T School of Midland M , T h of S J 2018 trinitymidland · The PoSiTion Trinity School, an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school founded in 1958 to bring the virtues

TriniTy School of MidlandMidland, TexaShead of School

July 2018trinitymidland.org

The PoSiTion

Trinity School, an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school founded in 1958 to bring the virtues of an independent school education to West Texas, now enrolls some 600 students from preschool through grade 12. A longtime member of the Independent School Association of the Southwest, Trinity has built a reputation for excellence and innovation and is currently seeking a new Head of School to commence service in July of 2018.

The next Head of School will be a dynamic educational leader of proven accomplishment who will maintain a visible and energetic presence on campus, exhibit first rate communication and listening skills, possess decisive leadership and managerial capabilities, and enhance the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation across the school. It is also expected that the Head will have experience in strategic planning and will demonstrate an inspiring ability to move the Trinity community forward together to claim a future of optimal possibility for the school. The ideal candidate will bring notable classroom experience and will excel in the hiring and development of outstanding faculty and the shaping of a rewarding culture of teaching. He or she will also be responsible for building a talented, highly motivated leadership team who will collaborate successfully to ensure diligent and creative oversight of enrollment management, the cultivation of financial strength, and the generation of robust philanthropy.

Trinity has been a beacon of educational quality for 60 years and the present moment is one of significant institutional momentum. The school has just completed the largest capital campaign in its history, raising $18,000,000 for an exciting reshaping of the 20-acre campus, which involved 41,000 square feet of new construction, and some 16,000 square feet of renovation. New structures include the deCompiegne Building featuring state-of-the-art learning spaces for the Upper School and the architecturally stunning Commons Building, which includes dining facilities, lecture and assembly rooms, and a media center. One highlight of the newly renovated areas is the Marion Blakemore Children’s Library, a brightly colored haven for literacy in the heart of the Lower School. The board of trustees and the full Trinity community are energized by what has been accomplished and eager to open up an exciting new chapter in the school’s growth and development.

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Mission Statement

The mission of Trinity School is to provide an extraordinary college preparatory education within a nurturing environment that enriches the mind, strengthens the body, enlivens the soul, and inspires student leadership. Trinity is dedicated to developing Character in all of its students which is manifested in the core values of Faith, Excellence, Learning, Community, Respect, Participation, Leadership, and Service.


This is an outstanding opportunity for a gifted leader who is well-aligned with Trinity’s mission and committed to establishing an enduring tenure and creating a lasting legacy.

School hiSTory

Boldly brought into being six decades ago in 1958 by pathbreaking members of Midland’s Holy Trinity Church (which still thrives today), Trinity School was designed to offer the values of independent school education—mission driven excellence; small classes and personal attention; rich opportunities for lifelong learning in academics, the arts, and athletics—to the children and families of West Texas. Trinity School was established by the Vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. Called “The Episcopal Day School,” it first offered kindergarten and first grade in the classrooms of the church. In 1962 construction began on a new facility located on twenty acres of property donated by William B. Blakemore II, and a year later the school opened at its new site with grades K5 through 7. In 1966 the School was reorganized to become an independent school and was renamed Trinity School of Midland, no longer under the auspices of the Episcopal Church. The Upper School was established in 1988 and the first senior class graduated in June of 1991. The school continued to thrive, opening a new Upper School complex in 1995. The largest senior class in the school’s history graduated in 2015, and in 2016 the new Commons and the Upper School de Compiegne Building were completed.


The School

Today, Trinity School is a coeducational college preparatory day school for 600 students in preschool through grade 12. The mission of Trinity School is to provide a challenging, college-preparatory academic program in a nurturing, enriching environment that builds excellence in the whole child. Trinity School offers a demanding, comprehensive education to each student. The typical student will be deeply involved in the visual and performing arts, interscholastic athletics, and ongoing community service projects. Daily chapel is required, however Trinity embraces and welcomes students to the school from different faiths.

Trinity’s students are diverse, passionate about learning, and committed to contributing to the greater good of the larger Midlands community. Many, naturally, are Texas born and bred, but because of the national and international drawing power of Midland’s major industries, energy and healthcare, significant numbers of students hail from other parts of the US and abroad, giving the Trinity community a vibrant blend of backgrounds and life experiences. Some 28% of the student body are students of color, 23% of all students receive some form of financial aid, and the average class size is 15. A passionate faculty, 36% of whom have advanced degrees, work to inspire students both in the classroom and out, shaping them into lifelong learners. In keeping with Trinity’s core values of faith, character development, and service, the tradition of Chapel is central to the life of the school community. Each day students and faculty throughout the school gather for worship in All Saint’s Chapel where children of all faiths are welcomed and valued, and where kindness, respect, and the power of one person to make a difference in the world are emphasized.

Trinity School is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS),


recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and a member of the Independent Curriculum Group (ICG), National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), and National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

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The academic program challenges students to develop a strong foundation for becoming lifelong learners. A rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum combines high standards of scholarship and a commitment to academic excellence. It is enhanced by instruction in world languages, fine arts, and physical education. Technology further supports the curriculum—Trinity has a 1:1 student/laptop ratio in every grade level, with the exception of preschool. Students in first through eighth grade each have their own Chromebooks, and students in grades 9-12 bring their own device. In addition, Trinity is dedicated to serving students of all learning styles. The school has special programs in place for students with learning differences to guarantee their success: the Take Flight program for younger students, and Educational Support Services (ESS) for older students.

Trinity students are active learners, inquisitive, and have a thirst for knowledge. They possess a deep understanding of the foundational ideas of the academic disciplines, and employ research and analytical thinking to find answers to their questions and curiosities. Throughout their academic careers, students learn to work cooperatively in teams and take initiative individually while managing time and resources. The school cultivates a passion for learning in all that it does in and out of the classroom, in the curriculum and instruction, and in extracurricular activities.


PreSchool

Preschool at Trinity is a safe and nurturing place, developmentally appropriate for three- and four-year-old children, while organized to stimulate and challenge lively intellects. Classes have 15 children in a group and two adults assigned to each class. The curriculum respects the developmental differences and unique learning styles of all children, with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Montessori-based instruction and materials are used in every class, and there is opportunity for continuous progress based on a child’s individual readiness. Hallmarks of the program include daily praise, prayer, and worship in All Saints’ Chapel; garden and playground areas suited for young children; and art, music, and foreign language instruction.

The Rhonda G. Durham Children’s Enrichment Center offers a program for children turning two years old on or before the first day of school. It provides a structured learning experience for students who will attend K3 at Trinity School the following school year.

lower School

Lower School at Trinity for children in kindergarten through grade 3 is an active, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate learning environment, a place where teachers meet children at their “growing edge” and encourage them to be all that they can be. The Lower School program provides activities that allow students the chance to explore, create, and to become individuals. All activities encourage student participation, regardless of skill level or individual development. Activities begin by being individual in nature, allowing students more freedom to make choices, moving toward students


working in both small and large group activities by Grade Three.

Montessori language and mathematics in kindergarten develops foundational skills, while guided reading in kindergarten through grade 3 and EveryDay Mathematics in grades 1-3 offer an approach to instruction that allows students to engage with more complex learning as they are ready. Science instruction is divided into thematic topics in each grade, covering areas including solids and liquids, measurement, sound, plants, and balance and motion. Spanish instruction begins in grade 1 using the FLES Program, building both curiosity for and competency with a second language while immersing children in the joy of another culture. Art and music classes are taught by specialists in the disciplines, and regular physical education and recess time allows for the development of the body and supports the development of the intellect. Lower School also includes daily worship in All Saints’ Chapel, where children come together for praise, prayer, and instruction about the Christian faith.

inTerMediaTe School

Trinity Intermediate School for grades 4-6 builds on the academic foundation students receive in Lower School and begins equipping them with many of the tools they will need to be successful in Upper School, college, and in their professional careers. The ambitious academic program features committed teachers, differentiated instruction, hands-on learning, and integrated technology across all content areas. In addition to academics, the Intermediate School gives children many opportunities to succeed in other areas and become well rounded individuals.

Beginning in grade 4, students can choose between French and Spanish. Classes introduce daily


conversation and appreciation of cultural differences, embracing the speaking, listening, and writing aspects of the target language. Humanities classes consist of language arts, geography, and social studies in one class. Students learn, research, and explore all aspects of humans and their cultures. Mathematics instruction builds upon the previous grade, extending and introducing concepts necessary for success. The curriculum emphasizes an understanding of the concepts, while building a mastery of basic skills and stressing the importance of math as an everyday survival skill. Science involves hands-on experiments that help develop students the ability to draw conclusions based upon observations and discovery and seeks for students to have a deeper understanding of the natural world through scientific exploration. The hands-on, inquiry-based approach to science at Trinity helps students to be prepared and engaged in science as they continue through school and life. Physical education shifts the emphasis from individual movement-based experiences toward specialized skills relating to sports or team activities, and participation in both fine and performing arts through art, band, and choir continues. Character development and spiritual leadership through chapel and advisory also continue in Intermediate School.

uPPer School

Trinity School provides a college-preparatory curriculum to all students. Upper School students in grades 7-12 engage daily with thoughtful and relevant lessons from a wide range of college preparatory courses. Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, Upper School follows a trimester system and although Advanced Placement (AP) coursework has been removed, the curriculum is still aligned with the rigorous standards of the AP curriculum and students have the option of taking AP exams. The curriculum is supported through the use of technology in the classroom;


Chromebooks are provided by the school for all seventh and eighth graders, and students in grades 9-12 are asked to bring their own devices.

Students must fulfill course requirements in English, world language, math, science, history and social studies, fine arts, physical education, and elective courses. They explore their creative abilities in a comprehensive program of studio and performing arts and enrich their spiritual faith through an active daily chapel program. In an effort to encourage students to pursue an academic interest that both extends beyond and still embraces the rigor and principles of core curriculum, Trinity School offers the Independent Studies Program to the highly self-motivated, intellectually curious students who understand that serious scholarship and intellectual purpose require discipline and active engagement. This opportunity is only available to an eligible rising junior or senior with two full years in good academic standing at Trinity School.

Trinity School’s College Advising office provides exceptional service for students and families by helping each student find their “best fit” college. Counselors work with students and their parents to plan course loads, support the application process, and offer advice throughout the entire

college accePTanceS

The following is a list of college and university acceptances from the Classes of 2015-17:

Abilene Christian University Angelo State University Austin College Baylor University Colorado College Colorado State University Cornish College of the Arts Florida International University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Kenyon College Kingwood College Louisiana State University Midland College Oklahoma State University Pennsylvania State University Pratt Institute Rhodes College Rice University Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University Southwestern University St. Edward’s University Stanford University Sul Ross State University Syracuse University Tarleton State University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University The University of Oklahoma The University of Texas, Austin The University of Texas, Dallas The University of Texas, Permian Basin Trinity University University of Arkansas University of Denver University of Mississippi University of North Texas West Texas A&M University Wheaton College

college selection process. Students should arrive at their college decisions as a result of their academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs. The comprehensive college advising program that helps students reflect upon their strengths and interests and represent themselves effectively to the colleges of their choice.

arTS and aThleTicS

Creativity and self-expression are essential components of a Trinity School education and the Arts Department is uniquely placed in both the academic and co-curricular life of the school. Courses are offered in painting and drawing, sculpture and ceramics, photography, and digital arts. Additionally, courses and performance opportunities in band, choir, theater, and speech and drama are available to students. At Trinity School, the art program gives students the opportunity to express themselves creatively. Through their assignments they will learn the basic design concepts and skill to enhance their ability as artists. Designed to awaken and challenge every student’s desire to create, the Arts Department is guided by practicing artists who love to teach. The artistic work of students is an integral part of the community and every Trinity student is involved through the arts programs.

In addition to creative confidence and expression, students at Trinity School are equipped with the habits of mind and body necessary to sustain physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Physical education classes are offered from kindergarten through sixth grade. Competitive sports available for Upper School students include football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, and track. These programs support the school’s philosophy of participation, growth, and achievement. Coaches speak openly about and encourage the values of self-discipline, respect for others, integrity, responsibility, and sportsmanship.


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STudenT life

Each student’s education is made richer by full participation in the extracurricular opportunities of the School. Commitment to community service, student government, athletics, studio arts, performing arts, daily chapel, clubs, and international programs will bring out hidden talents, cultivate interest, and make us well rounded, healthy persons.

Service within the school and to the community beyond fosters social responsibility, forms character, and builds confidence in persons who learn they can have a positive impact and make a lasting difference. Past service projects have included Empty Bowls, where students made pottery bowls and served food to benefit the West Texas Food Bank; Room to Read, where students of all ages initiated projects to raise funds for libraries in needy areas; canned food drives held throughout the year; Pennies for Patients, which raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; and many individual classroom and advisory projects. Lower and Intermediate School students participate in a BIGG (Big Ideas for the Greater Good) project every year, picking projects by class or advisory to work on for the year. Past projects have included kindergarteners distributing butterfly cards with inspiring messages to neighbors; third graders using a $100 Butterfly Grant to fund a bake sale and presenting the High Sky Children’s Ranch nursery with $1,200 worth of supplies; and fifth graders recycling at home, at school, and in the community.

Graduates of Trinity School will understand the basic tenets of the Christian faith, be equipped with useful knowledge of other religious traditions, practice respect and hospitality, and exemplify servant leadership and a willingness to protect the quality of life of all of God’s creation. Chapel is central to the daily life of the Trinity community. Each day students and faculty gather for worship in All Saints’ Chapel. Rooted in the Episcopal tradition, services remind the community who we are and to whom



we belong. Through song, prayer, and the reading and proclamation of the Old and New Testament scriptures, each student is challenged to explore the deep questions of life and to strive to become the person God has created each to be.

Midland, TexaS

Midland, Texas, is a warm and inviting West Texas city of 133,000 friendly people, located on Interstate 20, halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso. The area boasts Midland International Air & Space Port, serviced daily by American, Southwest, and United Airlines and is the closest airport to Big Bend National Park.

The city features over 185,000 square feet unique museums, delicious food, and exciting music and nightlife. The Permian Basin, of which Midland is the geographic center, contains 16%+ of the nation’s oil reserves. This strong energy presence makes Midland a hub of activity of the region and draws people from all over the world to the city. Midland brings together everything visitors and residents want in a modern city without the inconvenience of traffic congestion.

There is no shortage of cultural entertainment in the city. Midland College is home to the McCormick Gallery, where changing exhibits feature works of MC students and faculty, visiting artists, and juried exhibits. The Arts Council of Midland serves as the promotional and public relations vehicle to promote the arts and stimulate community participation and support. The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale has performed for over 45 years, and is the region’s largest orchestral organization, presenting both Pops and Masterworks concerts throughout the year. The Midland


Community Theatre has been entertaining crowds since 1946 and produces 15 shows each year in three performance spaces. Twice each year, the Phyllis and Bob Cowan Performing Arts Series at Midland College presents free cultural and artistic performances for the community at-large. Finally, as one of the city’s main attractions, the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center draws nationally-renowned performances each year.

Sitting on the southern edge of the Llano Estacado and located near the center of the Permian Basin oil fields, Midland’s economy has long been focused on petroleum exploration and extraction. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum houses numerous displays on the history, science, and technology of oil and gas development, as well as a collection of race cars designed by Jim Hall.

For sports fans, Midland is home to the Texas League champion Midland RockHounds baseball team, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics; the West Texas United Sockers, an American soccer team founded in 2008; the Midland Mad Dog Rugby Club; and the West Texas Drillers, an adult tackle football team. College sports enthusiasts enjoy Midland College’s baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s golf, softball and volleyball teams.

In recent years, Midland has been ranked as having the second-highest per capita income in the nation. And the citizens of Midland are extremely generous with that income. Trinity promotes character, because Midland is a town that exudes character. There is a broad entrepreneurial spirit that provides opportunities for success, and kindness and generosity abound to make Midland a true, supportive community. This is why so many people who move to Midland, choose to stay in Midland.

oPPorTuniTieS and challengeS

The next Head of School will benefit from the wonderful advantages that the newly completed $18 M expansion and renovations will provide for the future needs of Trinity School. The next Head will join a school community that is excited to think and plan together regarding its vision and future for their beloved school. The school enjoys a stable financial foundation, excellent faculty and staff, and a highly effective Board of Trustees who love the School and seeks a leader who will accomplish these priorities:

• Build a strong and lasting relationship with the school community• Communicate successfully with all segments of the school• Truly learn, analyze, and monitor the operations of the school• Create a strategic plan for the long-term direction for the school• Conduct a thorough assessment of and make positive improvements in the academic programs• Grow enrollment through a vibrant and high energy marketing program that enlists all employees in

informing and promoting the community of the many positives of the school• Enhance the advancement efforts and revenue generation of the school• Analyze the expenditures of the school and prioritize spending on the highest priorities• Maintain and protect the Episcopal identity of the school and grow its character development

programs to ensure the long-standing importance of the Trinity’s faith-based heritage

deSired QualiTieS and QualificaTionS of The nexT head of School

The Board of Trustees and greater Trinity School community are interested in candidates who can

advance educational excellence and who will delight in fostering a community in which reflection and innovation are highly valued, but practicality reigns. There is a preference for candidates with proven leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to help the school maintain its commitment to academic excellence within the context of its mission as an Episcopal school. The school is therefore most interested in candidates who demonstrate most, if not all, of the following:

• A passion for educational and organizational excellence and demonstrated experience in providing the leadership necessary to help a school achieve and sustain that excellence.

• Effective communications skills with faculty members, parents, students, community members, and the Board of Trustees, keeping these groups appropriately informed of potential issues and/or needs.

• A leadership approach that, through appropriate delegation, empowers others to guide effectively the commitment, energy, and wisdom present in the faculty, staff, board, and the larger Trinity community.

• A warm, approachable presence that invites and respects the views of others.• An understanding of and commitment to strategic external affairs, including fundraising, marketing,

and broader community involvement. The successful candidate must be comfortable asking for financial support and have a commitment to encouraging a culture of philanthropy.

• A proven administrative background with ability to hold everyone accountable, serving first as a model of self-awareness and discipline.

The favored candidate will be someone with a warm, empathic presence, someone who relishes knowing and being known by the full community. The person will also be outgoing, energetic, and confident with strong emotional intelligence, fine personal values, and excellent communication skills. A down-to-earth, accessible style, a sense of humor, and a willingness to listen while drawing wisdom from the views of faculty, students, and parents and others will be valued. In the end, a successful candidate will be a person who sticks to their guns and does what is best for students and the school.

To aPPly

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position• A current résumé• A one-page statement of educational philosophy and practice• A list of five (5) professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each to:

Bill ChristSenior [email protected]

Bob WindhamSenior [email protected]


Documents

T School of Midland M , T h of S J 2018 trinitymidland · The PoSiTion Trinity School, an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school founded in 1958 to bring the virtues