Upper School Families,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year! As I begin my ninth year here at Trinity and my twenty-seventh in independent school education, I am regularly reminded of why I chose this calling. There is something profoundly meaningful about walking alongside young people during their formative years, building genuine relationships, and witnessing the transformation that occurs when students are challenged to become their very best selves. It's a joy to help your children grow and develop into young adults of character and purpose.

At Trinity, we believe that rigorous academics must be paired with a caring, nurturing environment where students feel seen and valued. Our vision—a place where every student is known, loved, challenged and supported—guides everything we do. This year, as we embark on our theme of "Constructing The Future," we invite our students to think deeply about the foundations they are building today. The skills and habits they develop now will serve them not only in college but throughout their lives. We are not simply preparing them for the next chapter; we are equipping them with the resilience and wisdom to navigate whatever comes their way.

To construct a strong future, our students will need to develop and refine several critical competencies. Chief among these are critical thinking and problem solving—the ability to analyze complex situations and find creative solutions. In our rapidly changing world, adaptability is equally essential; students must learn to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Teamwork and collaboration will enable them to accomplish great things alongside others, while strong time management skills will help them balance their many responsibilities. Finally, emotional intelligence—the capacity to understand and manage their own emotions and those of others—will be foundational to their success in relationships and in their careers.

To our students, I want to say this: you cannot control everything that happens to you, but you can control how you respond. You can control your effort, your attitude, and your choices every day. Come to Trinity ready to work hard, to engage fully in your learning, and to support your classmates. To our parents, I encourage you to express your pride in your children's efforts and character. Let them know that you see their hard work, that you believe in them, and that you are proud of them..

As we think about the practical realities of this year, I want to address expectations around homework and balance. Students should anticipate approximately two hours of independent work each school day, which translates to roughly thirty minutes per class. This is a reasonable expectation for college-preparatory work, and we encourage families to help students manage their time effectively. However, balance is essential. We want our students engaged in extracurricular activities, spending time with family, and maintaining their physical and mental well-being. Education is multifaceted and we aim to partner with you in supporting your child in all areas of interest and development.

I would also like to inform you of some changes to our campus this year. Construction is underway on several important projects that will enhance our facilities and learning and worship spaces. To accommodate this work, we have implemented some parking adjustments. Specifically, Juniors and Sophomores will utilize parking on the east side of campus near the football field. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we make these important campus improvements. The temporary inconvenience now will result in wonderful new spaces for all our students to learn and grow.

As we begin this exciting year, I am grateful for your partnership in your child's educational journey. Together, we will help them construct a future filled with purpose, integrity, and possibility. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year.

Timothy A. Jones, M.Ed.

Head of Upper School

Trinity School of Midland

The the themes and tone of this letter are my own but were improved with the help of FlintK12