Back to School Night Message

Spring of 2020 challenged staff and students to find a new normal for learning, connected us in new ways and enabled us to grow in many different ways.  What I hope we have all learned from our experience is how much we appreciate the many gifts and talents our teachers, staff and students bring to TCA.  

These first 2 weeks of school have reaffirmed how incredibly resilient our faculty and students are – they continue to work hard through a period of great change.  None of our normal protocols are the same yet in many ways things have not changed.  We are still one family growing together in our relationship with God.  We still recognize the individual strengths and weaknesses of each of our students.  We still believe that all children can learn.  And most of all we love working and learning at TCA.

There was a recent article in the Trenton Times, “Help kids cope with uncertainty in life”.  Its main focus was that although some students thrived during remote learning in the spring, many struggled with the format or challenges in changes that occurred in their home due to the virus.    The author stated that as parents we often try to shield our children from pain but often times that can hinder a child’s ability to navigate change.  We, as the adults need to guide our children thru the uncomfortable times in life – bad things do happen but we will get through it as a family.
 
The first day of school as I spoke to our students we discussed how often times we cannot control situations but we can control how we respond to them.  Children take their cues from the adults around them.  If we reassure them that this won’t last forever or we will get through it, the focus begins to turn from me to we.  The entire world is going through this “life quake” together and as scary and sad as it is, I am grateful that we are witnessing so many positives as we move forward in our “new now”.

Although many of our traditional back-to-school events look different this year, our teachers are excited to meet all of you tonight at our Virtual Back to School Night.  

I am grateful to our in school parents who have complied with our daily online health screening, arrival and dismissal procedures, and overall safety precautions we have put in place for the safety of all.

I am appreciative of the extra support and guidance that is being offered to our online students.  Being mindful of ROL etiquette, making sure children are on time for their meets and acting as an at home teaching assistant is a full time job.

This won’t last forever, and we will get through it together.  Never doubt, we are Iron Mikes.

Faith forward,

Mrs. Reap
 

Trenton Catholic Academy Lower School is located on a beautiful 64 acre wooded campus in Hamilton, New Jersey serving 336 students in  PreK-8. The administration, faculty and parents work together to create an  environment that leads children to develop academic, spiritual and social responsibilities. TCA students show concern and respect by reaching out to serve others in peace, justice and love.



Come learn why the TCA Lower School
is a place where students...
Believe, Dream, and Succeed!

Visit our Classrooms to see firsthand all of the exciting things that are happening in the Lower School.  For registration information please call, Mrs. Danser, 609-586-5888 ext. 141, or click here.

Respect Life Poster and Essay Contest Winners Announced - The Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Trenton is happy to announce the 1st Place County Runners-Up in their recent poster and essay contest.  Congratulations to Isabella Harris, grade 1, Alice Sloh, grade 5 and Suzie Sloh, grade 8 for being recognized for their outstanding poster and essays.  We are TCA proud!

Mrs. Biji Abraham, STEM Teacher of the Year - Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Abraham for being recognized by the Professional Engineers Society of Mercer County as the STEM Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Abraham was selected from many candidates specifically for her day to day experiences with her students in the STEM field as well as her committment to the W.I.S.E. Club (Women in Science Club).  We are honored to partner with Mrs. Abraham everyday as a member of our middle school faculty.

TCA Shines at Scholastic Olympics with 1st Place Win! - We are so proud to announce that our 8th grade Scholastic Olympic Team tied for 1st place in the 38th Annual Scholastic Olympics hosted by the TCA Upper School National Honor Society.  Special congratulations are extended to Joel Bodon and Geovanny Herrera who placed first and second in History, respectively.  Daniel Montero and Rossini Leroy also placed first and second, respectively in Religion.  Antwan Lopez placed second in Science.  Way to go TCA!

Student Council Makes a Difference!  We are pleased to announce the 2019/20 Lower School Student Council.  President:  Suzie Sloh, Vice President:  Emanyelle Donkor, Recorder:  Keihrah Boyer, Spiritual Leader:  Sunsurray Joseph

Class Representatives:  Rossini Leroy, Anthony Morales, Edwing Garcia, Alijah Rivera, Xianna Reed, Brent Zoeduah and Makhaya Campbell

Congratulations and best wishes are extended to these students as they grow in their leadership roles at TCA.  God bless them.

TCA 11 Year Champions - Mercer County Track Meet - Congratulations to our Lower School Track Team who recently demonstrated its strength, speed and heroism as it captured the 2019 CYO Track Championships.  The team set 3 CYO records and 11 school records on its way to a 166 point team total.  Special appreciation is extended to Coach Hanemann for his dedication and commitment to our running program at TCA.

Walk for Education a huge success!  This year's annual Walk for Education raised over $7000 by the Lower School alone.  Special credit is extended to Mrs. Schwinger's 8th graders who raised $1100 and to 8th grader Jordan Fusik who was our largest individual donor!  8 classes earned a dress down day with other $500 in contributions.  Thanks TCA for supporting Catholic education!

TCA Runs to Win at the Mercer County CYO Cross Country Meet - The Mercer County CYO held their 13th Annual Cross Country Meet at Mercer County Park on Saturday, October 19.  Our runners did exceptionally well as a team.  Special thank you to Coach Haneman for an outstanding season!

Reminder
Please check our school website daily for important announcements as we will not be sending home paper copies.  Simply go to  www.trentoncatholic.org and click on Lower School, then click on Backpack for all of the important papers and announcements.  Thank you for helping us Go Green!

TCA has Kids that CARE!
TCA Kids Care is a program that acknowledges students who are…. Courteous - Accepting - Respectful - Exceptional. Students who demonstrate these qualities will be recognized monthly with a certificate and breakfast with Mrs. Reap. We are so proud of our students and are excited to honor them in this special way! Ready, Set, let's CARE!