Weekly Update | January 16, 2026

Accreditation Goal #1: Communication

Last week, I introduced the topic of the Trident Academy SAIS re-accreditation goals. This week we will take a look at our Communication Goal.

As we analyzed our survey results, it was clear that communication is an area for improvement at Trident Academy, as it is at many schools. In our 2020 Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) accreditation school report, we had a communication goal that was met. However, with technology outpacing our plan, we recognized the need to update the goal and continue the work.

SAIS goals are structured to include four elements: Profile (Where is the school now in relation to the goal?), Vision (What does the school hope to achieve?), Plan (What are the steps the school must take to accomplish the goal?), and Results (How will the school know they’ve accomplished the goal?).

Here is an abbreviated excerpt from our school report for this goal:

• PROFILE: What is the current state of communication at Trident Academy?
• Trident Academy currently uses a variety of methods to communicate internally and with external stakeholders.
• VISION: What does the school hope to achieve with this goal?
• The school's overall objective is to build a unified, high-trust communication system that ensures all stakeholders receive timely, clear, and relevant information through appropriate channels, leading to increased operational efficiency internally and deeper, more meaningful engagement externally.
• PLAN: What specific steps must the school take to accomplish this goal? Below are the areas Trident has identified to include in the plan; the action items for each are numerous and available for anyone interested in seeing them.
• Internal Communication
• Communication with Current Families
• Communication to the Community at Large
• RESULTS: How will the school determine whether it has reached this goal? 
• Measurable and significant improvement in the results of annual communication surveys 
• Implementation of an internal communication protocol.
• Implementation of a school-wide style guide.
• Implementation of a marketing and communication plan.
• Measurable increases in admissions inquiries 
• Measurable increases in participation in our parent education events and programs.

Goals are important for schools, classrooms, families, and individuals. This time of year, Americans typically set goals or resolutions for the next year. Our accreditation goals have a five-year span. Our communication goal will grow and change with the ever-changing technology associated with communication. We are excited for the challenge and ready to meet it head-on!

Bundle up this weekend! It’s a cold one!

Blessings,

Betsy

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 19: School closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 23: Last day to purchase early bird Oyster Roast tickets
January 29: Parent Education Series: Dyslexia Simulation

Our tentative calendar for 2025-26

See all events on our school website calendar

SEAHAWK SCOOP:

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

One more week for Early Bird Tickets!

Don’t miss out! There is only one week left to grab your Early Bird tickets for the Trident Academy Oyster Roast!

Purchase your tickets by Friday, January 23rd at noon to lock in the $50 rate. After that, prices will increase! Get your tickets now and join us in the courtyard on March 6th: https://givebutter.com/c/Nb1Kkk

Please stay home and get well if you're sick 
With flu cases surging nationwide, it's important for our students to stay home when they're sick so they don't share their germs with their friends. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

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. To purchase Trident Academy gear, please visit our school spirit store here >> Trident Academy Gear

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.

• On Tuesday, January 20 (12:00 pm), The Fletcher School in Charlotte will offer a virtual Lunch and Learn event about the social skills development of children with ADHD. More information is available here (please note there is a $10 registration fee).

Re-Enrollment Period: February 2026

To help with your family's financial planning, here's a reminder that re-enrollment for 2025-26 will begin in February 2026. Associated with re-enrollment is a $1,000 enrollment fee, which will be credited to your child's tuition account for next school year.

Parents, please see Mr. Kreutner's email from December 18 about our new timeline for school-funded financial aid. Parents who submit their applications to FACTS Financial Aid Management by mid-January should be able to learn their award status during the re-enrollment period.

WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS:

Since a Charleston "snow day" isn't in the forecast, our students made their own! This ELA OG class used this homemade snow as a multisensory "hook" to kick off their unit on poetry. By exploring the texture, scent, and sight of the snow, students were able to tap into their senses to create vivid imagery.

This week, students worked together to design and build custom barriers to prevent land erosion. It was a fantastic hands-on lesson in environmental science and structural integrity. We love seeing our students collaborate to solve real-world problems!

Our upper school students explored the fascinating world of exoplanets. They learned that scientists discover exoplanets by observing how they affect a star’s light or movement as they orbit around it. Students also learned what these distant planets might be like if life existed on them. They finished their trip by doing a scavenger hunt focused on facts about the planets in our solar system.

Mystery Readers are such a highlight for our Lower School students! It adds so much excitement to literacy when a surprise guest walks through the door.

~Individual Needs~Academic Growth~Encouragement & Support~Foundation for Life~