“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

After experiencing an exceptionally frigid and snowy winter here on Long Island, this quote from John Steinbeck unmistakably rings true. We eagerly wait for June 21^st, the first official day of summer.

To many of us, summer is a time of enjoying warm ocean breezes, riding waves, collecting seashells and building sandcastles. Or it might consist of lazy days lounging by the pool, sipping a refreshing beverage while enjoying a good book. It is a time for block parties, picnics, barbeques and numerous other summer activities.

During the summer, children get a break from attending school and learning in a formal, academic setting. But learning is a lifelong process and skill, not dictated by the time of year or season. The summer is an unstructured block of time to appraise new things and explore interests that don’t necessarily fit into the school curriculum. Summer is a time to learn in a more relaxed setting and research shows that summer learning is essential for a child’s success in school.

Here area few suggestions for summertime learning activities:

1. Play fun math and word games. For example, have your children add up the prices of your retail items when shopping. When driving in the car, ask them to look for certain shapes, colors, letters or words on signs. Have your child research the places you will visit on vacation and have them learn how to read a map. Have them help you prepare a list of things you will need for the vacation. Older children can learn about budgeting.
2.  Plant and maintain a vegetable or flower garden. Children will learn that sunlight, water, air and nutrients are essential for plants to flourish and grow. Have a contest to see who can grow the biggest tomato, zucchini or pumpkin in the neighborhood. Record predictions and observations as you make them.
3.  Create a scrapbook or blog about your family’s summer travels. Research the historical significance of the places on your list to visit. Use postcards, menus, brochures and pictures from places of interest, restaurants and tourist attractions in your scrapbook.  Be creative!
4.  Put on a puppet show or play. Invite children from the neighborhood, friends and family members to participate. Make up your own original play or perform one already written. Playbills, scenery and tickets can be created.  See a play at a local playhouse.
5.  Play diner, store or school. For your diner, create pretend menus and use your play food. Wear an apron and act as the waiter/ waitress while writing down orders on pads of paper. Have a cook prepare the food and customers order and pay. Prepare items needed to play store or school.
6.  Read, read, and read some more. Reading can be done anywhere-anytime. Read books, magazines, the back of cereal boxes, menus, a grocery list and recipes.
7.  Get moving and stay healthy. Ride a bike, scooter or skateboard, always remembering to wear a helmet. Take a hike and use a compass. Play a game of catch or hide-n-seek. Set limits on TV watching, video games and computer time. Organize a scavenger hunt on the playground, in the backyard or at the beach.
8.  Pitch a tent in the backyard and at night find constellations in the sky. Make up stories to share around the campfire.
9.  Practice your faith and continue to learn about the word of God. Attend weekly church service.  Participate in or volunteer at a local VBS (Vacation Bible School). 

In just a few short weeks another school year will come to an end. I hope you can use some of these ideas and suggestions for staying busy and keeping your mind active. Most importantly, stay safe and be happy. See you in September!

Blessings for the summer,  Mrs. Beth Krass

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR., performed last Friday evening and Saturday afternoon by our Middle School Drama Club was outstanding. Belle, the Beast and their supporting cast entertained the audience royally. Many thanks to Mrs. Elyse Beauman, Director, Mrs. Pollitt and Mrs. Uss Assistant Directors, Mr. Devries and Mr. Stainkamp for all their efforts helping our students accomplish this task. The talents of our students are truly amazing.

K-3 FIELD DAY last Wednesday was a lot of fun for our younger students. Many thanks to Mrs. Gallegos for organizing this event and for guiding the many parent volunteers in running the events. We were fortunate to avoid the rain and complete the events outdoors.

THE CARNIVAL IS COMING!  From Thursday, June 12 – Sunday, June 15 Trinity will be hosting a Family Carnival with rides, food, games and entertainment. Individual ride tickets and wrist band unlimited ride tickets are both available. Kindly ask the school office for ticket information.

LUNCH MENUS were due last Friday. We only have two weeks left for hot lunches so please get those menus in to school tomorrow if you haven’t done so yet.

PIZZA REMINDER – This Friday is our last Pizza Friday. Please be sure your pizza envelope is turned in by noon on Thursday. As of June 13 there will be NO pizza or hot lunch served. Plan on bringing lunch from home from June 13 until the end of school.

K-5 PAJAMA MOVIE NIGHT – Our last Movie Night of the year will be Friday, June 6^th at 7:00 pm. Cost: $5.00 per adult; $3.00 per kids. Popcorn chicken w/ French fries, ice cream and water will be sold. Bring blankets and pillows. Movie: Frozen.

SPORTS AWARD BREAKFAST is next Saturday, June 7^th from 9-11 am. Please reserve your family’s spot now. Pre-registration is necessary for food preparation.

PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH CHORALE will be at Trinity Church on Saturday, June 7^th presenting Milestones 1964-2014, a musical celebration of the cultural, historical and artistic events of 1964. Join the boys and girls of PYC Touring Ensemble for an entertaining musical journey to 50 years ago!

EVENTS THIS WEEK:

• Mon., 06/02     Grades 3 and 4 visit Fire Island Light House; 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Tues., 06/03     Grade 1 visits Vanderbilt Planetarium; 9:00 am  – 1:00 pm
• Wed., 06/04    Middle School American Citizen Awards and Christian Awards presented in Chapel; 8:40 am
• Thurs., 06/05   Grade 8 visits Great Adventure; 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
• Fri., 06/06        Giving Back Assembly
• Fri., 06/06        ECC Closing Program
• Fri., 06/06        K-5 Pajama Movie Night; 7:00 pm in MPR; hosted by PTFA
• Sat., 06/07       Sports Awards Breakfast; 9:00 – 11:00 am

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK:

• Mon., 06/02     Spanish Honor Society Meeting; pick-up 3:45 pm

• Tues., 06/03     Zumba; pick-up 4:00 pm
• Wed., 06/04    LAST Bowling; pick-up 5:15 pm (note change of day)
• Thurs., 06/05   Writing Workshop; pick-up 4:00 pm
• Thurs., 06/05   FAST Athletics; pick-up 4:00 pm

END OF YEAR PICNICS are coming up.  K-5 picnics will be held at Cantiague Park on Friday, June 13. Middle School picnics will be at Cantiague Park on Monday, June 16^.