Our Teachers
We are committed to selecting staff that are uniquely trained and qualified to carry out our mission. Trinity’s staff strives to create for each student an environment of caring support, academically and spiritually.
Our Classrooms
Trinity Lutheran School is committed to quality Christian Education which calls for a sound academic program that will meet the individual needs of children.
Students must be 30 months or older when they begin our Young 3’s program.
Families may reserve their child’s spot in Young 3’s two months prior to their first day of class in Young 3’s.
Students are required to be potty trained for our preschool programs.
Our preschool programs utilize Flex Scheduling.
- Preschool is available Monday through Friday.
- Families select a schedule between two and five days a week.
Young 3’s Classes offered:
- Option One: Traditional Morning Preschool, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
- Option Two: Extended Half Day Preschool, less than 5 hours a day
- Option Three: Extended Full Day Preschool, 5 or more hours a day.
Trinity Preschool is available year round. Preschool hours of operation in the summer are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
With a positive and fun approach in the three year old preschool class, we focus on spiritual, academic and social development.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” With lots of love and encouragement, the children learn how to be a student by learning how to show love and respect to their fellow classmates.
In the three year old class we also have several special days which may include: a Fall Party, where we dress in costume, a Christmas Program celebrating Jesus’ Birthday, a Valentine’s Day Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Daddy Donut Day, and Mother’s Tea, We end the year,with a picnic at Grant Park where we bring our bikes. When the end of the year arrives, the children are ready to enter our three year old preschool with much confidence academically, socially, and spiritually.
Trinity is committed to a high standard in early childhood education for the spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional growth of each child. Our program is curriculum-based and provides developmentally appropriate activities to promote skill development in all areas of child development including: physical/fine and large motor, language, cognitive, social/emotional, and spiritual. We provide outdoor play, music, literature, art, gross and fine motor skill building, as well as opportunities to learn through science and math-related activities.
We encourage you to experience our Christian preschool and become familiar with our school and staff. We strive to meet the individual needs of each of our families, and we encourage good communication between you and our staff to always provide the best care for your child(ren).
For more information, please contact Director Sheri Daniell at sdaniell@trinityutica.com or (586)731-4490 ext 150 or Admissions Director Alicia Meinka at admissions@trinityutica.com or (586) 731-4490 ext 111. Mrs. Daniell and Mrs. Meinka can answer any questions and share with you the various tuition payment options available. A non-refundable registration fee of $145 is required at time of registration.
Each child needs to have a physical exam. The physical is good for two years. Having the physical exam complete on or after June 1 of their 3 year old preschool year it will be valid through their 4 year old preschool year.
To be eligible for the three year old preschool program, children must reach the age of three on or before September 1.
Students are required to be potty trained for our preschool programs.
Our preschool programs utilize Flex Scheduling.
- Preschool is available Monday through Friday
- Families select a schedule between two and five days a week.
3 Year Old Preschool Classes Offered:
- Option One: Traditional Morning Preschool, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
- Option Two: Extended Half Day Preschool, less than 5 hours a day
- Option Three: Extended Full Day Preschool, 5 or more hours a day
- Option Four: Tuesday/Thursday 3-year old Preschool with Mrs. Angott, 9:00 am to 11:30 am
With a positive and fun approach in the three year old preschool class, we focus on spiritual, academic and social development.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” With lots of love and encouragement, the children learn how to be a student by learning how to show love and respect to their fellow classmates.
In the three year old class we also have several special days which may include: a Fall Party, where we dress in costume, a Christmas Program celebrating Jesus Birthday, a Valentine’s Day Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Daddy Donut Day, and Mother’s Tea, We end the year,with a picnic at Grant Park where we bring our bikes. When the end of the year arrives, the children are ready to enter our three year old preschool with much confidence academically, socially, and spiritually.
Trinity is committed to a high standard in early childhood education for the spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional growth of each child. Our program is curriculum-based and provides developmentally appropriate activities to promote skill development in all areas of child development including: physical/fine and large motor, language, cognitive, social/emotional, and spiritual. We provide outdoor play, music, literature, art, gross and fine motor skill building, as well as opportunities to learn through science and math-related activities.
We encourage you to experience our Christian preschool and become familiar with our school and staff. We strive to meet the individual needs of each of our families, and we encourage good communication between you and our staff to always provide the best care for your child(ren).
For more information, please contact Director Sheri Daniell at sdaniell@trinityutica.com or (586)731-4490 ext 150 or Admissions Director Alicia Meinka at admissions@trinityutica.com or (586) 731-4490 ext 111. Mrs. Daniell and Mrs. Meinka can answer any questions and share with you the various tuition payment options available. A non-refundable registration fee of $145 is required at time of registration.
Each child needs to have a physical exam. The physical is good for two years. Having the physical exam complete on or after June 1 of their 3 year old preschool year it will be valid through their 4 year old preschool year.
Our preschool programs utilize Flex Scheduling.
- Preschool is available Monday through Friday
- Families select a schedule between two and five days a week.
Students are required to be potty trained for our preschool programs.
Trinity 4 Year Old Preschool Options:
- Option One: Traditional Morning Preschool, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
- Option Two: Extended Half Day Preschool, less than 5 hours a day
- Option Three: Extended Full Day Preschool, 5 or more hours a day
Extended programs begin as early as 6:30 am and end at 6:00 pm. Students are required to arrive by 9:00 am each scheduled day
Trinity Preschool is available year round. Preschool hours of operation in the summer are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The four year old program focuses on kindergarten readiness, as well as the social and intellectual development of the child. We stress the fine and gross motor skills, writing, math, and science skills. We also offer early childhood chapel, music, gym, and library.
Trinity Lutheran Preschool is a GREAT place for young children to start their school experience. We offer a caring, warm environment where children will love to grow and learn.
Trinity is committed to a high standard in early childhood education for the spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional growth of each child. Our program is curriculum-based and provides developmentally appropriate activities to promote skill development in all areas of child development including: physical/fine and large motor, language, cognitive, social/emotional, and spiritual. We provide outdoor play, music, literature, art, gross and fine motor skill building, as well as opportunities to learn through science and math-related activities.
We encourage you to experience our Christian preschool and become familiar with our school and staff. We strive to meet the individual needs of each of our families, and we encourage good communication between you and our staff to always provide the best care for your child(ren).
For more information, please contact Director Sheri Daniell at sdaniell@trinityutica.com or (586)731-4490 ext 150 or Admissions Director Alicia Meinka at admissions@trinityutica.com or (586) 731-4490 ext 111. Mrs. Daniell and Mrs. Meinka can answer any questions and share with you the various tuition payment options available. A non-refundable registration fee of $145 is required at time of registration.
Our Young Fives program is an every day program that is designed to give students who are age-eligible the gift of a year. We offer both full day and half day (morning) options for Young Fives. Families may decide to transition from half days to full days during the year if they desire. Children need to be five years old by December 1 to qualify. Young Fives provides students with an individualized, Christian based environment.
Martin Luther states, “When schools flourish, all flourishes.” Students enrolled in Young Five kindergarten will truly flourish. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities designed to help them make the adjustment to the school environment and working in a group. It is important that children learn to function well in the classroom environment. This includes getting along with other children and cooperating with adults other than their own parents. These students learn to take turns and wait without interrupting, and participate in other activities that teach thinking, reasoning, and decision making skills. They also work diligently to develop their listening skills, social/emotional skills, literacy, language, mathematical reasoning, and knowledge acquisition through a thematic approach.
A thematic approach is used to foster critical thinking skills and to give a hands-on approach for the emergent reader. The development of fine motor skills in preparation for kindergarten is an important part of Young Five kindergarten. The program includes activities that strengthen muscle development as well. Students also have many opportunities to use pencils, crayons, and scissors and are instructed and guided as to their proper usage. Research shows that children must first have a strong base in language: rhyming, patterning, playing with words, and listening to stories. Students will also be exposed to Religion, Library, Art, Music, PE and Technology. From the first day till the last, Young 5 kindergarten students are saturated with these concepts in a fun, yet challenging way.
Kindergarten is certainly a year to remember; it is a year of transition for many students from preschool to elementary school.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Children in Kindergarten are inquisitive, curious and active. Here at Trinity we encourage children to explore through hands-on learning and technology. We use a variety of teaching methods to reach each individual child. Children learn to go and “Share Christ’s Story with Love” through several classroom service projects.
Special accomplishments for the students include learning to read, counting to 100, and seeing caterpillars change into butterflies. The kindergartners have an activity each month with their fifth grade prayer partners. This is the year where they build many lasting friendships and lead a chapel service for the first time. The children even put on an end-of-the-year program for their families. During this event students are given personal memory books containing their own written work along with photos from special class events.
The Apple Orchard and Detroit Zoo are two of our favorite field trips. We have several guest speakers that come into the classroom including a fireman, a nurse from a local hospital and a dental hygienist. Parents and other community members also volunteer in our classroom to read during the month of March for National Reading Month.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Step into a first grade classroom and be ready for adventure as dedicated, experienced Lutheran teachers lead your child through a year of structured academics with a side of fun.
As our day begins in God’s word, every aspect of instruction is centered in Christ. Religious education, daily prayers, memory work, weekly chapel services, and Faith Five experiences with the family all assist in the spiritual growth and development of your child. The fundamental skills necessary for successful completion of first grade are taught and practiced with a myriad of traditional and technological methods. A variety of activities including gym, art, music, computer, and library skills await your child.
Each year our students participate in outreach activities which have included food drives, making cards for shut-ins and more. Our field trips are carefully selected so that they will enhance what is being taught in the classroom, including hatching our own chicks! We begin the school year with an autumn adventure at Stony Creek and end in the spring with a trip to Wolcott Farm.
As written in Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Our faith walk is equally as important as the academic strides our children make as they learn and grow. In addition to a rigorous and diverse curriculum, we implement and use a variety of teaching methods to challenge and extend children’s imaginations. Using higher level thinking skills in all curriculum areas, students may create and illustrate a story, interpret data, compare and contrast, solve problems, memorize Bible verses, and lead the student body in chapel twice a year. With the use of improved technology resources, we support and enhance learning across the curriculum in new and exciting ways.
The second graders have the opportunity to participate in several field trips directly connected to our curriculum throughout the year including Upland Hills Farm and Troy Historical Village. During National Reading Month and National Lutheran Schools Week we enjoy participating in school wide activities that promote school unity.
Students in third grade have an opportunity to flourish both in character building and academic success through our rigorous curriculum and various service projects. Each year students participate in various activities such as food drives, cards for shut ins, or collecting items for our SSS program to name a few.
The most important part of 3rd grade is the intense reading instruction. It is the focus of our year. We use a reading workshop format so students practice skills as a group and then are released into book clubs to further practice those same skills. Students also step up their writing stamina with papers in four different genres of writing (personal narrative, informational, fairy tale, and persuasive). Learning in all academic areas occurs in many formats and continues to build a strong foundation for Christian service.
Third grade is a transition year as students begin to work more independently and collaboratively. We love teaching third grade because we have an opportunity to see our students increase their faith and knowledge of Jesus while also making significant academic strides. Our primary goal is to help our students understand that everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Fourth grade is a great time for learning and becoming more independent.
While experimenting in the science lab, practicing math facts and concepts, studying the United States (states and regions), composing different styles of writing, and reading various genres of literature, students apply knowledge, collaborate, and demonstrate learning about the world God made. Students continue to grow in their faith through daily religion class, devotions, memory work, prayer, and chapel services. Psalm 25:4 states, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.” This is an important part of learning, faith, and service to others. Fourth grade students sing at worship, lead chapel services, and participate in service projects each year.
It is exciting to watch these children learn and grow, while they love and serve the Lord.
Welcome to Fifth grade where options are plentiful and opportunities are endless spiritually, academically, and athletically!
Leigh Bortins in her book Classical Christian Education Made Approachable says, “While modern education seeks only to propel a student toward the utilitarian goal of a successful career, the classical, Christian education seeks to nurture the whole person, preparing them to participate fully in all realms of this world and next.” To participate fully we immerse ourselves in our subjects through teacher based learning, individual and small group projects, field trips, and service projects learning/using critical thinking skills.
Science combines hands-on activities and critical thinking, leading students to explore many scientific topics such as properties of matter, ecosystems, Earth’s interactive systems and Earth’s place in space. Social Studies takes us back to early America with Native Americans, explorers, European settlements in North America, leading up to The Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War. This is the first year that students have a musical elective; they can choose from choir, band, or handbells. Fifth grade also marks the first year that students can participate in Trinity sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, and cross country! The boys and girls also have separate PE and Health classes. Reading and English lead us through different genres of reading and writing culminating in a research project.
In the fall we learn how animals and plants survive Michigan’s climate with a naturalist at a county park. In the winter we go ice skating — indoors! In the spring we spend a day at Greenfield Village exploring our past.
In fifth grade our faith is not limited to religion class. In the past we have bought an Alpaca through World Vision, purchased gifts for needy families at Christmas time, during Nerve to Serve we cleaned up the grounds around Flickinger Elementary School and Grant Park, lead Chapel services and school morning devotions, and helped our Kindergarten Prayer Partners.
In sixth grade, our students learn important skills, techniques, and traits that promote life-long learning; all the while, demonstrating their personal walk with Christ!
Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” As sixth graders, our students are really beginning to learn about “who” they are, as people. Our students learn more about their surroundings, and about what it means to incorporate their faith into being good citizens. They take pride in learning how to make the world around them a better place; knowing that God is their greatest guide and companion, during this journey! As the sixth graders really begin taking ownership for their academic career, they are also becoming increasingly more aware of their spiritual journey! All of which, as a Christian educator, is very exciting to see, and of which to be a part!
Sixth grade is about EACH student transitioning from an elementary student, to a junior high student. Outdoor education, in the fall, is a great building block for this educational expedition! This experience allows students to learn with and about one another, in God’s creation, for four days; this adventure also helps students, who are new to Trinity, to transition much more easily.
Using technology, hands on learning, project based learning, performance assessments, individual and cooperative learning, our students are learning how to grow and mature academically, as well as, spiritually. Join us, for this spirit led academic excursion!
Welcome to Junior High! In seventh grade, Trinity students begin making the transition from elementary school to a more departmentalized environment with four main teachers.
Proverbs 23:12 says, “Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” Along with a deep dive into the chief parts of Lutheran doctrine, seventh graders are encouraged to live out their faith and stretch themselves both spiritually and academically. Students are challenged across the curriculum. Biology is the topic of study in science class. Highlights include dissecting several different members of the animal kingdom as well as having a “genetic baby.” In social studies students take imaginary journeys to different continents in the eastern hemisphere, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Language arts in 7th grade focuses on reading, writing, grammar, and public speaking skills. In math, students start to focus on algebraic concepts in one of two math tracks. From equations and statistics in math class to poetry and research writing in English, students are exposed to a gamut of learning opportunities!
Field trips include a trip to The Ark and Creation Museum and “class outside” at Comerica Park which includes catching a Tigers game!
Eighth grade prepares students both academically and spiritually with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in high school and beyond.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” In eighth grade, in addition to a rich curriculum which includes the use of technology, higher level thinking, and numerous projects (both individual and group), leadership is stressed not only within the school, but also among those outside of the school. Numerous service projects provide the opportunity for students to use the gifts and talents God has blessed them with to be a blessing to others.
Eighth Grade is a very busy and exciting year for our students. Field trips include a week in Washington, D.C. Eighth Grade is a year of transition from middle school to high school. It is also a year of growing in their faith, which culminates with a public declaration at their Confirmation. We hope to be an integral and helpful part of this transition process. We are excited to watch these young men and women mature and move onto high school; going out into the world to share their gifts and talents for God’s glory!
"When schools flourish, all flourishes." - Martin Luther
Specials Classes and Extra-Curricular Activities
Trinity is a school that values our students as individuals and takes pride in offering a curriculum that meets the needs of each individual child. Each person has varied talents and skills. Our specials classes and extra-curricular activities are designed to help students enhance their God-given talents and use them to glorify Him.
Our art program is a dynamic, creative way for students to express themselves and use their God-given talents to glorify Him.
Throughout their years at Trinity, students explore units in 2D and 3D media that includes drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, art history and cultural applications, and critical analysis and aesthetics. They will use pencils, ink, pastels, paint, chalk, markers, crayons and produce art on multiple materials and surfaces. The complexity and level of instruction builds on the foundation that students receive in the lower grades. This includes reflection on the process and their projects, creativity, self evaluation and problem solving. Students will practice organization skills and critical thinking. Students learn a greater appreciation of art, artistic expression and also relying on individual motivation.
Every grade, from Young Fives through Eighth Grade learns about art through a variety of materials. Junior High students may choose a Studio Art elective in which they create an individualized program to suit their needs.
Every year, the students’ artwork is displayed in the church narthex during the Fine Arts Festival at the end of May.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL ART TEACHER MRS. SARAH HASKINS.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
American Heritage Girls
Athletics – Boy’s/Girl’s Soccer, Cross-Country, Track, Boy’s/Girl’s Basketball, Girl’s Volleyball, Cheerleading, Girl’s Softball. (Grades 5-8 but students may begin cross country and track in 4th grade).
Bible Bee (Grades 4-8)
Future City (Grades 6-8)
Geography Bee (Grades 5-8)
Instrumental Music Lessons
Junior High Praise Band
Legendary Martial Arts Academy
LEGO Robotics Club
Science Olympiad (Grades 4-6)
Scouts (Grades K-8)
Sewcial Club Sewing Class
Spelling Bee (Grades 5-8)
Trinity Bishops Chess Club
Trinity Lutheran Latch Key Program is a program for students in Young Fives-8 grade. Our Latch Key Program provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for your child both before and after school. Morning students may choose from a variety of table activities, reading, or they may work on school work. The afternoon students are treated to a nutritious snack upon arrival. After snack students may choose to go to our homework room that has access to school Chromebooks. Students remaining in the main latchkey room can play games, play with toys, go to the gym, or cheer their classmates on in sporting events. Our Latch Key Program is licensed by the State of Michigan and observes all rules and regulations of Trinity Lutheran School. All policies and procedures of the program are coordinated between the Principal, Early Childhood Director, the Latch Key Leader, and the Christian Board of Day School.
Latch Key Hours
- Morning session 6:30 am-8:40 am
- Afternoon session 3:40 pm-6:00 pm
- No advance scheduling is required.
Latch Key Fees
- $6.25 per session
- $20 registration fee (Families of three or more children – the registration fee will be capped at $50).
- Latch Key camp days are offered on select ½ days of school. Half day price is TBD for the half day event. Space is limited on half days, and you will receive a sign-up link via email.
Latch Key Paperwork
Music is an important part in the life of students at Trinity. The choral and instrumental groups participate mainly in two kinds of events: concerts and worship services. Additionally, the handbell choirs occasionally play for chapel services throughout the school year. These are important events which allow students to display their God-given talents publicly and help their teachers/directors to evaluate both individual and group progress.
All students through 4th Grade have choir/music twice per week. Students in 5th-8th grades have the option of choosing between choir, band or handbells, and all of those groups meet twice weekly as well.
- learn Hymns and various Christ-centered songs
- explore basic rudiments of Music Theory
- listen to the music of well-known composers from the Medieval to the Modern eras
- are taught the proper techniques for singing
- have four opportunities annually to sing during the Services.
Students have the option of joining band in 5th grade. Students can select from the instrumental families of woodwinds, brass and percussion. Students may have access to their own instrument, they may rent and in some cases the school may have an instrument available for use. Students will learn the basic components of music, such as rhythm, tone, intonation, theory and terminology as well as instrument care and maintenance. Students progress into band in 6th grade and the “Warrior Band” (7th and 8th grade students). Instruction builds on the concepts introduced in 5th grade to continue the students to advanced skills. Several concerts are scheduled throughout the year. The students have the opportunity to perform in a regional Solo and Ensemble Festival. Private instrumental music lessons are available to our band students. Watch for information from the school office.
A Christ-centered musical education is beneficial for both the spirit and mind of the child. Singing strengthens many organs and muscles of the body, and is one of the few activities that is done both on earth and in Heaven.
Private piano lessons are also available after school and on Saturday mornings.
“Gym” classes are taught by a Physical Education specialist. Units of study include personal, social and cognitive skills, activity related knowledge, physical fitness and motor skill development. These courses focus on activities that contribute to lifelong health and well-being. Concepts are included that allow students to pursue lifelong healthy habits. The ideas of sportsmanship and teamwork are introduced and built upon. A variety of team sports are taught including basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, and others. The students grow in their understanding of basic team activity rules. Students gain in their knowledge of physical education and will be challenged with a variety of fitness conditioning activities that will increase their muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.
Resource Room Overview
Trinity enables students with special needs to receive a Christian Education through their Resource Room program. The Resource Room program offers support services and direct instruction for students in grades K-8, who have a previous public school Special Education Individual Educational Plan (IEP), or a Special Education Non-Public Service Plan (NPSP), as well as others with needs determined by a physician or outside source. The Learning Resource Department is overseen by a Certified Special Education Teacher. Paraprofessionals are utilized in the general education classroom and resource room for small group support.
Other Services
Trinity can obtain Speech and Language Services, Occupational Therapy Services, and Psychological Testing by Utica Community Schools.
The Program Service Goals are:
- Emphasize their uniqueness and how God has created them for a special purpose to further his kingdom
- To create a specialized learning environment to meet the needs of each student in a small group setting
- Provide a more focused instruction including personal attention in a more optimal learning environment
- Through observation while teaching, we can identify a student’s learning challenges to adjust the special education curriculum to meet the needs of the students
- To assist teachers and parents in understanding and instructing children with special learning needs
Trinity’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) program is designed to provide a project based learning experiences who qualify as an exceptional learner in Grades 5-8. With the direction of the TAG Mentor and support from the classroom teacher, students are provided with the opportunity to explore an area of academic interest that is challenging above their current grade level. Opportunities are a collaborative effort that may include advance instruction in an academic area and/or enrichment projects. Students begin developing their projects during study hall and complete them on their own outside of school. This coordination is a result of collaboration between the TAG Mentor, the child’s classroom teacher(s), and the child. Students are evaluated for eligibility in Trinity’s TAG program based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to: standardized test scores, teacher observations, grades (all A’s/B’s), interest checklists, and an interview with the TAG Mentor. There is additional cost involved in being a part of this program per school year.