News

On Saturday May 3rd, 9 Trinity MS students participated in the Junior Visual Arts Scholastic Event.  There were close to 400 entries from Region 18 students.  All 9 Trinity Students received the highest score possible, a 4.  Additionally, 4 students received a Platinum Medal.  We are so proud of these fantastic Artists!

 

Participants and recipients of a 4:

Madison House

Kelly Xie

Tanner Benson

Katie Drach

Sophie Adams

Adi Lunson

Blazleyn Morrison

Akeri Amarasena

Nmabure Eleanya

 

Platinum Medal Winners (top 8% of the 4's):

Sophie Adams

Katie Drach

Adi Lunson

Tanner Benson

Trinity hosted the 2025 Permian Basin Scholastic Chess Championship on Saturday, April 12th.  The event had 88 participants (including 16 Trinity Students).

 

In the Kindergarten-Grade 6 division, Chase Stelmaschuk went undefeated (6 wins and 1 draw for 6.5 points) to come in second place and win a nice trophy!  Other top finishers for Trinity were: Mason Midkiff tied for fifth place with 5 points; Ryan Hart tied for sixteenth place with 4.5 points; Jaxon Willman, Evan Holmes, and Charlie Schmalbach all tied for eighteenth place with 4 points.  Trinity tied for second place with MCA and Hillander in the team division, but failed to get the plaque because of the tie-breakers.  First place went to the Homeschoolers.

 

In the Grades 7-12 division, Ollie Mathweson also went undefeated (3 wins and 2 draws) to tie for first place.  In the tie-breaker, Ollie came in second place and won a nice trophy.  Trinity won the third place plaque in the team division with Homeschool coming in first, and MCA coming in second.

 

Many thanks to the Trinity parent/faculty volunteers that helped make this event a huge success.

Students in Grades 5 through 7 will take the digital version of the CTP5 (Comprehensive Testing Program, Edition 5), commonly referred to as the ERB, from Monday, April 28, through Thursday, May 1. This standardized assessment, developed by the Educational Records Bureau, is widely used by independent schools across the country to assess both instructional programs and individual student performance.

The CTP5 provides detailed insights into each student’s understanding in core academic areas, along with their verbal and quantitative reasoning skills. These results are instrumental in helping our faculty make informed decisions about curriculum planning and student support.

Please note that the CTP5 is not a high-stakes test and does not require specific preparation. However, we kindly ask that you help your child be well-rested, enjoy a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time with a fully charged Chromebook each day to ensure they are prepared to do their best.

If your child is absent due to illness or a family emergency, we will schedule a makeup session during the school day to complete any missed assessment sections.

Score Reports: Parents will receive individual student reports as soon as they become available. If you would like assistance interpreting the results, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive and productive testing experience for our students.

Warm regards,

Chrystal M. Myers

Head of Middle School

The Middle and Upper School chess season came to a close on Wednesday, April 16th.  Forty Eight students from Greenwood, Homeschool, Legacy, MCA, and Trinity competed over the past three weeks.  After the first session, Trinity was in fourth place.  After the second session, Trinity was in third place.  And after this final session, Trinity improved to tied for second place.  Final scores were: Homeschoolers 32.5; Trinity 26; MCA 26; Greenwood 21; and Legacy 14.

 

I saw several good games from our team.  In game one I saw Noah Shaffer in an end game where he had a rook and a king versus Liam Rooks from Greenwood with only his king.  Check mating with only a rook and a king is something that many chess players struggle with.  Noah had just learned how to do this checkmate two weeks ago.  I was very proud to see him easily get the win!  Fitting that Noah did the ‘rooks’ checkmate versus someone named Rooks.  Noah ended up with two wins on the day. 

 

In game two I saw Katie Li go down a rook versus Luis Torres from Greenwood.  Usually being behind by a rook in the middle game is difficult to overcome, so I walked around the room checking other games.  When I came back, she had already won.  Nice comeback Katie...still not sure how you did it.  Katie ended up with two wins on the day. 

 

Also in game two, I saw Ollie Mathewson go up an exchange (rook for bishop) versus Easton Castro from MCA.  Ollie kept building on this small lead by making trades and picking off pawns.  Ollie is strong in the end game, and he ended up wining easily.  In fact Ollie won all of his games this day. 

 

One other player that excelled on this day was Charles Dorman who also won all three of his games.  Overall, Trinity had a fine day and a good tournament. 

 

Here are our top overall performers:

Oliver "Ollie" Mathewson tied for fifth place with 6.0 points;

Ebubechukwu "Joshua" Okoli  tied for eleventh place with 5.0 points;

Christianne Meyer tied for sixteenth place with 4.5 points.

Our year has passed quickly, and it’s amazing that we are already in April. It has been a wonderful year of working with our middle school students to challenge themselves in math. Like most subjects, students are most successful when school and home are working together as a team. When we are working as a team, one of the most important questions we get from parents is, “How can I help with math at home?” Here is a list of ways you can be a team player.

 

 

Only a few more weeks and we will reach the finish line. Thank you for your support, and let’s continue to work as a team to help your children reach their potential in math!

We're excited to share some insights into our middle school science program, where students
develop critical thinking skills through hands-on experimentation and discovery.

Our science curriculum introduces students to a true laboratory setting beginning in 5th grade,
establishing foundational skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey. This early
exposure to proper lab protocols and scientific methodology gives Trinity students a significant
advantage as they progress through middle school and beyond. Rather than simply reading
about scientific concepts, our students actively engage with them through carefully designed
laboratory experiences. This approach not only deepens their understanding but also fosters
curiosity and problem-solving skills that are essential for future scientific inquiry.

We take pride in Trinity School's ability to provide laboratory experiences that many schools
simply cannot offer. Our 6th graders work with high-quality microscopes to explore cellular
biology, while 7th graders participate in guided dissections that bring anatomy lessons to life.
These aren't just enrichment activities—they're essential components of our curriculum that
provide invaluable learning experiences.

By investing in state-of-the-art equipment and materials, Trinity School ensures our students
receive the most enriched science education possible. The hands-on approach we take in our
well-equipped laboratories creates an unparalleled learning environment where students can
truly thrive in their scientific studies. We invite you to ask your students about their recent lab
experiences—their enthusiasm speaks volumes about the impact of our approach.

Middle School Science Department

We are excited to inform you about an upcoming service project that aligns with our school’s mission of fostering servant leadership within our community. As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, we will be working with Grand Companions to support their efforts in caring for animals in need. As a school committed to developing students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward others, we believe this project will be an excellent opportunity for our students to practice these values. 

As part of our service to them, we are asking for donations of the following items to help the shelter continue its important work:

If you're able to contribute, please feel free to send any donations with your child between Tuesday, April 15th and Wednesday, April 30th. These items will make a big difference in the lives of the animals at the shelter.

As part of our service project, we are also excited to announce that a representative from the shelter will visit our school to speak with the students during our chapel service. They will share more about the shelter's mission and the impact of the community’s support. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn directly from someone who works with animals in need every day.

Additionally, as part of our service to Grand Companions, our students will have the opportunity to walk the dogs at Sibley Nature Center. We will depart from school around 12:30 PM on April 16th and return around 2:30 PM. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support in making this project a success. We are proud of the kindness and compassion our students continue to show, and we are looking forward to seeing how they will make a positive impact on the lives of these animals.

Warm regards, 

5th Grade Advisors

Science is all about curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning, and our 7th and 8th graders have embraced these qualities with enthusiasm. This spring, they have tackled complex concepts through engaging labs, dissections, and experiments that challenge them to think critically and work like real scientists. 

Our 7th-grade life science students are wrapping up an extensive unit on human body systems. Along the way, they’ve dissected owl pellets to study skeletal structures, examined chicken feet to understand tendons and movement, and explored the complexities of the nervous system through sheep eye and brain dissections. The unit will culminate next week in an exciting frog dissection, where students will apply everything they’ve learned to investigate how different body systems work together. 

Meanwhile, our 8th-grade physical science students have been diving into physics concepts through interactive labs and projects. They’ve raced Hot Wheels cars in the “Inertia 500” and “Acceleration 500”, tested air resistance with parachutes, and are currently filming creative videos explaining Newton’s Laws. To make momentum and collision forces come alive, students are designing and competing in a paper car crash test. Next up, students will investigate gravity by dropping a variety of objects from the top of the Coombes Field bleachers. We’ll end the year by putting their engineering skills to the test by designing and building roller coasters. These experiences are helping them see physics in action while sharpening their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 

Over the course of the year, it has been incredible to watch their growth—not just in their understanding of science but in their ability to think critically, collaborate, and persevere through challenges. Their dedication and enthusiasm make it clear that they are ready for whatever comes next!

We finished in second place with a record of six wins and one loss.  Even though we did not win them all, the season was a great success.  I saw much improvement by our team, and I was happy to see the joy of learning/playing chess.  Our last two matches were against Homeschoolers and Carver.  We beat Homeschool Tribe by a score of 32.5 to 18.5.  Four of our members had all wins with no losses or ties: Jaxon Wilman; Chase Johnson; Mason Midkiff; and Garrett Herrera.  We lost to Carver by a score of 20.5 to 33.5.  Our top performer that day was Tobechukwu “Daniel” Okoli with two wins and a draw.

 

Our March Madness winners were: Nathan Makut (grades 1-3); Chase Stelmaschuk (grades 4-6); and Katie Li (upper school).  We also had a fun end of year party competition where our lower school team played against parents, faculty, and older players.  The lower school team easily won that match by a score of 70 to 21.  Our Iron Man this year was Garrett Herrera.  He got this award for playing the most matches during the season.  He totaled 80 games this season!  Our highest rated player was Tobechukwu “Daniel” Okoli with a rating of 1166!  Much thanks to our team captains this year: Christianne Meyer and Charles Dorman.

Eighth grade recently celebrated International Day — an incredible culmination of weeks of research and preparation.

The morning began with students traveling to different “countries,” including Italy, Nigeria, Japan, and Brazil, where they had the opportunity to learn from their peers’ in-depth research and presentations. The rooms were decorated to offer a feel of the country's culture, and treats were served to provide an appetizer for some of the favorite foods served in each country. 

After enjoying a global cuisine lunch provided by the students and their parents, the students transitioned into their mock Parliamentary session, run by student-elected officials. There, they presented the bills they had crafted on topics ranging from health care to light pollution. Each bill was debated with thoughtful arguments from opposing sides before being put to a vote. Following lively and civil discussion, amendments, and resolution writing, the majority of the bills were successfully passed!

This day encompasses the hard work our eighth grade class is dedicated to doing. Their skills in presenting, researching and defending their work provided for a day of learning and memories! 

Click the headline "International Day Celebration" for more photos.

On March 5th the Trinity Chess Team took on Santa Rita.  Our top 22 players had no fear against Santa Rita’s top 19.  The match started great with Trinity leading 16.5 to 2.5 after the first round.

 

During that first round, one match that caught my eye was between Chase Stelmaschuk of Trinity vs Santiago Castillo of Santa Rita.  The game was in the middle stages, with both sides fairly close on material.  Chase had the better position with good control of the center and pieces invading his opponents position, and this opened up some tactics.  Chase used his bishop to capture his opponents pawn that was being defended by his opponents queen.  To his opponent, this seemed like a free bishop, so Santiago quickly captured Chase’s bishop with his queen.  But this was NOT a free bishop.  On Chase’s next move, he moved his knight to fork the king and queen which won the queen on the following move.  This was a nice tactic that was possible because Chase was controlling the center of the board.

 

The match continued much like it started with a final score of 43.5 to 10.5.  The following Trinity players went undefeated with no losses or draws: Christianne Meyer, Ebubecukwu “Joshua” Okoli, Chase Stelmaschuk, Tobechukwu “Daniel” Okoli, Evan Holmes, Sterling Wohlfahrt, Ryan Hart, Aharon Mathew, and Garrett Herrera.

Dear Middle School Parents,

As we enter the final trimester of the school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, partnership, and encouragement thus far. Your partnership has enabled our students to thrive and grow in meaningful ways.

Trimester 3 is always a special time. It is a season of learning, reflection, and celebration. Our students will engage in dynamic expeditionary learning experiences, participate in social events that foster connection and joy, and embrace the excitement of Field Day. Our 7th Graders had a wonderful time at Dixie Dude Ranch, and our 5th (Palo Duro Canyon), 6th (Camp Fire, Grandbury), and 8th graders (The Outdoor School) eagerly await their trips. This final stretch is especially memorable for our eighth-grade students as they prepare for their last middle school chapel service and the transition to upper school. It is a time to finish strong, to take pride in all that has been accomplished, and to savor these last moments of the school year.

Before we dive into all that Trimester 3 offers, we are very near the start of Spring Break. I hope next week provides our students and teachers with the rest and rejuvenation they need to finish the school year with energy and enthusiasm.

I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to our teachers, Mr. Freese, Ms. Morgan, and Chaplain Weisenfels, who continue to inspire, challenge, and guide our students each day. Their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences ensures that every child is supported and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

Middle School Students, you are at the heart of everything we do! Your curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm make our school community a truly special place. I encourage each of you to embrace these final months with a sense of purpose, gratitude, and joy.

As we embark on this exciting last trimester together, let us celebrate the journey, support one another, and look forward to all the memorable moments ahead.

With gratitude, 

Chrystal Myers

This year has been full of exciting moments in middle school athletics. Our football and volleyball teams made tremendous progress, significantly enhancing both their gameplay and understanding of the sports. We were proud to field two football teams and two volleyball teams, a remarkable achievement.

The fall season also saw one of our largest cross-country teams ever, thanks to Coach DiBiaggio's excellent work in growing the program. We're all excited to see our eighth-grade athletes move on to the high school level next year.

In the winter, basketball stands as our sole competitive sport, while tennis focuses on skill-building drills. All three basketball teams have shown tremendous growth this season, improving both their skills and their knowledge of the games they play. Middle school athletics is where we lay the foundation for future success, and this year, we've made great strides.

The Trinity Chess Club took on the Hillander Chess Club on Tuesday, February 25th.  We had our top 18 competing this match, and our hopes were high that we could keep the winning ways going.  At the end of the first round Trinity had a 10 to 5 point lead, so we were off to a good start.

 

Two matches that caught me eye were in the second and third rounds by Sterling Wohlfahrt.  He was winning both games pretty easily, and he had many options to finish.  What stood out to me was the calm way he checkmated his opponent with just his king and rook.  At Trinity we have a club for those that know this checkmate called the “Rooks Club”.  When the match was over, I told Sterling that I noticed his “Rooks Club” checkmates in the second and third rounds, and he told me he did the same in the first round also!

 

In addition to the “Rooks Club” checkmates I saw many of our players using the “Ladder Club” checkmate, and maybe that will be a story for another time.

 

The following players went undefeated this day (3 wins no losses or ties): Tobechukwu ”Daniel” Okoli; Sterling Wohlfahrt; Evan Holmes; Jaxson Wilman; Raj Annamalai; Aharon Mathew; Mason Midkiff; and Charlie Schmalbach.

 

When the match was over, Trinity defeated Hillander by a final score of 33 to 12.

March Madness Chess Tournament is Coming Soon!
Grades 1-6 will start next week (March 4th), and the 7-12 bracket will start after spring break (March 18th).  Games will be held during normal chess practice time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Click below to see the brackets.
Grade 1-3A Bracket
Grade 1-3B Bracket
Grade 4-6 Bracket
Grade 7-12 Bracket

On February 12th, the Trinity Chess Team took on Greenwood.  Greenwood was hoping to get their first win of the season versus Trinity, but that proved a difficult challenge.  In round one, Trinity had a 14 to 1 lead, and Trinity never looked back.  We finished with a final score of 34.5 to 8.5.

 

One match that caught my eye was between Evan Holmes (Trinity) versus Graham Golden (Greenwood) in round 2.  Evan was following sound opening principles: he developed all his pieces; he fought for the center; and he castled early.  His opponent was doing similar except for castling, and this proved decisive.  Since Graham’s king and queen were both in the center, Evan found an opportunity to skewer them with his bishop.  This looked like it would win the queen, but Graham found a clever way to block with his knight.  A few moves later, Evan found another opportunity to skewer the queen and king. This second skewer was with his rook, and this one could not be blocked.  Evan won the queen and eventually won the game.  

 

Five of our players had three wins with no losses or ties: Chase Stelmaschuk; Tobechukwu “Daniel” Okoli; Charles Dorman; Evan Holmes; and Ryan Hart.

The idea of discipline often brings negative thoughts to mind. After all, who enjoys being disciplined? Yet, discipline is essential for living sober, godly, and purposeful lives. As Proverbs 12:1 reminds us, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge.” True discipline goes beyond punishment—it’s about learning, growth, and knowing how to act appropriately in different situations.

While discipline is sometimes seen as synonymous with punishment, its original meaning was “to train or teach.” In my life, I have sought to be “discipled” by wise and godly mentors. Discipline, though uncomfortable, fosters growth. We often learn valuable lessons when we make mistakes and are guided to make better choices moving forward.

At Trinity, we use an infraction system to help guide students toward responsibility and positive behavior. Both Middle and Upper School implement minor and major infractions, while the Middle School has an additional category: responsibility infractions. These often serve as reminders for students to stay prepared by charging their Chromebooks, bringing necessary supplies, and completing homework assignments.

At the start of the school year, responsibility infractions are more common, especially among fifth graders, as they adjust to new expectations. However, as the year progresses, the number of these infractions typically decreases. This shows that students are learning and adapting to the expectations set for them.

Understandably, the issuance of an infraction can be surprising for both students and parents. Fifth-grade students and their parents, in particular, are often concerned about the implications. Some parents even fear severe consequences. One parent once expressed worry that an infraction was the first step toward a dire future. While this reaction was extreme, it illustrates the anxiety that can accompany initial disciplinary experiences.

It’s important to clarify that infractions serve as reminders to correct behavior, not as punitive measures with long-term consequences. The vast majority of students never accumulate enough infractions to face serious consequences. For those who do, lunch detention—which prevents socializing during lunch—is often sufficient to encourage change. Typically, students who receive multiple lunch detentions correct their behavior in the following trimester.

On rare occasions, a major infraction may occur, requiring the student to appear before the Conduct Review Board, a panel of adults who review the situation carefully. While serious consequences may sometimes result, the Board operates with a focus on restorative justice, seeking to guide the student back toward positive behavior.

Trinity is a community of children, young adults, and adults—all of whom are learning and growing together. Mistakes are inevitable, but they present opportunities for growth. It is the responsibility of adults to guide and discipline those in their care. Though discipline may be unpleasant in the moment, it often leads to lasting growth and positive outcomes.

If you have questions or wish to discuss this topic further, please feel free to reach out via email or phone. I welcome the conversation.

Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will take the Texas Mathematics League Exam (TXML) test for their appropriate grade level on Thursday, February 27th during their advisory. This is a fun, challenging exam that will have no impact on their grade in their math class. 

The exam is a 35 question multiple choice contest with a time limit of 30 minutes. A calculator is allowed. According to the test organizers: 

You might be unable to finish all 35 questions in the 30 minutes allowed. Remember that this is a contest, not a test—there is no “passing” or “failing” score. Few students score 28 points (80% correct). Students with half that, 14 points, should be commended! High-scoring students may be invited to our “Math Camp” in July.

High-scoring students will receive internal recognition, and the top five scorers will have their answers submitted as part of our team’s score to compete against other schools in Texas. If your child loves math, you might encourage them to try a practice test in preparation. The practice tests and solutions are linked below:

6th Grade: Practice Test - Solutions

7th Grade: Practice Test - Solutions

8th Grade: Practice Test - Solutions

For 5th-grade students, an intramural contest will be held sometime after April 15th. Additionally, 8th-grade students enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry Honors will have the opportunity to participate in an Algebra contest after April 15th. Details about these tests will be shared in a future edition of The Charger.

Trinity Middle School teachers go above and beyond to foster the love for learning that has been instilled in their students since their preschool days. One of the ways I have witnessed students being involved and excited about learning is when Kodi Dixon, 7th/8th grade Social Studies Teacher, assigns her “living museum” project in place of the first trimester final exam. Mrs. Dixon said that she loves to do a variety of projects in her classes for major grades because “Students are able to show me what they have learned and connect it to a timeline and map without me forcing them to cram the night before. I also love doing pick your own projects. This allowed students to shine where they feel comfortable. Some will build with their hands, some will create tests with study guides, some will write research papers. In history or is unique because I want connections, not memorization!” 

I have heard from many students that they enjoy when they get to do projects as major assignments rather than having traditional assessments that they have to study and memorize content for. Recently,  my 5th graders in ESS classes were working on a project for their science class where they created a “Critter Cafe” that aligns with their unit about Living Systems. One student told me “I like being able to use the stuff we learn in class to come up with ideas and draw things for the project and add my own style.” Emily DiBiaggio, 5th/6th Grade Science Teacher, says “I like to give projects that let students be creative. I believe it allows students to be more engaged in the project and allows them to apply concepts in class to real life.”

Students sometimes don’t even realize that they are applying concepts they’ve learned when they complete engaging classroom projects. These projects also allow for collaboration among students and chances to build on their teamwork skills. I’m eager to see the projects that are done by Middle School students throughout the remainder of the year and invite you to come walk through the Simmons building and take a look at some of the work displayed on the walls and glass cases. 

Innovation and Technology is a project-based course where students apply STEM concepts to cultivate skills needed in today’s world. The curriculum emphasizes complex problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students make their own choices, take ownership of their learning, and explore how their work connects to real-world challenges. Through engaging projects and activities, students learn to use technology in practical and responsible ways, while also strengthening their ability to work with others.

Every class begins with typing practice. Proficiency in typing allows students to focus on sharing their ideas clearly without being hindered by the mechanics of typing. Coding is a key component of the Innovation and Technology curriculum. Beginning with JavaScript in 5th through 7th grades and moving on to Python in 8th grade, students learn programming skills and how to apply them. They are not just using technology but building it and understanding how it works.

In 5th and 6th grade, facilitated by Ms. Montgomery, students begin the year by making an accurate keyboard and using Canva to create digital designs, combining technical skills with creativity. These hands-on projects help younger students gain confidence as they explore and experiment. In 7th grade, students create interactive stories using HTML, bring their ideas to life with 3D printing, and work with Micro:bits to design tools and games. By 8th grade, students take on more advanced challenges, such as designing and building robots to solve real-world problems of their choice. Across all grades, these activities encourage students to think critically, adapt to new ideas, and use their knowledge in meaningful ways. 

As the school year continues, I look forward to seeing students grow more confident and independent as they develop their ideas and find creative solutions. Every year brings new opportunities, and the projects and challenges will continue to evolve, preparing them for the future. Watching students have fun while learning and refining their skills is one of the most rewarding parts of this class, and I am excited to see what they will accomplish next.

Sibley Nature Center would like to invite you to participate in their Girls-N-Science program this Spring!  
Click here for more information.

Open to grades 4th-8th

Limited to 20 participants

Runs 4:30PM-5:30PM on Thursdays (8 week program)

February 13, 20, 27

March 6, 20, 27

April 3, 10