Catholic School Classrooms at Work

Parents have so many choices when it comes to the education of their children. From public schools to homeschooling to charter schools and private schools, there are so many options to choose from. Catholic schools provide so many benefits that set them apart from the rest. Children benefit in many ways from attending Catholic schools. The inclusion of faith in the curriculum gives students expanded learning opportunities. Smaller class sizes and schools offering a wide range of grade levels allow each child to be treated as an individual. This unique type of private education helps children grow on a spiritual level while excelling in academics. Learn more about these benefits of Catholic education.

Variety is the Spice of Life

One of the benefits of a Catholic school comes from the well-rounded education which includes weekly specials classes that are not always offered in public schools. Often, once children move on to Middle School, they will need to make the decision as to whether or not they will take music or a foreign language or art because there is simply not enough room in their schedule to fit every class. This is not the case at a Catholic school. Weekly special classes like Spanish, gym, art music, computer, STEM and library are built into every child’s schedule from kindergarten through 8th grade. This allows students to expand their interests and creativity.

Individualized Learning

Private schools give students the opportunity to receive individualized attention by offering smaller class sizes than public schools. This tends to lead to better academic results and a feeling of community in the classroom. Many Catholic schools have the added benefit of beginning with Pre-K and going up through 8th grade. There are so many benefits of pre-K through 8th model. Not only does this give teachers and staff plenty of time to get to know each individual student, but students do not have to worry about starting over every year in a new class where they may not have a single friend in their classes. This provides a sense of comfort and community that does not exist in a public school. 

Faith is the Foundation

Perhaps the biggest benefit and difference between a Catholic school and public ones is the integration of faith into our student’s daily life. Through daily prayer and religion classes, students are able to grow in their faith in a deeper way. This is true whether students are Catholic or not. You do not need to be a Catholic to benefit from the gifts of a religious school. 

For over 7 years, Blessed Trinity Academy has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about Blessed Trinity Academy, visit our website, www.btacademy.net.

The season of Advent is quickly upon us and as Christians this means this is the time where we begin to prepare for the birth of Jesus.  For children, this time of year often involves trips to see Santa, watching holiday themed movies and television shows, waiting to see where their elves hide everyday, and anxiously anticipating the arrival of Santa.  However, children may not be as excited about the journey of Advent as they are about the potential presents they will see under the tree.  The best way to help them understand the significance of Advent is to get them involved.  Here are a few ideas to help you and your family celebrate Advent:

Make an Advent Wreath

Children love crafts and other hands-on activities.  Making an Advent wreath is an easy way to get kids excited about the season.  It can be as easy as purchasing a kit on Amazon or at Autom.  However, if you have more time and enjoy the creative process, you can always make one from scratch. Making a wreath at home can be simple. You can buy artificial evergreen branches or greenery garland, or you can find evergreen branches outside. Find a wire or styrofoam wreath form to use as your base, and help your child attach the branches using a glue gun. Add three purple and one pink candle to represent each week of Advent.  Consider adding pinecones, which represent resurrection, to give the wreath a little bit of color. 

Set Up a Nativity Scene

Nativity scenes can simply consist of statues of Mary and Joseph with a manger in between, or they can be more complex with full-on barn scenes including animals and wise men. To help your child understand the meaning of the season, you can start with an empty manger, then add Jesus on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Other figures like the wise men can start far away and slowly move closer every Sunday. Pre-made nativity scenes can be expensive, so you may want to consider crafting one with your child’s help.

BUY OR MAKE AN ADVENT CALENDAR

There are all kinds of fun Advent calendars you can buy, but if your child is an aspiring artist, he or she might appreciate the experience of making one more. You can find DIY ideas on websites like Pinterest or in craft stores. A daily reminder that Christmas is coming will help your child appreciate the anticipation just as much as the main event. 

At Blessed Trinity Academy we strive to help children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about BTA and what we can offer your family, visit www.btacademy.net today.

BTA has welcomed two new teachers to our staff this year. Last month, we profiled Mrs. Nicole Hepfinger who is teaching our 5th grade class. This month we are highlighting Mrs. Jackie Yakich, who is our new 2nd grade teacher. Mrs. Yakich is a veteran Catholic school teacher having last taught at Holy Cross Academy before taking a brief retirement. This year she decided to come back to teaching and we are thrilled to have her at BTA.

Get to know Mrs. Yakich as she answers some our burning questions!

What is your biggest hope for your students this year?

My biggest hope for my students is that they find JOY in learning and that they grow closer to God through First Holy Communion.

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

I enjoy reading the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo because the books are silly and students really connect to Mercy.

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

The Dalmatian Coastline of Croatia to see the natural clear blue sea and experience her incredible history, unique culture, architecture and cuisine. 

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

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in Second Grade; I can’t imagine doing anything else!

Why do you like working in a Catholic school?

I enjoy teaching in a Catholic school because our Faith is an integral part of our day.  I enjoy watching my students grow in their faith as well..

What is your favorite Bible story or Bible verse?

The Parable of the Good Shepherd

We thank Mrs. Yakich for her dedication, kindness, and creativity that she brings to her Blessed Trinity Academy classroom.

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!

Summer is in full swing and for most children that means time at the pool, sleeping in/ staying up late, hanging out with friends, taking vacations and going to summer camp. But summer can and should be a time for children to continue their learning. Summer learning loss is a very real thing, but there are several steps that parents can take to help prevent the “summer slide” and make sure their kids are ready to come back to school in August fully prepared to start a new year.

KEEP YOUR CHILD READING

Although my children have always complained about summer reading, it is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent summer learning loss. At Blessed Trinity Academy, we have a required summer reading list for our 4th through 8th grade students, but reading is encouraged at all grade levels. If you school does not require summer reading, the problem is easily solved by visiting your local library. Usually, they offer summer reading challenges and will often offer prizes for accomplishing different reading goals.

Why should a child continue to read over summer break? Here are some facts quoted from Scholastic:
● Did you know? By reading four or more books over the summer, kids can avoid the
“summer slide,” or gap in academic skills, when they return to school in the fall.
● Kids who read a million words a year score in the top 2 percent on standardized tests. A
million words may sound like a lot, but it’s only about 25 average-length novels.
● Kids learn 4,000-12,000 new words every year reading. That means three months
without books can make a huge difference in their vocabularies and test scores.

PRACTICE MATH TOGETHER

Most children don’t want to spend every day doing math, especially during the summer. However, it’s important for your child to practice retaining the knowledge gained during the school year. Math builds on itself, so it will only become more difficult if your child forgets where he or she left off. Consider sending your child to a STEM summer camp or gamify math at home using math-related apps and games. Any time spent with this subject can help your child prepare for the upcoming school year. On a personal note, I have purchased the workbooks in the Summer Solutions series which was daily activities that provide on-grade level work that children can use as review throughout the summer.

VISIT MUSEUMS, ZOOS and OTHER PLACES TO PROMOTE LEARNING

Children are less likely to experience learning loss if they keep learning over summer. Museums are a fun, inexpensive way for your child to interact with his or her favorite subjects. Pittsburgh has amazing opportunities for children to learn and have fun. From the Children’s Museum to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium to Living Treasures to the Aviary, there are ample opportunities for children to learn in ways where they do not even know they are learning. Once you’re there, encourage your child to participate in hands-on activities like fossil digs and interactive exhibits. Often these places offer fun and interactive camps that provide hands on learning experiences.

GET CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

Do you have a child who loves the art like drawing, painting, singing or acting? Summer is also the perfect time to keep those creative juices flowing. In early childhood, children are encouraged to explore and be creative in school. Throughout the summer, encourage your child to create something, whether it’s through writing, painting, photography, or film making. If your child is into creating art, writing, singing, playing instruments or acting, see if there’s a summer camp or class he or she can attend. Any opportunity to create and be part of something bigger gives your child a chance to learn and grow.

We encourage our students to develop a love of learning, even over summer break. Blessed Trinity Academy continues to help children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about BTA and what sets us apart for the rest, contact us today.

Meredith Kandravy, Director of Admissions and Marketing at Blessed Trinity Academy

The Lenten season is upon us again and what a better time to connect with your children about the meaning of Lent and why we celebrate the important time as Catholics. Lent is the period of time that allows families to prepare for Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. During this time, we try to make certain changes in order to become closer to God. As an adult, we use the time to reflect and pray, but often times our children might find it be hard to understand why Jesus died and why their normal routine is being changed, and the thought of fasting and sacrificing the things they enjoy may frighten your child. In order for her to understand they are not being denied her beloved treats, it’s important to explain to their in a child-friendly way what Lenten ideals are all about. 

Start with His Story
To start, you want your child to understand where their Catholic roots began. A great way to start is to share the story of Jesus Christ — even if they already know it, children love story time, and it helps them retain the information! Do this on a regular basis; in the Bible, read about Jesus’ life and search for Easter books for children. Emphasize the fact that Jesus lived on Earth and He achieved everlasting life.  Some great books to help reinforce this are “The Week that Led to Easter” by Joanne Larrison and “The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross” by Carl Laferton .

Talk About His Death
One of the hardest parts of meaning behind Lent and Easter is explaining death to a child. In order to explain Lenten ideals to your child, you will need to discuss the Resurrection of Jesus with her. Don’t go into excessive detail about the crucifixion itself, as you don’t want to frighten or sadden her. Explain to her that Jesus died for the salvation of His believers. For young children, you can simply say Jesus died and rises on Easter for us. Older children can listen to a little more details about death. Remember: Emphasize that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life. 

The Meaning of Easter
For a child, often times they only see the “fun” part about celebrating a holiday like Easter or Christmas without giving too much thought to the meaning behind it. They are focusing on attending Easter egg hunts, what the Easter Bunny will leave them in the baskets, and how much candy and goodies they will receive. However, Easter is the most important holiday in the Catholic faith. It goes beyond cute bunnies, painted eggs, and chocolate candy. Remind your child that these are just festivities and activities to celebrate, but the real purpose of this special time is the resurrection and when He rises. Jesus sacrificed His life to give ours meaning. In return, we need to reflect and prepare for the glory that is Easter Sunday. Once your child understands this, then you can discuss what can be given and what can be taken away. Most times during Lent we talk about what we are giving up or sacrificing during the Lenten season, but don’t forget that you can add things like doing acts of service like volunteering at a parish Fish Fry, attending Stations of the Cross, praying on a regular basis or even going to Reconciliation during this time. Then you can move on to the fun things like decorating eggs and making that annual visit to see the Easter Bunny.

For the past six years Blessed Trinity Academy has been educating children to achieve their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today or visit our website at www.btacademy.net.

Children benefit in many ways from attending Catholic schools. The inclusion of faith in the curriculum gives students expanded learning opportunities. Smaller class sizes and schools offering a wide range of grade levels allow each child to be treated as an individual. This unique type of private education helps children grow on a spiritual level while excelling in academics. Learn more about these benefits of Catholic education.

EXPANDED LEARNING

By attending Catholic school, children learn a variety of advanced subjects that help them thrive academically while exploring their faith. These schools use advanced technology to help children learn in the best possible way, offering courses not often seen in public schools. During these classes, children participate in open discussions about faith, morality and the Catholic religion, applying these subjects to their own lives. Starting as young children, students can explore the world and their roles in a way they wouldn’t be able to at a secular school.  

THE PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8th GRADE MODEL

Private schools like Blessed Trinity Academy give students the opportunity to receive individualized attention by offering smaller class sizes than public schools. This tends to lead to better academic results and a feeling of community in the classroom. Many Catholic schools have the added benefit of beginning with preschool and going up through 8th grade. The preschool through 8th grade model has once been described as a “model that supports childhood.” Not only do teachers have more time to get to know and develop relationships with their students, but this model also allows parents to keep siblings in the same building for an extended period of time. In many public school districts, children may switch school buildings 3-4 times by the time they graduate from high school. The stability this model creates all students to feel more confident and experience less anxiety as there is a comfort in knowing who your teachers will be and who will be in your class from year to year.

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION

As staff members watch students grow throughout the years, they can provide recommendations to help them thrive as individuals. Teachers have an easier time assessing students’ strengths and weaknesses when they can coordinate with others who have worked with them through the years. Staff at Blessed Trinity Academy have a unique opportunity to help children learn and grow on an individual level. This helps students reach their full potential by the time they graduate and go into the real world.

For more the past six years Blessed Trinity Academy has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, visit www.btacademy.net today.

The Christmas season is in full swing and it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. However, it is important to take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. This can definitely be a hard concept for children to grasp especially with the anticipation of Santa Claus. But that just makes it so much more important to talk to children about what the true reason for the season is! A great way to do this is through prayer. Taking a few minutes each day to pray with your children will help put the importance of the holiday season into focus. Here are a few verses from the Bible that can help guide your family’s prayer time:

Verse of Loves

Mark 13:34: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

Romans 5:18: “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

Verse of Peace

Isaiah 26:3: “With firm purpose you maintain peace; in peace, because of our trust in you.”

Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Mark 1:1-3: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of God]. The Preaching of John the Baptist. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

Verse of Life

John 6:51: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

Matthew 10:39: “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”

Blessed Trinity Academy is committed helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about BTA and what we can offer your family, visit www.btacademy.net today!

Last month our blog focused on how students in Catholic schools have a higher rate of practicing their faith into adulthood than those that attend public schools. This month we are focusing on service and being engaged community members.  One of the things Catholic schools strive to accomplish is to turn their students into servants of God.  Through various service projects through school and community, Catholic schools offer ample opportunities for students to serve others.  Whether it is writing cards to shut-ins, organizing food drives, packing meals, raising money for charities, or volunteering in local communities, students in Catholic schools are taught from a very young age to think about those in need and try their best to help. Catholic schools consider serving the community to be an essential part of a child’s education.   Those values of giving back to others are carried over into adulthood and can be seen through not only service, but also active civic engagement. According to the NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association), the following holds true:

 • People who attended some sort of Catholic school are more likely to feel a social responsibility to the needy.

 • Catholic school graduates are more civically engaged.

 • Catholic schools serve the disadvantaged and marginalized.

 • Catholic school graduates are more likely to vote

. • Catholic schools are deeply rooted in the communities they serve.

 • Catholic school graduates are more tolerant of diverse views. 

Blessed Trinity Academy has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities for the past 6 years. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, visit our website by clicking here.