Trinity Lutheran School

August 12, 2020

Dear Trinity Family,

This past Tuesday, we received further updates from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Governor Brown’s office regarding the re-opening guidelines, Ready Schools, Safe Learners Version 3.7.4 August 11, 2020. We had been hopeful that private schools’ restrictions would be “relaxed,” but that was not the case.

As you know, we have also been tracking the Deschutes County and State of Oregon metrics to determine whether we will open “in-person” or “online” for grades KDG – 3. After reviewing the current information, State guidelines dictate that Trinity’s school will be opening online in grades KDG – 3 and grades 4- 12 (which was announced last week). Trinity has committed to KDG – 12 online learning for the first quarter of the school year (October 30). While this is not the opening the majority of the Trinity family was hoping for, we are prepared to continue to offer an excellent educational experience for our students in either modality (in-person or online).

In addition, new student enrollments for the first semester will not be accepted after August 31, even if we begin in-person instruction on November 2. We will complete the second quarter with the same cohorts that started the semester on September 1. Applications for 2nd semester will be accepted at any time. 

Trinity Early Childhood Education

Our Preschool and Junior Kindergarten program, now called Early Childhood Education, can operate in-person as initially scheduled. The guidance for this program comes from the Early Learning Division of the ODE. Due to these new stipulations, students will be divided into cohorts by an all-day class (8:00 am-4:00 pm) and half-day am class (8:00-11:15 am). A half-day pm ECE class (12:00-3:00 pm) is a possibility based on the interest level of our families. If you are interested in our Early Childhood Education program, please contact our school office. 

Emergency Child Care Program

Trinity will also offer an Emergency Child Care Option for students in grades KDG-age 12. This program prioritizes the children of essential workers, as defined by the State of Oregon. This program is for all-day care (8a-5:30p) in cohorts of 10. Currently, we have a capacity of 20 students in this program. Rates per child are as follows:

  • Early Childhood (11:15-4:00): $1250 per quarter
  • Elementary/Middle School to age 12:
  • Care during school hours (8:00 – 3:00): $875 per quarter
  • Care after school hours (3:00 – 5:30): $625 per quarter
  • TOTAL full-day care (8:00 – 5:30): $1500 per quarter

New Staff to Join Trinity

This fall Trinity will welcome two new teachers to the Faculty and Staff: Mrs. Makalani Vicknair & Mrs. Caitlyn Littrell. 

Mrs. Makalani Vicknair joins our team after teaching at Seven Peaks Academy for the past three years. She will be teaching MS and HS science. Mrs. Caitlyn Littrell comes to Trinity after recently moving here to Bend from Contra Costa, CA where she taught HS English at Contra Costa Christian School. Last year, Mrs. Littrell was selected as Costa Christian School’s teacher of the year. She will be teaching HS English half-time here at Trinity. Mr. Josh Carnahan will be our new half-time Tech Coach.

HS Sports

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSA) has also released new scheduling guidelines for HS sports. The new sports schedule is as follows; Winter season sports will be played in January and February, Fall season sports in March and April, and Spring season sports in May and June. Trinity’s team practice and conditioning schedules will be released after the start of school.

 As a reminder for tuition rates and deadlines…

  • Families will receive a 100% tuition refund if the student is withdrawn in writing on or before August 17.
  • If a student withdraws between August 18-Sept 30, a family will receive a 50% tuition refund of the first semester and a 100% tuition refund of the second semester, if applicable. 
  • Please review your tuition contracts and contact the school office if you have any questions. 

Class lists will be updated on August 18, and teachers will be contacting families starting August 19 to share class-specific information and student schedules.

Our next update will be released Wednesday, August 19, 2020, and will include:

  • The Sept 1-3 schedule
  • Dates to pick up student devices 
  • Family Login information to the new TADS: Educate parent portal to access student progress

I was reminded today that our God is not in heaven pacing back and forth, worrying about what happens next. He is sitting on His throne. He sees our future, and He is guiding and directing this Trinity family. I bank on that every day. Keep trusting in Him in all things.

be God’s,

Gregg Pinick

Executive Director/Head of Schools

SDG!

Share the Post: