December Virture of the Month: PATIENCE

THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE

Patience is a virtue.  Practicing Patience means waiting.  We need to learn how to wait.  Advent is a good time to work on this because during this season we are waiting to celebrate the birth of Christ.

                                              

                                  

Describe a patient person.

Some ways to practice patience are:

• Waiting for help from a teacher
• Waiting for someone to pick you up
• Waiting for an answer
• Waiting in carpool line

Name some other ways to practice patience

How was I patient today?

We will have many opportunities to practice patience this month as we WAIT in line while we are Christmas shopping.  Think of all the people you can pray for instead of being impatient.

REMEMBER:  Practice Makes Perfect.

Student Council President: Mimi Mundorf's Thank You Speech to Trinity's Student Body

The Student Council Officers and Classroom Representatives were sworn into their offices for the 2017-2018 school year on October 5. Mimi Mundorf, newly elected president of the Student Council, addressed the student body with a very inspiring speech.

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Hello Sister Catherine, Mr. Sloyer, Mrs. Martinez, teachers, staff and fellow students.

I am your student council president, Mimi Mundorf and I am so thankful for this opportunity.  Thank you to all who voted for me and the rest of the student council making this experience possible for us.

Thank you to those of you who believed in me and if you didn’t, then I will make it my goal to persuade you to believe in me, because I believe in every one of you; that’s right everyone.

Now, who is excited for this year to begin?  Raise your hands.  So here is why I am totally psyched for this year.  It will be filled with new ideas, activities, and so much more.  It will involve teamwork, praise for each individual student and chances for everyone to be themselves and show us who they are.  I am so happy that this great school can get even better, but only with the help from you guys.  This year is going to be so much fun and everyone will be able to leave their mark on this school, whether it’s academically, athletically or artistically.  Together, we can make this school even better, we can make this a great year, and we can make this a place that makes people jump out of bed in the morning and rush to school because they love it so much.  We can do a lot of these things, not me, not you, we.  Together we can accomplish anything…and that is my plan for this year, to make people believe in themselves, their friends, and everyone. 

So I hope that you guys are excited for this year and are ready for hopefully the most fun you’ve had at Trinity. 

Once again, I am student council president, Mimi Mundorf and I am welcoming you to the Trinity School year of 2017-2018, or the golden year. 

Thank you and don’t forget, believe in yourself because I do.

November's Virture of the Month: PERSERVERANCE

          THE VIRTUE OF PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance is the will to see things through in spite of fear, obstacles,

hard work, or discouragement.

A person who practices perseverance shows commitment and determination and demonstrates persistence and endurance.

Do you practice perseverance in these situations?

~ Being faithful to your commitment as car a aide

~ Never missing a drama rehearsal unless ill

~ Attending all Cross Country practices

~ Signing up for a job or activity and completing it

~ Doing your part in a class assignment

~ Setting a goal and reaching it

Practice, Practice, Practice

Perseverance in prayer.  Ask and you shall receive.  Keep on asking!

Choose to persevere…rather than quit.

Teaching Children? All You Need Is Love

Mrs. Heather Johns was named Teacher of the Year by American Legion Lithuanian Post #154

Trinity School is proud to announce that on September 15th, 2017, second grade teacher, Mrs. Heather Johns, was named Teacher of the Year by American Legion Lithuanian Post #154.  Mrs. Johns was nominated by her great uncle, John Maskavich, who serves as the Post chaplain.  Along with her award Mrs. Johns received a cash award and a coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

At the age of fifteen Mrs. Johns discovered how much she loved working with children.  She realized that when children are taught well they can teach each other.  Following her high school career, this nugget of truth inspired Mrs. Johns to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies with a focus in education from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Mrs. Heather Johns receiving the Julie Award Last Year 

Mrs. Johns was hired as a second grade teacher at Trinity School in 2005. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Johns serves Trinity students by preparing them for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  She is the Social Science program coordinator.  Her dedication to teaching and professional development was recognized by her Trinity peers when she received The Saint Julie Award, Trinity’s most prestigious teaching award.

Trinity is sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, whose foundress, St. Julie Billiart directed the teachers of her schools to “Teach the children what they need for life.”  In the classroom setting, when Mrs. Johns hears a child say to her, “I understand,” she knows that she is following in the tradition of the Sisters and the mission of Trinity.

In the words of Mrs. Margie Martinez, Trinity Primary School Head:  “Congratulations to Mrs. Johns!  During her years here at Trinity Mrs. Johns has grown to become a confident, seasoned educator.  She is sincerely committed to student success, and strives daily to shape each child to become their best self.  Mrs. Johns is a wonderful teacher, who makes learning fun for the children and is most deserving of this award.”

Mrs. Johns is married and the mom of two wonderful children.  In the little spare time allowed to her, she is an avid runner, a healthy food enthusiast, a crime novel aficionado, a beach lover and Beatles fan. Trinity is truly blessed to have Mrs. Johns on the Primary teaching team.  We would all like to say, “Congratulations, Mrs. Johns, for sharing your faith, wisdom and love with your students, their parents, your Trinity peers and the entire Trinity family.”

You Are Invited to the Trinity Studio: Interview with Paul Sloyer, Middle School Head

Trinity’s PR and Marketing Committee will be featuring several articles on Trinity teachers and staff. Based on the popular Bravo TV show Inside the Actor’s Studio starring James Lipton, our version called Inside the Trinity Studio will highlight a select group of faculty members by asking the subject 10 questions requiring one-word answers. It is challenging for the interviewee and fun for the reader. We hope you enjoy this interesting look at one of Trinity’s leaders, Mr. Paul Sloyer, the Head of the Middle School.

Paul Sloyer was interviewed by Christine Walsh, Trinity Admissions Director.

Paul Sloyer, Middle School Head

Date of interview: September 26, 2017

Q. What is your favorite word?
A. Yet - the most powerful word in the English language.

Q. What is your least favorite word?
A. No

Q. What makes you feel creative or inspired?
A. Being outside

Q. What is your pet peeve?
A. Lateness

Q. What or where is your favorite place?
A. Vienna, Austria

Q. What sound or noise do you love?
A. Flowing water

Q. What sound or noise drives you crazy?
A. Bells

Q. What job other than your own would you like to attempt?
A. Chef

Q. What job would you not like to attempt?
A. Accountant

Q. What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
A. Welcome!!

Mr. Sloyer's favorites: Blue, college football (Florida Gators), vegetable gardening, billiards, cooking, fishing, hiking, cookbooks, the mountains and Thanksgiving!

Paul Sloyer interviewed by Trinity Admissions Director Christine Walsh

October 2017: Virtue of the Month: RESPONSIBILITY

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH

Responsibility

Responsibility is accepting the consequences of your actions.

Seeds to Plant:  If it needs to be done, Do It!

Weeds to Pull:  No excuses!

Family/School Rule:  No complaining, no blaming, no whining.

Everyone—both children and adults—has things to do in life that are important for their own growth and that of others.  It is each person’s job to do these things to the best of his/her ability.

A person who is Responsible gets the job done.  You cannot depend on an irresponsible person.

An Irresponsible person often says:  I don’t know; nobody told me; I didn’t mean to.

A Responsible person will find out the correct information and think before he/she acts.

No one Makes you do something.  You are in charge of yourself.

Whatever choice you make, you also Choose the Consequence.

A Responsible person accepts the consequences of his/her actions.

List all the Responsibilities that you have.

How are you doing?

September's Virtue of the Month: Respect

THE VIRTUE OF RESPECT

Be mindful that ALL people are entitled to respect because each person was made by God according to a unique plan.  All of God’s creatures have a right to RESPECT.

1.  Give EXAMPLES of how Jesus showed respect for all people.

2. I am respectful when I …………………

3. How do you feel when someone does not treat you with respect?

4. In every situation remember the GOLDEN RULE:

Do unto others as you  would have them do unto you.

5. Make a LIST of how to respect YOURSELF.

6. Make a LIST of ways you respect OTHERS.

7. Make a list of ways you respect the ENVIRONMENT.

8. Here’s a good rule to live by:  Before you say anything, ask yourself:

“Is it kind?” and “Is it necessary?”

9. Create a CLASS MOTTO for RESPECT.

Happy 76th Birthday, Trinity School!

Trinity School in Elicott City, MD

Happy 76th Birthday, Trinity School!

Friends and colleagues,

I just wanted to send a short note to wish everyone at Trinity a happy 76th birthday!  I am thinking about everyone and praying for you all this day- especially with the beloved Genesee Valley trip finishing up for the 7th grade.  I hope that everyone has had a wonderful first week of school, and that everyone gets a weekend to catch up on rest in the two days ahead.  For as wonderful as the first few days of school are- it's even more wonderful when they are done and life at school can get back to normal!

Things are going well here in Minnesota, and we are finishing our 2nd week of school.  I've been enjoying the start of the school year, although I underestimated the culture shock of joining a different school, where there are policies I am not used to, stories I am not aware of, and 180 middle school students to learn their names.  I also am learning to teach a US history course 4 times a week, doing the best I can to learn history myself before presenting it to my students!  Overall, it has been wonderful being back in Minnesota and the weather has been beautiful- although we're only a few months away from winter.  We will see how much I like the weather then.

I hope everyone has a great day today and a day where you can celebrate a wonderful school you get to call home.  

God bless,

Kyle Rickbeil

Thank You to My Maryland Family

Thank you to my Maryland family…

By  Mr. Rickbeil

Mr. Kyle Rickbeil Teaching in 2005

Thirteen years ago, I encountered a major setback on my way to becoming a teacher.  I was weeks away from moving to New Jersey to start a master's program at Seton Hall University and a teaching job in the Diocese of Newark when everything fell through.  I was unable to find a school placement that worked, and the harder I tried, the more convinced I was that I was not supposed to be moving to New Jersey.  Discouraged, I took a one-year job teaching outdoor education at a Catholic summer camp in Indiana and waited for another opportunity to teach.  I longed to have my own classroom, and had great ambitions of what I wanted to accomplish when I finally had a chance to teach…and then came Trinity School.

I came to Trinity in the Summer of 2005 as part of the Operation Teach Program at the University of Notre Dame of Maryland.  This program has graduated several Trinity teachers, such as Mr. Hosford and Mr. Bentzley, and as well as former teachers Ms. Archer, Ms. Dries, Mr. Printz, Mr. Trotty, and Ms. Manjarrez.  During my first interview at Trinity, I was told that if I put my heart into my work I would be loved by the children and the rest of the Trinity family.  That was quite a sales pitch- I knew that I could use a family out here since mine was over 1,000 miles away!  The sales pitch was no gimmick- they were right about their promise.

During my first few drives down the long driveway off of Ilchester Road, I remembered thinking that this was an impressive school, but I was going to serve for two years and then move back to the Midwest.  Two years into my tenure, I seriously considered moving back, and had a group of friends to live with all ready for me once I made my decision.  When the time came to decide, I could not leave.  I was hooked.  My heart was at Trinity, and I knew it wasn't time to go.  I planned to stay for two more years, until the basketball team I was coaching graduated.  Two years later, I was offered one of those job opportunities that I couldn’t refuse, offering a higher salary and better hours.  I refused it.  I decided to stay a few more years until my next basketball team graduated.  After those three years, I decided to stay another two years, and before too long I ended up here for 12 years.

These last twelve years have been full of memories, and they have certainly been enjoyable.  I have been blessed to take on many different assignments at Trinity, and each of them brought great joy to my life.  Teaching religion was everything I hoped it would be, and it was such a thrill to share the goodness of God with so many classes of Trinity middle school students.  Coaching basketball, track, and cross-country may have been my greatest thrill on campus, and the races and games brought plenty of life to my weekends.  It was a blessing to offer my loud voice and my energy for the pep rally, fall festival, and spring event.  And of course, I was beyond blessed to succeed my hero and close friend Mr. Wilson a few years ago as Head of Middle School.  I have seen this campus from many different angles doing many different jobs during the past 12 years, and it's beautiful any way you look at it.

Counting my five years in Indiana before Trinity, I have been away from my family in Minnesota for the past seventeen years.  During these past twelve years, I have been adopted into the Trinity family and have been greatly blessed by your support.  I have met students I will always remember, co-workers that were true friends, and parents that were teammates in this great work of education.  The Trinity family has definitely kept me busy during the last twelve years, and it has certainly made sure I was well-fed!  As a supportive family, Trinity has also provided for much of my education by helping me through two masters' degree programs at Notre Dame of Maryland and at Marymount University.  I have also learned countless valuable lessons about working with people on the job, whether it was in my classroom, my office, or on the basketball court.  I have also benefited from the supportive leadership of Sr. Catherine, Mrs. Martinez, Mrs. Law, and our other administrators over the past twelve years that have clearly put their whole heart into their work.

After seventeen years away, I know with much clarity that it's time to return to Minnesota.  Faith, family, and love are all calling me back to the Midwest, and those are three pretty good reasons to return anywhere.  I am going to miss Trinity.  Although I have dreams of coming back to lead the pep rally, chaperone the Genesee Valley trip, or do the live auction at the Spring event, I am sure that I will have other commitments in Minnesota that will make these unfeasible.  Please know, however, that Trinity will be in my prayers, and I will come back to visit.  Our mission of proclaiming the goodness of God and teaching children what they need for life is beautiful in its simplicity and effectiveness, and I know the Trinity family will be a blessing to many more families that come down the long driveway.

Thank you for the joys of the past twelve years, and for adopting me as a son in the Trinity family.  This school has truly been a place where I've learned to love education.

With thanks,
Kyle Rickbeil

APRIL: Virtue of the Month ~ KINDNESS

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH

KINDNESS

To become a good person, one must do good things, make good choices, express good attitudes, share with others, and engage in good behavior.

LOVE is KIND; love is NOT rude.

A KIND person is one who:

• Compliments others
• Cheers up someone who is sad
• Helps others
• Smiles
• Shares
• Gives to the less fortunate
  
  

ADD TO THIS LIST: ______________________________________________

REFLECTION: Jesus was kind to everyone, not just to those who were nice to Him.  Jesus shared bread with others.  He spent time with others who were sick or needed someone to talk to.

Give EXAMPLES of times when Jesus was kind to others.

CAN YOU BE LIKE JESUS!

PASS IT ON (Henry Barton)

Have you had a kindness shown?

Pass it on

“Twas not given for thee alone,

Pass it on.

Let it travel down the years,

Let it wipe another’s tears,

“Till in Heaven the deed appears-

Pass it on.

March Virtue of the Month: FORGIVENESS

THE VIRTUE OF FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is to pardon the wrongs done against us or to seek pardon for wrongs that we have done to another.

When the apostles asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he included these words.

Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us.

Ask to be forgiven, to forgive others, and to forgive yourself because peace cannot exist without forgiveness.

Search the Bible to find the many times when Jesus forgave others.

Read the Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15:11 - 32

                Jesus forgave his murderers when he hung dying on the cross when he said,

“Father, forgive them:  They don’t know what they are doing.”

Forgiveness Gives You Freedom, Joy And Peace.

Without it, Revenge, Anger and Bitterness.

THE FOUR PROMISES OF FORGIVENESS

I will no longer dwell on this incident.

I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.

I will not talk to others about this incident.

I will not allow this incident to stand between us or hinder our relationship.

Trinity School Awarded Knott Foundation Grant for Technology

February 24, 2017 Hello Everyone!  In 2012, aware of the approaching STEM tidal wave and the necessity of having a viable IT-ready facility, the Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation granted Trinity $81,000.00 to kick off Trinity's technology initiative. Moving to the present, in September of 2016 the Development Team began work on a proposal to the Knott Foundation requesting their support for our ongoing technology upgrades.  Maintaining our edge in the realm of education technology is critical to the success of Trinity's curriculum, particularly in the areas of science, math and STEM.  Every day, all students, from the youngest to the oldest, benefit  from the effectiveness of our wireless infrastructure, our iPads and ancillary IT equipment.  Yesterday Trinity received a call from the Knott Foundation informing us that Trinity will be awarded $82,400.00 to further our technology goals. The most important thing to remember is that everyone at Trinity played a critical role in the Foundation's decision to grant such a large amount. I would like to thank the administrative staff who helped with the data pertinent to their departments. Patty Lill - business manager, Kathy Spiegel - assistant business manager, Christine Walsh - admissions director, Karen King - administrative assistant.  I would also like to thank Sr. Catherine, Mr. Rickbeil and Mrs. Martinez, who were present at the interview conducted by a Knott Foundation Trustee, for their support and detailed information regarding the impact of educational technology on students and teachers. I would like to thank David Godfrey, IT manager, for carefully researching our whole- school technology needs.  Mr. Godfrey handled the grueling questions posed to him with confidence, providing backup data and detailed pricing and line item descriptions. My thanks to Mr. Tom Pilon, Board of Trustees Chair, for encouraging the Board to participate 100% in Annual Giving. Thank you to Meg Ignacio, chair of the Board Development Committee, and thank you, Trustees, for maintaining the Board's tradition of 100% participation with your contributions.  The Knott Trustee was pleasantly surprised that this is a longstanding achievement, which cannot be said for all schools. Thank you, Trinity Faculty and Staff for being the personification of the mission of Trinity School. Your participation in Annual Giving was also noted as was Trinity's Green School award, especially in the area of Chesapeake Bay preservation. That each school and preschool has its own Annual Giving faculty-agent who is well versed in encouraging their peers to give beyond measure was commended. A noteworthy observation by the Knott Trustee was the participation of our awesome Grandparents who contribute their time and talents by actively participating as volunteers, stepping in for our all too busy parents, sponsoring their own activity - the Father Daughter Dance, and raising their Annual Giving percentage each year. The presence of Trinity alum as current parents, faculty and the induction of graduates into the Alumni Association show Trinity rising to the challenge of maintaining contact with former students, particularly in the social media market. Our parents received congratulations for their awareness of the importance of both the school mission and the challenge to reach 100% participation in Annual Giving. From monetary contributions to fundraising to serving pizza lunches, Trinity parents live the mission and carry the positivism into our surrounding community.  As one parent recently said, "I find my joy in helping out at school. It is the best way to be a part of what is happening in my childrens' lives while they are at school."   The strength of Trinity is our parents who sacrifice so much to give their children an education based in  Christian faith, who help their children with positive encouragement, and who work together as a family joined with the common goal of giving their children what they need for life. From monetary contributions to fundraising to positions of Trinity service, Trinity parents live the mission and carry the positivism into our surrounding community.  The focus of the interview was our mission, our growth and our readiness to move toward the future.  I humbly express my appreciation to all of you who, in spite of the challenges of today's world, dig in your heels and let your hearts guide you to providing the gift of Trinity, a firm education and life foundation, for your child.  Thank you 82,400 times. Renee Renee Van Schoor Development Director Trinity School

February Virtue of the Month: INTEGRITY

THE VIRTUE OF INTEGRITY

Integrity is a virtue for moral decision making.
It is doing what God expects of you.

THREE BASIC INGREDIENTS OF INTEGRITY

1) Telling the truth

2) Keeping one's promises

3) Taking responsibility for one's behavior

A PERSON WHO HAS INTEGRITY

Stands for somethings

Has strength of will

Is moved by God to do what is right

January 2017: Virtue of the month: COURAGE

Virtue of the Month: COURAGE

COURAGE is having the strength to do what we need to do

COURAGE is when we go ahead when we are afraid

COURAGE is needed where there are things we have to change, especially if we know it will affect other people and there is a possibility that they won't like what we are doing.

There are many different kinds of true courage:

     -Courage that stays cool and calm in troubled times

     -Courage that stands up for what is right

     -Courage of acting according to you faith in God

     -Courage of trusting yourself and refusing to follow the crowd when the crowd is wrong

Another name for COURAGE is FORTITUDE. It is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, so you have it. Do you use it?

In your own words, write one sentence that says what courage is.

Give three reasons why courage is important.

Name two people you think have shown courage and say why.

Name three instances when the virtue of COURAGE is needed.

Jesus once said to his disciples who were caught in stormy waters in a boat:

Have COURAGE, it is I.