T School of Midland M , T U S principal J 2018 trinitymidland · PDF filewith its soaring...

TriniTy School of MidlandMidland, TexaS

Upper School principalJUly 2018

trinitymidland.org

The poSiTion

Trinity School, an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school founded in 1958 to bring excellent independent education to the West Texas region, today enrolls some 600 students from preschool to grade 12. Trinity’s Interim Head of School Don North, formerly headmaster of Kinkaid School in Houston and president of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest from 2004-2007, is seeking a strong, dynamic leader to serve as Trinity’s new Upper School Principal, overseeing grades 9-12, beginning in July of 2018.

The Upper School Principal is the chief administrator of the Upper School Community which includes some 170 students and 35 faculty and staff. Trinity’s modern and attractive 20-acre campus is also home to the School’s Preschool for three- and four-year-olds; the Lower School for grades K-3; and the Intermediate School for grades 4-6. In the last several years, Trinity’s campus has undergone an architecturally distinguished $18,000,000 makeover focused primarily on Upper School facilities, featuring the construction of the deCompiegne Building which houses state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, studios, and a media center—along with the stunning new Commons Building with its soaring multi-story interior, light-filled dining hall, and generous lecture and assembly spaces.

Trinity is a school with a distinguished academic tradition; a cherished Episcopal heritage including daily chapel as a core community experience; a caring, aspirational student body and faculty; a strong financial foundation and dedicated Board of Trustees; and a supportive parent body which is excited about the school’s future. The Upper School Principalship is an unusually attractive opportunity for a gifted educator who will serve as an inspiring and visible leader for this high performing and energetic division. The ideal candidate will possess a track record of proven administrative success, excellent communication skills, a commitment to academic excellence and innovation, and the capacity to nurture a spirited, inclusive, and creative Upper School community where both faculty and students thrive.

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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 servant 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.


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 30% of the student body are students of color, 20% 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.

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.

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


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 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.

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 helps shape well rounded, healthy students.

Service within the school and to the community beyond fosters social responsibility, forms character, and builds confidence in young people 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


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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

This is an exceptionally promising moment for the Trinity Upper School. The recent transformations of the physical learning environment have generated enhanced admissions appeal, an atmosphere of excitement and momentum, and widened vistas for faculty and student innovation and achievement. At the same time, an entrepreneurial spirit has brought new life to the curriculum and the academic environment. This fall, the School implemented a decision to move beyond AP courses, unveiling a school-designed slate of advanced courses providing richer and more varied opportunities for depth, relevance, discovery, and collaboration. This change has been very positively received by both students and faculty. Cutting-edge approaches to technology have also augmented the sophistication and reach of Trinity’s academic platform. The School’s 1-to-1 laptop initiative for every student beyond the Preschool has put a powerful resource for engaged learning in every classroom. The arts and athletics have never been more vibrant than today or more generative of whole-student growth, whole-community vitality, and connectedness. The indispensable human element has also been flourishing. The Upper School faculty is remarkably dedicated, talented, resilient, and caring. They invest their heart and soul in their work, and do so joyfully, with inventive flair, and with love for their students and the act of learning. Trinity students return the favor, and speak openly of their gratitude for their teachers and their appreciation for the close, personal connection they feel with them, and for the sense of community they have in the Upper School, which



they describe as a family. These young women and men are hardworking, open-hearted, smart, and ambitious. They feel blessed to be part of the Trinity family, embrace the School’s mission and values, and strive to embody them. The religious identity of the School, and such traditions as daily chapel, are deeply meaningful to them. This is a place with an expansive, humane vision, driven by captivating ideas and full of good, devoted people. The Upper School in particular is poised at an inflection point. With its many assets it has the potential to develop into a flagship institution among Southwestern independent schools, and beyond. The key to the Upper School’s pivot toward its full potential is strong, visible, and energizing leadership. The most compelling candidates will bring a transformative history— of leaving a school, division, department, program, or community markedly better than they found it. Being a multidimensional leader with a range of capacities and talents is key. Exceptionally well-evolved relational and interpersonal capabilities will be important. Of course, the Upper School is a complex organization with many moving parts that have to operate in synch on a daily basis, so the ability to manage details and logistics successfully is bedrock. The position requires someone who will also have the courage to do the right thing in difficult situations, who has strategic vision, and who will to be able to analyze strengths and challenges before going forward. There is an exciting future ahead for Trinity’s Upper School—and an equally exciting opportunity for the next Upper School Principal.

QUaliTieS and QUalificaTionS of The Upper School principal

While Trinity’s Upper School has long been the academic pacesetter in Midland and across the West Texas region, the Upper School community strongly believes that the future holds even brighter possibilities for this highly accomplished and valued educational enterprise. The Upper School is a division with many assets in terms of the quality of its student body and faculty; its rich and innovative curriculum and venerable traditions; its handsome and state-of-the-art facilities; and the passionate spirit of dedication to the School, its students, and its shared values which animates the Upper School community.

As is the case in every successful organization which seeks continuous improvement and aspires to embrace its fullest potential, the right leader at the right time is essential. Successful candidates for the Upper School Principalship will possess the following qualities and qualifications:

• Proven success as a dynamic educational leader with a visionary perspective on institutional possibilities;

• Skillful management of the processes for short term improvement, as well as strategic planning capability for the growth and development of the Upper School;

• An advanced degree and a record of distinguished teaching performance; • Excellent communication and listening skills, as well as an approachable and visible leadership

presence;• The capacity to develop high quality, creative, and mission-driven academic programming;• A commitment to supporting a culture of openness, respect, and teamwork among faculty,

administration, and staff;• Setting and achieving the appropriate level of expectations for performance within the Upper

School community;• The ability to recruit and retain an outstanding faculty and leadership team;• A commitment to investing significantly in the professional development and ongoing education

of faculty and staff;


• Having the desire to truly get to know each student and to support student organizations such as student government, honor council, and community service;

• Celebrating Trinity’s cherished traditions while also encouraging fresh ideas to enrich the community experience;

• A desire to put down roots at Trinity and build a tenure combining continuity and fresh adventure.

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]

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T School of Midland M , T U S principal J 2018 trinitymidland · PDF filewith its soaring...

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