January 5, 2024

SCHOOLWIDE

Jan. 15: No School, Holiday (MLK Day)

LOWER SCHOOL

Jan. 8: Spelling Bee (grades 4-6)

Jan. 10: Character Education and ECH Chapel

UPPER SCHOOL

CHANGES TO YOUR STUDENT'S LUNCH ORDER

Families will be able to make changes and additions to lunch orders during the lunch order change window: January 5-12, 2024. New orders will be permitted during the change window; new orders placed during the change window will not be prorated.

Changes submitted and new orders placed during the January 10-12 change window will be available to students as of Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

If you have questions regarding the Upper School lunch program, contact Lia Page at LPage@htes.org. Questions regarding the Lower School’s lunch program should be directed to Vickey Bush at VBush@htes.org.  

REGISTER FOR CAMPUS PREVIEW DAYS

JOIN US FOR OUR MOST ANTICIPATED

EVENT OF YEAR!

An Evening of Elegance has been a Holy Trinity signature fundraising event for over two decades. Each year, a different project is selected based on school needs. This year, all of the proceeds raised at An Evening of Elegance: “Changes in Latitudes” will support physical education and athletic amenities. 

This year’s theme is “Changes in Latitudes.” Join us as we bring the Gulf Coast blends of country, pop, folk, and rock to Kelly Stadium and pay a special tribute to the late and great Jimmy Buffett with the musical talents of the Landsharks Band, who will be playing some of our favorite Buffett songs, along with music from The Beach Boys, Zach Brown Band, Bob Marley and Kenny Chesney.

The night will kick off with a "5:00 Somewhere" happy hour reception with appetizers and cocktails, followed by a buffet-style seated dinner and live music. There will be an open bar and lots of dancing! We’ll also have a short auction with some great items up for bid, including vacations, fun experiences, and the ever-popular HT graduation tickets! After the show and auction, we’ll have an after party with a DJ and more dancing, as well as a late-night snack. You won't want to miss this tropical rock party. Register today!

Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale! We are still in need of sponsors, including our top-level Latitudes sponsor. This year, we are seeking some new families and businesses to take the lead and get involved. It’s Holy Trinity’s signature event, and by sponsoring it, you’ll receive amazing exposure both on social media and at the event, and you’ll be able to market your business to our loyal HT families all while supporting the school that your children attend. It’s a win-win! 

Words matter: Dr. Nastasi's 3rd grade Flamingos had a bright idea to start the new year off right. Instead of resolutions, each student came up with one word to inspire them and light their way in 2024.

Happy New Year, Holy Trinity! As we reflect on 2023 and set personal goals or resolutions for 2024, please see the below invitation from my friend, Rev. Tom Phillips, the new rector of Holy Trinity Church.

Hello and Merry Christmas from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church! As we enter a new year, I'd like to invite you to consider making worship at Holy Trinity a part of your family's weekend routine in 2024. Currently our contemporary worship service is held Saturday's at 5pm. Our Sunday 9 am traditional service attracts most of our families, as it provides the full range of children's and nursery programs. Our new children and family ministry director, Cory Cook, is launching a re-vamped student youth group (6-12th grade) on Wednesday evenings at 6:30. I know my own kids (7th and 9^th graders at the upper school) would love to have a strong HT Tiger presence in the youth group! Please know you are most welcome among us. I hope to see you soon, and may 2024 be rich and full of blessing for you and your family.

Tom Phillips

Rector

During the season of Epiphany, Rev. Phillips will be sermonizing on the Book of Mark. There will be small group sessions each week. One session is aimed at parents of middle school children, but all parents are welcome. Please see the latest church bulletin for more information. 

MOVES IN MAY

Our beloved Director of Early Childhood, Mrs. Paola Stefan-Smith, will be leaving us at the end of the school year. Her husband Justin recently accepted a position at St. Anne's Episcopal School located in Middletown, Delaware. We are truly sad to have to say good-bye to her in May but wish her family well as they begin this new chapter.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING FOOD DRIVE

Souper Bowl has been a wonderful way for our school community to come together and provide meals for those in need here, in downtown Melbourne. In an effort to continue in Jesus’s call to feed those who are hungry, we will be holding our Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive on Wednesday. January 24th, between 8:15 am and 9:15 am. All donated items will then be caravanned by our Character Ed parent-teachers and parent-volunteers to our local food bank, the Daily Bread Distribution Center at or before 9:30am.

Here is a suggested list of non-perishable items needed for the food drive:

• Canned chili
• Canned soups/ stews
• Canned chicken or other meats
• Canned fish (tuna/ salmon)
• Canned beans
• Canned vegetables
• Nut butters
• Bagged/ boxed pasta (uncooked)
• Bagged/boxed rice (uncooked)

(Students may donate more than one item. Items such as bread loaves and crackers are also welcomed.)

While we encourage you to give what you can, it is most beneficial to consider the following:

• Pop-tops for canned goods.
• Items with clearly labeled expiration dates.
• No glass containers, please.
• Remember, if canned items have been sitting in the back of your pantry for an unknown amount of time, or are dented or damaged in any way, it’s probably best to leave that donation at home, or throw it out.

Every donation makes a difference. Thank you!

The Lower School Yearbook Club is looking for photos from this school year (first day pics, afterschool clubs/sports, school day activities, and everything in between!). Photos can be from your camera and/or phones. To submit, please email your photos to Rebecca Allison at rallison@htes.org and be sure to include your name and a description of the photo(s) if it's not obvious. Please note, depending on number of submissions received, not all photos are guaranteed to be used. Thank you from our 6th grade yearbook staff!

LOWER SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDARS

REPORT CARDS READY TO VIEW TONIGHT AT 5 PM

Report cards will be available in onCampus starting after 5:00 pm this evening (Friday, January 5th). Please go to the “Progress” tab, click on the “Report Cards” link under the “Progress” tab. From there, click on “Sem 1 Report Card.”  

UPPER SCHOOL SPELLING BEE BUZZ

It’s Spelling Bee season! Seventh and Eighth grade Classroom Bees will be held on Wednesday, January 10th, with the School Bee taking place the following Wednesday, January 17th. Word lists will be provided to students upon returning from Winter Break. The top two spellers from each 7th and 8th grade English class will move on to the School Bee. Our Spelling Bee winner will then move on to the next round of competition, a qualifying computer test which leads to the Orlando Spelling Bee.

DRIVERS EDUCATION BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 20TH

This class fills quickly and there are only 21 spots available. 

Holy Trinity has partnered with A Treasure Coast Driving School, Inc. to help make teen drivers safer and more confident! This course includes classroom sessions for mental theory of driving, and six hours of in-car instruction (two hours driving, four hours observing) in a fully-insured state-certified trainer. 

For more information and registration link please to go our webpage https://www.htacademy.org/student-life/driver-education#

TIGERS MAKING TRACKS

HONORABLE MENTION

Third grade is reading Snow Treasure, and the introduction to our new novel study includes learning about WWII and Norway (the backdrop of our novel). Khloe Johnson’s great- grandfather fought in the war and won a medal of honor for his bravery. Khloe shared with her classmates the medal and documentation her great-grandfather received during WWII. These important primary documents and personal connection excited our third graders who are fully immersed in all things Allies and extreme courage during our historical fiction novel study.

AN EPIPHANY MOMENT

Fourth grade takes the lead at Epiphany Chapel, Thursday, January 4, 2024.

A BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON FOR SPEECH & DEBATE

HT's Speech and Debate team was hard at work in December, competing in six tournaments, even during midterms week and over the Christmas break. Here are the incredible accomplishments of our superstar competitors:

THE TRADITION NATIONAL TOURNAMENT at Cypress Bay High School. 

There were 235 competitors from 21 schools located in two states competing. 

Reha Patel: 2nd Place in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas debate AND 1st Place LD Debate Speaker Award. Reha earned her first bid to the Tournament of Champions!

Al Zaidi: 2nd place in Varsity Extemp Speaking. Al also earned a bid to the Tournament of Champions!

Chance Hudson: 5th Place LD Debate Speaker Award

Austen Richardson and Chance Hudson just missed advancing out of the preliminary rounds by only one win each. 

BLAKE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT (Minneapolis)

There were 547 competitors from 87 schools located in 23 states competing. 

Reha Patel: Quarterfinalist in Varsity LD debate. Reha secured her second bid for the Tournament of Champions, making Reha the first HT and Brevard County LD debater to fully qualify for the TOC!

AUREVOIR SPEECH AND INTERP NATIONAL TOURNAMENT (ONLINE)

There were 331 competitors from 38 schools located in 16 states competing.

Brooke Ramnath: Finalist in Varsity Poetry (3rd Place) and Finalist in Varsity Prose (5th Place)

Rachel Dlugasch: 2nd Place in Junior High Humorous Interpretation

Katie vanHooven and Ruby Wright: 2nd Place in Junior High Duo Interpretation

Heidi Rauscher: 2nd Place in Junior High Dramatic Interpretation

2ND ANNUAL WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP (ONLINE)

There were 141 competitors from 20 states competing.

Austen Richardson: Semifinalist in Varsity LD Debate.

FCDI #3 CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURNAMENT

This tournament was hosted at Boone High School in Orlando and had over 300 competitors in attendance.

Austen Richardson: 1st Place in Novice LD Debate

Rachel Dlugasch: 3rd Place in Varsity Dramatic Performance and 1st Place in Middle School Dramatic Performance

Shanvi Patel: 1st Place in Middle School LD Debate. This was Shanvi's very first tournament competing in LD debate.

Also competing were Anna Dlugasch in Varsity Congress, Anthony Christophi in Novice Congress, and Alex Fontanin in Novice Congress. 

NFCFL #4 CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURNAMENT

This tournament was hosted at Lake Highland Prep and had over 300 students from nine Central Florida counties. 

Reha Patel: 2nd Place in Varsity LD Debate with a 4-0 record.

Thank you to all the parents who served as judges in these tournaments: Hetal Patel, Farhan Zaidi, Lisa Hudson, Holly Rauscher, Tamsin Wright, Don Richardson, and Jim Dlugasch. 

IN KOOS AP TRUSTS

Congratulations to Mathematics and AP Research Teacher, Mrs. Catherine Koos. Mrs. Koos has been asked by the Chief Reader for AP Research to serve as an early table leader once again this year. The Phase 1 process begins with three online Pre-Reading Prep (PRP) days, before flying to Salt Lake City for in-person benchmarking and sample selection. In Phase 2 of the pre-Reading, Mrs. Koos will then work with the rest of the in person and distributed Table Leaders in small groups before the Readers arrive (in person and virtually) and the Reading proper begins. This is a huge honor and a wonderful opportunity that helps our students have the best experience possible in the course.

Each week we feature the great ideas and future-forward thinking taking place inside (and outside) our classrooms. IDEAS that represent:



• Innovative thinking
• Design perspective
• Entrepreneurship (exhibiting entrepreneurial spirit)
• Applied Solutions (applying scientific knowledge or a taking a research-based approach to a project or assignment)

Check out this week's "light bulb" moments below...

PHOTOGRAPHY'S "WORD OF THE WEEK"

The "Word of the Week" theme from Ms. Fleis' Photo 1 class was "food" and the winner is freshman Juliana Young!

Make sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram (@hteatigers) pages for more news and accomplishments from our students and staff!

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE! Due to the AP exam schedule, Senior rehearsals and Senior Stroll will now take place on Friday morning, May 17th. Please note the change on your calendars.

HT CLASS OF 2023 ALUMNI PROVIDE PERSPECTIVES ON THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR IN COLLEGE

Seniors had an eye-opening chance to chat with some HT alumni from the Class of 2023 on Thursday morning. Thank you to Sal Carlson, Sarah Gerrity, Sophia Hibner, Jonathan Nunes, and Ellie Riggs for sharing their first semester college experiences with the Class of 2024.

Seniors and Senior Parents – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has not officially launched yet. However, the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year is now available periodically through a soft launch period.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FAFSA SOFT LAUNCH

• Students may be unable to access the FAFSA due to periods of maintenance downtime throughout January. The form is expected to be fully available later in January and February.
• Although students may be able to complete the form, FSA will not transmit their FAFSA to any institution until late January.
• 
  

Learn more about the soft launch period 2024–25 FAFSA Soft Launch Details and Timelines (Updated Dec. 31, 2023) | Knowledge Center. All students and parents contributing to the FAFSA will need an FSA ID. If they don't already have one, they can create an account Create Account | Federal Student Aid.

Some HT Seniors had very merry holidays and a happy start to their New Year! Class of 2024 Fall college acceptances include: Appalachian State University, Auburn University, Baylor University, Belmont University, Boston College, Case Western Reserve University, Clemson University, Culinary Institute of America, Drexel University, Eckerd College, Endicott College, Flagler College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Polytechnic University Florida Southern College, Florida State University, Huntingdon College, Indiana State University, Jacksonville University, Kent State University, Liberty University, LIM College, Louisiana State University, Loyola University Chicago, Marymount Manhattan College, Northeastern Illinois University, Otterbein University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Penn State, Rollins College, Saint Anselm College, Saint Leo University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Stetson University, Stony Brook University, Texas A&M University, University of Alabama, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Central Florida, University of Chicago, University of the Cumberlands, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, University of Mississippi, University of Montevallo, University of North Florida, University of Oregon, University of Pittsburgh, University of South Florida, University of Tampa, University of Tennessee, University of West Florida, University of Wyoming. Stayed tuned for more results in the Spring as students hear from University of Florida in February and many other selective colleges closer to April 1^st. We are so proud of our Seniors!

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS

While fall semester is considered "application season," the spring semester is considered "scholarship season." Check out the scholarship resources in topics (3 topics for aid and scholarships!) on the HTEA College Advising page in onCampus. There, you will find everything from information on different types of aid to the major scholarship search engines to niche scholarships. Here are two examples of local scholarships found on our page: The Pink Ivy Scholarship and Florida Tech’s different options for merit aid and grants. 

Seniors - Plan on enrolling at Florida Tech? Complete the applications for The Brevard Boundless Opportunity Grant and the Panther Distinguished Scholar Award. Both offer full tuition coverage plus facilities and activities fees! scholarships and grants page.

Attention Senior Girls - The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is made up of 26 inter/national sororities and is the largest advocacy and support organization for the women’s-only sorority experience. NPC plans to award 10 college scholarships of $2,000 each through our NPC Centennial Scholarships Program. The NPC Centennial Scholarships online application form is available now through March 10, 2024. Recipients will be announced in May 2024. Online Application Form: NPC Centennial Scholarships Application 2024 (smarterselect.com). If you have questions, please contact the NPC office at npccentral@npcwomen.org or 317-872-3185.

FOR CLASS OF 2025 JUNIORS...

NACAC 2024 Spring Virtual College Fairs will be held on Sundays, February 18th, March 24th, and April 21st, from 1:00 – 6:00 pm. More info: NACAC College Fairs - Attendee Registration (nacacattend.org)

ASK THE EXPERTS NIGHT

All students and parents in grades 9-12, please join the College Office and admission experts from four universities in a Q&A format on Tuesday, January 23rd from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Scott Center. This should be an enlightening experience. 

ATTENTION SOPHOMORE CLASS - The College Campus visit to Rollins College is Thursday, January 25th during the school day. The permission form is in your parent onCampus account. Parents, please discuss and confirm the trip with your child before submitting the permission form. The deadline for submitting the form and the commitment to participate are firm.

SAT/ACT PREP COURSE IS COMING!

There will be a mini-SAT prep course offered at Holy Trinity on Saturday, January 20th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm in rooms 205 and 610. The course is open to all HT high school students, but is most suitable for students in grades 10 and 11. Classes will take place in rooms 311 and 610. Register for the mini-course.

Please do not register your child without getting their participation consent first. There will be no refunds for failure to attend or a change of plans. Attendees need to bring your laptop, pen, pencil, College Board login, SAT approved calculator. 

Johns Hopkins University - Engineering Innovation Summer Program offers residential, commuter and online courses for college credit to high school students. Programs - Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs (jhu.edu).

Remember to regularly check the onCampus HTEA College Advising page for the latest list of summer pre-college programs.

FOR CLASS OF 2025 JUNIORS...

Attention Junior Girls and Parents: FREE leadership training opportunity offered by the Florida American Legion Auxiliary Girls State - June 20-28, 2024. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! To be considered, the first step is to determine if you will be available for the mandatory in-person interview, orientation, and the Leadership Program.

• Interview: Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 am. Mandatory attendance with a parent.
• Orientation (if selected from interview): Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:00 am. Mandatory attendance with a parent.
• Leadership Program: June 20-28, 2024, Tallahassee. Must be available to attend the entire program. (There is no expense to the student. The fully funded program includes transportation, tuition, food and lodging.)

Both interviews and orientation will take place at:

American Legion Post 163

1795 N. Harbor City Blvd,

Melbourne, FL 32935

If you are available on these dates and interested in applying, please see Ms. Gunderson and pick up the application and brochures. All materials will need to be handed to Ms. Gunderson by Monday, January 8, 2024. Materials need to be completed by Monday, January 8, 2024:

• Completed application.
• Activity report, attached to application.
• 200-word essay on the topic: "Why Do I Want to Attend Florida's Girl's State?"
• Letter of Recommendation: Needed ASAP and no later than January 3rd.
• Official transcript (please see Ms. Gunderson for all transcript requests).

Attention Junior Boys and Parents: FREE Leadership Training opportunity offered by the Florida American Legion Auxiliary Boys State, June 15-22, 2024.

To be considered, the first step is to determine if you will be available for the mandatory in-person interview, orientation, and to attend the Leadership Program.



• Interview: Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:30am. Mandatory attendance with a parent.
• Orientation (if selected from Interview): Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:00 am. Mandatory attendance with a parent.
• Leadership Program: June 15-22, 2024, Tallahassee. Must be available to attend the entire program. (There is no expense to the student. The fully funded program includes transportation, tuition, food, and lodging.)

Both the interviews and orientation will take place at:

American Legion Post 163

1795 N. Harbor City Blvd.

Melbourne, FL 32935

If you are available these dates and interested, please write one paragraph explaining your interest in Boys State, attach a resume, and email to Ms. Gunderson at tgunderson@htes.org. Holy Trinity will select up to five junior boys as potential candidates to attend the interview for Boys State.

 Please review the brochure for more information about Boys State.

If you or someone you know is a Holy Trinity graduate, we'd love to hear from you/them! Drop us a line at alumni@htes.org and tell us some good news! We'd love to share your story here or on our alumni Facebook page.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO ALL THE TIGERS ACTION!

Tickets for individual games and digital season passes per sport, per season and annually can now be purchased in advance online.

Visit Holy Trinity's GoFan.com page.

HT Girls Softball will be holding open practices on Monday, January 8th and Tuesday, the 9th. If you're interested in playing this year or just want to learn more, come on out and join us! Contact Coach Bettermann at: Lexi.bettermann@athletics.htes.org

ATTENTION: GIRLS & BOYS LACROSSE DEFENDERS & MIDFIELDERS: You are invited to attend Dual Pro Day in Tampa, January 13-14. See below flyer for details and click image to sign up.

Make sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram (@htea.athletics) pages for more news and accomplishments from our students and staff!

HELPFUL GUIDE TO NAVIGATING ONCAMPUS



Parents, CLICK HERE to check out this resource to help your student get the most out of their onCampus account.

LAPTOP LOANERS

Parents of students who check out a day loaner device (laptop) will receive an email with the reason the student gave for needing the loaner. If the student fails to return the device by the end of that school day (3:00 pm), a $5 fee will be charged to the student's account. The number of devices available to loan students is limited and devices not returned in a timely fashion must be taken out of rotation for charging. Students should bring a charger with them each day. The IT department does not have spare chargers for students to use or borrow.

Sign up to join our

US Tiger Team of Volunteers

The Confidential Reporting button is located on the top of the onCampus home page, inside the log in.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy |www.htacademy.org

5625 Holy Trinity Drive

Melbourne, FL 32940

321.723.8323