One of my favorite things about Trinity is that our preschoolers are not tucked away in their own little corner of campus. From the very beginning, they are part of the life of our school.

They worship alongside older students in All School Chapel, see familiar faces as they move around campus, cheer for our Chargers, and slowly begin to understand that they belong to a community much bigger than their own classroom. There is something pretty special about watching a preschooler light up when a “big kid” says hello in the hallway or when they recognize an older student they have seen in Chapel.

And that sense of belonging matters.

For young children, community begins very small. First, it is their family. Then it grows to include their teachers, classmates, school, church, teams, and neighbors. Each new circle helps children learn an important lesson: I belong here, and I have a part to play here.

Being part of a Preschool–12th grade school gives our preschoolers a unique opportunity to begin experiencing that bigger circle at a very young age. They get to watch older students lead in Chapel, compete on the field and court, perform, serve, and simply be part of everyday campus life. Our older students may not realize it, but little eyes are watching them.

As we move into fall, there will be so many opportunities to experience that sense of community together. Football games, volleyball games, special events, Chapel, and Trinity traditions give our youngest students a chance to see what it means to be a Charger beyond the walls of their classroom.

These experiences may seem small, but childhood is built on small moments. A high five from a senior. Singing the school song. Cheering from the stands. Walking into Chapel and knowing exactly where you belong.

I hope you will find opportunities this year to bring your preschooler to campus events and let them experience Trinity beyond the school day. They may be our littlest Chargers, but they are already an important part of this community.

And before long, they will be the “big kids” saying hello to someone little.