Month: August 2023

This year Blessed Trinity Academy is blessed to welcome two new teachers to our staff. Mrs. Nicole Hepfinger come to us from Rhema Christian School where she taught in their primary grades for 8 years. This year she is teaching our 5th grade class plus STEM Class for our primary grades. Want to know more? Check her answers to some “get to know you” questions below.

Get to Know Mrs. Hepfinger

What is your biggest hope for your students this year? 

My biggest hope is that my students find joy in learning. I hope they know school is a safe place where they are appreciated for the individuals that God created them to be. 

Are you originally from Pittsburgh? If so, where did you grow up? If not, where are you originally from?

 I am from Pittsburgh. I grew up in the South Hills, specifically the Chartiers Valley School District. 

What is your favorite book to read with your students and why? 

I love the chapter book “Restart”, the character development makes the book enjoyable. It has a great lesson for the students to learn. I enjoy reading “The Book with No Pictures” to younger students, it’s super silly and comes with good laughs.

If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go and why?

 If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to Bora Bora. I love the beach, staying on the water would be absolutely beautiful! 

If you were not a teacher, what career would you choose?

 If I wasn’t a teacher, I would do something with digital marketing. 

Why do you like working in a Catholic school?

 I like working in a Catholic school because I enjoy teaching content from a Christian perspective. I also like the close knit community that comes with a Catholic school. 

What is your favorite Bible story or Bible verse? 

My favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13:13.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? 

Because I am short, people are always surprised to know that I played college soccer. I was a goalie. 

Make sure you stop in to introduce yourself to Mrs. Hepfinger at BTA’s Back to School Night on Thursday, September 14th!

This is an updated post from a few years ago, but with school starting it is the perfect time to revisit the need for volunteers. Take a look at ways you can get involved in your child’s school!

School is back in session and there is a whirl of activity taking place both inside and outside the school walls.  A great way to show your child you are invested in their education is by getting involved in their school.  Children love seeing their parents at their school helping with different activities from classroom parties to the Book Fair. Schools, whether it be private or public, constantly need volunteers to help with school tasks, including planning events, chaperoning field trips, and organizing fundraising activities.  Parents are also needed to serve on committees.  At Blessed Trinity Academy, parent volunteers are essential to run our PTG (Parent-Teacher Guild), Athletics Association, and help with fundraising activities.

Parent volunteers provide a huge relief and support to the community. A lot of the activities and opportunities provided for our children at school cannot be accomplished without the help of volunteers.  Get involved and demonstrate to your child the importance of getting involved and working together.

How to Get Started:

Most groups at school have monthly meetings that are open to all parents and staff. Attending one of these meetings is a great way to see how the group works and what activities they are putting together.  If you are new to a school, this is also a fantastic way to meet other parents at school.  

In addition, talk to your child’s teachers or the school principal.  Teachers and administrators are always grateful for a group of parents they can call on when things arise that they need help with.  They can also make suggestions of upcoming events that may need an extra set of hands. Some things that schools like BTA often need help with are:

• Lunchroom monitors
• Homeroom parents
• Volunteers at class parties
• Chaperones for Field Trips
• Coaches for athletics
• Assist or run after school clubs
• Help at Book Fairs, Santa’s Workshops, Holiday Shops
• Volunteer to be a board position on one of the committees
• Coordinator a fundraiser
• Be a science fair judge
• Organize restaurant nights
• And the list continues….

These are some things to keep in mind while you are volunteering:

• Only dedicate as much time as you are willing. Don’t be afraid to say no, and be clear about what you are able to do.
• Any little bit makes a difference. Oftentimes some of the duties only involve making some phone calls or sending emails, things that can be done from home.
• Start small — don’t offer to be the athletics or PTG president right away. Take on only as much as you are capable.
• Talk to the teachers and students so you can find out what they need help with. You’ll want to make the most out of your time there, so select activities wisely.
• Don’t give any special treatment to your child. You’re there for everyone, not just her or him! Limit your interactions and stay behind the scenes.

At Blessed Trinity Academy volunteers foster our sense of community and are essential in creating all of the wonderful experiences our students love so much.  If you are a school parents and are interested in volunteering your time, please visit our website or email our principal, Mrs. Elizabeth Vita at evita@btacademy.net. Our first PTG meeting of the year is Wednesday, September 6th at 5:30pm. All parents are invited to attend and see what we have planned for the school year.

If you are looking for a place where parents are welcome to be a part of your child’s education, contact us today!