It’s hard to believe that we are already past the midpoint in the first trimester and we will be gearing up for first trimester exams and a big helping of turkey and dressing before we know it.  Things in the Upper School are going well. In the pursuit of ambitious teaching and learning, we find that generally our students are happy, but challenged and supported. Our students are working hard, guided by teachers that know and love them and their subjects exceptionally well. I think this creates favorable conditions that allow our kids to grow confidence, build agency and develop relationships that help them learn to advocate for themselves while taking ownership of their own learning and the student experience.

We’ve all had fun along the way, participating in grade level contests and monthly socials. We had a boot scootin’ good time at our homecoming dance and. And soon we’ll be decorating pumpkins for halloween and our next Corral Pals event. We’ve also started celebrating college acceptances with Bell Ringing ceremonies. 

We have worshiped together through studying the Gospel metaphors found in popular fairy tales and learned about how faith drove the founding of our nation. We’ve also started hearing from our Seniors in their Chapel talks…one of my favorite Trinity Traditions. 

Our kids have made great art, performed at Coffee House, competed in Speech and Debate events, and are preparing for Fall concerts. They’ve also competed on the football field, in the gym, on the courts, and cross country courses. They stay busy and represent Trinity well. 

We recently enjoyed a well deserved Fall Break and we just finished taking the PSAT in grades 9-12. In a way we have hit our stride but also are aware that we are approaching the October slump of the first trimester. However, even on days that are tough, we hear laughs and see smiling faces, observe students working together, and overcoming obstacles.

While we have developed our artificial intelligence belief statements we find that we are still grappling with some tough questions around A.I. and what appropriate usage regularly looks like for our students and teachers. We will continue to refine our approach and usage in this area.

The first one-sixth of this school year affirms that we are a community of learners committed to constant improvement. We work hard, but have fun in a challenging and supportive environment. Along the way we have developed and nurtured appropriate relationships that promote each student being known and loved.  I hope that is always evident in the work that we do and the experience that we strive to provide.