the university itself. They are basically two different worlds. One is the picture of blight and poverty, the other, a beautiful college campus.
Known in its early days as the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, and more famously Tuskegee Institute, the independent school of 2,500 students situated in Macon County enjoys a tremendous reputation, especially among historically black colleges and universities. That long-standing reputation can be traced back to Tuskegee’s first president, Booker T. Washington, and the ideals he embodied – ideals that emphasized hard work, personal responsibility, a belief in and dedication to God, and the very highest of moral and academic standards.
My vacation reading brought me to the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site on a beautiful, cool day just before Christmas. I wanted to see the student-constructed buildings about which I had read, and I wanted to walk the campus paths that this great educator and American walked when he served as an educational leader so long ago.
I highly recommend to each of you the two books that inspired me to make my trip: Up From Slavery, and Character Building. Both were written by Booker T. Washington around 1901, and both are well worth your time.
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| Booker T. Washington addressing a white audience in Carnegie Hall. Mark Twain can be seen in the background. |
In Up From Slavery, Dr. Washington describes his life as a slave, as well as his steadfast pursuit of a top-notch education following the emancipation of slaves at the end of the Civil War. He tells of the arduous journey to Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in Virginia, where a young black man could gain the education needed to make a living at doing something besides working with his hands. The book is filled with stories of sleeping under bridges, in pup tents, and of working late into the night as a janitor to earn the money necessary to pay his tuition and board at Hampton. It also describes his meteoric rise to a position of prominence and respect by white and black alike. The central theme is hard work, and the ability to overcome odds that you and I will never see.
Character Building is different in many ways. This little gem is a collection of Sunday evening Chapel talks to the student body of Tuskegee Institute – much as I am doing now. The thrust of the book is very simply how to live a life of character, and those ideals never go out of style.
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| Buildings at Tuskegee were constructed by students with bricks and nails made at the school. |
Both of these fine books are relatively short and easy to understand, and may be found in our library. In order to get the most out of them, you have to keep in mind that they were written over a hundred years ago. Much has changed since then, especially with respect to race relations. But what hasn’t changed is the value of hard work, the importance of a good education, and the fact that, in the end, your character counts most of all.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Middle School Matters
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the start of the second semester here at Trinity! It is hard to believe that we are already over halfway through the school year. My, how time flies! Please continue to remind your children of the importance of staying up to date with their course work. As always, if you have any concerns with a class, please contact the teacher at the earliest sign of trouble. We want to work with you to ensure that your child's educational experience here at Trinity is the very best it can be.
Possible Winter Weather Event
As of this writing, there is the distinct possibility of a significant ice event here in central Alabama Sunday night and Monday morning. According to our friends at WSFA-TV, very slight changes to the system moving through could change our forecast dramatically, therefore accurate prediction of what will actually happen Monday is difficult at this point.
We here at Trinity are monitoring weather forecasts closely and will continue to do so throughout the weekend. Please remember that we will notify you of any schedule changes or school closures through our Alert Now system.
Common Sense Media
You've heard me mention the fine folks over at Common Sense Media many times. I do so because of the many wonderful resources that they have for parents. Over the weekend, you might want to check out some of the things they have specifically for parents of middle school students. Included in this section are movie, tv, and game reviews, along with many other great resources to help you navigate the waters of "tween" parenting. You may access this particular part of the Common Sense Media website by clicking here.
Tests for Next Week:
6th Grade:
Friday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Economics
Friday - Math 7/Pre-Algebra
8th Grade:
Thursday - US History (Weeks, Franklin)
Friday - US History (McLemore), Algebra I
Welcome to the start of the second semester here at Trinity! It is hard to believe that we are already over halfway through the school year. My, how time flies! Please continue to remind your children of the importance of staying up to date with their course work. As always, if you have any concerns with a class, please contact the teacher at the earliest sign of trouble. We want to work with you to ensure that your child's educational experience here at Trinity is the very best it can be.
Possible Winter Weather Event
As of this writing, there is the distinct possibility of a significant ice event here in central Alabama Sunday night and Monday morning. According to our friends at WSFA-TV, very slight changes to the system moving through could change our forecast dramatically, therefore accurate prediction of what will actually happen Monday is difficult at this point.
We here at Trinity are monitoring weather forecasts closely and will continue to do so throughout the weekend. Please remember that we will notify you of any schedule changes or school closures through our Alert Now system.
Common Sense Media
You've heard me mention the fine folks over at Common Sense Media many times. I do so because of the many wonderful resources that they have for parents. Over the weekend, you might want to check out some of the things they have specifically for parents of middle school students. Included in this section are movie, tv, and game reviews, along with many other great resources to help you navigate the waters of "tween" parenting. You may access this particular part of the Common Sense Media website by clicking here.
Tests for Next Week:
6th Grade:
Friday - Social Studies
7th Grade:
Tuesday - Economics
Friday - Math 7/Pre-Algebra
8th Grade:
Thursday - US History (Weeks, Franklin)
Friday - US History (McLemore), Algebra I
Have a Great Weekend!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Paralysis of Perfectionism
The following is Mr. Palmer's address to the middle school student body Tuesday, January 4, 2011
At my home here in Montgomery, I have in the front yard two very large trees. One is an oak, the other a sweet gum. Of the two, the sweet gum is by far the most troublesome. In fact, I have considered having it removed on several occasions. However, its cooling shade in the summertime, and the exorbitant cost of removal, has prevented me from doing so.
During the Christmas break, I spent the better part of one beautiful, cold morning raking leaves and dried sweet gum balls in preparation for the city’s yard debris pick up scheduled for later in the day. My lawn is large, and the raking that I had to do, even with a good-sized rake, amounted to an invigorating workout.
As I was working, I noticed that even though I had a large pile of leaves and things accumulated, there were still leftovers lying all around the area I had raked. My immediate desire was to go back over the area, and over it and over it, until every last leaf particle, twig, sweet gum ball, or other piece of trash had been removed, thus leaving a pristine carpet of brown, dormant grass. However, time was ticking away. I expected the great, orange, City of Montgomery garbage truck to be along any minute, and I needed a large pile curbside for pickup.
As I made the decision to pile up as many leaves as possible, and leave the residue for another day (or, perhaps, for the lawnmower), it dawned on me that the tendency to perfectionism can be, and very often is, a cause of paralysis in even the best meaning of people. In fact, it is more apt to happen to the very best meaning of people.
How many times have we not started a task because we didn’t know where to begin, and the mountain before us seemed too steep to climb? How many times have we failed to do something because it couldn’t be completed perfectly on the first try? How many times have we failed to ask a question in class because we didn’t want our friends to know that we needed some help understanding a topic? How many times have we not tried something new because of the fear of failure?
Take a moment and think about the things that make you angry or that frustrate you. How many times do we get frustrated with someone because we feel that they have in some way wronged us? How many times do we get bent out of shape because a line is moving too slowly, or the computer needs to be re-booted, or the Internet is running slowly. How many times have we lashed out at people or made fun of them because they are less than “perfect?”
How often do we grow frustrated when one of our teachers makes a mistake? What about when we don’t get an A? After all, we have always gotten an A! But perhaps the material is much more difficult now and we may need to increase our effort some if we still want that A.
The expectation of perfectionism this side of Heaven is a pipe dream. It will never happen. It can’t happen. And our belief that it somehow will happen is crippling.
In our Bible classes, we see laid out for us plainly, and without any attempt to cover or hide, the faults and mistakes of every single character, save one – Christ Jesus. And it was he, the Master Teacher, who said that we should remove the beam in our own eye so that we may see clearly enough to help our brother remove the speck of sawdust in his eye.
When we study the lives of great men and women, we discover that they all made mistakes. What contributed to their success was not perfection, but perseverance. The ability to pick oneself up after a failure and move on. You see confidence, but not smugness. A willingness to learn and grow and try again and again and again.
Jesus Christ came to this earth, lived a perfect, sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again that you may gain eternal life and enjoy perfection – heavenly, godly, perfection that is only found through Him, and will only be experienced in full once we depart this life.
While we are here, we should focus on excellence. Doing our very best, and learning from the inevitable mistakes that will come throughout our journey here. Along the way, we should follow the example of Christ, forgiving our brothers and sisters, and striving to live the life He intended for us to live. A life that won’t always be perfect, but that can and should be lived to the glory of God each and every day.