Trinity’s Preparedness as We Monitor Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As Trinity Christian School continues to monitor and assess the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 worldwide, we have created this resource for our community to remain aware of Trinity’s ongoing measures to track and safeguard against this public health threat. Our goal is to provide families with critical information regarding programs and other activities our students, faculty, and staff are engaged in during this time.
As always, the safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority.
What You Should Know
TCS Resources
Parent and Student TIPS:
What the Public Should Do
Symptoms & Complications
State Resources
Updates From Trinity
August 2, 2020
The Trinity Christian School Administration has developed the following on-campus strategies and protocols to serve as a framework to help students and parents understand what to expect once our campus reopens for the 2020 - 2021 school year.
July 24, 2020
As an update, our Administration has put together the attached updated Fall 2020 Reopening Plan. As always, our goal is to keep you informed regarding all that Trinity Christian School is doing to keep our students and staff safe in preparation for the start of the new school year. This Reopening Plan covers the following important topics:
The TCS Mission
An understanding of TCS's decision to reopen
Official on-campus return to school date
Trinity's Safe Reopening practices and purchases
A guide for families and staff for deciding when to stay home
Protocol for COVID-19 reporting
Wearing masks and face coverings
Distance Learning options
School Orientation
Ongoing communications
We are excited about this new school year, and are looking forward to having our students and staff back on campus the Fall.
Reopening Plan Updates
July 13, 2020
We recently published a Fall 2020 Reopening Plan. Here are a few updates regarding our progress toward reopening. We have made few enhancements around campus that are designed to create an even safer environment for our students and staff.
Also, the Administration is reevaluating our Fall 2020 Reopening Plan, and will make adjustments as needed once we receive guidelines and recommendations from public health officials and the Governor's office. We will be sure to keep you informed as always.
Stay tuned for more updates soon!
TCS RELEASES FALL 2020 REOPENING PLAN
June 12, 2020 -
Trinity Christian School is planning to reopen our campus on Tuesday, August 11, 2020; and we are excited! TCS is diligently putting safety measures in place to welcome our students and staff back on campus in the Fall. And as always, safety is our top priority.
Our Administration has developed a Fall 2020 Reopening Plan, which outlines several scenarios. In it, we share a three-tiered approach to ensuring a smooth opening. While we are eager to get back to educating our students on campus, note that this plan is subject to change. We are constantly monitoring announcements from Governor Brian Kemp and public health officials, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Georgia Department of Public Health and University System of Georgia. TCS will review recommendations and guidelines, and make adjustments to the Reopening Plan as needed.
fall 2020 reopening video announcement
On May 27, 2020, Dr. Mark, Head of School, shared an important announced regarding Trinity’s plan to reopening the campus in the Fall.
May 11, 2020 - TCS Graduation Ceremony Announcement and Social Distancing Guidelines.
Families of Trinity Graduates,
We are so pleased to be able to offer this modified graduation ceremony for the graduating Class of 2020! We are taking every action step in our planning with the health and safety of all that choose to participate in this event as a top priority. It is essential to know that this is not a mandatory event and we respect your decision to not attend. This does not impact receipt of the diploma or your name being called as a graduate during the ceremony. It is our desire for this to be a wonderful celebration of this milestone event. Here are a few housekeeping items to ensure the safety of our family and friends and respect of the Trinity Stadium. Also, in keeping with COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, the expectation is to maintain a distance of 6 feet apart at all times.
The graduate and 2 Ticket holders can attend the event - Those that do not have a ticket will not be permitted on the campus. (Tickets will be distributed as a part of the senior week event on Wednesday, May 13th between 1 pm-3 pm).
Please note that the stadium is NOT available for seating; therefore, there is no room for additional guests.
Entry to the campus will begin at 5:45 pm. Please note that seats are already assigned; therefore, arriving early will not be necessary.
Upon entering the stadium, guests will go to the assigned seats. The last name of the graduating senior will be posted on the back of the seat.
Seating will be arranged with 3 chairs grouped together (4 seats together for graduates that are twins). Ticket holders will sit in their designated seats arranged in alphabetical order by the last name of the graduate.
Graduates will meet in the high school multipurpose room area at 6:15 pm to receive specific directions to prepare for the processional.
Graduates will enter the stadium with the traditional pomp and circumstance following social distancing guidelines.
The graduate will sit with their guests in order to make the seating arrangements more intimate and in compliance with social distancing guidelines.
When the ceremony is over, students and guests should make their way out of the stadium using social distancing guidelines. Please plan to take pictures after leaving the TCS campus.
A few other items:
Please wear shoes that are conducive to walking on turf (flat, wedge, or block heel are approved footwear)
Please do not use silly string or confetti at the Trinity Stadium
Masks are not required but are strongly recommended for the most optimal protection.
This event will be live-streamed on the Trinity Christian Facebook page and on YouTube so that other family members, friends, and the community can view the ceremony.
Thank you for your cooperation in cleaning up your area in the stands/on the field before leaving the stadium. We are really looking forward to this milestone event for our students.
March 26, 2020 - TCS Extends School Closure to Friday, April 24, 2020
In light of statewide Executive Order issued by Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday, March 26, 2020, our plans are to reopen school on Monday, April 27, 2020. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and provide updates on the impact this has on our operations.
In the meantime, remote learning will continue during our school’s temporary closure.
March 24, 2020 - TCS Facilities and Playgrounds Sanitized by Local Professionals
On Tuesday, March 24th, two local professional companies were on campus providing sanitizing services throughout: PENCO Restoration and Firehouse Pressure Washing. Both Joey Pendley of PENCO Restoration and Michael Dingler of Firehouse Pressure Washing generously donated their companies’ services.
PENCO Restoration Sanitizing Early Learning Building
PENCO Restoration serviced the interior of all facilities, including classrooms, offices, restrooms, the gymnasium, etc., using a safe botanical disinfectant throughout as a precautionary measure.
Firehouse Pressure Washing used an effective sanitizing process to disinfect our playgrounds, including swings, slides, mini rock-climbing wall, etc.
Please join us in thanking Mr. Pendley (PENCO Restoration) and Mr. Dingler (Firehouse Pressure Washing) for their support of the safety of our students and staff.
PENCO Restoration Sanitizing Middle School Building
PENCO Restoration Sanitizing High School Building
PENCO Restoration Sanitizing High-Touch Surfaces Throughout Campus
WATCH: Firehouse Pressure Washing Sanitizes Playgrounds
March 20, 2020 - Trinity Christian School Makes Remote Learning Fun and Engaging
On Thursday, March 19th, Trinity officially kicked off Day One of remote learning in light of the school’s closure due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic.
In true TCS fashion, the school decided to incorporate fun and school spirit into virtual learning. The goal is to introduce creative and innovative ways of educating students and keeping them engaged.
We took a moment to hear from our principals on the difference remote learning is making. Here’s what they had to say:
High School
“TCS High School has now conquered Day 1 and 2 of remote learning. Different, yes. Lots of planning and recording, of course. Successful, without a doubt!
This is all being done with a spirit of positivity and pressing on towards the goals that stand before us - to impact today’s student for tomorrow’s world.
The remote learning days are being provided through a variety of digital formats and platforms, and our familiarity with Google classroom is making this much easier than we ever could have imagined.
As a result of our technological capabilities, …we are able to educate and provide our students with the quality of instruction that they would receive in the classroom.
It is our sincere hope that we can all return to our schools soon but in the meantime, we will do our best to make lemonade out of lemons! Communication and flexibility are key as we’re all in this together!” - Kimberly Jones, High School Principal
upper elementary & Middle school
“Virtual learning has been a huge success so far for Upper Elementary and Middle School. I’m so proud of our teachers and the hard work they have put in to making this transition to remote learning such a smooth process. We have been able to create meaningful connections between teachers and students through the Zoom platform which is allowing our students to receive the help and support they need while also allowing them to connect with their classmates as well.
Students have been working and submitting assignments diligently and our teachers have found new ways to connect our students with the necessary content, giving me great confidence that our students are receiving all that they need during this time of closure to progress more than adequately in their academics.
I’m so thankful for all of the technology and resources available to us during this time to make continued learning possible. Parents have been so gracious and their outpouring of supportive emails have helped encourage and sustain each of our faculty as they continue to adjust their methods of teaching. Our students have also provided great feedback and seem to be enjoying the new approaches to learning that they are being exposed to as a result. While we are all hoping this time away from the classroom comes to an end soon, I am confident that the measures we have taken will continue to serve each of our students well until we are able to return.” - Adam Vinson, Middle School and Upper Elementary School Principal
lower elementary
“Our first two days of remote learning has been a success! I am very pleased with the quality of education our teachers are continuing to provide remotely. Our top priorities in Lower School were to continue to offer a quality education, to strengthen our spiritual focus, and to keep our TCS community connected, all while not overwhelming our parents of young children.
Teachers are utilizing ClassDojo, ClassTag, Loom, Zoom, Google Meet, and other applications to connect with students and their families through videos and live chat. This has been instrumental in maintaining a personal connection and keeping the feeling of community alive! We are continuing to offer Specials classes throughout remote learning to encourage the growth and development of our students in areas such as PE, Art, STEAM, Music, and Creative Drama. We are encouraging participation in PE type activities everyday to promote exercise and wellness during this time of isolation and social distancing.
The TCS community and culture is alive and well as staff and parents partner together to make remote learning a huge success. A big shout out to our TCS families who have given unwavering support to our TCS staff.” -Sherry Randolph, Lower Elementary and Early Education Principal
Feedback from TCS Families
Students and parents alike have also expressed how much Trinity’s remote learning program is helping students continue learning. A flood of feedback has poured in through emails, Social Media and surveys.
“Being more involved in my children's assignments this morning has made me even more thankful for the blessing of having our children at Trinity. Up to this point, I have trusted that you were teaching Biblical principles and reinforcing what we are trying to do at home, but now I know that you are, and I am so grateful!” - TCS HS Parent
“What a great school we have! Amazing teachers and staff. As I’m at work I get texts from my better half as he is directing this e-learning process. He says our daughter fussed a couple times, but after being able to see the posts from her teacher, seeing her friends and classmates all doing the same thing, life is much better at home. Today we are finishing out strong. This is a challenge for us all. God has made a way to keep each of us safe and well. [I’m] thankful for the staff at TCS, and how they too are making it fun for our kids to finish the year out strong.” TCS MS Parent
“First day of ‘virtual learning’ for our two TCS kids! Representing MS & HS! So far, so good... A huge shoutout to ALL of the teachers and administrators for preparing for this new learning experience! I truly hope though we can get back to our normal way of life sooner rather than later. But until then, we will remain home to help flatten the curve!” TCS MS & HS Parent
“Thank y’all so very much for the super organized packet pick up! I teared up a bit as I saw all your smiling faces! Driving through “car line” actually gave me a “normal moment” that I needed in this time of uncertainty. Prayers!” TCS Lower School Parent
“I just want to take a moment and say how very impressed I am with the staff and the entire Trinity family. Today as I breezed through the packet pick up line I thought about all the changes we had to make so quickly and how all the teachers/administration seemed to rise to the challenge. I have so many friends who are telling me their school’s difficulty setting up remote learning and they are in shock when I tell them what Trinity has set up. I have such confidence and pride in TCS. Even my kids’ track athletic staff has continued to text encouragement and send out newsletters to us. Honestly, I am beyond impressed. I am humbled by the dedication. It reminds me why we chose/choose to invest our money in this school and community for the past 11 years. Thank you Trinity!” -TCS Lower Elementary Parent
“I just wanted to take a minute & thank the principals & teachers at TCS. The first two days of remote learning has been great. You guys have gone above & beyond to make sure the students & even parents have all the information they need. The amount of time & work that has been put into the lesson plans & being easily accessible shows! It is great to be a TCS Lion!” - TCS Parent
March 12, 2020 - TCS Issues Notice of School Closure Due to Governor of Georgia Recommendations
Sharpsburg, GA - In a notice to parents, students, staff and faculty, TCS Administration announced that the school will closed beginning Friday, March 13 - Friday, March 27, 2020. (Read full announcement)
TCS has suspended all school activities, including classes, field trips, and athletic activities (e.g. games and practices).
This closure comes in response to Governor Brian Kemp’s recommendations urging schools to consider closing for two weeks in light of the recent developments related to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Trinity’s Administration will continue to monitor this outbreak and work with local health officials to gather up-to-date information, and therefore keep TCS Families abreast of Trinity’s ongoing efforts.
March 12, 2020 - Trinity Releases Plan of Action to Address COVID-19 Concerns
PLAN OF ACTION
We want to be proactive as administration in prioritizing the health and safety of our students and families. Listed below you will find action steps we are now taking in response to the latest updates regarding COVID-19.
How is Trinity preparing for a school closure?
Trinity is planning a remote learning day for Friday, March 20. Students are asked to stay at home that day. Teachers will communicate with families about assignments, lectures, etc. The school will still be open that day and parents/guardians will still be able to drop your student off during normal school hours. Students dropped off on campus will still go through the remote learning process.
How is Trinity handling large group gatherings?
We are planning to suspend all non-essential large group gatherings (assemblies, field trips, etc.) on a week by week basis as needed based on continuing developments. The goal would be to eliminate unnecessary, confined gatherings for our students where they are in close proximity to each other. This is in response to recommendations made by the CDC and Georgia Department of Health.
What if I would prefer to keep my child home for safety reasons?
If a parent feels the need to keep their student or students at home, work can be provided for the student to accomplish at home. The parent/guardian needs to contact their school administrator to set up the flex learning option for their student. Work can either be emailed home or picked up from the school. A school representative will be available to bring the work to the car if needed.
What if the school is required to shut down for an extended period of time?
The first 4 days will be considered inclement weather days - these days are factored into our school academic calendar and do not have any negative impact on our number of academic days in the school year - no work will be required to allow parents to focus on plans for their student. Remote learning will begin on the 5th day with activities and resources being sent home via email to ensure students are able to progress academically on schedule.
March 10, 2020
CDC Issues Interim Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools
Recently, the CDC released important information for childcare programs and K-12 schools regarding plans, preparations and responses to Coronavirus. Read the full article here.
March 3, 2020 - Trinity Administrators met to discuss the current status of COVID-19 to the state of Georgia and the potential impact on regular activities at the school. The team addressed the school’s protocols for regularly sanitizing facilities, providing ongoing communication to parents, students, faculty and staff, and remote learning opportunities should the school need to suspend classes for an extend period. TCS will continue to keep the school’s community informed.
March 2, 2020 - In a message regarding the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Head of School Dr. Mark Anthony assured TCS Families and staff that the school is actively engaged in ongoing efforts to remain in regular contact with public health authorities, while school administrators solidify a response should this public health threat escalate to a state of emergency in Georgia. The message went on to provide tips for daily preventive care, including valuable online resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia Department of Public Health and University System of Georgia.
Read Dr. Anthony’s message here.