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Inside the Pride Lower School News - Volume 317

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Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Lower School

Published August 9, 2026

Volume 317

 

Sherry Randolph - Early Learning & Lower School Principal

 

The Principal’s Piece: A Note From Mrs. Randolph

School starts tomorrow, and we are so excited! We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Meet My Teacher Day on Monday, August 10. It's a great opportunity for students to meet their teacher, find their classroom, drop off supplies, and get excited for the first day of school.

As we begin this school year, we are also celebrating 35 years of Trinity Christian School. We are so thankful for God's faithfulness through the years and are excited for all He has in store for this new school year.

Meet My Teacher Day – Monday, August 10

  • Last Names A–L: 9:30–11:30 a.m. (drop-in)

  • Last Names M–Z: 1:30–3:30 p.m. (drop-in)

Then on Tuesday, August 11, we officially kick off the 2026–2027 school year! We can't wait to welcome our students back to campus and begin another great year together.

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR

  • Monday, August 10 - Meet the Teacher Day

  • Tuesday, August 11  - First Day of School 

  • Tuesday, August 18 - Progress Learning: ELA (K5 - 3rd only)

  • Thursday, August 20 - Progress Learning: Math (K5 - 3rd only)

  • Monday, August 24 - Fall Picture Day

  • Friday, September 4 - Remote Learning Day

  • Monday, September 7 - Labor Day Holiday

MEET OUR NEW LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER ASSISTANTS

Kayla Duffey, Kindergarten

Blanca Benavidez, 2nd grade

Anita Billings, 3rd grade

Melinda Franke, 3rd grade

Meet Our New Art Teacher, Reke Gatlin 

I am excited to join Trinity Christian School as the new Art Teacher for 1st-8th grades! I have been part of the Trinity family for over 10 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to now serve the school community in this role. I studied Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Academy of Art University, where I developed a strong foundation in art, design, and creative expression. Art has always been a meaningful part of my life, and I am passionate about helping students discover their own creativity, develop their artistic skills, and recognize the unique gifts God has given them.

I look forward to creating an encouraging and inspiring classroom environment where students can explore the visual arts while growing in confidence and creativity. I am excited to continue growing as part of the Trinity community and to share my love of art with my students!

Safe Dismissal

We have partnered with the company safeDISMISSAL.COM to facilitate our dismissal process for our Early Learning students (PreK-3 through Kinder) and our Elementary and Middle School (1st - 8th grades). One of the many wonderful features of this dismissal process is that your children will remain comfortably and safely in their classroom until the moment they meet you in the "car loading zone". 

Here are a few tips to follow during our dismissal process: 

  • Please make sure to have your ‘pick-up’ card displayed in your front window when entering the dismissal line. Please keep your card displayed until your child has been loaded into your car. 

  • Please stay in-line (no passing) during dismissal as the children will be instructed to walk to specific spots for loading. 

  • To reduce your wait time, please keep up with the car in front of you.  Stay attentive and focused on the car line.

  • If your student does not arrive at the loading spot before you do, you may be instructed to move to a "waiting" area where your child will be notified again. We ask you to move to this area so that we do not hold up the remaining dismissal line.  

  • Please note:  Your child is assigned to be picked up at a particular spot according to the order of cars in line each day.  Please follow the car in front of you until the line stops, regardless of where you might or might not see your child.  Stopping before the line has filled will cause the sequence to be thrown off and delay the line.  We will get your child to the proper spot should they have gone to the wrong place.

  • Please share this information with anyone who you have designated to pick up your child.

Finally, we ask for your patience the first couple of weeks of school as everyone gets accustomed to the process.  It will get faster/better each day!

The administrators and teachers are committed to making this process beneficial to all parties. Please visit www.safeDISMISSAL.com for more information.  Below are a couple of helpful resources to further explain the process.

SafeDismissal Parent INTRO Video

SafeDismissal Parents Info Sheet

Agape After School Registration

Please see the message below from Kami Heilman.

We've transitioned to a new registration system for Agape After School! We ask that all families with children in PreK–5th grade complete a one-time registration in our new system. Registering now ensures your child is ready to attend Agape whenever the need arises. There is no cost to register, and you will only be charged if and when your child attends the Agape After School program. Click below to register:

AGAPE AFTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION

SUPPLY LISTS FOR 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Each grade level has prepared a student supply list. Please bring these items to school on Meet The Teacher Day, August 10th. Student Supply Lists are available on Blackbaud but may also be accessed through the links below. If you pre-purchased your student's supplies through EPI School Supply, there's nothing else you need to bring. Your student's supply pack will be waiting in the classroom and ready for Meet the Teacher Day!

LOWER SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR

Show your school spirit all year long! Lower School families have the opportunity to purchase optional grade-level spirit wear. Click the link below to browse available items and place your order. Spirit wear is completely optional but is a fun way for students to show their school pride throughout the year!

Lower School Spirit Wear

Uniform Guidelines

As you prepare for the new school year, please review our uniform requirements  to ensure your student is ready for the first day of school. Click the link below to view the complete uniform guidelines. This information can also be found in the Parent-Student Handbook for your convenience.

Lower School Uniform Info

Administrative Contacts

If you have any questions throughout the summer, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to help! Please see the guide below to reach the most appropriate personnel.

(pictured l to r) Lisa Railey, Jenn Duncan, Sherry Randolph, Leslie Cook, and Ashley Moore

Lower School ADMIN Team: We are here to help!