Weekly Update | January 23, 2026 | | |
Accreditation Goal #2: Accountability
As we move toward our SAIS Accreditation team visit in early February, we are focusing this week on our second goal area: Accountability.
Our surveys of parents, teachers, and staff members indicated a schoolwide weakness in accountability. When expectations and the resulting consequences are clearly communicated and consistently enforced, we create a more predictable and supportive learning environment for everyone. This goal area has two prongs: student accountability and adult accountability.
Here is an abbreviated excerpt from our school report for this goal area:
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PROFILE: What is the current status of student accountability?
- Currently, the school uses a standard report card structure where a composite score does not fully communicate the student's proficiency level on specific learning goals. Students turn in assignments and receive grades for their work. Students do not always see the point of assignments and sometimes think they are “busy work” rather than essential activities. By accentuating a growth mindset in all we do, we aim to help our students become goal-oriented.
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VISION: What does the school hope to achieve in terms of student accountability? We envision positive progress in the following sub-goals:
- Academic
- Orton-Gillingham
- Behavior
- Social-Emotional
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PLAN: What specific steps must the school take to accomplish this vision for student accountability?
- Students (with teacher input) will create Academic, OG, Behavior, and Social-Emotional Goals for themselves.
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RESULTS: How will the school determine whether it has reached the goal of student accountability?
- Academic, OG, Behavior, and Social-Emotional Goals will be monitored through the students’ portfolios.
- Students in their first year at Trident will be expected to achieve at least one goal in each category.
- Students in subsequent years will be expected to achieve multiple goals and show pride in their accomplishments.
- Student goals will show success over time, understanding that a growth mindset may involve slow forward progress.
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PROFILE: What is the current status of adult accountability?
- The Trident Academy Faculty Playbook contains a group of documents that outline everything a teacher needs to know to accomplish the task of teaching our students.
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VISION: What does the school hope to achieve in terms of adult accountability?
- Trident Academy will be a "destination workplace" where the highest-quality educators for students with dyslexia or other related learning differences are actively recruited and choose to stay. Faculty feel valued, invested in, and empowered. They are supported by, and contribute to, a collaborative culture of sharing best practices and mutual support. All staff are held to high, clear, and consistent professional standards that align directly with the school's mission.
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PLAN: What specific steps must the school take to accomplish this vision for adult accountability?
- Fully implement the "Trident Academy Teacher Formal Observation Rubric" for all faculty.
- The Business Office will create and implement a formal, 90-day onboarding checklist and process for all new hires.
- Teachers will conduct two peer observations per year, fostering a culture of shared learning and professional accountability.
- Teachers will share their successful strategies with colleagues.
- Year-round teacher recruiting.
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RESULTS: How will the school determine whether it has reached adult accountability?
- Achieve and maintain an average teacher retention rate of 5-7 years, a key indicator of a positive and stable school culture.
- New hires will complete the formal onboarding process, confirmed by a 90-day satisfaction survey that measures the effectiveness of the new system.
- Faculty will complete all required formal, informal, and peer observations annually, ensuring the evaluation and growth system is implemented with fidelity.
- Documentation of faculty presentations in school and beyond.
- Annual faculty survey results for "Job Satisfaction" and "Administrative Support" achieve and maintain a target of 85% Favorable, providing direct quantitative feedback on morale.
We are excited about these goals and the results to come!
Stay warm and dry this weekend!
Blessings,
Betsy
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Parent Education Series
Dyslexia Simulation on January 29 at 8 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what it truly feels like to navigate a classroom as a dyslexic learner? This hands-on simulation offers an eye-opening opportunity to step into the shoes of a student, experiencing the mental energy required to read, write, and retain information. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, family friend, or educator, this experience will change the way you view the dyslexic journey.
This event is open to the public with both in-person and virtual attendance options available. You may join us on campus for a fully immersive experience or participate via Zoom. We encourage you to invite friends and family to join us for this transformative event. RSVP here
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Uniforms!
We're in the coldest time of the year, so it's important for our students to stay warm -- especially when they're outside for recess. In addition, as our students have grown since the start of school, several of them have begun to outgrow their shirts, shorts, and skirts.
With many students wearing identical school-branded items that end up in our lost and found, please be sure your child's Trident gear is labeled with their name.
To purchase Trident Academy gear, please visit our school spirit store here >> Trident Academy Gear
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Upcoming Parent Education Events
As a founding member of the Association of LD Schools, Trident Academy is proud to offer our parents access to parent education events presented by other ALDS schools.
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On Wednesday, January 28 (1:00 pm), Groves Academy in Minnesota will offer a virtual event titled Raising Resilient Kids: Nurturing Emotional Intelligence and Regulation at Home. More information is available here.
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On Wednesday, January 28 (6:00 pm), the Lab School of Washington, D.C. will offer a webinar titled Bounce Back Stronger: Proven Tactics to Build Resilience in Your Child. More information is available here.
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On Wednesday, January 28 (6:30 pm), Marburn Academy in Ohio will offer a virtual seminar titled Motivation Strategies for Your Neurodiverse Learner. More information is available here.
- On Wednesday, January 28 (7:00 pm), Landmark School in Massachusetts will offer a webinar titled What Is SEL? Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for Struggling Learners. More information is available here.
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Re-Enrollment Period: February 2026
Trident parents, please keep an eye on your email next week for information about re-enrollment for 2026-27.We have already begun to accept new students for next year, and your prompt attention to re-enrollment will help us plan for next year.
| | WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS: | | Our PE classes officially started their hockey unit this week. From learning stick handling to practicing teamwork, our students are bringing a lot of energy to the game. | |
Our Around the World project took an exciting trip to Europe today! Our 4th graders hosted a special Zoom session with Ms. Grip's mother (also a teacher) and her French class in Texas, giving our students a firsthand look at the vibrant culture of France. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our global studies to life through a real-world connection. | | Who knew phonics could be so competitive? Our Middle Schoolers used a multisensory ping-pong game to practice identifying open and closed vowels in their OG lessons. | | It was a day full of hands-on discovery in our Lower School! From using wooden math manipulatives to visualize pairs and "make 10," to color-coding words for rapid reading practice, and even a fast-paced spelling scramble game—our learners were moving and grooving through their curriculum! | | |
Please be sure to "Like" us on social media and share our posts with your friends! You are our greatest marketers!! | | | ~Individual Needs~Academic Growth~Encouragement & Support~Foundation for Life~ | | | | |
